- Thread starter
- #41
If people are still interested in them, I can see if I can source them for a big shipment for one of the mudders to distribute from the states so we save on shipping.
1980 FJ45 in Dubai - Saved From the Sands
- Thread starter maxofarabia
- Start date
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- Thread starter
- #42
Haha that's exactly what goes through my mind Everytime I see any land cruiser!
- Thread starter
- #43
Thanks bro, when you visit you get the keys so you enjoy Dubai in style
Rats , that's what I had expected . The entire bulb base would have to be changed to install a suitable driver/chip led setup , that housing design doesn't lend itself well due to the shape and depth .
I still like them though....
Sarge
I still like them though....
Sarge
- Thread starter
- #45
If you ever decide that you want some despite their shortcomings then feel free to drop me a note and I can get some and send them through.
Arabian Cruiser
Arabian Cruisers
Great. I'll bring pearly along so we can double date
PabloCruise
SILVER Star
Was this 45 literally rescued from the dunes? Was it abandoned out there?
- Thread starter
- #48
I wish it was abandoned. But unfortunately cost a pretty penny. Rescued from the dunes in a less literal sense. More along the lines that now it will get some TLC that it never would have.
MrMoMo
That's not rust, it's Canadian patina...
What a beauty - Will be watching this one! Many of the parts you are removing even seem to be in great shape so I'm sure when you are done this will be pristine!
- Thread starter
- #50
Fingers crossed. Thanks for the kind words of support
- Thread starter
- #51
So I passed by the garage today and work hasn't started yet as they are behind schedule on one of the owners cars but I was told it should start next week. I did however PPP the hood and snap a pic of the attached.
Bear
SILVER Star
Well, Max, looks like your production date was May 1980, just shy of the changes that occurred in August of that year. So, you should have the non-split transfer case with the attached parking brake, etc..
So, among other things: The original paint color was the later dune beige shade; as mentioned before, the plaid vinyl Middle Eastern spec seat covers, the chrome bezel, chrome front bumper, and chrome insert in the windshield weatherstrip were all part of that "package"; the lower geared 4 speed transmission; and your differentials came with 3.73:1 gearing. My research indicates this was all "standard" for the pickup trucks delivered to the Middle Eastern countries.
Of course, anything can, and does, change after it has been owned for so many years, but it looks like you may have retained all the original stuff.
Your fog lamps were a frequent option, but the heater would have been rarely chosen for that desert market.
I am interested to see what engine head casting numbers you have as well as the carburetor code.
How about a photo or two of the engine bay when you get a chance?
BTW, there is a 2-piece black plastic clamshell that fits over the steering column between the dash and the steering wheel. I didn't see it in your new parts, so you might want to consider getting it.
Good luck with your project !
So, among other things: The original paint color was the later dune beige shade; as mentioned before, the plaid vinyl Middle Eastern spec seat covers, the chrome bezel, chrome front bumper, and chrome insert in the windshield weatherstrip were all part of that "package"; the lower geared 4 speed transmission; and your differentials came with 3.73:1 gearing. My research indicates this was all "standard" for the pickup trucks delivered to the Middle Eastern countries.
Of course, anything can, and does, change after it has been owned for so many years, but it looks like you may have retained all the original stuff.
Your fog lamps were a frequent option, but the heater would have been rarely chosen for that desert market.
I am interested to see what engine head casting numbers you have as well as the carburetor code.
How about a photo or two of the engine bay when you get a chance?
BTW, there is a 2-piece black plastic clamshell that fits over the steering column between the dash and the steering wheel. I didn't see it in your new parts, so you might want to consider getting it.
Good luck with your project !
- Thread starter
- #53
Bear, it is always a pleasure to read what you have to say! Your knowledge is pretty humbling and I always like to learn new things, especially cruiser related. I will probably go and see the truck next Saturday as I'm stuck at work with an overflowing plate at the moment. I'll be sure to share some more pictures of the engine bay etc.
As for the steering column cover I have ordered it (and just got off the phone following up with it) but it hasn't been delivered yet. Good catch, and as always thanks for the help.
- Thread starter
- #54
Finally things are starting to move on the 45. Today the garage started the breakdown of the car.
seats are out, interior carpeting and sound deadening is out and the disaster that is underneath is now in full view.
the PO obviously likes eating seeds as he drove.Quick question to everyone- should I linex the interior floors when it is done or should I get it coated with the undercoating material? Either way it will be color matched to the body paint but I want expert advice.
- Thread starter
- #55
A seats are out and I took them to a friends workshop to take the covers off and save them, also the metal worker there will fix the headrest mechanism as they are broken.
as you can see in the background the garage isn't a cruiser garage (yet), but they I am lucky to have my car there as they certainly know their stuff.
with the tear down there are a few parts I realized I don't have, such as the windscreen latches, drivers side vent window latch, cowl vent springs etc, but the suspense is building.
On a side note I am going on a 10 day 400 kilometer camel expedition across the desert in two days, so by the time I'm back I expect significant progress.
On a side note I am going on a 10 day 400 kilometer camel expedition across the desert in two days, so by the time I'm back I expect significant progress.
- Thread starter
- #56
So finally back from 12 days on camel back, I still can't feel most of my body but it was beautiful. The cherry on top was a 1989 LC that I found on the last day.
But back to business. I am extremely happy to see the work that has been done when I was away. The body is pretty much stripped with the fab work on patching the minor rust in the floor panels being almost completed. Without the paint I am happy to see that the body is in better condition than I originally thought, with the one main issue being the floor of the bed. The workshop I'm doing it at isn't really equipped to fab up the floor, so I am trying to outsource it to a workshop in Al Ain that had done similar stuff in the past.
