I have been looking at 40s for years and seriously hunting a good one for months. Yesterday the stars aligned and I bought a 1980 BJ40. As some of you know I have been asking some pesky newbie questions for about a month now trying to get organized on exactly what I want done in a frame off restoration of this vehicle. I am not a "wrench" and given the breadth of knowledge and skill displayed daily on this forum I can tell that that will change, slowly, over time.
The purpose of the vehicle is (1) daily driver (2) camping/backpacking transport and off road trail exploration on light to moderately tough trails. ( Might try my hand at an expedition run even though folks say 40s are too small) For now the plan is to leave the breakdown and refit to the pros with a road map from me inspired by you guys. I picked my new baby over three others based on a few factors chief among which were:
1)was currently driving well (2) very little rust on the tub (3) very, very little rust on the doors and (4) had alot of its original fittings, e.g. firewall plate, some badges, jump seats and in working order too!!, trailer hitch, spare tire holder etc.
Right now the plan is to get it into the shop next week and get the body off the frame next:
1) sand blast and powder coat the frame
2) new leafs and shocks all around looking for about a 2" lift
3) disc brakes all around
4) presently have mismatched hub locks in the front (AISIN and Warn) and none in the back. Not sure what to do, suggestions???
5)Replace the original B motor and 4 speed transmission with a 13BT engine and H55f transmission
6) new hoses and belts and complete new wiring throughout (piles of loose wires going nowhere from the engine into the cockpit)
7) replace non working gauges and dash bits
8) add frame mounted roll cage and lap belts for the jump seats
9) Sand and repair minor rust in the tub and doors
10) Body and doors stripped and painted with match color on the tub liner
11) strip the roof and repaint original white if possible ( PO painted the fiberglass roof black)
12)add ARB front bumper and winch
13) add on the missing badges, usable stereo etc
I welcome all ideas as I am sure that I missed something huge and will just learn as I go along. Wish me luck.BTW the new baby pics:
The purpose of the vehicle is (1) daily driver (2) camping/backpacking transport and off road trail exploration on light to moderately tough trails. ( Might try my hand at an expedition run even though folks say 40s are too small) For now the plan is to leave the breakdown and refit to the pros with a road map from me inspired by you guys. I picked my new baby over three others based on a few factors chief among which were:
1)was currently driving well (2) very little rust on the tub (3) very, very little rust on the doors and (4) had alot of its original fittings, e.g. firewall plate, some badges, jump seats and in working order too!!, trailer hitch, spare tire holder etc.
Right now the plan is to get it into the shop next week and get the body off the frame next:
1) sand blast and powder coat the frame
2) new leafs and shocks all around looking for about a 2" lift
3) disc brakes all around
4) presently have mismatched hub locks in the front (AISIN and Warn) and none in the back. Not sure what to do, suggestions???
5)Replace the original B motor and 4 speed transmission with a 13BT engine and H55f transmission
6) new hoses and belts and complete new wiring throughout (piles of loose wires going nowhere from the engine into the cockpit)
7) replace non working gauges and dash bits
8) add frame mounted roll cage and lap belts for the jump seats
9) Sand and repair minor rust in the tub and doors
10) Body and doors stripped and painted with match color on the tub liner
11) strip the roof and repaint original white if possible ( PO painted the fiberglass roof black)
12)add ARB front bumper and winch
13) add on the missing badges, usable stereo etc
I welcome all ideas as I am sure that I missed something huge and will just learn as I go along. Wish me luck.BTW the new baby pics:
Last edited: