Hello I am new also....

[iron pig]

I am glad I found this sight since I am getting ready to make a LC purchase here in the next month or so. I am leaning towards the FJ55 simply because it is so ugly it is beautiful. I am also picking up at least two Toyota trucks for support vehicles to hold the wall tents and the coking equipment and supplies.

Do any of you have any tips as to what I should look for in buying a FJ55? Are there any major things I should look?

By the way I have been browsing the site tonight and I really enjoy what I see so far.

Thanks in advance of any advice.

[calamaridog]

I would look for and expect rust. I've only seen a few old FJ55's that didn't have rust somewhere.

What sort of use are you going to put this vehicle up to?

[ChuckB]

FJ55s are very cool. As Bryan said its going to be hard to find one without any rust. Good luck in your search!!

[iron pig]

I am planning a desert excursion business where I lead clients into the desert on specific trails and show them some interesting sites and provide a encampment complete with large luxury tents and gourmet meals. I wanted to use the FJ55 because of it's nostalgic look and safari type feel.

I really do not want to invest $50k into a Defender 110.

[calamaridog]

I am planning a desert excursion business where I lead clients into the desert on specific trails and show them some interesting sites and provide a encampment complete with large luxury tents and gourmet meals. I wanted to use the FJ55 because of it's nostalgic look and safari type feel.

I really do not want to invest $50k into a Defender 110.

Very nostalgic for sure. Painfully slow and uncomfortable, but certainly nostalgic.

I know all about nostalgic. I did most of my camping and wheeling in a 1957 Willy's Wagon. It barely did 60 mph on the fwy.

I assisted with an FJ55 - 350 Chevy conversion several years ago (before digital cameras and the internet) and the results were a very nice and functional vehicle.

The absolute coolest FJ55 ever is a Toyota V8 conversion using the running gear out of a new Land Cruiser. Perhaps someone will point us towards that build-up? Can't remember where it is...

You may look at FJ60/62's also. I've seen some nice ones around the last few years that are still very mechanically sound.

[cruiser guy]

'55's are cool! We have a '76 FJ55 that we have put a turbo-diesel into. It needs a little more work before it is completely finished after the restoration. definitely cool and retro though especially with the two tone white/color paint scheme (ours is the OEM green and white)!

As others have said, rust is a real issue with these trucks and parts are getting hard to find. Some parts are obsolete and some are being made as replicas and some are simply NOT available!

Production ended in '79.

[Skillet]

Iron Pig,

I sent you a PM, let me know if you have more questions.

Good luck.

Jeb

[iron pig]

So based on what I have seen posted would you all recommend a FJ60/62 more than the FJ55? If so which one has the round headlights? I have seen the body styles with both round and rectangular headlights but would prefer the round ones.

Also could I get an opinion on my expedition idea? I want to know what you all think.

[cruiser guy]

The '60 is the older model with the round headlight and manual tranny. The '62 is an auto tranny with the square lights and more creature comforts (it was an early version "mall 'Cruiser").

For what you are doing I would look at the newer trucks, '80 or even the '100 series. They don't have that rugged look but they will be more comfortable and easier to repair (getting parts for the older trucks will be your problems not the difficulty to work on them). Remember, the newest '60/62 is nearly 20 years old and the newest '55 is nearly 30 years old!

[Skillet]

'80 or even the '100 series. They don't have that rugged look

I beg to differ! ;)

[Monkeyboy]

I am planning a desert excursion business ....

I really do not want to invest $50k into a Defender 110.

You've talked to Mike Slade, right ...

http://www.tawayama.com/gear/crewcab/crewcab.html

[Scott Brady]

Welcome.

Go with the 60 series IMHO. They still have that classic look and better highway manners (in addition to A/C and power steering). Just expect slow highway speeds.

[iron pig]

No I haven't talked to Mike Slade, I do like that link though. I am just in the planning stage and was looking for a good lead vehicle as well as a couple of support vehicles ( to carry the tents, kitchen, and other niceties). After looking around I decided that Toyotas would would work as well as give a classy look considering my clients will be following me in Lexus', Mercedes', and other luxury SUV's.

I will look into the FJ60's, thanks for the advice. I am not to concerned about highway speeds, I will have clients following me anyways.

[calamaridog]

I believe the 60 series vehicles are my favorite. I was actually shopping for a 60 series but my wife wanted something newer.

