60's Cruiser:Chevy V8 or 12HT?
Submitted: Thursday, Jun 21, 2007 at 22:40
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Rowen
Howdy folks, hows things?
Just a quick one.....
Lookn 2 get a 60's cruiser thats in good nick (i luv those old reliable & simple rigs). Ive driven/know the 2F/3F & 2H motors & as much as they are strong, I'd like some some grunt.
Do I maybe go with an already converted (engineered/ certified) Chevy V8 conversion or stick with the ever impressive 12HT? Which has more power and better reliability (12HT for reliability right)? Also thnkn of doing some trips around Aussy in years to come, so maybe diesel makes more sense?
While I'm thnkn of it too, what besides the following do I look out for in a 60 series when I buy one second hand?
- rust (particularly gutters)
- service history, motor condition, km's
- Racv check
Are there any tell tale signs for the drivetrain/ gearbox etc (besides whinning?) or any other recommendations?
Cheers in Advance
Ro
Reply By: traveller2 - Friday, Jun 22, 2007 at 08:15
Friday, Jun 22, 2007 at 08:15
Rust in the A pillars around door hinge mount points too.
Personally I'd look for a
grey import, usually Sahara trim level, come with 12HT and auto, last of the model so bugs are sorted pretty
well.
Some people see the 24v issue as being a big problem but it is actually better, less current flow, starter and alternator work easier etc, just need to fit a Redarc Charge Equaliser to solve the 12v accessory problem.
If going the conversion route, 12ht buy a diesel 60 as it will bolt straight in, if want a Chev V8 go the petrol as they are cheaper to start with and probably easier to convert.
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Follow Up By: Janset - Friday, Jun 22, 2007 at 13:30
Friday, Jun 22, 2007 at 13:30
Hi there.
I think before you decide to go down the Chev conversion path make a good number of enquiries with people who have had this conversions made.
Ask the converters to give you the names of at lease 12 customers that you can check with before you decide. I say this because I have heard around the traps that these converted vehicle have clutch and gear selection problems. Something to do with the coupling of the gear box and the modification required to be made to the bell housing to make things fit.
If the modifier will not supply you with at least 12 customer names then I would not even entertain such modification as I would be suspect that he is trying to hide something.
Remember also, a modified vehicle is harder to dispose of than a bog standard unit.
There is always the option of a Turbo with or without an intercooler. I think people accept turbos more readily as a lot of vehicles now come out with these things fitted.
My HZJ 75 gave me 30% power increase with just the turbo and 41% with the intercooler. These figures were given as the vehicle was driven on a Dyno. I still get my 13 litres to the 100 Km.
Hope this helps.
Regards
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Reply By: Member - Phil G (SA) - Friday, Jun 22, 2007 at 15:08
Friday, Jun 22, 2007 at 15:08
Getting harder to find a good HJ61, simply because of age.
They are all at least 17 years old now.
I sold my HJ61 when it was 14years old because I was getting tired of repairing it - alternator brushes, starter motor contacts, regulator, fusible links, radiator top tanks, gearbox mainshaft, diff pinion seals, exhaust, oil pressure gauge, clutch, brake slave cylinders, temp/fuel gauge regulator, window switches, rear air conditioner, sunroof etc etc etc all needed doing in the last 5 years of ownership. And a few of those items caused grief by breaking down on trips.
None of these are maintanance items. If you're happy to fix this sort of stuff, and you find one with a good motor, transmission and diffs, and no rust in the roof, then go for it. I bought old cars for years, and enjoyed fixing them. But these days, I can afford newer vehicles, and enjoy the reliability, but I fully understand that money is an issue for most.
cheers
phil
AnswerID:
248483