My new FJ73

[Bigbrightspark]

I saw this FJ73 for sale it looked neat so we went and had a look at it. No rust at all 5 speed manual, power steering and windows, 2" lift on mud tyres and chrome rims. It runs fine but has done about 300,000km but everything has been rebuilt or replaced. I am picking it up next Saturday (on my birthday) I cant wait. here are some pics i took when i was there.

 

[Bigbrightspark]

I am going 2 spray it soon but i dont no what colour i should.
Im thinking either Black, Red, Yellow, Blue.
what colour would u recommend.

 

[Ron R]

I am going 2 spray it soon but i dont no what colour i should.
Im thinking either Black, Red, Yellow, Blue.
what colour would u recommend.

I'd go for red....
but mine is red and I like it. Think it's the only color that should be on a 70-ies

 

[roscoFJ73]

Great ,another FJ73 If you plan on going offroad ,go with Landcruiser white in a 2 pack.
It is the easiest to match and hides the imperfections.
Whatever colour,use one that came with this model. There was a nice blue as well as yellow,red, black,pale green,beige as well as a few metallic colours(inadvisable)

Beware of those fibreglass flares as they hide serious rust.You dont know until you pull them off.

Is the roof leaking,I was wondering why they have a tarp over it?

 

[Bigbrightspark]

The car looks like it has no rust but we will c if there is any under the guards. People have told me that the roof unbolts so u can drive topless. is this true and how does it come off??
thanks guys

 

[Ron R]

The car looks like it has no rust but we will c if there is any under the guards. People have told me that the roof unbolts so u can drive topless. is this true and how does it come off??
thanks guys

Don't know how well you know this type but check also the lower bodypart between doors and rearwheel, as well the lower bodypart behind the rear wheels.
Water tends to collect inside (condensation) if the drains are blocked. These drains are just small openings inbetween the metal body parts and block easely. I try to keep them open by poking in there with a small tight-wrap (cablebinder) as this is soft and doesn't damage the painting.

If you want to get the FRP-top off look at this thread:
https://forum.ih8mud.com/showthread.php?t=153221&highlight=FRP

There are some remarks regarding the pro's and con's and I listed the bolts to be removed to get the top of for my HJZ73.

BTW if the rig is as fine as it looks on the picture you will have lots of fun out of it. Congrats.

 

[roscoFJ73]

The car looks like it has no rust but we will c if there is any under the guards. People have told me that the roof unbolts so u can drive topless. is this true and how does it come off??
thanks guys

Its true ,but it was never designed to be taken off at a whim a refitted back on when the clouds come over.
Ive heard it has about 50 nuts and bolts.
The doors at the rear would look funny unless you have some cut down one to put on

 

[Entaran]

The doors at the back just lift clean out of the hinges and you can run without them on at all as well Takes 5 mins to get the doors off (or less).

Takes a good 2-3 hours to get the roof off, and probably 3 or so to get it back on again. Have friends, it's not light.

And if it hits the concrete it'll crack. Bad bad bad.

Every 73 i've ever seen has had rust in the rear left and rear right quarters. Behind the wheel arch.

 

[Bigbrightspark]

Can the top be take off in less than 2-3 hours?? When i get it i will have a look and make sure there is no rust in the rear quarters.

 

[Entaran]

Depends how many friends you have with how many 10/12mm spanners/ratchets

If it's just you undoing the bolts, the biggest issue is strapping the roof to something overhead then lifting it a bit, driving otu from under it and lowering it SLOWLY so it doesn't hit the ground hard and crack/break to bits.

 

[Bigbrightspark]

heavy is the roof around could 2 people lift it off

 

[Entaran]

Dunno. I had to use a block and tackle, but mine had roofracks and lights still attached. 2 people could probably lift it but it's bulky.

 

[Bigbrightspark]

I have painted with with a metallic black.

 

[crushers]

actually, taking the top off the first time is a bit of a chore. 2 guys is required to lift it off.
replacing it is easier (since you know where all the bolts are) and there are a couple PITA bolts you can ignore on reinstall.
the second time is under an hour to remove.
the rear doors will need to be removed.
we are willing to make fiberglass rear doors for those that want them...

 

[Bigbrightspark]

the top comes of easily now that i have left 4 bolts out that run along the sides. the top is not going anywhere but the rear doors are a bitch with the 18 bolts and wiring and windscreen wiper washer tube. Can you get doors with the hinges you lift and they come off??