I had been searching for a while for a 1st gen. Hilux. Well, my search turned up very little and my impatience got the best of me - I ended up purchasing a '71 Datsun 521.

After 6+ months of working on (and not driving) the Datsun, frustration was setting in. I was beginning to realize that little things like replacing a taillight bulb, turned quickly into...replacing a bulb...finding a new socket for said bulb...replace wiring and find a good ground for said socket...run all new wiring throughout truck as said wiring/grounds/fuse box were broken/cracked/etc. ...replace all flashers/relays/every other electrical component...and the list goes on.

Several weeks ago, I heard about a '71 Hilux that a friend had built going up for sale. I thought about it for about 5 minutes before I realized that if I didn't act fast, I wouldn't get it. I messaged my buddy back and told him that I wanted it.

It took a few weeks to work out the details but it finally came to live with me.

Since its arrival, I've spent a ton of time driving and enjoying it. I have made a "to do list" of things I'd love to do to it...
- track down an extra set of fenders
- electronic ignition
- new weatherstripping throughout
- higher amp alternator
- replumb the air system
- solid rear window
- 5 speed swap
- 6 lug conversion
If anyone has any info on any of these bullet points, let me know.



Here is the build thread http://www.toyotaminis.com/forum/threads/project-1971-hilux.5108/

 

I like what the last guy did with it. Not too sure about the 6 lug swap but i look forward to seeing what you do with it

 

6 lug JDM wheels are easier to find and a lot cheaper if you know where to look

I snagged this set of 3 piece Work wheels for less than a set of steelies.

 

Well i hope you can pull it off. Those are some nice wheels.

 

+1...i would think 5-lug wheels would be waaaay easier to find and lot better options.

 

such a bad ass truck!!! everything about it is sik. love those wheels!!

 

True, 5 lugs are easier to find here - and plentiful. Problem is that offset options for a truck are always an issue. With how tight the wheels tuck into the fenders, it'll be a chore with 5 or 6 lug.

Eventually, I'd like to swap in a V6 8" rear axle. It'll have to be narrowed but disc swaps for that rear end are a breeze. Plus, gear ratios are more readily available and MKIII clutch-type LSDs can be swapped into the third member with little effort.

It's not a performance car by any means but it'd be nice to be able to get serviceable parts underneath as this model seems to be looooong-forgotten to the aftermarket.

 

Nice score. One of my favorite Hilux trucks I've come across on the internet! I liked it with the lumber rack.

The wheels on it now look pretty good as-is IMO.

 

Thanks! I liked it with the rack too but it was scrapped before my ownership. I'll be (eventually) bringing that look back.

First things first though. It needs to be tuned for altitude as its running really rich at the moment - not a hard job as the Weber 32/36 that's on it is easily adjustable. After that, I'm going to try to eliminate all the rattles. The weatherstripping is shot all around. I'm hoping new weatherstripping, channel run, door hinge pins and a single piece rear window will cure most of it.

The wheels on it are absolutely gorgeous. Knowing the builder and being involved with the classic Japanese car scene in the area keep me from feeling like it's "my" truck though. I don't want to stray too far from the look but do want to put my own touches on it.


I do have a question for anyone who might know. I want to put an electronic ignition in it. After researching (Yeah, I've used the search function), I've come up with ZERO definitive solutions. I bought a Hot Spark kit that I thought would fit the Nippondenso unit. After pulling it the distributor apart, it was apparent that the parts weren't going to fit. I've read that a Pertonix kit might fit but it isn't listed on their website. A friendly member here mentioned that the parts were available on eBay but I just haven't had any luck in finding something that will work. For reference, the truck has the original 8RC motor with a rebuilt 18RC head (that's what the PO told me) and the distributor is a single points Nippondenso unit.

Does anyone have any info on what it takes or who makes a kit?

Thanks again for the kind words and any info that can be provided.