Project, 45 on the cheap. (1 Viewer)

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So the plan.

the replacement cab was built from scratch in Colombia. It is by know no means perfect but I think was a good option for me for what I am wanting to accomplish. Especially for the price.
I had it made without a dash and I am going to attempt to transfer the dash panel from the original 45 to the new cab.
I also have nice clean west coast windshield frame, decent doors, hood and bib.

I still need a pair of fenders and a roof and rear cab panel, I am going to buy new OEM fenders and most likely give the Chinese roof/cab panel a shot, just need to bit the bullet and get it all purchased. Since the cab isn’t OEM anyways I am not super worried about fitment.

I just placed an order for a full set of OEM door hinges, hood hinges, etc and am tracking down all the used bits i still need to get the cab/front end all assembled.

Parts I am planning on using from the original donor truck:
-pickup bed
-dash panel
-wiring, switches, cluster
-ignition/lock cylinders, misc plastic interior bits
-door glass, corner glass, some misc door hardware
-seats, seatbelts
-fuel tank/filler neck

i think that's it?
i would take the pedals/bucket and steering column but i would like to keep the donor somewhat running/driving/steering. I'm thinking of throwing a flatbed, flat sheetmetal dash and fuel cell and making it kinda a junk truck for my employees to have fun messing around with.
 
Pictures of the bed. We need them.

Will post plenty once we actually work on it! I think the bed wil be the last part to get restored since it’s so physically large and actually in decent shape to start out with. I’m just nervous of something hitting it
 
Plans for mechanicals.. Nothing too out of the ordinary here other then the engine.

Front axle. I have a complete 69-75 front axle that I am going to use on the new roller (when project is nearing completion will blast/paint/restore, convert to discs, etc. We did convert the axle under the donor to disc already but used super cheap stuff, chinese hubs etc. The final axle will be OEM rotors, new Aisins, all new hardware etc, resto quality. This housing is in way nicer shape too.

Rear Axle. 99% sure going with an FJ60 rear. I wanted the later drum brakes no matter what and have a few options but complete FJ60 axle was the cheapest, and I don't mind the extra wdith. I have a FJ62 rear that already has 4.11 gears to match the front axle.

Transmission/transfer. I have a FJ60 H42/splitcase combo that came out of a good runner/driver we did a LS/H55f on. I like the FJ60 top cover for the short throw shifter setup and isolated shifter handle, it also has the mounts in the bottom for a transmission mount. I'll retrofit some sort of 60 or 70 series shift boots to the 40 tunnel I'll be using

Engine. this is where I expect to either lose or gain a lot of interest :lol:
I am going to install a Honda K24A1 out of a 2006 CRV. I'll be using a GM adapter kit from Fabbot which makes it look like a SBC/LS, and then an AA V8 - H42 bellhousing behing that, with a SBC flywheel and clutch kit. Clutch hydraulics and fork should remain all stock 75-80 stuff.

Reasons for Honda engine:
1. Sound. My goal is for this truck to fire up and drive around almost silently.
2. 400lbs lighter then 2F (and super compact)
3. Already set up for AC and PS with all stock parts.
4. Free EFI and serpentine belt conversion
5. Modern engine, shouldn't leak oil or recquire any maintnance at all really
6. hopefully get 20mpg
7. similar power numbers to 2F, and CRV/Odyssey/etc are similar weight to a stock FJ45
9. Should gain freeway speeds without having to do anything to the Land Cruiser gearing (since the Honda will rev so much higher )
10. I wanted to try something new

Cooling, mounting, wiring etc should all be breeze.

If it ends up being too slow I can always put a 2F back in, or 3FE, LS, or the Honda V6 or whatever else etc
 
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Looking forward to watching this come together. Like the engine choice. NA or boosted?
 
Looking forward to watching this come together. Like the engine choice. NA or boosted?

NA... I want like stock stock stock quiet quiet quiet. Stock Honda ECU, catalytic converter, big muffler, I want it to fire up and run around like a regular old Honda CRV/Element/Civic
 
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Just pulled the trigger on a pair of new OEM fenders..
I swear it's still a budget build!
It's still cheaper then buying a turn-key rust-free 45, It's still cheaper then buying a turn-key rust-free 45, It's still cheaper then buying a turn-key rust-free 45. :lol:
 
Just pulled the trigger on a pair of new OEM fenders..
I swear it's still a budget build!
It's still cheaper then buying a turn-key rust-free 45, It's still cheaper then buying a turn-key rust-free 45, It's still cheaper then buying a turn-key rust-free 45. :lol:
Where did you get the OEM fenders from? Canada?
 
Where did you get the OEM fenders from? Canada?

Japan. Happy to help with procuring you a set if you’d like. I sell Toyota parts after all :cheers:
 
Interesting engine choice. Looking forward to seeing it come together.

If you want a stock 45 width 60 rear axle, Georg converts 60 housings for this. Uses stock 40/45 axles but you get the 60 rear brakes and parking brake. I would think shortening a 60 housing would be in your skill set.
 
If you want a stock 45 width 60 rear axle, Georg converts 60 housings for this. Uses stock 40/45 axles but you get the 60 rear brakes and parking brake. I would think shortening a 60 housing would be in your skill set.

I am aware of this option, and actually even better I make and sell an adapter kit to put the +80 rear brakes on the pre-80 housings. We actually just sent a set to Georg and they are going to be putting them on a 45 there this week.
Even with that option in my back pocket I actually don't have a complete 40 series axle handy to use at the moment, surprisingly. If I come onto one locally, for free, in the next few weeks I'll change directions there.


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on 2nd thought... I want to upgrade the rear brakes on my 75 FJ40 as well.. might put the FJ60 in that instead and use that axle in the 45 with my adapters. :hmm:
 
on 2nd thought... I want to upgrade the rear brakes on my 75 FJ40 as well.. might put the FJ60 in that instead and use that axle in the 45 with my ada

I have always wanted a 45. I’ve thought a pretty painted one in a flashy color would be perfect to park in front of my shop. I also need a pickup semi-regularly, I have a F350 but obviously as we all know the combo of a 7-ft bed with narrow/short FJ40 characteristics is so much nicer to drive around town.

However I could never see myself spending “nice cruiser” money on one when I can fix things up, it is my job these days after all.

And then I found out about this truck a few hours away. I’ve actually known about it for a few years but have never had time to go actually grab it. My friend @GLTHFJ60 was in town visiting in January so we decided to go grab it.

As dragged out of the woods. It had been sitting for a lot time. I’d guess +10 years.
All four tires came off rims, but all wheels turned and steering was free.
I didn’t pay much for it. Lets say I sold the full floating rear axle that needed brakes and made the rest of the truck free.

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Cool project Matt.
Some cab mount pics. More to follow

Cab Mount 1.jpg


Cab Mount 2.jpg


Cab Mount 4.jpg


Cab Mount 6.jpg


Cab Mount 7.jpg
 
The poly mounts are Energy suspension. I'm sure I had a picture of the part number but haven't found it so far. When I was looking the Toyota replacement was NLA and the Energy suspension kit worked well.

Cab Mount 14.jpg
 
thank you SO much for the pictures. I am finding it is actually not easy to find good reference pics of that area on 45's.
Did you make those completely from scratch? Want to make another set :D
 

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