Build From Wreck to Road: Restoring European HZJ74 No. 39
- Thread starter Economist LC76
- Start date
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- #22
Whoah!! Part number please.
Akatsume_works produces these holders. Writing in Japanese and waiting are helpful. I like the true look
Sehr schön. Wunderschön gemacht. Sehr österreichisch. Vielen Dank fürs Teilen.
In English: Wow!.
In English: Wow!.
- Thread starter
- #24
I forgot to share some information about the exhaust system for the mid-wheelbase HZJ73/HZJ74. While the first two sections of the exhaust (counting from the engine) are still available new,
the final section specific to the mid-wheelbase trucks is no longer produced.
In Japan, it’s relatively easy to find a stainless-steel option from Saxon, model LCD-703. It’s a direct bolt-on replacement for the rusty original and comes in two sections. I bought mine through the Yahoo Japan auction for $575, plus shipping and import duties.
the final section specific to the mid-wheelbase trucks is no longer produced.
In Japan, it’s relatively easy to find a stainless-steel option from Saxon, model LCD-703. It’s a direct bolt-on replacement for the rusty original and comes in two sections. I bought mine through the Yahoo Japan auction for $575, plus shipping and import duties.
Thanks for sharing. Unfortunately out of stock, but they do have a notification service...
ランドクルーザー70系用 灰皿換装式ドリンクホルダー | akatsume works powered by BASE
【灰皿換装式ドリンクホルダーの特徴】・使いやすい位置ランクル70系・プラド70系にはドリンクホルダーがありません。昔は喫煙が当たり前で、灰皿も大きくインパネの一等地に鎮座していました。現在では灰皿は小物入れくらいにしか機能していません。インパネの一等地が空き地だと勿体ないので、灰皿の代わりにドリンクホルダーを入れることにしました。・優れたドリンクホルダー本体ドリンクホルダー本体は、HE22S スズキ...
akatsume.base.shop
- Thread starter
- #26
During the restoration, I ran into an interesting detail: the European-spec version uses headlights with in-cabin load-level adjustment. There’s a small dial on the left side of the dash that allows you to lower the beam depending on vehicle load.
My truck was missing this setup entirely, and it took a long time to track it down. In the end, I found a compatible system from the Middle East market, where this setup was produced between 2004 and 2007.
My truck was missing this setup entirely, and it took a long time to track it down. In the end, I found a compatible system from the Middle East market, where this setup was produced between 2004 and 2007.
The muffler/3rd section of the exhaust from an HZJ71 will work on a 73/74 series with some slight mounting tweaks and a bit of a pipe orientation change at the mating flange with the center cross-over section.
We did this on @stayalert BJ74 that we converted to a factory HZJ74:
When I was in jr high school in the early 80s my friend's dad had a Mercedes G Wagon he had gotten in Germany when he was based there. That was the first car I'd ever seen with such an option. We all thought that was the coolest thing we'd ever seen. His dad would impress us all at night in the car by making the lights go up and down 'magically' with a rotary dial.
That was the highest-tech kit I'd ever seen at that time. I thought the Germans must be engineering geniuses when I saw that.
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- #29
Yes — those little technical joys from the last century. A small form of protest against the age of AI.
There’s also a funny but very practical accessory from Toyota — and specifically for the Land Cruiser 70 — that was listed in the original factory catalog. It’s basically a mechanical “parking sensor”: a metal corner pole mounted on the edge of the bumper.
I managed to find it, and with an extended bumper this accessory is extremely useful. It bolts right into the factory mounting points on the passenger-side corner of the bumper (the bumper photo is from Internet)
This is exquisitely done. What an amazing job.
And I love the FST!
And I love the FST!
It's a mandatory feature in Germany, supposed to be used when the rear is heavy and the suspension is sinking in, i.P. when towing. Today it's a major PITA when trying to register imported vehicles, as you need to install this feature if not present, or convince authorities to grant an exceptional approval.
@Economist LC76 apparently, chasing down exotic parts & accessories is yet another talent and hobby of yours. Well done.
Somewhere there was a threat discussing the purpose of the many holes a factory bumper comes with. Stuff like this is part of the answer ... But very cool.
Merry Christmas
- Thread starter
- #33
Few more parts for the bumper holesSomewhere there was a threat discussing the purpose of the many holes a factory bumper comes with. Stuff like this is part of the answer ... But very cool.
- Thread starter
- #34
This is the dashboard planning stage. The goal is to keep everything as original as possible, while taking the necessary modifications into account.
The first challenges showed up around the steering wheel area. On European LX-spec HZJ7s, there was an H2/H4 switch on the left, while STD versions had a blank there and a transfer case lever with four positions instead of two. European-spec trucks also did not have power mirrors at all.
Power mirrors were available on Middle East–spec trucks, with the mirror switch mounted on the left side, but those versions did not have the H2/H4 switch. On Japanese-spec trucks, you get both: the H2/H4 switch (mounted to the right of the steering wheel, near the driver’s door) and the power mirror switch (on the left side of the wheel, closer to the center).
