1971 Toyota Land Cruiser

FJ55 SUV

2F

Manual

FJ5522215

Clear

Gasoline

I’m selling my 1971 Toyota Land Cruiser FJ55 which was restored by the premier Land Cruiser Restoration company, TLC (tlc4x4.com) of California. The restoration was highlighted by an upgraded 2F engine and 4 speed transmission combo and a long list of mechanic updates making this one of the most mechanically strong FJ55s out there. For example, last summer I completed a 800 mile road trip and got 17+ MPG on the highway – although generally not a MPG figure you see boasted, for an old SUV it’s pretty impressive. I’ll detail the complete list of mechanical updates from the restoration below but you have the quality assurance that comes from a TLC restoration so you know they were done properly. Exterior wise, what gets the most compliments on my FJ55 is the color: a custom two tone with beige and a gray/green metallic that looks especially nice in the sun. Also included and what really completes the look are custom made mahogany roof racks – the perfect combination and look for this body style and color in my opinion. On the interior it was restored to a stock look with notable updates being new upholstery, carpets and headliner. The stereo was updated to a Kenwood under dash mounted, including JL Audio door speakers and 6x9s flush mounted in the rear cargo panels – powered by an Alpine amp mounted under the front bench. The stereo includes a Sirius receiver/antenna and flexible radio antenna so you don’t have to worry about breaking it in your travels. The TLC Restoration (completed Dec ’04; only approximately 40K miles since the restoration) included the following notable mechanical updates: Engine conversion to 2F 6-cylinder Transmission updated to 4 speed Front axle FJ62 conversion (including disc brakes, knuckles, bearings and seals) Updated steering wheel/column/cover/ignition to late model FJ55 style New DUI Performance distributor Downey header New motor mounts New custom fabricated exhaust system Replaced center arm, drag arms, tie rod ends Drive shafts, balanced and installed new u-joints New brake calipers, brake master New clutch kit New water pump Updated 4.11 differential Proper speedometer reading adjustment with custom cable/inverter Replaced steering box Replaced suspension bushings, shackles and grease-able mod pins Installed new shocks and steering stabilizer Replaced rear third member assembly including new bearings, seals and wheel cylinders New OEM carburetor 5 new OEM steel wheels and hubcaps The complete 6-page mechanical build sheet and TLC documentation is included in the linked photo album for your detailed review of all the work. The mechanical upgrades alone tallied nearly $35K. Notable Exterior: Beautiful paint combination of tan and a gray/green with a subtle metallic element All glass in excellent condition with no cracks – as pictured in the linked album even the driver and passenger small vent windows operate properly Most weather-stripping updated with new or new reproduction including the expensive rear tailgate window trim Chrome trim (mirrors, door handles, license plate light housing) in excellent condition Most exterior screws replaced with stainless hardware Paint is in excellent condition and all door jambs and interior were painted as well – I pictured the noticeable paint flaws in the linked photo album so you can see the level of imperfections Front fenders replaced with factory correct fiberglass reproductions so no future rust worries No rust issues on the underside as well (several pictures in the linked photo album) as this was a California cruiser until 2011 and then in NC since, garage kept throughout, so dry underneath with no more than surface rust only – on some bolts and leaf springs The beautiful custom made mahogany roof load bars are also included and were recently refinished/coated Notable Interior: Front and rear bench seats reupholstered to factory look with black vinyl Custom door panels including rear cargo area panels covered in complementing green/gray All carpeting replaced, including in rear cargo and interior of tailgate door New headliner installed Stereo system upgraded with Kenwood head unit with detachable faceplate, remote, Sirius receiver/antenna (active with subscription paid to July), flexible radio antenna, upgraded JL Audio TR speakers all around and Alpine amp mounted under passenger seat In addition to the restoration components above, the following recent notable items were performed within the last year: New BFG A/T 33x10.5xR15 tires (<3K miles on them) $1000 New OEM taillight lenses (very rare to find new) $150 New reproduction taillight rubber seals from SloCruisers $60 New OEM reverse light lenses $50 New OEM turn signal lenses $20 New OEM stop light switch and installation Paint and install new door hinge $150 Proper 4 wheel alignment (April 2011) $100 Alternator (April 2011) $135 Oil change and new filter <500 miles ago Also included are several extra parts/accessories including new old stock parts and the original TLC restoration documentation and collateral (all parts also pictured in the linked album below): Original TLC build sheet and receipt Official TLC sticker affixed to rear window ‘TLC Land Cruisers’ official license plate