My passion for toyotas began in high school. It ran throughout the line from the AE86 Corolla and Starlets, to the Hlux and 4runners. I never considered Land Cruisers at the time as I didnt see many 60 series around. It was the early 1980's in Florida and there just werent many to be seen.
As the years went by I owned many different Toyotas.I saw the ad for my truck on TTORA which led me here to mud. I saw something in that truck. It needed me or better I needed it. The ad was well written and even though it was across the country I bought it. Hindsight being what it is, I should have had a mudder check it out and give me an honest assessment of the condition. I think someone even offered, but I didnt know about how most people into cruisers are stand up guys that would look out for a new owner. So after a long wait for shipping, the truck arrives, I am less than happy, it ran like crap, drove like crap, stopped like crap and was downright dangerous to steer. I made it home and started looking at it.
I had no idea what I got myself into financially. So I Made a plan and then took the truck down to a recomended mechanic. The first drive on the highway was very sketchy the motor had no power and I was really surprised to make the 2 1/2 hour drive in one piece. The bad news came in that the motor indeed was dead. The mechanic was Peter Merriam whom I now consider a friend. I left him with the direction to make it like new. There was a fellow at the shop that day ( seems he's there almost everyday) he said he was going diesel in all his cruisers (apparently he has a collection) and had a low mileage 2f (15-20 thousand kilometers) that he would sell me. Said it was from a JDM FJ60 firetruck. I now had my engine. This was February 2008.
I drove the truck home in July and fall in love with this thing every time I drive it. No vehicle I have ever owned has the distinct personality of this truck. In my town there are about 4 other cruisers ( 3- 80 series and a 62) I look for them everyday just to see someone who is familiar with what owning a cruiser is like. My addiction is complete, and my wallet is completely drained. I dream of lockers, roof racks, drawer systems, Ham radios and snorkels. I have always meticulously maintained my vehicles and I now realize I need a trail only rig. I use the Colonel for Daily driving, camping, and when time and work permit I intend to take it on more than a few expedition style trips. The people I have met as a result of owning this truck are great and always ready to lend a hand. I drive my 60 every day and find excuses to drive it even when I dont have to, gas prices can get to 10.00 a gallon and I will still drive it (albeit very slowly).
I have a lot of pictures so 56k will want to pass. Hope you enjoy.
Here is a list of everything I have done so far :H55f 5 Speed, 15k original miles 2F, Full desmog, Hellroaring Dual Optima Batteries, Hella black magic lights, IPF Headlights and harness, FJ62 grab bar,Procar seats, VDO gauges in stereo din, Dual voltmeters, Tuffy Stereo console with Kenwood USB/Satellite receiver, Bazooka tube 8" 200watt, Damplifier sound deadening, new carpet, Lecarra steering wheel, OME Heavy/Heavy 3" suspension, ARB front bumper, Solid Rock Off Road rear bumper (coming soon...right Jim?), BFG AT 32x11.5-15 on old school enkei aluminum wheels, ARB Slider steps, Eastwood coated undercarriage, FJ62 rear sway bar, Rebuilt transfer case, JIMC rebuilt carb, Non-usa distributor, Flowmaster 40 series exhaust, TEQ shifter ball , lev o gage, from Cruisercrap, Hand throttle kit from SOR, Power antenna from fj62, Upgraded ground straps, , Amsoil everywhere.
Pictures are in somewhat random order: The latest undercarriage pics are after a year of driving including multiple saltings of the roads.
Power Antenna and Hand Throttle
Closeup of IPF Heacdlights
Rear passenger compartment
SOR Smog pump delete
Full Desmog
Engine bay Dual Optimas
Hellroaring Isolater
Taskled Dome Light
As the years went by I owned many different Toyotas.I saw the ad for my truck on TTORA which led me here to mud. I saw something in that truck. It needed me or better I needed it. The ad was well written and even though it was across the country I bought it. Hindsight being what it is, I should have had a mudder check it out and give me an honest assessment of the condition. I think someone even offered, but I didnt know about how most people into cruisers are stand up guys that would look out for a new owner. So after a long wait for shipping, the truck arrives, I am less than happy, it ran like crap, drove like crap, stopped like crap and was downright dangerous to steer. I made it home and started looking at it.
I had no idea what I got myself into financially. So I Made a plan and then took the truck down to a recomended mechanic. The first drive on the highway was very sketchy the motor had no power and I was really surprised to make the 2 1/2 hour drive in one piece. The bad news came in that the motor indeed was dead. The mechanic was Peter Merriam whom I now consider a friend. I left him with the direction to make it like new. There was a fellow at the shop that day ( seems he's there almost everyday) he said he was going diesel in all his cruisers (apparently he has a collection) and had a low mileage 2f (15-20 thousand kilometers) that he would sell me. Said it was from a JDM FJ60 firetruck. I now had my engine. This was February 2008.
I drove the truck home in July and fall in love with this thing every time I drive it. No vehicle I have ever owned has the distinct personality of this truck. In my town there are about 4 other cruisers ( 3- 80 series and a 62) I look for them everyday just to see someone who is familiar with what owning a cruiser is like. My addiction is complete, and my wallet is completely drained. I dream of lockers, roof racks, drawer systems, Ham radios and snorkels. I have always meticulously maintained my vehicles and I now realize I need a trail only rig. I use the Colonel for Daily driving, camping, and when time and work permit I intend to take it on more than a few expedition style trips. The people I have met as a result of owning this truck are great and always ready to lend a hand. I drive my 60 every day and find excuses to drive it even when I dont have to, gas prices can get to 10.00 a gallon and I will still drive it (albeit very slowly).
I have a lot of pictures so 56k will want to pass. Hope you enjoy.
Here is a list of everything I have done so far :H55f 5 Speed, 15k original miles 2F, Full desmog, Hellroaring Dual Optima Batteries, Hella black magic lights, IPF Headlights and harness, FJ62 grab bar,Procar seats, VDO gauges in stereo din, Dual voltmeters, Tuffy Stereo console with Kenwood USB/Satellite receiver, Bazooka tube 8" 200watt, Damplifier sound deadening, new carpet, Lecarra steering wheel, OME Heavy/Heavy 3" suspension, ARB front bumper, Solid Rock Off Road rear bumper (coming soon...right Jim?), BFG AT 32x11.5-15 on old school enkei aluminum wheels, ARB Slider steps, Eastwood coated undercarriage, FJ62 rear sway bar, Rebuilt transfer case, JIMC rebuilt carb, Non-usa distributor, Flowmaster 40 series exhaust, TEQ shifter ball , lev o gage, from Cruisercrap, Hand throttle kit from SOR, Power antenna from fj62, Upgraded ground straps, , Amsoil everywhere.
Pictures are in somewhat random order: The latest undercarriage pics are after a year of driving including multiple saltings of the roads.
Power Antenna and Hand Throttle
Closeup of IPF Heacdlights
Rear passenger compartment
SOR Smog pump delete
Full Desmog
Engine bay Dual Optimas
Hellroaring Isolater
Taskled Dome Light
