New member, starting refurbishment of 1980 BJ44

[thor1958]

More paint coming on....

 

[thor1958]

Guys at the workshop had some days off, so not much progress last couple of weeks. Now back in action again, working on the body.
Small welding jobs done. Going tomorrow for latest update and more pictures.

 

[thor1958]

Still a bit uncertain about the color for the body and interior. Satin black or something completely different ......
As you can see from my profile picture, this was how it looked like 2 years ago, before I realized that a full restoration was needed.
It looks cool, it not so classic in black.

 

[Rodger]

Colour is a very personal choice.
Maybe worth having a look at www.cruiserfaq.com section 13 has various of the colours used through the years shown, not a complete list as it stands, but something may catch your eye.
IMO you should consider the white roof (an iconic part of the 40s) with whatever colour you finally choose. Similarly the bezel round the headlights looks good in an contrasting colour and both of these bring ot the shape and style of the truck.
One of the reasons most 40s came in light colours was, because they are utilitarian vehicles so the panels are robust rather than perfectly straight. Black paint would show any panel wave, or slight inperfection, but the satin aspect hides such flaws. Painting an old car in straight black is very difficult without literally thousands of hours work on the panels and any imperfections detract from the finished look.
It is your truck so if the satin is what you want then fine but maybe the lift (more classic look) you want can be achieved with the roof and bezel contrasts.

Regards,

Rodger

 

[thor1958]

A long time since latest update. One of the guys got sick, so not much progress for a while.
Now back on track and got the body back on, New body mounts etc. Ironman suspension kit arriving in a week or so, suspension will be all new and more comfortable. Engine back in and now starting on the electrical, body paint and then new door and window gaskets etc.
Front fenders made new locally and look ok . Still not decided about body color, but might end up with satin back again.....
Instead of spending a lot on new parts, we are making most here in Myanmar. Roof will come off this week and new seal and weatherstrip to be fitted.

 

[Rodger]

I think the front wings look good and being wider mean you don't need additional flares.
IMO it is coming together very nicely and quickly too.

Regards,

Rodger

 

[thor1958]

Due to COVID hitting Myanmar real hard and still spiking, the guys doing the restore went back to their village and will continue as soon as the travel ban is lifted. In Myanmar all shops and businesses are closed or working from home. Factories close, no domestic flights, no international flights and not allowed to go outside for other than going to market (1 person + driver) and for any other travel, a special permit for person and car is needed.

So, obviously, my Landcruiser restoration project came to a halt, but will possibly start up again on the 22nd. Lockdown might be lifted then.

But, managed to get paint on it and every single piece and part of the car has been dismantled, stripped for paint on all sides and painted with multiple layers of paint and recently got a painted in a satin black color (similar to before), but leans toward grey in the sunlight. Could not decide what new color to try and still want it to have a dark macho look.

All the electrical cables are being made, so full new electrical system inside out. I have not found a supplier for a complete new package of led headlights and all over. Due to Myanmar bein pitch dark and many places remote and hardly any road to drive on, I need super good light package.
Not sure if I should keep 12/24V or change that. Apart from being original, what are the benefits of keeping the 24v ?

I had the front fenders made locally, since old ones were a bit so so, apart from that, that car was in amazingly good condition in regards to rust, despite its many many years of driving in a very wet country.

Ordering the last exterior parts from the US, such as bumpers (Hell for stout, I think), winch and other....
The full Ironman package with foam cell, new feathers etc., arrived and will install soon.

Getting there.....

 

[Rodger]

Well we are all suffering with varying degrees of lockdown and the world is changing, so I am not surprised that your restoration project suffered delay. But it will start again as conditions allow.

I am no electrics expert, far from it, but my recommendation would be to keep it at 24v - as I understand it that keeps the wiring under less stress (although the experts can explain this in factual terms) and there is a theory that 24v bulbs, as they are manufactured for commercial use, i.e. lorries, that they are built to a more exacting standard. How true that is I don't know but in 18 years with my 24v truck I have had only one occasion of a bulb blowing and LEDs consume less power for a brighter burn. But you may need some extra relays in as the LEDS do not make the resistance demands.
You are going to need 24v for your starter circuit unless you get an Australian B starter (Oz trucks are 12v).

