Background: I bought a '96 LX450 in 2011 which started my Land Cruiser obsession. I did a substantial amount of repair/upgrades to that truck and sold it in 2013. I've been full of regret ever since. I finally convinced the to let me get another project which was a tall task with a 3 month old baby (our first kid). I was looking for a toy/project--not a DD--and something that wasn't a significant upfront investment, but still in reasonable condition. I don't have any experience with 60s, but they sure seemed to fit the bill and satiate my need to be a Land Cruiser owner once again.
Craigslist search resulted in an '84 with 285k miles about 2 hrs from home. It was in all original and unmolested condition, barring the radio head unit and door speakers. Some rust around wheel wells and tailgate but floor pans and drip rail looked good. It's been repainted (white over white) and there's some bondo and a few areas of body damage, but mostly low on the vehicle and relatively easy to repair. Both rocker panels are caved in... The interior was absolutely FILTHY, but complete and in relatively good condition. There's lots of oil caked on engine/undercarriage--appears to be combination of motor and power steering fluid. The owner reported some intermittent running issues and believes they've narrowed it down to the carb needing a refresh. New fuel pump, fuel filter, spark plugs.
IMG_0826 by Ben Schmitt, on Flickr
IMG_0830 by Ben Schmitt, on Flickr
IMG_0829 by Ben Schmitt, on Flickr
IMG_0885 by Ben Schmitt, on Flickr
I loaded up the wife/baby and went to take a look. We got her running with a bit of effort but there appears to be an issue with choke and/or float. Carb rebuild is definitely in order. When we got it running, it ran nice and smooth--very quiet. Transmission shifted well, 4WD engaged well. Wasps were hovering all around...found big nests inside the fender vents. I offered a little below the asking price and it was a done deal. Loaded her up and brought her home!!
IMG_0833 by Ben Schmitt, on Flickr
As I mentioned, the interior was just disgustingly filthy... So, first order of business--strip it down and clean the crap out of it.
IMG_1070 by Ben Schmitt, on Flickr
IMG_1071 by Ben Schmitt, on Flickr
So, plans are to get her good and cleaned up and then roadworthy--mainly just for driving around town--not planning any roadtrips or wheeling activities in the near future. Rebuild carb, address oil leaks, replace fluids, etc. Then maybe I'll address the rust...will probably go the bedliner route after rust is cut out and patched... So, this isn't as much of a "build" thread or an all out "restoration" thread, but I'll update it periodically (with photos, primarily) as things get addressed or as I come across noteworthy items...
As a side note, if anyone is parting out a 60/62... I'm in need of the following:
-"Land Cruiser" center plug from steering wheel - done
-E-brake handle boot - done
-Lower tailgate
-Passenger side rear bumper end - done
-Driver's side tail light lens - done
Craigslist search resulted in an '84 with 285k miles about 2 hrs from home. It was in all original and unmolested condition, barring the radio head unit and door speakers. Some rust around wheel wells and tailgate but floor pans and drip rail looked good. It's been repainted (white over white) and there's some bondo and a few areas of body damage, but mostly low on the vehicle and relatively easy to repair. Both rocker panels are caved in... The interior was absolutely FILTHY, but complete and in relatively good condition. There's lots of oil caked on engine/undercarriage--appears to be combination of motor and power steering fluid. The owner reported some intermittent running issues and believes they've narrowed it down to the carb needing a refresh. New fuel pump, fuel filter, spark plugs.
IMG_0826 by Ben Schmitt, on Flickr
IMG_0830 by Ben Schmitt, on Flickr
IMG_0829 by Ben Schmitt, on Flickr
IMG_0885 by Ben Schmitt, on Flickr
I loaded up the wife/baby and went to take a look. We got her running with a bit of effort but there appears to be an issue with choke and/or float. Carb rebuild is definitely in order. When we got it running, it ran nice and smooth--very quiet. Transmission shifted well, 4WD engaged well. Wasps were hovering all around...found big nests inside the fender vents. I offered a little below the asking price and it was a done deal. Loaded her up and brought her home!!
IMG_0833 by Ben Schmitt, on Flickr
As I mentioned, the interior was just disgustingly filthy... So, first order of business--strip it down and clean the crap out of it.
IMG_1070 by Ben Schmitt, on Flickr
IMG_1071 by Ben Schmitt, on Flickr
So, plans are to get her good and cleaned up and then roadworthy--mainly just for driving around town--not planning any roadtrips or wheeling activities in the near future. Rebuild carb, address oil leaks, replace fluids, etc. Then maybe I'll address the rust...will probably go the bedliner route after rust is cut out and patched... So, this isn't as much of a "build" thread or an all out "restoration" thread, but I'll update it periodically (with photos, primarily) as things get addressed or as I come across noteworthy items...
As a side note, if anyone is parting out a 60/62... I'm in need of the following:
-
-
-Lower tailgate
-
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