I teach a basics automotive class for one of our local high schools here in Montana. Just two 45 minute elective classes a week. This years project/homework...
A 1972 FJ55.
Found it locally. I pulled over the first day it was on the side of the road with a for sale sign in it. The gentleman who owned it wanted more than I was willing to pay. I passed. It sat for sale for a few months before the owner lowered the price a bit, so I swung back by for a closer look, about a week later and a few conversations with the owner and we struck a deal. My 12 year old son and I drove it home with big grins on our faces.
From what I can tell everything works except the gauge cluster. Nearly all the bits and pieces are there. I think it is original and un-restored with one small section of bubba body work on the tailgate. I don't think there is a truly straight panel on the entire truck but the rust is minimal. Only rust busting through is just in front of the drivers door on the fender. The frame and floor are CLEAN for the year. WAY cleaner than my 40.
My class consists of a dozen students and our plan is to go through the safety stuff and mechanicals first, teaching along the way, letting them get their hands greasy. If we end up with a solid running driver, we will likely move to the interior and freshen it up as well. I'd like to see the FJ55 be an "unrestored" driver. We need a new headliner and seat covers and perhaps a carpet kit. Should be fun.
As it sits 7/25/25
Pork butt...
A 1972 FJ55.
Found it locally. I pulled over the first day it was on the side of the road with a for sale sign in it. The gentleman who owned it wanted more than I was willing to pay. I passed. It sat for sale for a few months before the owner lowered the price a bit, so I swung back by for a closer look, about a week later and a few conversations with the owner and we struck a deal. My 12 year old son and I drove it home with big grins on our faces.
From what I can tell everything works except the gauge cluster. Nearly all the bits and pieces are there. I think it is original and un-restored with one small section of bubba body work on the tailgate. I don't think there is a truly straight panel on the entire truck but the rust is minimal. Only rust busting through is just in front of the drivers door on the fender. The frame and floor are CLEAN for the year. WAY cleaner than my 40.
My class consists of a dozen students and our plan is to go through the safety stuff and mechanicals first, teaching along the way, letting them get their hands greasy. If we end up with a solid running driver, we will likely move to the interior and freshen it up as well. I'd like to see the FJ55 be an "unrestored" driver. We need a new headliner and seat covers and perhaps a carpet kit. Should be fun.
As it sits 7/25/25
Pork butt...