Paint is looking good, will you go with the satin black roof or the iconic white? And with all the new toys underneath it should be really good.

Funny really, I was only wondering this week how you were getting on as we hadn't had an update in a while.

Regards,

Rodger

 

[thor1958]

Hi Rodger.

Hehe.... I almost felt guilty for not sending updates, so glad I did.
The color looked dark on the previous pictures, but used flash yesterday, so you can see the true color on the pictures below and even one of me, a happy 62 year old Norwegian in Myanmar.
It is a very dark satin metallic grey, which will appear almost black in the evening an a very nice clear grey (no hint of green, violet or blue). It is actually difficult to find a clear and true grey based color.
I was thinking to keep the roof a non metallic standard shiny black. White might be a bit too much contrast ?
The bumpers and other details will be in standard dark black, but still have a bit contrast compared to the body color.
Can liven it up with some bright orange or neon green color on town hook, shackles or other.
As you can see from pictures, inside is same color as outside.
The workshop will finish putting back all the rest, door and window seals, badges and so on. I am paying 50% for all the work done so far, tomorrow.
This 2000 USD and later when all mounted, another 2000 USD. So total 4000 USD including 2 new quality hand made fenders. Not bad for full stripping down and 5 layers of paint !

Then there will be cost for the electrical upgrade, new bumpers and a few other items, as well as a couple of good chairs (I have the original ones, bit will put in something a bit more suitable for going on bad bad roads or none.

I agree that keeping electrical as is with 12/24v is the best and will do so, but put in a good led package for better visibility at night and in heavy monsoon etc.
Only thing I don't trust, is the steering. It had like half a turn slack before and someone did a job on it and it is quite ok now, but suspect this to be a temp fix, that will not last long. Getting a new arrangement with original parts, seems to be very expensive, so maybe better to change to something non-original or from another car. As long as I keep the original parts and I re-install if doing a classic upgrade later.
I got the original engine back, but will not put it in, since one in the car now, works like a charm with no smoke, good compression and start almost before I turn the key.

The COVD situation is still not good here and also complicates things, since we have to test all of our semi-truck drivers every 72 hours.
Cannot pass in or out of different states if test not valid. We had to hire another set of drivers to keep or container trucks rolling. One team on standby and one doing a 3 day run and then have to queue up again for testing.

Since April, it has been illegal to be outside without wearing a mask and all businesses dealing having direct contact with clients, needs to wear a face shield as well .This has become a natural part of the daily routines. If I exit my house, I will automatically put on the mask and not even think about it.
Why people are complaining, I don't know. Its a small thing to do and it might help.

A friend of a friend of mine have been collecting old cars here. Looks like a scrap yard, with cars all over his property, but some of them are in his barn and in good condition. War time vehicles of many types, old busses, Willy's, lots of Land Rovers, a few Land cruisers, a lot of various old US pickup trucks and a collection of 15 old VW Buses. Real old ones with front opening window and the side window panorama roof. Real cool ones and remember those from when I was young. I guess some of the, could be good items for full restauration and even send out of Myanmar. They cannot be registered here, since they only allow new registration of 2015 and up. So, maybe a business case to do base restauration and send abroad....

Take care and thanks for all your good suggestions and keeping an eye on this project.

 

[Rodger]

Hi Thor.

The paint is very nice, The metallic looks better than the satin black.

We have the same restrictions here in Spain with masks and social distancing and people comply. we did have movement restrictions but those have been reduced to specific areas now. We live in the mountains so have no idea regarding the commercial restrictions in the cities.

Your truck is coming together well and at a good price for the amount of work involved. You have stock steering but I seem to remember the truck has a lift 2.5"? Let me give that some thought....

