I was talking with my buddy about how much I have spent on this thing so far and how much id left to buy and it's pretty depressing. If I knew what it would cost to build I would have bought the first modified cruiser to come along. I am into this thing for at least $7000 with no end in sight. I think it will probably take another 5k before I can drive it. Everything from lockers to fuel pumps to spark plugs to tires adds up so fast it is making me sick to think about. So how much do you have in your cruiser? Add it up and think of every last nut and bolt and see what it comes to. It will make your head spin. Let me know what you're at if it's more so that I can feel better about this. <IMG SRC="smilies/usa.gif" border="0">

I have saved every recipt from my engine to nuts and bolts and gear oil. I have been building since 96. Last time I counted it was close to $30K That was about 2 yrs ago and $10K-$15K ago <IMG SRC="smilies/blush2.gif" border="0"> Its hard to imagine where it all went and I know I did some stuff stupid. Like when I first got it I blew my rear end out and didnt even know how to do a tune up. Jack it out of salt lake city charged me $1600 for a rebuilt 3rd member and lockright <IMG SRC="smilies/eek.gif" border="0"> and then my trans went out and AAMCO transmission in salt lake again charged me $1000 to just take it out and say its bad! <IMG SRC="smilies/eek.gif" border="0"> So you can see that alot of money in my est. $40-$45K has been due to major stupidity. I am glad I know how to work on it now.

I am near the end of a frame up restoration and modification of a 74 FJ40 and estimate I have frugally invested about $17,000. I have been conservative with no lockers (yet) and stock t/case and fronts and rears. It adds up quickly. On the plus side this has been a great project to share with my kids. Good Luck

Originally posted by spinedoc:
<STRONG>I am near the end of a frame up restoration and modification of a 74 FJ40 and estimate I have frugally invested about $17,000. I have been conservative with no lockers (yet) and stock t/case and fronts and rears. It adds up quickly. On the plus side this has been a great project to share with my kids. Good Luck</STRONG>

I spent about that much too,at least I got 60's,and an Atlas out of the deal <IMG SRC="smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0"> <IMG SRC="smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0"> <IMG SRC="smilies/smile.gif" border="0">

Rob

Original truck (79 40) $580
Metal to make solid $100
Cheap welder to attach metal with $300
Tires and wheels????? (I'm on my 4th set)
Engine rebuild (it didn't need this)
High Perf. by Me... approx $2000
Includes Weber 38/38 etc.
Used winch $500
Frt and Rear Lock_Rites $300 (good deal)
Leather Starian seats $250
Full Cage $0 (a friend owed me)
Woods Frt shaft $250
Srping over front Custom Coil rear Approx. $200 (all work by me)
Scout Pwr. Str. $100
Holley elec fuel pump and Puralator reg. $130
SM 420 3spd case (in the works) ?????

Many other misc items $$$$$$$$$$$$$$
5 parts trucks etc.......

I try to build on the cheap in a big way!
I will fab parts out of metal from the scrap pile or incorporate items from other cars if they are lying around provided the end product is durable and functional.
My truck is ugly but it works ;-)

I figure I have about 6K $ in the truck.

Cory

Jettech
My biggest mistake which lead to my biggest expense was letting my son pick a FJ40 that had serious tub rust. As we removed the tub from the frame it collapsed. I searched for a replacement tub for about 6 months (I live in NJ) without success. I eventually bought another unfinished restoration that had fiberglass tub and parts. Cost $2800. To have a body shop do some repairs on the doors and upper rear quarters and prep and paint all the parts cost $2700. If I had to do this all over I would probably place body integrity highest on the list of qualities to find in a FJ when buying.