This is one of my favorites. It was for sale on ebay a few years ago and I wanted to buy it very badly. This one had Old Man Emu suspension, 33" tires, and ARB bumper, sliders, roof rack, etc. Very functional.

They are "classy" looking and you can still have one in very good condition if you are willing to search hard.

Definitely check out the 60 series forum at Ih8mud.com for tons of information.

[pskhaat]

Welcome Iron Pig. I owned a 1978 FJ55. It needed a little TLC when I got her but I brought her back running strong. Anway, looks are VERY cool, but in my opinion (and I would be shot if this were posted elsewhere) the FJ60 is simply a better truck from usability, ease of work, parts, etc. I would argue that the FJ60 has the equivalent look for what you're after (yes those are the one's with the round headlights).

One thing I didn't like about the Pig was that the driver's seat by default isn't centered against the steering wheel. When you drive you actually don't look down the steering shaft, you are offset to it. Neither here nor there, just really odd.

Where are you located?

[Skillet]

My Brother bought a 60 about a year ago and has begun restoring it a bit and getting it to his liking.

He has done some long distance trips in it and absolutely loves it.

It is and 85 and a stick shift. Here are some pics.

I think it looks very cool and it drives very well with the 3" OME suspension and 33 x 9.5 BFG A/T

[ChuckB]

My Brother bought a 60 about a year ago and has begun restoring it a bit and getting it to his liking.

He has done some long distance trips in it and absolutely loves it.

It is and 85 and a stick shift. Here are some pics.

I think it looks very cool and it drives very well with the 3" OME suspension and 33 x 9.5 BFG A/T


:( My old 60 was the same color as your Brother's but NOT nearly in as good of shape. I used to take 6 hour round trips every week in it, and it wasn't toooooo bad...
For what its worth, I want to find another one as soon as I can!

[rusty_tlc]

For the tour business an FJ45 Wagon with SBC conversion and the H55 transmission would be perfect. The FJ45 (http://www.tlc4x4.com/2000/Restorations/tlc_fj45_wagon_restoration.htm) looked like the FJ40, very Safari, give it the power of a Small Block Chevy and the H55 5spd overdrive transmission and it would behave well on and off road. You could also do a full GMC drive drain swap with the SBC/700r4 and Dana axels. This would actually be my dream Expedition vehicle.
http://users.telenet.be/psioneer/photogallery/photo00012167/FJ45%20HT%20Wagon.jpg
:slap:
Now that I'm awake, ;) the 60 is a good choice, a bit of a dog on the highway with the six banger, but the SBC swap is fairly easy.

[KMR]

........a bit of a dog on the highway with the six banger.....


Hey now..........
Be nice. With the H55F in there the 60 becomes a highway cruisin machine! Well, by 1980s standards anyway. Compared to what we have available now, it is a bit of a dog, but the 5 speed makes a HUGE difference in drivability.

[rusty_tlc]

Hey now..........
Be nice. With the H55F in there the 60 becomes a highway cruisin machine! Well, by 1980s standards anyway. Compared to what we have available now, it is a bit of a dog, but the 5 speed makes a HUGE difference in drivability.
Sorry, I didn't mean to ruffle any feathers. :D
You should hear what the guys who have done a SBC conversion on their 60's have to say. My buddies biggest complaint is he can't get his away from the wife unit.

[cruiser guy]

For the tour business an FJ45 Wagon with SBC conversion and the H55 transmission would be perfect. The FJ45 (http://www.tlc4x4.com/2000/Restorations/tlc_fj45_wagon_restoration.htm) looked like the FJ40, very Safari.

If finding parts for an FJ55 is bad wait till you start looking for parts for one of these! I'm using a '67 FJ45LV as the shop project at the school I work at in Guatemala. If someone has parts for one let me know!!

[KMR]

Sorry, I didn't mean to ruffle any feathers. :D
You should hear what the guys who have done a SBC conversion on their 60's have to say. My buddies biggest complaint is he can't get his away from the wife unit.


I couldn't bring myself to do this to a Toyota. To be honest, the 2F is getting boring, but I could not swap anything in other than something Toyota, and if you swap, it might as well be diesel.............

[rusty_tlc]

I couldn't bring myself to do this to a Toyota. To be honest, the 2F is getting boring, but I could not swap anything in other than something Toyota, and if you swap, it might as well be diesel.............
That would kick ***.

