we all have one thing in common

[dylans]

i was driving home today, and i saw a really nice blue 60. it looked cherry, i was jealous. for a fleeting second i thought of my cruiser. its still rough, its got rust, its paint is shot, it runs well but still throws a curve ball. i got a little sad.

over the evening ive realized not to be upset. ive had it for only just shy of a year. its still in its infancy, and its gonna grow and become glorious (more so than already it is by default) through the years to come. ive got my list for 2015 of the projects it needs. here we go! i really cant wait. all the headaches, the ups and downs, the frustrations. its more like a relationship. luckily i have less problems with my human girlfriend. but i feel the expierence is a kin haha.

its worth every second.

i feel like we all have that in common. the love for the 60 series, regardless of the headaches. we all have that one thing in common, at least. but were all very diverse.

the whole point of this post to find out how diverse we all are.

so, what do you all do for a living?

me? im still young i suppose, and im still settling into my chosen career path. but for the last 5 years ive worked in behavioral health. inpatient on locked units and outpatient in the homes of clients. ive recently decided, its time for a change. im going into ems, in school currently for my emt, and ive applied to the city fire department, with the ultimate goal of becoming a paramedic. i wont stop until ive acheived it too.

let the rest of us know what you do! or what youve done! or what you aspire to do!

 

[Bear Lake Cruiser]

Dylan...hopefully you saw my blue 60 but there are plenty of nice ones in Tucson. Never feel sad because your rig is not as nice as the next guys. Always feel proud that you have made the commitment to own, maintain, and yes, come to love (sometimes hate), your classic vehicle, one of the best ever produced on the planet that carries a rich history. You owning one and taking pride in it will continue the legacy. My girlfriends young nephew is a cruiser head and I hope as he grows into a young man he can get involved with the Land Cruiser madness, maybe even getting one of mine someday.

And the community here is very diverse, all ages from high school kids to old timers like me who bought a land cruiser as a first vehicle when they got their drivers license. For me that was in 1972 when I bought a used 69 FJ40 factory soft top for $2K. On this forum there are vets, lawyers, doctors, mechanics, social workers, teachers, geologists, archeologists, husbands, wives, All walks of life are represented here. They all have stories to tell. It is a fantastic community. There are members here I have never spoke to, only followed their postings, maybe swapped parts, but I somehow feel I have got to know them.

I have worked in the geophysical industry mapping subsurface structures to find the best places to drill for oil. Owned a home remodeling business. Now I own a consulting firm that specializes in controlling water loss in public water systems.
A really good friend of mine here in Tucson just retired from the Tucson Fire Department as a Chief. He started out as an Paramedic just as you are planning. His career was very rewarding.

I'm sure everyone here wishes you the best in your endeavors. As for my aspirations?? To wind down my working days in the next couple of years and spend more time in the back country. Gradually get rid of many of the material things I have acquired over the years that no longer make sense, to lighten my load. I have to wonder sometimes why I collected much of this crap. (Cruisers excepted of course).

I'm over near Sabino...if you ever want to get together for a beer and talk cruisers I am game! Just shoot me a PM. Good luck!

 

[CardinalFJ60]

Never feel sad because your rig is not as nice as the next guys. Always feel proud that you have made the commitment to own, maintain, and yes, come to love (sometimes hate), your classic vehicle, one of the best ever produced on the planet that carries a rich history. You owning one and taking pride in it will continue the legacy.

nicely put.

 

[klinetime574]

I just graduated from the University of Houston and started my career working for an automotive software provider. I know that over the course of my career (wherever it may be) I will always stay close to the Toyota Land Cruiser. The people. The camping trips. The beer. The adventures.

It's the little things in life that count. So what if your wallet is empty... that cruiser looks good!

 

[Bear Lake Cruiser]

@klinetime574 if I remember right you took over your dads 60 and grew up with that vehicle. I'm pretty sure I read that on one of your many posts. I really liked the story and pics.

 

[klinetime574]

@klinetime574 if I remember right you took over your dads 60 and grew up with that vehicle. I'm pretty sure I read that on one of your many posts. I really liked the story and pics.