Rick, we would like to see some #'s on your rig!! <IMG SRC="smilies/eek.gif" border="0"> <IMG SRC="smilies/eek.gif" border="0"> <IMG SRC="smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0">

i'm over $12,000 on the 40 which isn't even done, just on hold while i build up the 45 and the pig. thank god i'm not doing anything to the 60 cause i've got a crappy paycheck

Bought my FJ40 13 years ago for $2900.00. Lost track after $20,000.00. Needs another frame off right now. Oh well, beats anything new <IMG SRC="smilies/smile.gif" border="0">

I too have kept my receipts.....but stopped adding them up once I started re-doing modifications. Started with a 4" skyjacker lift - 1 trip thru Rubicon and I went SOA. Can't count how many tire/rim combo's I've tried. And currently, I'm looking at a R&R on the V8 due to the engine being so far forward (I used a Ranger OD to keep the d-lines the same during the conversion, so I got barely 1" clearance between my fan and the rad). Some things I did right the first time - like lockers - ARB's.

Anyway - if I only added the items that stayed with the truck, I'd have to guess I'm into my FJ40 for close to 25k (sorry to all you fabricators out there - I didn't know how to weld when I got the truck, so that also includes shop/fab time). I still have the paint, interior lining, and new seats left to purchase, but I need to figure out what to do about the engine placement first <IMG SRC="smilies/confused.gif" border="0"> <IMG SRC="smilies/frown.gif" border="0">

Good topic - makes me feel like I am not alone in spending LOTS on my toys. Live and learn - I did much better on my 4Runner and FJ60 and hope do save enen more on the FJZ80 I am building now (except for the engine swap - I'm going to pay Danny Warden for the Vortec conversion to do it correctly once, and only once).

I figure I have about 4500k in my truck Canadian!! Thats including the...

truck
brand new 36' swampers
lockers
gears
new engine
axle swap
a million other things

O think im doing pretty good

Dan

money? what money? prats, huh? what cruiser? I dont know what you are talking about? <IMG SRC="smilies/confused.gif" border="0">


(denial) <IMG SRC="smilies/wink.gif" border="0">

I did most things the wrong way on mine but I bought the cruiser for 5000 grand woops. Blew up the rear end and replaced it with another complete rebuilt with locker for a 1000 (woops) Put power steering on for free. Picked up a front end for 600 bucks probably put 400 more into for calipers master cylinder line and what not. got some new tires new springs some bushings drivelines blah blah blah so I think Im at around 10K right now. I will do everything different next time.

arndog

i made some mistakes too,,4 grand for the truck, but it has no rust and had no rust.., about a grand for power steering on the F (i went to BTB), about 5 grand for the V8 conversion, rebuild engine, then get a rebuilt 700r4, adapters, hoses, metal for xmember, engine mounts, etc..another 800 for the lift, shocks and ubolt skids..(which i used once through the rubicon, then went SOA)..and probably another 2K in miscellaneous stuff, and another grand last week for new tires and wheels..so i'd say about 13 thousand or so..but all i have to do now is regear it to 4.56's or 4.88's and weld the back up <IMG SRC="smilies/rolleyes.gif" border="0">

i have been broke for the last 2 years because of my fj. i bought it for 4500 with a rebuilt f engine. blew 2 head gaskets in a month. chevy 327 and h55f swap (proffesional) $4500. blew the 327 and got hp 350 - $1500. new seats $100. electric fan $140. doing soa and shackle reversal next summer + gears, arb's and ps (how much will soa cost me if i do it myself) disk brakes that don't work properly yet $400. so i figure i will "done" at about $15,000. (it pains me to calculate this)

by the time everything was said and done including every nut , bolt , washer i have just under $50,000 this is not an average cruiser , i will do it again in the future when i can... i built this rig to showcase what crawltec can do for it's customers ..
in the coming weeks we are relocating crawltec to grass valley/ nevada city to be closer to the trails for research & development of rockcrawling equipment
we have some very exciting product coming in the near future , along with a full e-commerce site ... stay tuned

alan@crawltec

Wow, I wish I had some of that kind of money that you guys have spent! <IMG SRC="smilies/eek.gif" border="0">

I paid $1800 for my rig stock
450 for my small block Chevy
150 for the exhaust system
325 high torque mini starter
20 for my SM420
300 for my adaptor plate
280 for my locker
200 for my disc brake conversion
60 for my bucket seats
580 for my 8000lb winch
600 or so for my 35 inch tires
0 my T-Case Saver

Let's see, that totals about $4765.......

Everything else on my rig I built myself, rollcage, motor mounts, crossmember, spare tire mount, winch mount, etc.

