For Sale:
1971 FJ55 Series Land Cruiser “Wilbur”
Price: $14,000
Background:
This 40+ year old Land Cruiser Wagon comes with some great history as documented in TLCA’s 2003 Toyota Trails magazine feature (http://coolfj40.stores.yahoo.net/fabcr.html). Reading the article in its entirety will provide some valuable background information on “Wilbur”.
More important than the history and various tales that this well loved wagon has come to be associated with, is its current mechanical and physical status. Much time, effort, funds, and love have gone into the preservation of this FJ55 from its early beginnings.
After being shipped from Japan, this ‘55 was bought from a Toyota dealership in Texas in 1971, and other than a brief stint in New York, and its current residence in an enclosed garage here in Vancouver, B.C. Canada, it has spent the majority of its days in dry climates. This has kept its exterior in a near “rust free” state (which is very rare for old Land Cruisers and even more so for the FJ55 specifically).
Reason for Selling:
Family is expanding and unfortunately I do not have the space or the time to enjoy the truck any longer.
Upgrades/Additions:
• ARB rear differential air locker with air compressor under the hood
• Alcan custom leaf springs (approx 3” lift) with pro-comp explorer shocks (one mismatched shock in rear – possibly bilstein on OME)
• Custom low profile front bumper with accommodations for a winch
• Swing out rear bumper with tire carrier older hi-lift jack and rear ¼ sliders/protection. SleeOffroad hinge/pivot pin
• Rear differential armour
• 3-speed transmission converted to 4-speed speed with original Toyota 3-speed transfer case remaining/vacuum actuated and lower ratio gearing than a 4-speed
• New battery within the last month
• Alpine stereo with upgraded speakers
• Custom marine grade vinyl door, kick and cargo panels
• Rhinolined interior floors with carpet in the front and original cargo mat in the rear
• FJ60 front disc brakes (aisin manual hubs) on ‘55 series axle
• Upgraded master brake cylinder
• Aftermarket coolant overflow reservoir and windshield washer spray mechanism/bottle
• The dash and instrument panel has been returned to stock with OEM components – namely:
o Large original dash pad (from a 1978 ‘55) in excellent condition with the addition of the drop down portion from a 10970’s 55 dash grafted on.
o Small dash pad, instrument/gauge cluster pad and glove box door (missing handle) all from another 1971 FJ55; looks clean and fitting.
o OEM interior dome light re-installed.
Interior:
In addition to the points noted above:
• Reupholstered original bench seats – excellent condition.
• Headliner has been completely removed to assess the roof integrity (any potential rust); inner roof is solid and rust free.
• New headliners are available, though it looks fine without and could be painted or have something custom done to it.
• The interior on the whole, has been tastefully refurbished/altered and is much more durable than the original ‘55 components.
• Interior is clean and a pleasure to drive in!
Exterior/Body:
• This ‘55 has had one repaint since new and this has JUST been professionally polished to reverse the oxidation on some of the finish.
• As mentioned in the Toyota Trails article, Wilbur has had no body work done...ever. The few minor dings/dents that are present, have been painted over rather than filled with body filler. What you see is what you get – no hidden patches of gruesome fibreglass/bonds/deep rust, which is often the case on these old wagons). Surface rust is present on the frame and some small areas of the body (as illustrated by the photos). The only area where rust is starting to set in is on the driver’s side lower front fender (patch panels are available), which can be easily remedied.
• Problem areas on the FJ55 in terms of rust are: the body mounts (which leads to the floor pans), rockers, roof gutters, rear fender arch/lip, rear quarters, rear sill and lower front fenders. Thankfully, Wilbur is solid metal in all of these areas!
• Needless to say, the frame is sound without any issues (‘55 frames are rarely problematic to begin with).
• The body on the ‘55 is VERY good.
• Block OEM hubcap rims (5.5” width) with hubcaps are installed. Unfortunately, the front hubcaps were previously crudely cut/oversized, to enlarge the opening for manual hubs.
