Toyota Land Cruiser HJ62

[R Shepherd]

Any advice on the HJ62. I believe they are a deluxe version of the HJ60, with twin head lamps ,electric windows etc. The one I am looking at is a euro spec Turbo. Is the 24v electrics a problem for add on gadgets how easy is this to solve? Are they a good basis for an overland vehicle?

[camiel]

By the sounds of it, you're looking at an HJ 61 VX (i.e. the luxury version). I've driven one from Amsterdam to Capetown last year. Thanks to their powerful engine they're fine overland vehicles.
Although I'm not a big fan of putting on (electric) gadgets, you can get quite a few things in 24V and otherwise get an inverter. In Africa, 24V doesn't exist so you will have to bring some spares.

Good luck,
Camiel

www.amsterdam2capetown.com

[ChrisC]

Hi

As Camiel has said, you are probaly looking at a '61. As long as it has avoided the ravages of time and rust, they make an excellent overland vehicle or workhorse. Good reliable engine with plenty of power. What do refer top when you mention "gadgets"?
Hopefully overlanding toys, not electrical stuff?!?

Good luck and happy travels

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ChrisC

[R Shepherd]

Thanks for the info, the model has twin square head lamps,spec roof bars and lots of chrome trim on the gutter with 6 cylinder turbo diesel its a Spanish vehicle. The gadgets I was refering to were GPS lead ,air compressor, halogen lights etc is it better to wire up a seperate 12v socket/sockets or use an 24v/12v inverter?
Any info on 60 series Land Cruisers anywhere as they didnt make any US impact the usual sources are brief.
I came to believe the 61 turbo followed the 60 then replaced by the 62 but it does not appear to be that simple. Here in the Canaries they were and are very popular,the turbo introduction in 87 was followed by a period where all the models were available with the non turbo still on sale the 60, the turbo 60 the 61 and the square head lamp 62 also with turbo here I believe the UK 62 did not have the turbo. As no one ever refers to the designation and it does not appear on the car itself its confusing.Any more help in this direction would be helpful. The fact that some of the cars I have seen maybe were re registered could make my assumption wrong.

[camiel]

As for the type of your vehicle: look under the bonnet for the series number of the body. On mine, it sits next to the brake booster. Part of that very long number is HJ61.
Here in Holland, HJ61's were initially sold with round headlights which were lateron replaced by sets of double headlights. The designation of the vehicle didn't change however. While the HJ 60 was still sold alongside the new HJ61, I don't think a lot of people still bought them.

I'm not sure about your electricity question: if you want to install 12V sockets you'll need an inverter anyway. If your compressor is 12V it will have to be a pretty heavy duty one. You would be better off getting a 24V compressor.

best,
Camiel

[This message has been edited by camiel (edited 21 December 2003).]

[rclafton]

Most accessories are available in 24 volt

Compressors are actually more effective in 24 volt versions

Garmin GPS's (at least some of them - gps 2/3/5?) work on 8-40 volts so no problem there


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Rich
LR101 300Tdi Ambi 'Tiggurr'

[Kevin]

Check to see if the car already has an inverter built in. In a lot of cases it is just the starter and maybe the alternator which are 24V, the rest is 12V. 24V parts are usually a bit difficult to find in Africa.

[R Shepherd]

If the hj61 was available with round head lamps or twin rectangular ones where does that leave the hj62 what was it?
More info on the 60 series Land Cruiser is needed the greatest 4x4 of all time is sadly lacking in model information etc where can the anoraks get this info? This car is important, a legend in its own lifetime.

[Chris Scott]

AFAIK, a 62 is the same as a 61 but with twin lamps. But the 62 could nave been a twin lamped 60 (non turbo) in the UK..
Whatever, if its got the 12HT engine and turbo written somehwere you're on to a winner; the best engine they ever made. so it is said.
All 60s are 24 v right through. not 24v starting 12v ancillaries like later 80s ) 24v was never a prob for me and components last longer it is said; I ran 12v off one battery but you can get all sorts of 24v gadgets (even microwaves!) from truck accessory places.
fyi you can get dead cheap 61s (and all thbe rest) from Japan auctions (RHD) for a couple of grand.

Chris

[Emil]

i live in the u.s. but have owned an '87 fj60 for about 7 years maybe. it is the gas variant, regular roof, round headlights, 4speed, etc. GREAT truck. they will take ANYTHING. i am on a serious budget and this has been my best vehicle as far as ruggedness and amount of work needed.

at present it has 302,000 miles but i threw a rod in the motor (watch your oil...the sump is huge). the diesels are even better, and i've heard the 1HZ is toyota's best diesel truck engine ever made.

they can be kitted out in any number of ways and parts/mechanics can be found the world over. i wouldnt hesitate to throw a diesel in my truck and drive to ushuaia, even with that mileage. i have that much trust in them, and with a little diy ability, you're set.

just another satisfied customer.

[Finian]

Chris,

Can you give any further info on Japanese import auctions, especially in the south.

Thanks,

Finian

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