Resto-Mod Dilemma (1 Viewer)

[Joe45]

OK...

I'll list the specs and what I want to do-just so no one needs to wonder what I am talking about. Please feel free to comment, advise, correct, etc.

What I have:

• 1980 Toyota Land Cruiser HJ45 long-bed pickup
• H engine
• 4 speed manual transmission
• One piece transfer case
• Left-hand drive
• Came from South America: supposedly a coffee plantation in Costa Rica.

My Goal:

• Build a capable, reliable, and relatively comfortable off-road vehicle from this 45 that I can use for long distance trips, camping, and also for off road instruction.

My skill-set:

• I rebuilt a CJ7: removed the body, fixed rust, repacked leaf springs, replaced shocks, rewired whole vehicle, installed a new engine (by myself), installed clutch, replaced intake and exhaust manifolds (Clifford), made a steel adapter for using a 1980 head on a 1985 engine (both inline 6 4.0).
• I can weld. For non-structural things like rust repair etc. For chassis, etc, I would outsource.

What I want to do/add:

• Make this into a more modernized, more comfortable, but still simple and capable vehicle.
• Serious insulation for heat and sound.
• Recaro seats (or similar).
• Modernize but still retro interior.
• Power Steering
• H55 Five Speed
• Split Case
• 1HDT engine
• AC (I have the Vintage Air system it had on.
• OME suspension: rear parabolic springs.
• Spring Over Axle conversions (?) with better travel shackles from Resurrection.

Current Issues:

• H engine is a snail, leaks oil (may just be the oil pan gasket) and has a top speed of 38-40 mph unless I really wind it up. I think it may be a governor issue.
• Living at high elevation (6,500 feet) the already anemic engine loses even more power.
• Wiring is a little sketchy, but signals etc. are working.
• "Clunk" sometimes when I turn. Sounds/feels like a transmission mount is bad or something.

Dilemma:

• Spoke with a known Land Cruiser specialist and he said the South American cruisers are often an absolute nightmare and they don't like dealing with them: can of worms type of thing.
• Said he would sell it and buy one from Australia or the Middle East, but those would be 30-50k.
• Driving at 38-40mph, even around here, is just not feasible.
• Specialist said I should just restore it myself: wiring, interior, etc. and then they would be good to swap in the engine/trans/t-case.
• Specialist said the usual BS from people is saying the truck came from a coffee plantation when in reality it was driven really hard and beaten up.

My thoughts:

• I am worried of frame damage. However, I figure cracks can be fixed or a new frame purchased. I will take some pics and post them asap.
• Outside of the engine/trans/t-case and frame, what the hell is there to really worry about? Yeah, axles, etc. but that's all solvable in increments.
• I drove this vehicle from Key Largo, FL to Banner Elk and Smoky Mountains, NC, and then to Arizona. Zero issues. No shifting issues. No strange sounds except for that "clunk" sometimes when I turn.
• This is not to be a fancy restoration. I want a good looking working truck that I can rely on. Looking to keep it retro-looking with some modern upgrades, but no worries about going off road and using it.

At the moment I feel really discouraged. I am worried that its all messed up and not worth doing anything to. I guess it depends on what I want to do myself and what I have to get outsourced. I can fix body panel issues (don't see any right now) and paint it etc. myself.

These are simple vehicles. The flat body panels and industrial bolt on/off nature of the components seem like it is far more suitable to an "easy" resto-mod than more modern vehicles.

In between jobs, it seems kind of insurmountable, but really, I think its a matter of just taking steps once the paychecks start coming in again. As a work truck, much of this can be a write-off. I'm just really kind of discouraged right now.


I look forward to the input.

Thanks!

 

[NOSAJ]

I’m in the exact same boat. I imported hj45 from Honduras. I did all the importation myself and glad I did it to learn about it. It has frame damage and bondo all over it. Would I do it again? probably not from Central America. I have bought a 2H to go in mine and plan on scraping off bondo and see what I have, replacing the floor and starting there. I guess it depends on your time and budget. All my cruisers are mostly rusty especially my LV and fixing them is part of the fun even if some require more effort than others. I was forewarned about trucks coming from Central America on here but I had some money to play with and thought I’d learn for myself. I met some great people in Honduras and learned a lot.

 

[aging fleet]

I can't really help you with what direction to take with the project, but it does seem like it's becoming overwhelming because you're planning everything at once. Repower, new drivetrain, frame repairs, paint, that's enough to make anyone want to burn it to the ground. Maybe just start with do I want to keep it? If you keep it, then figure out how to make it go faster than 40mph (would a 2f swap be the easiest/most economical?).

Good luck with whatever you decide.

