Africa: HJ61 and HZJ77V spare parts
 

Hi, after reading Chris's book I'm seriously considering going the Japanese auction route for the landcruiser that we are looking to buy for our overland trip, Cairo -> Cape. HJ61 or HZJ77 are my preferable choices.

My one reservation is regarding parts for these vehicles, now I know that parts for landcruisers are supposed to be easy to find but does that stand for the Japanese ones as well?? Are they just different branded vehicles of african vehicles?

I know that this is no doubt a rooky question but I've been looking around on the web for info, buying books ecetera..... I thought I would just ask you folks about it.

Cheers
Simon

Hi Simon, you cant get more Japanese than a Land Cruiser ;-) and there are plenty of 60s all over Af.
77s are more rare or unknown out there but have 75 innards anyway (v.common). Good luck with Jap auction. If there are any left, a decent 61 should come in at around 3000£+ we worked out once. (I'd go for an 80 for not much more amd enjoy the ride

CS

Thanks Chris for the info.

Unfortunatley our budget doesn't quite extend far enough for the 80's, so it's still either the 61 or the 77. I do find the names and number quite confusing, need a family tree for cruisers. I suppose it's the same for most cars.

My wonder spreadsheet I've knocked together is starting to convince me against buying a Japanese import. All the costs along the way start to add up and i've seen a 1990 diesel manual models (guy hasn't got back to me about the exact model) floating around the market for less then the import cost of a car.

Anyway thanks for your opinion at least its good to know the parts are around.

Cheers
Simon

Simon,

A useful toyota timeline is available here:

http://tlc.toyota-europe.com/main_frame.html



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Roman (UK)
www.overlandcruiser.info

Thanks Roman, had just found it made and it made lot of sense. I've actually gone and bought an HJ60 with 65K miles on the clock. Lets hope I haven't just bought a lemon. 24 volt problems here we come :-)

thanks again

How much was it? (email me offline if you prefer)

Hi Simon, I've gone my self to a HJ60 not long ago, so far never had a problem with the 24V system, nothing to fear.
I actually have an extra alternator to charge the extra battery and run two separate systems, 24 for the car, 12 for all other.., it works fine.

hi simon
i got a land cruiser (fj45) the best 4x4 for africa i believe is toyota
i know alot of places for spare parts and mechanics too, soif you will come to egypt contact me if you need any help
good luck

dj@roamingyak,

Cost was £2300 with 68K on the clock, body in amazing condition. Please resist telling me I could have got it cheaper as I'm quite happy with it :-) Checked for the rust signs that Chris mentioned in his book and there is none of that. There are 3 spots but they are all small and are going to be removed soon. You can check her out here:

http://www.comley.org/mambo/gallery/...s.php?album=15

(warning: she ain't pretty....but she's mine!)

mario travaini,

Thanks for the reasurance, don't suppose you would send me a pic of your setup with the 12V as it sounds like a clever idea. Always helpful to see what other people have done.

omar mansour,

Thanks for the offer, will definitley be holding on to your contact details.

Cheers
SimonC

ps. Anybody know a reliable/affordable place to get old man emu's put on a landcruiser???

simon you are welcome any time ,
i checkd your new habibi (habibi= babe in arabic)
she is pretty, and she will take you where ever you want ,just treat her good ,in egypt ,i believe you can find all spare parts you want,
enjoy your habibi ;-D
P.S SORRY WHAT IS YOUR ROUTE??

pictures here:
www.southing.com/hj60/

the alternator on the top is a 12V and the one under (difficult to see in the pic) is the original 24v toyota. The 12V goes direct to the third battery mounted behind the passenger seat and from where there's a supply for lights/cigarette plug/etc...

Omar,

Route is not finalised yet as it's still a while off.

Mario,

Thanks for the pics, your spray job is SO much nicer then grey monster I have. Wish I had money to burn to get her resprayed but it just isn't going to happen. Oh well, good to see how you mounted that 12v alternator, will look into doing something similar. Great site by the way!

Cheers
Simon

Aaaarrrgh,

You must be joking, it looks fabulous in grey with the "Flash Gordon" paint job ;-). Anyway, IMO a very good deal: For a HJ61 with lots of rusty spots and 300k on the counter you could easily pay more than 7000 euro here in The Netherlands.

Flash Gordon, i like that..... might even have to change her name!

Simon,

Did you find a lot of HJ61 offers in that price range? Any particular websites you have been checking? I might be interested in importing one.

Cheers,
Michiel.