Need some good counsel (1 Viewer)

[DCAlbarran]

Good morning Braintrust. I have a dilemma. This is my truck. I have had it for 2 years, haven’t driven it a ton as I had some brake issues and eventually a bad head gasket. Will be looking for a new caretaker soon...1964 FJ45

Well, got a call today and the head is cracked in all cylinders.

My plan was to finish it as a stock build, except with power steering (done), floor shift(done), and disc brakes (not done but parts already purchased), and then sell it and buy something more family-friendly (Troopie or FJ43).

Now that the head is toast, and I am having trouble sourcing a good head (and even if I could, I would probably still be in this position) I am at a crossroads.

1. Bite the bullet and hold out for a stock head, spend the coin to finish rebuilding the engine, and sell the truck as a stock running truck in great shape. Take that money and roll into a bigger LC.
2. Sell the truck as is, and the new owner can either finish the engine, providing that he/she can find a head, or wants to swap in a 2F/SBC/4BT. Take that money and roll into a bigger LC.
3. Sell the cab/bed/seats etc. Buy a body (aqualu or something similar) in the style that I want, and build (with help) my dream FJ.

Am I missing another option? I hate to take a rare old truck off the road, but maybe there’s someone out there looking for a cab or bed.

Thanks for your time. I realize that there are plenty worse problems in the world that people are dealing with, but you guys are the experts re: my current dilemma.

Also: would it be tacky to cross post this in the FJ40 forum? Thanks

 

[mderrick]

you are looking for a 135 head I am guessing?

 

[DCAlbarran]

If that’s the 020 casting, then yes.

 

[DomSmith]

Can’t imagine you can’t find one. Try Rob Tigart.

 

[Vintij74]

If Rob is traveling, try MarksOffroad in LA

If you have an impending deadline, like an important vacation kdestination, that certainly helps to light a fire under the project

 

[1969FJ]

Well, as a purist, get a new head and bring it back stock.

CruiserParts.net Landcruiser Parts

 

[DCAlbarran]

May have found a local head here in the LA area with Mark. Hopefully this pans out...

 

[middlecalf]

Not local but on Mud

Trade - Idaho Reconditioned F head, 4 speed Trans/Tcase and Bell-housing.

Reconditioned F head including 6 new exhaust valves, inserts as required, ground seats, guides; and resurfaced. My F engine gave up, head has less than 300 miles and two months on it. Also have 78 2F 4 speed trans/Tcase/Bhousing W/flywheel and air cleaner assembly. Have F block and internals...

forum.ih8mud.com

I vote for #1.

But I am jealous that you have the rear slider windows.

 

[Rix 45]

I have a reconditioned 135 head in So. Cal. if other does not work out.
Eric

 

[derail]

I have one in northern California also. Redding to be exact.

 

[Rix 45]

The head I have.