Question on Restoration of a FJ60?

[Tinker]

There are several logical stages to approaching a project like this.

First, bringing the maintenance up to date, including: suspension bushings; knuckle bearings & seals; brake shoes & pads; hub bearings; clutch/pressure/plate/throwout bearing; seat cushions & upholstery repair; and a whole bunch of things I can't think of right now that others will.

Second, performance upgrades including suspension; engine; transmission; axles; lockers; tires; wheels.

Third, paint & body work: stripping & powdercoating/POR15ing the frame; eliminating rust; paint; etc..

Fourth, extras: sound system; GPS; lights; air horns; winch; compressor; welder; bumpers; sliders; full roll cage; etc..

Determine your priorities & set a budget. You may decide to spend the whole $10K on a diesel conversion. Or just get an Earl Scheib paint job for $300. But remember, according to Pareto, you can get 80% of the whole shebang for 20% of the price. And it sounds like "the price" is about $50K.

 

[RE2RO]

I'm currently in the middle of "tuning" my 60 up proper as well. I elected to get the car purring first and so fortunately found an outstanding mechanic and started working on exhaust leaks etc. That turned into $7K real quick after lots of hemming and hawing.
I just couldn't stomach giving up the 2F so I bought in for a GM fuel injection conversion and new exhaust ($3000 parts only) then got lucky and the week before I was bringing it in for the work the radiator clogged (now add $800 for a stylin' alum radiator, OEM water pump and hoses). Get it in the shop and torn down to find out the head cylinder appears a bit burnt so better replace now while your at it - and since the head will be off and the truck has 211000 miles on it you might as well get the valves done (and thus the rings also) so you tack on another $1500 (parts and labor). Add about $1300 labor for the initial work and you quickly have spent almost $7000! I have no regrets though. Next year if I still have any discretionary income left I'll add the $2K for a 5spd and fix the two dime sized rust spots on the roof.
Good Luck but it costs money to keep a classic running in tip top shape.

 

[johnbill]

I personally would rather spend all the money to have a perfect FJ60. I mean, why buy a brand new SUV for $ 30,000 or more, when I can have a perfect old school land cruiser.

GOD DAMN RIGHT!

Why buy a brand new SUV...at all?

Sorry...but every time I even think about getting rid of my 60 something bad happens. Like today. I've got emissions trouble, and rust, and etc. and was thinking "Man. I should just part this thing out..." not ten minutes later, My co-worker got a front loader stuck in the mud. Took three hours to get him out. FJ60 voodoo...

Anyhow, google Rocky Mountain Cruisers. They got lots of different options, for example, just doing a solid mechanical rebuild and leaving the body alone. I hear good things!

 

[calphi27]

GET A DIESEL..... WELL that is what I would do.