I've been looking around for the answers to my questions but haven't had much luck. Doesn't seem like there are too many '64 still around. At any rate, I've got a 1964 FJ TLC that is 99% completely stock. I'm only missing the right turn signal and both side mirrors. The cruiser is running and has only minor rust believe it or not. This was a plow vehicle for the last 25 years and I bought it off of any older guy that had hand painted it. Here's my questions:

1. Would restoring this FJ be more benefical then cutting it up and building it with modern technology? I feel like I've got a piece of history and I'd hate to devalue it by changing things. Some day I'd like to build a nice rig that I could do some good offroading in but I'd also be happy driving this stock rig around town.

2. Drum brakes. Parts are getting very hard to find and I can't seem to get these old drum brakes to work on a regular basis. Would swaping axels and putting Disc brakes on her take away from the value?

3. If the answer to #2 is "No" then which axels should I use? This rig will probably never see Moab or do any type of hardcore off roading if I keep her as close to stock as posible. More likely a rutted and rocky fire road at best. However, I would like to drive her on a more frequent basis so I'd like something that is low maintenance when it comes to brakes.

4. Is there an axel that I could put under her that bolts on without a lot of modifications? (I.e. I've got a 1F motor with 3 on the tree tranny). Many guys use later model axels that came with Disc brakes but does everything line up?

Thank you for your time,
Travis

 

A 76-79 or so small steering patern knuckle front axle would bolt on. You might be able to just install the knuckles, birfields and disc breaks on your axle housing, not sure if you have birfields or ball and claw axle there. Id say do that if you don't intend to wheel it hard or do a SOA. I ran those knuckles SUA for years on 36" tires with out any problems.

If you truly have no rust or very little it would be a good canditate to restore. I would buy something rough to make a wheeler out of. Keep the old stuff except the brakes and maybe the 3 spd. The F isn't an issue but could maybe use some updates. Don't rebuild it if you go that route, too old a model. Get a 2F or later F like a 74.