[cruiser guy]

I could not swap anything in other than something Toyota, and if you swap, it might as well be diesel.............

Well my '60 series is diesel from the factory with a turbocharger on it, the '76 FJ55 has the same engine with a turbocharger as well, the '67 FJ45LV is also getting the same diesel again with a turbocharger!!

Turbo-diesel rules!!!:smiley_drive:

[rusty_tlc]

Well my '60 series is diesel from the factory with a turbocharger on it, the '76 FJ55 has the same engine with a turbocharger as well, the '67 FJ45LV is also getting the same diesel again with a turbocharger!!

Turbo-diesel rules!!!:smiley_drive:
Two Diesel LC'c, one of them a 45 wagon??


You suck.:(

I'm just jelouse.

[pskhaat]

If you're interested, I know personally someone who is selling a Canadian-spec 1984 BJ60 with the Toyota 3B diesel. Fully US legal and killer torque and mileage. PM me if interested...

[iron pig]

First of all I want to say thank you to all that have posted in response to my initial question. I have been on another forum prior to coming here and experienced nothing but disdain and arrogance ( that is why I have changed my loyalties from Land Rover to Toyota ). The other site is expedition exchange and I was intrigued with the trips that they took especially the cooking competition on the trail. But due to the total elitist attitude of the members I have left that site and will not return.

This website to me has class and professionalism that I am in awe of and now have nothing but respect for. I do not own a Toyota yet but I will simply because if you all are examples of the average owners of these machines I would consider it an honor to be included in this group.

From my heart thank you to you all. I will continue to ask questions and I know I will get good advice plus a good sense of humor.

Again thank you.

[iron pig]

Oh and did I say thank you....just kidding.:bowdown:

[datrupr]

Well, thank you for all of the kind words about this site and it's members. This is a great place to hang out and learn, if even if you do not own a Toyota.:D Everyone here has the same mindset in terms of adventure travel, and the type of vehicles chosen as platforms really makes this a diverse group. You will not find brand bashing here, though I know a few people have been awed by the trail performance of my Trooper the first time they have seen it on the trail. There are so many great an capable vehicles out there, it is just a matter of finding one that fits your needs best.:safari-rig:

[Skillet]

Wow, that is good stuff Iron Pig.

You will find, as I have, nothing but good info and good people.

Good luck with whatever vehicle you get.

:beer:

[24HOURSOFNEVADA]

IRONPIG, (Welcome) If I were looking towards this business deal from a Toyota stand point and wanted to convey images of safari and adventure while still having a "Roots/Vintage" based vehicle I'd use the HJ47 Troop Carriers aka "Troopys".

They have room for all the gear you'd want to carry. They are becoming more available as the 25 year import rule allows them to be eligible. They are newer/nicer than most 55's your going to find. Diesel motors, and the price/time investment is going to be less than resto/mod for a 55.

I just bought an imported HJ45 pickup from Australia. It's a one owner 1980truck.

http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d127/ruffian05/new45rightprofile.jpg


Here is a green HJ47 that is for sale on the Ih8mud board currently

http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d127/ruffian05/greenhj47a.jpg


Lastly, don't be too hard on Expedition Exchange. The owners are really great guys. They have carved a good little niche for themselves. I would imagine (From your earlier posts) their clients are the same clients your aiming to serve. Upscale, wealthy middle aged. I have met Jon and Ho and although I do not own a rover, they were great guys. They did try and convert me (And still do whenever we speak).

I would agree with you that some of the banter on the -EE- board is over the top, but hey...it's entertaining.

[gjackson]

There are even some *Land Rover* owners here. I would say don't judge the car by the people, or the people by the car. What they do with what they've got is what's important.

But I'm really glad you came over to Expo. There are too many forums out there that have the attitude you experienced on EE. What's cool over here is that the focus tends to be what to do with the truck, not what truck it is.

60 series seems to have the things you are looking for for a lead truck. Have you considered something like a mog for the load carrier?

cheers

[DBS311]

I say get a 60/62 series.

As long as you are going downhill on the highway, speed isn't a problem.

[iron pig]

I do not hold anything against them at Expedition Exchange I still go to their site quite often, I am just pleasantly surprised at the great ans open attitude I find on this site.

I am not a wealthy individual ( I am married with 4 kids..lol ) so I think a LC would better fit my wallet anyways.

Thanks guys.