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BJ73 Restoration project

yromero98

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Joined
Nov 30, 2022
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portugal
Hi everyone ,

Ok I started to update and restore my BJ73 , Just put new BF and Some used rims I bought from some guy.

A piece of pipe from the radiator broke :-s , very difficult to find, Its a VM 4 cil Engine , Does anyone know where I could get this pipe?

Also working on the rear bumper lamps with the heat gun , it really makes the plastic look better..

Bought a leather thing for the steering well , I think it looks good
 

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Hi yromero98,

I'm looking forward to seeing how your project goes. Have you done any similar projects before?

Milanuncios.com and wallapop are two places I check often for parts for my 1988 bj73. There are various breaker yards on there which you can call up or message for specific parts.
I've not had any major problems finding spare parts for the VM5 engine (except for the k24 turbo) so the VM4 should be easier since there were more of them out there.

Good luck!
 
I tried to weld the pipe , but have to practice more jajaja.
While I find the pipe I used a stainless steel pipe. Went to the mountain into muddy road , I was impressed by the performance.
 

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Hi everyone , work is ongoing. I removed the dashboard and all AC ducts for cleaning, realised that the isolation material and carpet needed to be removed. There is a bit of rust on the passenger side floor but the dash is in pretty good shape. I had to also remove a asphalt like isolation from the floor on the drivers side was a pain to remove.
Does anyone know what happens if I remove the AC radiator ? The coolant will be spilled ? Should I empty the whole refrigeration system ? Or will the AC gas is the one going through that radiator?

Cheers .
 

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If you take the radiator out all the gas will be lost. Its best to get it removed professionally. If the system is left open for long you will also need to replace the dryer too, will absorb too much moisture.
 
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Thanks Felix , I'm planning to replace the dryer as well and I wanted to clean the radiator with acid, everything serviceable in this car needs servicing haha.
cheers
 
I removed the radiator , but I was wrong this BJ73 only has heating, not cooling :-s
 
Upgrading Isolation
 

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Continuing with the work, the dashboard is back on , I did a deep cleaning of all heating ducts , radiator , blower , changed most dashboard bulbs , removed some car alarm wiring that was not working, put on new battery terminal.
Installed more isolation on the back.
I'm waiting for a used original mat set I bought.
Also Installed a stereo and speakers.
 

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Does anyone know where should this terminal be connected to ?
 

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found this manual online, but I cannot upload it .. is it bc its a PDF ?
 
I received the mat , now looks a lot better inside , still a bit dirty but in excellent shape. I put seat cover while I decide what to do with the seats.
 

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Finally I put the original rear bumper and lights, also intalled a new (used) license plate lights, the one it had was painted all black and completely destroyed with rust.

The only thing not working is the fog light. Does anyone know which relay is the one controlling the rear fog light ? .

All fuses are ok.

I figure i connected it correctly:coldsweat:; there are three wires that go to the upper back lights, 1 ground , one positive for the reverse light and another red wire which I think should be the fog light, when I turn on the fog light switch nothing happens.

I used the multimeter to test that branch's connectors in the back and in the passenger side but also nothing. I tried to test the back of the relay panel also but I also got nothing, or maybe the fog light switch is not working. Any Ideas ? thanks

cheers
 

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I finally got the suspension kit , hopefully next week I'll install it :). Also got some other parts like the doors weather strips and the steering tie rods.
 

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Update , I still have not been able to install the suspension, the store sent me the wrong rear parts:dizzy:, Now I'm waiting for the correct ones to arrive.
I was able to change the direction terminals and shock absorber, you can feel the difference. Before I felt that something could brake apart any moment.
Got a new (used) chromed grill and also changed the headlights, now we are talking :laughing:. Also changed the mirrors.
I got a new leather boot for the parking brake , couldn't find it grey, but I think black looks fine.
 

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I also got the windshield frame :smile: I so want to put it right now haha, but have to wait for more rubber parts. I also got a pilot's window glass which is way better than the one I currently have.
 

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Got tired of waiting for the mecanic , I decided to change the leaf springs by myself... Next post more photos.. is a slow process haha.

Also got the escape finally ...
 

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