Question on Restoration of a FJ60?

[fjdemon]

I have a 1987 FJ60. I'm heading overseas and when I get back, I want to restore it fully. I'd rather put $10 thousand into it than into a new car. I was curious as to where I could have it done, I want everything redone. I want to do frame off. Clean it up and coat it. My FJ60 is in great shape now, with 99% rust free and I want to keep it that way for 20 more years. Any suggestions. Oh, I live in Georgia currently. Thanks Also what would it cost to pull it off the frame and do the acid wash with coating?

 

[Tofudebeest]

$10K should get you a first rate restoration.
Urban Cruisers out of Atlanta would jump at the opportunity, but they have mixed reviews. PM "kkt" (Keil Thompson), he knows those guys well. http://www.urbanlandcruisers.com/products.html.

CCOT (Cool Cruisers of Texas) is another restorer. The west coast places (TLC, http://www.tlc4x4.com/2000/Restorations/new/fj60/tlc_resto_fj60.htm) will cost you $1,500 minimum (each way) just in transport costs. Lots of options, look at the vendor list here on Mud.

 

[Devils Paw 80]

I want to do frame off. Clean it up and coat it. My FJ60 is in great shape now, with 99% rust free and I want to keep it that way for 20 more years.

Don't mean to rain on your parade, but what's the point of a frame off if the rig is 99% rust free? It should remain that way for another 20 years with adequate care. FWIW, I'd go with a complete brake system overhaul, new suspension and interior and save some cash. Engine parts can be replaced as needed.

 

[Marc311]

You obviously really like your LC, so more power to you to put 10K into it. I don't know for sure, but I wouldn't think 10K would get you even close to a ground up restoration, at least with a 3rd party doing it. Figure 5-7K to rebuild the drivetrain, paint/body/frame can easily be another 5K or more. Tires and suspension can add a couple grand. That still leaves you with the interior to do and a thousand little pieces that add up quickly.

HOWEVER, I do think if you put 10K into your rig you would likely be real happy with the results. I think I would just direct that money to specific areas that needed attention. If the paint and body are pretty good, why pay thousands to make them perfect. Maybe spend a grand or two for minor body work, a wet sand, etc. Two grand for a five speed would be a nice upgrade.

Again, I am in no way trying to rain on your parade. In fact, I really think you should do it. I just don't want you to be disappointed if you find a full restoration costs more like 20-30K. It seems after that first 10K, it becomes diminishing returns and you start paying a lot for little improvements. But you could do some really nice things with that first 10K. Keep us posted!

(Yikes! I was just looking at the TLC site and their Stage 3 restoration prices run $50-70K +)

 

[dogboy2]

I don't know for sure, but I wouldn't think 10K would get you even close to a ground up restoration, at least with a 3rd party doing it.

(Yikes! I was just looking at the TLC site and their Stage 3 restoration prices run $50-70K +)

You're right, not even close......

It's a bit of a can of worms - once you start down this path, if everything isn't done to that level, it looks/seems/feels out of place. Go BIG or Go HOME is the name of this game and you won't be satisfied if you start cutting corners or skimping out with cheap, non-OEM replacement parts. God is in the details and may He also bless your wallet - it adds up.....quite quickly too....the trick is not to total up the receipts and to never second guess or look back.

TLC is overpriced - if you are highly motivated and a skilled DIY'er, source local vendors and do as much of the work yourself as is possible. You'll end up with a product that can be every bit as good as a 3rd parties effort and you'll have the deep satisfaction of pride that goes with it.

Just my 2¢ - take it for what it's worth
-dogboy- '87 FJ60

 

[landcruiserjunky]

if everything isn't done to that level, it looks/seems/feels out of place. Go BIG or Go HOME is the name of this game and you won't be satisfied if you start cutting corners or skimping out with cheap, non-OEM replacement parts.

Reminds me when I redid my seats and door panels. Now the carpet and headliner bug me. (Rhino liner anyone?)

 

[Mike S]

I had a very nice 1987 60. For <$10K I did OME suspension, H55F 5 speed, FF rear axle, dual batts, and a dozen other smaller things to improve performance and reliability. It was well worth it.

The next step was a full repaint job and Turbodiesel engine.

Then I woke up and bought an 80 - not as much style, but a solid truck on or off the highway.

My point is, the 60 is great vehicle, but beyond a certain point you are over spending. The $10K will get you a very nice 60 with upgrades that mean something in performance and reliabilty. No need IMO for a full resto on a 60 in good condition.

