Possibly chat, but tech included

[Island Moose]

Hi guys,

It's looking like this time next year I'll be moving to Thunder Bay ON, for two more years of school. This has me thinking about getting there with the BJ70.
My wife won't be coming, let's just say that after 10 years we've decided that our futures are taking different paths (she won't follow me to Australia). As a result, I would imagine that I could get away with a smallish U-haul trailer for my half of our belongings.

The BJ70 as it is, is in terrific, low-mileage condition, but being non-turbo, towing a trailer through the Rockies and across the country would be a hazard-light experience. I am also concerned about the practicality of a convertible top in the extreme winters of Thunder Bay.

Do you figure I should keep the rig and turbo-charge it, or do you think I could make a trade for a hard-top 74 in similar condition? I'd hate to part with it, but her life would be easier here on the west coast.

Give me your thoughts, at the end of the day I want to end up with a diesel 'cruiser of some sort.

Moose

 

[denis]

Back in the days aftermarket hardtops used to be sold for the LJ70s. Maybe TOYOTA even offered them at some point.
I'd sell the ragtop and buy a rusty domestic 70 : no fear for dents or rust + LHD as a benefit

 

[crushers]

first off. sorry to hear things are changing in your personal life. i went down that road just a few years back (for me it was a move long overdue and i am much happier for it).

now to the tech issue of your post:
the rag top BJ70 will fair "okay" down east but the rust will deffinately show up quickly. Ontario sucks when it comes to the salt they use on their roads in the winter time. i would look at keeping the BJ70 for summer use and each winter buy a beater for the salt to have it's way with. park your baby from Oct till March each year. this is what my wife does with her summer car.
the tow through the mountains will be a bit of a go but you can deffinately do it. just take it slow and enjoy the trip.
would i trade up to a BJ74 for what you are going to be doing? no.

email me direct if you wish to chat further. i have a few ideas for you to consider.
wayne@crushersrule.com

cheers

 

[roscoFJ73]

Finish your studies in oz where its nice and warm and buy a couple of diesels and spend your weekends lazing around a tropical beach with some girls

Seriously ,that soft top 70 is almost one of kind and you will never find another.
Store it and one day when funds are available put a 1HD T/12HT in it.
For now, buy a beater that can tow and handle the winter.

 

[Island Moose]

Finish your studies in oz where its nice and warm and buy a couple of diesels and spend your weekends lazing around a tropical beach with some girls

Seriously ,that soft top 70 is almost one of kind and you will never find another.
Store it and one day when funds are available put a 1HD T/12HT in it.
For now, buy a beater that can tow and handle the winter.

I've got a few e-mails out in that regard. Here in Canada, there's a couple programs whereby students with good grades in a two-year Civil Engineering TEchnologist program can transfer right into the 3rd year of a Civil Engineering Degree program, and have a 4-year degree and 2-year diploma at the same time. I don;t know if Australia would do this, but I'm trying to find out.

 

[wesintl]

wow. I'd hate to see you give that truck up or is see any ontario winter. Definatly find a beater and store the cruiser inside. Not very practical for a student but you gotta do it for the sake of your gem Good luck whatever you decide.

 

[brownbear]

If your really good at washing and oiling every year your truck shouldn't rot away that fast in Thunderbay, its not as bad as southern ontario for the salt use. I lived in Kenora and yah we had salt but there was lots of old vehicles not rusted away.
Thunderbay isn't that cold, your softtop would be fine. Winnipeg and Kenora are much colder. Thunderbay has lake effect, so moderated in temp slightly but lots of snow. But its not Van isle for temps thats for dam sure!

If your really concerned about the rust and your rig I would do like Wayne said and get a beater. But otherwise I would just be very diligent cleaning and oiling.

Your 3b will tow a light Uhual over the mountains just fine. Get one designed for a car, no problemo. Once you get to Calgary you only have flats all the way. There is some minor stuff in Ontario....

And gettingover the rockies is no biggie, there is only maybe three big passes. Each with a truck slow lane. In my 3b powered unit I get pretty used to letting people pass.