Potential New Piggy Owner Need Advice

[pappy]

First, I'm not new to the LC world, but I'm sure there are issues that are specific with the FJ55. I've browsed the FAQ ... went a few pages back in the forum ... and did a search but didn't find what I need.

Here is the story. This 1973 FJ55 was in the original owners hands up until recently. Buddy #1 bought it, really not running. He needed to move into a smaller house this summer, so piggy was sold to buddy #2. Buddy #2 only wanted PTO winch, but buddy #1 would only sell the winch attached to truck. Now buddy #2's wife wants the piggy gone as they already have 10 LC's in the stable (of which 4 run).

I saw the truck when buddy #2 made the deal as he was trying to get me to buy the piggy so he would only come home with a winch. We had to work on it to get it running enough to drive around the block. It ran crappy, but ran and we figured it was a carburetor/old gas issue. This was probably three or four months ago. I was in love then, but could not justify the purchase.

I still can't justify the purchase, but I'm now interested as buddy #2 has offered me the pig for little money to make his wife happy. Initial intent is to DD this truck. Mods are inevitable, but not right away. I'm going up to look at the truck in more detail this weekend.

What should I be looking for? Where are the known issues on FJ55's?

 

[cruiser_guy]

In one word.....


RUST!!!


Front fenders, rockers rear seat step, drivers/passengers foot well, roof gutter, rear quarters and probably a half dozen places I've forgotten!!

 

[tucker74]

RUST!!!


Front fenders, rockers rear seat step, drivers/passengers foot well, roof gutter, rear quarters and probably a half dozen places I've forgotten!!

Yep - mechanicals are pretty much identical to the same vintage 40/45, so that part is easy. All the little bits and body parts are unavailable for the most part though, so you're better off starting with a fairly complete truck They sure are cool though -



Tucker

 

[Trollhole]

First, I'm not new to the LC world, but I'm sure there are issues that are specific with the FJ55. I've browsed the FAQ ... went a few pages back in the forum ... and did a search but didn't find what I need.

Here is the story. This 1973 FJ55 was in the original owners hands up until recently. Buddy #1 bought it, really not running. He needed to move into a smaller house this summer, so piggy was sold to buddy #2. Buddy #2 only wanted PTO winch, but buddy #1 would only sell the winch attached to truck. Now buddy #2's wife wants the piggy gone as they already have 10 LC's in the stable (of which 4 run).

I saw the truck when buddy #2 made the deal as he was trying to get me to buy the piggy so he would only come home with a winch. We had to work on it to get it running enough to drive around the block. It ran crappy, but ran and we figured it was a carburetor/old gas issue. This was probably three or four months ago. I was in love then, but could not justify the purchase.

I still can't justify the purchase, but I'm now interested as buddy #2 has offered me the pig for little money to make his wife happy. Initial intent is to DD this truck. Mods are inevitable, but not right away. I'm going up to look at the truck in more detail this weekend.

What should I be looking for? Where are the known issues on FJ55's?

I know buddy #2. I tried to just buy the frame extension. Buddy #2 stated I could have them as long as I bought the whole vehicle. I think Lou did the same thing to buddy #2 and eventually buddy #2 got ticked at all of us.

On a serious note. When I saw it on MUD it looked decent. Any 55 is worth saving. Especially a PTO version. Not many of those around. That just adds value to it. I've been working on mine to make it a daily driver. I think it would be a great vehicle for that. Can't go wrong with an f motor.

 

[pappy]

In one word..... RUST!!!

Thanks. Rust is always an issued on old LC's, I just didn't know where the usual spots were.

All the little bits and body parts are unavailable for the most part though, so you're better off starting with a fairly complete truck They sure are cool though

Yep, and I think this one is mostly, if not all, there.

I know buddy #2.

Funny. Buddy #2 doesn't lurk here. Buddy #1 does.

 

[nuclearlemon]

nice thing is, much of the rust is easily fixed.

rockers....cut em off and weld in rectangular stock.

rear body mount (under tailgate)...cut it off and weld in rectangular stock

front fenders...cut it out and weld in sheet metal.

little bit of welding is the biggest knowledge with a piggie.

get it, you'll love it. you'll feel cool driving it. people will be jealous

btw, this thread is useless without pics

rear seat cable usually breaks off at the handle. steering draglink can't be rebuilt. i'll think of more later.

 

[cruiser_guy]

I know buddy #2. I tried to just buy the frame extension. Buddy #2 stated I could have them as long as I bought the whole vehicle. I think Lou did the same thing to buddy #2 and eventually buddy #2 got ticked at all of us.

Is "buddy #2" aware that the PTO shaft for a '40 and a '55 are NOT the same? The stub shaft that goes from the bearing to the winch on the '55 is significantly longer than the one for the '40 due to the placement of the bearing support (under the rad on the '40/45 and about 8-12" behind the rad on the '55).

 

[pappy]

A note on the rust. Of course it does. But, it's way better than my FJ40. I don't remember much ... rear quarters, bottom of fenders ... but I'll be paying attention this weekend. And just for Ige I'll even take my camera.

