Builds 97 HZJ73 (1 Viewer)

[FJBen]

Such a great looking cruiser. One of my favorite parts of owning the BJ74 is to be able to take the top off. This is the 3rd summer I’ve had the top off.

As OGBeno said, it’s pretty easy to take off. You just have to be careful with the FRP badge on the side you have to pry off.

It’s not too hard to put on on, just make sure you line everything up right then tighten. I have the factory owners manual that shows you all the steps to remove the FRP top if you want I can post those.


The only caveat is that it appears you don’t have factory rear 1/2 doors. So your options are find some OEM rear 1/2 doors, chop some
Regular doors or just take the rear doors off and not use them, use a truck net or build a tailgate.

I don’t think leaving the full rear doors is an option. Looks weird.

 

[FJ73Texas]

Want to trade for a HZJ77? Oh wait, you have one......

 

[Guyute]

Such a great looking cruiser. One of my favorite parts of owning the BJ74 is to be able to take the top off. This is the 3rd summer I’ve had the top off.

As OGBeno said, it’s pretty easy to take off. You just have to be careful with the FRP badge on the side you have to pry off.

It’s not too hard to put on on, just make sure you line everything up right then tighten. I have the factory owners manual that shows you all the steps to remove the FRP top if you want I can post those.


The only caveat is that it appears you don’t have factory rear 1/2 doors. So your options are find some OEM rear 1/2 doors, chop some
Regular doors or just take the rear doors off and not use them, use a truck net or build a tailgate.

I don’t think leaving the full rear doors is an option. Looks weird.

Good info. Thank you! Would love to see the manual if it's not too much trouble.

 

[Guyute]

Want to trade for a HZJ77? Oh wait, you have one......

Tempted... yours runs well. Miss the cargo space the 77 has already. I carry so much crap with me all the time. Will need some sort of drawer system in the 73. Guess remove the rear seat for it? Doesn't look enjoyable to ride back there anyway.

Secured an old tote for the recent little road trip. Love the factory headache bar.

 

[bj70_guy]

I don’t think leaving the full rear doors is an option. Looks weird.

Nah, looks fine...

I only got to drive mine to lunch with the top off, but it was fun.

 

[LDRF]

Thank you. Good news I think. At least like to take it off to rust check that scary area under the windshield.

I’ve got to do the same with mine. I’m putting it off as long as possible, though. If you are getting the new seals for the FRP Top windows, I’d like to see “the build”!

 

[FJ73Texas]

Tempted... yours runs well. Miss the cargo space the 77 has already. I carry so much crap with me all the time. Will need some sort of drawer system in the 73. Guess remove the rear seat for it? Doesn't look enjoyable to ride back there anyway.

Secured an old tote for the recent little road trip. Love the factory headache bar.

I was kidding...sort of. This HZJ77 I own will be my last 70 series most likely. It is my third one and now I am super tired of the headaches that come with owning one.

Mostly the parts lead times, parts availability and the 24V woes.

 

[Guyute]

I’ve got to do the same with mine. I’m putting it off as long as possible, though. If you are getting the new seals for the FRP Top windows, I’d like to see “the build”!

Calling this a "build" is really pushing it though. Do like the idea of documenting stuff more better. My memory is sh1t. Think I may start a thread on my 77 and document the 1HZ rebuild now that we are getting close.

 

[FJBen]

Good info. Thank you! Would love to see the manual if it's not too much trouble.

FRP pages from the manual:

 

[bj70bc]

yup. gotta fold that front windsheild down at least once and get the wind in your hair!
Kinda wish mine did that, nice to have that extra room in the back too

 

[Guyute]

Undid some past doings last night. Back to Koito headlights , ditched the clear lense marker lights, pulled the window rain guards and added the license plate bracket. 10 minute face lift.

Before

After

 

[Guyute]

Super happy I had it baselined in Japan before shipping. Garage spot is occupied for a while and I can do this type of little stuff and drive it. She did get to sniff the 77's rear last night. Seem to get along.

 

[Guyute]

Did the OEM spare tire bracket thing last weekend. If the rig was meant to run the spare off the door does it have extra internal support? Seems to have vertical ribbing that I don't remember the 77 having.

 

[LDRF]

Did the OEM spare tire bracket thing last weekend. If the rig was meant to run the spare off the door does it have extra internal support? Seems to have vertical ribbing that I don't remember the 77 having.

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Did the OEM spare tire bracket thing last weekend. If the rig was meant to run the spare off the door does it have extra internal support? Seems to have vertical ribbing that I don't remember the 77 having.

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Where did you pick up the bracket? A domestic (US or Canada) supplier or overseas?

 

[Guyute]

Where did you pick up the bracket? A domestic (US or Canada) supplier or overseas?

Japan. Actually had the shop doing the baselining there pick up the bracket and rims and install before shipping.

 

[scanderson76]

Nice 73! I'm up in the Gorge if interested in ever meeting up.

 

[Guyute]

Nice 73! I'm up in the Gorge if interested in ever meeting up.

Down. I'm in your area a couple times a year at least. Hit me up if/when you're in this area as well.

 

[Guyute]

52302-60010 and 52303-60010 Step Sub-Assy swap. Not stoked with how low it hangs. About 6" lower than the 77. The trailer is SOA and on 33's.

Before -

After -

 

[Guyute]

Big Japan4x4 box o’ fun waiting for me today. Window runs/seals, FRP seals/cushion, qtr window seals, glow plugs and stuff.

Started the trailer wiring project.

 

[Guyute]

Minor updates. Working on being able to tow my little trailer mostly. @Sundowner 's thread inspired me for sure. Thank you. Ended up building a box to house it for now. Plan to build/buy drawers and may move it all under a wing on that side like the 77's set-up.

73 sits lower than the 77 and need to be able to tow with either. So ended up flipping a drop receiver I had and buying a second Max Coupler to make up the difference. Should get the trailer level on both rigs now.

What else.... Oh. Pulled the rear seat and belts. Sorry ladies. Swapped the worn Rancho shocks with the OME take-offs from the 77. Little better. The extended shackles on it suck. Suspension upgrade in it's future. Replaced the glow plugs/caps. Snuggled and loved it.