Tortoise build

[ozcrusier]

The tortoise build will be slow going as time is very tight with work and home commitments but hopefully I will get it done. The build is not a cab off restore but a strip down to cab on chassis type build with mainly rust proofing and painting and getting the truck ready for a OZ blue slip for historic registration.

http://www.rms.nsw.gov.au/registration/downloads/vehiclesheet/historic_vehicle_clubs_policy.pdf

The petrol engine will be replaced with a 1980 hj45 H diesel engine with the lower 1980 diff ratios. I have a few leads on a style side tubes for the old girl but time will tell if I can track one down before the blue slip. I found this truck in central NSW and the only rust is mainly surface with a few pin holes in one door and the bonnet as in photos. The petrol engine is running great after replacing manifold, carb, leads, plugs, points etc etc but the diesel will be going this build for dependability and versatility with fuel.
Cheers

 

[ozcrusier]

Sorry for the photo's but I had to buy the silver star for posting more photo's so waiting for a response. The tortoise build will be slow in manner and build time so I will try and post up as many photo's as posable as I get into the spripping' cleaning and painting stages of this build.

 

[ozcrusier]

The only rust I found is on the bonnet and left door but I found good replacment doors to go on

 

[ozcrusier]

More photo's

 

[ozcrusier]

I'm still collecting parts for the tortoise build and found this friday arvo on ebay. I picked it up yesterday and put it on for a few photos.
This aluminium ute tub was made for a hj47 that has sadly rusted away.

 

[chappohj47]

I am so jealous an aluminium tub awesome

 

[ozcrusier]

Thanks Chappo
Ive been chassing a steel tub for three years and gave up and started to look for a aluminium tray. I was happy with its condition after the 2 hour drive and scored it for $550. It weighs nothing compared to the checker plate tray that I took off the old girl. I will run a couple 2 inch wide rubber flares after I clean up the wheel cuts.

 

[ozcrusier]

I found this hj75 bumber the other day and I think it looks OK on the fj45 hiding most of the ramsey 8000 lb worm gear winch. The second photo is how I would like my truck to look after the the paint n rebuild.

 

[chappohj47]

Hey oz the bumper suits it nicely I wish mine will turn out like that one to

 

[ozcrusier]

Thanks chappo old mate its deceiving from the photo's but the 75 bumper sits inside the warn hubs. I might have the bumber shortened by a few inches to suit the mud guards and fab up a 45 type arb v bar that bolts onto the 75 bumper smilier to yours.

 

[ozcrusier]

She's got nice lines with four bows under the canvas rag top. I like the design of having a bunch of canvas budged up under the tire down area to help seal the canvas from dust then its easy to lift the roof a few foot with extensions for sleeping or carring motorcycles.

 

[chappohj47]

Any updates mate

 

[ozcrusier]

No updates to the truck still collecting parts with two buys this week one being a stock antenna that came on the australian cruisers and the 2 inch rubber flares for the tub

 

[chappohj47]

Looking good mate

 

[ozcrusier]

Chappo
Nearly got bitten by the HP bug with the build taking a U turn with V8 and four wheel discs.
I managed to keep a clear head on the original tortoise plan staying with the economical H engine with the $50 vintage and veteran rego. Once I get it on the road the next plan is a long range veggie oil tank for some very cheap touring and exploring visiting other vintage and veteran clubs around OZ.
Cheers Mate

 

[ozcrusier]

The tortoise took a couple stumbles today and I'm on the way with the build. Still buying parts to get her on the road but there's light at the end of the tunnel.

 

[chappohj47]

What sort of stumbles good ones I hope

 

[ozcrusier]

I painted the tub and started de-rusting the roof trying to get the surface rust back to bare metal before unbolting the roof. I have all the parts to get it registered now so I might as well get started and put it on the road. I decided to keep it stock and I got offered this two days later. Its hj62 wagon that a mate brought for the cabin to make a four door ute. I bought all the running gear for peanuts 2h with the works hanging of it, 5 speed, diff locks, power-steering. I will need to strip everything off this truck and keep it in storage in case the tortoise gets canned for a hare.

 

[chappohj47]

You are one lucky bugger aren't you looks like a clean 60 and I will let you know now if you ever want to sell the tortoise I will keep it in storage for you

 

[ozcrusier]

No its not that clean chappo it has rust in the gutters but old mate is a panel beater so this cab was brought for a lift off to build on another rolling chassis.
Chappo you have first bite but the ute tub will be overflowing with parts so you will need a shed for long time storage.