Newbie introduction. BJ45

[Visser]

Hi all,

I would like to introduce myself shortly (I know people prefer pictures, as soon as I start my build I will open a "build" topic with LOTS of pictures of the process).

I am a 28 year old Dutch member, love travelling and have travelled the world since my 17th. After travelling months through Australia and South-Africa in a 4x4 campervan, I have fallen in love with this way of life. I have now decided the time has come to purchase my own 4x4 and turn in into a overland vehicle to eventually drive from Holland-Beijing and Yukon-Argentina.

I started my search for a suitable overlander vehicle a number of months ago, starting with interest in a Toyota Hilux, shifting to a Defender 90, Defender 110, back to a 90.. Toyota HJ75/78 and eventually ended up choosing a Toyota BJ45.

Why a BJ45? First off all it screams character and in my eyes its an absolute beauty! Besides that, the lack of electronics is perfect to minimize maintenance and of course the large amount of space it offers.

I hope to find lots of useful tips and tricks on this forum, meet amazing people, read all the fascinating travel stories and inspire/get inspired!

 

[JohnnyC]

I don't believe you without pictures

Welcome to Mud!!

 

[ginmtb]

@JohnnyC wasn't there going to be a rule established for IH8MUD that if you didn't post a photo with your initial introduction you would be flogged and have to give up your first born?

 

[CruiserRad]

Welcome! Can't wait to see pics and watch your build!

 

[Vossie]

I dont know if thats actually in place yet, but it really should be put into action @ginmtb @JohnnyC

welcome to the madness and addiction @Visser

 

[gmac]

Visser,

I'm in a similar situation here, working on an FJ45 for overlanding.
See the link to my project below.
Pop Top Camper Troopy
By they way, my wife is Dutch, so we make it to Holland every once in a while.
Welcome to Mud.
Guy

 

[FJ404345]

Welcome to the madness from an other side of the Dutch kingdom,

 

[Visser]

Thanks for the kind welcome! @FJ4043 cool!

@gmac awesome looking project. I would love one of the Trakka Pop-Top's on mine but i am still figuring out how to get this done in Holland, seems to only be done in Australia. ()

 

[JohnnyC]

@ginmtb I do not want any more kids!!! Anybody doing a give away they are all yours lol

Flogging however sounds interesting

My wife is also Dutch (mostly) ... But... Her side of the family left holland around 1660-1690 time frame and were some of the first to settle the 'North River' area in upstate NY.

Again welcome to Mud... And... I don't want your children

(However they could be quite pleasant )

 

[Solace in Solitude]

Welcome Visser!! Commercial or recreational?

My family and I loved your country and loved living in Brunssum (de Provincie Limburg)!!

Your adventures are enviable and you have definitely found the proper base for your expedition vehicle... prepare to spend money to make it exactly as you want/need it to be... learn how to properly maintain it yourself (if you don't already know how) and smile every time you drive it!!

 

[Visser]

Hi guys,

Was wondering if you could provide me with your opinion/advise.

I am currently in doubt whether to add a camper-unit to the back of a BJ45 Pickup or to rebuild a BJ45 troopy to fit a bed, fridge etc.

Curious to hear your opinions.

 

[FJ404345]

A camperunit to the back seems better then to adapt the bj45, but if you never are going to sell it anyways rebuild the Troopy to your needs.

 

[Solace in Solitude]

What Eric ^^ said... customizing a Troopy makes it "yours"... but, would likely lower the value, should you decide to sell it down the road. If you are never going to sell it, make it "yours"... otherwise add a camper unit to a pickup.

Either way would work, but I think the Troopy would actually provide the most versatility.

Regardless... enjoy!!

 

[Visser]

True, with a removable camper-unit it does make the 45 without camper unit ideal for a rough off-road day.

 

[gmac]

When I purchased Troopy, my thought was that if I'm traveling somewhere un-safe, I wanted to have the option of going straight from the bed to the driver's seat, without exiting the Troopy. You can't do that with a bed mounted camper. Just my thoughts.

 

[FJ404345]

When I purchased Troopy, my thought was that if I'm traveling somewhere un-safe, I wanted to have the option of going straight from the bed to the driver's seat, without exiting the Troopy. You can't do that with a bed mounted camper. Just my thoughts.

LOL .....and speed off !!

 

[gmac]

LOL .....and speed off !!

Yes, speed off at the speed of 2F.

 

[KY Longhunter]

Updates?

 

[Visser]

Hi guys, it has been a while!

I eventually ended up buying a BJ75 instead of the BJ45. The BJ45 I had my eyes on was rusted entirely, almost every part of the body had to be replaced and placement of a new engine. That was going to become a too big off a project for me at that stage.

I am now in possession of a 1986 BJ75 that was used in the finnish army (with PTO!). Great car but it will need some TLC!

I am currently working on it to have it ready to take a trip to Norway in three weeks. After this trip I am planning on restoring it from A-Z.

Scheduled work:

Full body off rust treatment
New electronics
New motor (13b-t)
New brakes/shocks/suspension
Placement of a pop top roof
New paint job (original LC olive green with white roof
Etc.