kw90surf's South African mystery 80 Series Tourer (1 Viewer)

[kw90surf]

Well I didn't figure I'd be moving from the FJ80 I had to another, but I just happened to be trolling FB marketplace and this one just happened to be in the Goldilocks zone of specs, mods and price, so I pulled the trigger.

It's a 1991 FJ80, imported to the USA from South Africa by a gentleman who owned a company there that sells awnings, RTTs, etc. He bought it in SA and exported it to the USA with a bunch of gear on it, so that he could visit vendors, overland expo, etc. when he was stateside and show off his gear. With COVID he didn't get a chance to come over much so he decided to sell. He also said it "wasn't very good at towing a loaded trailer at highway speeds"

Some of the pictures he sent me from its life back in South Africa:

It has a curious specification list, and I'm hoping the brain trust on 'Mud can help me figure it out. First off, it's LHD, which was outlawed in SA in 2008 (they're a RHD country). I ran the vin on TOYODIY and it came back GNPNEA (Europe/North America).

It has:

• 3FE engine
• Automatic trans
• Fulltime 4wd
• Manual leather seats
• Cruise control
• Power windows and locks
• Sunroof

Starting to sound like a USDM Cruiser? Right, except:

• "Four Wheel Drive" side mouldings
• Centre console fridge (gutted, as I was when I got there and opened it to see)
• No 3rd row seat or provisions for one
• Single fold 2nd row seat
• Speedometer in kilometers only (275,000km)
• No OEM roof rack like we got here

The guy who was looking after it for the South African fellow said that he thought that it was an embassy vehicle there, which makes some sense to me. The guy who I actually bought it from said he thought it was bought new in the UAE, then imported through Botswana, then to South Africa. Apparently that's somewhat common, but:

• The UAE never got the 3FE auto to my knowledge
• There's no sticker evidence of that anywhere on the vehicle
• It has a USA emissions compliance sticker under the hood, BUT, the whole left side of the truck and the hood have been painted, so who knows if the hood is original
• There are no records in any USA-based VIN lookup that I've been able to find, except after it was imported in 2019
• The lack of 3rd row seat provisions, single fold 2nd row (without 4th captured nut in the floor, just a rubber plug), centre console fridge and mouldings suggest non-USA market
• The speedometer is KM only, and the mileage feels legitimate
• I was unable to find any records in Europe-based VIN lookups, except one made a suggestion about Poland but I'm not sure how legit that one was.
• South African department of transport said it was first registered there in 1996 and had 6 owners, but was unable to give me any more info.

Any ideas?


Anyways, back to the truck.

The only way I was going to sell my other one was if it make complete financial sense (as if). This one did have an appealing mod list though, on top of being rust-free and low-mileage:

• Custom exhaust header
• Custom 2.5" stainless exhaust
• South African made alloy bullbar
• Kaymar rear tire carrier
• Custom bolt-on rock sliders
• Snorkel
• Dual battery setup, and arguably best of all
• Auxiliary fuel tank (which I didn't even know it had until the first time I filled it up on the drive home.

So I made arrangements to take leave from work and fly down to Missouri with my father and a buddy of mine to drive it home.

 

[kw90surf]

Upon arrival it was clear that the truck had been given a complimentary zero-point inspection before it was left at the airport for us to pick up. It was filthy, the tires had barely 20psi in them, the brake lights didn't work, it had a nasty sputter, was leaking gas, and to top it off the guy left the lights on when he parked it so the start battery was toast. We got a boost and headed for the hotel.

 

[kw90surf]

We spent the most of the next day fixing the brake lights (rats nest of trailer harness and a couple of bulbs), fuel leak (transfer hose from the auxiliary tank chafed through on the LSPV bracket) and a new battery. The seller was courteous enough to cover the cost of the new battery (a nice AGM I might add), and hit the car wash before we got on the road.

It cleaned up really nice. I was very pleased.

 

[kw90surf]

We had intended to take the trip home slow, keeping to secondary highways, to enjoy the scenery and save on fuel. Plus, I've done a number of USA road trips now and I don't much care for the interstate. Unfortunately however, we killed almost all of Day 1 fixing the truck, and didn't get as far as we'd hoped on Day 2, so we ended up having to put the hammer down on the interstate for much of the trip.

Some pictures from the journey:

 

[kw90surf]

Our route took us from Springfield MO, across the Mississippi River via the ferry to Kentucky, then West Virginia into Virginia, briefly through Maryland into Pennsylvania, then Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine and across the border.

 

[kw90surf]

West Virginia was one of my favourite legs of the trip

 

[effjay80]

I recognize some places but great pictures. No hurry off interstate backroad voyages are the best! Great looking truck with interesting pedigree.

What's the overlook pic in WV? I originally thought Harpers Ferry but dont think so.

 

[clrussell]

I drove this 80. I have pictures of it in my driveway. It would still be there if I didn’t have a pile of cash tied up in my 40 project.

Im Glad someone got it. It’s a great starting point with lots of cool little Things.

 

[clrussell]

From the driveway

 

[kw90surf]

I recognize some places but great pictures. No hurry off interstate backroad voyages are the best! Great looking truck with interesting pedigree.

What's the overlook pic in WV? I originally thought Harpers Ferry but dont think so.

Hawk's Nest, I think!

 

[kw90surf]

From the driveway

View attachment 3370184

How did it end up in your driveway? Would be interested to hear that story!

 

[tmxmotorsports]

WV is some beautiful country... hats off to the guy wearing the CLUTCH shirt I actually have the same one well I used to at least.

 

[kw90surf]

WV is some beautiful country... hats off to the guy wearing the CLUTCH shirt I actually have the same one well I used to at least.

That's my old man! I actually got him into Clutch when I was a teen - originally heard "Electric Worry" in a trailer for a game and loved it, did a deep dive on them. Elephant Riders is still my favourite of their albums.

 

[tmxmotorsports]

That's my old man! I actually got him into Clutch when I was a teen - originally heard "Electric Worry" in a trailer for a game and loved it, did a deep dive on them. Elephant Riders is still my favourite of their albums.

Damn good album... Been a fan for a long time

 

[effjay80]

Is that the Escape Gear 80 by chance?

 

[kw90surf]

Is that the Escape Gear 80 by chance?

Quick Pitch!

 

[kw90surf]

Once I got home, I set straight away to swapping parts between my old 80 and my new 80.

In total, I swapped:

BODY:

• Window motors and regulators (which I had previously cleaned and re-greased)
• Window runs (new OEM)
• All windows (bronze tinted)
• Door handles (chrome)
• Belt trim (chrome)
• Mirrors (chrome)
• Hood struts (new)
• Tailgate struts (new)
• Seats (they were in worse shape, but I prefer the tweed to the tan leather)
• Misc interior pieces
• Steering wheel (low mileage wheel I'd found in a crashed parts truck)
• SONY AX-100 stereo

MECHANICAL:

• New 90A alternator
• 2nd battery tray
• Aisin manual locking hubs

MODS:

• Cruisin' Offroad front bumper
• Lightforce 240 Blitz lights
• 33 inch BFG's
• Slee extended braided brake lines
• Partial drawer setup
• Prinsu roof rack
• Awning
• Roof tent

I also swapped in some OME 850/863 springs, built some 2" extensions for the rear shocks, removed the smog pump and carb fan, and re-rigged the dual battery setup that came with the truck to work with the 2nd battery tray instead of the janky location by the brake master cylinder where it was.

This took about a month of evenings and weekends but was very rewarding watching the truck take shape.

 

[kw90surf]

Before:

After:

 

[kw90surf]

Lift springs going in

 

[kw90surf]