74 HJ45 Restify...slow rehabilitation into society...

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FJBen

FJBen

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Well, It's time to make a post about the restify I'm going to try and attempt on the HJ45.

She's a 74 HJ45, that I got from the original owners. The bought her new in 74 at Stevinson Toyota. Apparently back then, there were a very few dealer swaps going on with overseas cruisers.

I spotted her 2 years ago and talked with them. I wasn't in the spot to be able to pick her up, but now I am...sorta...;p


1974 HJ45, most likely a central american model...

"H" Diesel
H41 4 speed
A/C (which was removed and a toyota heater installed) :(
drums


I'd love to fully restore it right now, but I just don't have the time/money/skill for that :) She'll have probably 32/33" skinny's, new paint, turbo...

I'm just starting, and it's SUPER cold here...still dealing with the blizzard and I don't have a heated garage :frown: So it's just get her up and running and fix some PO mods to begin.

Bringing her home:

attachment.php


Driving in the blizzard:
attachment.php
 
Starting with some of the cleanup...

Removed the rabbit fur visor covers, stick shift insulation, about 10 speakers, 5 jerry cans, extra gas tank from ford van, fire extinguisher, flares, weird storage tray, extra wires, KC lights.

On monday I removed the front bumper as it was ugly :) Started plotting out exhaust...

Last night, worked about 1.5 hours (i feel like buckroseau...only not talented or near as productive :D )

I removed the setup for the dual batteries in the bed, and got one of the trays put up front temporarily for fitment. Going back to factory single battery setup. Proably going with an optima red-top battery...Going to take the "battery box" out of the back which caused the ONLY rot on the rig :frown:

I was getting a whistling sound, almost like a vacuum leak. I found two hose off the injection pump that were hard and cracked, and one connection into the pump was extremely loose. Didn't get to see if that was really the culprit as I need to get new hoses first.

Dunno how much tonight I'll get done, have family coming in...;p


pics of interior, and engine minus air cleaner...I'm thinking more and more that factory color is Nebula green...
interior (Custom).webp
engine.webp
 
Looks good Ben, I bet the dried out hose is the source of the whistle.

I like the nebula green too. Rims and hub caps :)

How are you feeling about room in the drivers seat being as tall as you are?
 
wesintl said:
Looks good Ben, I bet the dried out hose is the source of the whistle.

I like the nebula green too. Rims and hub caps :)

How are you feeling about room in the drivers seat being as tall as you are?
Click to expand...

that would be my guess, one of those two causing issues.

I think I know where to find some 15" OEM rims...so hopefully that works.

It's actually not that bad. Honestly I think root's 40 was more cramped with the metaltech cage than the 45 is. It's close...but once, the top goes off, I think I'll give the nod to the 45 ;)
 
OJA, nice work pimping my s***. Ben, nice 45. Looking forward to watching you rebuild it.
 
I saw those 16" splits...tempting....tempting...

The "homemade" bar is going away...it just doesn't look right, thanfully the headache rack is still there.

Ken, that troopy is looking sweet on the swampers! I definitely need a turbo before that tire size would happen. ;p
 
I will be keeping an eye on this one.

I have the 40 project coming to a close.
I pick up my new pig in about a week.

Hopefully, in the next year or so, I can find me a 45.

Looks great, I can't wait to see more.
 
I lived in CO for 6 years and had a Nissan pickup at the time (no $$$$$ for a cruiser then) I went 4-wheeling all the time to the old ghost towns and abandoned gold mines. I'm jealous of you....once you get that 45 together and get out in the backcountry you'll be in heaven.

Good luck mud brotha!!!
 
Ben, I can't wait for the turbo info...jump to that part :cool:.
 
yes the turbo, the wife's almost convinced :D ;p

I got a few hours on her last night. Trying to get the brakes working "correctly" while I"m looking for a new disc front end. Adjusting all those drums out...WHAT A PAIN!!! it's closer...but still not where it should be in terms of braking.

On friday, i took her to the exhaust shop to get rid of the "stack" :D Well he ended up routing the exhaust all down the outside of the frame so now the 29" tire rubs :rolleyes:

So he's going to fix that today at lunch. I'll try and get some more pics. It's been stupid cold here, so I haven't gotten a lot done.
 
Got her back from the exhaust place. No more tire rubby! Still not ideal or the final plan, but I'll re-do it when the turbo comes into play. :D

But know the garage doesn't fill up with the stinky diesel...:D

Notice the "custom" shackles on the rear...WOOHOO!
exhaust.webp
exhaust2.webp
 
Long time, no updates....;p

Not much to say really, been very busy at work/home. I've been doing A LOT of homework and options for updating the beast. So far one of them has moved to the front by accident, but hey...it's the most fun.

I've got a friend sending me a turbo off of a Merkur XR4TI, which should be a good fit for the "H" diesel. So I'm hoping to have that turbo by next week and before the end of february have the turbo on and running for MO' Powah!

Last night I took a cruise, (first real trip outside of town, as It's not licensed yet) and I went up to 90!!!!! oh wait...KPH...hehehe :D So...55? ;p She could use the power and slightly bigger tires to help with the RPM's. Still need to adjust the brakes out a little more.

She might be getting a temp. paint job, quickie just to look better as well.


Does anyone just sell the floorpan of the bed??? that is the only rot on her where a box was mounted. I think it's loumass on here???
 
"90" That seems to be my h's sweet spot also. I just close my eyes and hold on when I merge into traffic. :rolleyes:
 
24HOURSOFNEVADA said:
"90" That seems to be my h's sweet spot also. I just close my eyes and hold on when I merge into traffic. :rolleyes:
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lol, thats what I thought....I'm gonna go for some taller tires 33ish skinny's to help those upper RPM's...well and the turbo should help power ;p We should have a drag race....first one to 90...on a good downhill stretch with a tailwind we should be able to pull a good 1 or 2 minute time :D
 
The "H" drag race! Yeah, people would line up to see that...and then fall asleep before we finished.
 
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