newb needs pig advice

[jonah111]

Hi everyone,

This is my 1st post and was hoping to get some advice on whether to buy a 55 I’ve found locally. I’ve had 2 FJ60’s in the past and my wife has always regretted that we got rid of them. I’ve always like the 55 and came across a 1974 w4spd recently. It has very little rust and has been in storage since 1991. Looks like it has been driven about 500 miles since 1986. The owner began taking apart for restoration in 91 and lost interest. Looks like all the parts are there, paint is in very poor condition. Odometer reads 40000.

I’m looking for a 4wd just as an extra vehicle. I need something to haul stuff and use for camping once in a while. My wife would like something fun during the summer while she drags 3 kids to the beach. I’d also like something that I can pull out if needed during the Michigan winters. My question is whether this is the right vehicle for me or am I asking for a lot of headaches? What’s Our other cars are older volvos, so its not like were used to the luxury & conveinience of newer cars. My driver for my 85 mile daily commute is an 82 volvo 240 turbo.

I love the 55, but it seems like many in this group view them as more of a serious trail vehicle. Does anyone else use their pig like I’m thinking?

Thanks for any advice

John

 

[cruiser_guy]

An FJ55 is certainly NOT a luxury vehicle! It will be loud for any kind of distance driving. I'm in the process of putting in sound deadener stuff and a carpet kit in the FJ55 to make it more bearable on long drives.

They can be hard to find parts for the body. They are VERY susceptible to rust (Michigan winters would NOT be kind to it).

Remember you're looking at a vehicle that is well over 30 years old so it will need some mechanical TLC for sure.

 

[Bob_the_FJ55]

I use my 55 as a daily driver and it does a fine job. The difference between the 55 and my Acura MDX is that if the going gets tough, the Land Cruiser will have a better chance of getting through it.

 

[toddslater]

Are you mechanically inclined ? Poor condition paint on a 32 year old vehicle ??? What do you expect ??? Not much rust on a Michigan pig...I have some delicious swamp land to sell you. At the end of the day, how much do you enjoy wrenching (skills, tools, know-how do you have) and/or welding, blasting, grinding, filling, painting etc...etc...etc...or alternatively how much money do you have to throw at someone else to do the above ? So many questions, so little time.

 

[jonah111]

Are you mechanically inclined ? Poor condition paint on a 32 year old vehicle ??? What do you expect ??? Not much rust on a Michigan pig...I have some delicious swamp land to sell you. At the end of the day, how much do you enjoy wrenching (skills, tools, know-how do you have) and/or welding, blasting, grinding, filling, painting etc...etc...etc...or alternatively how much money do you have to throw at someone else to do the above ? So many questions, so little time.

I've seen enough old rust belt vehicles that I'm pretty confident after looking at the vehicle- the interior was removed, which made inspection a little easier. It also has South Carolina registration sticker from 1984. I wasn't complaining about the paint (although I have a 30 yr old bmw that still has shiny original paint)- just giving a description.

I appreciate your advice on the restoration process, but I'd like to know what to expect as far as living with & driving a pig once its back on the road. Obviously some of this depends on how well it was restored. How driveable is the 1F engine in everyday traffic (non-highway)?

Thanks for the advice

 

[cruiser_guy]

Once restored I don't see that there should be any problem with it. The problem is getting to the "restored" stage!

Rust areas on an FJ55 are the front body mounts at the drivers and passengers feet, front fenders, rear quarters and dog legs, roof edge and step in the floor at the rear seat.

 

[toddslater]

Mine is a rolling resto in progress...It's easy to live with...but I kinda of have a small fleet in the works. As far as highway manners, I think the pig is very stable, but as others have said a wee bit on the noisy side in it's stock configuration. Also, it is/was not meant for blasting down the highway at 70+ mph speeds. Tire size/gear ratio are not conducive (stock config) to doing much over 60 mph unless you enjoy listening to the motor reving beyond it's comfort zone. A mild lift and larger tires will bring the rpms down to a more reasonable range....or a 5 speed conversion.

Check those areas cruiser guy posts. My pig was a lifetime member of Arizona when I bought it. It still had two rust spots on the front fenders that needed some metal welded in. A SC cruiser will/should be less of a rust bucket than a NE salt belt one .....thats for sure.

 

[tyama]

From what I know of 60's vs pigs, the pig is basically the same as far as gearing and all. The creature comforts are a bit more harsh, but can be dealt with a seat/ac upgrade. The rust issues are a big downside, but the driving and looking at the pig are a big plus! I don't mind cruising the hiway looking at the scenary for a couple of hours, but the interstate gets old after awhile. ty