Kiwi Build FJ45 - 12HT

[squire]

Name: Brad Squire
Location: Taranaki, New Zealand
Starting point: 1977 FJ45 Landcruiser
Objectives: Full strip down, respray chassis and body (Beige 464), 12HT install with 5 speed box, power steering from HJ61 and front disk brake conversion.

I have finally started on my FJ45. Purchased for $1000NZD 8 years ago with live registration plates in very good condition. I plan to fully strip her down, sand blast chassis and body, repair some rust (pretty minimal rust as far as New Zealand cruisers go). I also have a 12HT and power steering setup from an HJ61 to install. Ill keep the thread up to date as i can. Ill be welcoming any input and asking a few questions no doubt.

First up if any one has any good threads to follow on here, send them my way.

Below is the starting point. FJ as i bought it 8 years ago.

Cheers

 

[ceylonfj40nut]

Looks awesome! Welcome!

 

[Michael B]

That’s a good looking Ute to start a great project with. Check my build thread for a similar journey. You will really enjoy the end product.!

 

[squire]

In the process of stripping her down, found a little rust behind the cab.

 

[squire]

Back to the chassis, stripped and ready for the blast shop. And a photo of the 12HT

 

[squire]

Stripped back a bit more last night. Found a few more rust repairs to complete.

Whats the best methods people have used to strip back ready for body work ? Im thinking a full sand blast, just a little concerned about warping the panels when blasting and also if i go back to bare steel on all of the panels am i going too far ? Do i just blast the bad bits and sand the rest ? Any info would be appreciated.

 

[Taha32]

Looks like you have a good base to work on, less rust than mine. Only issues with warping from sand blasting will be the bonnet and roof, my sandblasting guy just left the bits he was worried about and I used a stripper wheel.

 

[jim land]

Are you keeping the tray back or go for factory bed ? I like the tray look

Are you set for wheels and tires , tall and skinny on the factory splits ?

 

[jim land]

Good build threads on the 45 series section

 

[squire]

Are you keeping the tray back or go for factory bed ? I like the tray look

Are you set for wheels and tires , tall and skinny on the factory splits ?

Ill be going for a new flat deck, ill build one once everything else is done, sold that one years ago, made more room in the shed and funded a few dozen beers for the fridge from memory.
Ill be going for aftermarket wheels and around 33x12.5xR15" Tyres

 

[squire]

Accomplished a bit more of the tear down over the weekend.

But spent a heap of time researching.

Thanks to "Taha32" i've got a set of engine mounts on the way for the 12HT conversion, these have been fabricated from a template of HJ47 original mounts. Ordered the corresponding rubbers from Aus. Sifted through my 20ft shipping container and found my 60 series gearbox crossmember. Glad i kept that.

I also manged to source a complete front 70 series diff just down the road from home. Ill use a pile of parts from this for my front disk conversion, (just need to wait for the covid-19 lock down to end so I can collect it )

Stripped back the rear brakes, these were seized fairly bad from sitting in my current workshop for 3 years without rolling anywhere. Will order up new cylinders and shoes. Might even press the axles out and throw in some new bearings at it. How hard are these to press apart usually ? Also needs a new pinion seal.

Photo doesn't show it but, I stripped both doors back to the shells. Only a small amount of rust in the lower drivers door which is great news. Spent alot of time researching all the new rubber seals, ordered everything genuine OEM from a contact in Australia. Expensive exercise ($2k+but didnt want to go aftermarket with the seals, I have read some bad reviews)

 

[Greek Cruiserhead]

How did your build turn out?
Cheers mate!