Your 60's story

[Hojack]

As we all know these FJ60's/62's are an amazing vehicle. They have proven the test of time both on and off road. I've seen them here on MUD in mint condition like it just rolled off the show room floor to customized into a rock crawling machine and everything in between. I frequently cruise Craigslist here in the Portland area and am noticing that their value is really going up fast. Around here they are between $10-15K on average with above 200K miles. Under 200K and I've seen them around $25K in great condition. The message here is that if you've got one it's becoming a classic. I've never really been into cars but have loved Toyotas. My first vehicle was an 85 Toyota 4Runner with the removable back canopy.

As a high schooler I took it everywhere and it suffered my love for adventure. As I grew up I paid for it. I slowly brought it back from the damage a teenager with freedom to roam gets with friends. Working hard to repair damaged quarter panels, broken leaf springs and so on. Eventually with family and kids it had to go. The 2 door seating configuration and small interior of an 85 4Runner wasn't practical. I bought an 2002 tundra which lasted about 8 years until my wife's love for horses caused a need for more pulling power. Looked long and hard for a manual 6 speed Dodge 3500 Cummins.

Eventually found one with 138K miles. Sold the Tundra and was left with the beast as a daily driver ??? I enjoyed the Dodge but wasn't practical for daily driving to work. Told my wife I needed another Toyota. Back in my high school days my buddy Ben's folks had a silver 83 FJ60. It was in okay condition before our rendezvous wheeling together in the Oregon Cascades. I decided I wanted to look for a Landcruiser. At that time Ben worked for our company and we cruised Craigslist. Found one after a few months and went to check it out. This cruiser was his baby. It was his 3rd vehicle and he had to sell it as he was downsizing. No room for a 3rd vehicle plus his wife didn't care much for it. Bought it for $7600 and a grown man crying. Ben and I pulled out and felt like teenagers again!

This cruiser was completely stock. Interior is immaculate, beautiful for the age. The paint wasn't as bad as it is now because he garaged it for years. The tires were 1998 BFG's and drove bad with flat spots on them from sitting so long in the garage. The tires and wheels were the first things to go. After driving this to and from work I learned to just enjoy the drive. 55mph and 2500 rpm's was normal on the highway. Climbing up the mountain roads and being the slow poke was a way of life in the cruiser.
I slowly started researching motor alternatives. I stumbled onto MUD and found the 4BT swap. I should find out more about this. Working around diesels from tractors to my pump hoist allowed me to know it's power. We hired another employee who is a diesel guru and was also fond on my 60. When I took him places in it he laughed at the seer lack of power. You ever thought of going diesel he asked. Funny you should ask. We could do it... !
He had a project on his hands swapping a 6BT into his 72 Ford Highboy. A few months after he finished the diesel urge kicked in again. We needed a donar motor to start and wanted something that ran. I eventually found a stepvan that a framer converted into a mobile jobsite tool shed.

He said he'd driven it very little since he bought it in 2007. We drove it and it ran great. No obvious signs there were any problems. Drove it back to our shop and now ready... 4BT swap has finally begun!


SO... WHAT’S YOUR 60’S STORY???

 

[Joe T]

I saw a brown one for sale in La online and it had mud tires on it. Some time in the mid 2000s and I thought that’s a pretty damn cool vehicle. Kept an eye on them since watching the market.

Yes they are going up in value. I watched 65 Rivera’s jump in value too while watching them. Figured I should go ahead and pull the trigger on the FJ60.

I have never been a fan of the FJ40 honestly. Also I think the FJ in that autotrader article is a 62.

 

[Cruiserdrew]

6 speed manual? Where are my other 2 gears?

 

[John McVicker]

Me too. I've reached for 5th many times...I can't even find that, much less a 6th.

