Mud-club
Vehicle & Technical => Suzuki => Topic started by: Welshie on May 19, 2007, 22:35:33
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hi there, i have been crusing the net to find people who know a bit about off roading, you guys sounded like you know what your on about, so a day waiting for my membership later and im here to pick your brains.
i have never tried off roading but have been interested in it for quite a while. from what i read on the net a SJ is a good cheep way to get into it.
my van is up for sale and so i have cash to spend but i have no idea what to look out for, how much to pay and where to look. i have come from the VW scene...... (forgive me)
there a quite a few on ebay. most are cheep but is there anything i should be looking for when viewing them. all i know they have a ladder support system so it doesnt matter to the mot if the body rusts away.
im selling my van for £1200 but im not sure if i should buy the more expensive SJ's with the winch, cage and lift kits. or go for a standard and add as i need it. in your opinion is it worth the extra for someone of my limited experance?
the nice people at my insurace company have agreed to swap my insurance over but they wont cover me off road. does anyone know a way i can get covered off road, is there any loopholes?
also, are there any tips for driving them, all i could get from the lads down the pub was dont take it on a motoway without a priest.
sorry if im eating your time, you have probibly been asked it all before. i do however have a B and B in cardiff with offroad parking for 6 cars. im sure we could come to some sort of deal with the users of this forum if any of you end up this way. www.farlenhouse.co.uk. also if anyone lives down here i would be very greatfull if i could tag along for a day, i can pay in beer....
thanks again for your time
Welshie
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hay mate,sj are great lil truck offroads,the best bet for getting started too :D
if you havent done offroding be4 id get a standerd sj to start with then do it up as you want,also that way you know how good the work is on it,
things too look for are the tin worm really,smokey engines,any thing elce is really easy to change over or repair,some times that could save a bit of cash when buying too,
this is just my idea,there are more peps who know a lot more that i do and should be here to help soon mate,
hope this helps a lil bit :D :D
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rust, rust, and more rust!
BUT, The chassis dont rust!
Check wheelarches, floors, under headlights, boot floor etc.
Tough little car, tough axles with the standard engine, engines good iof looked after, but the standard carbs are junk!
Probably a good idea to get one thats been fettled a bit and not full of tinworm.
Any further questions, ask away, post pics of potential purchases etc.
Rolla
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got a nice little sj410 for sale on e-bay. shame you are the other side of the country as that should suit you well
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I've got an SJ410 for trialling and just bought another for spares, they're great little motors :D
My advice would be to look at it the same as you would any other car, get the cleanest one you can for your money, whether that be modified (take someone who knows what modifications are good and which ones are bodges :wink: ) or standard.
A couple of things to bear in mind SJ410 = 1000cc, SJ413 = 1300cc
As for insurance off road, if you're talking about just doing a bit of green laning. As long as you're on a proper Right of Way for motor vehicles (usually a Byway) then Green lanes are legal roads, subject to all the usual road traffic regulations etc so your standard insurance should cover you, if it doesn't then ask your insurance company for an explanation as they've sold you duff cover :wink:
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hi m8 as said above but if ur unsure please use this forum so we can help you if needed
simon
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hi all, thanks for the reply. i have seen a nice looking sj and have started talking to the guy who owns it. it doesnt have any rust at all.
i have hurd the carbs are a bit rubbish but luckly this one has webbers. its a 1.3 and it even had a nice sterio, with waterproof speakers.
the only thing wrong with it is the roof is a bit tatty, looks like it will let the rain in. does anyone know where i could get a cheep one from? the only one i can find is quite expensive. it does look good though.
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3AIT&viewitem=&item=8030862739&rd=1&rd=1
as for mods......
i have been on youtube watching SJ's climb and i cant help but notice they tip over a lot. in one of the vids it rolls quite a few times and the entire cab/roof gets crushed. the guy was fine but he was very lucky.
i have some really bad luck so im looking for advice on roll bars. how much should i be paying to get some made up, or do you know someone who makes and sells them? also bucket seats, does anyone know where to get/want to sell some sub frames or seats?
also any idea why the front window folds down? i think its bloody great.
thanks again for your replies, you have been great.
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hi welshie
id double check that sj they didnt make the samurai till 1998 (e reg) :?:
you shud be ok in the tipping over bit just take it easy till u get used to it
if you have a local fabbing company pop to see them see if they can make you a roll hoop shudnt be to much
bucket seats loads on fleabay
simon
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Ive got a soft top for sale, no rips/tears etc.
It is well used, but doesnt leak! obviously its second hand so doesnt look new, but its NOT held together by tape etc, and the zips all work.
Rolla
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hi guys, thanks again for all the replies.
Gen x, im a bit confused, what do i need to be checking, the year of manufacture? it was advertised as a SJ413
and Rollazuki, how much do you want for your soft top dude?
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welshie it might just have samurai badges fitted to the wings if you can can u tell how wide the wheel arches are? also were in relation to the chassis are the leafs? i.e along the chassis or outside of it?
not been funny just dont want you buying something that aint right :lol:
simon
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welshie it might just have samurai badges fitted to the wings if you can can u tell how wide the wheel arches are? also were in relation to the chassis are the leafs? i.e along the chassis or outside of it?
not been funny just dont want you buying something that aint right :lol:
simon
How can you see Samuri badges from that picture :?
