'93 MM540 - The adventure begins. EDIT : 4x4 conversion!

sriny_blr · 20th October 2011, 23:09

Dear BHPians,

My bro and I had in mind for long time to own a JEEP. I was coming to Bangalore for a month during the coming deepavali and I also needed a ride. I thought why not a JEEP! I talked to my bro who (as always) also welcomed the IDEA!
Then begins the hunt…
We found one form T-bhp classified section; it mentioned as MM540 1982 model asking 1.1lacs.. After a little google and from other threads in T-Bhp we understood that the MM540 came to market only around 1985. Upon meeting the seller by bro he mentioned its not a MM540 but CJ500. The Jeep was in running condition and the seller had left the Jeep at mechanic for some wiring work. All this roaming work was done by my bro @ Bangalore!
Further we searched many from internet and bro kept calling and none of them were fruitful either way above budget or no answers from the phones provided. A couple of them within our budget were already SOLD!
We found a guy who had 2 MM jeeps at his disposal who had bought from Govt auction. One soft top and the second was a hard top. The Hardtop Jeep was in running condition a MM540 and 1993 model. Bro had a test drive and was impressed. Bro came back home and we were chatting until evening and thought this might be the one which meets our needs.
I got to see more pictures and came to know this used to serve for a Police department! As we understand we cannot run this jeep until we get a new registration number from RTO since its registered as government vehicle with a ‘G’ number plate. AND this may take 1-2 weeks says the seller and he will organise that.
We do not want to go for any modification immediately. We just want to keep in running condition. The seller had informed that battery is missing, requires minor tinkering work, indicator lights etc are broken / missing.
My bro and I both being novice on JEEP thing, we seek all the help from TEAM-BHPians for this JEEP to keep on track! All inputs and information to source spares etc are welcome.
We would seek guidance on up-keep and maintenance of jeep in running condition. Our next project will be on simple modification.
Please also suggest any good mechanic for tinkering and checkup / tuning of engine & brakes if needed.
Thanks in advance!

sriny_blr · 20th October 2011, 23:27

The big task of reading all MM540 threads has begun and is even more exciting than ever! The first task is to get rid of the hard top and get a new soft top.

Meanwhile please find couple of photos of the MM540

Would love to know if there is any owners manual and specifications for this particular model is availabe

jeepster · 20th October 2011, 23:38

congrats !!

you have been JEEPed.

is it 4x4? (hmm its not)

for the body work you will need around 10k~15K depending on the work.

mechanicals will cost around 25K+ for general overhauling like suspension, axles, radiator, FIP, GB, steering, etc (excluding major repairs like full engine overhaul)

new wiring & battery will be within 9K ~10k.

new tyres will cost 27k+ for good 185/85/16R.

most important factor is a reliable mechanic, so try to meet fellow Bangalore jeepers & get as much info as you can before major overhaul.

rgds,
Nikhil

sriny_blr · 20th October 2011, 23:48

Quote:

Originally Posted by jeepster

congrats !!

you have been JEEPed.

is it 4x4? (hmm its not)
for the body work you will need around 10k~15K depending on the work.
mechanicals will cost around 25K+ for general overhauling like suspension, axles, radiator, FIP, GB, steering, etc (excluding major repairs like full engine overhaul)
new wiring & battery will be within 9K ~10k.
new tyres will cost 27k+ for good 185/85/16R.
most important factor is a reliable mechanic, so try to meet fellow Bangalore jeepers & get as much info as you can before major overhaul.

rgds,
Nikhil

Thanks Nikhil;

Its a 2WD as you identified.
Body work - Planning to postpone any major work, except minor touchup/tinkering
Wiring/Battery - Immediate
Tyres - Planning to Postpone
Reliable Mechanic - Big Task !

Thanks also for a cost estimate, which would be very handy!

Shubz · 21st October 2011, 01:50

Quote:

Originally Posted by sriny_blr

Reliable Mechanic - Big Task !

Congrats on the Jeep! which part of the city you in? Can help with the reliable mechanic part (if time is not a constraint)

sriny_blr · 21st October 2011, 04:43

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shubz

Congrats on the Jeep! which part of the city you in? Can help with the reliable mechanic part (if time is not a constraint)

Hi Shubz,
I live in singpore, But my bro is the one to run around to get the work done, he lives in Koramangala. Let me know more details on Garage

madpsyntist · 21st October 2011, 06:21

Quote:

Originally Posted by sriny_blr

Hi Shubz,
I live in singpore, But my bro is the one to run around to get the work done, he lives in Koramangala. Let me know more details on Garage

Hey Sriny, Congrats dude, you can check this garage in H.S.R where i am getting both my jeeps done, its called as Cart Wheel's guys good with rally vehicles & jeeps if you need any info you can call me on 9986116652.

Samurai · 21st October 2011, 09:21

Congrats on your Jeep.

Quote:

Originally Posted by sriny_blr

We do not want to go for any modification immediately. We just want to keep in running condition.

