Newbie about to take the plunge!

[nickmo]

Hi, everybody!
I've been lurking around this forum for about a week now because I finally found a Pig I think I can afford. I haven't bought it yet, but it most likely will be my big Christmas present to myself.
It's a pretty clean '77 with a totally stock drive train. It runs and has very minor rust. I want it to be my daily driver, but the more I have read here and elsewhere the more I doubt that it's reasonable.
I know that asking a bunch of fantastic, knowledgeable, fanatic cruiser heads whether I should buy it or not is like asking a crack head if he wants $100 bucks, but I am going to anyway.
Let me give you a little background. I am a married 26 year old college student graduating in May. My wife is a high school teacher. I have two reliable commuter vehicles that we both enjoy driving, but I have alway *ALWAYS* wanted a Cruiser for camping/hiking road trips. If I buy the cruiser one of the cars will have to go, which means the Pig becomes my daily driver. I have access to a garage (not my own), but am not experienced with body work. I am reasonably mechanically inclined, and I look forward to doing as much of the work as I can myself.
My question is: can a mechanically sound Pig be made a daily driver without spending a large amount of money after purchase? I am prepared to put about $2000-$3000 into it immediately. What are the essential checks/repairs that just have to be done on a new purchase, and what do they typically cost? I can afford to have the Pig plus the two commuters for about a month, but after that I would have to sell one of the cars.

Should I do it or is it not the time?

thanks to all and merry Christmas/happy holidays!
Nick

 

[clemson55]

Its always time! It depends on its current condition pics would be great. Also the quality of the engine and all. A compression test would be a good option before buying if possible, that will give you a better idea of how the engine is. If you want it as a daily driver it shouldnt really matter about some minor rust right now priority would be the engine and drivetrain brakes tires lighting. You can always just strip the rust areas rust block them and prime them to buy you some time there. Anyway try and be more detailed on how it runs and get some pics if you can we'll be able to help you more.

 

[Buckethead]

I pick up my pig next week. I searched for a long time to make sure it was mechanically sound. I would think if you have access to a shop you would have no problem getting it reliable for that kind of cash.

If it were me -- do the running gear first and worry about the body as time allows. -- A pig looks good all the time (even if it looks a bit tired.)

Best of luck,
Congrats on the ride (if you get it)

Merry Christmas

Jared

 

[nickmo]

Details

The Pig I'm seriously considering is the one for sale in Arizona on Craig's List:
http://phoenix.craigslist.org/car/248129515.html

I've exchanged emails and had a really nice conversation with the owner. I am totally smitten, which is why I'm trying to get an outside perspective.

Thanks for responding,
Nick

 

[Buckethead]

Ooh, I like that rig. NICE!

By the Way

(official Mud Welcome)


Merry Christmas

 

[clemson55]

Looks good man that definitely a help, if all is as he says I see no problem in it being your daily driver for the $ you said you'd put in.

 

[890man]

Looks pretty good, I say go for it. I have been driving mine every day for five years. I do about 50 miles a day and love it most of the time. Its a old truck and things need to be replaced as you go but I figure make payments on a new car or put that into something different, I went different. I say if you cant check the mechanical stuff yourself, take it to a mechanic to look at it for you. If everything checks out, go for it. As far as what to do when you get it, repair the leaks do the brakes if needed, plugs wires and such. If all that is good, drive it for a while. The truck will tell you what it needs.

Keep us posted

 

[surfpig]

Do it.

(yeah, you asked the wrong crowd)

If you do, focus first on safety (brakes, electrical, steering), then mechanicals (engine, carb, tune, bearings, seals, bla, bla, bla; and all those little vacuum lines under the hood)

You'll learn a lot in a very short time, especially if you try to do much of the work yourself.

Enjoy!

 

[nickmo]

can anybody recommend a good shop/mechanic in or around San Diego that knows old land cruisers? I am totally new to the TLC world, and after I pick it up I'd like someone to give it a good once over so I know what needs fixing right away.

thanks for all the comments, guys!

 

[LC_Hamma]

Are you concerned about creature comforts - A/C, softer ride, etc.? X2 on getting the drivetrain freshened first - full tuneup, new fluids, brakes, check for leaks, etc. Then, I'd concentrate on the suspension & axles - new greasable spring pins, bushings, steering (tie rods). Go thru the front knuckles, replace any worn parts. Lastly, since you're a bodyman, this will be the least expensive part if you do it all your own. Start up a resto thread too.

 

[nickmo]

I'm not concerned with cosmetics/creature comforts. My top priorities are reliability and safety in that order. I have a 40 mile round trip all freeway commute 5 days/week. I don't need to go to 75mph, but 65 would be nice.

I would like to eventually do cosmetic restorations, but that really is last on my list.

Nick

 

[nuclearlemon]

wiwith the powertrain it's got, you should be ok. it will slow down a bit on hills. i'd have someone near by go look at it for you to make sure the body's as solid as it looks. i'd also question what he means by getting the under dash parts from the po

 

[cruiserbrett]

Nickmo,
i live in san diego, and I would be happy to take a look and see what needs work. Smog is going to be your #1 priority since its not exempt... this can get expensive and become a big headache.

I used my 1973 Fj55 as a daily driver here in SD for about 6-7 years, so yes they can be fine daily drivers. A/C, P/S and good carpets make a word of difference...

-Brett