This is my first post in many moons.
I’m here because I’m in need of guidance. My FJ60 has been out of commission for almost two years now. I had plans to replace the engine but once my son was on the way, my cruiser dreams took a backseat. I’ve toyed with selling it, almost had it sold a couple of times and even turned a couple offers down. Turns out I love the ugly beast, much to the wife’s dismay. Now my son is nearing a year old and the 60 continues to rot.
Currently, I can take only my wife or kid with me in my pickup. Assuming there are laws against tying down baby seats in truck beds, I’m in need of a dependable daily driver that can haul four comfortably which leads me back to the cruiser dream.
I’ve got an ‘84 with a decent body, no frame rust, worn interior, substantial rust on rear quarters, a sagging rear and warped tires. I need a vehicle that is safe and reliable. Other than regular maintenance skills (oil, brakes, plugs, etc.) I don’t have a lot of mechanical repair experience. I am open to learning, but can’t afford to have my vehicle to be down for days at a time.
Assuming a budget of $12k, could I make my cruiser into a reliable daily driver? SOR has a serviced 2F for $3200. I was ballparked $700 for delivery. A trusted local mechanic quoted me $1600-$1800 for just labor on the swap. That’s knocking on the door of $6k for an old 2F. For this price, would a V8 conversion make more sense? With a “new” engine, could I expect a good level of dependability? Would I have enough money left over to address the safety and cosmetic concerns as well?
I haven’t addressed all of the issues yet but instead of unleashing a torrent of questions, I’d just like to hear some opinions on whether or not my budget could get this rig rolling again, preferably looking decent in the process. Thanks.
I’m here because I’m in need of guidance. My FJ60 has been out of commission for almost two years now. I had plans to replace the engine but once my son was on the way, my cruiser dreams took a backseat. I’ve toyed with selling it, almost had it sold a couple of times and even turned a couple offers down. Turns out I love the ugly beast, much to the wife’s dismay. Now my son is nearing a year old and the 60 continues to rot.
Currently, I can take only my wife or kid with me in my pickup. Assuming there are laws against tying down baby seats in truck beds, I’m in need of a dependable daily driver that can haul four comfortably which leads me back to the cruiser dream.
I’ve got an ‘84 with a decent body, no frame rust, worn interior, substantial rust on rear quarters, a sagging rear and warped tires. I need a vehicle that is safe and reliable. Other than regular maintenance skills (oil, brakes, plugs, etc.) I don’t have a lot of mechanical repair experience. I am open to learning, but can’t afford to have my vehicle to be down for days at a time.
Assuming a budget of $12k, could I make my cruiser into a reliable daily driver? SOR has a serviced 2F for $3200. I was ballparked $700 for delivery. A trusted local mechanic quoted me $1600-$1800 for just labor on the swap. That’s knocking on the door of $6k for an old 2F. For this price, would a V8 conversion make more sense? With a “new” engine, could I expect a good level of dependability? Would I have enough money left over to address the safety and cosmetic concerns as well?
I haven’t addressed all of the issues yet but instead of unleashing a torrent of questions, I’d just like to hear some opinions on whether or not my budget could get this rig rolling again, preferably looking decent in the process. Thanks.
