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1991 Santana Samurai

Posted: Fri Feb 02, 2024 3:01 pm
by tomcat
i am planning to commence a post on the work, planned and ongoing, on my 1991 Santana Samurai.
Was seeking a "tintop" but purchased a hardtop version.

Re: 1991 Santana Samurai

Posted: Fri Feb 02, 2024 6:00 pm
by Rankine
Looking forward to seing the build

Re: 1991 Santana Samurai

Posted: Sat Feb 03, 2024 9:22 am
by tomcat
My plans for the vehicle include:-
1. New Shock Absorbers all round.
2. Leaf Springs removed,, cleaned up, new bushes.
3. Anti-Roll Bar bushes replaced.
4. Rebuilt Calipers, new discs and pads
5. Rear Disc conversion.
6. Obtain Transfer Box with handbrake attachment. SJ413 version.
7. Replace steel wheels with Alloys
8. Replace existing radio/cassette with CD/MP3 player
9. Upgrade / modify existing electrics.
10. Repair bodywork as necessary.

Re: 1991 Santana Samurai

Posted: Sat Feb 03, 2024 9:27 am
by tomcat
General pictures of dashboard as purchased.
Lock on glovebox broken.
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Re: 1991 Santana Samurai

Posted: Sat Feb 03, 2024 9:51 am
by tomcat
Previous owner had, it seems, an unlimited supply of "Scotchlock" fittings which he used wherever possible. Picture shows trailer wiring fitment.
20240104_112243.jpg

Re: 1991 Santana Samurai

Posted: Sat Feb 03, 2024 11:28 am
by tomcat
On a lighter note:-
When the replacement struts have not arrived yet, from "Strut Depot" and a solution needs to be found so I am not propping the rear door with my head. Years of design and construction experience, as a civil engineer, come to the fore and a solution is found.
20240121_105158.jpg

Re: 1991 Santana Samurai

Posted: Sat Feb 03, 2024 11:32 am
by tomcat
As I have a Spanish wiring system on the vehicle, I am double checking all wires, to make sure they are the colours on the wiring diagram I have.

Re: 1991 Santana Samurai

Posted: Sat Feb 03, 2024 9:49 pm
by Tango91
tomcat wrote:
Sat Feb 03, 2024 9:51 am
Previous owner had, it seems, an unlimited supply of "Scotchlock" fittings which he used wherever possible.

I think our SJs might have been owned by the same person at some point... :hmm:

Re: 1991 Santana Samurai

Posted: Sat Feb 03, 2024 10:49 pm
by tomcat
Update on my 'to do' listing:-
My plans for the vehicle include:-
1. New Shock Absorbers all round.
2. Leaf Springs removed,, cleaned up, new bushes.
3. Anti-Roll Bar bushes replaced.
4. Rebuilt Calipers, new discs and pads
5. Rear Disc conversion.
6. Obtain Transfer Box with handbrake attachment. SJ413 version.
7. Replace steel wheels with Alloys
8. Replace existing radio/cassette with CD/MP3 player
9. Upgrade / modify existing electrics.
10. Repair bodywork as necessary.
11. Steering Damper
12. Power assisted steering

Re: 1991 Santana Samurai

Posted: Sun Feb 04, 2024 8:03 am
by ScottieJ
Good to finally see the Sj 👌

Number 6. Haven’t you already sourced a Tbox handbrake? The pics I saw are nothing out of the ordinary so It can easily be refurbed and swapped onto your tbox. They are very basic so apart from the shoes most things will just clean up and be fully serviceable. If you struggle to find new shoes then there are plenty of places around that can reline yours.


11 and 12
If you fit power steering then you do not need a steering damper fitted. I don’t run one on either of my SJs that have 33” tyres and can happily cruise at 70mph with one hand on the wheel 👍