85 FJ62 Highroof aka Rafiki

[Lo2aY]

Let's look at the factory specs,

85 with the 3F and H55 5 speed trans.
High Roof, Dual AC and steel sunroof.
Has done 200,000KMs
Clean for a 30+ year old work horse.
Full Floater rear.
Delux trim which I know is rare globally.

And then you see these pics.

How can you look away! I jumped on it immediately and had it transported the next day!

 

[Lo2aY]

The Cruiser shows up 24 hours later. and for the first time in buying junk, I actually scored. Don't get me wrong, it wasn't cheap. But after rebuilding my 80 series and hunting for interior trim, it wasn't fun nor cheap. These old trucks locally are known for their durability, so most owners hand them down to their workers for farm duties or carrying excessive loads and you probably have seen pics of what I mean. So, to find a clean and well maintained 30+ year old interior is like flying in a magic carpet, almost impossible at least locally.

I have a lot of trucks, each one serves a purpose. Mostly off-road use. I won't lie, I was planning to maintain it and drive it and that's it. Just enjoy a great piece of Land Cruiser heritage and leave it alone. That plan derailed quickly.



The truck shows up and, well, I just couldn't help my self but throw on my 255 Toyos.

I'm sure a lot will hate the skinny look and fender flares. Weirdly, it's growing on me. For now, i'm going to run it like this.

 

[mattressking]

Should start exporting to US.....

That's a sharp rig. No engine pics???

What is parts availability like from Saudi Arabia? Fair amount of OEM support still?

That center console is interesting, any more pics of it?

 

[NookShneer]

Should start exporting to US.....

That's a sharp rig. No engine pics???

What is parts availability like from Saudi Arabia? Fair amount of OEM support still?

That center console is interesting, any more pics of it?

It looks like it's the refridgerated center console.

 

[Michael Hanson]

Hi, Very nice cruiser. How effective is the rear air? Mike

 

[mattressking]

It looks like it's the refridgerated center console.

Shew I haven't actually seen a picture of one before, good eye!

 

[Lo2aY]

Should start exporting to US.....

That's a sharp rig. No engine pics???

What is parts availability like from Saudi Arabia? Fair amount of OEM support still?

That center console is interesting, any more pics of it?

Would be a great business for sure. Parts are not exactly easy to find. I have an executive friend who works and handles parts distribution for Toyota in Saudi. He told me that back in the late 80s/ early 90s. The dealer sat on a lot of replacement parts (which every dealer does to hold stocks for a production car) and they didn't move as much because they were too reliable compared to other offerings they had. So they ultimately shipped the parts to their distribution channels in Africa. However, a lot of parts are still here, they are just really hard to find as the dealer sold these stocks to smaller businesses, so your really asking parts people for references on where to find old stocks.

The center console is just an arm rest that slides on top of the factory one. which is going to be replaced at some point with a 12v fridge.

It looks like it's the refridgerated center console.

It will be at some point.

Hi, Very nice cruiser. How effective is the rear air? Mike

I've switched it on just to check that it blows cool air. And it does. It doesn't have a front control switch so I may add that for those crazy hot weather days. I'm planning to duct an air hose in and use a 12v fan to run it when I want to sleep inside but that's future project.

 

[Lo2aY]

Here's a crappy shot of the engine bay. Notice that 80 in the background? It has 1.4 million KM on it and is in for full service! It's been to the Empty Quarter 4 times!! riding dunes and exploring. It's also been all over the deserts of Saudi Arabia. So most of these kms were offroad. crawling under it and analyzing stress on parts and looking at wear and tear. It's amazing to report that it's in good shape despite the owner replaced some worn out parts throughout.

Back on subject and here is a close up of the center console

The steel sunroof. I generally don't like these. The seals could fail and start pouring water inside the cab. If it happens i'm going to seal it shut. The truck will likely sit outside almost everywhere I go. Dry and hot weather is harsh on rubber gaskets.

Some random shots I took of it when it arrived

Need to add a front dash switch for the rear AC.

Rear AC system fan and condenser is in an inconvenient location. May have to relocate depending on how I setup the cargo area.

Taking Rafiki home for the first time. Always a great feeling.

Rear Dealer decal. 32 years old. love the patina

 

[HoJo 61]

Super cool!!! Only if it was diesel powered

 

[Lo2aY]

The next day

I took it to my local 3M tent dealer for a full treatment. Ceramic clear film on the front and I forgot what percent on the sides. But I don't want to bake inside with our crazy heat.

