1980 FJ45 in Dubai - Saved From the Sands
- Thread starter maxofarabia
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- Thread starter
- #62
Hi Mits, thanks for the kind words of encouragement. The further in I get the more obsessed I become, so I think things are going well. If you are ever back in Dubai give a shout and hopefully she will be done so we can take you for a ride in styleGreat 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...
- Thread starter
- #63
Bear, I always take great pleasure in reading your responses. You have a wealth of knowledge and really helps me. So far I have been unable to source a second rubber bumper stop, so not so happy about that. As for the bumperettes, do the stock ones have diamond plate on the top like mine?
As per request, please find below close ups of the tubes from drivers side-
As for the valence reflectors I will have them taken out, but unfortunately they are already damaged (from before I bought the car). I will definitely make sure that the tailgate holes and hinges etc get a thorough working over.
Bear
SILVER Star
Very interesting--thanks for the photos. Those tubes look very uniformly made to me--quite similar to the factory mirror arms used throughout the entire production run, with fixed clamping nuts on the sides. I would suspect they have a drain hole in the bottom--if not, one would be suggested. I cannot see a nut to fasten the lowest of the three attaching bolts--maybe it's been captive-welded inside the tube itself, or is it simply a sheet metal screw through the side?
And yes, the bumperettes came with chromed diamond-plate attached to the top surface, by truss-head Phillips-headed bolts, into small welded tabs on the top-surround of each bumperette. The diamond-plate slightly curves up on the top rear edge of the bumperette. Unlike the FJ40, the bumperettes were intended to be both a minimal bumper AND a step to access the bed of the truck. Here in the USA, there were several companies that produced different varieties of very heavy full-length bumpers, sold on the aftermarket, and many of the existing trucks here today have, or had, them installed. By the way, the FJ45 pickups stopped being imported into the USA at the end of 1967, although later versions came into Canada as late as 1978 or so. Where you are, the entire run through 1986 will show some interesting variations over the years.
For your year model, although the correct factory rear valence reflectors are no longer sold, here's a tip: the exact Koito-brand reflectors are available by buying new pre-1979 FJ40 rear-side reflectors (with the chrome ring), disassembling them, and discarding the rubber surround and the internal bracketry. An expensive method, but it gets you the original part.
Oh, those upright bolt holes that were pre-drilled in the upper rear sides of the bed, originally came with plastic plugs for the trucks not having the hoops for the canvas cover--which is most of the trucks produced. The holes were used in the factory hoop setup to secure the rear supports for the factory channel that sat on top of the bed-side rails. There was a long flat bar that inserted into each hollow rear-bedside corner, to be bolted with two bolts per side. All of this hoop-business was rarely seen throughout the world unless specially ordered. There may have been a special run for some military order (Pakistan comes to mind), but the records for that were likely kept in-house at the factory. The specific history of your truck would be interesting to know if you could find the original owner and the order placed for the truck--I know, not much of a chance.
Since your setup is on the rare side, you may have to settle for a used rubber tailgate bumper to match the extra-large one you already have. The smaller rubber bumpers are just that--too small--but a resourceful person could probably use them with some added rubber extensions. And while you are at the junk-yard, you might get lucky and find a hoop set for the canvas cover, if you're interested. There were several huge junkyards over in KSA some years ago that might just have such a thing-- can be hard to locate, since the junkyards were hidden behind tall walls and fences--for "aesthetic" reasons.
Lastly, I would suggest removing those side hoop tubes to do a really clean job of removing old paint off the bed sides. It looks like your workmen are using liquid paint stripper--if you have access to a sandblast cabinet, the tubes can be totally stripped of old paint and rust, repainted separately, and reattached with new bolts on final reassembly for a clean look.
Thank-you for taking the time to document this. I may be the only person interested in any of these oddities, but those of us in the rest of the world never saw some of the things that may be common to your country. Truly, a picture can be worth a thousand words--so keep showing the rest of us the progress on your truck !
