Looking at a BJ42

[norty40]

Hey guys

I'm going to look at a BJ42 in the next few days and I'm wondering where I have to look out for rust spots. Is there any guru out there who can help out.

thanks

EDIT: Also if anyone knows what to look for mechanical wise that would be appreciated to

[shorty_f0rty]

dont look just buy!

what year..

should come with a/c, power steer, disk brake up front and 5spd.

check for rust everywhere!
where the rear wheel wells weld to the side panel
drivers and pax sills, inside rear lower qtr panels (mud, crap collects there)
if its got a hardtop check rear top corners for rust,
check windscreen frame for cracks (where it bolts to the hinge)
check bottom of front grill for rust
bottom of full doors is also another spot for rust.

drive it and see how it goes.. should drive pretty well for a truck.

how much are they asking, what year is it and does it look like its been modded before?

mechanically:
- engine leaks
- gearbox leaks
- diff box leaks
- play in steering
- knotchy gear changes
- lock front hubs and test out 4wd on low traction surface

cheers,

Andrew

[Ricko]

It is possible to have rust anywhere on a 40 mate. I reckon i had surface rust on my fibreglass roof! Just kidding. If it is clean and has no signs of previous rust, buy it and forget about mechanical problems as they can be fixed easily.

The main piece of body work you should focus on for rust is the main tub. If this is clean, then you are on to a winner also as the rest of the panels can be replaced with fibreglass. The tub can be replaced also, but for a price and a headache.

Let us know how you go. Take some photos of any rust etc and might be able to evaluate its "seriousness".

[Stoive]

above the rear spring hangers inside the chassis. prone spot

[Yo_jono]

Back of the Tub, just above the rear bar.
Next to the seats..
And in the doors.

They were the major spots on my truck before it was fixed anyway.
Great car though!

[richardsc]

bj 42,s vary in options,they dont all have aircon and 5 speeds,i have an 82 model bj42,its 4 speed and no aircon,has powersteering and disc front though,as for rust,looking on mine,check everywhere on the body,mines riddled with it,i bought mines for the diffs and powersteering to go on an old fj40 with chev,apart from cactus body its in great shape,does anyone need a 3b and 4 speed?

[norty40]

well, went to see it yesterday and it was sh#t . On nearly every join in the metal there was serious rust, the whole windscreen frame was full of rust, the join between the roof and body was full of rust, the steps were full of rust even the rims had rust . For what it was he was asking way to much ($3800).

Non the less, hopefully I can talk the old man into letting me get it for about a grand and working on it in the backyard as a project to keep me busy.

[Ricko]

It will still want some decent running gear to be worth a grand. There is a lot of time and money to be spent getting that ship shape.

[norty40]

Thats the thing. If I get it for a grand then spent a few more grand getting the rust out the the panels fixed, i could have brought another fairly decenet car for the same amount, although not a BJ42.

[shorty_f0rty]

hows the drivetrain? does the engine start easy, smoke, high idle? are there any leaks? how many kms on the clock?

if its just the body thats rusty, not the chassis and the engine is solid, revs strong and gearbox ok it might be worth trying to get for a grand or less..

I sold one with similar issues for about that and its not far off.

fibreglass tubs are available and other misc panels can be sourced from the wreckers, etc. a solid drivetrain and chassis might be worth the effort and expense..

[norty40]

We didn't really start it up. He was on his way out because we thought he were coming later. Dad took one look at it and made up his made almost instantly. We did talk about getting it cheaper and replacing panels but didn't really get to far into that.

[norty40]

Ok next question.

Will any 40 series body fit onto the chassis?