Looking at 1981 BJ42

[Blacklist]

I am looking at a rare 1981 BJ42 Diesel import from Canada. This would be my first Land Cruiser.
It is not original. Overall in great shape.
Tub replaced with aluminum and some other parts replaced with newer versions (shocks, suspension wheels and tires).
The hard top needs some work.
I think I can get it for around $30K.
I don’t plan to return it to original and plan to drive it on a regular basis.
My questions are:
How hard is it to find parts? Do you think they are interchangeable with the FJ series?
Does this sound like a reasonable price based upon your limited knowledge of this particular Land Cruiser?
Thanks for any assistance you can provide?

 

[Varty Yo]

Buy it! Parts are not hard to find i drive a 82 bj42 Price is up there would need to see alot more pics. Also it depends on how bad you want it.

Or dont buy it on second thought! Leave our 42's up here haha

 

[roscoFJ73]

It would be cheaper to import a 7* series and they are much nicer to drive. I would be very wary of buying that without an expert looking at it.

Do you think they are interchangeable with the FJ series

In most respects parts would be interchangeable, its more about the year and market being the same.

 

[tornio]

It would be cheaper to import a 7* series and they are much nicer to drive. I would be very wary of buying that without an expert looking at it.


It would be cheaper to import a 7* series and they are much nicer to drive. I would be very wary of buying that without an expert looking at it.
In most respects parts would be interchangeable, its more about the year and market being the same.

.... and the j7 are more more simple to drive !!

but if you like "her" , BUY IT

who can say maybe you'll love "her"

 

[MrBG]

You should just buy mine instead:

TOYOTA LAND CRUISER FJ40/BJ40 DIESEL!

Up for sale is my 1981 Toyota Land Cruiser BJ40. It features the indestructible Toyota B diesel engine (gets 30 mpg highway). Diesel models were never sold in the U.S., and as a bonus this truck is...

charlottesville.craigslist.org

But then again, I’m biased

 

[-MaTTi-]

.... and the j7 are more more simple to drive !!

But totally different vehicle.

BJ42 is just perfect, my dream car (as a hobby). I don’t know if the price is ok or not, every one is more or less different individuals.

 

[Blacklist]

Thanks for the information. I have a couple of videos the seller provided. I saved a couple of pictures from the videos. As you can it is very clean. Sounds like parts wise I should be good. It will just come down to do I want and can we come to an agreement on price. Any insight on value would be greatly appreciated.

 

[DesertEmu]

30K is too much if you ask me.

 

[tornio]

30K is too much if you ask me.

few pictures to judge it right but.... for what i see....
30k is too, too , too much if you ask me too !!

 

[-MaTTi-]

View attachment 1936683

30k and rust bubbles, not match.

 

[roscoFJ73]

It needs to be gone over with a magnet. The big problem with these is rust and some of them are just full of bog. The existing rust showing through is a good example of poor preparation. There could be other places that are far worse. And a 38 yo diesel engine may also have its own set of problems. Proceed with extreme caution.

 

[bcsteel]

24v system can provide its share of arse pain as well...

 

[gerg]

Ask for pics before the paint job. Like all the Rusty pics.

 

[-MaTTi-]

24v system can provide its share of arse pain as well...

It’s basically just the second battery and higher operaration voltage. Otherwise as simple as 12V.

 

[Blacklist]

Thanks for the comments! I've continued to research prior sales of early 80's BJ42's. I couldn't find many. One that was very similar but appeared to be in slightly better condition went for a little less than $22K at auction a couple of years ago.

 

[gerg]

Otherwise as simple as a 12v system...... I have to disagree. To fully appreciate how much of a thorn in your side it can be you must own one yourself. 24v gremlins are not to be underestimated.

 

[bcsteel]

@gerg nailed it. It’s got its share of problems and can empty a wallet quickly. These are old trucks which are great but can be expensive.

 

[-MaTTi-]

Otherwise as simple as a 12v system...... I have to disagree. To fully appreciate how much of a thorn in your side it can be you must own one yourself. 24v gremlins are not to be underestimated.

Yes, I own 1981 BJ42 and it is 24V. Gremlins...? I have not experience. There is less electrics than in FJ40.

 

[SHREDwagon]

I think I can get it for around $30K.

USD? $20 to $25k CAD would be a fair price - depending how much is OEM and who did the work. Top of the line frame-off's from Hilltop Cruisers were $45 to $60K CAD 2 years ago.

 

[Blacklist]

USD? $20 to $25k CAD would be a fair price - depending how much is OEM and who did the work. Top of the line frame-off's from Hilltop Cruisers were $45 to $60K CAD 2 years ago.

Thanks. All of the prices I quoted were US. The vehicle is in Atlanta. It is mostly OEM but there are significant portions not OEM. The tub in the back is not. Some of the suspension... The seller is an old friend that is being up front of the couple of issues and non-OEM parts. I think he either may still be a little too attached to the vehicle or may be confusing the CAD value as USD?

Do you have a good dealer or general website with current vehicles for sale? Thanks again!