Time to introduce myself and my pig

[ArcheoMan]

After a few months of checking in on this awesome site, it's time I introduce myself and my pig. You guys are going to love this story. I bought a house from a coworker about 5 months ago and you'll never guess what was in the garage! A solid FJ55. My friend transeferred about 500 miles from here and decided he would give me the iron pig if I wanted it. Easy answer. On top of that, the house has a shop with air compressor, etc. I've never done a lot of mechanical work and am a true newby, but I'm looking forward to getting dirty with this one. Always loved old Crusers, and drove a jeep back in high school. So I'm not a newby to off roading. Here's what I know about the 55, it was running 8 years ago when the starter solenoid blew a hole. The PO towed it home and parked it in the garage. It hasn't been out since. I'll be checking with ya'll on some basic advice to get her ready to be a 3-4 day a week DD. I will want to know if I should/need to "upgrade" the starter, ignition, or anything else that will help make a DD and get a little better MPGs. I'm keeping the mag wheels and getting basic AT tires (suggestions?), flushing all fluids, dropping and cleaning the tank, new hoses and rubber fluid caps where needed, etc. Any starter help will be appreciated! Thanks... Check out a few picks of the dirty ol' pig still in the pen (for now).

 

[FJ40 MNTCRZR]

First off, Welcome to MUD (OFFICIAL WELCOME).

Next, nice score on the pig, my 40 was sitting for 4 years when i got it. did everything you said, tune up and fuel related, didn't have to upgrade any wiring or electrical, just replaced fuel filter and some new gas, batt etc .. and wham it runs great ...

Its a toyota, i think you will be surprised with a little effort it will probably run. Unless its frozen up.


GL

 

[cruiserjunkie]

Welcome Thats a great looking pig. Tune it up and change the fliuds and see how she runs

 

[fj40z]

Great story, that looks pig looks to be in pretty good shape.

 

[ArcheoMan]

Thanks!

Now that I've been officially welcomed, I'll post a few more pics for the archives. How much work does it take to qualify for a "build thread"? I'll post again soon with cleaning thread photos to reveal what treasures are beneath the layers of dust and grit. After tires, new battery and starter, I know the driver's side window is broken out and the electric rear window never worked for the po. I did a basic search and didn't get much on starters, but I'll keep searching. The owners manual was with it, I can copy and share with anyone - I also got the Haynes manual in my Christmas stocking.

 

[FJFOOL]

Good score, even got a pto winch !! Have fun, let us know when you get the beast running

 

[nuclearlemon]

Nice score

looks like a beauty. btw, those are mag wheels, those are wagon wheels. mag is a generic term often mistaken for aluminum wheels. look forward to lots of leaks, probably out of the front and rear main seals, pinion seals, tcase output seals, and watch your water pump weep hole. definitely go for the fj60 starter conversion. visit the 55 forum at the bottom of the toy tech page and we'll help ya get it up and running. will take a little bit of tlc, but it will be worth it. once you go pig, you won't go back

 

[Trollhole]

PTO, stock A/C

Nice find. Could you take a pic of the PTO shifter? I'd love to see the location of the hole.

 

[alkarich]

Congrats. Give a good wash and post up some pics. Hopefully it'll be mobile in no time.

 

[PabloCruise]

Wow! What a score!!!

Another 1974 w/ a PTO winch!

In case you don't know, the PTO adds value to your already fine Pig!

I want to see pics of how the body is holding up.

Please head over to the 55 section and say hello! FJ55 Iron Pig Preservation Society - IH8MUD Forums

 

[71 redwood]

nice score,,i like the pig......

 

[77HesterSue]

Great story. Can't wait to see how she cleans up. Welcome

 

[mmw68]

Welcome to Ih8mud, and what's going on with your TLCA number 59,891,184?

Lots of Texans into the Land Cruisers, so if you need any help, just jump over to the Lone Star Land Cruiser section under the clubhouse tab above.

-Mark

 

[bridges]

Congrats on both the new house and the new cruiser! I moved out of Lubbock a few years ago and regret selling a house there (26th and University).

Check the 60 section and search for 'Lubbock', there were a couple guys local there that might lend a hand, you could drop them a pm.

Also, if you need parts and don't want to wait on shipping, Gene Messer on 19th has been more than fair on parts pricing. It's even been cheaper for me to order there and ship to Austin than buy from a dealership here.

Looking forward to the progress updates on this one!

Congrats again and, enjoy that new ride!

 

[cruiserbrett]

PTO, stock A/C

Nice Score!

No kidding, nice score! That is the first one I have seen that has had both(that havent been added during a resto)

 

[mot]

AWESOME story!!

 

[PabloCruise]

PTO, stock A/C

Nice find. Could you take a pic of the PTO shifter? I'd love to see the location of the hole.

I do not see A/C on this rig?

I can grab a pic of my PTO shifter - also on a '74 55

 

[PabloCruise]

Nice Score!

No kidding, nice score! That is the first one I have seen that has had both(that havent been added during a resto)

My '74 has these...

 

[cruiserbrett]

I do not see A/C on this rig?

I can grab a pic of my PTO shifter - also on a '74 55

You can see the OEM Nippondenso A/C only center louvre. That is the factory a/c for late 73 and newer 55's.

 

[Grease Cruiser]

I do not see A/C on this rig?

I can grab a pic of my PTO shifter - also on a '74 55

Look at the picture of the dash. It's the factory Nippondenso AC setup, same as my 76.

Nice score! Is it running yet?