My 75 series ute rebuild

[75Ute]

I bought this 75 series ute a couple of weeks back and I have big plans to reprint it and generally get it to a reasonable standard for me to use as my everyday car with a bit of 4x4 action. This ute started life in a coal mine in NSW Australia and then found its way on to a farm as a general work vehicle. It has had some interesting maintenance over the years and has rust and other problems but so far it runs pretty well.

I think this post will be the start of a long journey to get this ute where I want it and I hope you enjoy the updates as I go along. I do not have much of a mechanical background but I would like to at least have a go at most of the jobs, particularly those that are more labour than skill and hopefully you guys can help me out along the way.

Anyway enough chatter below are some pictures of my starting point. The first picture shows what I thought was the extent of the rust when I bought it.

 

[75Ute]

Here are some shots of the rust in the footwell and under the seats.

The last pic is what I found under a plate that was glued and screwed to the floor under the passenger seat.

 

[Gun Runner 5]

A friend of mine use to own a vintage VW Beetle that had plywood in the floor boards. You could lift up the plywood and see the ground passing beneath your feet as you drove along.
I wouldn't suggest your route......

 

[75Ute]

The hole where the seatbelts anchor goes right through and I have to have the windows open to let out the hot air that rushes in through the floor. I'm picking up a complete new tub for it on Friday.

 

[Michael Hanson]

Plywood has been a common fix in Texas since the Depression! Time for new metal. Have fun . Mike

 

[75Ute]

This is my fuse box, I have an 80 series manual that covers the 70 series but it doesn't have a picture of my fuse box. I want to work out what the burnt out fuses were in the top left so that I can determine whether the wiring had been modified. I also need to install wiring for towing, I have tow bar but no socket for the trailer lights. Any pointers welcome.

 

[sadam_husain]

This is my fuse box, I have an 80 series manual that covers the 70 series but it doesn't have a picture of my fuse box. I want to work out what the burnt out fuses were in the top left so that I can determine whether the wiring had been modified. I also need to install wiring for towing, I have tow bar but no socket for the trailer lights. Any pointers welcome.

the schematic shows european and non european layouts your truck will be non european

 

[75Ute]

Thanks SH,

The first picture looked really familiar so I went through my manual a couple of times but couldn't find it. Just as I was getting the s***s with it I realised I'd seen it on the kick panel I removed where the fuse box is.

 

[75Ute]

It's the European layout and as my glow light and tail lights are working I'm guessing they're wired elsewhere. I think I might have to invest in a new fuse box and trace the wiring!!

 

[75Ute]

Picked up the replacement tub yesterday just need to clean it up and get it ready for paint.

 

[75Ute]

Took off everything I could including pedals, trim and anything bolted on then pressure washed, looks much better than current one. Need to speak to panel beater about how to prep it for him to paint before it goes on.

 

[Clint79]

Did you consider a 79series cab for that bit more room.

That cab does have nice clean floors an panels , nice work.

 

[75Ute]

No I didn't want to buy a complete cab only the tub. I'm guessing the 79 tub wouldn't fit the rest of the 75 panels?

Yeah I'm really happy with it, definitely an improvement on the current one and its 7 years older, I don't think this one did any work in the mines.

There are a couple of minor differences with the placement of cable ties but I don't think it will cause too many problems.

 

[75Ute]

Started stripping down the 75 to get it ready for the tub swap and paint. First the tray. The new light positions are interesting but that's where they fitted easily. I'll be walking around the tray in the garage for a few weeks!

 

[Gun Runner 5]

Nice work.....
Look forward to seeing the finished product.

 

[75Ute]

Thanks here are some more pictures.

 

[75Ute]

I uncovered some more rust. I've sent an email off to the breakers to see how much this part will be, looks pretty easy to replace.

 

[cicak]

looks like a lot of work

have fun with the frustartions and rewards of the build and enjoy the final product.

I hope you are going to put a hair drier on the 1HZ to make it zip along.

 

[75Ute]

Thanks Cicak. If you mean a turbo I'm still undecided as I don't think I'll be working her too hard.

 

[75Ute]

I uncovered some more rust. I've sent an email off to the breakers to see how much this part will be, looks pretty easy to replace.

$165 for the radiator support bar! More money