• 29” Bridgestone dueller tires (great condition).
• All glass is in good shape.
Engine/drive train/mechanicals:
• Original inline 6 cylinder F engine (low miles) with OEM aisin carb.
• Current odometer 18,708 miles. Unfortunately there is no way to guarantee the actual mileage on the actual drive train of this ‘55, other than by reviewing its history and the condition of the truck as a whole. That said, the engine does pull strong and idles smoothly and the truck starts easily.
• Aftermarket ignition/coil previously installed
• Manual steering (light and steers well with no play)
• Stock 4.11 differential gears
• Rear drum brakes and discs on front as mentioned
• E-brake is in working order
• New fuel filter
Recent work done by a very reputable local Land Cruiser mechanic (certified Toyota mechanic):
• Repaired steering pivot
• Repaired and loomed engine bay wiring, distributor, power, and alternator wires
• Tuned up – including timing checked and idle
• Rear power window repaired and now operates flawlessly
• Rocker panel sliders cut off
• Differential fluids replaced, brakes checked and all other fluids assessed
• Steering center link rebuilt
• All greasable components lubed
• Signal light wiring repaired and hazard switch and relay replaced.
Potential upgrades/additions/changes to be made by future owner:
• Larger diameter tires to fill out the lift (tall and thin would suit the truck nicely)
• Secure OEM front and middle floor mats (‘55 specific)
• OEM radio is missing (find an original to fill the hole or find an OEM radio delete plate)
• Rear upper tailgate weather stripping is absent (available from slowcruisers)
• Manual hub hubcaps for the front
• Locate an OEM toolkit and the jack/jack extensions
Items needing attention:
• Horn currently does not work, though it was working months ago. Unfortunately haven’t had the time to assess/fix.
• Reverse lights are not functioning either, though they were working but seemed to fail alongside the horn – maybe a ground wire issue?
Overall, the 1971 FJ55 is a solid driver with incredible potential to be a super clean truck with a little more attention from a future owner.
To those familiar with the ‘55 series, these wagons are under-rated and far too often overlooked in favour of a 40/45 series Land Cruiser.
From my experience, the 55’s more favourable characteristics are:
• Very unique appearance
• Rare nature due to many falling victim to rust and subsequently the general population will flock to it to ask you questions
• Vast interior space for both passengers and cargo, while still being a relatively narrow and manoeuvrable vehicle.
• Excellent off-road prowess with its stout and burly tank-like build quality
• Smoother ride (than a 40 series) due to the longer wheel base
The mechanical simplicity allows you to actually do the maintenance yourself (if so inclined) and yet their reliability is unsurpassed.
While, these older trucks are not for everyone, if you want to feel a connection to the past and especially that of the Land Cruiser lineage, this 55 will provide you that perspective from the driver’s seat.
Wilbur has changed owners more than a few times over the past years, but it seems more like an outcome of this wagon being too nice to off-road/4x4 and potentially damage. Back roads exploring, Sunday drives, and smaller town living would be ideal for this Land Cruiser, but ultimately that is for you to decide.
Please remember that this is NOT a restored, thus mint FJ55, so do not have such expectations. It has been used as a driver and thus it is not flawless. Look carefully at the pictures, read the description and ask specific questions. Opportunities to own a low mileage and solid FJ55 such as this one do not come often.
Wilbur has never been “restored, refurbished, or rebuilt” in its entirety as it has never needed it. Instead, this truck has been well maintained/cared for from the get go...as evidenced by its current incredible state.
I am a long standing Land Cruiser fanatic/lover and am fortunate enough to have a good network of comrades who currently own or have owned many 55’s, so please feel free to ask any questions regarding Wilbur or 55’s in general. Wilbur is currently in search of a loving new home. Respectful offers will be considered.