 

[Hojack]

Having my FJ60 manual 4 speed shift pattern, 2005 F350 manual 5 speed shift pattern (for my work truck), and my 2004 Dodge 3500 6 speed manual shift pattern was interesting for awhile. When on the highway with my cruiser I'd occasionally go for 5th and realize that's all I had. My new work truck is a F450 automatic, it has a manual mode on the shifter column. I only use this mode when on hills with the aftermarket exhaust brake. The jake brake and manual 6 speed Dodge is awesome. I hardly need to touch the brakes in it. Possibly going to add it to the 4BT swap.

 

[CenTXFJ60]

I’m personally not a fan of rising values but as we know it’s inevitable. This is the reason I’ve gotten out of muscle cars and sold most of my older Corvette projects. I quadrupled my investment without touching them but when you start getting into higher values it tends to change the personalities involved. Down to earth folks are what attract me to the Landcruiser world. That and the fact my boys enjoy them as well

 

[Willard]

You asked for a story, here it is or at least some random babbling.

So I have had several vehicles over the years. Everything from old Triumphs (60's) to a brand new Charger and just about everything in between. Mini's (the real ones), Jaguars, Land Rovers, Old (70' and beyond) American cars, Japanese cars/ SUVs etc, over 70 in total.
My favorites were my 1968 Cadillac Sedan De Ville, 1982 BJ42 and my 1983 BJ42. Should tell you something right there. The caddy I drove from Vancouver Canada to Miami Florida when I relocated to the US, nothing like driving 70Mph on your couch.
Both Land Cruisers I drove all over British Columbia and a lot of that was on forest service roads with a stock everything and a winch (used several times)

I wanted a FJ60 so several years ago I bought a 1987 out of Colorado. It was built by someone who knew what they wanted and how to do it right. It had a TBI V8 conversion mated to a ranger overdrive and a snorkel, long range tank, ABR front and rear, lots of little extras and a 4" lift with 35" tires. AC even worked. I flew there and picked it up and drove it back to Virginia. It ran great, tracked true and the Ranger OD was LOUD, BUT two things. That 60 today would be 25K easily as it had about 10-15K worth of work done and looked great.
1. I realized the V8 added nothing really but a newer style motor.
2. Aside from loud the OD did not drop the gearing enough for me, maybe it was the 4:56 (if i remember right) gears in the axle turning those 35" tires but I just was never impressed with a few hundred RPM drop.

I sold it and never regretted it.

I then bought several other vehicles and was never truly happy with them. I like to camp and fish, and I want to take my kids with me. Approaching 50, I decided it was time to buy a new 'SUV' and looked at everything that was 10 years and newer on the market.
Looking at all of the options absolutely nothing impressed me. So I went older, looking at Land Rovers again and remembering they are electric and engine nightmares I decided nope and started looking at Toyota's. Again nothing, so I went older and remembered the FJ series. While I like the FJ/BJ 4x series, I also remember my friends calling them kidney crushers when riding in the rear. Plus I wanted something a bit more luxurious with AC (it is brutal with the humidity in the summer in VA). I did NOT want a automatic so the 62 was out. Plus I wanted left had drive so most imports are out.

Then was the color my first one was blue ('83) and the second I got from my bother in red (82). I prefer the blue so the hunt started. My budget was 8K (what a laugh) and I found one in NH for 6K with a number of things I wanted already done. New gaskets no oil leaks etc. When I got there it looks good, not great but good. It was about a 4K rig and had I looked closer more like 3K. My stupidity and I did just drive 10+ hours. The owner dropped me a folder of work done on it since the 90's and the previous 2 owners (I am the 4th) plus his work that was done, including a rebuilt head (15K miles on it) and a rebuilt short block (5K miles on it). Score! Plus everything worked on it and oddly enough the windows actually roll up and down without having to grab it.
Strapped it to the trailer and brought it home. The plan was to rebuilt it and get it on the road in 6 months. 14 months later it is still in the garage, however it is very close to paint and road ready, if my wife stops finding chores for me.

