1974 FJ45 ute (1 Viewer)

[henlan]

Hi all,
Having enjoyed this forum for a while, I have now found the perfect FJ45 ute (pickup) to occupy my spare time and money.

It's an absolute beauty, totally original, no serious rust with a complete bed which is extremely rare in Australia.

The initial cleanup has been like an archeological dig with 35 years of dirt, coins, bugs, bullets etc to remove.

Initially I'll be replacing the door / window seals and shift boots... and that's about it! Eventually it should be sandblasted and repainted to ensure it lasts another 35 years, but that's not urgent.

I've replaced all the tie rod ends, suspension bushes, given it a full service and fitted front disc brakes. It drives extremely well (despite being a bit underpowered and needing a 5th gear...).

I'll have plenty of questions and I really appreciate the help of this forum.

Photos to come.

 

[henlan]

Here she is. Sorry about the average photos, I'll get some better ones soon.

The PO painted the roof in red lead roofing paint, which is weird because the roof is in perfect condition.

It came with the original owners manual and brochure, floor mat (still in 1 peice), crank handle (not sure I want to try it), 2 tool bags, inspection light etc.

Here I have already stripped some of the interior for cleaning.
Question 1) This silver panel which fits below the passenger seat - what is it for? It seems to restrict access to tools etc without much of a purpose.

 

[henlan]

Question 2) What do you guys do with the spare tyre? This truck has 32 x 11.5" tyres and I can't fit the spare in the original rack below the bed. I suppose I could modify the rack to take the wider tyre, or mount it in the bed. Any ideas?

 

[fjdaveinoz]

Question 2) What do you guys do with the spare tyre? This truck has 32 x 11.5" tyres and I can't fit the spare in the original rack below the bed. I suppose I could modify the rack to take the wider tyre, or mount it in the bed. Any ideas?

I have the same tyre combo on mine and it fits underneath. Unsure if it has been modified though.
or just go get a split rim to carry as a spare. it would ruin the look mounted on your tray.

By the way, congrates on the purchase, she looks like a clean tidy old truck. Makes me a bit jealous!

 

[herbs]

That's in awesome condition, I like it. About your only option for the spare tyre would be to mount it on the headboard of the bed.

 

[wdukes]

tire

I am surprised those tires won't fit, but I have considered dropping the mounting location for the tire holder a few inches to accomodate a larger tire. It certainly wouldn't help your offroading capabilities though. I have always thrown the spare in the bed, but I am not a big fan of that and just haven't been up to adding bolts to the headache rack or front of the bed to mount it either. It is this situation that gives me envy for all the nice fj40 bumper/tire/gas can applications that are out there.

Dukes

 

[henlan]

Tyre

I've had another look at the spare tyre option, and it seems the factory rack will only acommodate a tyre up to about 9" wide. Even with the rear nut loosened off, I still don't think I'll be able to fit my spare. I'm sure I've seen other trucks on Mud with big spares underneath???

I guess I could modify the rack mounts to drop it 2.5", but I'd lose a fair bit of clearance, and it would no longer be stock.

I guess I'll have to fix it onto the headboard or headache rack (in an easily un-doable way).

 

[65-fj45]

I have a 33x9.50 BFG mt mounted on a stock cruiser rim in the stock hanger. It was a really tight fit, but it works.

 

[Chamba]

You could always put the factory winder-type device from newer rigs to hold the spare. Then you could store the older style rack in your shed until you want to put it back to original condition. That way you would not have to modify the old one, and you would save the 2" which the rack sticks down below the spare.

Great score! I don't think I have ever seen a factory bed on any pickups down here. My wrecker friend down here in Adelaide told me that 20 years ago he had about 50 45 series beds sitting in his yard until he finally crushed them all because he never sold a single one.

Keep us update on the progress- I can't wait to see it when you're done! What are your plans for the engine/gear box?

Cheers,

Josh

 

[herbs]

I've only ever seen maybe 5 45/47s with the pickup bed, someone in Rockhampton here has one on their HJ 47, I guess the rust is being cut out of it going by the primer on it. I'd love to have a pickup bed, but they're not the most practical things around, that's why the dropside tray rules here in Australia.

 

[Pauciflora]

G'day Henlan,

Crikey......that would have to be the straightest, cleanest, bestest '74, I have ever clamped my eyes upon. Do you know what the history of the vehicle is?

I'm with HJ47 don't modify the original rack. In fact, I'll take it a step further. A truck that beautiful should have the original split rims on it.

Cheers, Ben

 

[fjdaveinoz]

In fact, I'll take it a step further. A truck that beautiful should have the original split rims on it.

Cheers, Ben

I agree!

 

[henlan]

Hi guys,

Thanks for the compliments. I agree with all you've said, incuding going back to split rims. Does anyone have a set they want to sell me? Or know of any in NSW/Vic?

The factory tyre was a 7.5 x 16 which is equivalent to a 31". However I am keen to use a 32" or 33" for the extra legs on the highway. I know you can get BFG AT's in 33"x10.5", & a few brands in a 255/85 (approx 33"x10"). A full set of either of those sizes would cost almost $2k. Ouch.

So what do you guys reckon is the best tyre?

Cheers,
Henry.

 

[henlan]

Keep us update on the progress- I can't wait to see it when you're done! What are your plans for the engine/gear box?

Cheers,

Josh

Thanks Josh. I won't be doing a full restoration, just enough to ensure it remains in good condition, rust free and doesn't deteriorate.

My only other immediate plans are to tidy up, replace door & window rubbers (from Rare Spares I guess) and paint the roof white again.