Thanks Bear Lake Cruiser I think I have seen a photo of yours. Also an 861 color code. AKA the best.

 

[tonka az]

I think the rig you saw sold me my roof rack. He's had his fair share of issues with his rig. Still, I felt like you when I parked my 62 next to his. Soon, not very soon but eventually, my rig will be to not just that level of rig, but the level that I want it, and no one else. Its depressing to see my truck at its current stage, with all the hopes and dreams I have for it, but in the end its MY truck, and it grows with ME. My parents bought my 62 a month after I was born, so I've literally grown up with my truck. I have great pride in it, but the funds are always holding me back from where I want my Tonka to be....

 

[gregnash]

Think Bear Lake summed it up pretty well. Just like any demographic we are diverse in our own being. Some of us strive to have the "perfect" cruiser but that definition is different for each person. Some of us are content with running around in a rig that is nothing more than a reliable piece of machinery that we know will get us down the road, whether the truck looks good, bad or otherwise does not play into it.

Personally, I want a good truck, physically and mechanically solid, that's about it. Yeah there are some aesthetics that play into it and will come into play for certain items (tires, wheels, paint, rust) but other than that this will not be a full on - frame off restoration specifically because I do not have the money nore the space or time. I enjoy working on the truck when I have the time and money and the reward from the understanding that "I fixed something myself." When I first started looking for my cruiser the reasoning I gave my wife for wanting such a vehicle had a couple of factors.. 1.) we need something bigger for our three dogs, 2.) it had to have 4wd, 3.) I wanted something that was ME, and 4.) it had to be something that I could do the majority of the work on to fix/repair. The initial thought was that this would be a hobby item that would allow me to haul dirty dogs, dirty mtbs, dirty people without the worry of getting our nice vehicle messed up. If I smacked into another car, tree, etc and otherwise took some sort of physical damage to the truck it would not be an instant worry that had to be fixed right away, rather something that I would learn how to replace (e.g. my rusted rear wheel wells that I am learning to weld with). From there it was just a search for the "right" vehicle to be a partner in this journey.

I have had many people continually ask me how the truck is running, have I had any problems, etc. My response has been the same since day one.... I don't think the truck would stop running if I wanted it too. Personally I do Business Process Analysis and Project Management. I have only been doing this for a short time (about 6yrs) but something that I find incredibly challenging and fun. But with that said comes the sickness of "Analysis Paralysis"..... more than a few times (you can check my build thread) I have been told by other members (nicely) to "s*** OR GET OFF THE POT!!!" with regards to getting something done. I just am anal retentive and like to ensure that when I do something I do it right the first time, kinda like that POs hacked splice into a HOT circuit for the 12v power to the stereo, why in the hell would you pick that type of splice connector and to go into the damn brake pedal switch line?!?!?!?!?!!!!

Anyways, good luck on your travels the thing about these cruisers is they truly do make you slow down to smell the roses (hell I don't get much above 65mph as I don't want to push the engine). That being said, these trucks are not Machiavellian (meaning the ends does not justify the means) they are here to show us that there are other things in life than what is within your immediate viewing distance. Get out, explore, take a moment to see things you have "heard" about or read about and don't look back. We cannot take anything with us after this life other than our memories so why not make them as fun as possible.

 

[rmblaire]

I agree completely. I do find myself getting jealous of the really pretty, really clean cruisers. Especially lifted ones with big tires and nice shiny paint, all the armor, the snorkel, the roof tent, the winch...(sorry, started reciting my wish list again). Anyway, I love my 60. It does everything that I wanted it to do and A LOT more. It was SOA when I got it but without a scratch or dent.
Since wheeling trips are (usually) cheaper than new parts, it gets wheeled more than it gets add-ons. It has a ton of rock rash, there are dents in EVERY panel and door and I remember all of them. Most importantly, when I fire it up on the weekends, it's a toss up between the kids and the dogs on who is more excited about where we are going.
I am a salesman for a building materials company and pushing 31. I spent 10 years working either on the road or strange shifts that left me with almost no family time. i am very fortunate now to work Mon-Fri, 10 Min from home and go on a "Land Cruiser Adventure" (as my 4 year old son calls it) almost every weekend.

