Builds Big Red Toy (18 Viewers)

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I can't believe it's been that long. It's come so far.
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I’d keep that VW intact. VirtuallyWorthless but phenomenal fuel economy and actually really good road trip car. Ya got a nice fleet going there. I was 2 hrs too late on a mint 2009 Tundra RCSB. Was looking just missed the timing.
 
I’d keep that VW intact. VirtuallyWorthless but phenomenal fuel economy and actually really good road trip car. Ya got a nice fleet going there. I was 2 hrs too late on a mint 2009 Tundra RCSB. Was looking just missed the timing.
That vw will eventually donate its engine to the pickup
 
I picked up Sushi Roll today from Land Cruiser Specialist.

I had the regeared diffs and lockers installed, front diff armor, new RCV axles, wider rear axle housing, track bar, front IFS hubs, larger brakes, and a new heater core installed or replaced. I just ordered five 35-inch Yokohama Geolandar tires.

I'm waiting for the HVAC unit to arrive and then we'll tackle the AC. I'm thinking this should be the truck that goes to solid axle summit this year instead of the 40.
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The next step is to have my son coat the frame with POR15. Bumpers and winch are on the list, hopefully before SAS. hand brake cable should arrive in two weeks..

EDIT: I forgot to mention a new head gasket and front timing cover.
 
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Baby has new shoes. She graduated from 31s to 35s.
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I have a few things I want to change up in big red but that will be after I pick up my 40 and get the AC fixed in the pickup. I also broke the exhaust, so I'll be fixing that and getting an alignment. Sushi Roll is effectively ready for Solid Axle Summit.

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Yes I know, I need to mow. I've been in Colorado on and off for the last 4 weeks. All that's really left on the pickup is changing out the rear and front bumpers, add a winch and rock sliders.
 
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Got some AC work done on the mini truck then some window tinting. The AC is all new parts and blows cold, so it will be great for the summer in Texas.
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Now with the mini truck mechanically sound and ready for solid axle summit, I can go back to focusing on the other cars. I took Big Red out to a local meet at AJ Yota's. First time driving it in months and wow, I forgot what a beast it is. It's time to focus on it and clean up some wiring while parts for the 40 show up.

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Just yesterday I was telling my wife that I would love to find an old Golf to restore. This pristine one happens to be center stage at the meet.
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Is that ceramic coat on windows on Sushi Roll? Ya got a nice fleet. Good to get Big Red out.
 
Is that ceramic coat on windows on Sushi Roll? Ya got a nice fleet. Good to get Big Red out.
Yup, ceramic coating. It really helps the AC cool the cab. In a few days, I'm doing a 20-year reunion with my old Marine buddies out in the middle of nowhere by a river. I'll be taking Big Red there.
 
Found a shop vac in my shed that i don't remember buying. Figured Big Red is due for a vacuuming before i meet up with some old marine buddies for our 20 year reunion.
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Some of this sand is from my first trip to Padre Island. That's over a decade ago.
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It was time for a 20-year reunion with some American Heroes I hadn't seen in roughly 20 years. We picked up like we never left. It was a great time, reminiscing and commemorating old friends who aren't with us anymore.

Step one was deciding what to pack.
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If you know, you know. This got me thru my first two deployments
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We drove for 6 hours to get to a ranch that had 9 miles of river front.
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Rolled up on this gem when we made it to camp.
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Here is the only other Marine who gets to sit in Big Red's driver seat.

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Drone footage coming soon.
 
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And it wouldn't be Memorial Day if we didn't take a minute to honor these heroes who will be forever young. It was one of our very first contact with insurgents in Iraq. It's been almost exactly 20 years.


Their memorial at Haditha Dam, Western Iraq.
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Been traveling so no real big red time. I did get a few armor pieces and headers for sushi roll. I managed to have them installed in between stops at home. I ordered a rear bumper which never made it to my door, so ups is buying me another one. Now I need to do a shakedown run before we hit solid axle summit.
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For big red the next thing is to fix or replace the seepage in the radiator. I plan on taking it to Utah this fall.
 
More armor for sushi roll.
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Decided rattle can was the way to go. this is gonna get bashed up.
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I really like the no rear bumper look, but it's not going to be practical for this build.
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I ordered a pair of rear light assemblies. Now, I'm just shopping for a hard shell rooftop tent for Solid Axle Summit. Looking for a cheap one that will fit this and Big Red.
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Next week is sliders then the crossmember when it gets here. Machine Gun mount by August then it's ready to liberate third world countries.
 
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The mini truck is rad and it looks like a damn fun time. Also as the son of a USMC Colonel, I've learned from him that even in his 80s he and his Marine buddies are still lots of trouble in the best way. I was born in Beaufort when he was stationed at MCRD Parris Island, so my whole childhood was on bases around the world and I couldn't have imagined a better childhood.
 

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