I am very happy with it..... It's faster than a speeding bullet, more powerful than a locomotive, and it's able to leap over buildings in a single bound! <IMG SRC="smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0">

I forgot......I also taught it to roll over like a real Rock Dog <IMG SRC="smilies/jeep1.gif" border="0"> <IMG SRC="smilies/smokin.gif" border="0">

[ 09-29-2001: Message edited by: Reddog ]

Lets see, bought the rig about 8 years ago for $1000. Already had a v-8 added misc junk and bought 3 others for parts and then sold off the parts I didn't need. I'd say about $5000 after the sale of extra parts.
But wait it is going under the knife next year if finances permit and It will be a whole new ballgame. So far the to-do list adds up to about $23K and it will be way too prety to go on the rocks. Fawken a yea right!
Build it to BASH <IMG SRC="smilies/flipoff.gif" border="0">

<IMG SRC="smilies/blush2.gif" border="0"> Don't ask!

Originally posted by wngrog:
<STRONG> <IMG SRC="smilies/blush2.gif" border="0"> Don't ask!</STRONG>

ya know what they say, denial aint just a river in Egypt <IMG SRC="smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0">

I have never even attempted to add up the money I have dumped into mountain biking and have no desire to sit down and figure out what I have put into Cruisers. I think the second I do, I would be bummed out BIG TIME!.
My friends have savings accounts and houses, and I allways had hobbies that suck up all my money. I dont think its neccecarily a bad thing, just a different way of life. Kinda a today vs tomorow thing.

Well, at least I feel better now. Although, I think most of you are in denial who think you're doing it on the cheap. I thought that too until I started adding up all the "little" things too. If you asked me how muuch it costs to put disk brakes on the front a year ago I would have said $200 bucks since that is what a mini truck axle cost me. But then you add in new hubs and rotors and calipers and knuckle wipers and nuts and bolts and it gets to be more like $475 before you know it. Add in brake cleaner,grease, brake fluid; all the little things that make it tick and you're at $500 without charging a dime for your time. But hey tell yourself whatever you need hear so that you can sleep at night. All this and I have no sense that I will ever drive it again. I am so tempted to scrap it and go buy a new TJ at 1.9% financing and go wheeling next weekend. Alright, who am I kidding, I shouldn't say things I can't take back. The buildup will continue and there will be an end to it all some day. Right? <IMG SRC="smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0">

Well, at least I feel better now. Although, I think most of you are in denial who think you're doing it on the cheap. I thought that too until I started adding up all the "little" things too. If you asked me how muuch it costs to put disk brakes on the front a year ago I would have said $200 bucks since that is what a mini truck axle cost me. But then you add in new hubs and rotors and calipers and knuckle wipers and nuts and bolts and it gets to be more like $475 before you know it. Add in brake cleaner,grease, brake fluid; all the little things that make it tick and you're at $500 without charging a dime for your time. But hey tell yourself whatever you need hear so that you can sleep at night. All this and I have no sense that I will ever drive it again. I am so tempted to scrap it and go buy a new TJ at 1.9% financing and go wheeling next weekend. Alright, who am I kidding, I shouldn't say things I can't take back. The buildup will continue and there will be an end to it all some day. Right? <IMG SRC="smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0">

Originally posted by fc187:
<STRONG>ya know what they say, denial aint just a river in Egypt <IMG SRC="smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0">

I have never even attempted to add up the money I have dumped into mountain biking and have no desire to sit down and figure out what I have put into Cruisers. I think the second I do, I would be bummed out BIG TIME!.
My friends have savings accounts and houses, and I allways had hobbies that suck up all my money. I dont think its neccecarily a bad thing, just a different way of life. Kinda a today vs tomorow thing.</STRONG>

That is the way I am. I stick some $$ into my 401K at the beginning of the month without me ever seeing it and I spend the rest <IMG SRC="smilies/smile.gif" border="0">

I used to shoot sporting clays as my hobbie and I spent just as much money as I do now and I have hardly anything to show for it except a few trophies and a nice shotgun.

