if I'm reading that vin right, it's the 74th bj42 built...(lotsa zero's and a 74 at the end)
1980 is very early for a 42 either way...I'd be curious to see which spring hangers it has.
I looked at the 79 bj40. Frame is completely, utterly, irretrievably fxxxed. Check that. Power fxxxed...I actually can't think of one I've seen that was worse.
it would make it onto a trailer with out breaking in half, but avoid the larger bits of gravel on the way. Which is a shame because the body isn't .
pretty clean floor pans, rear sill is gone, and a little here and there, but overall one of the better I've seen in years that wasn't an import.
But, ad a frame made mostly of dirt to a s***ty old "B" diesel that is worthless when it runs, and twice as worthless when it hasn't run in 10 plus years and is a ball of greasy rust ...well, 3500 for a half decent tub and some parts. I didn't buy it.
Against my better judgement I made him an offer, he didn't take it. Meh.