Junkyard cheat sheet

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Tofudebeest

Tofudebeest

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Going to the U-Pull lot is tons of fun, as is upgrading your Cruiser with other make/model parts.

Let this thread serve as a running list of nice items that can readily be installed with little or no mods (or relatively easy and attractive-appearing mods) into our 60s and 62s.

We know the Ford Contour dual electric cooling fan unit is a known and popular (though somewhat controversial) mod.

Volvo seats (not sure which ones) are supposed to be close to a direct bolt-on upgrade...

Overhead and armrest consoles, Caddy/Olds horns...

Who has done what mods using salvage (not aftermarket) non-Cruiser (I guess include 80 and later series Cruisers) parts?
 
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A/C condender: mid to late 80's Volvo 240's
A/C Evaporator: 71 ford F150 under dash unit
Heater valve: Early 80's Corolla
 
I remember reading at one point that there was a series of Corolla wagons that used the same exact rear license plate light/trim as the 60/62 series (the one that rots out on the tailgate), but I don't remember the years.
AC solenoids on Corollas can be used to replace those uber-expensive 2WD/4WD solenoids on a FJ62
Horns: pretty much any Mercedes, especially the big sedans
Don't forget the old-style Yorks from the early Volvos
Cool underhood worklight on some of the old GM pickups and Jeep Waggys
 
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Request on this thread

Please specify if a x-part works on a FJ60 or a FJ62 or on both. Remember the 84/85 split on the FJ60 for H55 ease of install as an example of some things may not fit some years. If you've used a x-part, let us know what year/model your rig is, so we can do the research just incase.

Thanks,

Glenn in Tucson
 
The rear side marker lights on a FJ60 are the same as a mid 80's Camry sedan (1st gen).
 
KLF said:
I remember reading at one point that there was a series of Corolla wagons that used the same exact rear license plate light/trim as the 60/62 series (the one that rots out on the tailgate), but I don't remember the years.
Click to expand...

Need this info.
 
I wouldn't say that the Volvo seats are a super easy swap, but they do fit. AFAIK, there are easier seat swaps (Subaru WRX, Corolla come to mind).

X2 on great idea for a sticky!
 
60 Specific parts:
-Dash vents that close can be swapped for the center dash vents that don't close.
-Don't forget to get a grab handle out of a similar cruiser in the yard. My '83FJ60 has threaded holes behind the driver's side headliner where I never had a grab handle stock. A donor 60 passenger grab handle bolts right up. Lets me stretch my arm on long drives.
-I grabbed an extra defrost and rear wiper dash switch to wire accessories up to. They snap right into the blanks on my dash.
-I always take a bunch of the bolts/screws/nuts/washers/clips/etc. specific to the vehicle. Usually they're lying on the floor of the car, or on the ground nearby. It's really handy having the proper sized hardware when you are tinkering and break something, or find a bolt that's missing. Saves you the random trip to the hardware store for a specific bolt.

-I glued a 4runner altimeter cluster to my dash. It plugged right into the stock 1983 FJ60 wiring in the location that lets you put the crap pocket altimeter in.

-I'm always looking for a good map light cluster, too.
 
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tonkota said:
No. I wasn't into it at the time. I have an idea, but I may have to make a cheesy bracket and then make a real one if it works. I need a shop.
Click to expand...

Me too. We should get the local area Cruiserheads together and get a place we can use as a shop. Tall enough for frame lifts and whatnot, all the tools we could need, etc....
 
Mitsu Montero passenger grab handle is a super easy install if you don't have a donor 62 lying around. They are all over the junk yards. Colors don't match, but nothing a couple coats of spray pain won't remedy.

My girlfriend loves the "get in the Eleanor handle"

Patrick
 
Eporter said:
60 Specific parts:
-Dash vents that close can be swapped for the center dash vents that don't close.
-Don't forget to get a grab handle out of a similar cruiser in the yard. My '83FJ60 has threaded holes behind the driver's side headliner where I never had a grab handle stock. A donor 60 passenger grab handle bolts right up. Lets me stretch my arm on long drives.
-I grabbed an extra defrost and rear wiper dash switch to wire accessories up to. They snap right into the blanks on my dash.
-I always take a bunch of the bolts/screws/nuts/washers/clips/etc. specific to the vehicle. Usually they're lying on the floor of the car, or on the ground nearby. It's really handy having the proper sized hardware when you are tinkering and break something, or find a bolt that's missing. Saves you the random trip to the hardware store for a specific bolt.

-I glued a 4runner altimeter cluster to my dash. It plugged right into the stock 1983 FJ60 wiring in the location that lets you put the crap pocket altimeter in.

-I'm always looking for a good map light cluster, too.
Click to expand...

The altimeter one is a worthy tip but the rest are reposts form the "Best $50 mod" thread. This is supposed to be JUST about non-Cruiser (or later-model Cruiser) parts that are good finds for 60s and 62s.

You KNOW when you see a 60/62 you'll have a cart full of goodies to snag, but when you go to the yard and there are none (it is rare to see one in a random U-Pull), a good list of tried and tested parts from other makes and models suitable for mods/enhancements would be fantastic.
 
Nice VDO 2" gauges can be found in the center console area of optioned up A1 & A2 Jetta, Rabbit, Golf, rabbit cabriolet, Scirocco, Audi 4000 & coupes, Volvo 240... I've found clock, oil press, oil temp, water temp, boost (240 turbo), volts. Grab the apprpriate sender unit off the engine, if possible. If you don't get the sender, it's no big deal to order one from VDO, as these are standard VDO gages w/ standard senders.
 
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VDO gage pics

Here's pics of a VDO gage panel from a junkyard 1986 Audi 4K.
(Volts) (Oil press.) (Oil temp)

Now I'm wondering if this gage panel could be trimmed down & installed in a radio hole....:hhmm:
DSC06430.webp
DSC06432.webp
 
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