Build Summary:
Disassembly and Prep:
- Completely taken apart everything off the frame
- All metal parts blasted and then coated in Epoxy primer. Green, Black, Grey tinted depending on part colour matched
- Finish paint is Cloverdale Armour Shield. Most of this work done by Rust Blasters in Chilliwack. Final re-spray on the island after assembly (paint shop local to Rob did the final finishing work, rhinolined and sprayed underside of roof (no headliner), respray of roof, bib, body after assembly and fitting.
- Green is a 69/70 Hilux Light Green. I like the combination with the off-white of the roof & bezel and it goes well with the interior grey and black pieces. The bezel and roof are 'RV-White' which is a light cream color which I think coordinates with the green nicely.
I won't be offended by any 'minty' jokes!
The truck is also a close match to the 70's US Forest Service trucks, for which this is a tribute truck for forestry, an industry I've worked in all my life in both the US and Canada.
This is a numbers matching 1981 BJ42 sold new in Winnipeg, MB. I am the third owner for the past 12 years. This is a Resto-Mod as you can see, it does not look like a factory 1981 BJ42. 3B 4spd manual steering truck with 370,000km, 3.70 gears with 235 85R16 (replaced with new BFG KM2 All terrain 10.5X 33) wheels, cruises at 100km/h / 65mph all day. Has functioning 24V AM Factory radio, factory Dash Glow switch and block heater. (I have the rad shade but need to rebuild it first). The CDN import BJ42's were 24V with 12V headlights.
Re-Assembly
Rob Millson (
@REDREEFER) peformed his wonderful magic on this truck for 8 months. It is stunning in every detail in my opinion and needs to be examined up close to really appreciate his care and attention.
Non-1981 parts but still Toyota are:
- Bib and Bezel
- Front Doors (I've always liked the older doors and now the handle matches the Ambulance doors in the back, which was the start of the changes to the older body parts; the door handles not matching always bothered me
Non-Toyota Parts are:
- New BestTop Front Seats (grey); these are really comfy!
- CruiserCrap center console made in the USA (very nice unit in my opinion)
Land Cruiser Security console, steel and lockable for your FJ40, FJ60
- EGT Gauge (12V)
- Mechanical Oil Pressure, Boost, and Water Temp by Autometer (lit with 24v bulbs or LED's)
- Manson SDC210 24-12 volt converter in glove box
- OME suspension (stock leaf replacement giving a 2.5" lift); new shocks and stabilizer
- 2.5deg steel castor correction plates installed on front axle
- Wheels and tires (correct offset for these white-spoke; from Norm, can't recall the exact history); now replaced with new factory stealies, powdered coated grey, wrapped in 10.5 X 33 BFG KM2's
- Garrett 2052 turbo (Diesel 42 kit); love this upgrade
- Aqualu Aluminum Tub
- Racor Fuel/Water separator mounted in factory location on frame rail
- Warn 24V 8274 Winch mounted to C-Channel bumper
- Cruisin' offroad skid plate
- Cruisin' offroad custom rear bumper with dual swingouts: holds 3 jerry cans, has adjustable camp light pole, antenane mount, Hi-lift jack mount
- Custom washer bottle holder; replacement 24V washer pump
Still to come:
- wire the rear license plate lights
- Really, are these trucks every 'done'?