 

[White Stripe]

A standard 45 cab land cruiser does not seem possible to make comfortable to me. The cab is too small. At least for me. I couldn't stand a small cab like that. I would sell it. Then I would get a aluminum stretched 45 cab, bed and a frame from aqualu. Throw some axles under it from wherever, a LS motor, vintage air, seats, insulation, soft top, and bolt it together. Getting stuff used where you can will save a lot. You could also buy a used 80 series, take the body off, and put a stretched aqualu 45 cab and bed on.

 

[charliemeyer007]

Do you have working on diesel experience and tools? You drove cross country at 40mph, wow!

There are lots of places in the (3rd) world and people everywhere that have to make do in order to get buy because there are no parts or they want more than the rig is worth. I'd never pay good money for something "used" sight unseen.

Scotty Kilmer said a new F150 was like $80,000 and they aren't made very well either, so you would be working on that too.

I have had my 72 since 82 (my first car). Back in the day I would do a 1000 mile trip in 20 hours and only stop for fuel once. It sat for like 12-15 years, but still fired right up just by cleaning the points. Its a rust bucket but I'm going to fix it up.

Have fun, the journey is as important as the goal.

 

[Joe45]

I’m in the exact same boat. I imported hj45 from Honduras. I did all the importation myself and glad I did it to learn about it. It has frame damage and bondo all over it. Would I do it again? probably not from Central America. I have bought a 2H to go in mine and plan on scraping off bondo and see what I have, replacing the floor and starting there. I guess it depends on your time and budget. All my cruisers are mostly rusty especially my LV and fixing them is part of the fun even if some require more effort than others. I was forewarned about trucks coming from Central America on here but I had some money to play with and thought I’d learn for myself. I met some great people in Honduras and learned a lot.

What gets to me is not so much the need for repairs, but the scamming of people by selling vehicles with disguised damage for top dollar. Those doing this kind of stuff deserve a swim with hungry piranhas-after a good work-over with an axe handle.

That being said, one good option is Aqualu, which makes replacement bodies and frames. A silver lining can also be found (I'm trying to be positive) in not having to worry about chopping up a collectable vehicle. You can just say 'screw it' and modify the truck as you please.

For example, if mine does have more damage than expected, I may just extend the cab a foot or so, or even make it a dual cab or something.

To tell you the truth, life is too short to obsess over whether to modify a truck or not because of its collect-ability. In my opinion, if you really want to modify something, do it: just do it right and not a hack job. If the item truly is museum worthy, then sell it and buy another that lends itself to modification.

I did this with a revolver. A S&W Model 10 of possible WWII or Korean War issue; bought from the daughter of a Korean War pilot who still had it. He was senile and was walking around with it loaded thinking he had been shot down. I bought it for $100. Pristine. Parkerizing looked new with just a little holster wear on the barrel tip. Grips were original with matching serial numbers to gun-not even beat up. Action was super smooth. Cylinder tight as new. A former S&W employee couldn't believe what I paid-said it looked almost like when it came off the factory. I was going to use it as a beat around gun but sold it to a Vietnam Vet that carried one in the war-had a picture of himself with it during the Tet Offensive in a shoulder rig. He will appreciate it more and I won;t beat up a collectible. Plus he said he's put me in his will to get it back (I hope its a LONG time before I get it back though).

That long-winded reply being said, I don't mind the need for repairs, again-just the lies. I hope mine isn't too bad, but I am gonna get under it and take pictures of the chassis and see if it really is all messed up.

The LC specialist said I could get one for 30-50k from Australia or Middle East. It would be a gas one, likely. I really don't think I want to go through all that. Paying 20k for this one, and if its all messed up, what am I supposed to do: sell it to someone else for 20k or more and screw them? I would have to be honest and still lose a good deal. Maybe better to just treat it as a base for a custom dual cab or something. Not sure yet.

We shall see!

 

[45Dougal]

It's easy to get discouraged by big projects like this. Pace yourself and manage your expectations.

It might not be the fastest truck, but you've given it one heck of a shake down test without fail. That's worth a lot in my book.

The transmission is probably sound - people are running multiple times the power of our H motors through these things - the chance that the drive train is worn out with a puny 90bhp seems unlikely.

If I were you I'd make a project plan. Identify the big jobs, and the quick wins. Set some realistic targets and focus on what you can acheive today - try not to get side tracked by the magnitude of it all.

Give it a good service and tune up, and I think you'll see some huge improvements.

 

[Joe45]

I can't really help you with what direction to take with the project, but it does seem like it's becoming overwhelming because you're planning everything at once. Repower, new drivetrain, frame repairs, paint, that's enough to make anyone want to burn it to the ground. Maybe just start with do I want to keep it? If you keep it, then figure out how to make it go faster than 40mph (would a 2f swap be the easiest/most economical?).