At least this way I get to have a kick ass Cruiser in the garage <IMG SRC="smilies/tongue.gif" border="0">

I hear ya Nolen - I shoot IDPA and IPSC. For the past 4-5 years, I have aquired several trophies, lots of memories, and a safe full of nice pistols - at a HUGE cost. But my trucks are a nicer "memento" of my hard spent time and money. At least that's what I tell my wife.

FWIW - my "cheapest" hobby is martial arts. And even that ends up costing me $$ when I end up travelling for a big tourney - last one I was "saving money" on was USA vs the World in Maui (hehehe - at least I got a trip to Hawaii).

[ 09-30-2001: Message edited by: FJ4ZROX ]

Originally posted by rustbucket:
<STRONG> Alright, who am I kidding, I shouldn't say things I can't take back. The buildup will continue and there will be an end to it all some day. Right? <IMG SRC="smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0"></STRONG>

Dont fret RB, just keep turing bolts, grinding, welding and smashing knuckles and you will get there. and inlike a new ***p you will have a veh that YOU built! A veh that can do stuff and go places that no "off the shelf" veh with a bolt on lift can. The reward for your hard work will be the pride and satisfaction of piloting a kick ass rig that you built. <IMG SRC="smilies/beer.gif" border="0">


maybe we should form a support group for people with tore down rigs <IMG SRC="smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0">

we can call it "fuck this piece of shit" <IMG SRC="smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0">

I save all my receipts but haven't added them in a long time, I gotta be in it for at least $25K, probably more. The trailer alone is well past $1,500, mostly the result of costly mistakes and a lot of redos over the years. But considering the use I've gotten out the Princess for more than 10 years as a daily driver, work truck and wheeling rig in five countries and 38 of the Lower 48 (and counting), it's been money very well spent. Beyond the practical uses, the Princess is my strongest connection to my life prior to immigration to the US, and while some may consider me stupid or naive, she is much more than just a truck to me.

I tried to add up all of the dough that I have spent on my 40 and it was pretty disgusting. Then I figured why add up all of the little things that every vehicle needs like nuts and bolts and plugs and small engine mods and tires to a certain extent. My second list was much better, I came out below $15,000. I have 4" of lift, 36's soon, mildly built fuel injected 350, soon SM420, comfy seats, a new perfect body that is getting painted next month, and the satisfaction that I have done 99% of the work on my vehicle myself. The $15K is including the cost of my new paint, tranny, and tires. I have parted out another vehicle and paid for $2000 worth of these mods also. I justify the amount of money I spend on my 40 easily-- it is a hobby and something that has taken me to some incredible places where I have met some great people.
Every time my cruiser is broken or apart(which seems to be forever) I wonder why I go through all the headaches, but then when it is done and on the trail I know exactly why. If we all add up the amount we spend monthly on food, alcohol, and other crap, you'd see that the amount spent on our vehicles is not as out of proportion as it first seems.
Don't dwell on the $$$$ and just enjoy your rides.

David <IMG SRC="smilies/usa.gif" border="0">

Henry,
Your connection to the Princess is not that uncommon. I think it is that special bond or connection that makes it SO EASY for most of us to end up spending so much time and money on our rigs. We all have our own "special truck" - mine is my trusty '74 FJ40, otherwise known as "Ray" <IMG SRC="smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0"> <IMG SRC="smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0"> <IMG SRC="smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0">

Don't dwell on the $$$$ and just enjoy your rides.

David <IMG SRC="smilies/usa.gif" border="0">[/QB][/QUOTE]


I'm not worried about it too much. I know that I will be happy when I am done it's just that I am broke now and it is nowhere near finished. I Think it will probably cost me less than a new Tacoma or Wrangler, certainly less than a new cruiser. I just hope I get done before the second coming.
<IMG SRC="smilies/smile.gif" border="0">

I know what you mean about hoping to get it done. I had mine ready for the Rubithon event and toasted everything just a few hours from home. I had worked for two months until 3-4 am to get it back together and ready for that run. Once I towed it home and parked it, it hasn't moved. I have been to disgusted to work on it. So after months of work and spending $$$$ it is broken and needs even more time and $$$. Oh well, it should be done in a couple months, and my check book should recover from this go around a few months after that. It is just a cycle like everything else in life.

