HZJ75 Overland Build

[johnnystrom]

Hi. I've just picked up a 1990 HZJ75 ute (my first Landcruiser!), and thought the overland preparation might interest some of you out there. Some of you may recognise this truck - I bought it from another forum member (Smudge), and it's popped up on here a few times over the last few years. I was originally looking for a 75 series "Troopy", but when I couldn't find one of those, started looking for an 80 series. But then this came along. I loved the look of it, but initially decided it wasn't suitable for my purposes. But then I started looking into what other people had done with them (thanks Roscoe!), and I thought maybe it could be perfect!

It's in amazingly good condition for its age, and while I can't be sure what the actual mileage is (it was converted to miles when it was imported 8 years ago, and now reads 92,000) the floor mats and pedals are in great condition and don't seem inconsistent with that mileage. And Smudge only did a handful of miles with it over the last 5 years. It was resprayed at some point (originally white), but I love the current grey colour. It was waxoiled on import, and it's very tidy underneath.

The trip I am preparing it for is a 7 month overland trip in Eastern and Southern Africa next year. I don't have a massive budget for the modifications (and some of the gear will be second hand), but basically they will consist of:

- Custom built rear with storage and sleeping area
- General Ecology water purification system and 70 litre water tank
- second fuel tank
- fridge
- dual battery system with inverter
- Eezi awn roof tent
- 3 spare steel wheels with BFG Mud Terrains (as I'll be hitting the wet season in Ethiopia)
- safe
- home-made drawer system
- snorkel
- Iron Man rear leaves (already fitted)

Mechanically I'm keeping things as standard as possible, but it will be given a thorough overhaul by Julian Voelcker at Overland Cruisers.

So I picked it up last Friday, and first stop was to see Julian in Hereford for a check up. Apart from a few oil leaks (and a very stubborn rear axle oil plug!), it got a clear bill of health. And it's great to drive - more power in second and third than I'd expected. Obviously not amazing top end, and the brakes are nothing to write home about, but it feels every bit as robust as you'd expect. I'll update the thread when there are significant developments with the build, but it won't happen over night so you'll have to be patient!

Cheers,

John

 

[Charlie]

They are good trucks, it should serve you well.

 

[roscoFJ73]

Its quite neat looking. Where is the extra tank going to go,factory location behind rear axle? You can get those brakes to a satisfactory standard by spending some time with them.Its the back brakes that need the work.
Where will you carry 3 spares?

 

[Ben]

Love it!

Looking forward to seeing the updates.

 

[johnnystrom]

Thanks.
Rosco, yes, the extra tank will go behind the rear axle. There's plenty of room under there once the spare wheel comes out.
There will be two spare wheels in a compartment behind the cab, and third one will (probably) go on the roof of the cab. The roof tent will project above the cab height anyway, so the spare wheel won't add anything to the overall height.

 

[Graham]

Thats amazing that !!!

PS, Simon is going to have a paddy fit, when he reads your last post !! over on the other side.

Gra

 

[johnnystrom]

Ooops! I didn't mean to tread on any toes - just that I'd promised the guys on the "other side" that I'd let them know when I posted it. And I didn't want to be running the same thread on 2 sites. I'll probably be banished now!
Yes, I'm happy with the purchase - more preparation work than I was originally planning to do, but I couldn't resist it when I saw it. I think subconsciously I was always wanting a 70 series, which is why I kept turning down the 80's...
Although my wife is disappointed that the seats aren't as comfortable as an 80!

 

[fast but dim]

that is superb. keep updating!

 

[Cptsideways]

A demountable camper would go lovely on that

 

[Charlie]

A demountable camper would go lovely on that

Something like this...

 

[johnnystrom]

Yes, that's exactly what I have in mind!
Charlie, do you have any idea who I should talk to in the UK about getting a camper like that constructed? Or can you recommend anyone who just does metal fabrication who could build the basic shell? I love the idea of a pop top, but if it was simpler I'd also be happy with a simple box set up with a roof tent. I'll post a pic of something I have in mind later.
But I'd still need a fabricator to build the box... All the websites I find seem to be australian based. And do you know if these are usually steel or aluminium construction? I wasn't sure whether ali would strong enough?

 

[Charlie]

The only company in the UK I’ve found on the web is N & J Aluminium Linings Ltd, Clitheroe, Lancashire.
http://www.njaluminiumlinings.co.uk/overland-samson-canopy-c-279.html

 

[roscoFJ73]

... All the websites I find seem to be australian based. And do you know if these are usually steel or aluminium construction? I wasn't sure whether ali would strong enough?

They can be either steel or alloy,but the better ones here seem to be alloy.People seem to want the welded seemless look. Some of the alloy ones here are even glued together with special adhesives.
99% of the canopies made here completely replace the tray and are bolted directly to the chassis.
They will be strong enough as long as the fabricator knows how much weight you want to carry up top.

 

[roscoFJ73]

Another pic of popular type.I was going to buy one of these but the cost skyrocketed

 

[TonyS]

The only company in the UK I’ve found on the web is N & J Aluminium Linings Ltd, Clitheroe, Lancashire.
http://www.njaluminiumlinings.co.uk/overland-samson-canopy-c-279.html

The 75 looks great.
N&J are a great company, and worth a phone call. They made the canopy on my hilux, it's had a lot of abuse over the last 4 years, and is excellent. They can pretty much make anything, just email them an idea.

Cheers,

 

[warrenpfo]

It is a very long shot but you might be able to import something depending on budget that is. At the very least they will be bale to send you some plans and ideas so have a look at, they are very good and come highly regarded.

http://www.alu-cab.co.za/

 

[johnnystrom]

Thanks for the suggestions. I actually spoke to N&J a few days ago, and they came up with a quote for me for an aluminium box, but it was very pricy (around £5k with the VAT), without any shelving or other bits and bobs. I may try and simplify the design and get them to re-quote though. I guess the fewer corners and angles the cheaper it will be. I've also spoken to a company called Anglesey Camper Conversions. Does anyone know anything about them? I'm going to ask them to quote for something like the last pic that rosco posted. They specialise in pop tops, although I'm not sure how big they are on metal fabrication. A pop top would be awesome tho.

 

[karl webster]

Nice truck Jonny.

I like the look of the first pic posted of the camper.

Where are you based? I have a steel man than can do anything really. If you go with a pic or something on paper to anyone in fabrication they should be able to make it. At 5k though thats alot of money.

 

[Charlie]

It doesn’t take long to spend 5K, when you consider the cost of aluminium / steel & labour. Steel is cheaper than aluminium, but also heavier. However if any repairs are required while travelling due to cracking most local towns would have somebody who could weld mild steel, but aluminium maybe not.

 

[johnnystrom]

Hi Karl. I'm based in London, but happy to travel wherever if I can someone who could help with the fabrication. Where is your man steel man based? Could you let me have his contact details? I'm going to speak to Anglesey Camper Conversions today, to see what they can offer.