And yes, the bumperettes came with chromed diamond-plate attached to the top surface, by truss-head Phillips-headed bolts, into small welded tabs on the top-surround of each bumperette. The diamond-plate slightly curves up on the top rear edge of the bumperette. Unlike the FJ40, the bumperettes were intended to be both a minimal bumper AND a step to access the bed of the truck. Here in the USA, there were several companies that produced different varieties of very heavy full-length bumpers, sold on the aftermarket, and many of the existing trucks here today have, or had, them installed. By the way, the FJ45 pickups stopped being imported into the USA at the end of 1967, although later versions came into Canada as late as 1978 or so. Where you are, the entire run through 1986 will show some interesting variations over the years.
For your year model, although the correct factory rear valence reflectors are no longer sold, here's a tip: the exact Koito-brand reflectors are available by buying new pre-1979 FJ40 rear-side reflectors (with the chrome ring), disassembling them, and discarding the rubber surround and the internal bracketry. An expensive method, but it gets you the original part.
Oh, those upright bolt holes that were pre-drilled in the upper rear sides of the bed, originally came with plastic plugs for the trucks not having the hoops for the canvas cover--which is most of the trucks produced. The holes were used in the factory hoop setup to secure the rear supports for the factory channel that sat on top of the bed-side rails. There was a long flat bar that inserted into each hollow rear-bedside corner, to be bolted with two bolts per side. All of this hoop-business was rarely seen throughout the world unless specially ordered. There may have been a special run for some military order (Pakistan comes to mind), but the records for that were likely kept in-house at the factory. The specific history of your truck would be interesting to know if you could find the original owner and the order placed for the truck--I know, not much of a chance.
Since your setup is on the rare side, you may have to settle for a used rubber tailgate bumper to match the extra-large one you already have. The smaller rubber bumpers are just that--too small--but a resourceful person could probably use them with some added rubber extensions. And while you are at the junk-yard, you might get lucky and find a hoop set for the canvas cover, if you're interested. There were several huge junkyards over in KSA some years ago that might just have such a thing-- can be hard to locate, since the junkyards were hidden behind tall walls and fences--for "aesthetic" reasons.
Lastly, I would suggest removing those side hoop tubes to do a really clean job of removing old paint off the bed sides. It looks like your workmen are using liquid paint stripper--if you have access to a sandblast cabinet, the tubes can be totally stripped of old paint and rust, repainted separately, and reattached with new bolts on final reassembly for a clean look.
Thank-you for taking the time to document this. I may be the only person interested in any of these oddities, but those of us in the rest of the world never saw some of the things that may be common to your country. Truly, a picture can be worth a thousand words--so keep showing the rest of us the progress on your truck !
They are a little faded and dirty. The ones I have found for sale here are a much lighter gray.
- Thread starter
- #66
Hi Bear,
as always your replies never fail to disappoint me. I had come to the same conclusion on the tubes, they look way too straight to be something Saudi home made, but it is always good to get an expert opinion. They do have a drain hole in a bottom, so are not really rusted at all. As for the bottom nut, it was a bad picture angle from my side, there is one visible at the bottom. Next time I go visit it I will get you another picture to show that.
Ok, since the bumperettes are stock, I will keep them. They don't seem to be in the right place exactly, so I will try and make sure they are put back on completely even and level. At a later time I may get a full length bumper made just for peace of mind, and keep the bumperettes wrapped up at home for safe keeping.
Great tip on the reflectors! Do you happen to have the part number so i can check if they are available locally? I somehow missed the back window rubber, windscreen spacer (rubber that goes under the windscreen), and rubber weather strip/spacer for between the rear cab panel and the bottom of the tub. Additionally I ordered the kick vent springs as the PO welded my kick vents shut and the springs are missing. Hopefully I should be picking them up next week.
I will call my friend in Saudi to see if he can get a history on the truck. As far as I know it is a one owner, now two owner 45. After I imported it to Dubai the PO tried to get in contact and buy it back for $3,000 over what I paid.
