Jono
New Member
- Joined
- Mar 17, 2015
- Messages
- 11
- Country Flag
Hi all,
Not really a new member as I joined over three years ago. Just thought I'd introduce myself anyway, better late than never hahah.
I'm Jono and live near Aberdeen, I became the proud owner of a 1996 VX 80 series 1HDFT, in June this year and I absolutely love it. It’s actually the third 80 series I've had, so I know a thing or two about them, but it is the first 80 that I’ve owned in the UK.
Previously I've had a regular 1993 HDJ80R Sahara and a 1997 HDJ80R GLX customised dual cab Ute with extended wheelbase.
I've also owned a BJ40, an RJ70 and currently have an LJ70 sitting in storage near Aberdeen which I really need to try and sell.
I flew down to southern England to pick up my VX and then drove it home. The main reason for this is that there very few for sale in Scotland, the ones that are for sale are overpriced. The other reason is the exposure to salt on the roads that most cars in south England have is far less then what we have in this part of the UK.
The cruiser itself is in really good shape with just over 100k miles on the clock, not that I’m worried about that too much. My 80 Ute in Australia had 595k km on it when i sold it.
The VX had a few issues when i got it that i knew but nothing major. So i got two new heavy-duty batteries with 40% more cranking hours that the previous and replaced the front section of the exhaust. It also doesn't have a rear windscreen wiper assembly or the retractable radio antenna on the bonnet.
My aim is to turn this into a true over lander with the ability to go anywhere and have everything at hand that we may need to spend time in remote places. The project will take a few years and in between i will be replacing a lot of parts with upgraded parts for peace of mind.
Work completed so far:
New stock front exhaust section.
New batteries.
New front axles parts - Stub axles, wheel bearings, swivel bearings, front diff seals, wheel bearing lock nuts and dust seals etc etc.
Coolant flush, including block.
New front indicator housings in white.
New rear light clusters with inbuilt LED brake / Trail lights.
All interior bulb changed out for LEDs.
All exterior bulbs changed out for LEDs, indicators, reversing, low beam, high beam (The MOT regs are quite clear on HIDs but not so clear for LEDs, I’m just trying out different bulb here and there).
All fluids and filters changed, engine oil, diff oils, transfer case oil, steering fluid, brake fluid.
42” LED lightbar fitted between roof rack and roof.
New gas struts for the bonnet and tail gate.
I’ve got a new water pump and timing belt kit ready to go on, just not had the time yet.
To transform it to the way I want it, some of the work will include:
New upgraded and lifted suspension.
Bull bar with integrated storage and bush bars.
Winch – Which I already have.
Rear bar with dual swinging spare wheel carriers.
Intercooler.
3” stainless exhaust.
New upgraded turbo
New upgraded brakes.
Part-time four-wheel drive conversion with freewheeling hubs.
Cargo draw system – I have already removed the third row of seats.
Rear sliding windows replaced with panels.
Window tint on remaining windows.
New window seals and weather strips all round.
Dynamatting throughout.
Roof tent with awning.
Sub fuel tank.
Water tank.
Solar panels.
Split charge system with invertor.
Diff and transfer case remote breathers
There’s a lot to do, some small and some larger projects but like I said it will take a few years. Hopefully I can get some advice and ideas from you guys here along the way.
I will be fitting everything myself and making some of myself from scratch. Definitely making the draw system myself as I’ve not seen a system that I would 100% go out and buy.
Talk soon.
Cheers,
Jono
Not really a new member as I joined over three years ago. Just thought I'd introduce myself anyway, better late than never hahah.
I'm Jono and live near Aberdeen, I became the proud owner of a 1996 VX 80 series 1HDFT, in June this year and I absolutely love it. It’s actually the third 80 series I've had, so I know a thing or two about them, but it is the first 80 that I’ve owned in the UK.
Previously I've had a regular 1993 HDJ80R Sahara and a 1997 HDJ80R GLX customised dual cab Ute with extended wheelbase.
I've also owned a BJ40, an RJ70 and currently have an LJ70 sitting in storage near Aberdeen which I really need to try and sell.
I flew down to southern England to pick up my VX and then drove it home. The main reason for this is that there very few for sale in Scotland, the ones that are for sale are overpriced. The other reason is the exposure to salt on the roads that most cars in south England have is far less then what we have in this part of the UK.
The cruiser itself is in really good shape with just over 100k miles on the clock, not that I’m worried about that too much. My 80 Ute in Australia had 595k km on it when i sold it.
The VX had a few issues when i got it that i knew but nothing major. So i got two new heavy-duty batteries with 40% more cranking hours that the previous and replaced the front section of the exhaust. It also doesn't have a rear windscreen wiper assembly or the retractable radio antenna on the bonnet.
My aim is to turn this into a true over lander with the ability to go anywhere and have everything at hand that we may need to spend time in remote places. The project will take a few years and in between i will be replacing a lot of parts with upgraded parts for peace of mind.
Work completed so far:
New stock front exhaust section.
New batteries.
New front axles parts - Stub axles, wheel bearings, swivel bearings, front diff seals, wheel bearing lock nuts and dust seals etc etc.
Coolant flush, including block.
New front indicator housings in white.
New rear light clusters with inbuilt LED brake / Trail lights.
All interior bulb changed out for LEDs.
All exterior bulbs changed out for LEDs, indicators, reversing, low beam, high beam (The MOT regs are quite clear on HIDs but not so clear for LEDs, I’m just trying out different bulb here and there).
All fluids and filters changed, engine oil, diff oils, transfer case oil, steering fluid, brake fluid.
42” LED lightbar fitted between roof rack and roof.
New gas struts for the bonnet and tail gate.
I’ve got a new water pump and timing belt kit ready to go on, just not had the time yet.
To transform it to the way I want it, some of the work will include:
New upgraded and lifted suspension.
Bull bar with integrated storage and bush bars.
Winch – Which I already have.
Rear bar with dual swinging spare wheel carriers.
Intercooler.
3” stainless exhaust.
New upgraded turbo
New upgraded brakes.
Part-time four-wheel drive conversion with freewheeling hubs.
Cargo draw system – I have already removed the third row of seats.
Rear sliding windows replaced with panels.
Window tint on remaining windows.
New window seals and weather strips all round.
Dynamatting throughout.
Roof tent with awning.
Sub fuel tank.
Water tank.
Solar panels.
Split charge system with invertor.
Diff and transfer case remote breathers
There’s a lot to do, some small and some larger projects but like I said it will take a few years. Hopefully I can get some advice and ideas from you guys here along the way.
I will be fitting everything myself and making some of myself from scratch. Definitely making the draw system myself as I’ve not seen a system that I would 100% go out and buy.
Talk soon.
Cheers,
Jono