Thirteen Years Later

[Awl_TEQ]

Original thread on the acquisition and rust repair here

I've been daily driving this BJ42 for the past three years after it sat at a friends acreage for two years. The daily grind, as well as the thirteen years since I did the major rust repair, has taken a toll. We've been to Moab and done some trails we shouldn't have, but would totally do again! We went through Death Valley, saw a total solar eclipse in Wyoming, wheeled around Fort McMurray in the snow, did Surf-N-Turf, crossed rivers with white knuckles and most recently saw another solar eclipse all the way down in Texas last year. We got side swiped by a side by side and even flopped on the passenger side, both on the same day! The rockers and side steps got twisted up various times. We've had some fun!!

The rust in the cowl and windshield frame has gotten to the point that water will occasionally drip in behind the dash. Had to replace a signal flasher last year in the parking lot of Cruiser Outfitters during that road trip to Texas because it collected enough water to malfunction. Not as easy to do on a 24V truck.

She had about 184000km when we started and we are past 308000 now. Time for some TLC.

A few weeks ago I had to take an FJ45 bed I had built over to the local DIY sand blasters. Its an outdoor facility and I was standing there looking at the 42 and all the new rust spots and I knew what I had to do. I hit the worst of it and I was committed. I added some primer to last until I could start cutting and welding.

Here are some pics of the carnage post blasting... and a couple of the 45 bed for eye candy

 

[OGBeno]

Nice work, Kevin!!

PS: Cool sig line.

 

[Awl_TEQ]

Thanks Beno! Inspired words there.

Everyone likes pictures right?

While I wait for space in the garage to remove the windshield frame (my son is doing oil pump/ water pump/ timing belt on his 91? Mazda B2200 pickup)... here are some historical picks ↓↓↓

I can't seem to find pics from 2013 ATM

Moab 2014 - top of Riff Raff on Rusty Nail? maybe

Moab 2014 - I think this is called "No Left Turn". My favorite pic of the 42 and my avatar. Taken by a cheesecake master baker. This is where the damage to the left side step and rocker occurred in the above pic despite fantastic spotting. Notice the lack of rust and crushed rocker/ side step.

Moab 2014 - can't remember the trail name, maybe Moab Rim? This was descending back down toward the trailhead late in the day judging by the shadows - nearly into the "golden hour" as photographers say.

2015 Ruby Falls run in July, located HERE First pic is photo credit to @arnott1t - This is actually the second last obstacle on the way out - the last being a decent river crossing.

The same obstacle from the reverse angle

Typical trail on the way to the falls

Bottom of the turnoff to Ruby Lake - buncha posers

Ruby Falls camping/ day trip area

Ruby Falls

 

[Awl_TEQ]

Can't find my pismo 2015 pics except this one

November 2015, The Goler Canyon trail - I am sure I am wrong on that, I wasn't the navigator. This was on the way home after leaving Pismo

Poser shot

2016 - I'm getting old. I can't recall where this was even taken. Whipsaw? No, I didn't take the trailer. Ft St John? Again, no trailer on that trip. I dunno, pretty though

oh, I just found a pic in my build thread from 2013 - First trip to Moab. I think this was something like the way out to Chicken Corners? We did Elephant Hill, Porcupine, Fins-n-Things. Nothing too tough that year

And one of the infamous Slick Rock Campground

 

[Awl_TEQ]

So, back on topic. Are windshields still available? They were the last time I looked but that was probably 8 years ago.

I know there were always shipping constraints, being glass. I called local dealers that have a history of some semblance of Landcruiser knowledge and got a $1100.00 quote and told they were NLA

I found a local-ish glass shop that specializes in earth mover machinery replacement glass. i.e, they cut to size. A phone call to them got me a quote of $300-ish. Now, you guys south of the border, remember that's Canadian funds so not as much as you think.

Any Canadian locals have a better source for the windshields?

