A gift and a cruiser curse ... (my new to me 1987 60-series) (1 Viewer)

[lazydogoutfitters]

More recently came on this forum and have met quite a few people in the community locally in NC already. A long time friend of mine has had a 1987 all original 60 sitting in his driveway for the ages not running. Its beyond sun baked and I've heckled him for a long while about taking it off his hands. He finally bit and I towed it home a few weeks ago. Didn't take much to get it running and to my surprise he actually did a fair amount of work to it over the years ( clutch, seals, radiator, water pump). I've mostly worked for Mercedes Benz at a dealership level for about 20 years. I left automotive work behind last year and I've always hated working on my own vehicles. This little truck has sparked some enjoyment in the past few weeks and I'm looking forward to making it "better than it was" condition wise. Here's a few pictures of the truck it had special graphic applied at the dealer as well as a different seat trim package. I have the window sticker and it was noted on there as well. Pretty cool. I've swapped in Isuzu rodeo seats, new battery, filters, drained fuel tank and rinsed out (minor rust), drained trans and transfer case and put in 80w-90 Penn grade gl4. Will get around to the diffs and other fluids soon but funds are not really there for any big upgrades at the time. Planning on coating the frame with something and scaling rust please recommend any of your favorite products for that.

 

[lazydogoutfitters]

 

[lazydogoutfitters]

Few more areas that need some love

 

[lazydogoutfitters]

Welcome to Mud, Matt.

Thanks! Definitely a wonderful resource!

 

[roadstr6]

That truck appears to possibly be cleaner than most. The rust looks superficial to me. I would wire brush or needle scale the frame and coat it with Fluid Film. As for the surface rust on the roof, CLR and a Scotch Brite pad to knock down the rust and treat with Penetrol. The rest of the body looks like it will shine up like a new penny with some compound and polish. Awesome truck!

Bring it to the meet-up tonight. I'd love to see it in person.

 

[D21FJ60]

MB tech.....when will we see an OM6xx swap?

 

[lazydogoutfitters]

That truck appears to possibly be cleaner than most. The rust looks superficial to me. I would wire brush or needle scale the frame and coat it with Fluid Film. As for the surface rust on the roof, CLR and a Scotch Brite pad to knock down the rust and treat with Penetrol. The rest of the body looks like it will shine up like a new penny with some compound and polish. Awesome truck!

The paints pretty smoked! It will rub off on ya. Same with the interior, had me looking like I played with a pool chalk every time I got in and out. Rust under it is superficial for sure. I'll knock it down and coat it with something. I was looking at KBS and a few others but worried if I work too much rust off I may have adhesion issues. (Apparently some work better on more rusted surfaces)

 

[jclark]

Kioto headlight is an easy one upgrade. @CruiserTrash for that. If you’re doing led tail lights he can set you up with a modified relay so you don’t experience the “hyper blinkers of death.”

Get a set of battery cables from @Fourrunner. Purchased two sets. They’re beefy and good value.

There’s a couple of threads on the best mods for 60 series rigs. Have a search and welcome to Mud, Matt.

 

[lazydogoutfitters]

MB tech.....when will we see an OM6xx swap?

Ha! Probably never! I don't want to be working on it all the time! Some of the diesels they made over the years weren't that bad though if they didn't have so many emission control devices on them. The 606 was stout but you better like fuel leaks! The 648 in a 211 chassis was one of my favorites.

 

[lazydogoutfitters]

Updates on my 60.

I've installed flocked window channels in the front doors and regained crank window function. Applied white lithium to regulators (ordered a new RF sounds like a broken jack in the box). And fluid filmed inside door liners.
Painted my skid plate.
Changed transfer case and transmission fluid with Penn grade 80-90.
And just pulled all these old roller tires polished the wheels. Installed new valve stems/balanced.

 

[lazydogoutfitters]

Did the skid with rustoleum rusty metal primer. And epoxy black rustoleum after.

Thinking about coating the truck in papis patina after I paint the roof and seal the rust on it. Anyone ever use that stuff?

 

[WartHog73]

Truck looks great! I would second what @roadstr6 mentioned for the roof - CLR, scotch brite pad, and Penetrol. The Penetrol will seep where it needs to to stop further rust. May need to do it yearly but it should come out looking pretty good. I haven’t used PP products myself before.

Those roof rails can leak - may want to check those if you haven’t yet.

 

[k91]

I would rather have the roof you got then the one I did. Mine came with the dealer installed roof rack featuring 65 little screws which are now rust! Nice truck you have there,
Matt

 

[lazydogoutfitters]

I would rather have the roof you got then the one I did. Mine came with the dealer installed roof rack featuring 65 little screws which are now rust! Nice truck you have there,
Matt