 

[CSA]

Here's an idea: Take the $10k you would put into your 60 and buy a nice FZJ80 to go with it.

 

[GLTHFJ60]

Here's an idea: Take the $10k you would put into your 60 and buy a nice FZJ80 to go with it.

TRAITOR!!! You and your automatic transmissions and power windows....

 

[Goldeneagle]

Ok Demon,

I was in your same boat about a year ago.
I took my truck to Urban
https://forum.ih8mud.com/showthread.php?t=144340

It's a year later, and I still don't have my truck.....
(i had it for 3 weeks back in march, while we were lining up a second body shop)

Now, before you get into it; you must know that you WILL spend more money and more time than you planned.
Wherever you have it done.

My situation has been a nightmare. Mainly because Urban Landcruisers does not have their own paint/body work recources.
And my truck required front end body work/ rear quarter panel and roof rust repair.

From a mechanical perspective, I have been very happy.
From a paint and body perspective; Urban (at this time) would be a middle-man.

I am supposed to be getting my truck back in the next week
So I am trying to hold judgement until I receive my truck.

When it's all said and done, I will have spent ATLEAST $15K.
(that's for everything; susp/axle's rebuilt/power steering rebuild/ARB bar/carpet/ and more)

But that's a classic cruiser.
And if you can't deal, then drive a RAV4, or a 100...

Good luck man, PM me if you have any questions.
Did I mention it's been a year?!?!?

~eagle~

 

[beaufort-fj60]

Here's an idea: Take the $10k you would put into your 60 and buy a nice FZJ80 to go with it.

hell.. there was a 100 in the forsale section for $8500.

 

[CSA]

TRAITOR!!! You and your automatic transmissions and power windows....

and coil springs, and full floating rear axle, and rear disk brakes, and e-lockers, and efi, and 212 horsepower, and . . . .

 

[fjdemon]

Thanks for all the input. I guess I will just have to see how things go when I return home. 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. If I can find the right people to do it I shouldn't have any issues. I know it's steep, but even for $15 thousand I think it would be worth it.

 

[brownbear]

10k does some nice things.

I paid 3500 for a custom interior. Had the seats reshaped and covered in a vinyl leather like covers. With heaters and lumbars.

Then I spent 2500 on suspension

2-3k or more on body parts.

2k on misc stuff.


Yah I honestly have close to 10k plus in this truck.

you will not get it restored for 10k. I think 20 is closer.

Paint is 5k.

 

[Rob Faucett]

Paint is 5k.

Yikes . . . is this a guess or from experience?!

 

[fowldarr]

If you want it done right. You can take it down to the local quickie paint for $600, and it will look good from 10 feet away, but it will still have all the little dents and dings, that maybe you don't even notice other than it just doens't look as clean as it should. $5000 give or take depending on what it needs. But that should be body work, prep and paint. If you want it to be as nice as you say, do it right the first time.

 

[g-man]

If its a stock vehicle, what's the mileage??? Over 200K I would think about a 5 speed h55f tranny and an modern fuel efficient motor...check out the isuzu swap ...Rhino is getting 24 - 25 mpg average in his fj55. Id concentrate on the drivetrain first. Esp if I was 99% rust free. But if your just off roading and like playing around in low gears maybe its fine w/the engine/tranny set up.

 

[brownbear]

Yikes . . . is this a guess or from experience?!

5k is about opener price. If you did the prep and body work, and taping. It could cost 1-2k for spraying. But if they have to remove the trim, windows and prep it, spray it and hand you back a finished car.Expect 5k.

It could be cheaper though. If you want a car show finish that is what it might cost.

 

[moneypit]

Proffits cruisers in Denver does full restorations as well as engine replacements. you might give them a call.

 

[Spike Strip]

I'm in the same boat, FJDeamon... I'm just starting a mild '85 FJ60 rebuild and had originally budgeted 3K $ for drive line, 3" suspension, and tires; now, as I get into it and find more and more things worn/broken, I see my estimate was low and will probably have to go up to 5K (doing all the work myself, except for the head and block machining...)

I'm only going to seat cover the int and maybe rhino line, but I'll cross that creaky bridge when I get to it...

Good luck, and I think your $10k figure is low for a 3rd party resto, but it'll probably work for a 3rd party driveline rebuild and maybe suspension?

S.