 

[Chris Cahill]

I really like this thread. I often wonder the same thing - who are all these people who share a common passion for 60 &62 Series Land Cruisers?

My love affair started in a happenstance way in 1997. I had a neighbor who had a red 60 and he mentioned that he wanted to sell. I always thought it looked kind of cool, so I bit on it. The first time I drove it, I got that feeling - that feeling we all know too well - and I was hooked.

Now I have 3 60's, my kids have the bug (they all learned to drive in 60's) and some of my happiest moments are spent not only driving them, but working on them.

As to your question - I am a lawyer in my 27th year of practice. I am also a sworn peace officer and work in the patrol division of the local sheriff's office on a part time basis because I enjoy it. Before settling on law, I did stints as a bus mechanic, a chemical plant maintenance worker and a farmer.

I am sure that we all do wildly different things for a living and would rather talk FJ60's but I enjoy learning more about you all.

 

[Quat]

Working on acquiring an hj61, as I've somewhat outgrown the xtra cab tacoma I've had for the past 15 years. Hope to have one at the end of the month. Reasons for going with an hj, need more seats and room for gear and dogs, I feel a little lost driving something with an auto, need something reliable, always wanted a toyota with a diesel, need something with a decent highway range and I feel bad getting 15mpg or less.
A newer 4 door tacoma or 4runner would work but they just aren't as appealing. I got made fun of for not having a digital watch yesterday and I just finished JB welding my 19 year old fins back together. At some point I may wish I had a series 80 for on the highway, but we will see.

I'm a molecular biologist and computer scientist, I combine the two and mostly work on mosquitoes and diseases they carry. I used to keep a ranch from falling apart at the seams, but didn't do to much with the cattle, and I manage some family businesses. I love dogs, and critters in general. 4wheeling is more to get somewhere for me, or get back in as far as possible before going on foot. I volunteer with the local technical/climber search and rescue, hauling people and gear for that has been most of my off-roading recently. Other stuff... I've been working up to running a trail marathon recently, trying to relearn a bunch of the gymnastics I could do as a kid and want to do some flying and do a lot of other stuff along those lines. I'd really enjoy a road trip on dirt if I got the time, drive through mexico or south america or an equivalent.

 

[Fj moneypit]

My fj60 has spent more time parked than on the road. I've been fixing the 30 yrs of neglect, servicing everything I can myself. I've been through the five stages of grief (denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance) a few times with this vehicle and have thought about selling. I continue on, hoping to make it my daily driver, trail/camp rig for my kids and I to enjoy in summer soon. It's old, underpowered and has many problems but every time I drive it in its current condition i enjoy it and think once I get it all in working order and to where I want it to be I'll be satisfied snailing down the road knowing I have one of the coolest classics you can find.

 

[bentonrover]

Yeah man I have a I 90 FJ62. Every time I think I'm gonna sell it for another rover someone always telling how cool it is. Hear it at least once a week. Kinda cool cause I only drive it maybe 2 times per week for work

 

[dylans]

All just great. I can't agree more on the "feeling" of a cruiser. Nothing like it.

I acquired mine, by trying to buy a 4runner. My family is growing, and so was our hunger for the deeper outdoors. I tried to look at 2 different 4runners, both guys blew me off, and I had a hunting trip coming up in a week. 4x4 necessary. So I found this fj62 as a last resort. "What's an fj62?", I said. It looked cool in the ad, I was nervous of the age. I had no clue about how desirable a 60 series was. Or how reliable. I could as easily ended up with a bronco or a jeep, but I knew I wanted Toyota at least. So I went to look at it, the guy was super nice. Honest, had a bunch of nib marlin parts he was throwing in. I test drove it. After a few miles, i drove it all the way to the bank haha. Pulled out the cash, got back and grilled him a little more. Looked the truck over a little more, and handed over the money. Only about 3 weeks into ownership, did I come across MUD and realize what I had purchased. A legend with an absolutely awesome community. I bought much more than a 1989 fj62 that day. I bought a new hobby, a new love, a new way to explore the world, an outlet and a source for frustrations, and I bought a place in it all with all of you. Well worth it.

