Notice: We request that you don't just set up a new account at this time if you are a previous user.
If you used to be one of our moderators, please feel free to reach out to Chris via the facebook Outerlimits4x4 group and he will get you set back up with access should he need you.
Recovery:If you cannot access your old email address and don't remember your password, please click here to log a change of email address so you can do a password reset.

Mini-cruiser

Tech Talk for Cruiser owners.

Moderators: toaddog, Elmo, DUDELUX

Post Reply
Posts: 965
Joined: Fri Mar 26, 2004 10:09 am
Location: B.F.E

Mini-cruiser

Post by RMP&O »

I seen these recently on a trip to S.America. They are basically a FJ-series TLC but small like a Sidekick. Do you have the Mini-cruiser in Australia? If so what do you think of this smaller FJ40??

I am thinking about buying one and would like to know what people think as I had never seen one until recently and I do not know much at all about them.
www.rmp-o.com
Posts: 1102
Joined: Tue Dec 02, 2003 10:50 pm
Location: R%P3, $%Pn3%

Post by glen1n »

Never heard of em, got a piccy of one next to an FJ?
I'm a ChickenHawk, looking for a Chicken. Better go for cover when you hear my valves clickin'
Posts: 6021
Joined: Sat Feb 15, 2003 11:01 pm
Location: Shed.

Post by dumbdunce »

I think you're talking about toyota Blizzard?

http://www.aus4wd.com.au/vehicles/ours/scat/scat.html


these are a rebadged daihatsu F50 scat. up until the early 1990s (possibly even later) in some markets you could buy a Daihatsu Feroza rebadged as a Toyota Blizzard.
Free air locker to the first 20 callers!
Posts: 965
Joined: Fri Mar 26, 2004 10:09 am
Location: B.F.E

Post by RMP&O »

Unfortunately I did not get any pictures of the 4 or so I saw. :cry:

From what I recall they look alot like the Daihatsu, I am familiar with these and the old Suzukies....but this Toyota clearly had an FJ-style front end meaning the fenders were a lot like the FJ40's. I was told the Mini-Cruiser was made in limited productions. The Toyota Mini-cruisers I saw also clearly had a fender mounted emblem in same place as the FJ's that said Mini-Cruiser. No BS either....it is possible it was a Scat with these Mini-cruiser emblems....that I am unsure of as I never examined one up close. They were about the same size as the Scat and from what I understand Daihatsu is a sub company of Toyota.
www.rmp-o.com
Posts: 2186
Joined: Wed Oct 01, 2003 9:11 pm
Location: Melbourne, now with 1HDFTi power!

Post by +dj_hansen+ »

A friend of mine was telling me she thought they still produced the 40 series shape cruisers in indonesia out of checker plate. Anybody know if this is true?

Sorry to hijack your thread =}
Cheers,
Dan.

[i]1996 HDJ80R[/i]
Posts: 6021
Joined: Sat Feb 15, 2003 11:01 pm
Location: Shed.

Post by dumbdunce »

there are a few places in the US and I think in Australia too that make fiberglass or aluminium tubs for 40 series', quite possible there are people in indonesia making them too. there's some freaky car and 4WD stuff coming out of indonesia.
Free air locker to the first 20 callers!
Posts: 965
Joined: Fri Mar 26, 2004 10:09 am
Location: B.F.E

Post by RMP&O »

No problem on the highjack....

I can get all FJ-series body parts brand new in steel for cheaper than some other USA places selling them. The FJ-40 was also made in Brazil up to the last few years.

The Mini-cruisers I seen may have been Blizzards but with a different badge. I will try to have a friend take a picture of one but he thinks they were only made in 80-82. It has an emblem exactly like the FJ's but like I said read Mini-Cruiser....
www.rmp-o.com
Posts: 3523
Joined: Sun May 18, 2003 8:42 pm
Location: Somewhere they can't reach me, shoot me or electrocute me...

Post by Area54 »

Those manufacture dates would fit the profile of an F20 or a Blizzard.
Built, not bought.
Posts: 1513
Joined: Tue Oct 21, 2003 8:06 pm
Location: North East Melbourne

Post by ORSM45 »

your not talking about a Toyota Bandeirante are you?

http://www.ebroadcast.com.au/ecars/2000 ... rante.html

pretty much a 40 series with a different grill panel.
Posts: 1508
Joined: Thu Jun 26, 2003 9:48 am

Post by MQ080 »

383FJ45 wrote:your not talking about a Toyota Bandeirante are you?

http://www.ebroadcast.com.au/ecars/2000 ... rante.html

pretty much a 40 series with a different grill panel.


Hey dumbdance,

How good is the MWB on this links? ...I'm getting ideas!
Posts: 6021
Joined: Sat Feb 15, 2003 11:01 pm
Location: Shed.

