New Member - 79 series double cab from South Africa (now in Zambia)

[ZamCruiser]

Hi All,

I have recently purchased this double cab cruiser from South Africa. It's a 2004 model and I am trying to get some further information on it so that I can start playing! 1HZ engine.

It is an odd-shape with the small triangle (which I need to source as one has broken off, left side) between the doors and a seemingly shorter pick-up section than newer models?

Any info from all the gurus here will be much appreciated!? If I use the VIN number to search for info I don't get much back...

Is it a HZJ79 series? Would you know where to go for an idea of accessories? Any SA folk on here with ideas?

I plan to work and build this into a bit of a camper/tourer with canopy and roof top tents etc. for adventures in the bush here in Zambia.

Thanks in advance!

Tyrone

 

[roscoFJ73]

Its definitely a HZJ79 as it has the fixed windscreen frame . These dual cabs were built by aftermarket body builders, so they would be the ones to track down for the triangle. Most of them attach a plate somewhere.
Or it might be easier to get one made up.
Judging by the wear on the sides of your front tyres, you may need new tie rod ends.
You could try a google search for South African shops

 

[ZamCruiser]

Thanks for the info. Yeah some of these images were prior to receiving it myself and a good service, new tyres, etc. The inside panels have the ARACO stickers, which if I understand correctly was the assembly plant in Japan?

Looking forward to making it a little more 'bush' soon!

 

[TonyP]

Since it was from SA, might be these guys. No idea if they're still chopping up cruisers though.
Vid should start at 8mins 30sec

 

[SHREDwagon]

It is an odd-shape with the small triangle (which I need to source as one has broken off, left side) between the doors and a seemingly shorter pick-up section than newer models?

It's a Meano HZJ79 DC Conversion out of SA (Krugersdorp). They are the only conversion with the triangle between doors. I have an '02 we imported. Some like it better than the newer Toyota DC's as the rear seating has 4" of additional leg room, but the trade-off is a 3" shorter box. Also, the rear windows roll all the way down. You will get more specific help joining the LCCSA Forum.

Meano does have great customer service if you ever have issues! (like your rear doors not sealing properly cough-cough).

If you want a turbo for bashing Namib Dunes, it's cheaper in the end to swap in an HD-T. The HZ head has half the cooling ports compared to the HD-T head and will only overheat with a Turbo compromising reliability. Unless you spend a lot of $. Well, that's been my observation travelling with HZT's.

We love our Meano and plan to keep ours naturally aspirated (non-turbo) for our use. Only mod for now will be a new paint job. Down the road swapping the R151 for an H150. Good luck with that bute!

 

[JuanJ]

Hello,

x2 on the Meano conversion.

The 1HZ engine is bulletproof. A low pressure turbo will give you some extra power, without compromising engine life.

Welcome to the madness.





Juan

 

[ZamCruiser]

Very helpful info everyone! Thanks so much, that makes sense now, the Meano conversion... I'll see if I can get specs from them and start from there with the works....

I am going to leave the 1HZ as standard I think, no turbo. I just sold my non turbo 1HZ Troop Carrier which I had worked on the past few years and that thing had plenty enough power for the roads of Zambia anyway.

I'll post pics of the works as and when they progress!

 

[Basie]

I have a 2003 double cab conversion from Meano, with the little triangle, but with the 4500 EFI motor. Most of the problems were related to the conversion nl rear door windows that sag open on its own, rear doors closing like a Landrover's, with quite a big gap in the seals, rear door latches and latch mechanism had to be replaced twice and the worst was the fuel tank system. The extra tank had to replaced and some or other modification to the original tank caused a very slow refuelling. The pump used to transfer fuel from the rear tank failed twice until I replaced it with a different brand. I had to to replace the in-tank fuel pump as well and according to my very knowledgeable mechanic it is common problem with this conversion on the ones with the EFI 4500 engine. There is ample room beneath the rear seats, but access sometimes difficult and I am not sure about the safety of rear seat occupants. It is still licensed for two people as a single cab and an overzealous traffic cop once made life difficult for me.

There was lots of complaints about cracks appearing in the area where the roof of the cab was extended backwards, but I have not had any problems in that respect and have used it extensively throughout Namibia, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Angola and Mozambique usually fully loaded on horrible roads. I have had it since new and in spite of the mentioned problems it a great vehicle and I will face a family revolt and possibly divorce if I try to get rid of it