David <IMG SRC="smilies/usa.gif" border="0">

man this sounds like i have heard it before. i used to shoot uspsa and steel. made it to master class in nine months. spent a lot of money on ammo. what do i have to show for it. not much but had a good time. but i still managed to do it for a much lower buget than what evey one else is posting. my rig is not the best by any means but i have done moab, sw colorado,clayton a few time and gilmer once this year. and it has worked great. i have broken a few things but when i get it back together this time i will still be under 2k total. so just be realistic about what you really need. there are plenty of ways to hit the trails with out spending a fortune. same for the shooting matches or racing, you can spend as much as you want. my 2 cents mike
http://bbs.off-road.com/wwwthreads_uploads/53-499194-landcruiserdoingthelaunchpad.jpg

[ 10-01-2001: Message edited by: gunracer ]

[ 10-01-2001: Message edited by: gunracer ]

I agree. I paid US$2500 for my rig and have spent about another $1000. It makes lotsa noise and gets real dirty. It doesn't have all that fancy gear welded to it, although it will one day. I get heaps of fun out of it and my girlfriend hates it.

When I started out buying stuff, me and my credit card sat down and had a long talk about how much more fun we would have for spending say....the rent money and grocery money on a new front axle.

Remeber this folks: There is a fine line between 'hobby' and 'mental illness'.

$8,000 for the truck
$8,000 in restoration (so far) <IMG SRC="smilies/smile.gif" border="0">

I saved all the reciepts but never added them up, and I probably never will! Its only $$$$, either I spend it or the EX will try to get it. <IMG SRC="smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0">

There ought to be an ammendment, something like the fifth -- "I refuse to answer on the grounds that it will incriminate me." I tried this approach once on my Chief Financial Officer and it only got me into more trouble.

To make matters worse, over the past year I have invested more than $20,000 just to equip my new shop so I can spend even more $$ on Cruiser projects.

"Hello, my name is Jack and I am a Cruiser addict. I am powerless over Cruisers and the modifications that make them better. My wife has become unmanagable. I'm spending my retirement savings on 35-year-old vehicles that will be bent, broke and towed home cold." I need help <IMG SRC="smilies/clown.gif" border="0">

[ 10-02-2001: Message edited by: Medusa ]

Cmon TLC crew!!!!! Just for a little perspective:
Theres loads of people out there who throw down 30-40k on a brand new Jeep Grand Grocery Grabber or some other such SUV that struggles over speed bumps at the local Jiffy Lube for 35$ oil changes.

Even if youve blown your life savings and live in the back of your FJ- you aint no wannabee. <IMG SRC="smilies/eyemouth.gif" border="0">

hello, my name is georg and i'm in denial big time!
money? keep track? try 3 or 4 rigs!?
are you trying to die from a heart attack or something? we all know it's an affliction so lets have as much fun as we can before we're healed!!!!!
<IMG SRC="smilies/bounce2.gif" border="0"> <IMG SRC="smilies/bounce2.gif" border="0"> <IMG SRC="smilies/bounce2.gif" border="0">

I guess I'll be next....

Hello, my name is Bruce and I too am addicted to Cruisers. At first it was just a different looking truck than everyone else had. Then I learned of 4wheeling and so came new tires. Then one sunny day I found the Rubicon trail and so began my quest to build a bigger, better rock crawler (cha-ching $$$). Oh, but then 1 was not enough, I began to eye wagons of various vintages and dreams of SOA'ed FJ55's <IMG SRC="smilies/fj.gif" border="0"> and FJ60's, and OME'ed FJZ80's danced in my head. Now I yearn to own several Cruisers and all are will head in the same direction - bulletproof rock crawling trail rigs.

