Is my dash a mongrel? (1 Viewer)

[Jnryan]

Gradually educating myself as I go on my FJ40, supposed to be a '77 Japan import to the UK, no VIN but chassis and engine numbers are '77. Have my suspicions that its actually from Indonesia, e.g. aftermarket heater and AC. Plus its only 3 speed, questioned PO but told JDM different from US (<73) where most of info I was able to find prior to buying.

Pulling faulty hazard switch I found a few issues:

• Dash panel has extra detail, above stereo, as per 60's dash but doesn't have the horizontal detailing higher up. It this a mix of various vintages?
• Cluster is gen4 so post '79
• Wiring isn't stock, hazard switch has three connections
• Defrosters vents and guides have been butchered, vents are simply flat plastic panels and the guides are non existent. Air finds its way from the heater via piping through a rough hole in the box section housing the wipers.

Can anyone shed any light on any of this? Were defroster vents simply not added to trucks for the tropics? I also have the vent on the scuttle panel that is now blocked up.

Total novice in a country of very few j40s, all help greatly appreciated.

Its now my daily drive in London, loving it.

Cheers

 

[Shark56]

The plastic vents look normal but the hole cut in the top of dash is not. The dash does look different. Maybe a newer style tub or at least dash has been put on, from a country without heaters..

 

[DEADSALT]

yup
that’s a mongrel dash

 

[brian]

yeap thats been aped.

 

[Loider]

Hi. I am also in the UK and also have a 3 speed with a 2F engine. I was told it was from Japan but it definitely came from Indonesia and has been altered a great deal . No heating or any signs that there has ever been any. I am in Suffolk.

 

[Jnryan]

Hi. I am also in the UK and also have a 3 speed with a 2F engine. I was told it was from Japan but it definitely came from Indonesia and has been altered a great deal . No heating or any signs that there has ever been any. I am in Suffolk.

Sounds familiar! I'm sure mines from Indonesia. did you get it from the guys down near Chichester?

 

[Loider]

Sounds familiar! I'm sure mines from Indonesia. did you get it from the guys down near Chichester?

No a private seller. I found Indonesian coins under the seats which was a give away. I had a quick look at the vents on mine and it has the long oval factory cut outs fitted with inserts. It had been fitted with AC which is now missing so I think I'm going down the Vintage Air route to the provide warm and cool air. I will add a photo so you can see what the vents look like .