!!Help with choosing a Pig_1!

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VU2BFX

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Hi - I used to be a '66 FJ-40 owner a long time ago; and the bug has bitten me again. But this time with wife and a couple of boys, i'm eying the Pigs in the great pacific NW. I've located two and could use some advice on what I am getting into here. I am requesting your expert insight into what it would cost me to get these rigs into a shape where my wife would approve parking in the driveway - not need to be perfect, but cant lok anywhere close to where they are today. So, what are your estimates for Bodywork, Engine Rebuild, Tranny and Transfr case rebuild? Here's Rig #1 the Red Pig. Thanks.
 
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!!Help choosing a Pig_2!

Hi - I used to be a '66 FJ-40 owner a long time ago; and the bug has bitten me again. But this time with wife and a couple of boys, i'm eying the Pigs in the great pacific NW. I've located two and could use some advice on what I am getting into here. I am requesting your expert insight into what it would cost me to get these rigs into a shape where my wife would approve parking in the driveway - not need to be perfect, but cant lok anywhere close to where they are today. So, what are your estimates for Bodywork, Engine Rebuild, Tranny and Transfr case rebuild? Here's Rig #2 the White Pig. Thanks.
 
OOPS on the 2nd photo...please try again. Are you considering these as daily drivers or just fun vehicles for the family??
 
VU2BFX I am also in the PNW- Spanaway, Wa. to be exact. Where are you located? Were are 5 FJ55's strong in our group, and I know of some for sale as well! Drop me a PM :cheers:
 
Just my 2 cents here....

There are a lot of rust free Piggies here in southern California for very good prices. Check Craigslist. It would be worth the shipping to have one trucked up there. I bought a NICE daily driver for 2300 bucks. Having collected a few cars in the past, I swore I would never buy another rustbucket. You would just quadruple your time and money spent. Believe me, there are still a ton of rust free cars to be had. Good Luck!

Cork:steer:
 
romegadave: not a "daily driver" but yes, i'd like to be able to drive it to a friends place for dinner
lil'john: thx for the tips!
hicruise55: great! i'll PM you and may be we can talk. btw - both rigs are in the seattle area craigs list.


i'm attempting to repost the pictures - rest in the hands of the web site gremlins
 
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There is a lot of wisdom in corks words. Find one with little structural rust. Body mounts, wheel lips, and roof rails. Some rust in floor pans, quarters, doors can be *relatively* easy to fix. Fabricating roof rails, or body mounts gets fairly technical (read $$$)

I have dealt with/am dealing with some fairly tough projects. The reason they are getting done is a strong sentimental value for that particular vehicle. If you are just buying one to get back into it, spend the extra money to find a clean body, and have it shipped.

2cents
 
Don't give up the dream of a Pig.Check through the threads for pics of Corks truck @ 2300.You would definitely spend more to get the ones you're looking at to the level his is at.
Unless you have great skills and lots of time,a southern rig may be a good option.
MY .02.
 
I would look for a piggy that has been restored, that is your best bet, if you are not doing the work yourself you will spend a fortune having somebody do the work, piggy's inherently have alot of rust, if I were buying a restored one I would want to see pics of the resto in progress.

another option is to look into other cruiser wagons, fzj80's can be had cheap and built, fj60's and fj65's are also nice wagons. Something to think about.
 
Ahh, you got the bug. Good thing though because I feel its important to have enough motivation to see the restore to its fruitful end. I think it depends on your timeframe, if you want to get it done a soon as possible then I agree that looking for a pig that has minimal rust or has been previously restored is a good idea. However, I think if your ok with taking your time and really getting into the entire "process" of it all, you can learn to weld and do all the body work yourself. Granted it will take a lot longer, but you'll learn a lot, save money, and collect all the tools you need for future restoration projects:)

Ive come to terms that with a wife, 2 young kids, a full time job, that my restoration may take up to several years. But im ok with that. I think its really all about how fast you want to go and how involved you want to be.
 
cork426 said:
Here is a SOCal one with almost no rust and complete for 3500 OBO!!!!

1975 FJ55 Toyota Land Cruiser wagon
Click to expand...

That does look good! and sounds motivated to move...could probably find a local 'Cruiserhead to take a look at it for you if you asked nicely.
Pighead H8srust, and those 2 that you've posted pics of have too much...
 
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