What is the difference in early FJ55s vs. the later years ?

[logic2]

I'm searching for a thread that describes the differences between the first year (early years) FJ55s and the upgrades / changes throughout the years. At first, it was only curiosity that made me think about it, but as I start restore / repair / replace, I'm finding that it's now important.

My Pig is a 72 and I'm trying to keep it as original as possible (within reason), but I'm finding a few things that seem to be year dependent and if anyone can point me to a thread about this subject, I would appreciate it.

Reminder: This is my 1st 55, although I've had several 40's.

Details on my 72:

- Passenger side / horizontal ball mount radio antenna (factory).
- Dash does not have a light over the rear window switch (new dash pad cap has a cutout for one).
- Front bench seat head rests (missing) but the factory holes are there (10" space between headrest mounts).

- All (ALL) plastic light lens are stamped (68') and I was told they are original to the truck. I know this may not "always" be indicative of the manufacture date, but it often does. This may just be when they were all produced on the assembly line. I know all these lenses are compatible, but now I'm curious how to tell the difference between the years.
etc....

Thanks for any info.

Mike

 

[scrapdaddy]

I don't know of a certain thread that describes the different changes throughout the years. It might be a good conversation to start. I know of most of the changes, but get foggy on some dates, mine are 71s.

 

[Mickkk]

Tops of front doors go from a sharp angle to being curved off. Think it was 77 or 78. I know there's 3 different exhausts, don't know what's different, but there must be a difference.

There seems to be a bucket load of changes, every year seems to have some differences. Then there's the differences between countries. It will be a very long list

 

[scrapdaddy]

Sure would be interesting though. Get some of the old gurus in on this and start a list of changes starting with the 68/69 years. Maybe even some pictures of stuff like dashes, steering wheels, hoods, grilles, etc.

 

[logic2]

Sure would be interesting though. Get some of the old gurus in on this and start a list of changes starting with the 68/69 years. Maybe even some pictures of stuff like dashes, steering wheels, hoods, grilles, etc.

Exactly.
I have a low mile - 2nd owner 72 Pig and it is extremely original.....down to the radio that works a little.

Under the hood looks like a toyota time capsule, moderately dirty, but very original.

I'm interested to know what all has changed in what years, what's original and what's not.

Why my dash does not have a map light (when / if any of them ever did).

If my radio is original or an early 70's dealer add.

THanks

 

[bobm]

More pics of Pig and Doggy on front seat

 

[logic2]

Hahaha... Pics of the dogs are on the way.
In the mean time, here are a few of the Pig - Please provide some feedback on the options of this truck if anything stands out.

Antenna
Dash
Steering Wheel
Radio
Engine Bay
etc..

THanks

 

[logic2]

Last photo..

 

[bobm]

Not an expert but. I've 2 with the ball antenna, dash in my 73 is totally different, steering wheel is correct.

 

[Nottajeep]

what year did they remove the big Toyota stamp off the tailgate? that's one of my favorite pieces of character on the pig

 

[xtremeVA]

Nice pig!!'

Some biggies on earlier models: f motor, 3speed trans, vent Windows, drum brakes up front, hood doesn't have a bulge to accommodate the 2f

The gauges are different on earlier models...

On 69s, there are Amber turn signals in the grill ( see Scrapdaddy's grill)

Anyone know when headrests appeared in the front bench seat?

 

[onemanarmy]

the license plate lights and reverse lenses are different on later (1976? and on) pigs. and the taillights are different on 78-79.

I think 1975? was the last year of TOYOTA on the tailgate

The later pigs don't have the marker lights on the front fenders

 

[scrapdaddy]

Logic2,

You have a newer style dash cap on it because they didn't make the older style. The hole in the fender isn't stock, radio isn't stock and I'm not sure what you have going on with the dash, where the vacuum shifters should be (two round tubes). She looks good though.

EDIT... on the lower dash, is that something plugged into the cig. lighter?

 

[bobm]

Airfreshener I think.

 

[logic2]

Hahaha, Sorry about that.

The Silver thing with 2 round tubes you are seeing plugged into the (+12v cig lighter socket) is a dual +12v socket with a soft blue background light. Picked it up at O'reilly.

The Dash appears to be entirely original, except for the dash cap that has a cutout for a map light.

Ignition Key is on the dash, next to the driver's door, to the Left of the gauges.

Heater blower motor works but only blowing at about 10% it seems. I need to pull it all apart and clean / check.

The heater switch turns the blower motor on (pushes / pulls in 2 positions ok without resistance), but it does NOT slide (Left / Right) and seems stuck. Also need to pull out to check.

Speedometer works, but jumps all over the place (Jumps up and down between 1" - 2" inches when driving). Need to take apart and try cleaning to see if that helps.

Need to install a cup holder.

Need a steering wheel (Might be getting one from Texican)

Need to order new spring bushings to fit my HFS 2.5" Lift Shackles.

 

[71greenpig]

Thats a good looking pig.....love the stance and look.

 

[Jasferg]

The stuck heater switch will be a seized push pull cable. Best to pull it out to free it up.Wouldn't try to force it, will only bend something.

 

[bobm]

Hahaha, Sorry about that.

The Silver thing with 2 round tubes you are seeing plugged into the (+12v cig lighter socket) is a dual +12v socket with a soft blue background light. Picked it up at O'reilly.

The Dash appears to be entirely original, except for the dash cap that has a cutout for a map light.

Ignition Key is on the dash, next to the driver's door, to the Left of the gauges.

Heater blower motor works but only blowing at about 10% it seems. I need to pull it all apart and clean / check.

The heater switch turns the blower motor on (pushes / pulls in 2 positions ok without resistance), but it does NOT slide (Left / Right) and seems stuck. Also need to pull out to check.

Speedometer works, but jumps all over the place (Jumps up and down between 1" - 2" inches when driving). Need to take apart and try cleaning to see if that helps.

Need to install a cup holder.

Need a steering wheel (Might be getting one from Texican)

Need to order new spring bushings to fit my HFS 2.5" Lift Shackles.

Someone was selling entire bushing set in classified

 

[xtiaan2000]

Before you go to all the trouble of puylling out the speedo check other end. Sometimes the nut that is inside the ebrake has loosened which makes the little nylon gear that turns your dial all chewed up. Really easy to access. Maybe just pull that little gear out from the side and check it. Might jsut be chewed up.

 

[logic2]

Before you go to all the trouble of puylling out the speedo check other end. Sometimes the nut that is inside the ebrake has loosened which makes the little nylon gear that turns your dial all chewed up. Really easy to access. Maybe just pull that little gear out from the side and check it. Might jsut be chewed up.

Good Idea

I will check it out before removing speedo !

Thx