Hi Don, I am a member of the HJ45 club as well (see the following)
http://www.fototime.com/inv/4414E22EB35EBE1
I am a little bit ahead of you but not much. Mine has a great body with some work needed only of the floor of the bed. I have a new piece to go in it and have started the restoration. My biggest issue was the "H" engine. I could only get 49 mph out of it. I too was told to change it to something else. Was just about to do it when Marv (of Specter off Road) talked me out of it. He said it was a good engine and something must not be set up right with mine. After finding a guy who knows everything about Diesel's he was right. Now 65 and even 70 are able to be reached. Very happy I kept it as it is very unique. Mine will go back to original "Nebula" Green. Good luck with your project...