After I got it home, I had huge plans for it. Then they changed and changed again. Rust was found and had to be dealt with (cut, weld, and epoxy patch where I could not weld), rear axle was rebuilt and then changed with a full floater, new suspension, new bumper, long rang gas tank (hit a deer going to get it so had it shipped). New interior, 3 point belts for the back. Fixed and recharged the AC (all new parts waiting) New carb etc, etc, etc. the list is HUGE and the budget is gone. With everything about 15K in, Crazy. but this will replace my F150, I own it and it will be my daily driver, Carbed, 4 speed and 6Cyl engine.

While my wife hates it, she just tolerates it for me as she realizes it is what I want, I think secretly she is hoping i will hate it and want it gone.

So while I had a great 60 at one point with the conversion most want (being a V8) it was not for me and I knew it then but convinced myself otherwise. Now I have the 60 I want built the way I want. Some people may not like it (I am not really happy with the wheels but they may be changed at any point) for how I have built it up, however it is for me. People tell me that it is dangerous and should not be driven with my kids in it as it has no ABS or Airbags. I agree and I do not with those statements. I did put the correct Toyota 3 point belts in the rear and have had my fronts checked including the mounting points.
While my wife wants a newer Cadillac SUV, I have realized that there are no vehicles currently being made that I like at all.

While things like power windows are a nice feature and power/ heated seats are great, ultimately a 1986 FJ60 is just right. My windows will always roll down, even if I do not have the vehicle on. I do not have to worry about limp mode.....(when your computer decides you vehicle is not right and cuts the engine power)
Ya it get crap for fuel economy, but then so does my F150. Hell I drove a 1968 Cadillac daily for 4 years, the fuel gauge would drop just starting it. I am not an econo box guy, and I would not be caught dead driving one.
I drive what I like not what pleases everyone else.

SO the Story is, after 70+ cars and SUV's (just live with the acronym), I have yet to find anything that I like as much as the older vehicles. I drive, or will be soon full time a 1986 FJ60 daily and I will be loving it!

 

[Hojack]

That's a great story Willard. It's awesome out of 70 vehicles you've found the 60 your favorite. If you've got pictures send them this way.

 

[2mountainfish]

I wish I had a more interesting story, but here it goes. I have owned several Toyota 4x4s. I really like the way they run and how capable they are offroad. When I owned my last 4runner, I would see 60s and think,man those look so cool lifted with 33s. I had kids and a wife and a mortgage,you know the drill, so it was not time yet for a major project. Fast forward 14 years,kids out of the house,better job and a very understanding wife. While currently driving a Heep Wrangler I got the itch for change. A friend of mine had bought an 85 FJ60 to build with his son. Little did he know that his son never had any intention to learn how to drive stick. So, I was in the right place right time, and it was mine. I have been building on it for three and a half years and am not done yet. I enjoy modifying and driving it very much. The best part though, is this community. I have met a lot of people that I never would have. Down to earth people,like me. So thanks for that. I plan on continuing the build and all the adventure that goes with it.

 

[Hojack]

Good story 2mountainfish. Enjoy your build and cruiser adventures.
It's amazing how many wives don't see the 60 the same as us guys. It's growing on my wife. Our adventure last summer to Olallie Lake in the high Cascades with our 16 foot canoe and gear loaded on top of my cruiser was a great memory for us. The cruiser is definitely growing on her.

 

[Joe T]

GF hates it. She text like what up and I’m like:

I think I will buy another one. This keeps me out of trouble is my excuse...

 

[Hojack]

At least Joe T these are becoming and investment where wife's and GF's can be a big cost. I know because I had to find a wife with a horse problem. I had to get a cruiser problem.
Which brings up any lady cruisers on MUD?

 

[Joe T]

I got her convinced I will make money off the blue one.

The word “investment” has come up many times.

 

[2mountainfish]

Mine is a seasoned veteran, she can spot BS from a long way off, LOL

 

[Hojack]

I got her convinced I will make money off the blue one.

