Great find on an awesome condition 40! You're learning all the right stuff from some of the best LC gurus in the world here on Mudd. Keep plugging away at it, these TLCs love lots of TLC lol
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So this weekend I made a bold decision: I drove 222 miles in the 40, including on I-90 with a stop to smash it against some rocks halfway. Went to a spot in western Mass with @cruiserguy80, then drove home with a stop for refreshment along the way. I never would have done this with the old points, but with the new electronic ignition it's a different machine. Steering is the same though...
It did pretty well offroading, though not nearly as well as Jack's 80 with the extra weight, clearance and locking diffs. It was white knuckle on the way home, worrying that I'd busted something that would fall to pieces on the interstate. Probably not going to rush to do that again soon. But it cruised at 70 on the way home. I took @jmlockwood's suggestion and brough a pair of noise cancelling headphones. I think that's the only reason I was able to go that fast, if you can't hear the noise, everything sounds fine!
Slim pickings for food, but the beer made up for it. And nothing like 70 degrees in New England in November.
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License Plate Holder Cleanup
I cleaned up and then repainted the license plate holder, in honor of the latest piece of bling. It's a very Rhode Island thing, maybe they do it in Delaware too? I'm guessing this plate was scooped up long ago in places like California or Colorado. I was shocked it was still available, figured Fred Jones would have grabbed it or something.
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Yes, same silver. It's not a perfect match to the OEM pewter, but it works. The black paint didn't come out quite as nice as I'd like, but it's a big improvement. One day I'll set up a powder coat oven. Maybe.Looking good...I need to paint my license plate holder (was wondering what to do with what was left of my Eastwood paint - thanks for inspiring me).
Did you paint the license plate light covers the same silver as the bumperettes?
Thanks @Chestcutter. RetroSound install wasn't too bad, spent half the time removing the DIN type stereo that one of the POs had installed and figuring out correct wiring paths. It is a little intimidating when you open it up and see all the wires. Mine has more inputs than a PTO meeting. I'll never use most of them, and there is a fair bit of room in the dash, especially behind the ash tray. Removing that helps.Love the Treehouse can with the 40. Congrats on all the hard work to get the truck up and running!
I've been the recipient of a lot of help from @4Cruisers in the dissy department. He sent me a refurbished '78 which looks like new and finally has the truck idling at 650 despite a small manifold vac leak. Next project.
Looks like you got the cigarette lighter working!
I'm curious about the Retrosound install. I have one waiting to go in, and went with the SOR kick panel speaker mounts which are currently waiting for the paint to dry. Will have to compare notes how the sound is