 

[OGBeno]

So, back on topic. Are windshields still available? They were the last time I looked but that was probably 8 years ago.

I know there were always shipping constraints, being glass. I called local dealers that have a history of some semblance of Landcruiser knowledge and got a $1100.00 quote and told they were NLA

I found a local-ish glass shop that specializes in earth mover machinery replacement glass. i.e, they cut to size. A phone call to them got me a quote of $300-ish. Now, you guys south of the border, remember that's Canadian funds so not as much as you think.

Any Canadian locals have a better source for the windshields?

Kevin:

OEM AGC windshields are indeed discontinued.

Toyota brought them back for the JDM through the new GR Heritage Parts Program.

Parts Detail | GR HERITAGE PARTS | GR | TOYOTA GAZOO Racing

toyotagazooracing.com

You can have someone in Japan purchase it from a dealer there directly and have it shipped in. Dave Stedman comes to mind @Japan4X4

Otherwise, might be cost effective to have it cut by a local glass cutter.

 

[diesellibrarian]

Any Canadian locals have a better source for the windshields?

I took my old one in to a local glass shop and they used it as a template to cut a new one. Cost was $160 CDN (I'm in Lethbridge). This was only a few months ago.

I had to call around a bit as some shops had no interest in doing the work, but I finally found a place that seemed more than happy to do it. It must get boring replacing windshields on late model cars all day long...

 

[Awl_TEQ]

I took my old one in to a local glass shop and they used it as a template to cut a new one. Cost was $160 CDN (I'm in Lethbridge). This was only a few months ago.

I had to call around a bit as some shops had no interest in doing the work, but I finally found a place that seemed more than happy to do it. It must get boring replacing windshields on late model cars all day long...

Thanks @diesellibrarian

I called my regular glass shop where I have had probably 6 late model windshields done and they recommended the machinery place. But given your results of roughly half the cost I'll call around some more.

My totally changeable plan written in stone colored yogurt is to start by removing the windshield frame, stripping it, and welding in some fresh patches. A quick 6 out of 10 paint job. And then I can take the frame, old glass (hopefully) and the seal to a shop for installation. Simplest way really.

Then I can patch the rear quarters, straighten the rockers and patch the cowl. I have new front fenders and a set of clean side steps. The hood needs a patch or two. I might blast and re-coat the front bumper while the front clip is all off.

My trouble is this is my daily right now. I spent the summer on two wheels and didn't take advantage of the time the 42 was sitting all summer unused. I coulda had this all done before the weather started to turn. (For all those who though I'd never amount to much because of my procrastination, just you wait!). So I am going to borrow my son's daily and he is going to drive his second vehicle until I finish the rust repairs. The "trouble" comes if it snows a bunch. His second vehicle is the '91 Mazda B2200 low rider - absolute crap in the snow. So there is a time crunch of sorts, which is good actually. A looming deadline of sorts is a great motivator.

 

[Awl_TEQ]

Yeah, so this rust repair is just to keep it at bay and get my daily back on the road ASAP. I have always said I will be doing an all original frame off on it at some point but for now I just need a couple more years of daily. I have another project that will replace the BJ42 in daily duties. That thread will follow this one, but in the Diesel section or maybe the Hardcore Corner.

 

[osamenor]

So, back on topic. Are windshields still available? They were the last time I looked but that was probably 8 years ago.

I know there were always shipping constraints, being glass. I called local dealers that have a history of some semblance of Landcruiser knowledge and got a $1100.00 quote and told they were NLA

I found a local-ish glass shop that specializes in earth mover machinery replacement glass. i.e, they cut to size. A phone call to them got me a quote of $300-ish. Now, you guys south of the border, remember that's Canadian funds so not as much as you think.

Any Canadian locals have a better source for the windshields?

take that $300 deal and don't look back.

 

[rkymtnflyfisher]

@3_puppies had one cut in Helena not long ago, not too far down the road from you, and I'm heading to Fernie in Feb if you need one across the border.

