Tortoise build

[ozcrusier]

You are one lucky bugger aren't you
No mate what comes around go's around. If I have any parts you need there yours no questions. Mates rates rule

 

[chappohj47]

I have a shed for storage at my grandmothers property that's where I had ute but had to move it when all the big fires went through so I still call dibs

 

[ozcrusier]

I will keep that in mind Chappo.
I soaked the roof in vinegar with a old blanket to remove the surface rust. I then pulled roof and rear panel and rolled the windscreen forward to check for rust. I found a few holes considering its 36 years its not to bad
.

 

[ozcrusier]

A few more photo's

 

[chappohj47]

Great condition for its age keep up the good work

 

[ozcrusier]

I'm rebuilding the 4 drums this weekend with new shoes and rebuild kits through the master and wheel cylinders. I have a problem understanding why Toyota would let a truck on the road with the wheel cylinders adjusting different directions on the front brakes. I been searching through my manuals and on this site for hours trying to work out if Toyota or a PO put these wheel cylinders in the wrong position. I'm sure these are wrong with the front shoe adjusting one way and the rear shoe adjusting the other way.
Please help

 

[ozcrusier]

I worked it out after double checking the manual and there in the right position.
It's a bit strange but I got my head around the adjustment procedure on all four wheels. Axle to wheel tighty and wheel to axle for lossly on all 8 shoes.

 

[chappohj47]

Nice work oz I have seen wheel cylinders put in wrong they don't seem to work to well

 

[ozcrusier]

The brake cylinders were caked in mud and preserved from rust as no doubt this vehicle was born in a very dry dusty climate. Its a shame I brought it to the east coast where the saltwater environment is trying to rust it from the inside out. I'm seriously considering having the body galvanized and putting up with the buckled body panels from the heat with the gal.

 

[ozcrusier]

I dropped the front suspension down to fit new bushers and found the draglink hitting the shock. Photo 1 diff hanging under chassis with draglink hitting shock. Photo 2 diff jacked up to full height with 1/8 inch jap between draglink and shock. I was about to order heavy duty gas shocks all round but I best to my homework on whats the best option. I included a photo of a overider on some of these old mine trucks that carried heavy loads. I will strip these of before painting chassis rails.

 

[ozcrusier]

I dug around in my parts bin and found a 1980 hj45 center arm and bracket assembly thats will move the draglink over 1/2 inch it also tilts it away from the shock so hoppfully it will clear the heavy shocks I want to order. I fitted it up and there is around 1/2 clearance with suspension fully down. I pulled the front shackles and rear pins and have them soaking in viniger to remove rust and old paint. Stock jack in use so I had to put a photo of that in action.

 

[chappohj47]

Getting there mate good job

 

[ozcrusier]

This shot is 18 hours after putting the old shackles in the vinigar. I know there stuffed but I found out my front leaf springs need replacing so these will do to keep it rolling untill I find a replacment set

 

[chappohj47]

That worked pretty well neat trick

 

[ozcrusier]

Chappo
I have been working on the 45 for the last few months and going nowhere fast but there is light at the end of the tunnel as its not a body off rebuild.
Thanks for all the encouragement mate.

 

[ozcrusier]

I finished off the shackle rubbers all round and replaced all the rubber brake hoses over the weekend. I had a 1980 master cylinder laying around so I rebuilt it today and went to fit it but discovered the old one been replaced in the last few years. I stripped it down checking the seals and put it back on for now. My plans for next weekend are to strip the ute tub and front end to pull the engine, gearbox and transfer. I also fitted the water and radiator overflow bottles on a timber mount I fabbed up as a templet for a steel mount. I have also added a photo of the color I hope to paint the 45 in the next few months

 

[ozcrusier]

I had a slack day today on the cruiser and fitted new swaybar bushes with new tie rods. I also picked up a 1979 diesel chassis I'm thinking of getting gal plated at this stage as mine had been broken on the left rail with some major repairs done with plate steel behind the left rear shock.

 

[chappohj47]

That's a nice green definitely paint it that colour

 

[ozcrusier]

Done a few more hours today stripping the front panels. I have been very lucky only snapping a few bolts with the trusty rattle gun. I have been giving all the bolts a spray with WD40 over the last few months so it must have helped. The 2F should be out by tomorrow if there's anyone who needs a engine speak up as my shed is filling up fast so this is on the hit list for removal and it will be stored outside under a tarp.

 

[chappohj47]

Your getting pretty far now if you need a hand or a beer I will have mine on the road very soon so just let me know