Decision Time - Am I Ready For A Frame Off Restoration

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Here are some photos of the disc conversion,..

Next on deck will be the plumbing of the proportioning valve and residual valve.
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Hello Cruiser fans! So my lack of posts means only one thing,...I have been dragging my feet on my rear disc conversion. I have been struggling with the replumbing of the hard lines. But I've finally got my gameplan sorted out in my head and will be using AN/NPT fittings to get my proprotioning valve added to the mix. I just need to get past my OCD and just come to terms that the hardline may not be perfect. (where perfect equals neat and clean).

In the meantime I have bought some goodies from MUD members and began adding them to BIG BLUE: New to me dashpad Installed. New black powder coated hood and windsheild latches Installed. **Purist Warning** FJ80 Landcruiser Emblems added. Don't sweat it people I just used some peel and stick so it isn't permanent albeit cool looking.

I recently sourced a set of Paki bows and an Esham canvas top so it would only make sense that I go out and purchase a set of barn doors to go with the top.

I will get some pictures posted soon!
 
I used the AN/NPT adapters and have had no trouble at all in the past 7 years - once you get the proportioning dialed in, you should be good to go (provided your system is properly bled and the residual valve has been removed from the rear system)

:eek: on the Benz-mailbox collision
 
Almost done

I was able to get some alone time with the cruiser this weekend. I finally ran the hard lines to the proportioning valve and master cylinder.

Flaring the brake lines was not nearly as bad as I imagined. I just practiced until i felt like I had it down. I made a bracket for the proportioning valve, flared and ran the lines and trouble shot a leak or two. Next on deck is checking all the other connections for leaks and blleding the brake lines. I am itching to take big blue out for a drive soon.
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I bled the brakes tonight and triaged some leaks and I am almost ready for a test drive. I have got the proportioning valve all the way dialed down. Am I missing anything? Pardon my ignorance but what should I be looking for when I stop?
 
You want to test emergency stops to make sure the fronts lock before the rears.

Obviously, you'll want to do this in a safe place. Remove everything from the interior that's not bolted or strapped down, make sure your tire pressures are where you want them, and don't start testing at highway speeds.

Ideally, you want the rears doing as much as they can without overpowering the fronts.
 
3doghouse said:
You want to test emergency stops to make sure the fronts lock before the rears....

Ideally, you want the rears doing as much as they can without overpowering the fronts.
Click to expand...

The first test drive was with the proportioning valve dialed all the way down and there were no issues. I will continue to tweak the settings this upcoming weekend until I get it right. Thanks for the advice.

On another note, I completed the aftermarket stereo install. I ran new connections for the ignition and continuous 12v power source. It's a pretty basic set up but I officially have tunes so I a happy.

I've got to create my new punch down list of minor projects to be completed on Big Blue before I need to make decisions about body work and painting.
 
Long time no post. I have been busy selling off and aquiring parts for Big Blue. My punch down list is growing. I will soon be doing the following:

1. Replacing both front fenders. (Santa will be dropping these off at Christmas)
2. Painting and installing an ARB style bumper.
3. Painting my Paki reproduction bows.
4. Test fitting my OCD Top. (yeah I got my hands on one).
5. Building and painting a set of half doors.
6. Painting and installing a set of barn doors.
7. Fixing a leak in my vintage air system (still blows luke warm)
8. Replacing the broken stock antenna
9. Installing my new Scat Pro90 seats.

The list continues to grow.
 
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The new to me rear seats have been installed, two front seat frames have been cleaned up and painted and the Scat Pro 90 front seats have been added. The cruiser is now much safer for my daughter to ride.

My initial thoughts are;

1. The stocks seats were very well constructed and the Scat Pro 90 seats were not much of an upgrade. Yeah, they give me more leg room and fully recline forward but they look cheaper than the original seats.

2. The rear jump seats, in the up position, were great for gaining storage space in the cruiser. They just looked cool and added to the vehicle's character. The new to me rear seats are safer for the cargo I will be carrying and they were nicely redone to match the Scat seats. I will need to see how easy it is to get in and out of the cruiser before I know I made a good purchase.

I just installed a set of window hinge mounted mirrors. They look cool and dorky at the same time. They vibrate a lot less than the stock mirrors and I can actually see out of the passenger side for once. I think I will like them much better when I install my OCD top.

I also installed a Cruiser Corp antenna and antenna extension (to the tuffy console) over the holidays. The radio works great now, but... The kit, for the most part, was good except the screw that holds it to the cowl. Jerez, that's pretty important Vendors. What did I expect for $12?

That's all for today.
 
did you wheel it yet ?
 
I have not wheeled it yet. I am hoping to hit some light trails this spring. Right now it is a weekend grocery getter.
 
Man those seats look great. Ran across the CL ad for them a few days after you bought them and inquired but they were already sold. Glad another MUD member got them. When are you going to start the OCD top install? Pulled the hard top off today and am about to start fitting the Real Steel bows. Wiley tells me it's a project so I'm setting aside a day to do it. Keep up the good work on your 40!
 
78crzr said:
Man those seats look great. Ran across the CL ad for them a few days after you bought them and inquired but they were already sold. Glad another MUD member got them. When are you going to start the OCD top install? Pulled the hard top off today and am about to start fitting the Real Steel bows. Wiley tells me it's a project so I'm setting aside a day to do it. Keep up the good work on your 40!
Click to expand...

Do a real steel install write-up...I won't have a whole day!
 
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