 

[pbgbottle]

I still have some pics and videos from surf n turf. Of you and the Sask Peeps. Get that machine all cleaned up.
Mines been sitting since we went maybe drove it 6 times. Did the whipsaw trail in BC two years ago That was fun.

 

[Awl_TEQ]

More pics of wheelin

Feb 2017 - Winter trip to Ruby Falls. Our usual staging area just off the Forestry Trunk Road (Hwy 40) on the Cardinal River Road. From here its about 30km (19 miles) to the point one needs to air down and lock up at the river crossing. Then another 20-22km (12 - 14 miles) of trail to the falls

@arnott1t found a little creek for us

Then he was kind enough to give us a Master Class on grounding circuits

This is at or near the Ruby Falls camping/ day trip area

And the Falls in winter

 

[fjwagon]

Then I can patch the rear quarters, straighten the rockers and patch the cowl. I have new front fenders and a set of clean side steps. The hood needs a patch or two. I might blast and re-coat the front bumper while the front clip is all off.

My trouble is this is my daily right now. I spent the summer on two wheels and didn't take advantage of the time the

The "trouble" comes if it snows a bunch. His second vehicle is the '91 Mazda B2200 low rider - absolute crap in the snow. So there is a time crunch of sorts, which is good actually. A looming deadline of sorts is a great motivator.

Yep, about the only thing you can do is add 200 pounds at the rear. I remember them days. Stop 20 feet from the stop sign to get a running start to cross the intersection. I feel you, though Im glad I don't live in that kind of weather anymore. I'm not sure what is worse the cold or the heat. And I feel you on the procrastinating issue, I still have the 45 tailgate you made in one of the bedrooms. I guess, I'm more afraid it may disappear if I install it. Good luck with your repairs...not that you need it.

 

[Awl_TEQ]

August 2017 Eclipse Trip

We headed down to Wyoming to get into the path of totality. Fantastic trip, and for the first time ever my daughter came along rather than my son.

Any guesses as to the particular mountain range?

We found a little lake a few km off the road. Arriving a couple of days early there were already some campers staking out their turf

The setup for this trip

The Sun, or lack thereof. You can see what I think is Mercury lower left of the Sun/Moon

And a campsite on the way home - A reservoir in Montana maybe?

 

[3_puppies]

August 2017, that was when you stayed at my yard 1 night??

did you move the tent onto a trailer at some point?

lots of good memories for you in that rig

maybe the Tetons in Wyoming?

 

[Awl_TEQ]

That sounds about right. Were there three trucks and a bike? I know I have stopped at your place most times going southbound and camped at least once.

I built the trailer specifically for the second trip to Moab so I didn't have to have all that weight on the roof. I use either the trailer or the roof for the tent depending on the trip but if I am solo I actually don't take it at all. I made a platform that replaces the passenger seat and is at the same height as my drawer system making a 6ft flat area from the glove box to the rear doors - then the refrigerator on top of the kitchen drawer on the drivers side.

Lot's of memories for sure. I'm posting the pics because as I go through the albums I'm realizing just how much fun we've had. I can't seem to find a single picture of the second Moab trip. I know they exist somewhere. We did Moab Rim, Rusty Nail, Hells Gate/ Revenge and more. There should be a pic of me crossing Golden Crack somewhere. I took video of my son Jackson running around down in the crack. I might be mixing up my trips in my swiss cheese memory.

YES! Grand Tetons! You are correct

 

[Awl_TEQ]

A trip up to Ft McMurray Alberta for a run put on by the Tarsands Club and the Oil Country Cruisers

Feb 2018

So, I can't remember if this was the start of day one or day two - must be day two because my vent window is broken already - Anyway, we had just left the hotel and were still in town and I hear over the radio, "Is Kevin's truck on Fire?". Naturally that got my attention. With the temps around -25°C/ -13°F only the windshield was frost free on the inside and the sun was real low still behind me so other than forward visibility there was none. I managed to catch a glimpse behind me to see a massive could of steam trailing me and obscuring all else. Steam behind a vehicle in winter is normal, just moisture in the exhaust. But this was more than a little too much.