My DD 90% of the time. Its come a long way since I got it. Little projects year round, large ones when I can. It'll get there.

 

[dylans]

My fj60 has spent more time parked than on the road. I've been fixing the 30 yrs of neglect, servicing everything I can myself. I've been through the five stages of grief (denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance) a few times with this vehicle and have thought about selling. I continue on, hoping to make it my daily driver, trail/camp rig for my kids and I to enjoy in summer soon. It's old, underpowered and has many problems but every time I drive it in its current condition i enjoy it and think once I get it all in working order and to where I want it to be I'll be satisfied snailing down the road knowing I have one of the coolest classics you can find.

I couldn't help but LOL at you describing going through the stages of grief. Perfect way to describe part of ownership. I'm sure we all can relate.

 

[maat]

It IS like a relationship, with its ups and downs and sending me broke but legally I can punch my cruiser when it pisses me off

 

[norsk]

My relationship started in May 2008 - I picked up a rough rig, but it is process coupled with a "vision" of where we are HEADED - lots of features I want to add. See link in sig.

My brother recently asked with all sincerity how much did I expected to get back when I sold my rig.

Now that was a divide by zero event for me.

I told him it wasn't gonna be sold, that it was a 30 year event for me (that is my plan of record for this rig - and at that time I will be pushing 90 anyway). It is something that I am going to work on for a very long time, in order to experience it. Not something to do and then sell. Sure an accident can kill it, but my plan is to continue improving it and learn more skills in the process as well as to drive. My other vehicles are consumables to me, but the rig is something to last for as long as I can.

I told him there is no vehicle on the market that has the features I want, so I am building them myself onto this rig. It is mine, and it is unique and it will continue to improve over time. Priceless is the value.

dougbert

 

[olija]

I was given a mechanically sound, poor body condition 1989 FJ62 the same weekend I proposed to my fiancee a few months ago. It was one of the best weekends of my life. Alot of people have given me their congratulations, encouragement, warnings, etc., and I keep forgetting they're talking about not talking about the Cruiser.

I work on commercial trucks for a living, and it's an all right job, but one thing's for sure: No matter how bad things are going on the Cruiser, it's still better than working on someone else's junk. Even if it is what most "normal" people would call a "pointless" project.. I enjoy the memory of picking up my fiancee's little sisters from school one afternoon and they were all blown away by my "awesome new truck". Now I spur myself on by thinking of how awesome it will really be, one day when it's all fixed up!

 

[Chester]

If I had a wife or banker as pleasant and enjoyable as my Land Cruisers, I'd probably still have them around too.

 

[rmblaire]

All just great. I can't agree more on the "feeling" of a cruiser. Nothing like it.

I acquired mine, by trying to buy a 4runner. My family is growing, and so was our hunger for the deeper outdoors. I tried to look at 2 different 4runners, both guys blew me off, and I had a hunting trip coming up in a week. 4x4 necessary. So I found this fj62 as a last resort. "What's an fj62?", I said. It looked cool in the ad, I was nervous of the age. I had no clue about how desirable a 60 series was. Or how reliable. I could as easily ended up with a bronco or a jeep, but I knew I wanted Toyota at least. So I went to look at it, the guy was super nice. Honest, had a bunch of nib marlin parts he was throwing in. I test drove it. After a few miles, i drove it all the way to the bank haha. Pulled out the cash, got back and grilled him a little more. Looked the truck over a little more, and handed over the money. Only about 3 weeks into ownership, did I come across MUD and realize what I had purchased. A legend with an absolutely awesome community. I bought much more than a 1989 fj62 that day. I bought a new hobby, a new love, a new way to explore the world, an outlet and a source for frustrations, and I bought a place in it all with all of you. Well worth it.

My DD 90% of the time. Its come a long way since I got it. Little projects year round, large ones when I can. It'll get there.

I traded a 1984 Honda Goldwing for my 60. Straight across, title for title. The guy's kids had grown up and they didn't need a family wheeler anymore and he wanted to do some cruising with his wife. I too had no idea what a 60 was or what I was in for. I couldn't imagine owning anything different now!