While the guys knocked out the tent and me being all over the place looking at components and thinking of upgrades.

Went ahead and ordered a Safari Snorkel

2 Lockers

2 genuin Aisin Free Wheel Hubs

and after some talk with @boozewz on the OME lift, I decided to go with CS004R AA rears in hopes for it to level out with my gear.

Pending parts arrival

I took the time to inspect the flares. Although they were in decent shape. The rears had some weird indents in them. I wasn't happy with how they were. So I contacted my dealer in hopes of them having them available in stock or available to order from Japan. But they didn't, and they couldn't get them, no surprise there. So they were sent out to my local body repair shop to get cleaned out and painted flat black.

To my surprise, I found a little rust behind one of the flares. So out came the cutting disk and grinder and we had at it.

I had to rock stickers

I had no use for the ashtray, so we took it out and decided to retro fit the sPOD 6 switch system. The only problem is that the switch panel is wider than the ashtray opening. I could have cut it to fit. But I decided to keep it stockish and delete one of the switches. So it's a 5 switch system now.

[

 

[Lo2aY]

Super cool!!! Only if it was diesel powered

No Kidding! I'm waiting for this motor to give up and throw in a 1HD-FT in it's place! It's a matter of time.

Here are some seat covers that I had made for it. They fit nice and snug and are water proof too. Easy to remove for when I need to take them out and clean them. This is one of the best mods for any 4x4

The 5 switch dash setup. Thank you sPOD

As would luck have it. my VR quit mid trip and as I was heading back to get another vehicle. it took out the alternator with it.

Got a new VR in but couldn't find an OEM Alternator. Man this really sucks! So I found a cheap one and got it on till I find a good alternative. If you can recommend a good Alt please let me know. I plan to add a second battery and need the alt to supply juice as fast as possible.

A few days later, I decided to delete all the rear seats in favor of room for cargo on longer trips. Added a base platform to drill stuff into.

Testing out the 60L fridge, I really don't like how much access I have left. Especially with rear AC unit taking up valuable space. Will need to drop the fridge size to 47L or so. And locate it somewhere else.

I'm also planning to make a sleeping platform in the truck. I've never done this car sleeping thing before so it's new experiment. I'll carry my beloved Oztent with me for backup.

If it seems that this build is happening too quickly, it sure is. There is a bit of catching up but I'm trying to get it ready for a week trip in the mountains in 4 weeks time. Parts are flying in from the states and other from Japan.

While we wait for these parts to arrive, I've pulled the rear sliding windows out in an attempt to make flip up windows for easy cargo access. The panel/ window will be made out of steel.

I've got offset hinges inbound. Rubber seals and key latches to test with. Some of you DIY guys may like this. I'll post about it as it goes.

Like everything else I've done. I'm trying to build this truck in a way that if I wanted to reverse everything, I could with ease. The flip up windows will be controlled by a frame that is sandwiching the body opening on the truck from inside and outside. That frame will take all the gear required to secure the panels and support the panel movement with gas struts/shocks.

That same idea also moved into everything else. For example, I chose a dual band radio with the big bulky unit mounted under the passenger seat using existing bolts in that area. the control unit also utilized the upper panel mounting bolts on a custom bracket.

At the moment, I'm going through the diffs front and rear. Refreshing them and getting them prepared for the locker install.

 

[Lo2aY]

Forgot to mention that the LC was named after this guy

Will need to make a bumper sticker

 

[NookShneer]

No Kidding! I'm waiting for this motor to give up and throw in a 1HD-FT in it's place! It's a matter of time.

Here are some seat covers that I had made for it. They fit nice and snug and are water proof too. Easy to remove for when I need to take them out and clean them. This is one of the best mods for any 4x4

The 5 switch dash setup. Thank you sPOD

As would luck have it. my VR quit mid trip and as I was heading back to get another vehicle. it took out the alternator with it.

Got a new VR in but couldn't find an OEM Alternator. Man this really sucks! So I found a cheap one and got it on till I find a good alternative. If you can recommend a good Alt please let me know. I plan to add a second battery and need the alt to supply juice as fast as possible.

A few days later, I decided to delete all the rear seats in favor of room for cargo on longer trips. Added a base platform to drill stuff into.

Testing out the 60L fridge, I really don't like how much access I have left. Especially with rear AC unit taking up valuable space. Will need to drop the fridge size to 47L or so. And locate it somewhere else.

