Today was interesting... first time rebuilding the factory cool box. It was quite the jigsaw puzzle but I figured it out eventually.
I bought a new OEM evaporator core and expansion valve. Really neat that the evap comes with a little container of compressor oil.
Cleaned up all the parts...
I recently went to Saudi Arabia for a quick trip to visit my folks. They might be retiring next year so it was very likely my last time visiting my childhood home. Bittersweet to say the least.
But in good news, I got to check out the OEM/NOS parts I stockpiled back in 2020. Very nice...
Got some work done on the doors.
All new OEM everything including window run, window seal, clips and grommets, new plastic vapour barrier, new door handle, new lock actuator and door hinge…
One down, three to go!
The tear down continues…
Once we get far enough into the truck, I’ll send it to the body shop for various work. Lots of new OEM goodies to be installed to make this thing look new. Along with various additional welded capture nuts I’ll need for FTE components (like the pedal and intercooler...
Took a break from wrenching in the garage and prepped up my cluster.
As far as I understand from various conversions, it’s better to keep the 1FZ tach for the FTE digital tach signal so I’ve chosen not to go with the OEM diesel tach here.
I managed to find everything brand new except the...
Dent Day!
My buddy @veiloctane came over yesterday to give me a hand. He’s a skilled PDR guy and managed to push out the massive dent in the large barn door!
Much much better. I’m very happy. It’s set up now for the body shop, just needs some sanding/filler and paint.
Also we put...
Short answer - no unfortunately. You’ll have to replace way more parts than just 5th. Unfortunately the transmission that had the better 5th gear (H152F) also has different gear ratios in 1st and 2nd, so you’d need to replace 5th, counter shaft, 1st gear, 2nd gear, and also the associated shift...
Parts are still rolling in... some people can probably relate that sometimes timelines for these projects are purely based on budget. Can only spend so much every month on this thing.
Managed to get a full set of chrome door handles. All other colors are gonzo, pretty much impossible to get a...
Now that I have finished my FZJ100 1HD-FTE conversion, I'm on to the next project. Finally getting back on this thread after a 3 year hiatus.
The 80 is back in the garage and ready for restoration and 1HD-FTE conversion!
First step - gutting the interior. Lots of clean up work to do. I'm...
I've imported an 80 and a 100 from Saudi so I'll chime in on this one...
That 96 you're looking at looks to be in really good shape. Generally GCC trucks are in garbage condition, especially in Saudi Arabia.
Yes, no rust is great but the heat destroys literally everything else. And if the heat...
PM me, you can EASILY import a diesel 80 for less than $18k CAD.
If you're looking for a diesel cruiser in general, import an HDJ101. The 1HD-FTE will last far longer than a 1HD-T or 1HD-FT.
I would not recommend buying that HDJ81. Nor would I recommend buying local HDJ81's in general.
Best bang for you buck, import a fresh 95-97 HDJ81 from Japan. I imported one bone stock with 208,000 km for $17k landed at my door and it was immaculate. In my opinion, that's the only way to go...