Builds BJ43 1979 “Save the beauty” (1 Viewer)

[Economist LC76]

Few more pictures of the Japanese bj44 bench + Jerrycan

 

[Economist LC76]

New aftermarket suspensions have some lift (at least 2’’). Original suspension for the restoration looks IMHO so much better!
For comparison in mm: red is for the current measurement (upper picture), green is for the original (PHOTOSHOP).

I wonder if there any option to buy a new suspension without a lift?

 

[JohnnyC]

How many leaves are in the packs you put in? To get lower and softer most people take out a leaf

It will settle a tad as well... new springs are stiff

 

[Economist LC76]

I put 7 in the front and 9 in the rear.

The same as in 1980 OEM (FJ43/FJ45)

 

[JohnnyC]

Not the same as 1980 oem ... they have a lift

Mix in some of the original leaves with the lift leaves if you want to keep the same number in the pack

 

[Economist LC76]

Detailed body chart. All on one picture. Might be helpful for restoration (check list). Recently found in my files

 

[-MaTTi-]

Very nice restoration. But when you are so close the perfection, why you have sticker weights on the wheels?

 

[Economist LC76]

Thanks! For these tires you need a lot of weights. It will look imho not so great and also will rust much

 

[tstepp920]

Detailed body chart. All on one picture. Might be helpful for restoration (check list). Recently found in my files
View attachment 1646239

Where did you get that file? I assume the file contains the same information for a 40 SWB w/hardtop

 

[Economist LC76]

Where did you get that file? I assume the file contains the same information for a 40 SWB w/hardtop

I made it myself from 8-10 standard pictures

 

[Economist LC76]

Found the original soft top for the collection. Cleaned and dried before restoration

First drive after a long winter

 

[Bear]

Economister,

I would be interested in hearing how you so beautifully restored the original top on your 43.

Is it canvas with cotton edging, how did you get the windows so very clear, and what did you do to get it stretched so tightly?

Or, is this a replacement top and windows?

 

[Economist LC76]

Economister,

I would be interested in hearing how you so beautifully restored the original top on your 43.

Is it canvas with cotton edging, how did you get the windows so very clear, and what did you do to get it stretched so tightly?

Or, is this a replacement top and windows?

Thanks!
The soft top on the car was made from PVC

and was adjusted to the car

The original has to be restored... and will be not so tight (but ORIGINAL

PS
My cargo mat was original but from a short 40. It took 6 months to find in Japan the original long mat from 43/44

After cleaning it’s on the right place

Plus I’ve added a boot (missed in restoration) and a vintage green sound protection under the carpets. Now it’s quiet...

 

[Economist LC76]

Found the original front number plate holder for the winch. Just need to be painted black.
Now it’s possible to use the fog lights.

 

[Economist LC76]

Small improvements
The front hook

Winch cover (easy to clean). Thanks to @Racer65

Small decal for those who forget the basics

 

[Economist LC76]

The hose clamps are the clear signs of the restoration. Toyota clamps are must.
But position of the clamps are also important. For example the BJ40 engine has a special position for the air filter hose clamps

I’ve noticed it a bit late. Now it’s adjusted to the factory standard

 

[Bear]

Great attention to detail. Beautiful job !

 

[Economist LC76]

Some photoshop ideas...

Current 7.00 R16, replica rim, suspension 2.0‘‘

 

[Economist LC76]

Vintage view

7.50 Ring rims

 

[Economist LC76]

I‘ve decided to fit the fog lights. The OEM set is not cheap!!!
The simple switch only is about 70$+

As an Economist by profession I was searching for the options. The Japan auctions are extremely helpful in this respect (buyee.jp).
How about the vintage Koito switch for BMW for 7$?

Might be useful if you are lucky