Post by dumbdunce »

MQ080 wrote:
383FJ45 wrote:your not talking about a Toyota Bandeirante are you?

http://www.ebroadcast.com.au/ecars/2000 ... rante.html

pretty much a 40 series with a different grill panel.


Hey dumbdance,

How good is the MWB on this links? ...I'm getting ideas!


Bandeirante is the 40 series that was until recently still produced in Brazil, same size as a 40, nothing "mini" about it.

MQo8o you'll never be good enough to own a landcruiser.
Free air locker to the first 20 callers!
Posts: 965
Joined: Fri Mar 26, 2004 10:09 am
Location: B.F.E

Post by RMP&O »

I fugured out what the truck I saw is....

They are the early 1980-84 Toyota Blizzards. It was confusing because they looked different than the newer Blizzards I have seen and they clearly carried the Mini-Cruiser name. So it would seem that these trucks were sold as Mini-Cruisers in S.America.

Here is a picture....
Image

So...what do you guys think of these trucks?? Is there any difference in it from the Diahatsu F50 Scat?? I am thinking of importing one to the USA but only if it is on par with the TLC in terms of quality...

Anything available to mod the truck? Is the drivetrain similar to FJ40 stuff? Did they put a diesel in the early Blizzards/Scats??
www.rmp-o.com
Posts: 240
Joined: Sun Jul 06, 2003 10:22 pm
Location: perth west australia

Post by roscoFJ73 »

They have nothing in common with a landcruiser. Most of the scats and blizzards are diesel in my part of oz. As far as quality goes they are ok but not suitable as a daily driver.
I got told they are made by Diahatsu and shared with Toyota as they had nothing in their range to go up against the Suzuki of the day.
1988 FJ 73 LX Lim Ed powered by 1HZ
1995 HZJ75 cab chassis
Posts: 6021
Joined: Sat Feb 15, 2003 11:01 pm
Location: Shed.

Post by dumbdunce »

if you're after something small to wheel hard and modify, get a zook, there is so much more aftermarket support for the suzukis. the scats are ok quality wise and have plenty of novelty value but you're fighting an uphill battle if you want to really build one.
Free air locker to the first 20 callers!
Im here for the sausage!
Posts: 15646
Joined: Wed Sep 24, 2003 7:11 pm
Location: NEWCASTLE

cruiser

Post by DIRTY ROCK STAR »

tiger, just get a 40 and be happy you wont regret it!!

you know what your getting then.
Posts: 3523
Joined: Sun May 18, 2003 8:42 pm
Location: Somewhere they can't reach me, shoot me or electrocute me...

Post by Area54 »

RMP&O wrote:I fugured out what the truck I saw is....

They are the early 1980-84 Toyota Blizzards. It was confusing because they looked different than the newer Blizzards I have seen and they clearly carried the Mini-Cruiser name. So it would seem that these trucks were sold as Mini-Cruisers in S.America.

Here is a picture....
Image

So...what do you guys think of these trucks?? Is there any difference in it from the Diahatsu F50 Scat?? I am thinking of importing one to the USA but only if it is on par with the TLC in terms of quality...

Anything available to mod the truck? Is the drivetrain similar to FJ40 stuff? Did they put a diesel in the early Blizzards/Scats??



Yep, started out as a Daihatsu F10 in 1977. I have one of these , an 81 model F20, came with a 12R 1.6L toyota motor.

Not as beefy as a 'cruiser, but beefy for their size. Virtually nothing is available aftermarket, all custom. Quirky and different, they are fun to drive in a unique kinda way.
Built, not bought.
Posts: 965
Joined: Fri Mar 26, 2004 10:09 am
Location: B.F.E

Post by RMP&O »

well...one of the reasons I like them is they are different. Never sold in the USA so it is unknown here. Was curious about FJ40 stuff for dropping under it, such as axles and tranny.

I am not a one truck guy...I have 6 off-road trucks right now. So would not own this for my daily driver or to build up as the main toy. Matter of fact I would only own it a few years at most before selling it. One reason I am thinking of importing it is that there is only room in a shipping container for a small truck like this. My 1980 LG61 Patrol is hogging most the room in the container! If it is diesel you would think a turbo and intercooler could make for plenty of power. Little suspension lift, larger tires and a locker and it could be quite the fun little 4x4.

We have ton's of zook's and FJ's in the USA...I understand the easier to build up thing. Yet, like I say I am into the obscure and not sold in USA trucks. The Blizzard looks pretty damn obscure to me!

More than anything I was curious about this small Toyo as I had never heard of or seen them until a few months ago....
www.rmp-o.com
Post Reply

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 3 guests