1974 FJ45 Rebuild: African Style

This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate
links, including eBay, Amazon, Skimlinks, and others.

Joined
Jan 7, 2008
Threads
1
Messages
25
Location
Nairobi, Kenya
I have been following the different threads on rebuilds for sometime now and thus decided to do my own rebuild. Given that in Kenya, on the East African Coast, we don't have many of the benefits that the developed world has to offer in terms of inexpensive mechanical expertise, we have to make do with backyard garages and unskilled mechanics.

This being my first post, I will try to provide as many details as possible [including pictures] of my 1974 FJ45 rebuild. This car and I have come from far. Those of who who have been in this forum long enough will remember this picture taken in 2002.
mathewn.jpg
.
I was moving house and my FJ45 cam in handy. My truck has over the years been good to me. Taking me to the remote areas of Kenya
Betty_Jan_2008_pictures_225.jpg

However, the years have not been good to my truck. The previous owner did not take good care of it and was very quick to weld something when it got broke. So I decided, with a budget of USD 10,000 give it a new paint job, fix the frame, install a MAF 5 speed transmission and rebuild the my trusty ol' 2F with the MAF High performance rebuilt kit.

Below are some of the pictures what I have to deal with.

DSC00812.JPG
DSC00846.JPG

DSC00897.webp
DSC00916.webp
DSC00890.webp
 
Last edited:
The description of your truck reminds me of how John Steinbeck describes a Model T in Cannery Row:

"The car he got in clean nice condition he drove like fury. Mr Rattle drank on Saturday nights and the car suffered....." pg. 60


Click on this link if you want to read more:
Cannery Row - Google Books

Good luck with your truck and ask lots of questions.:cheers:
 
Hi All:

Looks like an old Land Cruiser to me! :meh:

"Matthew," are you aware of the various ancillary things you will need to change to install that H55F transmission?

Good luck! I look forward to following your (re)build thread. :)

Regards,

Alan
 
Hope you don't mind me tagging along... looking forward to the build!
 
Welcome Mathew.

And I look forward to following this thread too.
 
Hey! There's parts of that truck which look MUCH better than some of the bits of my Honduran HJ-45.

I can't wait to see what you've got coming to this truck. It's just fair that you bring it back to the way it's supposed to be, then perhaps you'll be able to let it really work for you (whether it's moving furniture, dirt, or just looking good driving you to lunch).

Keep the updates coming!

Dan
 
I have lots of pictures but it seems I have exhausted my 'quota'. Perhaps, someone would like to guide me on how to post more pictures.

Anywho - Yes, I am aware of modifications that I need to make to my truck for the H55 installation. Steve of MAF has been kind enough to provide me with guidance.

Yes - the truck needs alot of work. The truck has lots of rust but the local boys are helping with sheet metal work.

Dismantled the engine today and I am glad to report its not all that bad. My mechanic advises that its only the crank shaft that needs polishing. So I went ahead and placed my order of the MAF High Peformance Rebuilt Kit. Hope it comes soon.

Took the Frame to a local garage. They have promised to realign it, fabricate some of the cracked frame and hopefully they will give me something good for the USD 1,000 I am paying them.

I will post more pictures once I figure out, how everything works.

I have been reading a thread on painting 101, that should be of some help.
 
Last edited:
Welcom Mathew

Its only right to restore the Cruzah to its former glory

Good luck with the rebuild - and yes, once you start it is an incurable disease that no doctor can treat.
 
post up on some free sight and then post the links if you want... I really want to see more pics... please!!

I agree. (Me too)
 
I am sorry guys, since I am unable to pay up in support, I will not be able to upload pictures.

Once you reach a total of 10 posts you can attach quite a few photos, so just 3 more posts and then try the pics again...
 
I will take your advise and post the pictures in alternative site and provide the link.

In the interim, I have decided to take everything apart. As you can see this is the rear axle. I intend to rebuild it as well.

I have created an album on Picasa and will be sharing it shortly
102_1704.webp
 
Last edited:

Users who are viewing this thread

Back
Top Bottom