Please note that unless you have immediate plans on converting it into 4WD, we will have to move this thread out of 4x4 vehicle section to modification section.

svsantosh · 21st October 2011, 11:10

Quote:

Originally Posted by sriny_blr

...since its registered as government vehicle with a ‘G’ number plate. AND this may take 1-2 weeks says the seller and he will organise that

In our dreams...

Hope you did not pay more than 65-75K MAX for this jeep?

Even if you paid more - hope you have withheld at least 20% of payment upon receipt of proper docs?

sriny_blr · 21st October 2011, 17:40

Quote:

Originally Posted by svsantosh

In our dreams...

Hope you did not pay more than 65-75K MAX for this jeep?

Even if you paid more - hope you have withheld at least 20% of payment upon receipt of proper docs?

Well I would say its around there!
is there an issue with such a vehicle, please let me know?

sriny_blr · 25th October 2011, 17:53

Landed in Bangalore last night! couldnt sleep well wanting to see the JEEP!
Today morning went to the garage. My bro and cousin were liasing with the garage to get the tinkering work done and the tinkering work had begun

ALAS! I could not start the engine and take it for a spin. All seats were removed and all...

The cost quoted by the garage is 15k! This includes removing hard top and changing the front windshield frame.The windshield frame (included in cost above) says costs 4k ?

Mechanic infromed that few items needs to be repaired from outside
1. Diesel Oil pump (it seems theres a diesel leak)
2. Dynamo
3. New battery is required.
I need help to buy a new battery - which make, what model and what cost?

Had been to Russel market area this afternoon to find out the back door of the jeep, required to convert to soft top. could not find one. Any help to find where can I find this and estimated cost?

shortly will upload few more pics of tinkering work in progress!

Thanks in advance

Sreeni

sriny_blr · 25th October 2011, 18:29

We also met the seller, who is processing the documents in the RTO. got a copy of the RC book and it is registered in the name of Superintendent of Police.. Earlier we had noted the Engine/Chassis no and verified the same against the RC book, found OK.
He has promised to get the new Number by the end of next week.. Until then cannot ride! damn..

I was shocked to see the RC book stating the HP as 20 ?????
I thought MM540 DP was a 62 BHP XDP engine?

Do find attached few pics of body work in progress!

Sutripta · 25th October 2011, 20:31

Quote:

Originally Posted by sriny_blr

required to convert to soft top.

Don't throw the hardtop away immediately. You never know when you decide an ugly hardtop is better than no hardtop!

Quote:

Originally Posted by sriny_blr

I was shocked to see the RC book stating the HP as 20 ?????

Our 'Blue Book' norm is it refers to cc. So 2000 - 2099 cc. Still wrong though.

Regards
Sutripta

sriny_blr · 25th October 2011, 22:06

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sutripta

Don't throw the hardtop away immediately. You never know when you decide an ugly hardtop is better than no hardtop!

Our 'Blue Book' norm is it refers to cc. So 2000 - 2099 cc. Still wrong though.

Regards
Sutripta

Hard top - Advise noted; my bro also suggested the same.

HP - RC book scan attached.

sriny_blr · 26th October 2011, 23:24

Gents,
As discussed with mechanic yesterday, he had removed the Dynamo and Radiator. The Diesel pump was not removed.
My cousin, brother, nephew and self all 4 went to JC road (minerva circle) and dropped the Dynamo for repair. The cost quoted was 990, but finally settled for 900 bucks.
Tyre radiator after repair was put on test bench and generated 13.5Volts and Amperes shows around 46. Hope this is fine
The radiator flushing and cleaning (without stripping apart) costed 200 Rs.
We also went on a shopping spree, bought new hoses to replaced damaged ones, tail lights, indicator lights etc. Below is the cot of spare bought for today !

Gents, We found from one of the shops in the JC road the cost of installing a soft top is 5500Rs, is this a reasonable cost? What things are to be noted when installing the soft top
please advise !
Thanks

20th October 2011, 23:09	#1
sriny_blr BHPian Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: BLR Posts: 217 Thanked: 52 Times View My Garage	'93 MM540 - The adventure begins. EDIT : 4x4 conversion! Dear BHPians, My bro and I had in mind for long time to own a JEEP. I was coming to Bangalore for a month during the coming deepavali and I also needed a ride. I thought why not a JEEP! I talked to my bro who (as always) also welcomed the IDEA! Then begins the hunt… We found one form T-bhp classified section; it mentioned as MM540 1982 model asking 1.1lacs.. After a little google and from other threads in T-Bhp we understood that the MM540 came to market only around 1985. Upon meeting the seller by bro he mentioned its not a MM540 but CJ500. The Jeep was in running condition and the seller had left the Jeep at mechanic for some wiring work. All this roaming work was done by my bro @ Bangalore! Further we searched many from internet and bro kept calling and none of them were fruitful either way above budget or no answers from the phones provided. A couple of them within our budget were already SOLD! We found a guy who had 2 MM jeeps at his disposal who had bought from Govt auction. One soft top and the second was a hard top. The Hardtop Jeep was in running condition a MM540 and 1993 model. Bro had a test drive and was impressed. Bro came back home and we were chatting until evening and thought this might be the one which meets our needs. I got to see more pictures and came to know this used to serve for a Police department! As we understand we cannot run this jeep until we get a new registration number from RTO since its registered as government vehicle with a ‘G’ number plate. AND this may take 1-2 weeks says the seller and he will organise that. We do not want to go for any modification immediately. We just want to keep in running condition. The seller had informed that battery is missing, requires minor tinkering work, indicator lights etc are broken / missing. My bro and I both being novice on JEEP thing, we seek all the help from TEAM-BHPians for this JEEP to keep on track! All inputs and information to source spares etc are welcome. We would seek guidance on up-keep and maintenance of jeep in running condition. Our next project will be on simple modification. Please also suggest any good mechanic for tinkering and checkup / tuning of engine & brakes if needed. Thanks in advance! Last edited by sriny_blr : 20th October 2011 at 23:11.
	() Thanks

