A buddy of mine was telling me about a 45 in town that is available for purchase. The price is right and the truck sounds very clean. It's been in storage for roughly 20 years, and suppusedly runs. The truck is deffinately in need of tail lenses. What are the chances of even locating a pair, let alone affording them? I'm trying to set up the deal to go look at the truck in the next few weeks. I'll let you guys know what I find.

PM rickd if he doesnt respond, he is your 45 waggy-man

contrary to popular belief-
tail light lenses are NOT a problem. TLC Van Nuys makes reproductions (818 785 2200).

the #1 issue is the housing that holds the license lamps and the pull for the tail gate opener. If the pot metal casting is cracked, nothing on earth will get this fixed or replaced.

most rubber can be had, I have new tail gate skins, look at the sheet metal and decide if you can live with the corrosion. Bewarned, a upgrade of a 45 wagon to modern standard plus a paint job will be 150 man hours+ Stock, they are heinous to drive, no PS, no power brakes, 3sp on tree, vacuum shift, engines like to crap, brake lines are 9mm, wiring harness is very fragile, front seal is uncomfy, rear springs must always be replaced, fuel tanks leak at fill neck input, ball joint front end, harpoon steering w/ early center arm-

but they look mighty cool.

I will give you a review of the truck if you forward digital (or print photos) and any issues to check. e-mail me off list if you have more questions

mrwagon@tritel.net

Originally posted by rick d

most rubber can be had, I have new tail gate skins, look at the sheet metal and decide if you can live with the corrosion. Bewarned, a upgrade of a 45 wagon to modern standard plus a paint job will be 150 man hours+ Stock, they are heinous to drive, no PS, no power brakes, 3sp on tree, vacuum shift, engines like to crap, brake lines are 9mm, wiring harness is very fragile, front seal is uncomfy, rear springs must always be replaced, fuel tanks leak at fill neck input, ball joint front end, harpoon steering w/ early center arm-



Jeez man, dont sugar coat it - tell it like it is! :rolleyes:

and i thought you liked wagons, rick!:flipoff2:

tlc has the lenses (last i heard they were about $150 each) and they do have all the window rubber. door seal can be gotten fron JC whitney.
if you pass on that wagon, let us know. i have a close friend who is looking for one right now.;)

See, this is what I like about Rick D. No bullshit, no "yay, another wagon owner!"... We've talked about it many times, and THIS is the way to respond to a post. Know what you're getting into. FJ45 wagons are probably THE coolest Land Cruiser, but they are a labour of love, a PITA to build and maintain and restore. As long as you're comfortable with the idea, you're golden. What Rick is preventing is someone who may not have the skill level or the energy, the dedication or the $$$ to embark on this journey doing so. Thank him... :)

henry is absolutely right! wagons are a different rig! you have to love them to own one, cause they are a lot of work, and i don't think that they should ever be a daily driver, although one that was restored by TLC has been a daily driver for over a year now.
know what you're getting into as far as parts availability and common problems goes.
they are super cool, if you have the time and are willing to make the effort to own and run one.

Wha? no daily driver? shiat. SOA, 420, 35's... sounds like a daily driver to me. i'll leave the honda for special occasions.

don't anybody listen to gifu(:flipoff2: ). this guy has the worst case of cruiser fever i've seen in a while. just ask him how many cruisers he has and when the last time was either one of them ran?!:D

when restoring one of these bad boys, would it be a sin to throw in 4spd, discs(for saftey:D ) ps and a 2f? (or a 3b in my case:flipoff2: )

Dan

if your going to show your car at car shows orginal is cool ??? if your going to drive it ? up date it ! my has v8 ,soon to have 78 4 speed & 4 wheel disk drakes trust me you"ll want updated brakes just make sure you leave the body stock !!