older hiluxes like mine are getting really rare here in the UK as they get exported to Africa.
![Image](http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6111/6363448183_5159df8877_z.jpg)
i cleaned up the wheels, removed the body stripes and fitted a canopy
![Image](http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5350/7096606411_22cfd25a09_z.jpg)
after about a year i fitted 33" tyres and modulars.
![Image](http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7110/8155046710_eedc7d654a_z.jpg)
now, this is where things start getting interesting!
i fitted new springs in the front, and in the process the shock mount came apart!
![Image](http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8115/8649399434_ca473eb67b_z.jpg)
In Scotland, just before and during the winter, the roads get covered in salt and it really dosent do metal any good, so decided it is now time to take my bakkie off the road and give it the time and attention it deserves.
i started by removing the tub and loosening all the body mounts in preparation for removing the body. then in a space of 10hrs we took the truck from a totally road going truck to bare chassis and a few piles of parts.
![Image](http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8404/8690359646_7ee6608e77_z.jpg)
![Image](http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7044/8689237601_7bb1a5c6a4_z.jpg)
![Image](http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7044/8689237601_7bb1a5c6a4_z.jpg)
the chassis got sent for a sandblasting and paint, and i spent about 3 weeks cleaning, prepping and painting every tiny part.
After 3 weeks of black paint you start losing the will to live, so i added splashes of red.
![Image](http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7409/8754314243_4c85421af4_z.jpg)
![Image](http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5348/8829509794_6b98b3dc9f_z.jpg)
![Image](http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2872/8829488424_81d8df7828_z.jpg)
the shackles are slightly larger than standard to give a bit of lift and to soften the ride a bit
![Image](http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8110/8639978239_71c8ccb85b_z.jpg)
the truck is now fitted with these shackles, and the old +2" springs and a 2" body lift.
im not a fan of body lifts, but it will be necessary fo clearance when i fit a 1UZ. the redy body mount rubbers come from energy suspension in the US
![Image](http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2852/9118098587_3271c95af3_z.jpg)
![Image](http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5531/9120316832_a68b1e38a5_z.jpg)
now some of you may have noticed the origional 2L is still fitted.
Here is a little background on me, 2 years ago i diddnt even own a spanner set, so i am a propper spantard, but have a lot of help, and being born South African, im not scared of taking on a project.
so back to the engine, the idea is ill rebuild the truck with the standard motor, and if it dosent fall apart, ill then go ahead and fit the 1uz along with a R151 manual garbox.
this is how the truck sits right now.
![Image](http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3696/9295602688_8173c66844_z.jpg)
im waiting on some rough country springs to arrive and some extended brake lines. i have fitted a radiator from a 3l hilux so need to modify the water pipes to suit. it has taken me just over 3months to do the work and am hoping to have it done within the next 2.
will keep you posted as the project comes along.