Turns out when you drain and refill the rad several times over several years without checking the effectiveness of the antifreeze it is easy to have it become insufficient. The rad hoses were crunchy when squeezed, meaning ice inside. At best the flow through the thermostat was restricted. By the time I had processed what was going on our hosts had two jugs of antifreeze purchased from the store 100 yards away and were shoving them in my direction. My best guess was the coolant in the block was boiling and the rad was slush - no idea how that translated into incredible clouds of steam, like, where did the water exit the block?

Long story longer, we added straight antifreeze to the rad and got some flow through to the block and back. No leaks detected. Let's go wheeling!

Headed out to the trail

I can hear the grins from here! Somewhere there is video of this epic trek through an open field. @Behemoth60 was having fun with Marc riding shotgun if I remember correctly

Following a trail blazed by snowmobiles

So this snowmobile trail of packed snow was just slightly narrower than the track width of a 40 series. The effect of which is to toss the rig left and right into deeper snow as you try and balance on the center. We fell off the right side as Jackson and I approached a thicket of willows which got progressively thicker. What to do... more fuel of course! Yeah, nah, we got sucked deeper into the thicket and at those temps a willow shattered my open vent window. Makes for a clear shot of the tool box baton that I held hostage for years.

This shot of @arnott1t should be a Christmas Card

40 series support group

The group shot

And an iso

 

[Awl_TEQ]

Unfortunately, that was all the wheeling we did until 2024. Jackson's football career was heating up as he played for the provincial team for four years in a row while moving from bantam to high school level so that took up summers and falls. We did a trip to Belgium. My daughter graduated high school and then into University. I bought a 2018 Tacoma and had fun outfitting that for a while... yeah, just life got in the way. Oh, and COVID for a couple of years there.

Anyway, sometime in 2020 @Behemoth60 was kind enough to rent me a spot on his acreage for the princely price of special favors , so she sat there for about two years until August of 2022. With the price of used vehicles skyrocketing the missus and I decided to sell the Tacoma and her 2016 4Runner for no reason other than we literally made money on them (after owning for a combined 6 years). We bought her a Rav4 with the proceeds and with no debt I didn't want a new car payment so the 42 was pressed into service. A two week road worthy maintenance session ensued. New brake shoes, pads, rotors, drums, soft lines and a booster - yeah, the brakes were bad. The tires and rims off the 4Runner that we had held back in the sale, some new upholstery, heated seat kit, oil changes etc. --- she was a new truck! A new daily driver!

Then Galileo predicted another eclipse...

 

[Awl_TEQ]

April 2024 saw another total eclipse come to North America. Always one for a road trip @Behemoth60 instigated a repeat of the last eclipse trip only this time we had to drive a bit further to get to totality.

The morning we hit the road. Yeah, that's a road there in the fog.

A morning shadow profile shot

Night one - some dunes somewhere north of Salt Lake - like hours north

My setup from the inside. Comfy.

Next Morning - Brrr

First stop. There is no shortage of praise or accolades on this site about a certain Outfitters owner. The guy is a legend in every sense of the word. This was Easter Sunday, he had just arrived back in town from a business trip and he had the family dinner in a couple of hours. He was more than happy to come down to the shop and open up for us. Peter had worn out brushes in his alternator and @cruiseroutfit would not let us go without providing the parts and tools and time to fix it. Epic. Seriously.

I picked up a reseal kit for my t-case while I was there but the highlight for me was Kurt literally told me I had to take the MegaCruiser around the block. Speechless.

Next morning we hit the museum to drop off a tool box... finally, after six years.

Friggin Poser. Notice I'm covering the rust with my hand - LOL