I'm ditching my Jeep to buy a Cruiser. What should I expect to pay for a decent Cruiser, what should I look for, look OUT for, what mods. are good, bad, etc.? I know quite a bit about Jeeps having done most of the mods on mine, but the Cruiser arena is a bit new. I have my eye on particular cruiser right now, but before I shell out my cash I want to make sure I'm making a good choice. I've spent some considerable time on ih8mud.com and various other sites getting educated, but would like some other opinions. Any input would be appreciated. Thanks...:D

just a thought : smog exempt years ?
You most probably already know about rust issues...
Your purchase will of couse depend on what you're planning to wheel, whether or not you're planning to build it, daily driver or not etc etc...
Just tell us fact about the cruiser you're looking at, and what you want to do with it...
Anyway, a cruiser is already a good choice.

Welcome in the real world :flipoff2:

sorry, my posting seeing the light was meant for you but my dog jumped up as I was clicking the mouse and well....

I'll take a crack....

For CA, I'd go with 1971-1973 as stock as possible. $3,500 base. $5,500 tops?? As a poor selling point, note to seller the 3 speed tranny, drum brakes all around, and F engine (oil filter drivers side). 1968-1970 are intermediate years and require more work. E-1967 need even more work as axles, engine, brakes, etc are boat anchors- Sag steerng etc is a must up unitl 3/1969 unless you dig stock. 1974 and later are death nail emissions.

...with these years (71-73) you get a front end you can convert to disks cheap (mini swap). You won't pay extra for a 4 speed and you can replace 3 speed with sm420, sm465, or Toyota H55 5 speed and be happy. Engine is not idea, you want a 2F or small block (or if you have dough and time pursue other diesels etc). If it has been V8 converted, make sure they used quality brackets and have a good radiator and correct welds to frame. Stock 3sp radiator, home brew 3sp conversion plate to tranny, and fugly engine mounts are somewhat common.
with 1971+ The key thing is 10mm brake lines (vs 9mm earlier), a firewall set up for a brake booster already, no emissions (yet??), good sheet metal, better center arm (if you keep stock steering- using 33" or smaller tires), and common windshield frames (vs 1975+ which are becomming rare!).

Originally posted by rick d
I'll take a crack....

For CA, I'd go with 1971-1973 as stock as possible. $3,500 base. $5,500 tops?? As a poor selling point, note to seller the 3 speed tranny, drum brakes all around, and F engine (oil filter drivers side). 1968-1970 are intermediate years and require more work. E-1967 need even more work as axles, engine, brakes, etc are boat anchors- Sag steerng etc is a must up unitl 3/1969 unless you dig stock. 1974 and later are death nail emissions.

...with these years (71-73) you get a front end you can convert to disks cheap (mini swap). You won't pay extra for a 4 speed and you can replace 3 speed with sm420, sm465, or Toyota H55 5 speed and be happy. Engine is not idea, you want a 2F or small block (or if you have dough and time pursue other diesels etc). If it has been V8 converted, make sure they used quality brackets and have a good radiator and correct welds to frame. Stock 3sp radiator, home brew 3sp conversion plate to tranny, and fugly engine mounts are somewhat common.
with 1971+ The key thing is 10mm brake lines (vs 9mm earlier), a firewall set up for a brake booster already, no emissions (yet??), good sheet metal, better center arm (if you keep stock steering- using 33" or smaller tires), and common windshield frames (vs 1975+ which are becomming rare!).

Uh, what he said
;)

if you don't mind putting it back together i have a 72 fj40. 400 small block used, 7004r trans new rebuild with all the goodies never used, front disc toy mini conversion, rear disc new never used, lock rite rear, arb front new never used, power steering, full cage, nerfs, shackle reversal, sprung over. blah blah blah.would like to get $6000.00 can deliver to CA in august.

I have a sweet one for sale.

Thx
Dave

http://home.attbi.com/%7Erittiman2/Cruiser/CruiserSpec.htm

Originally posted by DaveWFO
I have a sweet one for sale.

Thx
Dave

http://home.attbi.com/%7Erittiman2/Cruiser/CruiserSpec.htm

That is sweet...why are you selling?

How bout a 1965 FJ45. It has most of the good stuff done. It will cost more to add the stuff to your own. It has new paint, 350 4 bolt, SM420, good t case(late 3 speed with saver) 4 wheel disc, power brakes. Blah Blah......$10K Send an email if you have any interest.

Here's the link to the one I'm looking at. http://www.iwolfe.com/modules.php?op=modload&name=Sections&file=index&req=viewarticle&artid=2&page=1
It seems that most of the work has been done, but when I went to test drive it there were a few things that bothered me. It still over-heats on the trail. It hesitated and nearly backfired when I put the pedal down in third gear (only in third?). The radiator is in a little crooked (a bit picky I know, but hey, I would have made sure it was straight...). The anti spring wrap bar for the rear axle only has a top piece which means it isn't doing anything being there. The brakes don't lock up. They stop pretty darn fast for 35's, but they should lock up (my non-power brakes in the Jeep lock up in a hurry with 33's). There were a few other little things that added up to being a lot of work for something I was also going to be using as a daily driver. Am I being too picky? Is he reasonable with the price?
DaveWFO- I saw your cruiser for sale and was really excited until I saw the price. Looks reasonable, but a little outta my league.
FJ45Mike-drop me an email with some pics ericandjaimee@juno.com


Thanks

i'm just happy to hear that another lost sole is leaving the dark side to join us cruiserheads!;)

Selling to pay off some bills and I want to build up a FJ45. Getting bored now that its all done ! You know how that is.

I have over $ 40 K into it. not including labor.

Thing wheels killer.

Dave