Builds 1988 BJ74 “Number 1”

[FJBen]

All of this tire talk and nothing moving forward. Not like I don't have enough going on, I thought I'd give one a try.

So taking off 3 of 4 flares

Seems like all's well....on to the last flare

Yeah, I figured there would be some s*** hiding under those flares.




Off-roading in the 90s...the decade of diamondplate...The Fortnite of fiberglass flares.


Apparently everyone thought it was a good idea to create a non-watertight cavity out of a non-rusting medium, attach pop-rivet it to your metal fenders so it will keep water from getting on your vehicle, but allow it to trap dirt and moisture to sit contently for years. What could go wrong?


So add that to the list of things to work on. Glass 1/2 full, it's pretty mild, but Ih8rust.








It's taking me a bit to adjust to it without the flares. The front right flare was different, painted different (more gloss) and was screwed on. It was repaired at some point as well and the rubber gasket was newer, different and more pliable.

 

[bj70_guy]

Looks way better without the flares IMO!

 

[Honger]

Looks way better without the flares IMO!

Second.

 

[FJ73Texas]

I am going to have to remove my flares soon so I can replace the rubber (I already have them). I am just afraid to see what lurks under there and your post isn't helping!

 

[Irish11]

What are you going to do to fill the screw/rivet holes? Weld or bondo? I have that to deal with. For now I put gorilla tape on the inside to keep the dirt/rain out, but I need to figure out a permanent solution.

 

[FJBen]

I am going to have to remove my flares soon so I can replace the rubber (I already have them). I am just afraid to see what lurks under there and your post isn't helping!

You might be in better shape. Mine is/was pretty dang solid everywhere else. I knew there was some rust attempted to fix, and the replaced windscreen with a fiberglass FRP so it's not real surprising. Actually better than I thought. This was an Australian cruiser that was used and well loved, although quite well taken care of. I'd love to keep it as original as possible, but it's a long way from original lol.

 

[FJBen]

What are you going to do to fill the screw/rivet holes? Weld or bondo? I have that to deal with. For now I put gorilla tape on the inside to keep the dirt/rain out, but I need to figure out a permanent solution.

So mine riveted through the bottom lip of the fender so they aren't into the body cavity at all. I will probably Weld them up when I decide to tackle that.

 

[FJ73Texas]

You might be in better shape. Mine is/was pretty dang solid everywhere else. I knew there was some rust attempted to fix, and the replaced windscreen with a fiberglass FRP so it's not real surprising. Actually better than I thought. This was an Australian cruiser that was used and well loved, although quite well taken care of. I'd love to keep it as original as possible, but it's a long way from original lol.

On the bright side, you are able to tackle the issue before it gets worse. It looks like it could get ugly if left untreated in that area.

 

[FJBen]

You can see where someone tried to repair this fender before and skim coated it. It’s not thick at all and the only rot is in the upper section that I can see. It’s solid behind so I’m guessing this was the attempt to hide some bodywork.

You can see they sorta taped off the original pin stripes.

There is also 2 spots in the lower rockers on each side in the rear, pretty common. A plan of attack will be coming. The back corner also has some bog from what I assume was backing into something.

She’s a driver, not a show truck but I would like to stop any rot before it takes over.

 

[Felde]

What are you going to do to fill the screw/rivet holes? Weld or bondo? I have that to deal with. For now I put gorilla tape on the inside to keep the dirt/rain out, but I need to figure out a permanent solution.

I'd either weld it or (kind of a forgotten art) solder it. Bondo in that place and for holes is imho a no go.

 

[FJBen]

I'd either weld it or (kind of a forgotten art) solder it. Bondo in that place and for holes is imho a no go.

You can see how they attached to the bottom of the fender.

 

[FJBen]

Found the end of a car show after my sons track meet. Lots of looks when we pulled in.

Original owner 93 mustang cobra. 26k miles and looked brand new. For sale $35k.

 

[PabloCruise]

Looks like an American Graffiti reunion there...

 

[FJBen]

Popped over to help @PabloCruise work on his pig. Swapping fuel tanks. Good times we’re had. What an awesome herd of cruisers he has.

He lives about 15 mins from me. Also met @Laughingjackal and his sweet SOA 4bd1t swapped 60 series who lives just down the block from @PabloCruise

Fun times ahead.

 

[FJBen]

So.

Looks like about $430 in shipping for 4 wheels from partsouq. They only show 3 in stock.
I may have to rethink this and deal with spacers.

 

[Rigster]

So.

View attachment 2992488


Looks like about $430 in shipping for 4 wheels from partsouq. They only show 3 in stock.
I may have to rethink this and deal with spacers.

decisions, decisions! At least you have options.

Is there anything wrong with your current steelies? IE: one is bent or out of round and driving you crazy because it just won't balance? (I have one or maybe even 2 stock alloys on my Jetta that won't balance perfectly because of a bent rim, I am just too cheap to put anything into that car - lol) If not, then I would recommend if you are torn, undecided, to wait. Some other option that we have not thought of tends to present itself in due time. Or, you may come to a definitive, conclusive decision where you were conflicted before. Or a perfect used set that you would be happy with comes available from a mud member near you...

Etc, etc...
I wish you luck in finding the perfect solution that keeps both your pocketbook happy, AND makes your cruiser shine... more than it does already!

 

[jblueridge]

I think it is US Wheel that offers several (but very similar) steel wheels with the option for 3.5” backspace.
Wheels

 

[FJBen]

decisions, decisions! At least you have options.

Is there anything wrong with your current steelies? IE: one is bent or out of round and driving you crazy because it just won't balance? (I have one or maybe even 2 stock alloys on my Jetta that won't balance perfectly because of a bent rim, I am just too cheap to put anything into that car - lol) If not, then I would recommend if you are torn, undecided, to wait. Some other option that we have not thought of tends to present itself in due time. Or, you may come to a definitive, conclusive decision where you were conflicted before. Or a perfect used set that you would be happy with comes available from a mud member near you...

Etc, etc...
I wish you luck in finding the perfect solution that keeps both your pocketbook happy, AND makes your cruiser shine... more than it does already!

Appreciate that. Nothing wrong with current rims other than they are 16". I was wanting to move up to the 17" tire range as there tires seem to be getting much more plentiful and cheaper in that range. The 255/85 is a bit harder to find on short notice.

We'll see, not a huge rush.

 

[FJBen]

Just a stop yesterday heading to another work site. Just love driving it.

 

[FJBen]

It's that time.

Time to slap that soft top back on and enjoy that weather.


Dropped thew windshield this time, testing out spots for the hood cradle.

Replaced this gasket. You can see the leftover remnants of silicon that someone chose to seal off. The old gasket was compressed bad. This one is nice and pliant and squishy and much thicker. Still need to clean up all the silicon.

This is fairly close on the position of the hood blocks. I found a few pictures online that show roughly how they line up with the washer nozzles.

Matching barn cat/cruiser. I thinks her name is flash but I mainly call her "get off of that, shoo"

Ahhh, summer is coming