Recently acquired FJ62. Looking for Cruiser Mechanic in Springfield, MO (1 Viewer)

[LoboWolf]

I just bought this 1990 FJ 62 for next to nothing. The body is straight, the interior is extremely clean, and everything is original. It has a few small rust spots, but the frame is clean. I'm very proud of it!

The engine on the other hand, saw some neglect - and at 229k miles I'm crying a few tears. I'm looking for a great mechanic with experience in 3FE engines in Springfield, MO. I'm considering a rebuild or a swap. Most likely a swap. The rod, it is a knockin'.

Also, I'll most likely be on the lookout for 3FE engines in the area. Or, a potential bolt-on swap of another variety.

Thanks for all the info out there. This site is such a wealth of information.

 

[4Cruisers]

Welcome to MUD. That's a nice looking FJ62 you picked up.

Can't help with your question on mechanics in your area, but here's a few things to keep in mind w.r.t. a rebuild. I had the 3FE from my '89 FJ62 rebuilt by Empire Engines in Albuquerque, it's going in my '86 FJ60 project vehicle. The entire rebuild gasket set is no longer available through Toyota, but the individual gaskets are. The shop that rebuilt mine used a combination of OEM gaskets and the best FelPro gaskets. If you go with a rebuild definitely have the shop use the OEM head gasket, manifold gasket, and one-piece oil pan gasket. The 3FEs use composite timing gears, so it's best to have those replaced along with any other internals that may need replacing.

 

[3_puppies]

did you check here?

CRUISER MECHANICS - Listed by State

 

[jakerudy]

Between the cost of the engine rebuild and what I've heard about the auto transmission rebuilds you may be better off going straight to a conversion rather than rebuild. I'm about 1-1/2 hours from Springfield if you would like to see what a 6BT does to a Cruiser. The various SBC are also great choices.

 

[LoboWolf]

Welcome to MUD. That's a nice looking FJ62 you picked up.

Can't help with your question on mechanics in your area, but here's a few things to keep in mind w.r.t. a rebuild. I had the 3FE from my '89 FJ62 rebuilt by Empire Engines in Albuquerque, it's going in my '86 FJ60 project vehicle. The entire rebuild gasket set is no longer available through Toyota, but the individual gaskets are. The shop that rebuilt mine used a combination of OEM gaskets and the best FelPro gaskets. If you go with a rebuild definitely have the shop use the OEM head gasket, manifold gasket, and one-piece oil pan gasket. The 3FEs use composite timing gears, so it's best to have those replaced along with any other internals that may need replacing.

Thank you, 4cruisers. What an awesome and informative reply. I really appreciate the information and will definitely use it in a rebuild conversation when I find a good local.

Thanks, too, for the compliment on the cruiser. It's been a dream of mine for a long time to own one.

 

[LoboWolf]

Between the cost of the engine rebuild and what I've heard about the auto transmission rebuilds you may be better off going straight to a conversion rather than rebuild. I'm about 1-1/2 hours from Springfield if you would like to see what a 6BT does to a Cruiser. The various SBC are also great choices.

Jakerudy, I appreciate the feedback on the conversion option. I've thought about the SBC option quite a bit. If I can get over my Toyota purity issues, that's the way I'll go.
You've inspired me to do some SBC swap research. Maybe as I get closer to a decision I'll take you up on checking out your cruiser. Thanks again!

 

[LoboWolf]

did you check here?

CRUISER MECHANICS - Listed by State

I did. Missouri just happens to be a state without information in that thread. Hopefully I'll be able to fill in some info in the near future.

 

[slacker24-7]

Look in NW Ark it's not real far for you should be a few there one in particular is Jewel Bohannan (sp) Bohannan auto in I believe bentonville, good mechanic and a cruiser guy from way back

 

[LoboWolf]

Look in NW Ark it's not real far for you should be a few there one in particular is Jewel Bohannan (sp) Bohannan auto in I believe bentonville, good mechanic and a cruiser guy from way back

Excellent place to start! Thank you!

 

[jfnall]

I'm in nixa. Have had my 60 for over 10 years. I gave up trying to find any decent mechanic work around here at shops, especially involving a carb. Started figuring it out myself with this forum as my main research tool. Mothers Automotive works on a lot of older vehicles. I've seen a 60 sitting at Complete Automotive on chestnut, just in the last few weeks. They put fuel Injection setup on it. Only reason I know is I bought the old carb. Overseas and domestic on weller is a great shop. They do mostly import stuff. I've heard Import specialists on Pythian is pretty good but don't have personal experience.

I did a rebuild on a 2F and used Mothers Machine Shop for the motor and head work. Would NOT recommend that place. The machine shop on commercial street just east of White River Brewing - heard good things about them. A buddy did a rover motor there.

Might PM Rekcut. He has several cruiser and probably has used several different shops over the years.

IMO - I think a swap will lessen your resale value down the road. Unless you get it to a shop that does ALOT of swaps, and that ain't in springfield. Stick with your Toyota purist impulse and rebuild what you got in there.

Check craigslist. There are 2 3fe motors for sale in NW Arkansas.

PM me. I'd like to see this up close. Can offer what Ive learned in the resto of mine. 2F not a 3fe though.

 

[The Eradicator]

I have had a similar experience to jfnall; Springfield doesn't have many people knowledgeable in Toyotas. I had a local shop do a gear install and they completely butchered it (zuk did a writeup on fixing their work here: noisy gear install).

I took my 22RE block and head to Springfield Engine Supply (the shop on commercial that jfnall is referring to). They missed a crack in the block, which resulted in me having to rebuild the engine twice. Clint strongly suggested that I just use stop-leak, but, after a bit of argument, he agreed to resolve the issue correctly. I am glad that they eventually did the right thing, but I wouldn't recommend them.

If you decide to go down the rebuild route, I would check in with the people in the Tornado Alley clubhouse section. IIRC they have a trusted machine shop that has done a number of cruiser engines for them.

Looks like a clean 62. I hope to see you around town sometime.