Wanted HJ47 Newbie Project

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Location
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Hey everyone I'm new to the community and looking to get my first LC. I've been looking for an HJ47, but have been having trouble finding one in decent condition for a complete newbie to work on such as myself. I love the styling and mechanical simplicity of this family of trucks, and at this point am looking for a diesel 40, 44, 47 but will go for a gas as well if the right match comes along.

I am not a mechanic past changing oil. This is going to be my first project to learn on - I've loved classic cars since I was a kid, had no one in the family or immediate circle who knew anything about cars so here I am getting into it completely blind! Figured I'd get started on a truck since I like to camp somewhat off the beaten track now rather than a sports car that would have limited use. Generally this is how I've learned other things in the past - jumping into the deep end - is this a good idea for mechanical work? :rolleyes:

Looking forward to joining the community. I've posted in the 40 classifieds section as well just in case there are any bites there. Seems the market for those is much larger. Let me know if that is not ok.

TLDR complete newbie who loves classic cars looking for first project car in the range of 8k-14k

Thanks guys. Perhaps some can also chime in with what to expect in this price range. I've been looking for a while and it seems like I should be able to get one in pretty decent shape mechanically, that will primarily need cosmetic cleanup. Any help appreciated!
 
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Forgot to mention. I've been on eBay, iH8Mud classifieds, BringATrailer and craigslist for a few weeks now. Also been talking to AUSToUSA. I haven't found the perfect match yet though, and thought having the guidance of more experienced cruiser heads would be valuable in making this decision!

Thanks to all that take the time to read/reply.
 
Diesel parts are a little harder to find in the States, FWIW. You will have a lot more resources and material support with an FJ40/45 than a BJ/HJ. That's one thing I've found after owning both. However, you'll be able to learn either one. These old rigs aren't much more complicated than tractors. Best of luck.
 
The diesels are a bit simpler -mechanical fuel injection v carb, no ignition system- BUT as @cbmontgo stated, parts are harder to come by.
Anything chassis related will be the same, but you won't be getting any engine parts from Autozone. Mid and Long wheel base are also a little tougher in N. America(mid being toughest), though parts can be sourced through your friendly neighborhood mud vendors
 
I've been hearing this. For more continued use than around the town - some off road - would a gas be more desirable? Does the cost/time of diesel parts make up for the savings you make in gas? It does seem much harder to find diesel rigs here in general.
 
Not sure why I can't edit, wanted to add. I've seen diesel engines do better in crossing rivers/liquid in the engine, so would obviously be ideal for any rougher terrain. But that is a moot point of course if I can't find a vehicle, plus I don't for see myself going through that many deep rivers..

Only thing steering (pun intended?) me away from the gassers is the abysmal gas mileage.. if I take a three hour trip in a gasser (10-15mpg) vs diesel (20-25 mpg) there's a huge difference in price of use. But, if parts for diesel are 20% more then the difference may not matter in the long run.

Any diesel owners can comment on this?
 
25 is very optimistic.
Long runs on the highway, I've gotten around 22mpg.
20ish in town. I have a mid wheel base with a 2B
 
krudo said:
Only thing steering (pun intended?) me away from the gassers is the abysmal gas mileage.. if I take a three hour trip in a gasser (10-15mpg) vs diesel (20-25 mpg) there's a huge difference in price of use. But, if parts for diesel are 20% more then the difference may not matter in the long run.

Any diesel owners can comment on this?
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Based on my two cruisers, both with original engines, 10-15mpg for a gasser is optimistic, or should It be...unrealistic
 
Appreciate the input guys. I hear parts are harder to come by. What does that mean in definitive terms? It takes weeks to get parts, they are more expensive?
 
krudo said:
Appreciate the input guys. I hear parts are harder to come by. What does that mean in definitive terms? It takes weeks to get parts, they are more expensive?
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It all depends on which parts you're looking for.

-OEM Toyota parts MAY be available through @beno, and he is always a good first line of attack. You will not find a more knowledgeable resource.
-Body stuff, interior, etc. can typically be sourced from the usual suspects (Spector, Cruiser Corp. CCOT, etc.).
-Rear suspension on a Mid-wheel base gets a bit tricky, but short and long are no problem.
-Engine rebuild kits can be found through Engine Australia.
-Some of the fuel system stuff is common with other diesels in the US and MAY be able to be sourced from a local diesel shop.
- 24V electrics will make things a bit tougher but not impossible. 4 Wheel Auto often has a 24V light kit in stock with everything but the headlights. 7 inch 24V sealed beam headlights were used on some Willyz and can be sourced through a multitude of Willyz parts sources. Or you could upgrade to some 24V LEDs and actually see the road at night.
-Things like oil filters, fuel filters, etc are out there and available. Do some research and cross referencing and you can find common stuff that cross references and save a few bucks.
-If you end up with a right-hand-drive, some items may catch you by surprise at the difficulty of sourcing e.g. wiper motors, squirrel cage blower, etc.
-Glow plugs will depend on which system you end up with- some are easy to find some are getting pretty tough, though if you want to make a bulk order, there are vendors on Ali Babba willing to make 10,000 or so :D. There's a good thread in this that @lostmarbles put together and its stickied in the diesel section.

In the end, if you're willing to do the work to track things down, you can get what you need, but you're going to spend a bit more, and you won't find it at Advanced Auto Parts.

Except for an OEM RHD Mid-wheel base parking brake cable - THAT sucker doesn't seem to exist any where in the world.
 
krudo said:
Hey everyone I'm new to the community and looking to get my first LC. I've been looking for an HJ47, but have been having trouble finding one in decent condition for a complete newbie to work on such as myself. I love the styling and mechanical simplicity of this family of trucks, and at this point am looking for a diesel 40, 44, 47 but will go for a gas as well if the right match comes along.

I am not a mechanic past changing oil. This is going to be my first project to learn on - I've loved classic cars since I was a kid, had no one in the family or immediate circle who knew anything about cars so here I am getting into it completely blind! Figured I'd get started on a truck since I like to camp somewhat off the beaten track now rather than a sports car that would have limited use. Generally this is how I've learned other things in the past - jumping into the deep end - is this a good idea for mechanical work? :rolleyes:

Looking forward to joining the community. I've posted in the 40 classifieds section as well just in case there are any bites there. Seems the market for those is much larger. Let me know if that is not ok.

TLDR complete newbie who loves classic cars looking for first project car in the range of 8k-14k

Thanks guys. Perhaps some can also chime in with what to expect in this price range. I've been looking for a while and it seems like I should be able to get one in pretty decent shape mechanically, that will primarily need cosmetic cleanup. Any help appreciated!
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For sourcing HJ47s, gumtree.au is the best source; however, you can see the ads and all the photos but can't get telephone numbers or actually send messages (though it leads you to believe your message was sent). You have to get a IP connection thru ExpressVPN or similar to be able to go thru an Australian network to appear as if you're in Australia. It's cheap and easy to do.).

As has been mentioned, Australia is by far the best source of parts also (but shipping can be expensive). Can also find HJ47s on ebay.com.au. You have to go through a shipper, of course, to get it imported (AUStoUSA if you have the patience or another).
 
Krudo,
Hey I'm jay. I had a yellow troopy I traded to a buddy of mine in AZ. Then I bought another from austousa. I payed 15k. It's a great rig. I'm doing some basic resto and just kinda bringing her up to date.
There's a pretty cool looking green troopy near me I've seen on CL. Tampa FL. Check it out
Good luck. Happy to help however I can
J
 
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