My new (to me) FJ62

[Super77]

Well, my 88 FJ62 finally showed up yesterday. I haven't yet given it a sort-out, but here are the basics:

- 180K
- Straight frame
- Minor fluid leaks
- Driven very rarely the last few years
- Original panels, but with a bit of apparent repair work to the DS rear
- Significant paint patina, but not out of character.

The brown discoloration you see is moss, not rust. Old Japanese iron up here in the PNW is blessed with mild winters and salt-free roads, and this one seems to be a life-long local. No body rot to be seen, even around the quarter panels and tailgate.

I'll be reading through the noob pages and posting up some better pics after a date with the power washer. This is my second LC - the first was a 78 FJ40, and my current wrench project is a 91 Miata. This one should be fun if it proves as solid mechanically.

 

[The Phoenician]

congrats, and it's not leaking, just marking its territory.

 

[Randy88FJ62]

What do you plan on using the truck for?

 

[Super77]

What do you plan on using the truck for?

Significantly contributing to global warming

 

[hj 60]

Nice, red is the best color.
Other locking hubs? and rear tail blinker is not on mine.
Do you have pictures of the leaks? Can you drive a corner on grass (!) in 4x4 low without clackclack sound? (birfields)

 

[Super77]

Nice, red is the best color.
Other locking hubs? and rear tail blinker is not on mine.
Do you have pictures of the leaks? Can you drive a corner on grass (!) in 4x4 low without clackclack sound? (birfields)

I get the keys tonight, so I plan to slowly go through it over the coming weeks. I'm really glad for the forum here. My Miata has a terrific forum - miata.net - so I'm pleased to have such a deep well of LC knowledge to tap.

 

[drillduty]

Congrats and post some interior pics

 

[rrv333]

Welcome to the insanity!

 

[geofro84]

Nice truck it's not leaking oil it's just sweeting awesome

 

[jwalker]

FJ62

Congrats on the new addiction! Good to see NW cruisers.

 

[Super77]

So, a few initial questions for you guys based on what I'm seeing:

1) Driver's seat bolster is shot and the upholstery is torn. The aftermarket seat cover is basically the only thing holding the shredded foam in. Thoughts on cost-effective repair/replacement? I'm not building a concours vehicle - just want an intact interior.

2) Rear cargo carpet and front floormats are no better than the seat. Any good options somewhere between Wal-Mart and spending the better part of a mortgage payment on reproduction carpet?

3) Dash cover is cracked. Good source for an intact used one? I see one vendor here selling them for ~$150.

4) Shocks. I'm guessing mine date back to the Clinton administration. Thoughts on OEM-type replacement?

I don't see using the rig for serious offroading in my future. Maybe hit a few easy trails or run it up to the passes this winter. Current tires are 1-year old M&S all-seasons, so no reason to ditch those at the moment. Until I get to know the mechanicals better, I won't be investing anything in upgrades - just overdue maintenance, stabilization, and enough cosmetics to keep it from looking abandoned.

 

[gregnash]

So, a few initial questions for you guys based on what I'm seeing:

1) Driver's seat bolster is shot and the upholstery is torn. The aftermarket seat cover is basically the only thing holding the shredded foam in. Thoughts on cost-effective repair/replacement? I'm not building a concours vehicle - just want an intact interior.

I went to a local upholstery repair place and was quote $140 for each seat and a days time. And that was with them repairing the foam and replacing the bolster to the first major seam on the seat and then up the side of the back.

2) Rear cargo carpet and front floormats are no better than the seat. Any good options somewhere between Wal-Mart and spending the better part of a mortgage payment on reproduction carpet?

Check the threads on rear cargo area carpet and floormats, just grab some from Costco.

3) Dash cover is cracked. Good source for an intact used one? I see one vendor here selling them for ~$150.

See CruiserCorps Dash pad. Klinetime and Reevesci (see their threads) have replaced and given great reviews of them.


4) Shocks. I'm guessing mine date back to the Clinton administration. Thoughts on OEM-type replacement?

OEM can still be grabbed from CDan for decently cheap. Again do some searching and you will see multiple threads on them.

I don't see using the rig for serious offroading in my future. Maybe hit a few easy trails or run it up to the passes this winter. Current tires are 1-year old M&S all-seasons, so no reason to ditch those at the moment. Until I get to know the mechanicals better, I won't be investing anything in upgrades - just overdue maintenance, stabilization, and enough cosmetics to keep it from looking abandoned.

See my comments in red.. most of that has been covered in multiple threads. Use the search function a lot and then come back with more concentrated questions.. Welcome to the sickness.

 

[Super77]

Hey, thanks for the tips. I was able to find most of what I needed. Couple more questions:

1) Timing belt. Does my engine have one, and if so, what's the service?
2) Spark plugs. I'm assuming OEM compatible NGKs. Any objection?
3) Spark plug wires. Do these engines have a habit of eating them, like my Miata? Do we like the Denso OEM replacements?
4) Belts & hoses. Most of the rubber under the hood appears to be at least 10 years old, some of it original. Assuming one-stop shopping from Gates. Any particular ones to watch out for?
5) ATF flush. Any fluid recommendations?

Thanks!

 

[Randy88FJ62]

I highly recommend installing a trans cooler with fan. Any brand, just make sure to keep that trans cool! They heat up quite easily and then die if ran hot for a bit.

 

[mobydick]

I think you'll be surprised what a container of polishing compound and then a good coat of wax will do to that red paint. It will shine like a new penny. Toyota made a good batch of red! Then when that's done you can start to polish the underside!

Welcome to our obsession!

 

[YoshiMan]

1) Timing belt. Does my engine have one, and if so, what's the service?

Nope, The 3FE only has Timing Gears, so there is nothing to replace, not even a chain to worry about.

2) Spark plugs. I'm assuming OEM compatible NGKs. Any objection?

The Factory Service manual recommends either Denso or NGK, so go for it

3) Spark plug wires. Do these engines have a habit of eating them, like my Miata? Do we like the Denso OEM replacements?

Either Denso or NGK as well, and no, i bet alot of people are still running with the originals

4) Belts & hoses. Most of the rubber under the hood appears to be at least 10 years old, some of it original. Assuming one-stop shopping from Gates. Any particular ones to watch out for?

My personal opinion, take the two lower radiator hoses (that run from the radiator to the little pipe, and the one that runs from the little pipe to the waterpump) and THROW THEM AWAY along with that stupid pipe, and get one long flex-a-hose to replace them. Nothing but trouble and leaks once you disturb them, in my opinion. Just make certain that the new hose is long enough to clear the A/C belt

5) ATF flush. Any fluid recommendations?

I've always just used pennzoil ATF, i would make the switch to Mobil-1, but i'm afraid that the Tranny will start leaking

Hope this helps.

 

[jgordon]

Not sure what your budget is, but you likely need to add tires to the list. Old rubber is dangerous. And if you need shocks and tires, you might want to save up for an ome suspension kit. Much better than stock. Especially 20 yr old clapped out stock.

While you're under the hood, replace the vacuum tubes, unless you're planning on desmoging.

And I second the polish idea. Nice truck.