wannabe fj55 owner

[sardaukar]

Hey guys!

I am in the market to purchase a FJ55. I have some questions tho...

Here in Europe the only ones that can be found (or at least I could found) are late 78-79 models without AC or PS.

My question is. How can I get AC and PS on it since I plan on using it as a family car. Original like items will have priority because I will register it as a classical car (deh, Europe taxes).

I understood that I could use some of the FJ40 parts. Could I just transplant an FJ40 power steering?

As per AC unit, I think those are very rare so I was willing to invest in one of those aftermarket kits. Any successful AC installation (please keep in mind that my FJ55 experience is quite null)

Thanks!

 

[LAMBCRUSHER]

in the iron pig, the AC takes up alot of floorboard space and leg room. installing one would be up to how much you're willing to compromise there. There are smaller units, but they will cost more. As for the power steering, there are several ways to do it. One method is to have a bracket built to hold the new steering box where the old one is, and to use an fj40 or even first generation pick-up truck PS box- either works the same as the fj55; with a center arm and relay rod...another option is to have the frame sleeved and install an fj60,62, or fj80 steering box, and to utilizes custom length drag link and tie rods and eliminate the center arm pivot- this is the best for function, in my opinion, but may not work for a Classic Car as it may be...you'll need to check on that. in either event, you'll need to do a Bill Dorey bracket built by Georg(orangefj45)to hold a saginaw style PS box(volvo), or a block that has the holes for the original equipment PS pump bracket. if your 78 or 79 rig has the factory mount holes, that is the thing to use- the factory mount and pump. but that is dependent on if the holes are in your block- if they are not, the Bill Dorey bracket is the way to go HTH...

 

[unklwedy]

Simplify life, buy an FJ-60.

 

[scrapdaddy]

Sardaukar,

Welcome to the group! Reading your first sentence, I question your sanity, but at least you pasted the requirements of owning a 55, as we're all a half bubble off in this group. Just kidding, really. Owning a 55 is a challenge few have faced, enjoy the journey. Lambcrusher nailed it, so reread his post and do some searching on the forums. There is a lot information on both those subjects. Due to the rarity of air conditioning pieces, I would suggest going aftermarket.

Good luck in your quest to own the best.

Simplify life, buy an FJ-60.

Now you tell me!

 

[LAMBCRUSHER]

, as we're all a half bubble off in this group.


Now you tell me!

hey, now, I like to call it a dollar bill off....;more to the point, as it may be...

 

[sardaukar]

Long time no see...

The goals are still the same! A FJ55 daily driver. Got the virus after seeing "The mist". Last year in August I got her (yes! mine is a her). I suspect she was a fire truck in Finland, build in 1980. Here is a link to the photo album with all the pictures I could got during the restoration process. (Here is the original restoration thread - in Romanian and has a lot of side chat

Anyway, we hit some minor blockers.

She is missing all the emblems (but @tatat promised to share the 3d models for a 3d printer, I just need to figure a way to chrome them). But I would rather buy the originals. I am also missing the emblem from the center of the steering wheel.

I have problems with the window rubbers. We cannot seem to find them in Europe. Neither in US, or at least not yet... Especially the following one - its from the doors. Can I get some help?

Anyway, I decided not to add any PS or AC since I could not find any original or OEM kit. I know PS was not added but any AC kit OEM or original would be great (as I said and I will surely say, FJ55 parts in Europe are hard to get)

As per other modifications, will be.. just because they are needed:

• I replaced all the interior vinyl with leather (anthracite with white sewing). Not only because of smug factor but I cannot stand vinyl... Also the upper and lower part of the dashboard (the ones made out of vinyl encapsulated foam) will be covered in leather because the original ones were... exploded...
• I started to add some Dynamat on the floor, inside door and luggage compartment panels and other places to add some noise reduction
• On the floor will be added a custom made carpet (anthracite or black) and also the ceiling cloth will be replaced with a new one (light beige)
• I will keep the original rims, but I will add some 15" or 16" Bullface Chromium ones with 31" or 32" AT tires for daily drive (the original rims will be used only for vintage shows, etc)
• The mechanical winch will be removed and sold to cover some of the restoration costs and a new front bumper will be made (copy of the original)
• The rest is already dismantled to bolts and pins, cleaned, repaired/redone/replaced, sandblasted, painted or zinc coated. Many parts are already rebuild (transmission, chassis, engine), many are still to be put back together.
• The body work was the bulk of the work. Its been sandblasted, every dent pulled and flattened, every hole repaired. It still needs some work and should be ready on the first week of June. As per color scheme I will go for the 2KY code (cement grey with white)

Ah, I am not the one doing the actual work I am just filling the roles of stakeholder and project manager.

Here are some pictures, all of them can be found on the link above

 

[PabloCruise]

Check here for your window rubber (and other weather strip) needs: B-D Company | Serving the automotive aftermarket industry since 1957.

You are ditching the PTO winch? Is it factory Toyota?

Good luck with your build! I agree, The Mist is a very good movie for Pigs!

 

[PabloCruise]

Maybe check these guys as well: CRL Auto Glass Rubber Moldings, Edge Seals and Trims

 

[sardaukar]

You are ditching the PTO winch? Is it factory Toyota?

I will not use it on this build. My mechanic says its an original PTO winch. It will be cleaned, fully checked (fixed if need) and sold as it is. No restoration will be done on it.

Thank you for the links. I also found this link on ebay (was mentioned on other threads) but I don't know it will work for my FJ since I see many references to different doors depending on built year. How the door differ through the years?

Thanks!

 

[sardaukar]

hi guys, kind along time and no see.

i was away in a short holiday, but the work on the car continued. now the body is almost fully restored and mounted on the chassis.

I am still not sure what rubbers I should buy for it. Being in Eastern Europe I will get only one shot of it to get it right, so, can someone experienced in 79-80 pigs let me know what rubber from where I can buy?

thanks!