Looking at 85 FJ60 214k miles and rusty

[Spydaz]

Hey all, been off the LC binge for some time now but a recent sighting of an FJ60 started to get my gears turning again. I am looking at a 1985 FJ60 and it has some Bad Rust and Rot going on but it seems that the whole drivetrain is in good running order.

Here is the dirty:

The Crank Pulley seems to be Loose and flopping around a little, I know it needs new belts etc but is this a major concern?

There is a slight oil leak which i think is the RMS and not the oil pan as the current owner thinks, is this a major concern?

There is rust through on the bottom of the doors, the bottom of the rear tailgate and as well as a few spots on the roof. There is rust through on the inner frame forward of the exhaust. (is it worth it to fab and weld a new piece?)

The engine runs well except for pinging when you get into the pedal and rough starting (Carb rebuild?)

The owner is asking 2500.00 for the truck, I offered him 1000.00 which i think the truck is worth and he will not take a penny less than 1400.00

I just want to run this truck into the ground basically. Looking for a daily beater and beach rig, i will POR the thing till i cant POR anymore to hold off the rust bugs for a while but is this rig worth it???

 

[fj4play]

Hey all, been off the LC binge for some time now but a recent sighting of an FJ60 started to get my gears turning again. I am looking at a 1985 FJ60 and it has some Bad Rust and Rot going on but it seems that the whole drivetrain is in good running order.

Here is the dirty:

The Crank Pulley seems to be Loose and flopping around a little, I know it needs new belts etc but is this a major concern?

There is a slight oil leak which i think is the RMS and not the oil pan as the current owner thinks, is this a major concern?

There is rust through on the bottom of the doors, the bottom of the rear tailgate and as well as a few spots on the roof. There is rust through on the inner frame forward of the exhaust. (is it worth it to fab and weld a new piece?)

The engine runs well except for pinging when you get into the pedal and rough starting (Carb rebuild?)

The owner is asking 2500.00 for the truck, I offered him 1000.00 which i think the truck is worth and he will not take a penny less than 1400.00

I just want to run this truck into the ground basically. Looking for a daily beater and beach rig, i will POR the thing till i cant POR anymore to hold off the rust bugs for a while but is this rig worth it???

i purchased my 84 fj60 with 260000 miles similar condition with a warn front bumper and a warn 6000 lb winch for $1000. but i think all i payed for was the winch and bumper, heres some pics

her is pics of it now three months later

 

[Spydaz]

What did you do about the frame? was it in bad shape? and did you rebuild the motor?

Truck looks great by the way! That is pretty much what i want to do to this rig, im not looking to restore it.. I'd buy a CA truck for that!

 

[fj4play]

What did you do about the frame? was it in bad shape? and did you rebuild the motor?

Truck looks great by the way! That is pretty much what i want to do to this rig, im not looking to restore it.. I'd buy a CA truck for that!

i replaced the intake gasket, rebuilt the carb, replaced the radiator, removed the smog equipment, built a rear bumper /jerry can holder/spare tire carrier/ insalled radio and speakers/ cb radio. insalled 4plus shackles add a liefs and shocks / tires and wheels , rear locker / planning a roof rack with two sets of kc day lighters and a set of roof rack mounted back up lights , and much much more , i am going to name this rig mistress cause it is going to cause a devorce... j/k

 

[Spydaz]

Lol. Yeah were all in the same boat!

 

[fj4play]

Lol. Yeah were all in the same boat!

im lucky cause my wife likes the rig as much as i do

 

[fj4play]

What did you do about the frame? was it in bad shape? and did you rebuild the motor?

Truck looks great by the way! That is pretty much what i want to do to this rig, im not looking to restore it.. I'd buy a CA truck for that!

the frame only had surface rust ,the rear 1/4 panel body only is the part that has the rust

 

[IndianDoc]

Rusty Frame

Wow dealing with a similar problem and I would not have bought this cruiser for the price I paid had I knew about the frame rust. I had less rust than your picture show and I have fixed about 60 spots of perforation in the body so far. Check out Skinner's build to see how complicated rust removal and fabrication can become, it is also expensive.

Again just my .02 don't do what I did. If the frame has perforation rust don't buy it except as a part doner for a rig with a rust free frame. OK off my soap box!!

Oh and good luck in your quest for a decent (even if you fix this one)Cruiser! Doc

 

[cbmontgo]

This is a buyer's market right now. I would wait and find a good runner for $ 1,500-2,500 so that you don't spend your summer trying to get this one mechanically solid. You may even find one with little to no rust depending on where you live.

 

[alaska60]

I'd pay $1399.99 and not a cent higher for that rig!!!! Looks perfect for the beach and beating!
Go for it!
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