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welshie it might just have samurai badges fitted to the wings if you can can u tell how wide the wheel arches are? also were in relation to the chassis are the leafs? i.e along the chassis or outside of it?
not been funny just dont want you buying something that aint right :lol:
simon
How can you see Samuri badges from that picture :?
Red look at the front of the wings lol :shock:
simon
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welshie it might just have samurai badges fitted to the wings if you can can u tell how wide the wheel arches are? also were in relation to the chassis are the leafs? i.e along the chassis or outside of it?
not been funny just dont want you buying something that aint right :lol:
simon
How can you see Samuri badges from that picture :?
Red look at the front of the wings lol :shock:
simon
Fair point :oops:
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hi again. i wont be able to get to see it untill thursday now. im meeting the guy in Hereford. if anyone is in the area and wants to come and give me a second opinion there is a steak lunch and a pint in it for you.
if i post up a few more pics could you tell me how much i should be paying him for it? or better still what i shouldnt be paying him for it. he wanted £1300 but i have already talked him down quite a bit.
its stock apart from the tires, the sterio and the duct tape mods on the cover (makes it go faster) oh and it has webbers.
you guys have been great you know... thanks again.
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here is a pic of the inside as well.
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I dunno, 25 quid?
Only thing amiss as far as I can remember is the stitching is a bit frayed where the front fastens into the top of the screen surround, and the little velcro straps that go round the rear softtop support are adrift. Oh, and the press stud on one of the straps that holds the rear door rolled up has pulled thru.. as you can imagine, non of those cause it to leak, be adrift, or actually need any repair.
Let me know, Ill whip it off and post it to Cardiff.
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that sounds perfect, can i let you know after thursday?
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welshie m8 i have to say how much!!!! sorry but imho thats way to much for wot is really a standard sj from 1986/87 to give you some inside i found a m8 a m reg mint sammy with spares loads of mot for £600 in standard form
i just sold a 410 E reg fitted with inboard petrol tank,brand new 205 diamond backs,lobster box,custom tube bumpers no t&t but was ready except for front number plate for £500
sold another end of last year 413 with full exo cage,spoa,32" colways,bucket seats,tube bumpers, for £800
the 410
(http://www.sblnet.co.uk/photosblucket/images/generationx/dvdvr124.jpg)
simon
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hi gen-x thanks for the reply. you might have saved me a duffle bag of money (well, in pennies and fives). i owe you a steak.
do you know of any that are for sale? where is the best place to look?
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best to look on fleabay if ur in a hurry see the completed listings so you can see wots going for wot as its ur 1st offroader go for something with minimal mods again just my opinion
a good sj with just mud tires fitted will suprise you then just look about for cheap mods springs, and the such just dont mod to quick do one thing drive it for a while get used to its new way of driving make sure ur happy and if you want to go further buy something else
list of mods imho (again)
cheap b&q snorkle
set of offroad tires
have a play...
get set of lift springs and shox to match
play again
as said b4 m8 if u get stuck just ask
simon
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i just found one on ebay, came running over here like a excited puppy to show you and then read what you said about mods.
well have a look anyway, it cant hurt.
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=330122435996
dont you sleep?
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ive got a off road sj for sale
roll cage bucket seats su carb mud tyres
450 quid
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hi wheeler, does it have tax and mot?
if so can i give you a ring?
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no tax or mot which is why its 450 quid but seems aood base
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[!Expletive Deleted!]. my problem is that im selling my van on thursday and my insurance company have only given me a few days to insure a different car. im going to need to get one soon, ill keep a eye on ebay.
wheeler, i think i will have to leave it as i wont be able to tow it. thanks anyway though, it looked perfect.
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welshie looks a bit of a bitza to me chances are the logbook aint been changed this will play merry hell for the next mot too
simon
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i think you might be right, i just spent half a hour trying to explain it to the insurance company. i gave up in the end. it doesn't have the original engine and they didnt understant how it could be changed.
wheeler, do you know what it would need for a mot by any chance?
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rear light lens
horn wiper blades and antiroll bar put back on front bumper general stuff
if you capible but would need a good look over first
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its a long way for me to come and have a look. would you consider putting it through a mot for me?
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any news welshie?
simon
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yep, sort of. i have found a bog standard SJ413 that is quite near me. my van is on ebay with 3 hours left and its going well. im going to wait untill the aution is ended and then give the guy a ring about the sj. hopefully should have it sorted by the end of the day.
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????????????????????????????
:(scared):
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the van sold, i have the cash in my hand now. the SJ fell through though. because of the insurance i have just over a week to find a sj. the search is well and truely on.
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Good luck Welshie,
I know you're on a tight schedule with your insurance but try not to grab the first one you see, make sure it's a goodun :wink:
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thanks dude, i think im going to need it. if worse comes to worse i can just end my policy but i would loose out on my no clames for the year and they will charge me about £170ish. still its better than having a sj that is going to implode.
what do you guys think about this one?. i think its a bit pricey and it looks a bit to good to take off road but its close to me and looks in really good condition. is it worth the money?
