The Time Has Arrived-FJ55 Resto Beginning

[Dryfly43]

For the past 7 years, she has been tucked away in a barn and patiently waiting on me. Finally, the factors have aligned and I am able to begin the project and will do so with my son.
This one is so much different than my 62 build because of the work required to bring it back. Mechanically, I believe I'm in good shape. I drove it off of the trailer years ago and motor sounded pretty good. Aside from a good fuel tank cleaning, I really don't expect to have to invest a lot of time getting her running smoothly.
The body, as you can see, is an altogether different story--and I'm not sure where to even begin as it is much like taking a drink from a fire hose. Your thoughts/advice is much welcomed.

 

[Old Nick]

For the past 7 years, she has been tucked away in a barn and patiently waiting on me. Finally, the factors have aligned and I am able to begin the project and will do so with my son.
This one is so much different than my 62 build because of the work required to bring it back. Mechanically, I believe I'm in good shape. I drove it off of the trailer years ago and motor sounded pretty good. Aside from a good fuel tank cleaning, I really don't expect to have to invest a lot of time getting her running smoothly.
The body, as you can see, is an altogether different story--and I'm not sure where to even begin as it is much like taking a drink from a fire hose. Your thoughts/advice is much welcomed.
View attachment 3940669

Right on! Looking forward to following your progress.

 

[scrapdaddy]

Seems to be a ton of putty in the roof, might to be better to source a replacement roof or whole body with a better starting point.

 

[bobm]

Putty Buddy . Lots a fun. Congrats. Dont break that windshield .

 

[Dryfly43]

Putty Buddy . Lots a fun. Congrats. Dont break that windshield .

Too late friend...was fine for several years until transported to the final resting place a few days ago and noticed a crack running right through the middle.

 

[WarDamnEagle]

Gosh. What do you want in the end, what do you think you can do yourself, and how much are you willing to spend? I assume this was someone else’s project at one time?

A few more details on what we are looking at would help.

 

[Dryfly43]

Gosh. What do you want in the end, what do you think you can do yourself, and how much are you willing to spend? I assume this was someone else’s project at one time?

A few more details on what we are looking at would help.

I'd like to have something just south of show quality. Just a good looking, reliable DD that turns heads and advertises to today's younger generation what old school is. I don't know if that answered your question because it's difficult for me to answer it for myself.
For now, $40K is my expectation and will pinch pennies as much as I can to minimize that. A lot of the answers to the question above will begin to take shape as I hit $10K, 20K, etc. I'm planning on handling the mechanical and as much of the electrical as I can do myself and farm out body work to those much more qualified than I. The first thing I'm going to do is go ahead and have it sandblasted and sealed--that's when the real truth will come out.
Yes--someone attempted a resto on it and believe they realized that they bit off more than they could chew. I picked it up from a friend who picked it up from whoever attempted the repairs. I have a name and an address from an old shipping label,, but yet to have success connecting to find out more history.

and War Eagle. Always. (class of '89)

 

[WarDamnEagle]

and War Eagle. Always. (class of '89)

WDE! Class of '84.

My pig is in the middle of body work and although they are sandblasting, sanding, etc., they are also having to cut a lot of parts apart. Many areas on these pigs are layered and totally untouchable unless you tear/cut them apart. Just FYI and good luck. $40k will definitely go a long way; especially if the bulk of that budget is spent on body work. Whoever you get to do the body work absolutely has to know how to do old school body metal work. I took my body all the way to Flagstaff to find that person.

 

[bobm]

Old school metalwork within your time frame and not stick it

 

[samc2447]

Real talk. Based on the condition of the roof and the hood in the only picture you attached, I guarantee there is far more hidden rust on that thing. The blaster never lies.

IMO that is a parts truck based on your 40k budget. Find a better tub to start with and you'll be miles ahead. If you're farming out the body work, there is at least 20k in body work alone that is visible now, probably more once you get it blasted. To properly restore that truck, or at least make is solid, you'd need to double or most likely triple your budget. Are you painting it yourself? If not, for a just below show quality paint job you'll need $10K. So, 30k spent already at least.

Having someone else do your body work is expensive. Especially since most areas requiring repair need to be custom made or sourced from clean donors.

Spend 5-10k of your budget on a better tub and you'll have plenty of money for the mechanical work and paint and be back on the road much sooner. Hit up @Pigeaten for a better tub. He has a knack for finding nice donors.

 

[J Mack]

I guarantee there is far more hidden rust on that thing.