HJ60 worth restoring (chassis rust, auto gearbox issues, electrics, transmission)

[buttobase]

Hey,

I'm based in the UK. bought my 1985 HJ60 diesel auto 5 years ago. it was always rusty, which I wanted to do a proper restoring job on. now I finally have the garage to do it in, might even have the time, but not sure it's worth it anymore.

what needs work:
- pretty much every panel round the car. sills, arches, front bumper, windows, doors, boot, everywhere
- chassis. it failed MOT (yearly technical check) due to those. holes in the chassis, can all be plated I guess, but there will be loads
- auto gear box: from 2-3 gear it kinda slips, howls a bit then finds the gear. always did that, not getting worse, not affecting anything really, but worrying nevertheless. what can that be?
- electrics: all the rear light bulbs go within minutes. garage looked at it once and said the wiring loom is shorting somewhere, there needs to be a new loom installed... hmm
- transmissons: in H4 not all wheels spin afaict. lock hubs front seem to not work, as front right and back left only turned. h2 l2 N lever is not moving anymore

think that's enough trouble for now.

what do you think folks? worth the work or is there (m)any fatal issues above. would love to have some feedback. can show pictures some other time, sorry none handy.

thanks!

Felix

 

[Mildot]

Well that depends what its worth to you. On the open market you are not likely to get the money for the time and costs but if you love the ride like most of us to then sure its worth it. If you are thinking you will fix it and make some money then not likely worth it. Maybe I am not seeing this as you are asking but thats my 2 cents.

 

[hiluxsurf]

Might be cheaper to get another cruiser and use the rusty one for spares.

 

[60Works]

Might be cheaper to get another cruiser and use the rusty one for spares.

x2.

My experience is that moderate or heavy rust isn't worth repairing. It's way too expensive to pay a shop to do it and way more trouble than its worth to do it yourself. If you enjoy those kinds of repairs - go for it. I'd rather hang sheet rock.

Furthure, a rusty body implies corroded eletrical connections. You will be chasing wiring gremlins forever.

Find a rust free Cruiser and move your diesel into it (with an H55 manual transmission).