Land Cruiser PZJ75 restoration

[Squeeze Rocket]

Hi, I'm new to the forum, but I wanted to post that I have begun a restoration to a PZJ75. I don't know much about its history, but the seller told me that it came to the USA from Canada. I don't have a lot of free time to do the wrenching myself, so I've solicited the help of a trusted local mechanic and body shop. I'm hoping the experienced members on the forum can advise me through this process. Here's a photo prior to my purchase:

 

[Squeeze Rocket]

Here's a photo showing the odometer. (58,690 miles). The model year is 1991.

 

[Gun Runner 5]

Registry - U.S. 70's Registration.

forum.ih8mud.com

 

[coldtaco]

I’m guessing that’s not the original odometer. As far as I know the only LHD 70’s with KPH/MPH was the Canadian market BJ70, unless Canadian mine trucks came with that odometer also.
Welcome to the madness

 

[Squeeze Rocket]

The seller mentioned that the truck came from a Canadian mining operation, but I don't have any records that show the provenance. Thanks for the input! Looking forward to the madness.

 

[Greek Cruiserhead]

Nice and unmolested rig. Congrats mate, upload some more pics of it (e.g. interior, engine bay)!
Some of these PZJ powered pickup trucks have been imported into Europe too, rare birds though (see pic).

Good that you can have the help of a trusted local mechanic and body shop, sometimes we have to follow that path,
...and welcome to the Mad/Mud, your new home! :

 

[sodafeld1]

oohhh like a virgin! doesn't look like it worked much.

 

[Squeeze Rocket]

The body had some rust on the rockers, doors, and floor pans. The cargo bed also had some rust . The fuel tank was in bad shape, and the sending unit did not work. The transmission had a faulty synchronizer, but the chassis and engine are both in good shape. The interior was in decent condition. Right now, I've got the truck torn down. The transmission and engine have been removed. The transmission has been repaired. The body is off the frame, and rust remediation is being done this week. So far, we've replaced the rockers, floor pans, and cargo bed. The chassis has been primed and painted flat black. I will send more updates as we go, and I'll try to include more photos as well.

Since the body is off the frame, I am considering paint options. I know there can be lots of varying opinions regarding restoration work. Some folks frown upon painting anything other than the original color. Others say do whatever pleases you. I wouldn't mind painting another color, but I don't know the other original factory color options from 1991. Does anyone have that information? I've looked through these forums, but I cannot find anything definitive.

 

[Felde]

Since the body is off the frame, I am considering paint options. I know there can be lots of varying opinions regarding restoration work. Some folks frown upon painting anything other than the original color. Others say do whatever pleases you. I wouldn't mind painting another color, but I don't know the other original factory color options from 1991. Does anyone have that information? I've looked through these forums, but I cannot find anything definitive.

There is a metal tag on the firewall in the engine compartment. It has the VIN and more i formation concerning gearbox, axles, trim and (sic) the color code.
You can upload the VIN to e.g. ToyoDIY.com - https://www.toyodiy.com/parts/q.html and learn more on the original configuration.
Partsouq.com and Toyota Car & Auto Spare Parts Online - Genuine Online Car Parts Catalogue - Amayama - https://www.amayama.com/en/genuine-catalogs/toyota are great resources for identify parts, based on the VIN.
Cheers Ralf

 

[Gun Runner 5]

@Squeeze Rocket ….. “Others say do whatever pleases you”.
————————————————————————————
…. and those people would be right.

 

[hoser]

Here's a photo showing the odometer. (58,690 miles). The model year is 1991.

View attachment 3189994
View attachment 3189994

If the speedometer is original, it is MPH dominate and therefore the odometer reads 94k miles, not KM. But I have not seen that layout before except custom.

 

[coldtaco]

I went through the same thing with mine a couple years ago. I went with original color so all colors matched. I didn’t have to repaint the interior or engine compartment that way. But if I was to do it again I think I would have painted in the tan color, which is also a factory color

 

[Squeeze Rocket]

It looks like there was a fastener or guide for the emergency brake cable that was welded to the rear differential housing. Can anyone advise me on this missing part? I cannot find it in my schematics.

 

[JuanJ]

Hello,

There should be a guide for the parking brake cable. There should be bolts on the differential cover as well.

I hope that cover is not welded.

Time to visit a wrecker for that guide. It is better to replace the whole cover, though, provided it is not welded.





Juan

 

[Squeeze Rocket]

Hello,

There should be a guide for the parking brake cable. There should be bolts on the differential cover as well.

I hope that cover is not welded.

Time to visit a wrecker for that guide. It is better to replace the whole cover, though, provided it is not welded.





Juan

Thank you. The cover is not welded, but it appears the broken guide was welded to the cover. I appreciate the insight!

 

[Squeeze Rocket]

I thought I'd drop the few photos from the restoration. We are almost ready to paint the body now.

 

[OGBeno]

Are you “restoring” this to sell this?

 

[sodafeld1]

sorry if dumb question but how come you you didn't pull the panels apart? like around the bay? it would be better for painting wouldn't it?

 

[Squeeze Rocket]

Are you “restoring” this to sell this?

No sir. I want to enjoy it for a while.

 

[Squeeze Rocket]

sorry if dumb question but how come you you didn't pull the panels apart? like around the bay? it would be better for painting wouldn't it?

Not a dumb question. We pulled everything apart, but I don't have many photos to share.