Does anyone have a source for shift lever boots? I got a freight quote from the USA and they were astronomical.

Regarding the engine and gearbox, I've just done 300km this weekend and it runs really well. it's got the 155hp F engine and 4 speed. I'll be keeping it stock, unless I win the lottery in which case I would consider a 5 speed and turbo diesel... or something along those lines .

 

[henlan]

G'day Henlan,

Crikey......that would have to be the straightest, cleanest, bestest '74, I have ever clamped my eyes upon. Do you know what the history of the vehicle is?

Cheers, Ben

Thanks Ben, I'm pretty stoked with it too. I have a fair idea of the history, and could easily do more research. It was sold new by a Thiess Toyota dealer (Flynns Motors) in Cooma NSW, about 1 hour from where I live. Some of the paperwork that came with it has some notes including what I think is the purchase price of $4,617.54.

The previous owner to me was also local, who said he bought it from a local farmer. So I'd say it has been in this area it's whole life, which is great because NOTHING rusts down here! I've seen cars abandonded in farm paddocks here from the 1950's that just need an oil change and a push start!

Cheers,
Henry.

 

[Pauciflora]

G'day Henry,

- Regarding the window rubbers and felts, try a company called 'JustService' 213 Chesterville Road, Moorabbin Vic. Tel 03 95321200. I haven't actually dealt with these guys myself, but I have been told that they stock rare Toyota parts.

- As far as the split rims go. I think you have a few models to choose from and it might be worth doing a bit of research. I think pre '75 the inner section of the rim had a sort of dome shape and little metal tabs that were used to hold the hub caps on (ugly buggers). Post 75 the split rims looked the same, but at some point Toyota changed the off-set to increase the track of the vehicle by an inch or so. It might be worth checking the off-set of any secondhand rims you buy just to make sure you end up with a matching set (If my dates are wrong I'm sure someone will correct me!).

- If at some stage you decide to replace the front indicators. I'm resonably sure that the '74 model had smaller rectangular shaped lights.

- If you are going to paint the roof it might be worth doing a search for the paint thread. I'm pretty sure the paint colour code for the roof is listed.

Man I'm envious. Cheers,

Ben

 

[henlan]

G'day Henry,

- Regarding the window rubbers and felts, try a company called 'JustService' 213 Chesterville Road, Moorabbin Vic. Tel 03 95321200. I haven't actually dealt with these guys myself, but I have been told that they stock rare Toyota parts.

- As far as the split rims go. I think you have a few models to choose from and it might be worth doing a bit of research. I think pre '75 the inner section of the rim had a sort of dome shape and little metal tabs that were used to hold the hub caps on (ugly buggers). Post 75 the split rims looked the same, but at some point Toyota changed the off-set to increase the track of the vehicle by an inch or so. It might be worth checking the off-set of any secondhand rims you buy just to make sure you end up with a matching set (If my dates are wrong I'm sure someone will correct me!).

- If at some stage you decide to replace the front indicators. I'm resonably sure that the '74 model had smaller rectangular shaped lights.

- If you are going to paint the roof it might be worth doing a search for the paint thread. I'm pretty sure the paint colour code for the roof is listed.

Man I'm envious. Cheers,

Ben

Thanks for the tips Ben.
I'll try Just Service today.

I think you may be right regarding the front indicators. See the original brochure below. I've never seen those lights before - are they a running light and flasher like the newer units? Don't like my chances of finding a set. The indicators on the truck now are quality Japanese ones, I assumed they were original.

Re the tyres and rims, I think I'll have to drive around the wreckers and fit some. It's difficult because Landcruisers and Hilux's were sold with similar looking 6 stud split rims for over 20 years. Finding the right ones may take some time, but I'll keep looking. The hard part is finidng someone who knows which parts are correct. I wish we had a few outlets like they do in the US.

Maybe someone here knows if other Landcruiser or Hilux rims will fit and be 'authentic enough'. I have done a front disc brake conversion so that may also complicate the issue.

I'll search for the paint code on this site and do the bezel at the same time.

Cheers,
Henry.

 

[a.greenspan]

--I think I'll have to drive around the wreckers and fit some.....
Cheers,
Henry.

ebay Autralia (split rims)
toyota split rims, Cars, Bikes, Boats, Wheels, Tyres, Exterior Accessories items at low prices on eBay.com.au

by the way
nice 45
Cheers
Peter

 

[henlan]

ebay Autralia (split rims)
toyota split rims, Cars, Bikes, Boats, Wheels, Tyres, Exterior Accessories items at low prices on eBay.com.au

by the way
nice 45
Cheers
Peter

Thanks Peter,
I've had my eye on these ones: Toyota split rims fitted with Cooper tyres - eBay Other Wheels, Tyres, Wheels, Tyres, Car Parts, Accessories, Cars, Bikes, Boats. (end time 28-Oct-09 21:45:34 AEDST)

Can anyone confirm if they will fit with the correct offset? Unfortuately they are a 4 hour drive from me which is a bit far for a test fit.

By the way, if I ever paint this truck a different colour, it would be the same as yours. I love that red.

 

[DanS HJ-45]

Thanks for the tips Ben.
I'll try Just Service today.

I think you may be right regarding the front indicators. See the original brochure below. I've never seen those lights before - are they a running light and flasher like the newer units? Don't like my chances of finding a set. The indicators on the truck now are quality Japanese ones, I assumed they were original.

Whoah! Is that really an OEM Toyota trayback?!?! I like the traybacks, but I'm a Toyota snob, so perhaps there's a solution for me after all?

Very nice truck, BTW. I'm 90% sure that you can get the turn signals like the brochure still from Toyota.

Dan