Please see the link for photos.
http://s1312.photobucket.com/user/Demi226/slideshow/FJ55
1971 FJ55 Series Land Cruiser “Wilbur”
Price: $14,000
Background:
This 40+ year old Land Cruiser Wagon comes with some great history as documented in TLCA’s 2003 Toyota Trails magazine feature (http://coolfj40.stores.yahoo.net/fabcr.html). Reading the article in its entirety will provide some valuable background information on “Wilbur”.
More important than the history and various tales that this well loved wagon has come to be associated with, is its current mechanical and physical status. Much time, effort, funds, and love have gone into the preservation of this FJ55 from its early beginnings.
After being shipped from Japan, this ‘55 was bought from a Toyota dealership in Texas in 1971, and other than a brief stint in New York, and its current residence in an enclosed garage here in Vancouver, B.C. Canada, it has spent the majority of its days in dry climates. This has kept its exterior in a near “rust free” state (which is very rare for old Land Cruisers and even more so for the FJ55 specifically).
Reason for Selling:
Family is expanding and unfortunately I do not have the space or the time to enjoy the truck any longer.
Upgrades/Additions:
• ARB rear differential air locker with air compressor under the hood
• Alcan custom leaf springs (approx 3” lift) with pro-comp explorer shocks (one mismatched shock in rear – possibly bilstein on OME)
• Custom low profile front bumper with accommodations for a winch
• Swing out rear bumper with tire carrier older hi-lift jack and rear ¼ sliders/protection. SleeOffroad hinge/pivot pin
• Rear differential armour
• 3-speed transmission converted to 4-speed speed with original Toyota 3-speed transfer case remaining/vacuum actuated and lower ratio gearing than a 4-speed
• New battery within the last month
• Alpine stereo with upgraded speakers
• Custom marine grade vinyl door, kick and cargo panels
• Rhinolined interior floors with carpet in the front and original cargo mat in the rear
• FJ60 front disc brakes (aisin manual hubs) on ‘55 series axle
• Upgraded master brake cylinder
• Aftermarket coolant overflow reservoir and windshield washer spray mechanism/bottle
• The dash and instrument panel has been returned to stock with OEM components – namely:
o Large original dash pad (from a 1978 ‘55) in excellent condition with the addition of the drop down portion from a 10970’s 55 dash grafted on.
o Small dash pad, instrument/gauge cluster pad and glove box door (missing handle) all from another 1971 FJ55; looks clean and fitting.
o OEM interior dome light re-installed.
Interior:
In addition to the points noted above:
• Reupholstered original bench seats – excellent condition.
• Headliner has been completely removed to assess the roof integrity (any potential rust); inner roof is solid and rust free.
• New headliners are available, though it looks fine without and could be painted or have something custom done to it.
• The interior on the whole, has been tastefully refurbished/altered and is much more durable than the original ‘55 components.
• Interior is clean and a pleasure to drive in!
Exterior/Body:
• This ‘55 has had one repaint since new and this has JUST been professionally polished to reverse the oxidation on some of the finish.
• As mentioned in the Toyota Trails article, Wilbur has had no body work done...ever. The few minor dings/dents that are present, have been painted over rather than filled with body filler. What you see is what you get – no hidden patches of gruesome fibreglass/bonds/deep rust, which is often the case on these old wagons). Surface rust is present on the frame and some small areas of the body (as illustrated by the photos). The only area where rust is starting to set in is on the driver’s side lower front fender (patch panels are available), which can be easily remedied.
• Problem areas on the FJ55 in terms of rust are: the body mounts (which leads to the floor pans), rockers, roof gutters, rear fender arch/lip, rear quarters, rear sill and lower front fenders. Thankfully, Wilbur is solid metal in all of these areas!
• Needless to say, the frame is sound without any issues (‘55 frames are rarely problematic to begin with).
• The body on the ‘55 is VERY good.
• Block OEM hubcap rims (5.5” width) with hubcaps are installed. Unfortunately, the front hubcaps were previously crudely cut/oversized, to enlarge the opening for manual hubs.
