Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > 4 wheels > Overland Vehicle Projects
My 2020/2021 Covid Project Hilux Surf My 2020/2021 Covid Project Hilux Surf
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Overland Vehicle Projects NEW! Show us your baby! Builds in progress or completed and proven!
Photo by Andy Miller, UK, Taking a rest, Jokulsarlon, Iceland

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Andy Miller, UK,
Taking a rest,
Jokulsarlon, Iceland



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 4 Nov 2021
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jun 2020
Location: Montreal,Canada
Posts: 42
My 2020/2021 Covid Project Hilux Surf
Hello All

As 2020/2021 have been a bust for travel, during the winter of 2020 I started the recommissioning of a Hilux that I have owned for almost 10 years, that has sat waiting for time and purpose.

With time to daydream and plan, I had decided that I wanted to visit and see North Africa, it was sufficiently exotic and slightly unattainable so that it gave me purpose to work on a plan to Visit Morocco with my own vehicle one day.

I installed the motor gearbox from a wrecked hilux I had,overhauled all the brakes and suspension systems and had the vehicle inspected (MOT'd?)and legalized to return to the road.





Since it was completed this early summer, the vehicle has been in daily use and has travelled 14,000 Kms and should be fit for purposed to send over for use on the African continent when we can do so safely.

I am now looking towards the day I can get to Morocco and RIM for a proper long term explore of this area of the world I knew very little about prior to covid
Last edited by rydz; 4 Nov 2021 at 18:01. Reason: learning how to insert pictures
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 4 Nov 2021
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: Brunei
Posts: 942
Nothing like a nice long car overhaul project which ends with a successful trip!

I have a 1996 3rd Gen Hilux Surf set up as an overland vehicle. For me the aim was to cross Russia in the depths of winter. Probably not all that exotic for you in Canada, but it was an amazing adventure for me. I chose the car especially for having a petrol engine and manual transmission, a very rare combination. When I bought it, the car was about ready to be scrapped but after a major overhaul, including a full engine rebuild, it made a very tough trip with absolutely no issues. I made a trip thread on the HUBB here

I reckon it's a fine car for all but the roughest roads (I have two solid axle 4x4s which I would prefer for really rough destinations). I'm about to return to the car for the first time in almost two years and have given myself two weeks to get it back in shape and head off for a road trip in the Middle East.

Good luck with your build / trip.

EO
__________________
EurasiaOverland a memoir of one quarter of a million kilometres by road through all of the Former USSR, Western and Southern Asia.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 4 Nov 2021
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jun 2020
Location: Montreal,Canada
Posts: 42
not sure how to insert any pictures here, photobucket and flickr dont seem to work any longer to be able to do this


Ok, never mind I used another image hosting platform and got that to work.

paulo
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 4 Nov 2021
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jun 2020
Location: Montreal,Canada
Posts: 42
Quote:
Originally Posted by eurasiaoverland View Post
Nothing like a nice long car overhaul project which ends with a successful trip!

I have a 1996 3rd Gen Hilux Surf set up as an overland vehicle. For me the aim was to cross Russia in the depths of winter. Probably not all that exotic for you in Canada, but it was an amazing adventure for me. I chose the car especially for having a petrol engine and manual transmission, a very rare combination. When I bought it, the car was about ready to be scrapped but after a major overhaul, including a full engine rebuild, it made a very tough trip with absolutely no issues. I made a trip thread on the HUBB here

I reckon it's a fine car for all but the roughest roads (I have two solid axle 4x4s which I would prefer for really rough destinations). I'm about to return to the car for the first time in almost two years and have given myself two weeks to get it back in shape and head off for a road trip in the Middle East.

Good luck with your build / trip.

EO

I love these 4 runner/surf 's, they are a little but smaller than my 60 Series, quite a bit narrower making it easier to get into places,the parts are available almost anywhere in the world (mechanical and suspension in any case sharing a bunch with the same series Hilux IFS), but by removing the lower rear seat cushion and dropping the back seats down you can easily sleep inside ! great budget over lander and very capable when minimally modified.

On this one I kept the 4.88 gear ratio of the Automatic version (which this one was ,now a 5 speed) to allow easier use of the taller tires (235/85/16), I installed a locker in both front and rear diff's, and slightly uprated rear springs, super simple and easy to maintain.

The motor is a 2.8L non turbo diesel (same as the Hilux) , one wire only and will run with no batteries or alternator (you can apply 9 volts from a lantern to work the fuel cutoff switch )

It will shortly get put under a blanket of snow for the winter months, waiting patiently for spring when I will re attempt to ship it to Europe for use in Morocco in 2022!

Paulo
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 5 Nov 2021
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Nov 2021
Posts: 1
Hilux!
This Hilux looks awesome and should be able to take on any journey you've dreamed of. No wonder these Toyotas are met with so much love and passion!

Just a question about no battery - could you elaborate more about this how is it able to run with a wire without a battery or alternator? So... how do you turn the car on? I'm no expert in this subject and this surprises me!
__________________
Biuro Rachunkowe
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 5 Nov 2021
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jun 2020
Location: Montreal,Canada
Posts: 42
Hello,

As this is a simple compression diesel, the only power required is to open the fuel cut off solenoid on the fuel pump,and you can honestly do that with a simple 9 volt battery.

If you were to push start the vehicle,and have a simple 9 volt battery connected to the fuel cut solenoid, it would remain running until the battery died.

As most cars will have some sort of remaining power in the batteries even if they cant start them, there is always more than enough to hold open the fuel cut solenoid ,as long as you can get them push started.This particular Surf came with 2 12V batteries from Factory so its doubtful I will have issues, but you never know.

This was my reason for installing this motor package,zero sex appeal, but full simplicity.

Paulo
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
FOR SALE: Toyota Hilux Surf in Rwanda (Botswana reg.) Shangalolo Overland Vehicles and Equipment for Sale / Wanted 2 1 Dec 2017 14:21
Toyota Hilux Surf for sale in South Africa (UK Reg) MarieSims Overland Vehicles and Equipment for Sale / Wanted 1 13 Dec 2016 01:50
Toyota Hilux Surf 3.0 4x4 tow wagon Paulpen Overland Vehicles and Equipment for Sale / Wanted 1 12 Jan 2014 12:39
For Sale: UK Reg '97 Toyota Hilux Surf in South Africa bazyr Overland Vehicles and Equipment for Sale / Wanted 8 9 Dec 2013 19:02
Landcruiser vs Hilux Surf Dodders91 Light Overland Vehicle Tech 20 10 Sep 2013 03:23

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

  • Virginia: April 24-27 2025
  • Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
  • Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
  • CanWest: July 10-13 2025
  • Switzerland: Date TBC
  • Ecuador: Date TBC
  • Romania: Date TBC
  • Austria: Sept. 11-15
  • California: September 18-21
  • France: September 19-21 2025
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 11:54.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top