20th October 2011, 23:27	#2
sriny_blr BHPian Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: BLR Posts: 217 Thanked: 52 Times View My Garage	Re: The adventure begins The big task of reading all MM540 threads has begun and is even more exciting than ever! The first task is to get rid of the hard top and get a new soft top. Meanwhile please find couple of photos of the MM540 Would love to know if there is any owners manual and specifications for this particular model is availabe Attached Thumbnails Attached Images Last edited by sriny_blr : 20th October 2011 at 23:29.
	() Thanks

20th October 2011, 23:38	#3
jeepster Senior - BHPian Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: MH24 aka LATUR Posts: 1,694 Thanked: 1,926 Times View My Garage	Re: The adventure begins congrats !! you have been JEEPed. is it 4x4? (hmm its not) for the body work you will need around 10k~15K depending on the work. mechanicals will cost around 25K+ for general overhauling like suspension, axles, radiator, FIP, GB, steering, etc (excluding major repairs like full engine overhaul) new wiring & battery will be within 9K ~10k. new tyres will cost 27k+ for good 185/85/16R. most important factor is a reliable mechanic, so try to meet fellow Bangalore jeepers & get as much info as you can before major overhaul. rgds, Nikhil Last edited by jeepster : 20th October 2011 at 23:42. Reason: just saw pictures , so corrected some things
	() Thanks

25th October 2011, 17:53	#11
sriny_blr BHPian Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: BLR Posts: 217 Thanked: 52 Times View My Garage	re: '93 MM540 - The adventure begins. EDIT : 4x4 conversion! Landed in Bangalore last night! couldnt sleep well wanting to see the JEEP! Today morning went to the garage. My bro and cousin were liasing with the garage to get the tinkering work done and the tinkering work had begun ALAS! I could not start the engine and take it for a spin. All seats were removed and all... The cost quoted by the garage is 15k! This includes removing hard top and changing the front windshield frame.The windshield frame (included in cost above) says costs 4k ? Mechanic infromed that few items needs to be repaired from outside 1. Diesel Oil pump (it seems theres a diesel leak) 2. Dynamo 3. New battery is required. I need help to buy a new battery - which make, what model and what cost? Had been to Russel market area this afternoon to find out the back door of the jeep, required to convert to soft top. could not find one. Any help to find where can I find this and estimated cost? shortly will upload few more pics of tinkering work in progress! Thanks in advance Sreeni
	() Thanks

25th October 2011, 18:29	#12
sriny_blr BHPian Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: BLR Posts: 217 Thanked: 52 Times View My Garage	re: '93 MM540 - The adventure begins. EDIT : 4x4 conversion! We also met the seller, who is processing the documents in the RTO. got a copy of the RC book and it is registered in the name of Superintendent of Police.. Earlier we had noted the Engine/Chassis no and verified the same against the RC book, found OK. He has promised to get the new Number by the end of next week.. Until then cannot ride! damn.. I was shocked to see the RC book stating the HP as 20 ????? I thought MM540 DP was a 62 BHP XDP engine? Do find attached few pics of body work in progress! Attached Thumbnails Last edited by sriny_blr : 25th October 2011 at 18:31.
	() Thanks

26th October 2011, 23:24	#15
sriny_blr BHPian Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: BLR Posts: 217 Thanked: 52 Times View My Garage	re: '93 MM540 - The adventure begins. EDIT : 4x4 conversion! Gents, As discussed with mechanic yesterday, he had removed the Dynamo and Radiator. The Diesel pump was not removed. My cousin, brother, nephew and self all 4 went to JC road (minerva circle) and dropped the Dynamo for repair. The cost quoted was 990, but finally settled for 900 bucks. Tyre radiator after repair was put on test bench and generated 13.5Volts and Amperes shows around 46. Hope this is fine The radiator flushing and cleaning (without stripping apart) costed 200 Rs. We also went on a shopping spree, bought new hoses to replaced damaged ones, tail lights, indicator lights etc. Below is the cot of spare bought for today ! Gents, We found from one of the shops in the JC road the cost of installing a soft top is 5500Rs, is this a reasonable cost? What things are to be noted when installing the soft top please advise ! Thanks Attached Thumbnails Last edited by sriny_blr : 26th October 2011 at 23:30.
	() Thanks

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