Hi all,
First of all, appologies for the long post.
I am a first time poster here. I am interested in an HJ47 troop carrier that's been converted into a camper. I have seen the "pre-restoration" photos of this over the years. I believe the first UK owner was(is?) A member here. Here are some photos pre repaint:
I had a look at the troopy a few days ago whilst down south visiting pals. I thought this might be the one given various obviously rusty ones over the years. I would appreciate opinions from owners here as perhaps I have unrealistic expectations for UK 40 series.
Good bits:
1. The chasis looks good and solid as per photos, and the engine bay is clean without leaks. Some clean motor oil on transfer case/tranny which the seller claimed was put on to prevent corrosion. Certainly smells and feels like a coating rather than a leak.
2. Roof seal appears brand new and feels that way. Sealant added over bolts here to further waterproof it.
3. Starts first time from cold, no smoke from the 2H, smooth.
4. Seller is including 2x new front doors, diesel pump and injectors, various trims, seals, and door catches.
Now the bad bits:
1. The main issue is body work! It is very good from far, but definitely far from good. I can see swelling in the steel and cracks in the paint where underlying corrosion is trying to come through. The previous owner clearly painted over bits of rust. I can even feel some crunch over one particular swollen bit! Underbody was coated black, all looks and feels very uniform and solid. I can see signs of welding which seller was very forthcoming with.
2. Considerable play in gear shift, but it does slide into gear very nicely - probs need a new return spring. Considerable play in clutch. Given that I didn't drive it, I can't say much about engagement.
3. The roof rack is surprisingly sturdy, no play whatsoever! But, I still have concerns about long-term use given single attachment points vs pre-refurb.
4. Various wires hanging off beneath which seller claims to be from the fuel pump from auxiliary fuel tank.
5. The aux fuel tank has a lot of duct tape around it, and the seller claims this is for noise deadening... :/
I didn't manage to drive it due to very poor weather and time constraints (rushing home from 500 miles away). I was also put off by parts of body work, which will need to be done soon, given that the repaint was done on a budget less than 10 years ago and rust is starting to come through. I am happy to do the mechanical bits but not so much welding/body work.
I would buy it at a push for 20k due to rarity and then do up the body work, but not at 28k.
Regards
G
First of all, appologies for the long post.
I am a first time poster here. I am interested in an HJ47 troop carrier that's been converted into a camper. I have seen the "pre-restoration" photos of this over the years. I believe the first UK owner was(is?) A member here. Here are some photos pre repaint:
I had a look at the troopy a few days ago whilst down south visiting pals. I thought this might be the one given various obviously rusty ones over the years. I would appreciate opinions from owners here as perhaps I have unrealistic expectations for UK 40 series.
Good bits:
1. The chasis looks good and solid as per photos, and the engine bay is clean without leaks. Some clean motor oil on transfer case/tranny which the seller claimed was put on to prevent corrosion. Certainly smells and feels like a coating rather than a leak.
2. Roof seal appears brand new and feels that way. Sealant added over bolts here to further waterproof it.
3. Starts first time from cold, no smoke from the 2H, smooth.
4. Seller is including 2x new front doors, diesel pump and injectors, various trims, seals, and door catches.
Now the bad bits:
1. The main issue is body work! It is very good from far, but definitely far from good. I can see swelling in the steel and cracks in the paint where underlying corrosion is trying to come through. The previous owner clearly painted over bits of rust. I can even feel some crunch over one particular swollen bit! Underbody was coated black, all looks and feels very uniform and solid. I can see signs of welding which seller was very forthcoming with.
2. Considerable play in gear shift, but it does slide into gear very nicely - probs need a new return spring. Considerable play in clutch. Given that I didn't drive it, I can't say much about engagement.
3. The roof rack is surprisingly sturdy, no play whatsoever! But, I still have concerns about long-term use given single attachment points vs pre-refurb.
4. Various wires hanging off beneath which seller claims to be from the fuel pump from auxiliary fuel tank.
5. The aux fuel tank has a lot of duct tape around it, and the seller claims this is for noise deadening... :/
I didn't manage to drive it due to very poor weather and time constraints (rushing home from 500 miles away). I was also put off by parts of body work, which will need to be done soon, given that the repaint was done on a budget less than 10 years ago and rust is starting to come through. I am happy to do the mechanical bits but not so much welding/body work.
I would buy it at a push for 20k due to rarity and then do up the body work, but not at 28k.
Regards
G