• 29” Bridgestone dueller tires (great condition).
• All glass is in good shape.
Engine/drive train/mechanicals:
• Original inline 6 cylinder F engine (low miles) with OEM aisin carb.
• Current odometer 18,708 miles. Unfortunately there is no way to guarantee the actual mileage on the actual drive train of this ‘55, other than by reviewing its history and the condition of the truck as a whole. That said, the engine does pull strong and idles smoothly and the truck starts easily.
• Aftermarket ignition/coil previously installed
• Manual steering (light and steers well with no play)
• Stock 4.11 differential gears
• Rear drum brakes and discs on front as mentioned
• E-brake is in working order
• New fuel filter
Recent work done by a very reputable local Land Cruiser mechanic (certified Toyota mechanic):
• Repaired steering pivot
• Repaired and loomed engine bay wiring, distributor, power, and alternator wires
• Tuned up – including timing checked and idle
• Rear power window repaired and now operates flawlessly
• Rocker panel sliders cut off
• Differential fluids replaced, brakes checked and all other fluids assessed
• Steering center link rebuilt
• All greasable components lubed
• Signal light wiring repaired and hazard switch and relay replaced.
Potential upgrades/additions/changes to be made by future owner:
• Larger diameter tires to fill out the lift (tall and thin would suit the truck nicely)
• Secure OEM front and middle floor mats (‘55 specific)
• OEM radio is missing (find an original to fill the hole or find an OEM radio delete plate)
• Rear upper tailgate weather stripping is absent (available from slowcruisers)
• Manual hub hubcaps for the front
• Locate an OEM toolkit and the jack/jack extensions
Items needing attention:
• Horn currently does not work, though it was working months ago. Unfortunately haven’t had the time to assess/fix.
• Reverse lights are not functioning either, though they were working but seemed to fail alongside the horn – maybe a ground wire issue?
Overall, the 1971 FJ55 is a solid driver with incredible potential to be a super clean truck with a little more attention from a future owner.
To those familiar with the ‘55 series, these wagons are under-rated and far too often overlooked in favour of a 40/45 series Land Cruiser.
From my experience, the 55’s more favourable characteristics are:
• Very unique appearance
• Rare nature due to many falling victim to rust and subsequently the general population will flock to it to ask you questions
• Vast interior space for both passengers and cargo, while still being a relatively narrow and manoeuvrable vehicle.
• Excellent off-road prowess with its stout and burly tank-like build quality
• Smoother ride (than a 40 series) due to the longer wheel base
The mechanical simplicity allows you to actually do the maintenance yourself (if so inclined) and yet their reliability is unsurpassed.
While, these older trucks are not for everyone, if you want to feel a connection to the past and especially that of the Land Cruiser lineage, this 55 will provide you that perspective from the driver’s seat.
Wilbur has changed owners more than a few times over the past years, but it seems more like an outcome of this wagon being too nice to off-road/4x4 and potentially damage. Back roads exploring, Sunday drives, and smaller town living would be ideal for this Land Cruiser, but ultimately that is for you to decide.
Please remember that this is NOT a restored, thus mint FJ55, so do not have such expectations. It has been used as a driver and thus it is not flawless. Look carefully at the pictures, read the description and ask specific questions. Opportunities to own a low mileage and solid FJ55 such as this one do not come often.
Wilbur has never been “restored, refurbished, or rebuilt” in its entirety as it has never needed it. Instead, this truck has been well maintained/cared for from the get go...as evidenced by its current incredible state.
I am a long standing Land Cruiser fanatic/lover and am fortunate enough to have a good network of comrades who currently own or have owned many 55’s, so please feel free to ask any questions regarding Wilbur or 55’s in general. Wilbur is currently in search of a loving new home. Respectful offers will be considered.
Please see the link for photos.
http://s1312.photobucket.com/user/Demi226/slideshow/FJ55
