Hello Mud People!
This is the story of Harumi the Rusty Rescue, a poor neglected cruiser full of rust holes. I've wanted a Land Cruiser since I was 16, but ended up getting a 1st gen 4Runner when I was 17 (which was a compromise with the folks, who were footing the bill). The 4Runner served me well through college as a commuter and adventuremobile. After graduation I picked up a MK1 MR2 as a commuter to save on gas and keep the miles off of the 4Runner, also allowing down time on the 4Runner for more involved projects. After the 4Runner was 'done', the focus came to restoring the MR2. It's been a few years since that was done, and I am at the point in my life where I would like four doors and a bit more room. Being particular, I wanted a Toyota, smog exempt, somewhat modern, also old... hmm, tough order to fill in California...
I kept checking craigslist for quite awhile. There were a few early Cressidas, some Coronas, and of course a few FJ55 'projects' that were obscenely expensive. There was even a mid 80's diesel Corolla four door hatchback at one point. None seemed right even though they checked off the boxes. Eventually a few 70 series Land Cruiser started showing up, and if they had California tags, they were two door. Doh!
Then this popped up. Full of rust, leaking everywhere, the ugly quad headlights I strongly dislike.
Perfect! Take my money!
And it's a Land Cruiser!
2H Engine with H55F 5 speed
PTO Winch (functional)
Factory Limited Slip Full Float Rear Axle
High Roof
24 Volt
Right hand drive
Once it's mechanically sound, I'll get to work on the rust! Oh the rust! Horror!
My plan is to make it a roadtripper/explorer/camper:
FJ60 grille/headlights
Rooftop tent
Turbo
Selectable
Onboard Air Compressor
Lots of gauges!
Stowage for camping gear and tools
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