Thinking about pulling the trigger on this 60

[nanook]

Hey Mudders,

I've been wanting to buy a cruiser for like 3 years, and I think I found a southern '85 LC that looks good. I mostly want a rig for camping and doing some light off-roading. One day I think I will upgrade to a 200 series, but I don't want to carry a car note that big right now.

Anyways... take a look at the pictures and let me know what you think. I see some body damage that I think I will pull or have pulled, and eventually I think I would want to do an OME lift and put a front bumper and roof mounted tent.

Is there anything in particular that I should check for on these 60 series?
Anything in these pictures jumping out that would scare you away?

Any thoughts or advise you have would be appreciated.

Cheers,
Nanook

 

[Seth S]

Not much info to go on but general rule is look the frame and underside over closely. Open the hood and see if the firewall color matches the exterior. If it doesn’t match then it was resprayed at some time and you’ll want to really look for bondo or suspect body repairs. If it’s just dented then most can be pulled or removed and I’d take dents any day over rust. How does it run and drive. Is the carb cooling fan running after the vehicle warms up and is shut off? Is it stock 2f motor? Any updates or mods besides tires?

 

[nanook]

Thank you. I'll be sure to check that when I go. How difficult is it to get parts for 60 series cruisers in general? I see that it needs a side mirror.

 

[Devils Paw 80]

Thank you. I'll be sure to check that when I go. How difficult is it to get parts for 60 series cruisers in general? I see that it needs a side mirror.

Fairly easy to get used parts. First, true MUD parts for sale classifieds. With the mirrors, it'd be a good time to get a set of the larger FJ62 mirrors that will bolt right up.

 

[Cruiser Corps]

Parts are readily available for the 60s. New / Used / aftermarket parts available on these things.
Looks like a decent truck.

Mike

 

[nanook]

I appreciate the replies, guys. As long as it checks out well in person I think I grab it. Thanks y'all.

 

[OSS]

Just know that wanting a 60 now with the plan of maybe getting a 200 later are almost diametrically opposite plans. The 200 has zero in common with the 60 except the name and four doors, and the experience of owning and driving each one of those couldn't be more different. They're completely different species that share zero DNA.

 

[Seth S]

What is the asking price?

 

[morganism]

The fact that there is a Vac gauge tells you a lot about the trucks care. Should be a dependable ride.

Do look at the rear spring hangers, the curve on the frame over the rear axle, and the front shock mounts. If they look solid, it is a good truck.

 

[TallCityCruzer]

Just know that wanting a 60 now with the plan of maybe getting a 200 later are almost diametrically opposite plans. The 200 has zero in common with the 60 except the name and four doors, and the experience of owning and driving each one of those couldn't be more different. They're completely different species that share zero DNA.

I agree with @OSS. The two are completely different beasts and have unequal capabilities. The FJ60 is great for camping and off-roading but the 200 is great for both as well but also great for towing and long distant travel and a reliable family car. I own both and speak from personal experience.

 

[Seth S]

The FJ60 is a truck made in an era when the concept of an SUV didn’t exist yet but the idea of adding creature comforts was just beginning. So things like a tilt column, AC, and a radio as well as wipers and sprayers on every window were considered quite a luxury.

Driving the stock 4 speed means shifting from first to second halfway through the intersection. The steering is vague and requires more turns of the steering wheel than seem necessary. Power is low but torque is high at low rpms. So interstate hills often mean crunching along with the trucks in the slow lane.

But it’s a lot of fun too.

 

[Willard]

I can simplify this.

The FJ60 is a basic truck and utilitarian that will not leave you stranded. If it has the stock engine, it can be fixed with a basic set of hand tools.

Any other North American sold model after 1987 have the addition of fuel injection, automatic transmissions, sensors etc. As they get newer, computers more comfort and more problems. Yes they are more comfortable for day to day, but a simple sensor can leave you completely stranded anywhere.

I like simple and easy to fix for anything that will spend any time off road or even on road for that.

 

[brian]

They're completely different species that share zero DNA.

for not sharing any dna, in your words, there are design ques visible in the 200 that came from not only the 60 series, but the 55 series before that.
and the success that toyota saw with the 60 series...what with the more creature comforts than before in the 55 series...they sold every single 60 that landed here in very short order....lead them to continue to soften and otherwise take the "edge" off the land cruiser. by the time the 80 series showed up, new buyers were lucky if they even got to choose the color they wanted.

 

[dogfishlake]

I think I've seen this one for sale. It seems pretty good but it is really dented up I think. Rust is non existant, which is huge but you hopefully are content to leave the dents. They are big and creased which doesn't repair easily and means giving up original paint which I think is a pretty big deal. If that's all good with you, buy it. It's a great color and looks cool.

As far as the 60-200 comparo, it's not apples to oranges, but maybe two different kinds of apples. The same unmatched passion for the best there is still exists but the 2 are just simply separated by vastly changed times (or buyers).

Plan to keep the 60 and add the 200 later.

Win-win

 

[dogfishlake]

Also, getting rid of a 60 and "upgrading" to a 200 is possibly not an upgrade, just a big change

Enjoy, and lets here about how the buy goes.

 

[Ocho77]

That thing has been for sale for a long time. Check it over well! Good luck!

 

[8B2 Fiend]

I like the color.

 

[landcruiserjunky]

What is the asking price?

Did OP ever discuss?

 

[Ocho77]

Did OP ever discuss?

Last CL ad I saw was $6500, I believe.

 

[Seth S]

I’d say the price seems reasonable is there’s no rust and it’s just dents.