The word “investment” has come up many times.

Investment has been used here too, especially with the 4BT swap. At least my investment will appreciate over time where as horses will not. She does drive the 6 speed loaded with horses remarkably well.

 

[OSS]

I'd say Willard's experience with cars is extreme on one end of the scale with 70 cars... so far, but the universe has a way of balancing everything out.

My first car I purchased was a 1978 Toyota pickup truck in 1980. Eight years later I sold it for $500 and bought a two year old FJ60. I've been driving that ever since. I am a vehicle manufacturer's nightmare.

 

[NeverGiveUpYota]

So I feel inclined to speak. As a woman in this very mans man forum my ‘87 FJ60 is number three. My little beater ‘97 Nissan is a stick and I find myself often reminding myself to not go into reverse which is 2nd on an almost daily basis!
As for stick versus automatic, I love stick so much more. Last time I drove an automatic was an ‘84 VW Rabbit I drove into the ground (almost) from ‘93-98/99. Sold it w/ a failed emissions and a really exciting stall feature at highway speeds. I learned to drive very defensively and well. My first ever stick was a maybe ‘92 Subaru DL that I bought and simply got in and drove home after I sold the Rabbit.
I picked up my first truck an ‘84 FJ60 Rootbeer Brown (my fav) w/ zero knowledge off the side of the road here in CT for pretty cheap, $1100 in ‘08 (he wanted $1500). I saw it and just had to have it, the chrome was the hook line and sinker all the way. It became a DD in ‘10 and I fell in love. When I got pregnant w/ my son in ‘12 I decided it was time to go. The frame was swiss cheese and I felt obligated to mature up seeing as I had a bun in the oven. (FYI my first child, a daughter died from cancer in ‘05 at almost 8. I really had no idea what I would lose in selling that truck when it came to me being me).
My sons dad and I had very little start before getting pregnant. I’ll be honest, I missed being a mom bad, it didn’t matter much if the dad part worked out. Obviously w/ that attitude we fell apart.
I bought number two
a ‘85 FJ60 sight unseen less than 6 months after he begrudgingly left. It was a cheap POS. Doors flapped on the drive home. I laughed the whole way while I dropped chunks of rust off on my friend following me in his ‘86 convertible Cabrio.
W/in a month I found number three which is the one I have now. An ‘87.
I’ve thrown myself in head first. I’ve truly stepped into wrenching and learning as I go in my driveway and I love it. This is, for me, the ultimate therapy for being a bereaved parent. And at the same time I am teaching my son what it is to work for something awesome and be proud of oneself and have true confidence.
The vast group of folks here on mud have taught me many lessons too. We are all so different yet so alike. In high school I was a loner and never had a group. I never found a connection like I have here and for that I am grateful.

 

[Cruiserdrew]

I have 2 FJ6x stories. My first one, the '84, started when I bought my '97 80 series in '99. That was such a versatile truck, that within 12 months I'd put 20,000 miles on it and realized it was running up miles too fast for comfort. Around then I bought a '76 FJ40 too. One day I had the FJ40 at an independent Toyota shop in Sacramento, and the mechanic there asked me if I liked Land Cruisers. We chatted and to make a long story short, he had a long term customer with an FJ60 that wanted to sell and the mechanic had personally done all of the maintenance on the truck since new. So a deal was struck and for $3000 I bought a 1984 with faded paint, no rust, a strong motor and 160k miles. I felt pretty good about racking up the miles on my $3000 truck and saving my $30,000 truck for another day. I drove the FJ60 daily for many years basically trouble free. Replaced a radiator, added an OME lift, H55f, and drove it all over California. Until about 2007. and 230,000 miles. About then, I got the urge to take my FJ60 to Rubicon and over the next year did a spring over, lockers, pulled out most of the interior to set it up to sleep in. Got one of the last Marlin Crawler Toyboxes for it mated to an H41 transmission. 2 years ago it got a FF rear axle from an 80 series. Since the spring over it's traversed over the Rubicon about 15 times, sometimes forwards and backwards the same year, and over Dusy Ershim several times. And not a whole lot else-it's still under 240,000 miles. It's a great 4 wheeler, not such a great daily driver-it's just too tall. But the original motor still runs strong and doesn't smoke, but it's slow as a dog uphill.