So far my wife has been "understanding" (read: she has not divorced me) <IMG SRC="smilies/wink.gif" border="0"> <IMG SRC="smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0">

Is there a cure? I hope NOT!! <IMG SRC="smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0"> <IMG SRC="smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0"> <IMG SRC="smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0">

[ 10-02-2001: Message edited by: FJ4ZROX ]

Bring it awn!!! And then there are all the tools you have to buy to build and keep the thing running. They are a little more justifiable but they still add up quick. <IMG SRC="smilies/wink.gif" border="0">

do you think that's why my wife asked me:" we have such a big garage; how come i can't park my car in there?" hey, my rigs don't fit either!
<IMG SRC="smilies/bounce2.gif" border="0"> <IMG SRC="smilies/bounce2.gif" border="0"> <IMG SRC="smilies/bounce2.gif" border="0">

It is only money! My perfect '69 FJ 55 rolled downa hill in Tellico it had no business on. Not quite totalled but it might as well be. My brand new '89 FJ 62 got a new tranny and a new interior on its way to a new paint/body job the shop burned down with my truck in it. Total loss and he had no insurance! My trusty old '73 Fj 40 is still going strong. It laughs at the misfortunes of the other trucks. I have about $8000 in it total. My new frame up sucked that much up in 3 months! Like I tell my wife; I have no car payment, I dont go out to titty bars with my friends so it is my money to spend

Hmmm. I lost track somwhere around $20K and that was over a year ago. Since then there has been a full body resto and new interior, new cage and body protection, a winch, SM420, tires......a bunch more.

Then there was my minitruck, I was into that $7K and it was just getting sweet when I sold it to fund the new FZJ80. Haven't had to do much to it yet but I've got my list.

My wife keeps reminding me that the 80 is "HER" truck. I just smile and say, "I know, honey" and hopefully she'll keep smiling when new stuff just 'appears' on it. <IMG SRC="smilies/wink.gif" border="0"> I know she digs it when she gets more looks in that thing than anything else on the road. When will my luck run out? <IMG SRC="smilies/rolleyes.gif" border="0">

I remember taking a look at last years total
banking statement. It has a pie chart
showing that well over 50% of my spending
was going to cruiser projects <IMG SRC="smilies/eek.gif" border="0"> Yep, I'm
single & that's the only way I can get away
with it <IMG SRC="smilies/emb.gif" border="0"> If I could stay off ebay,
cancel my 4x mags (except for TT), & get a
woman, I think I would be cured <IMG SRC="smilies/rolleyes.gif" border="0">
Right now I'm rebuilding 3 D60 fronts, 35
spline out. One has 7.17's/ARB. <IMG SRC="smilies/cool.gif" border="0">

I bought my 69 FJ40 in March of this year for $4500. Since then, I've built a cage. Installed Beard seats. Had a bikini top made. Next was the SOA, new springs, shocks,bushings, cross over hy-steer, built a traction bar, etc... All of the work I have done myself with the help of fellow cruiser perverts. Add the 36's and MRT beadlocks, I'm at about $6500 total.
<IMG SRC="smilies/smile.gif" border="0"> However,I'm now building a late model 350
And have already traded some stuff for a new th350 trans. <IMG SRC="smilies/eek.gif" border="0"> Like most projects there's no end in sight..... <IMG SRC="smilies/bounce.gif" border="0">

If it's any consolation there's a guy we go wheeling with that has over $20,000 in a cj5.
Small block, lockers front and rear, low gears, and more. My cruiser with the stock F motor, big tires, open front diff, and 4:11's consistently goes places his jeep won't <IMG SRC="smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0"> <IMG SRC="smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0"> <IMG SRC="smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0">

mine was totally destroyed in a highway accident and owed me close to $25k

you couldnt see it, but brand new engine, brand new trubo, 60 series steering, 8 point cage, bucket seats, cd player, new 5 speed, lockers front and rear, body lift, spring lift, 35s BFG, super swampers, rims, yeah it was mad, my new one is bigger and better and owes me less, but by the time it is finished, i expect teh total on cruisers to be in the vicinity of $30k and im only 20! but i have no car loan, and it gets more looks than my brothers brand new 4runner, HEAPS more looks! <IMG SRC="smilies/wink.gif" border="0">

LAND CRUISERS KICK ASS!
bj42, 1981, 3B turbo, kickass

if.there.were.no.landcruiser.there.would.be.no.rea son.to.make.money! <IMG SRC="smilies/fj.gif" border="0">