Possible new FJ55 owner, Need advise

[DieselFJ]

I am real close to purchasing a 79 FJ55. The price is $2,000, all original, interior looks to be in good shape, 195,000 miles on a good running 2F all original, The body is rough in a few spots, front fenders are the worst.

Since I have not been in the market for a 55 I am not sure it this is a good price or not. I like the year, which happens to be the same year as my 40, and I like that it is un-molested.

Since I value your opinions, I thought I would ask before I make the final call and purchase it.

Thanks
Scott

 

[Wayneraintree]

running, driving, unmolested.... 2K$ sounds fair for the truck. I paid a little less for one in similiar condition that was MOLESTED : ) I am happy with it regardless... 79 is a good year (and a late year) for 55's...

pics would help....

 

[DieselFJ]

I've never posted pictures, nor ever tried, but I will look into it. Thanks for your response, it was what I was looking for. I am really excited about getting a 55, but I am a little aprehensive since I don't know what kind of part availability there is for them. I know mechanically I will be able to interchange most if not all parts, but as for body and interior, I am a little nervous. Again, I will see what I need to do to post pictures.

Thanks
Scott

 

[DieselFJ]

Here are some pictures.

 

[Wayneraintree]

if you don't mind some replacing of metal where the rust is... it looks like a nice truck overall. They are definately not as easy to get parts for and the small community like here share parts well in my experience : )

 

[miletwo]

Do it and never look back. Mine's a pile of parts after I drove from Southern California to Northern Washington to drag it home and I paid about what you did for a WAY MOLESTED pile.

I used to think there would be a ton of difficulty finding parts, but between the mudders on here and other select vendors... you should be okay for just about anything you need.

Have fun!

 

[DieselFJ]

I don't mind the body replacement, I have worked on alot of 40's so I definitly understand the cut and weld process, but with a 40 it is so easy to buy a body panels.

Thats good news about sharing parts and helping each other out. That is one thing I really enjoy about this board.

I think I will go ahead and buy it, I just wanted to see what thoughts you guys had, and I think you reassured my original decision to purchase it.

I am sure I will be spending a lot more time in this section of mud.

Thanks
Scott Pitcher

 

[cruise4070]

Seems like a decent deal! Does it have p/s or a/c? Both available for that year.
should also have 3.73s.

 

[DieselFJ]

It has powersteering, but no A/C. Speeking of A/C is it possible to get a stock setup for it, or will I have to find something aftermarket?

My 79 FJ40 has 3.73's, but I am not sure if that means anything. Do the 55's have the same axles as the 40?

 

[AZkick-n40]

Looks like a good rig for $2k.

And I would agree with what M2 and Wayneraintree said about people from MUD supplying parts. Great group of people!

Brian

 

[Lucy_FJ55]

Yep, buy it. Lots of parts are interchangeable between 40's and 55's. Looks to be in pretty decent condition and you'll be the only one on your block to own one. Of course, you can get great advice from the folks here for any challenges that may arise with your new pig. Dive in! OINK! OINK!

 

[DieselFJ]

well, I did it, I made the call this afternoon and I will be picking it up next week.

 

[AZkick-n40]

Congrats! Buy a silver star from Woody and post up a bunch of pics.

Welcome to the club! Oink.

Brian

 

[Ming89FJ62]

Congrats on the new pig!.

Difs are 4.11. Factory AC is difficult if not impossible to find - 79 was the last year for the 55 model and the only year that factory A/C was available. Vintage Air has a nice after market kit that should work well w/ your 79. Do a search for Vintage Air - lots of info is available.

Welcome to the work of 55's.

Harry

 

[DieselFJ]

Thanks, I will get some pictures up as soon as I get it.

I have Vintage Air for my 40, but I didn't know they made it for the 55. I would like the factory air, but it isn't necessary. I actually have an new Vintage compressor and mounting bracket for a 2F, so I will have to start looking for the interior pieces, condensor, and drier.


Thanks
Scott

 

[RHINO]

hey portal, congrats, for what its worth in my neck of the woods 2k for what the pics show is most excellent !!!

 

[DieselFJ]

Thanks, just wondering, where can I get two new front fenders?

 

[BushBoy]

Congrats on buying a 55.

If you're having trouble finding good replacement front fenders, you could weld in a new peice of metal in the rusted area, as i did with my fenders.
I have some pics of my rust hole fixups if you'd like to see them.

 

[Lucy_FJ55]

Congrats on the new pig purchase! Welcome to the madness...

$OR has fiberglass fenders for sale and I think PV Cruisers was going to carry aftermarket steel replacement fenders. OEM stock are rare, if you find one- buy it! You might be able to find some used ones with little rust off of Mud, here. And of course, you could cut out the rot and replace with new metal as others have suggested.

 

[miletwo]

Congrats on the new pig. Be sure to post more pics after you get it.