Which brings me to my FJ62. That story also starts way back. In 1989 to be exact. One of the Pathologists at the hospital where I had just started working, bought a brand spanking new FJ62. I was driving an '83 Tercel. Everyday I'd see the FJ62 in the parking lot and wanted one. But, the family life kept me driving a series of CJCs (cheap Japanese cars) until I bought the 80 series in 1999. After that, we started talking Land Cruisers. The pathologist liked my FJ40 and around 2001 I told him that if he ever wanted to sell the Land Cruiser to call me first. He just kept driving it every day, and since he only lived 2 miles away, wasn't racking up huge miles. Finally, it seemed like the world was ending in 2008. Remember that? Gas was $5 per gallon and rising, the recession was gathering steam, and it looked like the day of the SUV was over for good. Cash for clunkers was coming from the Obama administration. So my friend the pathologist called me up. Did I still want the Land Cruiser? How much? (lets just say an insanely cheap price that that even then was insanely cheap). So I bought it that afternoon. It had just turned 100,000 miles and was in basically perfect shape except for a lift gate dent where a kayak fell on it while being unloaded. I remember my wife was pissed. Super pissed. 4 Land Cruisers?? So I let my high school son drive it to school and practice-(but the wife forced the sale of his perfectly good Nissan). He dove it junior and senior years and when he went off to college, I got the FJ62 back as a daily driver. So with the 62 back in hand, it got an OME lift, new paint, and finally an H55f (the one out of the FJ60!). So I've been driving it like that for the last 4 years or so. But this spring, it's getting some love. In progress now is an 80 series rear full float axle and a Harrop elocker. I drove it last week to Arizona and had @lcwizard at 4Plus build some sliders which are now at the powder coater in Sacramento. So it's got 150,000 miles and it's getting ready for the next part of it's life, which includes a heavy duty OME lift (upgrading the medium lift), more desert trips, and a spring over when (or if) my '84 bites the dust.

I feel I need to comment about the "investment" thing. If you consider your Land Cruiser an investment, you will never have any fun with it. Because trust me, any modification from stock makes it worth less. These are working vehicles and to make them into a show truck just seems wrong, unless that's your passion.

 

[Rugy]

Got hooked on Expedition Portal a few years back. Using my BJ 42 for a long vacation/road trips was out of the question.
Looked for a long time for a nice clean 60. Bought one from a fellow mud member out of LA.
Sent him a money order for a deposit and flew down to LA 6 months later to pick up.
Drove to San Fran and to San Diego to visit friends.
On the way back up to Canada we broke down in Carlsbad. Previous owner picked up truck
with his trailer and drove it back to his shop. We rented a van and hung out in Carlsbad.
Two days later he had a new driveshaft in it and we were back on our way to Mogfest in Sheridan Oregon.
We ran into Gorge of Valley Hybrids at the fest, small world.
Zoomed to the border after Mogfest, paid our duties and had our American papers stamped by US Customs so all clear to go.
Once were were back in BC I had the 350 TBI changed for a fresh 4.2L Diesel HDT-1 along with a 5 speed out of a 1990 81 JDH.
She now runs on diesel with has a long range tank and we completed our first voyage to the dunes last year.
It was a shake down trip with a few hicks ups along the way but nothing mayor.
Now onto tweaking for our next trip to Utah and Arizona in May.
That's my story.

 

[Hojack]

Good story NeverGiveUpYota. I knew there had to be some ladies on MUD. Sorry to hear of your daughters loss. Seems every cruiser story has some type of adventure seeker within us all, just like the vehicle that was built. Good reading material.