My new toy is a 1977 BJ40 that we imported to Botswana from Japan. It is an addition to my HZ105 and the plan is to become my wife's daily driver.
I'm not planning a full frame up restoration and the body is in pretty good condition. Nice original shape and color. It has been resprayed, but the code matches. There is rust in all the usual places that was painted over, but it's expected from a 40 year old truck. The plan is to fix all the body rust and respray it to the original mustard color. The 3l B engine pulls strongly and I was actually pleasantly surprised. (I drive a 1HZ as my daily driver and long trips in Africa so I'm used to struggling uphill)
Few upgrades planned:
- the ugly rims have to go and put some 31" tires, but I'm thinking a 2" lift with extended shackles. Unfortunately here in Africa the choices for suspension upgrades are limited.
- need to replace the seats. The configuration is strange as it is right hand drive, but the bench seat does not move. It is also over the fuel tank so the choices for new seats are few. I would welcome ideas here!
- considering PS over time, but will let my wife decide if needed.
Otherwise I'm planing to keep it stock.
I'm not planning a full frame up restoration and the body is in pretty good condition. Nice original shape and color. It has been resprayed, but the code matches. There is rust in all the usual places that was painted over, but it's expected from a 40 year old truck. The plan is to fix all the body rust and respray it to the original mustard color. The 3l B engine pulls strongly and I was actually pleasantly surprised. (I drive a 1HZ as my daily driver and long trips in Africa so I'm used to struggling uphill)
Few upgrades planned:
- the ugly rims have to go and put some 31" tires, but I'm thinking a 2" lift with extended shackles. Unfortunately here in Africa the choices for suspension upgrades are limited.
- need to replace the seats. The configuration is strange as it is right hand drive, but the bench seat does not move. It is also over the fuel tank so the choices for new seats are few. I would welcome ideas here!
- considering PS over time, but will let my wife decide if needed.
Otherwise I'm planing to keep it stock.