I'm also planning to make a sleeping platform in the truck. I've never done this car sleeping thing before so it's new experiment. I'll carry my beloved Oztent with me for backup.

If it seems that this build is happening too quickly, it sure is. There is a bit of catching up but I'm trying to get it ready for a week trip in the mountains in 4 weeks time. Parts are flying in from the states and other from Japan.

While we wait for these parts to arrive, I've pulled the rear sliding windows out in an attempt to make flip up windows for easy cargo access. The panel/ window will be made out of steel.

I've got offset hinges inbound. Rubber seals and key latches to test with. Some of you DIY guys may like this. I'll post about it as it goes.

Like everything else I've done. I'm trying to build this truck in a way that if I wanted to reverse everything, I could with ease. The flip up windows will be controlled by a frame that is sandwiching the body opening on the truck from inside and outside. That frame will take all the gear required to secure the panels and support the panel movement with gas struts/shocks.

That same idea also moved into everything else. For example, I chose a dual band radio with the big bulky unit mounted under the passenger seat using existing bolts in that area. the control unit also utilized the upper panel mounting bolts on a custom bracket.

At the moment, I'm going through the diffs front and rear. Refreshing them and getting them prepared for the locker install.

So your going for something like this?

wagongear.com » Flip Up Hatch Window

 

[87CRUSR]

Nice specimen

 

[Lo2aY]

So your going for something like this?

wagongear.com » Flip Up Hatch Window

Yes sir. But mine will be made out of steel.

At the moment, I've mocked up the frame using card board. Drew the outside edges on it to mock the body frame shape. Then went out and in half inch to get the proper size for the outter frame. It's not a hard job to-do. You need to spend a good amount of time measuring and understanding how things should seal and avoid/strengthen weak points. If it fails. I can simply revert back to the factory setup. All I would need them is silicon. But I'm being optimistic, and think it will work. And seal well. I'll follow up with pics as it goes.

-Luai

 

[HoJo 61]

No Kidding! I'm waiting for this motor to give up and throw in a 1HD-FT in it's place! It's a matter of time.

Now we are talking!

 

[Lo2aY]

Quick update on the flip up window.

Used thick card board for mockup and getting the correct fit.

This helped get the correct sizing for the outside and inside frames. So then we used that template to cut 3mm steel and use it for the final product.

And here is the steel frame. It flexes and deforms without any support so I'm going to throw in nuts and bolts and see how it likes it. The key thing here is the seal. Between it and the body I'm going to use factory window silicon. And from it to the window, I'm planning to use rubber seals. The issue remains with the hinge. I'm still waiting for it to show up so we can test fit. Ideally, I'll have it attached behind the outer frame and use silicon for sealing. I'll get a better picture of this as it goes on.

Inside view. Notice the gap between the frames. This is good.

As we were messing around with it. The rear quarter panel decided to give and quit. The factory card board that holds the panel was done. And I guess it's time to make one. Would make for a great access panel for my rear accessory fuse block.

Not pictured is the front and rear ends torn apart in prep for a complete rebuild. A problem I notice here in Saudi is that most people never change their diff oil. They fear they will whine since most don't know what viscosity/additive to use. Well, to no surprise, the 32 year old truck has never had a diff oil change and it just stinks inside. New bearings, seals and lockers are inbound.

Also noticed my bump stops were completely trashed. Ordered a new set from SOR along with brake pads. Hopefully they fly here soon.

 

[boozewz]

Very cool. Subscribed.

Btw, your transfer case has H2 and L4. Is that a split case or full time 4wd?

 

[Lo2aY]

Very cool. Subscribed.

Btw, your transfer case has H2 and L4. Is that a split case or full time 4wd?

Good eye.

It's a split case with a vacuum switch for the 4H. I've thought about replacing it to the stick style. But I use 4LO on everything except gravel roads. So I don't think it will see much use.

Where did you get brakes? Did you find them locally? Mine are overdue for replacement.

 

[boozewz]

Good eye.

It's a split case with a vacuum switch for the 4H. I've thought about replacing it to the stick style. But I use 4LO on everything except gravel roads. So I don't think it will see much use.

Where did you get brakes? Did you find them locally? Mine are overdue for replacement.

Nice one! Had no idea the option existed.

Had my brakes done at the local dealer. Swapped out the front discs for new ones and change out the pads. Rear drums also got serviced.