1986 FJ73 (now HZJ73): My First 70 Series (1 Viewer)

[davegonz]

I've been meaning to start a build thread on the 73 that I bought from Joeri (@joekatana) back in February but have been too lazy to do it. So here goes.
Sale ad for the truck before FJ73Texas bought it: 1986 FJ73 LHD Colombian Spec Soft Top Truck - https://forum.ih8mud.com/threads/1986-fj73-lhd-colombian-spec-soft-top-truck.845534/page-2

The 73 I bought from Joe started off as a 1986 FJ73 that was owned by @FJ73Texas.

Joe’s updates:

• 1HZ with H55
• 2 new batteries
• complete clutch kit
• waterpump and timing belt
• 17” Toyota Steel wheels with 255/85/17 Toyo tires
• New ARB bumper
• Trail Tailor sliders
• Joe's aftermarket A/C kit
• New fold down windshield frame and windshield
• Factory Toyota soft top
• Dorkel Delete Plate (DDP)

Previous upgrades:

• Tough Dog Suspension Kit
• New Radiator from ADRAD Australia
• New washer and coolant overflow reservoirs.
• New wiper arms (foldable type)

Pic of my 73 and @bottombracket 's rig.

 

[davegonz]

I decided to make a rear storage drawer out of aluminum extrusion and plywood. It's pretty light and gives me more room for my mountain bike gear.

Pic of the sub frame and locking drawer slides.

Drawer carcas installed.

 

[davegonz]

I also made a new panel to replace the one that came with the truck. I added a couple of power sockets (USB, 24V, and on/off switch).

 

[davegonz]

I did a quick and dirty mod to mount my phone. Drilled out the ash tray to accept a RAM ball mount and then used a Ram X-Grip to hold the phone. It's out of the way and seems to be holding up fine.

 

[davegonz]

I was able to source the door arm rest with cup holders off of AlieExpress and also got the door speaker pods from there as well. Both were very high quality and relatively cheap. I reused the factory pocket on the speaker pod. The pods were designed to accept them without any modification.

 

[davegonz]

Since it is now a 24V system, I had to figure out what to do to support USB and a stereo. I ended up ordering a 30A 24 to 12V step down converter to power the stereo and accessories and a smaller 5A 24/12V converter for the standby power/memory for the stereo. The 30A one is attached to a 6 position marine terminal block. I stuffed everything behind the glove box.

30A converter: Amazon.com - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0BL9V4RJ1/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

5A converter: Amazon.com - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0BLB3RJTY/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Terminal block: Amazon.com - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0B1V92QBR/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

The stereo I installed was one I had sitting on the shelf. I can run wired Android Auto on it and it is easy on my old man eyes due to it having a 10" screen.

 

[FJ73Texas]

Someone told me to check out this. Looking good. I am glad this truck went to a good home finally. It was my favorite 70 series of the three that I owned/own.

 

[davegonz]

Ha. Thanks FJ73Texas!

 

[2gbFlashDrive]

Are those the fj cruiser steelies? Are you using spacers?

 

[davegonz]

No spacers. I think they're Hilux rims.