Definitely going to try and hit up the junkyards to try and find another rubber tailgate bumper, not sure if I will be able to find it, but fingers crossed. And again thanks for the suggestion on removing the tubes. Definitely going to make sure it is done. The whole bed is going to be done at a separate shop in Al Ain, and as far as I know they have a sand blaster, so will make sure they do that if possible.
and finally, no thanks needed. I have lurked on mud for a long time and love going through peoples builds; so its the least I can do. Add to that the help and motivation I get from you and other mudders, and I am sure to post as much as I can.
as always your replies never fail to disappoint me. I had come to the same conclusion on the tubes, they look way too straight to be something Saudi home made, but it is always good to get an expert opinion. They do have a drain hole in a bottom, so are not really rusted at all. As for the bottom nut, it was a bad picture angle from my side, there is one visible at the bottom. Next time I go visit it I will get you another picture to show that.
Ok, since the bumperettes are stock, I will keep them. They don't seem to be in the right place exactly, so I will try and make sure they are put back on completely even and level. At a later time I may get a full length bumper made just for peace of mind, and keep the bumperettes wrapped up at home for safe keeping.
Great tip on the reflectors! Do you happen to have the part number so i can check if they are available locally? I somehow missed the back window rubber, windscreen spacer (rubber that goes under the windscreen), and rubber weather strip/spacer for between the rear cab panel and the bottom of the tub. Additionally I ordered the kick vent springs as the PO welded my kick vents shut and the springs are missing. Hopefully I should be picking them up next week.
I will call my friend in Saudi to see if he can get a history on the truck. As far as I know it is a one owner, now two owner 45. After I imported it to Dubai the PO tried to get in contact and buy it back for $3,000 over what I paid.
Definitely going to try and hit up the junkyards to try and find another rubber tailgate bumper, not sure if I will be able to find it, but fingers crossed. And again thanks for the suggestion on removing the tubes. Definitely going to make sure it is done. The whole bed is going to be done at a separate shop in Al Ain, and as far as I know they have a sand blaster, so will make sure they do that if possible.
and finally, no thanks needed. I have lurked on mud for a long time and love going through peoples builds; so its the least I can do. Add to that the help and motivation I get from you and other mudders, and I am sure to post as much as I can.
- Thread starter
- #67
Hi Wes - I think the ones I have are darker, if you can wire the money for them and shipping then I am more than happy to go and a get you mirrors and turn signals in the darker gray. Still need to double check in person to ensure they are darker though. I will take a picture without flash.
Bear
SILVER Star
Sounds good.
For the mid seventies there were TWO different rear reflector units used on the FJ40 series: the early one you want with the chrome ring around the actual reflector, and a later version with a plastic housing and no chrome ring. The parts catalog lists the actual reflector for the pickup, which possibly may show up in your country, so I will give you the part numbers for all. I am not certain if the very latest FJ40 all-plastic unit can be separated into its individual components, so try to get your parts man to allow you to return anything that will not work for you:
Actual pickup rear reflector mid-seventies to 12/78 = 81910-39055 if available as first choice.
Mid-seventies FJ40 series rear reflector with chrome ring and rubber base = 81910-69025.
Typically, Toyota will supercede older part numbers with new, and if done in this case, will probably NOT get you what you seek.
If they insist, again make certain you can return any parts that will not function in your application.
The rear frame crossmember had factory holes bored in it to accept the two bumperettes. If yours are cockeyed, either someone wallowed out the holes or you have an earlier frame where the holes were not factory bored and someone sloppily installed things. It appears to me the separation between the two bumperettes was for placement of a standard-sized license plate, although no lamps are indicated in the parts manuals--odd?
If it were me, I would personally smooth-talk the original owner and get as much info and records as he will share with you. Over here, this "provenance" adds to the value and desireability of older classic vehicles, and if nothing else, gives you an interesting backstory to share with friends.
Yes, would appreciate any additional photos of the hoop tubes when you get a chance. I have been debating whether to replicate something similar and put a canvas top over the bed of my pickup truck. Perhaps when you have them removed a photo or dimensions of one would be nice to have.
If you are saying you do NOT have some of the weatherstripping, I know some of it is available over in KSA as of today--check with your dealer.
I understand the straight piece behind the seats at mid-level may be no longer available over there.
For the mid seventies there were TWO different rear reflector units used on the FJ40 series: the early one you want with the chrome ring around the actual reflector, and a later version with a plastic housing and no chrome ring. The parts catalog lists the actual reflector for the pickup, which possibly may show up in your country, so I will give you the part numbers for all. I am not certain if the very latest FJ40 all-plastic unit can be separated into its individual components, so try to get your parts man to allow you to return anything that will not work for you:
Actual pickup rear reflector mid-seventies to 12/78 = 81910-39055 if available as first choice.