Good luck with whatever you decide.

Yeah I think its also that: everything at once. I think I will just focus on restoring what I can and then do the engine/trans/t-case swap later. I'm pretty set on the 1HDT though because of parts and simplicity.

 

[Joe45]

A standard 45 cab land cruiser does not seem possible to make comfortable to me. The cab is too small. At least for me. I couldn't stand a small cab like that. I would sell it. Then I would get a aluminum stretched 45 cab, bed and a frame from aqualu. Throw some axles under it from wherever, a LS motor, vintage air, seats, insulation, soft top, and bolt it together. Getting stuff used where you can will save a lot. You could also buy a used 80 series, take the body off, and put a stretched aqualu 45 cab and bed on.

Good options. Have been thinking of the Aqua Lu route.

 

[Joe45]

Do you have working on diesel experience and tools? You drove cross country at 40mph, wow!

There are lots of places in the (3rd) world and people everywhere that have to make do in order to get buy because there are no parts or they want more than the rig is worth. I'd never pay good money for something "used" sight unseen.

Scotty Kilmer said a new F150 was like $80,000 and they aren't made very well either, so you would be working on that too.

I have had my 72 since 82 (my first car). Back in the day I would do a 1000 mile trip in 20 hours and only stop for fuel once. It sat for like 12-15 years, but still fired right up just by cleaning the points. Its a rust bucket but I'm going to fix it up.

Have fun, the journey is as important as the goal.

I have tools, but no diesel experience.
However, if/wehn I do the swap to a 1HDT, I will ask the mechanic to let me at least be there and watch so I can learn. He did already say that he'd show me all the tools I need, and that a 1HDT needs only a few tools. He said it is an extremely simple engine.

 

[Joe45]

It's easy to get discouraged by big projects like this. Pace yourself and manage your expectations.

It might not be the fastest truck, but you've given it one heck of a shake down test without fail. That's worth a lot in my book.

The transmission is probably sound - people are running multiple times the power of our H motors through these things - the chance that the drive train is worn out with a puny 90bhp seems unlikely.

If I were you I'd make a project plan. Identify the big jobs, and the quick wins. Set some realistic targets and focus on what you can acheive today - try not to get side tracked by the magnitude of it all.

Give it a good service and tune up, and I think you'll see some huge improvements.

I think you pretty much nailed it.
That road trip was certainly a test. Drove it from the swamp to the mountains, then across the country and even through 100+ degrees F for hours. At one point I drove it 36 hours straight, stopping only to use the bathroom and add fuel. It never even hiccuped.

The transmission shifts very smoothly. Reverse goes in like a new car: absolutely no grinding or any issues.

I can say that, even now, in warm weather/when I properly heat up the glow plugs, the HJ starts up instantly. I mean I have just moved the key and it starts immediately like a new car. Colder weather makes it hesitate a little and run rough for a couple minutes, but still runs and smooths out.

You are correct!
I think I should focus on restoring the body (seems to have little issues at least so far) and making it nicer. Also on getting the current engine to run well without spending much. After that's done, I can go for the swap.

I was going to say that finding a Troopy 70 series would be a replacement, but honestly, if I can do that eventually, I'd still like to keep this one. Part of me feels a duty to save her from the abuse-to make her shine again; and even brighter.

They are such robust trucks. Spent this last week on the passenger seat if an 60 with a 12HT and damn that thing was impressive!!!

Anyway, I think the main first step is taking pictures of the underside and seeing if there's bad frame damage. Then, building a garage so I can start the process. It's getting cold already and no way am I working in the snow!

 

[Joe45]

PS

This site is AWESOME!!!

 

[jim land]

1hdt have good rep , but you can chose an engine you can get parts everywhere in america if SHTF , 1hz or an Isuzu or an LS

 

[70fj40]

Driving your truck as far as you did without a hitch is pretty telling. There are lots of guys that would love to have a truck that would do that. Just fix what you can and drive it as often as possible.

 

[Joe45]

I just replaced the turn and brake signals all around. Suddenly the left and right blink at the same time when on left turn, and the right blinks dimly with the left brightly on right turn. Or the other way around. Can't recall. Very frustrating!!!
I noticed before doing the change that the license plate light would also blink very dimly.

The wiring back there was a mess: up to four splices of different wire colors in a 12" section. Unreal.

I will have to try again tomorrow. Got dark and cold.

 

[Joe45]

Here's a pic or two of the wiring. The yellow tape is mine-I did that last minute before leaving Florida when I noticed the wires wrapped with paper tape.

 

[Joe45]

Some photos of the chassis...

 

[Joe45]

 

[Joe45]

 

[Firemedic831]

What is your target Budget ?