In the end, I decided to keep the H2/H4 switch in the standard left position, and move the mirror switch to the right — a symmetrical layout inspired by the Japanese version.
Some side notes from this process:
• Most LHD power mirrors have Arabic markings.
• Japanese RHD mirrors without markings don’t work properly on LHD trucks — they simply don’t have enough adjustment range.
• Swapping just the mirror glass felt like going too far.
The lower switch panel was another interesting topic. Most rear doors with removable frames don’t have a rear wiper, washer, or defroster. The door shell itself doesn’t even have the holes — or the space — for a wiper motor. I made peace with that; I’m unlikely to drive a soft top regularly in bad weather anyway.
So the final switch layout is:
• Left: front fog lights
• Next: headlight washers (as original)
• Next: the rear window defroster switch repurposed for the fridge (the icon actually works, and the location matches factory logic)
• Right: factory-positioned rear fog light switch
At this point, everything seems sorted — very close to original, but adapted to the build.
The first challenges showed up around the steering wheel area. On European LX-spec HZJ7s, there was an H2/H4 switch on the left, while STD versions had a blank there and a transfer case lever with four positions instead of two. European-spec trucks also did not have power mirrors at all.
Power mirrors were available on Middle East–spec trucks, with the mirror switch mounted on the left side, but those versions did not have the H2/H4 switch. On Japanese-spec trucks, you get both: the H2/H4 switch (mounted to the right of the steering wheel, near the driver’s door) and the power mirror switch (on the left side of the wheel, closer to the center).
In the end, I decided to keep the H2/H4 switch in the standard left position, and move the mirror switch to the right — a symmetrical layout inspired by the Japanese version.
Some side notes from this process:
• Most LHD power mirrors have Arabic markings.
• Japanese RHD mirrors without markings don’t work properly on LHD trucks — they simply don’t have enough adjustment range.
• Swapping just the mirror glass felt like going too far.
The lower switch panel was another interesting topic. Most rear doors with removable frames don’t have a rear wiper, washer, or defroster. The door shell itself doesn’t even have the holes — or the space — for a wiper motor. I made peace with that; I’m unlikely to drive a soft top regularly in bad weather anyway.
So the final switch layout is:
• Left: front fog lights
• Next: headlight washers (as original)
• Next: the rear window defroster switch repurposed for the fridge (the icon actually works, and the location matches factory logic)
• Right: factory-positioned rear fog light switch
At this point, everything seems sorted — very close to original, but adapted to the build.
- Thread starter
- #35
Here is a bit more about the fridge
One of the annoying things about the 70 Series Land Cruiser is the factory armrest — it’s too low, flimsy, can’t really hold anything, and isn’t comfortable to lean on. On top of that, it’s made up of a million small parts and costs a fortune to replace.
I was curious about an aftermarket fridge-armrest combo that some dealers have been installing on newer 70s in recent years.
It comes in grey and beige plastic, with color and texture close to Toyota’s original interior. I couldn’t find many detailed photos, dimensions, or real reviews. It’s made in China and sold in...
I was curious about an aftermarket fridge-armrest combo that some dealers have been installing on newer 70s in recent years.
It comes in grey and beige plastic, with color and texture close to Toyota’s original interior. I couldn’t find many detailed photos, dimensions, or real reviews. It’s made in China and sold in...
Wow this is a work of art . For what it's worth the adjustable headlights showed up in 1998 on European HZJ73 models and then on to the HZJ74 of course so these should be available in both 12 and 24 volts if someone wants to retrofit . While I am a fan of power windows on my dd 7x I never been a fan of the power mirrors and the bulky look they have , unless you have multiple drivers that are different in build you never really adjust those . I didn't see it in your pics but did you install the ultimate 7x creature comfort aka suspension seat bases ?
- Thread starter
- #37
Thanks!
Power mirrors are practical if you park in a small areas or in a garage. I hate to run back and forth with my BJ43 when I need to return the passenger side mirror to the spot.
As to the seats. I do have original seats and original floor. Suspension HZJ73 seats are the dream but hardcore welding is a bit too much for me
- Thread starter
- #38
The dashboard design wouldn’t be complete without thinking about the steering wheel. The old metal dash has very sharp, angular lines, which slightly clash with the more amorphous steering wheel used on later generations. Of course, this is highly subjective.
Interestingly, Middle East–spec trucks up to 2007 used a completely different steering wheel — one that fits the style of the metal dashboard much better.
In the end, I found my inspiration in the BJ70 steering wheel (also used on the 60 Series).
The photos aren’t mine, but the feeling already is.
Interestingly, Middle East–spec trucks up to 2007 used a completely different steering wheel — one that fits the style of the metal dashboard much better.
In the end, I found my inspiration in the BJ70 steering wheel (also used on the 60 Series).
The photos aren’t mine, but the feeling already is.
The 3 spoke wheel was mostly used in base versions and is thinner and slightly larger in diameter . It is also made out of very hard plastic and doesn’t have a nice feel to it . The 2 spoke 7x from 1985-1989 is way nicer but the 74 actually had a updated version of the 1990-98 7x wheel and to me that is the best looking one and it feels nice and soft
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- #40