Building the Princess - HJ60 build blog.

[sodafeld1]

Yeah essentially.. much easier to get access to fan/belts, its always fiddly getting the fan and shroud in place. I've already bent fins on the new radiator, I'll straighten them up but they'll never look perfect

The fan doesnt look so good now, I had to trim the blades, I'm unconvinced the shroud or the fan I have are both the correct ones, I've taken 10mm off the blades and the clearance is perfect now.

looks a million bucks from here

 

[duncanrm]

The trimmed blades..

 

[duncanrm]

I think we're ready to add some Elixir of Cooling, both hoses on and the system should now be ready for use. Coolant filter added to the top hose with a fine mesh.

So as far as the cooling system goes thats now a new water pump, new radiator, new hoses, new belt, new bypass hose, new clips, new viscous hub, new fan, new lower thermostat housing (OEM), new upper thermostat housing, new thermostat (OEM). With the shroud in place, there should be zero reason this engine will get too hot for a few years to come. Heater core not in the system yet, it needs to come out for attention

 

[sodafeld1]

The trimmed blades..

View attachment 3233058

does look smaller

I think we're ready to add some Elixir of Cooling, both hoses on and the system should now be ready for use. Coolant filter added to the top hose with a fine mesh.

So as far as the cooling system goes thats now a new water pump, new radiator, new hoses, new belt, new bypass hose, new clips, new viscous hub, new fan, new lower thermostat housing (OEM), new upper thermostat housing, new thermostat (OEM). With the shroud in place, there should be zero reason this engine will get too hot for a few years to come. Heater core not in the system yet, it needs to come out for attention



View attachment 3233674

View attachment 3233675

heater core in hj75 is no fun to remove unless most of dash is already to removed.

 

[duncanrm]

does look smaller

heater core in hj75 is no fun to remove unless most of dash is already to removed.

Yes - same in the 60 - entire dash out.

I'm keen to do it though, it'll be another job done that I've never done before.

 

[duncanrm]

Woohoo.. its been up to temperature.. and the hot start performance of this 2H is superb.. barely 1/2 turn of the crankshaft I think..

 

[duncanrm]

TEFBA Coolant Filter doing its job.

 

[duncanrm]

The previous owners fusible link deletion has been rectified. Two new fuses mounted on the battery tray (60A each, may upsize) and a positive post to distribute permanent unfused 12V+ for starter relay and glow plugs. Its not entirely clear to me if Starter Relay and Glow power were fused from the factory - may still redesign this. But for now, a good clean pair of battery terminals, a single earth connection distributed on a bolt under the battery tray and two positive connections for starter and to supply the fusible links/glow/starter relay.

Also prior to the fusible link work yesterday I confirmed the dirty old alternator and regulator I found at the back of the shed are charging - was good to see they were. A new alternator at some point and an internal regulator conversion but after its back on the road.

Engine bay is beginning to look complete(ish).

 

[sodafeld1]

The previous owners fusible link deletion has been rectified. Two new fuses mounted on the battery tray (60A each, may upsize) and a positive post to distribute permanent unfused 12V+ for starter relay and glow plugs. Its not entirely clear to me if Starter Relay and Glow power were fused from the factory - may still redesign this. But for now, a good clean pair of battery terminals, a single earth connection distributed on a bolt under the battery tray and two positive connections for starter and to supply the fusible links/glow/starter relay.

View attachment 3239402

View attachment 3239411


View attachment 3239405
Also prior to the fusible link work yesterday I confirmed the dirty old alternator and regulator I found at the back of the shed are charging - was good to see they were. A new alternator at some point and an internal regulator conversion but after its back on the road.


View attachment 3239406

Engine bay is beginning to look complete(ish).
View attachment 3239410

I enjoy that you are focussed on the practical and accessible rather than solely blinkered ome personally.

 

[duncanrm]

Panel and paint underway!

 

[duncanrm]

OK.. wow. I have learnt so much about bodywork, and I have so much left to learn. The work required to get this fender, two doors and bonnet ready for primer has been a massive learning curve for me. I am thankful to have a mate (Jim) who is retired spray painter who has been coming over to guide me along the way, he critiques the work I've done and guides me on the next stage. His ability to look at a panel and pick out issues that need to be resolved is amazing.

