Toyota Hi-Lux Restoration – Part Two

Progress was apparent when The Special dropped in on the Hi-Lux and its restoration: later that day the tub was coming off, to be replaced by a slightly later yet much better condition replacement.

In the great scheme of things the original tub wasn’t bad, a fitted-from-new loadliner minimising the damage, but patching the holes that were there would take time and money.

The good news is that with the tub off the chassis can be cleaned, treated and painted. It’s not quite such good news with the tailgate, which clearly bears the scars of its farming past.

Turns out that before going into the barn once the MoT was out it was used as a yard shunter for three years: unsurprisingly after that slumber once a set of jump leads were fitted it fired-up first time.

As well as the tub removal and chassis cleaning attention’s turning to the interior. Much of it can be cleaned-up but it’s likely the seats and the centre console will have to be replaced. Meanwhile five new Yokohamas have been delivered and they’ll be fitted once the wheels have been blasted and painted.

Completion date? Hopefully late Spring.