Regards,

Rodger

 

[thor1958]

Situation still not good in Myanmar with lock down and slow progress again. New bumper handmade and workshop did a good job. Just made one from some pictures on internet. Super solid and sturdy and can take a hit.
Installed an Ironman winch, a few led lights (headlights, roof rack bar front, roof rack bar rear, roof rack sides, bonnet, windshield/mirror area).
Had the old roof rack stripped for paint, fixed up and got a few layers of paint.

Going over to electrical guy tomorrow to renew all wiring finally. Then comes all the bits and pieces like new hatches for bonnet, blinkers front and aft, door and window seals/gaskets etc. Also putting on a new set of wheels or will refurbish the current ones.

Below are some pictures of current state. Interior details will start soon as well. Keeping all original, but will not use the original chairs, they are in very good condition and will just put them away for alter use if reverting to 100% original. Will get something more modern and comfortable.
All the old parts I don't use have been refurbished and will store for possible later use.

 

[Rodger]

Hi Thor,

Your truck is coming together really nicely. like the bumper - looks tough. Did you locate the bottom of the hi0lift by extending the step mounting bolt?

Excellent.

Regards,

Rodger

 

[thor1958]

Another long period with no progress due to workshop closed down due to COVID restrictions. Now allowed to have a few staff there, so looks like I can finish the project with in a couple of weeks.
The electrical system is completely redone. All cables replaced with new. New cabling for all the Led lights with individual switches/rocker panel.
Prepared cabling for the LED Ion battery pack, inverter, solar panel, generator etc. for the camping gear (cooler box and other). Can run for a couple of days with no charging needed and don't interfere with cars own electrical system.

Installed another aircon package and works real well, keeping nice and cold inside even with 40+ degrees.
Installing a second off grid small aircon for use when camping and not running engine.

Starting on entertainment package this week (no radio stations outside Yangon and Mandalay, so will install a good blue tooth package with speakers and subwoofer for use with Spotify.

Made a cool solution for front license plate, so it can be flipped up when winch being used,. Not many other places to put license plate.

Had to make a new plate to cover the hole over the gearbox. The original part got lost.
Speedometer and other dashboard details, being fixed up as well.
Bought two comfortable chairs from an old Toyota Crown and replacing fabric with black leather.

New rear bumper is being made and will install with all new lights etc. Hopefully finished in a week or two as well.

So, far everything done has been by making new parts or refurbishing old ones. Except for the full Ironman Soft cell package, Ironman feathers etc.

So, getting there and hopefully it will be a more comfortable ride. Apart from the Iron man package, total outlays so far have been just over 4.000 USD and on budget.

Looming forward to finish, give it a proper detailing and add the camping gear package, tool set and recovery gear and set off for a test drive up in the Shan mountains and China border area. Will drive the old Burma Road built by the British in colonial times and upgraded by US troops during WWII as a lifeline from India to China.

Burma Road - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

 

[Rodger]

Your truck is coming together really nicely even though there have been delays which everyone has suffered. We are in a full lock down currently with no travel outside our municipality.
Your photos answered my question regarding the hi-lift jack mounting.

The "shake-down" trip on the Burma Road sounds exciting. I look forward to the photos of both the finished truck and the trip.

Regards and stay safe.

Rodger

 

[tonytoyota]

Hi that is looking one cool cruiser keep the pics comeing it's a bigup from Tony.

 

[Rodger]

I, like many others, have been following the news re Myanmar and trust that you are safe and well.

I have been thinking about your steering problem. My steering box is non-standard (60 series) but the top part is stock 40 and I did have a similar problem. There are two UJs in the intermediate shaft and one of mine had lost the roller bearing needles from a cup in the UJ. I replaced it and solved the problem.
But the other weak spot on the stock steering is the centre arm unit. It would be worth checking that the bearing in that unit is good.

I would be wary of changing the complete steering set up for something non-Toyota. Most vehicles use a steering rack which not suitable and the fault you describe implies wear rather than un-serviceability of the set up. The stock set up should be capable of handling the 2.5 inch lift.

Regards,

Rodger