I've had to acquire a few new tools including a pneumatic DA Sander, a cheese grater (?), putty knives and all manner of sand paper grits, sanding blocks and fillers. I feel like I'm about two months into 4 year apprenticeship with Jim, his guidance combined with YouTube is keeping me heading in the right direction I think. Maybe I might even get to spray some primer in a couple of weekends time.

 

[sodafeld1]

OK.. wow. I have learnt so much about bodywork, and I have so much left to learn. The work required to get this fender, two doors and bonnet ready for primer has been a massive learning curve for me. I am thankful to have a mate (Jim) who is retired spray painter who has been coming over to guide me along the way, he critiques the work I've done and guides me on the next stage. His ability to look at a panel and pick out issues that need to be resolved is amazing.

I've had to acquire a few new tools including a pneumatic DA Sander, a cheese grater (?), putty knives and all manner of sand paper grits, sanding blocks and fillers. I feel like I'm about two months into 4 year apprenticeship with Jim, his guidance combined with YouTube is keeping me heading in the right direction I think. Maybe I might even get to spray some primer in a couple of weekends time.

Yes. I think panel beating is the most overall challenging aspect of car restoration if done right. Also arguably the most expensive at the same time under valued. Grinding, sanding, dust, spray paint, lots of nasty chemicals, thinners, fumes, masks, primers, builders, the fine carbon dust to find high and low spots, prep wash and prep wash, rags...lots of gear, all consumable, all money.

I recall 'gun man' on youtube as being a valuable resource.

I do not envy full time panel beaters what so ever. I have noticed that many ex spray painters have very bad lungs after a career in the game., a few of them make good money at a price. I think the clever ones just do the body work and out source the painting as a full timer.

Best thing about doing a car or two yourself, is the respect gained to really good body work and immaculate paint job. I did some panels for my merc aiming at perfection...geez, then you worry about where you park and bird poo!

Mind you, that's why I like my bush basher, as long as there is no rust, I don't mind scratches and dings.

Fight on mate! the finish line is in sight. you went quiet there for a mo, that's what you're doin, quite a marathon..

 

[duncanrm]

Yes. I think panel beating is the most overall challenging aspect of car restoration if done right. Also arguably the most expensive at the same time under valued. Grinding, sanding, dust, spray paint, lots of nasty chemicals, thinners, fumes, masks, primers, builders, the fine carbon dust to find high and low spots, prep wash and prep wash, rags...lots of gear, all consumable, all money.

Yep.. you've been there I see!

The more I learn the further away the finish line moves. I'm comfortable with that, to a point. At some point I'll have to compromise.

This afternoon a mate is dropping over one of those spot welding dent pullers for me to have a play with on a small dent that needs a repair. Looks like a fun tool!

 

[duncanrm]

Amazing tool!

 

[duncanrm]

Crazy amount of work.. but ready for primer I think. A very steep learning curve has occurred, dent pulling, filling, sanding. Many of the dents I've had multiple cracks at with feedback from a retired spray painter along the way, a tough judge to please and I think thats been a very good thing. I am hopeful of a good outcome on the paint.

Onwards! Tonight I'm watching youtube videos on Masking up for spray paint.

My new best friend on this project has been this sanding block.

 

[sodafeld1]

Hope your hands are not too sore!! Love. Lot of body on a landcruiser. This part of the journey has slowed down your updates. Totally sure it shall come out good.

If I was a panel beater, I too would be constantly looking for apprentices.

 

[duncanrm]

Found the fuel flap I had squirrelled away. Hahahh unleaded.. yeah nah.

 

[duncanrm]

All masked up and ready for primer..

 

[duncanrm]

Full primer done.. guide coat on, ready to start blocking it down! Very pleased with how it all looks, the effort on the panels has really paid off.

 

[duncanrm]

Three week, 10,000klm trip in the HJ47..so no updates.

superb trip so far. Total solar eclipse!