Boss Hog
Observer
I'm heartbroken and in a quandary.
Two weeks ago, a drunk driver failed to yield and turned in front of me while I was driving my 1994 FZJ80 "Shrek". I slammed on the brakes and swerved hard to the right, but my front left bumper ended up hitting his front passenger fender of his 02 Chevy Blazer. He was arrested on the scene for DUI (with no insurance!). My insurance said the 80 is totaled. It was a daily driver, but not my only daily driver. I bought it for $1,200 and put approximately $4k into it (don't tell Mrs. Hog). I had it towed to my house, and the next morning, it fired right up like nothing was wrong and I pulled it into the garage. It wouldn't start last weekend, which concerns me a little, but I don't think it's major. At a minimum, it needs (and I have already sourced) the following:
Hood
2 Front fenders
Grill and grill support
Radiator
Headlights and corner lights
Bumper
Meanwhile, I JUST got my stalled 1969 FJ55 project "Ol Roy" running again. Zero rust on fenders or quarter panels, brand new Bobm welded floors, and a strong running 2F that was swapped in from my 78 FJ55 "Elwood". It needs the heater and defroster worked on, seat brackets welded, a new alternator, and I have to go through the process of applying for a title.
I was going to get rid of my F150 and just keep both Land Cruisers. But I have to have that as a reliable DD now. I do not have the space to keep TWO projects. HOA howled when I brought the '55 home from nuclearlemon's house. Whatever I keep has to go on the street as Mrs. Hog has been more than patient with Ol Roy taking up the garage.
Here's my dilemma: which one do I keep?? 250k miles on the 80 (I put 25k on the '80 in one year). Cheerful in all weathers. Never shirked a task. Splendid behavior. Great vehicle for camping/fishing/dog hauling AND Mrs. Hog can drive it. I don't think it will take much to bring it back, but I'm now nervous about long-term reliability. I never was before. Not even a whiff of a HG issue.
The FJ55 is an emotional attachment and although it's just metal and rubber and plastic, this thing is 4 years in the making. I'm the only one that drives it, and other than Pete (the dog), I'm the only one that rides in it. If I sell it, I doubt I'll get another. Certainly not one with a body this good.
I'm not a hardcore "off roader", but I do enjoy mild trails, road trips, and fishing/hunting specific vehicles. Keeping both isn't an option anymore. With my work/travel schedule, any project will take months. Anyone have an opinion either way?
![image1.jpg image1.jpg](https://expeditionportal.com/forum/data/attachments/285/285659-e148a8fbac4cc06cdb0ad43f6971c88c.jpg)
Two weeks ago, a drunk driver failed to yield and turned in front of me while I was driving my 1994 FZJ80 "Shrek". I slammed on the brakes and swerved hard to the right, but my front left bumper ended up hitting his front passenger fender of his 02 Chevy Blazer. He was arrested on the scene for DUI (with no insurance!). My insurance said the 80 is totaled. It was a daily driver, but not my only daily driver. I bought it for $1,200 and put approximately $4k into it (don't tell Mrs. Hog). I had it towed to my house, and the next morning, it fired right up like nothing was wrong and I pulled it into the garage. It wouldn't start last weekend, which concerns me a little, but I don't think it's major. At a minimum, it needs (and I have already sourced) the following:
Hood
2 Front fenders
Grill and grill support
Radiator
Headlights and corner lights
Bumper
Meanwhile, I JUST got my stalled 1969 FJ55 project "Ol Roy" running again. Zero rust on fenders or quarter panels, brand new Bobm welded floors, and a strong running 2F that was swapped in from my 78 FJ55 "Elwood". It needs the heater and defroster worked on, seat brackets welded, a new alternator, and I have to go through the process of applying for a title.
I was going to get rid of my F150 and just keep both Land Cruisers. But I have to have that as a reliable DD now. I do not have the space to keep TWO projects. HOA howled when I brought the '55 home from nuclearlemon's house. Whatever I keep has to go on the street as Mrs. Hog has been more than patient with Ol Roy taking up the garage.
Here's my dilemma: which one do I keep?? 250k miles on the 80 (I put 25k on the '80 in one year). Cheerful in all weathers. Never shirked a task. Splendid behavior. Great vehicle for camping/fishing/dog hauling AND Mrs. Hog can drive it. I don't think it will take much to bring it back, but I'm now nervous about long-term reliability. I never was before. Not even a whiff of a HG issue.
The FJ55 is an emotional attachment and although it's just metal and rubber and plastic, this thing is 4 years in the making. I'm the only one that drives it, and other than Pete (the dog), I'm the only one that rides in it. If I sell it, I doubt I'll get another. Certainly not one with a body this good.
I'm not a hardcore "off roader", but I do enjoy mild trails, road trips, and fishing/hunting specific vehicles. Keeping both isn't an option anymore. With my work/travel schedule, any project will take months. Anyone have an opinion either way?
![image1.jpg image1.jpg](https://expeditionportal.com/forum/data/attachments/285/285659-e148a8fbac4cc06cdb0ad43f6971c88c.jpg)