swankstar
New member
Howdy all. I've been frequenting another forum (same username) since acquiring my 92 about this time last year. Recently found out about this one and figured I'd check in.
Ever since I first saw an FJ80 rolling around a ski town in 1993, I knew I would someday own one. Finally had one drop into my lap last year for a stupid low price (for good reason). I have been gradually fixing it up last summer and over the winter. Finally took it on some outings the last few weekends to much success. I was able to get myself stuck in a fairly precarious situation, then get unstuck because TOYOTA. Lockers are still on my want list, as I could've gotten waaaay more stuck if I'd had those. Pic related, shortly after getting unstuck.
This rig is also my daily driver when I'm not on a bicycle. Have done a number of improvement projects that'll I'll list below (at least those I remember). Almost all of these projects have been with junkyard parts to keep costs down.
Fixed (relatively) immediately:
Replace alternator (wasn't working)
Replace the ONE 225/75/15 tire that was on the rear passenger (the rest were 235s...) OUCH
Replace all seats with leather from 95
Replace front window switches
Replace both front window motors
Rebuild one headlight (replaced back piece as ALL mount point were broken/missing)
Replace ALL exterior bulbs with LEDs
Replace gauge cluster lights with red LEDs
Replace both rear overhead lights (the lever switch on both were missing)
Replace all overhead bulbs with LED arrays (driver light, mid light, rear light)
Replace turn signal relay with the LED compatible one
Replace upper and lower dash panels (both were cracked/broken)
Filled ALMOST all dash panel holes with stock switches for future use (what the HELL is an ECT?? I have two now...) Will use for driving lights, winch, anything else I want
Replace both front seat belts as they were completely trashed
Removed far back seat belts because I don't have rear seats and never will
Replaced/added center console thing from a newer model that had the extra height piece so there are now two stacked lids (don't know better way to explain)
Removed fender flares (welded holes)
Removed garbage front bumper
Removed rear bumper pieces
Replace the spare tire carrier
Replace wheels with 17" FJCruiser steelies (and 315/70 tires)
Welded up broken exhaust hangers (temp fix until can afford to build new exhaust), has already broken again (lots of rusty metal involved)
Sanded/painted (flat black primer actually), I actually just helped the wife do this part. She is getting practice for painting her car
Replace 9005/9006 with 9011/9012
De-smog
Fab interior ceiling rack
Stereo install with Blueteeth and all
Replace passenger rear shock, was totally blown out
Install dual battery setup, super simple style, just an FZJ battery box and a couple wires and a snowplow relay connecting
Replace ALMOST all interior plastic
Replace all carpet to match leather seats
CLEANED sunroof drain. That was all it needed to not leak into cab. Whooda thunk??
Junkyard OME lift, 2.5"
Delta Vehicle Systems overhead storage
Delta Vehicle Systems panhard lift bracket
Swapped rear axle from 95 with disc brakes
Planned work:
Front/rear bumpers (still running without)
Upgrade center console
Install lockers
Install Cummins 4BT that is sitting on shop floor in pieces
Maybe a roof rack
View attachment IMG_0862.jpg
Ever since I first saw an FJ80 rolling around a ski town in 1993, I knew I would someday own one. Finally had one drop into my lap last year for a stupid low price (for good reason). I have been gradually fixing it up last summer and over the winter. Finally took it on some outings the last few weekends to much success. I was able to get myself stuck in a fairly precarious situation, then get unstuck because TOYOTA. Lockers are still on my want list, as I could've gotten waaaay more stuck if I'd had those. Pic related, shortly after getting unstuck.
This rig is also my daily driver when I'm not on a bicycle. Have done a number of improvement projects that'll I'll list below (at least those I remember). Almost all of these projects have been with junkyard parts to keep costs down.
Fixed (relatively) immediately:
Replace alternator (wasn't working)
Replace the ONE 225/75/15 tire that was on the rear passenger (the rest were 235s...) OUCH
Replace all seats with leather from 95
Replace front window switches
Replace both front window motors
Rebuild one headlight (replaced back piece as ALL mount point were broken/missing)
Replace ALL exterior bulbs with LEDs
Replace gauge cluster lights with red LEDs
Replace both rear overhead lights (the lever switch on both were missing)
Replace all overhead bulbs with LED arrays (driver light, mid light, rear light)
Replace turn signal relay with the LED compatible one
Replace upper and lower dash panels (both were cracked/broken)
Filled ALMOST all dash panel holes with stock switches for future use (what the HELL is an ECT?? I have two now...) Will use for driving lights, winch, anything else I want
Replace both front seat belts as they were completely trashed
Removed far back seat belts because I don't have rear seats and never will
Replaced/added center console thing from a newer model that had the extra height piece so there are now two stacked lids (don't know better way to explain)
Removed fender flares (welded holes)
Removed garbage front bumper
Removed rear bumper pieces
Replace the spare tire carrier
Replace wheels with 17" FJCruiser steelies (and 315/70 tires)
Welded up broken exhaust hangers (temp fix until can afford to build new exhaust), has already broken again (lots of rusty metal involved)
Sanded/painted (flat black primer actually), I actually just helped the wife do this part. She is getting practice for painting her car
Replace 9005/9006 with 9011/9012
De-smog
Fab interior ceiling rack
Stereo install with Blueteeth and all
Replace passenger rear shock, was totally blown out
Install dual battery setup, super simple style, just an FZJ battery box and a couple wires and a snowplow relay connecting
Replace ALMOST all interior plastic
Replace all carpet to match leather seats
CLEANED sunroof drain. That was all it needed to not leak into cab. Whooda thunk??
Junkyard OME lift, 2.5"
Delta Vehicle Systems overhead storage
Delta Vehicle Systems panhard lift bracket
Swapped rear axle from 95 with disc brakes
Planned work:
Front/rear bumpers (still running without)
Upgrade center console
Install lockers
Install Cummins 4BT that is sitting on shop floor in pieces
Maybe a roof rack
View attachment IMG_0862.jpg