 

[pappy]

A note on the rust. Of course it does. But, it's way better than my FJ40. I don't remember much ... rear quarters, bottom of fenders ... but I'll be paying attention this weekend. And just for Ige I'll even take my camera.

Thanks and keep it coming as you think of it.

 

[OregonCruzer]

The biggest issue seems to be the zeal in which piggy owners obtain regardless to the amount of elbow grease needed to get er running.

My '73 had the same issues as you describe--ran like crap, brake fluid was black, clutch barely operated. Some fluid and love and she's my DD now. Mileage is still crap (the POS Holley some previous PO installed is barely alive) but if I wanted mileage I would have bought an Echo...

 

[pappy]

All the little bits and body parts are unavailable for the most part though, so you're better off starting with a fairly complete truck.

So, this brings up another question. Obviously engine and drive train parts are not a problem. Either they are available, or upgrading to newer stuff is an option. Sheet metal is not available. What about parts that are wear items, but no longer available. I'm thinking door stuff here ... regulators, window tracks, door seals, or other non-sheet metal body parts.

 

[nuclearlemon]

regulator window rollers snap...i just did a thread on a drawer roller that will work in it's place.

rear window motor gears snap, but if charles doesnt' do another run of brass ones, you can still buy new.

door latches will wear, especially on the outer teeth, right now, a lot of folks are parting them out, but the ones foxfab made for the 45s might work (the teeth portion is removeable from the complete latch assy).

there's a thread in faq's on weatherstrip replacement.

everything looks like fj40, but is just a hair different. it will make you a bit of a fabricator if someone hasn't already done it.

and thanks for the pics when you get em

 

[tucker74]

So, this brings up another question. Obviously engine and drive train parts are not a problem. Either they are available, or upgrading to newer stuff is an option. Sheet metal is not available. What about parts that are wear items, but no longer available. I'm thinking door stuff here ... regulators, window tracks, door seals, or other non-sheet metal body parts.

Good list in FAQ on where to get commonly needed stuff, and you'll soon find yourself hording parts off any similar vintage pig being parted whether you need them or not

It's actually a lot of fun, you appreciate things much more when you have to work to find/make them!

Tucker

 

[pappy]

First off, the builds by Marshall and Todd have just about scared me off. Schit, I can't get my 40 done and I don't need another project. I need a DD that will work off the guy's driveway with minimal work (fluids, carb, tune-up). Now, other observations ...

The biggest issue seems to be the zeal in which piggy owners obtain regardless to the amount of elbow grease needed to get er running.

Pigs are just cool. I fully understand and am finding it both hard to justify the purchase, and pass up the chance to own a Toyota classic. You folks are in an elite class.

... but if I wanted mileage I would have bought an Echo...

Funny. I was going to sell my 32mph Camry to buy this.

Everything looks like fj40, but is just a hair different. it will make you a bit of a fabricator if someone hasn't already done it.

Yep, the 40 has done that. Really a challenge sometimes, which I like.

... and you'll soon find yourself hording parts off any similar vintage pig being parted whether you need them or not

Find myself hording? You should see the stash of 3FE parts in the bedroom closet.

 

[zuluzeugma]

buy it dude... 55's are so much cooler than 40's...

 

[Pighead]

If you can get it cheap, buy it. You can always flip it to someone in Cali where it's pre-smog.
You can probably get it running with a carb rebuild (or a 2F) and get it to DD status with a brake rebuild (or disc brakes). Add a 4 speed and power steering and you're gonna love it.
55's are easier to mod/upgrade than any other 'Cruiser. Don't worry too much about little things like window regulators and door stuff. There are lots of private parts collections and an active underground redistribution ring...

 

[pappy]

If you can get it cheap, buy it. You can always flip it to someone in Cali where it's pre-smog.
You can probably get it running with a carb rebuild (or a 2F) and get it to DD status with a brake rebuild (or disc brakes). Add a 4 speed and power steering and you're gonna love it.
55's are easier to mod/upgrade than any other 'Cruiser. Don't worry too much about little things like window regulators and door stuff. There are lots of private parts collections and an active underground redistribution ring...

Please stop reading my mind. After DD status, you might just see ...

Late 2F, or 3FE!
FJ60 power steering.
4/5 speed.
Disk brake parts are in the garage already (at least not in the bedroom).
Maybe SOA/SR with 35's, or spring under to clear 33's.
Bucket seats with frame from IPOR.
Need to re-read that fan clutch thread again. Electric fan?

The FAQ here has been very helpful. Tomorrow's inspection will tell. The plus side is the FJ55 will be cheaper to insure than the Camry, but only by $52/year. Down side is my fuel expense will double, easy. Just might force me back on the bicycle.

 

[Pighead]

Fan clutch won't fit on a 2F with a '73 radiator.
And you might as well skip the FJ60 power steering and go to the Scout box if you're going to run 35s..

 

[Trollhole]

private parts collections and an active underground redistribution ring...

No kidding. I bought some parts from one of our own a while back and he dumped a ton of parts on my lap for the underground supply. Have just been waiting for someone to come up needing something.

 

[Trollhole]

First off, the builds by Marshall and Todd have just about scared me off.

Hell that is nothing. Anyone could accomplish what I have done in a weeks time.