Blue Mule resto in Malawi

[M5driver]

The Blue Mule Lives!



After an unexpected set back with the ignition, and an unexpected resolution to the problem, the mule is running again! You can check the details of that little diversion here: https://forum.ih8mud.com/40-55-series-tech/241802-troubleshooting-electronic-ignition-78-fj40.html

Time to get ing now - I still need to get the mule completely buttoned up before the rains come, and I really want to get out and at least get it dirty again before I have to put it in a box for shipping.

 

[M5driver]

And a couple of detail shots. First is the grommet I made up for the new front turn signal leads. I used a plastic snap in with a small rubber grommet to fit the wire closely. Turned out pretty good, I think.

And the fender skirt with the new OEM Cruiser bling is looking nice, too.

 

[tmarx]

Congrats Dan !

 

[tlc_4play]

Its looking gr8 Dan

 

[Teebag]

looking great Oom

 

[Chamba]

Looks beautiful Dan,

Did you get a chance to beat her up a little bit in Malawi BEFORE you made her look brand new?

I'm glad you got her up-and-running, it has been quite a project! Is the Mule going to DC next, or is it chalking up another country first?

Can't wait to see her all done!

Cheers,

Josh

 

[M5driver]

Looks beautiful Dan,

Did you get a chance to beat her up a little bit in Malawi BEFORE you made her look brand new?

Thanks, Josh and all.

We did get her plenty dirty here before the work began. We took the Mule out to villages along dirt/mud tracks almost weekly for our first year here. The Mule was a workhorse then, and will be again.

I'm glad you got her up-and-running, it has been quite a project! Is the Mule going to DC next, or is it chalking up another country first?

Can't wait to see her all done!

Cheers,

Josh

We're headed back to DC, but not entirely gladly. We really wanted to stay out for another 5 years until I have to retire. Since we will arrive in the dead of winter, I expect to park the Mule under cover for a few months, since I don't want to load it up with road salt first thing. I need to get the body seams sealed up before I risk that.

 

[M5driver]

After three intense days off from work plus the weekend, the Blue Mule is back on the Road!

Still some detail work to do, and she has to go back to the panel beater for final cleanup, touch up and polish up. She's back on the road - maiden voyage Saturday was a short run through our neighborhood, then a short run down a dirt track, and back home. Unfortunately, Chris had to leave before she was ready for the first run. He enjoyed hearing her run again - smooooooth.

Yesterday, Joe came round after I had finished up some more bolting up, and we took her out for another short run. Today, I drove her to work and filled the tank so we can continue with the shakedown. At the weekend, I'll re-torque everything I can get to, and give her a good going over. Tomorrow, will drive her to work. She's really glad to have "her" truck running again

Details...

 

[M5driver]

More details

 

[M5driver]

wiper mechanism, new packing, new rubber covers

 

[M5driver]

Bling...

And happily stealing ideas everywhere. The drain hole in the hood latches was lifted from the Kiwi who is missing some marbles Thanks, Tom.

 

[M5driver]

Amby doors

 

[M5driver]

More bling - windshield hold downs, Zimbabwe air conditioners got new springs, new bottles (but not lids!)

 

[M5driver]

Clean engine, bumper looks like new

 

[M5driver]

A little more bling and more OEM rubber...

 

[M5driver]

Last pix today. More details and pix soon

 

[tmarx]

Eish, that's nice !

 

[lostmarbles]

Man! That mule will sure have Customs confused when it returns to The States from Malawi.

It looks better than new!

Well done Dan

 

[pbgbottle]

that looks beautiful ,nice work ,what hood hinges are those.?

 

[Josie'sLandCruiser]

Hi All:

Dan, incredible work!

Thanks for sharing with us!

Regards,

Alan