Hello out there! My Name is Mike and I've just found my first FJ80. Im new to forum posting world so bare with me. I live on the Central Coast of CA and work as a full time master mechanic with 15 years professional experience. My friends have always nicknamed me Shoppy for my last name starts with Shop.
It all started my as a grease monkey and young car enthusiast, went on to working in a shop changing oil and servicing cars. Then got into building and maintaining classic cars. I have lots of experience with working on build projects like older broncos, jeeps, many engine conversions and F.I. Swaps and even a diesel swap dream camper rig. There is always something different on the plate to proj out on. But realistically I don't get out on the trails much so there's lots to learn ahead!
I've always like the Land Cruiser. Years ago I had a FJ40 that was rusted out so bad it was a bust. I'v swapped engines and harness on 60 series, restored an Australian 40 diesel, numerous valve jobs/head gaskets and have worked on a many other Toyota rigs over the years, but have recently been drawn to the 80.
She's a 1996 270k on the clock all stock. This will be the first off road project of my own. She runs good and hope to have a nice budget build. Other than changing the fluids and fixing the common oil leaks I plan to lift, lock, and tread this grocery getter into a sand spittin, mud flingin, rock hopping beast...I will Post a thread on the build and share pics as she goes along. I am also very excited to hear any concerns or comments anybody may want to share. First project will be the suspension...
Thanks
-Mike-
It all started my as a grease monkey and young car enthusiast, went on to working in a shop changing oil and servicing cars. Then got into building and maintaining classic cars. I have lots of experience with working on build projects like older broncos, jeeps, many engine conversions and F.I. Swaps and even a diesel swap dream camper rig. There is always something different on the plate to proj out on. But realistically I don't get out on the trails much so there's lots to learn ahead!
I've always like the Land Cruiser. Years ago I had a FJ40 that was rusted out so bad it was a bust. I'v swapped engines and harness on 60 series, restored an Australian 40 diesel, numerous valve jobs/head gaskets and have worked on a many other Toyota rigs over the years, but have recently been drawn to the 80.
She's a 1996 270k on the clock all stock. This will be the first off road project of my own. She runs good and hope to have a nice budget build. Other than changing the fluids and fixing the common oil leaks I plan to lift, lock, and tread this grocery getter into a sand spittin, mud flingin, rock hopping beast...I will Post a thread on the build and share pics as she goes along. I am also very excited to hear any concerns or comments anybody may want to share. First project will be the suspension...
Thanks
-Mike-
