New Pig Owner

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scotterg

scotterg

10 Year
Joined
May 24, 2014
Threads
10
Messages
46
Location
SF Bay Area
Just bought my first Pig, a '69. This replaces a long sold '73 FJ40. I paid waaay too much for it, but it has a running Chevy V8 and auto tranny so I don't get run off the road and it looks good with newish paint- probably to hide the rust I'll find once stripped. I'm working on finding some original cosmetic parts such as the fender turn signals and a steering wheel, and getting it finely tuned for around town driving. Long term plans will be to add disk brakes, revert to manual transmission and repaint to original red/white.

For now, I'm a happy owner and glad to have a classic cruiser again!

Scott

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Hello Scotterg, Nice find. Welcome to the group, Pics Pics Pics
 
Welcome aboard!

It does look nice. Did the previous owner say he fixed the rust or you're just hoping. Love the '69 grill, how's the interior?

With any luck, he did it right and all you have to do are the small things. Maybe just add the red and leave the cream there.
 
The previous owner said "no rust". I checked it thoroughly in the usual places (tapping and magnet) and cannot find anything under the fenders, rocker panels, floor, etc. There is some bubbling around the "gutters" as well as the rear window, so those may be problem areas. I was told this Pig was kept in a California garage when not in use, so that was a plus. Despite looking closely, I'm still a bit nervous when I get to stripping it down for the repaint. However, that is a ways out as I want to get the mechanicals and easier cosmetic items taken care of first.

I have a pair of fender singals on order. I bought the higher quality reproductions, not the original Toyota types. Sorry, the original Toyota were just too much and having them exposed there I couldn't bite the bullet! I've had trouble finding a steering wheel, any suggestions?

Thanks for comments on the grill-it is in great shape with no dents or bends. However, it has been painted over in the tan color. What was original to the '69- chrome? Also, what was the original interior fabric color? Current bench seats and liner is a dark grey, but I'm pretty certain these have been redone.

I'll take and post more photos this weekend.

Thanks for the help. This is a great forum with lots of info and I'm looking forward to a long relationship with the Pig.

Scott
 
I think the steering wheel should have the center pad with the red, bottle cap center.

I may have one in fair to good condition, I don't recall, but there not hard to come by.

I posted a WTB thread for a blue "T" last year and had a ton of responses. Do recall John Pardion having a blue capped that was in great condition.

Will check the stash early next week, but won't be hard to come by, anyway you cut it.
 
I'd love to see more pics but it looks like a clean rig and sounds very usable (especially once you convert to disc like you mentioned). Welcome, there are some very helpful and knowledgable folks here.
 
Good looking 55, I might have the steering wheel you are looking for. The early ones had more of a crest style pad, rather than the round button. PM me if you are interested .The grill on my 68 was silver, but i like it better black. I think the seats were black. -Steve
 
Here's a few more photos of the '69 FJ55. Bled the brakes today and now is in good working order.

The engine is a Chevy 350 with a Turbo 400 transmission. It is a solid combination and I can actually get this Pig up to 65 on the highway. I'm happy with the motor and tranny for now but someday would like to revert to a manual transmission.

The interior is in decent shape and most appears to be original. Some details of the dash have been fiddled with and need some work, such as the horizontal piece above the 4WD console, glove box handle and tailgate window switch. The current rear view mirror has got to go.

The red contraption on the driver's side of the engine compartment (photo right) is a horn- sounds like a lowing cow. Forward of the battery is an ammo box used as a toolbox. Whatever, both the horn and toolbox are useful and have made interesting conversation pieces.

I need to add the fender turn signal as they look naked without them. How about side running lights? Is that what they are called and were they originally on the '69?

Scott
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Hi Scotterg, What is the power of your V8? And why to return to a manual tans? I think it is so smooth to ride with an automatic, to just drive and enjoy the landscape , especially thoses piggies who dont like to be shaked. I drive auto trans for 15 years and much prefer it In city, easyer, and on Highway it doesnt change anything. But I have a modern Mercedes Benz engine and auto gearbox in my G...d C......ee very efficient and soft . I would not go back , if possible. just my mind.
 
I would make sure that is a fj55 steering column before you decide on that steering wheel. -Steve
 
scrapdaddy said:
Good call on that column, it doesn't look stock. May be able to adapt stock wheel to it?
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Steve and Ron- Thanks for the head's up on the steering column. I had not looked into it in detail. I have a replacement turn signal switch on order (the arm is broken half off on the existing), so will get into the steering column with that project. What do I need to look for to determine if an original steering wheel will fit?

Scott
 
onemanarmy said:
very nice. that is clean. all the advice I have.

(except it needs the signals and rear quarter panel vents/lights)
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I give- what vent on the rear quarter panel? I know about the light, but have not seen a vent.

Thanks,

Scott
 
Post up a picture of the column, you might have a stock one.

A '69 doesn't have the rear vent, just a marker light. They are on each rear side.
 
Looks clean without the marker lights and/or the fender lights.

Since you purchased that way, unless going for a resto, I'd say leave it be.... I wanted to do the same, but can't bring myself to. Easy decision, in your case and it won't cost you a fair entry.
 
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