frame new/unused TLC high quality silver/metal key chain fob Original 1971 Land Cruiser Owner’s Manual including fold out wiring diagram Extra reproduction Land Cruiser Owner’s Manual (I use this one in the glove box to keep the original stored away) Original stock AM radio from 1971 FJ55 (for those wanting to return to stock audio) 3 sets of keys 2 spare new OEM hub caps 2 all-weather floor mats Set of Anco ‘winter’ wiper blades New 7” Headlight Stone Guard set 2 extra sets of seat belts Assortment of spare parts pictured includes spare gas caps, reverse light housings, and various ignition parts Haynes Toyota Land Cruiser (1968-82) 312-page repair manual Heavy duty full front bench ‘Tuff Duck’ seat cover made by Specter Off-Road ($200) Specter Off-Road FJ55 carpeted dash cover ($50) Custom “Toyota LND CRSR” license plate mounted on front OEM license bracket Link to full 100+ picture album including additional pictures of exterior, interior, engine, underside, all parts/accessories and scanned images of TLC build sheet: http://s1359.photobucket.com/user/FJ55TLC/library/ As mentioned the cruiser is mechanically superior to any I’ve seen and I would not hesitate to take it on a long road trip. It shifts through all gears smoothly with ease and can cruise comfortably at 65mph on the highway. The goal of the TLC restoration was to have as trouble free of a driver as an FJ55 can be – thus a full upgrade of engine, transmission, axle, brakes and drive train components and no unnecessary components that could go wrong – thus no power steering, fuel injection, A/C or modern power additions that might leave you stranded if they went wrong. That said, these are common and affordable add-ons with many factory and aftermarket options should you choose to add one down the road. Personally, I never felt the need for power steering as with the large steering wheel and dialed in alignment it’s fairly easy to handle. Likewise for A/C, with the back window down and front vents and windows down it generates great air flow through the cabin too. On the note of the back window, for those not familiar this is actually a powered window on the FJ55 – and a costly and hard to fix item if not working properly. Mine works perfectly, operated either from the front dash switch or operated by turning the key inserted in the rear tailgate. Other items worth pointing out as they are often non-functional in other FJ55’s and/or difficult to fix: ALL lights work including brakes, reverse, side markers, turn signals, hazards, headlights, hi-beams and interior dome light; front and rear heat work properly; window wipers work and even the washer fluid spray nozzle works. The notable flaws include the paint imperfections previously mentioned and pictured and the passenger door lock does not hold in the unlocked position (you just open it from the inside for your passenger or they reach in and open) and currently the driver’s side window only rolls a few inches down (rolls back up fine). This just happened and I believe it’s a stripped window crank handle which I just sourced a matching OEM one and will include it when it arrives – worst case a used complete window regulator assembly can be found typically for $50 so these are minor fixes. This has been the most positive attention getting vehicle I’ve ever owned or been in, as with the unique body and rareness of the 55 most aren’t quite sure what it is so ask what model or year or just give a thumbs up because it looks cool – if someone does know what it is they’ll stop and chat away. As for value of this FJ55, the only TLC restored FJ55 I’ve seen up for sale over the last few years was an over the top $150k+ restoration and the owner was asking $100K but not sure of final selling price or if it even sold actually – not a true comparable regardless. Haven’t seen any other TLC restored FJ55 on the market at all, so I’ll let the bidding dictate the value. To see a few examples of other TLC restored FJ55’s they highlight a few towards the bottom of their main restoration page (Services | Restorations: http://tlc4x4.com/restorations.asp?service=restorations) – the one I mentioned above is the tan/white two tone one by the way. The documentation for the mechanical restoration alone on mine was ~$35K and I’d estimate the other work to more than double that for total restoration expenses. That said, my reserve is very reasonable and I expect this will sell to the highest bidder. I’m located in Charlotte, NC and can work with the buyer to arrange pickup at the Charlotte airport if needed. If you are going to have the vehicle shipped I can work with you on pick-up arrangements there but shipping cost is not included and is the buyer’s responsibility. I require a non-refundable deposit of $1000 via PayPal within 48 hours of auction end and remaining balance due within 7 days. Balance payable in cash, wire transfer, or acceptable and cleared bank cashier’s check. Once all funds are received and verified I will provide the title to the new owner. The title is clean and clear and in my name. This is an as is sale with no refunds or warranty provided. Please have your funds in order and/or any financing approved before bidding. Thanks for looking and let me know if you have any questions.