Lamar's dilemma (1 Viewer)

[RWBeringer4x4]

my wife won't be seen in him.

I tried having this conversation with the missus but her answer was that it's probably a good time to sell.

The problem, sir, is not your land cruiser

All kidding aside, in response to this:

He has three basic directions:

1. Stay stock and fix leaks and other big problems (cheapest and least glamorous)
2. Stay mostly period correct and rebuild/replace things (steering box, tie rod ends, engine, carb). This is more money but still 1960s tech and efficiency. I'm not sure there are even parts available to rebuild the engine.
3. Modernize: 2F, 3FE, or 1FZ-FE swap, H55, disc axles, mini-truck power steering. This is the most expensive option. (Think fj.co style).

I already have a set of late 70s axles with locking hubs and discs all the way around. I like option 3 for comfort, performance and all around driveability but my conscious wants me to resist scrapping an original engine with good compression. I don't plan on ever selling but I'm kind of a purist.

I am curious what other's thoughts and opinions are.

I do not have a shop or all the tools to do an engine swap so I'd be paying someone for this.

I think you need to decide what you want out of the truck...Obviously a "factory correct" FJ40 is going to be more collectible and worth more in the long run, and if it's mostly there already, and reliable enough - then fixing what ails it is the cheapest way to get it "healthy" and probably also preserves its value the best.

Modernizing it will make it a more reliable vehicle - but in changing it from stock, you inherently decrease its long-term resale value, and have to put more money into it to get there, particularly if you're paying someone else to do the work. As a result, you'll likely never get out of it what you put into it.

If the long term expectation is to get out if it what you've put into it, keep it stock, and do as much work yourself as you can.

I know I'll catch flack for this - but regardless of what you do, if part of the justification for sinking money into it is making it a daily driver, I'd sink less money into it and buy a second vehicle to drive on a regular basis. Obviously there are folks here who do it, but I can't bring myself to rely on a 40-50 year old vehicle to get me to work safely and reliably on a regular basis.

For what it's worth, my truck isn't stock, and I've already sunk twice as much into it as its worth. That said, I have no intention of selling it, and if I HAVE to sell it, I long ago accepted that it would be at a loss.

 

[Nothinghead]

My real daily driver is a bicycle and light rail once I move to slc.

I think with the collective input, I'll rebuild what I can and what needs it.

Any recommendations for engine builders in Utah?

 

[Downey]

It sure sounds to me like wifee is going to bitch if you put "any" amount of money into the rig, my guess is she would not be happy with options 1, 2, or 3, sooooo she might go along with selling what you have (as it becomes more poo poo with age) and buying a newer FJ40 that is fresher, something that is not a money pit.