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/SUZUKI-SJ413-SAMURAI-SPORT-WHITE_W0QQitemZ110129423929QQihZ001QQcategoryZ18283QQtcZphotoQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
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looks a tidy motor id ask if there is any smoke at all from the engine its usually on over run nuffin major but nice to no before hand and it being a k reg it is one of the latter models
as u say bit pricey but as a base it looks the part
already got the wheels
and if the removable hard top does come with it its good for £150+ back if u just keep the soft top
simon
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It does look tidy enough but then pictures can be deceiving, price seems a tad high. Can you get to have a look at it before bidding ends. :?:
It's hard to tell from the pictures but is the bottom front corner of the drivers door rusty/distorted :?: i can't quite make it out :?
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im hopefully going to go and have a look tomorrow. i gave the owner a ring to try to talk her down but she was having none of it. she did mention it comes with both tops some extra tires and a few other things.
thanks again for the guidance gen, and your name is Simon? i always figured you as a sort of Gandalf of sj's.. Im Adam by the way.
ill let you know how it goes tomorrow.
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hi adam yeah its simon and the freaky thing my middle name is ur 1st name lol
as said if you can take a look at it its always better im just a tad confuzzled on the roof bit couple of pix show a black hard top then one shows a white hard top then another shows a white soft top if it comes with 2 hard tops ur laughing £300 back makes it a cheap k plater
simon
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get yourself an sj410, go from standard and do it al yourself, its not expensive and its something to be proud of after ;) also you will find that a lot of people will say theyve seen me go up things and through things that landys have been stuck in!!!! thats cool ;)
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hi all, just to update you i went up yesterday and baught it. it doesnt have tax though so im going to have to wait untill wed to go back and pic it up, the post office was closed when i was there. we took it on a nice test drive. they are so fun to drive, its the same kind of creature as the old v dubs, just what i was after.
it did come with the two hard tops and a soft top. ill sell the two hard tops and the rear seats. im just unsure what the 'cassete player' does, i figure it must be how people kept in touch before the internet. :P
i couldnt find any rust on her at all, i looked everywhere, the carpets are held in with poppers which is a great idea, the rear seats come out which suprised me. it has a roll cage as well and the original tyres which look fine.
i checked the engine over and it looks good apart from there is a oil leak coming from behind the engine, looks like the gear box, it is very minor though. my mate is a mecanic, ill get him to check it over. there was no smoke at all.
im dead chuffed. thanks for all your help guys.
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sounds like you got a good little monster ;) congrats :P
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Well done welshie =D> it sounds like you've picked a good'un there :D
selling those two hardtops should recoup a few squidlies for modifications :twisted:
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adam
nice one m8y
as said ge them hard tops on fleabay today u shud have pix off the link u put up lol
the oil leak id say its the fuel pump diafram just new pump needed or just leave it not major prob
glad u found one so quick
simon
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I would advise just getting a standard one or maybe with decent tires, As parts are available all over the place, If you haven't done it before, you will not just jump into the hardest place so you will not need all the gear staight away,
For give me if you do get stuck straight away, you should get a winch eventually, but realy you should go out with other 4x4 and ropes. No problem then. Jamie
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does anyone know if a new owner suplement is enough to get a tax disk or do you need the whole v5?
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yes m8 just the new keeper section is fine to tax ur new toy
simon
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i checked the engine over and it looks good apart from there is a oil leak coming from behind the engine, looks like the gear box, it is very minor though. my mate is a mecanic, ill get him to check it over. there was no smoke at all.
im dead chuffed. thanks for all your help guys.
Could be Fuel pump, dizzy mount or the rocker cover. It wont be anything serious by a long shot. Mine STILL leaks from the dizzy mounting 18 months later :)
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great news on the tax. i shall be picking her up tomorrow and as for the oil...... i come from Classic VW's and i so have happily owned cars which use as much oil as petrol.
you guys have been such a help and the b+b is empty untill december.
if anyone fancys organising the trip ill be happy to provide accomidation at cost price by ways of a thank you.
im just outside cardiff and there is a local off road site a few miles away, not to mention the wales rally course which is a public right of way (i think) and some great beaches that you can drive onto (with a 4x4). it could be a good cheep weekend for you guys and the family.
the addy for the B+B is http://www.farlanhouse.com
we have three doubles and two singles as well as off road parking for 6
all you have to do is pick a date as a group and i will chack for availability. it could be quite a fun Zuke gathering (but everyone else is welcome as well).
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great news on the tax. i shall be picking her up tomorrow
we have three doubles and two singles as well as off road parking for 6
now adam is this proper offroad parking?? got a muddy field then??
simon
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nope but i have a full skip i can tip over for you.
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you got it then adam??
let us no :shock:
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i have, and its bloody great!
i havent been around because i have been moving caravans for the glastonbury lot. i dont know if you guys have ever towed anything with a sj but its not fun.
im keeping one of the hard tops but selling the other and the soft top. hopefully will be on ebay today.
now i just have to find a site.