Upgrades - Would you do it?

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R

rcr1996

10 Year 15 Year
Joined
Mar 23, 2006
Threads
6
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I am the original owner of 1987 FJ60 64k Miles
Manufactured in Dec. 1986

Recently, I had a full diagnostic evaluation done on my FJ60.
The report came back that for its age my truck was in overall good to great shape.

I have had this truck for almost 20 years and I use it for canoeing, kayaking, fishing ride with my dog type of stuff. I have had it longer than my wife, my house, my dogs and certainly longer than my 3 kids.

I have thought of selling it for 4K to 6K but everytime I really seriously think of what I would use as a alternative exploring vehicle, the only thing that I have considered is something like an Chevy Z71 truck 4x4. I don't mind driving that but it ain't a cruiser.

If I keep it, I want to get it back in great shape, so that it is ready to go for the next 10 to 15 years. I know that if I spend the money I will never be able to recoup if I need to sell. My thinking is to spend the money and enjoy the vehicle.

Would you do it?

Below is a list of upgrades I am considering:


Engine

Recent changeover to Webber 38mm carb., ceramic headers,
desmogged, stainless exhaust, rebuilt OEM Distributor
Front Timing cover - gasket

CoolingSystem

OEM radiator
OEM water pump
OEM thermostat
OEM fan clutch
OEM heater/cooling hoses
OEM cap and a full flush


AC System - convert from R-12 to R-134 system

Electrical System
Battery Cables in poor shape. New custom built cables w/ OEM fusible links. Add relays, a secondary fuse panel,higher output Hella lights.

Drive Line:
Rebuild rear drive shaft - replace both joints & balance shaft

Install H55F OEM new 5 speed tranny, clutch, etc.
Rebuild Transfer case

Axles:
Rebuild existing differentials to 4:11 ratios, installed FT/RR
Change from 3.73 gearing to better run 33" tires.

Brakes:
Replace w/ OEM 4 Runner calipers installed

Stainless steel brake lines installed
Rear brake and emergency brake adj.

Suspension - HFS 3" lift kit from CCOT (This has already been done.)

Exterior

Minor rust on rear frame to be addressed
Full repaint with original color Blue 8B2
Replace all door & window weather strip

New 33" BFG MT & new wheels

Interior
Remove all carpet / prep & Line-X Flooring
Dyanomat soundproofing
Refoam and recover Seats w/ grey marine grade vinyl

Plus other odds & ends.
 
Given the mileage of the vehicle and the comment that it is "in good to great shape for it's vintage," I would keep it. What else are you going to drive???
With such low mileage, I'd stick to general maintenance and only fix stuff as required. Do your upgrades as time/money allow based on your personal priorities.
Dollar for dollar, you simply can't beat a 60 series Cruiser!!!
 
[With such low mileage, I'd stick to general maintenance and only fix stuff as required. Do your upgrades as time/money allow based on your personal priorities.
Dollar for dollar, you simply can't beat a 60 series Cruiser!!!]

The problem with fixing as I go is this: I know my way around a cruiser - had a FJ40 in college and now this FJ60 for last 20 years, but I really would rather get everything that needs to be done over with because I'm not a very good mechanic beyond the basics. Additionally, my local LC mechanic has become very family dysfunctional and I can no longer depend on him. The other LC mechanic shop is 1 1/2 hours away so it eats up a day going down and dropping off and a day going down and picking up.

I agree that dollar for dollar - you can't beat a 60's cruiser. Get it in good shape and then maintain it and it goes and goes . . .
 
MYFJ6O said:
I am doing almost the same to mine it is a labor of Love
INstall a 4 core Lifetime radiator they usually are less than the OEM and have lifetime guarntee
Everything else looks great
How do you like the HFS kit??
Click to expand...

Thanks for the tip on the radiator. I have had my HSF 3" suspension for about 6 months. I have really liked it. Truck sits proud but is not too stiff for highway driving. It has a good truck feel. I hardly ever go 4 wheeling so that is not an issue. Mostly camping, fishing type driving.

This is the way I want my '60 to look when I'm finished except my color is blue.

 
man im doing it now with 4 times that mileage and im not worried about my engine at all.

and its a daily driver.

64k?????? thats awesome
 
I would keep the truck, drop in the H55F, keep the Aisin carb, keep all the smog gear, tune the engine, forget the headers, re-gear, re-tire with 32" or 33" x 10.50 tires. Drive the truck another 300,000 miles, then think about work other than PM.

M
 
Dude,
I just picked up a fj62 3 months ago for 2500 bills, and planted my sorry ass here on this site and havent left since the first time I got on. I was asking questions about rebuilds for m 219k 3fe. engine swaps, SOAs, rear disc breaks etc.etc.etc. I came down to MONEY...If I start throwin a ton of cash down the gullet of this rig...Im never getting rid of it...cuz it will never be what its worth to me and most likely NO ONE else.
In 3 months, Ive become a cruiser snob...the only rigs I like to see anymore are cuisers. In that 3 months Ive cursed and coddled this rig and got her up and running pretty damn good, and even GREAT on the trails.
So with my ever growing love affair with my truck, I decided to say "fxxx it" Im keeping the bastard and Im going to make it a beautiful well built rig that I can keep for the rest of my life (cuz the bastard will run till then).
IVE EMBRACED MY CRUISER!

I suggest to you...EMBRACE YOUR CRUISER and love her and explore her for the baddest damn off road rig there is!
They are AMAZING vehicles once you get to know em.....

Chicago
 
Do it! Do all of it and brag that you are the original owner. What percentage of Cruiser owners are the original owners? Not many can say that. Restore and be a proud cruiser owner.
 
Exactly. Cruisers are among the toughest, safest and most durable vehicles on the planet. Fall in love with it all over again.
 
Thanks for the posts. I plan on proceeding with upgrades. It comes down to that I have always just enjoyed getting in my truck, firing it up and going down the road. To have it redone and solid as a rock again will be great.


Gonna drive my truck and shift some gears . . .
 
BadgerManBEN said:
Do it! Do all of it and brag that you are the original owner. What percentage of Cruiser owners are the original owners? Not many can say that. Restore and continue to be a proud cruiser owner.
Click to expand...


Fixed it for you. As has been mentioned above, whatever you do to it, know that you will not get your money back should you choose to sell. Look at it this way......maybe you'll pass it along to one of your kids, though. :cheers:
 
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