Builds 81 bj42 build..... trusty rusty

[bikersmurf]

Sneek peek: I managed to copy a rear vent cover! It may not seem like much, but it's taken a lot of work. I'm hoping to recoup some of the high cost by selling a few, but I have to tweak it a bit first.

I'd look into Investment Casting out of aluminum... Or stainless steel for those covers... Then they won't break if you look at them funny. Becker Orthoppedic has a shop in Buffalo (or thereabouts) that makes stuff that way. Precision is ridiculous... I saw a piece of 1/8 twine that was cast out of aluminum that way... Only realized what it was when you picked it up.

Looked up their site... http://beckermetalworks.com/ ... A little rich for my blood... But their finished work is awesome, and I'd sure be willing to pay more for a high grade metal one that'd never break.

 

[Ambrew]

I looked into investment casting, and it's doable, but not on my budget. I agree some aliminium ones would be nice, but these resin ones are pretty tough. I could switch to a higher heat resistance resin, but then I loose UV resistance. That could be overcome with paint, but then I'm in to paint as well....

Thing is, I've already spent a lot on these in both money and time. I was hoping for more demand to justify the cost but it seems like it would be a few here and there. So I'll try these ones out and see how it goes. Could be fine for all I know, so I wont spend a few hundred $ more for nothing. that beign said, if anyone wants some as is and are willing to test it out with me, I'd be up for trades.

Pics are coming, I promise!

 

[seventysixers]

I would be interested in a set of vents for sure . You should start a thread specifically for them and see what response you get .Also , post some pics of the ones you've made . I am painting my 84 bj42 frame off this week and had given up on finding these might have to cut the holes back into the top. Let me know

 

[bikersmurf]

We've all got missing/broken ones, but I'll likely make up something out of alumum and polish it up.

 

[Ambrew]

Cruiser porn

Here it is! I've driven about 1000k's so far, no major issues. There is a slight clunking sound at slow speed in the front suspension, but I cant quite put my finger on it. I checked and there's nothing loose.

I'm hoping to get a photo shoot in before it's old and busted again. Hopefully in October.

 

[Falco80]

Beautiful! Good job.

 

[DeltaT]

Very nice. Thanks for sharing. Are you calling her Becky? (your licence plate)

 

[Awl_TEQ]

She looks awesome. You've done a great job. Ready to sell yet? LOL

Clunking? Mine made noise when hitting small bumps. Turns out it was the front clip or rather the hood hinges. I ran a ratchet strap from fender to fender as a test and the noise was gone. When I do the frame off I will try and tighten up the hinge. Maybe some nylon washer/bushing setup.

 

[Ambrew]

Thanks guys!

I will try your ratchet method. Was it the bib or the whole front end? I think i'm getting some movement between the tub and fenders.

Ready to sell? Of course! but the question is at what price!! I think I'm going to try and enjoy this one for a while. I've been thinking of going to cruise Moab in the spring, we'll see. That and if I came a cross an hj45......

Funny thing: I've been offered money for the licence plates buy a friend whose wife is Becky....

 

[Awl_TEQ]

I hooked it on either fender right in the middle and went right over the middle of the hood. You'll have to use some rags or foam to protect that paint. I cinched it up snug and drove to work in silence.

 

[fjfjfj]

Holy Moly. Beautiful. Job well done. Love those BJ's.

 

[allana13]

Awesome mn....

 

[Toshi38]

Looks great! ... nice to see you're finally enjoying it!

 

[Chamba]

Looks great-sell it to an American; I'll help you with the paperwork clunking: tie rods? Mine did that when new but stopped within a few hundred miles. Of course, that was usually only in a turn or over a bump with the wheels turned.

 

[Ambrew]

Thanks guys!

I had to get a new garage door to make sure I don't scratch the roof.... collateral damage to the wallet!

The tie rods are new, and the steering is pretty tight. Easiest turning 40 i've driven so far. I'm thinking it's the body work, as Kevin hinted. It goes away at higher speeds, and I'm not seeign anything loose so far.

I'm having intermittent problems with the brake reservoir cap. Is it serviceable? I know it's not the vaccum since I changed the vac sensor, and it holds a good suction even after I shut it off. Seems to happen after I've driven 50 kms or so. No brake fluid leaks either. It goes away after you flip the cap upside down and re install it.... anyone else have seen this?


The vent covers are looking good. we'll see once they freeze how brittle they are.

 

[Vossie]

that, my dear friend, has to one of the prettiest and most thorough rebuilds ive seen real nice 40. hope my 45 comes out half as good as this one

 

[Ambrew]

Thanks for the compliments! Kinda bummed that winter is so close, but i'm trying to get some mileage in! I gotta clean it up and bring it by my LC club, so hopefully no salt before then. Already thinking of pulling the head to check precups and valves. decent winter project!

 

[Hugh Heifer]

That was a rusty mess. Nice job!

 

[Cruiser Innovations]

Very nice!

 

[Texas40]

That's a beauty