Mid-seventies FJ40 series rear reflector with chrome ring and rubber base = 81910-69025.
Typically, Toyota will supercede older part numbers with new, and if done in this case, will probably NOT get you what you seek.
If they insist, again make certain you can return any parts that will not function in your application.
The rear frame crossmember had factory holes bored in it to accept the two bumperettes. If yours are cockeyed, either someone wallowed out the holes or you have an earlier frame where the holes were not factory bored and someone sloppily installed things. It appears to me the separation between the two bumperettes was for placement of a standard-sized license plate, although no lamps are indicated in the parts manuals--odd?
If it were me, I would personally smooth-talk the original owner and get as much info and records as he will share with you. Over here, this "provenance" adds to the value and desireability of older classic vehicles, and if nothing else, gives you an interesting backstory to share with friends.
Yes, would appreciate any additional photos of the hoop tubes when you get a chance. I have been debating whether to replicate something similar and put a canvas top over the bed of my pickup truck. Perhaps when you have them removed a photo or dimensions of one would be nice to have.
If you are saying you do NOT have some of the weatherstripping, I know some of it is available over in KSA as of today--check with your dealer.
I understand the straight piece behind the seats at mid-level may be no longer available over there.
Very nice 45, and your gonna love cruisin in it! I have one just like it--78 I got out of Canada. It's not running right now, but there is a solid plan that is slowly developing that will fix that problem. I say again, your gonna love it!
I cleaned mine up a bit. They now appear much darker. If these are indeed the same ones you can get, I would be down for at least the mirror heads for sure. I would consider the turn signals depending on how much they were.
Bear
SILVER Star
Max,
Just a quick note.
The standard-size tailgate rubber bumpers are part number 66321-95010.
The rare longer bumper you have is listed as part number 66321-95016, if you can find a dealer who will help you.
Just a quick note.
The standard-size tailgate rubber bumpers are part number 66321-95010.
The rare longer bumper you have is listed as part number 66321-95016, if you can find a dealer who will help you.
- Thread starter
- #75
Bear,
Sorry for the late reply, I've been very caught up at work so haven't really had the time to give you the reply you deserve. My daily driver is acting up so I haven't been able to go to Al Ain and pick up the parts I want. Good thing is that the steering column cover, windscreen and rear corner weather stripping came in. As you said the back piece isn't available so they are going to have to make it or see if they can clean up the old one. More progress pics coming soon.
- Thread starter
- #76
Simultaneously I have outsourced the interior to a place called DK Schweizer exotics - they come highly recommended and do some high end interiors. Unfortunately the original seat covers were worse than I remember so weren't really salvageable. In a slight departure from tradition and the original look I have gone with a dark tan leather and am getting the seats, door panels, dashboard, and sun visors upholstered. Seats will have double diamond stitch, safe to say I am super excited about this part as I think it will look beautiful. Pictures will follow when they are ready.
Bear
SILVER Star
Max,
I think it's a good sign to see that Maserati in the background--a valuable car that should be getting good treatment.
Save the rubber gasket under the fuel tank sender cover on the rear cab floor, as well as the specialized gasket around the fuel filler pipe where it enters the floor--both are no longer available.
Thanks for the progress photos.
I think it's a good sign to see that Maserati in the background--a valuable car that should be getting good treatment.
Save the rubber gasket under the fuel tank sender cover on the rear cab floor, as well as the specialized gasket around the fuel filler pipe where it enters the floor--both are no longer available.
Thanks for the progress photos.
Max, can't believe I missed this. I had the photos you sent me via Whatsapp, but I've really missed out on this. Between your progress photos and Bear's knowledge this is a gem of a thread. We need to connect sometime... especially once your 45 is rolling.
- Thread starter
- #79
I hope you know how much I appreciate all the help! Thank you for sharing all the knowledge and all the advice.
- Thread starter
- #80
Definitely in to connect. Tomorrow going to Al Ain to pick up my parts. And again HUGE credit to Bear for guiding the noobiest cruiser head on Mud.
