Thoughts on this $1,000 cruiser (1 Viewer)

[huddleston]

my original plan was to wait a few months for a cruiser that was in great shape. after doing some research i thought it may be cheaper to find one that someone no longer wants and with a little work could be brought back to life. below are the links to two possibilities and i was curious what you guys thought. the first is an FJ55 and the second and FJ62. i prefer the 62 for EFI, PW, PL etc but the 55s are more rare.

here is the FJ55. i have been texting the seller and he says it runs. the body is obviously terrible but as long as it isnt beyond salvageable i think it may be worth a shot to pickup for $800 or so.

http://fayar.craigslist.org/cto/3732030041.html


This 62 doesnt look too bad, the only thing that scares me is the electrical issues - i have no idea how easy or difficult it is to replace this stuff.


http://fayar.craigslist.org/cto/3665198930.html

any thoughts or comments are appreciated guys.

 

[YotaJosh]

With lots of work, both could be brought back to DD status, but you're looking at lots of time, money, and bloody knuckles. Some folks don't mind that kind of investment, but others jump in and realize that they are over their head long after the honeymoon period has worn off.

If you really want a FJ55 (who doesn't?) I'd look at this one instead: http://littlerock.craigslist.org/cto/3732973389.html

It looks a heck of a lot better than the $800 one.

I'd consider both of the ones you linked as "parts" or "trail" trucks. Edit: the FJ55 is a parts truck, the FJ62 looks like it could be brought back to life. The wiring issue could be minor or major. You'd just have to look at it and judge it in person.

 

[huddleston]

With lots of work, both could be brought back to DD status, but you're looking at lots of time, money, and bloody knuckles. Some folks don't mind that kind of investment, but others jump in and realize that they are over their head long after the honeymoon period has worn off.

If you really want a FJ55 (who doesn't?) I'd look at this one instead: http://littlerock.craigslist.org/cto/3732973389.html

It looks a heck of a lot better than the $800 one.

I'd consider both of the ones you linked as "parts" or "trail" trucks. Edit: the FJ55 is a parts truck, the FJ62 looks like it could be brought back to life. The wiring issue could be minor or major. You'd just have to look at it and judge it in person.

that 55 does look much better, i'll have to wait a while longer before i have that much cash though. i doubt it will be around very long.

i am really looking for something i can resurrect over the next few years to DD status. i dont really need it for daily driving now, but thats the ultimate goal.

what should i look for on the wiring issues on the 62? anything specific?

 

[YotaJosh]

what should i look for on the wiring issues on the 62? anything specific?

If it runs now and the owner can start it, then that's a plus. Let him catch it on fire!

If he hasn't started it since the wires were chewed, and he won't attempt it, then I'd carefully look at the wires and see if it's just insulation missing (meaning bare copper wire showing), or if they have been chewed in two (rare but possible).

If you have bare wire exposed, you have to be certain to separate them and either replace the chewed section with new wire and solder/heat shrink (preferred) or tape it up to reinsulate it (works in a pinch) so that no wires are touching each other before you even attempt to start it or put a hot battery in it.

 

[Tireguy87]

that 55 does look much better, i'll have to wait a while longer before i have that much cash though. i doubt it will be around very long.

i am really looking for something i can resurrect over the next few years to DD status. i dont really need it for daily driving now, but thats the ultimate goal.

what should i look for on the wiring issues on the 62? anything specific?

Personally I'd steer clear of the red 55. That thing is going to be a lot of work if you want a DD. I'd pick that 62 if it were me. But don't give up. I looked for 3-4 months searching Craigslist religiously in surrounding states and finally found mine. It was a complete, stock, nearly rust free '67 FJ40 that had just been sitting for years. After a weekend road trip and an investment around what you're looking to spend, it was mine.

 

[huddleston]

thanks, i keep reminding myself to just be patient and i'll be much happier in the end.

 

[coolhand]

Anyone knows the man who had the FJ55, what happen to the Fj55, or where it is now?

 

[coolhand]

Any info will help, I'm just wanting some parts.