There was barely any bondo anywhere, so again makes me happy.
You can see that the drivers floor was patched, this isn't the final version as the welds still need smoothing, but it is getting there and looking good to my untrained eye.
I popped in unannounced, and living up to their reputation there were three guys hard at work.
The bumpers aren't stock as far as I know so I am debating getting a full length black steel bumper made just to ensure no careless taxis take out the rear after she's finished. Any ideas on how to do this to make it look best are much appreciated.
Roof and gas tank off..
But back to business. I am extremely happy to see the work that has been done when I was away. The body is pretty much stripped with the fab work on patching the minor rust in the floor panels being almost completed. Without the paint I am happy to see that the body is in better condition than I originally thought, with the one main issue being the floor of the bed. The workshop I'm doing it at isn't really equipped to fab up the floor, so I am trying to outsource it to a workshop in Al Ain that had done similar stuff in the past.
There was barely any bondo anywhere, so again makes me happy.
You can see that the drivers floor was patched, this isn't the final version as the welds still need smoothing, but it is getting there and looking good to my untrained eye.
I popped in unannounced, and living up to their reputation there were three guys hard at work.
The bumpers aren't stock as far as I know so I am debating getting a full length black steel bumper made just to ensure no careless taxis take out the rear after she's finished. Any ideas on how to do this to make it look best are much appreciated.
Roof and gas tank off..
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- Thread starter
- #57
Also a quick question to anyone knows they're stuff: on the bed of my truck there are tubes on the outside of the bed that to me look like factory equipment as they are extremely nearly done and very straight. To me they are for what at one point must have been some kind of support for a canopy in the back. They can be seen in a few of the pics I just posted. Would appreciate any info on them/ if anyone has seen them before.
Where did you get the front turn signals and side mirrors? The charcoal gray/black colored ones have been elusive to me. I can only find the light gray color here. I need to replace my side mirrors since the plastic is cracked.
Great find and job Max!
I wish you all the best and many,many happy kilometres in beautiful places with your PickUp!!!
Been in Dubai a couple of years ago, searching with a greek friend
working there,what else, parts for my BJ42 frame-off restoration!
Cheers!
Mits
PS. My friend is still in Dubai enjoing regularly in the dunes his (Arctic Cruisers) white FJ...
I wish you all the best and many,many happy kilometres in beautiful places with your PickUp!!!
Been in Dubai a couple of years ago, searching with a greek friend
working there,what else, parts for my BJ42 frame-off restoration!
Cheers!
Mits
PS. My friend is still in Dubai enjoing regularly in the dunes his (Arctic Cruisers) white FJ...
Bear
SILVER Star
Max,
The chrome bumperettes on the rear are stock equipment, optional, and only appeared on Middle Eastern trucks.
I agree-- a conventional full length bumper offers more complete protection in a rear-end collision, but the bumperettes are rare even where you live. You will notice that the rear tailgate rubber "stops" are much larger than typically found elsewhere, and are designed to keep the tailgate from banging into the bumperettes when the tailgate chains are removed and the tailgate is fully lowered.
A suggestion: have your body shop workers carefully remove the rear valence reflectors, the tailgate hinges, and other such attachments to do a careful job with the metal work and paint refinishing--not just masking around them. Also, the bottom rail on your year tailgate should have several factory drainholes--make certain the shop cleans all that out before final painting.
I have seen the bed side metal tubes before in trucks from your market area. You are correct, along with the holes in the upper bed side rails, an optional metal hoop set was available for a rear canvas bed cover. The factory literature only shows a different set-up with a short assembly that sits on top of the bed rails, with holes in it to accept the hoops. However, having seen several of the tube set-ups as on yours, I'm inclined to believe they MAY have been a factory option--just not positive about that since it is so rarely seen. On British Land Rovers, holes were also drilled in their top rails, but a top-side clamp was used on each hoop for support--different vehicle, different method.
Could you snap a few close-up photos of these side metal tubes, just to check on the uniformity and accurate spacing and method of attachment. I have seen another example where the tubes were tapered at the bottom. A very close inspection, and perhaps some careful measurements and comparisons, should reveal if these are home-made or a likely factory installation.
Glad to see some progress.
The chrome bumperettes on the rear are stock equipment, optional, and only appeared on Middle Eastern trucks.
I agree-- a conventional full length bumper offers more complete protection in a rear-end collision, but the bumperettes are rare even where you live. You will notice that the rear tailgate rubber "stops" are much larger than typically found elsewhere, and are designed to keep the tailgate from banging into the bumperettes when the tailgate chains are removed and the tailgate is fully lowered.
A suggestion: have your body shop workers carefully remove the rear valence reflectors, the tailgate hinges, and other such attachments to do a careful job with the metal work and paint refinishing--not just masking around them. Also, the bottom rail on your year tailgate should have several factory drainholes--make certain the shop cleans all that out before final painting.
I have seen the bed side metal tubes before in trucks from your market area. You are correct, along with the holes in the upper bed side rails, an optional metal hoop set was available for a rear canvas bed cover. The factory literature only shows a different set-up with a short assembly that sits on top of the bed rails, with holes in it to accept the hoops. However, having seen several of the tube set-ups as on yours, I'm inclined to believe they MAY have been a factory option--just not positive about that since it is so rarely seen. On British Land Rovers, holes were also drilled in their top rails, but a top-side clamp was used on each hoop for support--different vehicle, different method.
Could you snap a few close-up photos of these side metal tubes, just to check on the uniformity and accurate spacing and method of attachment. I have seen another example where the tubes were tapered at the bottom. A very close inspection, and perhaps some careful measurements and comparisons, should reveal if these are home-made or a likely factory installation.
Glad to see some progress.
