Builds Billy's excellent FJ73-12HT - resto-modded - n that (1 Viewer)

[Billyfj7312ht]

can one still source new gauges?

Yes you can, although some parts might be discontinued and substituted with another number.
This is where you need someone who speaks Yoda like Beno because ordering parts is a real matrix of part numbers and experience.

Some one should start a PARTS INTERPRETATION SERVICE DEPARTMENT - PISD for short... I would hate to count the hours I have put into searching part numbers. i have been lucky so far with only 2 mistakes and one was because I didn't realise my flares were off a younger troopy and ordered moulded flaps for a 73. (anyone chasing genuine toyota front mudflaps?)
By the time you have done a full rebuild you could easily waste $$100s of dollars with wrong purchases or pay 2-3 times the price through a dealership.
But if you get PISD you save time and get the amazing Amayama prices - I'd have paid for this service.

Anyways here's the link to Megazip it is for my 1984-1986 FJ73 but you can search for any model. Not cheap the speedo meter assemblt is US$320.

Meter for Toyota LAND CRUISER/LAND CRUISER PRADO FJ73 1984...1986 | MegaZip online shop

When I said new Gauge cluster I meant new to me. I have sourced one from facebook for $40.00 and hopefully a 150ltr fuel tank if it pans out.
The gauges are on GumTree here quite often and also some at wreckers so I do not imagine it will be too hard if the other one falls through.

 

[Billyfj7312ht]

Been distracted of late, I’ve sold my fastening and hardware shop and been busy tying up loose ends.
Done a few small things in between life:

Fitted gasket:

Removed manifold, cleaned and painted.

Had to heat the paint to 200c for 1 hour.....If my wife ever found out...

This is on my bench ATM.

I got the handbrake grip and turned down the button and made a sleeve for the shaft. It would have worked without doing this but it made for a much stronger connection.

 

[Billyfj7312ht]

I got more parts including the gear stick cover, dash front facia, aircon dial facia, steering wheel shaft mount gasket.

I had heaps of trouble with sourcing an alternator, I eventually found an original older one which is being tested as we speak.

In transit is a new to me 150 ltr fuel tank and main gauge cluster. Once the alternator comes back, hopefully this side of Xmas I can fit the radiator support frame.

 

[DamoPeru]

Had to heat the paint to 200c for 1 hour.....If my wife ever found out...

Classic!!!!!! I barely get away with using it for silica gel

 

[spiros]

awesome ,very detailed work it's going to be better than ever

 

[ozcrusier]

Any updates mate.

 

[Billyfj7312ht]

Any updates mate.

I wish there was Ozzy but I have so much going on at the moment, plus I'm really struggling with the mechanical side of things and I'm determined to learn as I go so I can't bring myself to give him to a mechanical shop. I've done small things here and there but nothing worth posting. February should bring some progress. I have the fual tank now, I got ripped off with the main gauge cluster.

 

[Billyfj7312ht]

They say procrastination is measurable to the size of the activity. Especially if it’s not your forte.

This is so true in the case of my engine work. It was starting to feel a bit like work so I created a diversion that saw results each week which was a nice change from my 21/2 year car build.

The Re-Birth of my old chassis, body and suspension --------" Stein Scamper!!"..........not bad for offcuts.

Back to it now though, I'm on the home stretch.

Here's my trailer build thread --- From Wreck to Uluru....Aussie adventure trailer


So, I did do a couple things over the last few months like the steering column, alternator, viscous fan, ordered some gaskets.
Last weekend I stored the trailer away and finally got back into my huge list on my car build.

 

[Billyfj7312ht]

 

[cruiserpilot]

Glad to see you back at it; killing rust as you go! Now you have me looking into the shop at the trailer project leaning against
the wall, J

 

[Billyfj7312ht]

well I had planned on painting parts for my dash and the fuel tank but we're getting a bit of rain here ATM associated with Cyclone Debbie.
Not sure I'd get out my drive anyways.

And the worst has yet to come. Alot of businesses are closing at lunch time and going home in wait of the 300mm of rain predicted this afternoon.

 

[PNWScooby]

Holy crap man. That's a serious river crossing at the end of your driveway. Best of luck, keep us updated and confirm all is well when things go back to normal.

 

[cruiserpilot]

Good Luck! Been that kind of year everywhere it seems.

 

[ozcrusier]

Billy don't forget to fit that safari snorkel mate.
Where in for it for sure take care everyone in north east OZ

 

[61Mk+]

Good christ, there ain't no dust on your driveway, Billy.

 

[Billyfj7312ht]

Been here 12 years, that's the highest I've ever seen it.

I see the rest of the world were concerned too. Here's a map of Australia from CNN so they can understand the size and nature of this thing.

The build will have to wait a week while i clean up the debris left on my drive.

V
V
V
V
Just pullin your leg that was from the last flood..... with the neighbors shipping container,

 

[etho]

Looking good mate.
Where did you source the handbrake lever from?

 

[cruiserpilot]

So I have to ask, how far away did they find that dead Bull shark covered in mud? It was a pic
that floated around the news feeds here for a day or two. Looks like your property is on the top of a hill,
good.

 

[DamoPeru]

Classic! After having left at 21, seems my home is now in Queensland again! CNN isn't what it used to be.

 

[chappohj47]

So I have to ask, how far away did they find that dead Bull shark covered in mud? It was a pic
that floated around the news feeds here for a day or two. Looks like your property is on the top of a hill,
good.

It's funny I don't know anyone here who has heard of that bull shark and if you look it up it's only in overseas news