Builds Finally got my own...Meet BeBe (1 Viewer)

[gregnash]

So since I had a long weekend off for my bday I decided to get a little work done to the cruiser. Wife is reupholstering the drivers side seat for me from a local company, quoted me $170 with new foam and everything, so that will be done after we get back from NYC in two weeks. Then there the brake caliper rebuild that has been looming for quite some time, I lose maybe .5 oz every month of brake fluid and knew the calipers were the main culprit. Pulled the calipers to find that the boots on the pistons were completely shot, though the inner rings seemed fine.

Anyways, rebuilt the calipers in a couple hours, had to replace one caliper to banjo hard line because it twisted off when I was trying to undo the line, and really was a build at most. I did not crack them to replace the interior washer as everything seemed like it was coming from the boots. Got them all put back on and now just have to have someone come over to help bleed them (which looks like Flight2K will be).

Think I may have a small headgasket leak as my radiator was down about 3/4 gallon of fluid. It was actually cold here on Friday/Saturday as we got our first "winter" storm (we actually got snow sticking in the higher elevations).This meant that I actually had to turn on the heater for the first time since about April and thus heard the "scrambling mice" behind the dash signifying air in the lines. I had replaced a couple of heater lines in April/May timeframe but had run the heater at that point to ensure that I had no leaks. This was about the same time I replaced the Thermostat. Looks like a leakdown and compression test are in order?!

 

[gregnash]

Wow... so my brake bleeder had to bail on me last night so I took a chance and remembered seeing this hand brake bleeder on sale from HF.
With the coupon that is in the Tools section on here I walked out the door with it for less than $25. It took me about an hour to bleed all four sides and the tool, for the cost, worked incredibly well. Bleed everything and then ran around the neighborhood bedding in the brakes. I have to say that I now have full braking power, and was able to lock up the brakes when I needed (which I havent been able to do thus far).

Amazing what fully functioning brakes feel like!!!!
And again, for the cost (with the coupon, but on sale for $26.99 now) this little brake bleeder worked like a charm. Hell had it just worked this time and then one other I would have felt I got my moneys worth out of it. So hopefully I will not be needing it anytime soon, but since I am planning to swap the flex lines from the axle to caliper (mine are a bit cracked and rotted) as well as the Axle to Frame, well looks like she will be getting some use in the future.

 

[robustbambi]

Aweome! ive seen that pump at harbor freight and always figured it was crap. now that ive this positive review i may pick it up. Ive got a leaky wheel cylinder so im bleeding brakes every month or so to keep it relatively safe lol. Except last time i broke a chunk off my LSPV... thats a fun little thing to replace

 

[gregnash]

Yeah check the tools thread for the link to the coupon, expires 9/30 for $22.99. For that price it is worth the money and if it only works a couple times then it is worth it to me.

And I thought most of you 62 guys ended up getting rid of the LSPV anyways?! Oh and the wheel cylinders are simple to do.

 

[gregnash]

New thread... she suddenly decided to burn like 4-6qts of oil in the last 3 months!! WTF!

 

[gregnash]

Never mind the above, while she wasnt showing anything on the dip stick it was really something like 2qts of oil gone. While it is still not good, it is not as major a concern as I thought. Been a lot going on with family and what not so BeBe hasnt had much work done to her and this month really isnt looking better. She has gotten me to a few new spots on the Truckee for fly fishing, which is good because I need the peace and clarity.

Did get a couple new things for her;
- Smittybilt tow strap (free through 4wheelparts through a Google Offer)
- Finally figured out mounting scenario for my SLCFJ62 Ultimate Headlight Harness
- FJ62 Mirrors!!!!
- BeBe Has a New Little Sister!!


Untitled by renofizz, on Flickr


Untitled by renofizz, on Flickr

 

[TRAIL TAILOR]

Nice looking sister.... I like the 62 mirrors.

J

 

[gregnash]

Thanks J... hoping in the next couple weeks here (now that softball is over) I can get atleast the rear tailgate patched. Then maybe the wheelwells, but I am worried about doing that in my garage because we have an oil furnace and the furnace is in the garage (I know probably a stupid worry).

 

[TRAIL TAILOR]

Thanks J... hoping in the next couple weeks here (now that softball is over) I can get atleast the rear tailgate patched. Then maybe the wheelwells, but I am worried about doing that in my garage because we have an oil furnace and the furnace is in the garage (I know probably a stupid worry).

Hang a tarp around it (barricade), but not over it, if that makes sense. I wouldn't worry too much if you get it shielded. Grind away from it and pay attention. Keep a fire extinguisher handy as well... That is a given though ..

J

 

[gregnash]

Yeah all stuff that I plan on doing. Just remembered that I have an extension cord for the welder so that will give me some extra distance to get away from the furnace. Looking like I might have the ability to work on something this weekend so may try and hit up the lower tailgate.

 

[shady]

Did you get the seat reupholstered? Would like to see a picture.

My seat is in bad need of some new material and would like to see how yours turned out.

 

[gregnash]

Not yet... just havent had the time to take it over and have them work on it.
The guy said he could salvage all of the material and had something similar to the pattern that could be used to patch the couple of cigarette burns from the PO. Ended up talking to a neighbors boyfriend who owns a porsche/ferrari/high-end sports car shop in town and he said that he has had luck with the shop. Gone pretty much every weekend this month so it may wait a bit, all depends on how things go.

 

[gregnash]

BeBe finally getting a bit of flex while I was out fishing this weekend.

Untitled by renofizz, on Flickr

So since this week is a holiday week for me I am off early from work. I still have a bit of gas left in my welding tank so I was planning on tackling two things this week;
- work on stabilizing the DS mirror
- build the necessary mount for my Ultimate Headlight Harness
- Weld in a patch panel for the portion of the lower tailgate that is rusted

The final one is going to be the most difficult because I need to figure out how to get the tailgate off and hopefully still have enough gas left to weld on the entire patch panel. Looking everything over it seems like the gate should just pop off with removal of all the bolts. However, the connection for the license plate light is what bothers me. of course you can't get enough room to look in and see what is going on where.
So is there a plug that can be undone and then slid out through an access whole?

 

[EyeCruzr]

So is there a plug that can be undone and then slid out through an access whole?

yes it's a single plug/connector that can be threaded through the grommet.

T

 

[KWalkerM]

Pull the tailgate pad, unscrew the cover and disconnect then pull it back through the grommet. After that its all un bolting things etc

 

[gregnash]

Perfect!! Thanks, will probably play with the mirrors a bit today before the club meeting. Tailgate later this week.

 

[KWalkerM]

Perfect!! Thanks, will probably play with the mirrors a bit today before the club meeting. Tailgate later this week.

Np the only cover to pull will be the rectangle one in fhe middle. While you are in there check the rear trim for rust etc back there.

I cant make it to the meeting sad day since I aint been to one in a long time.

 

[gregnash]

Yeah no worries dude this will be the first one that I have been to since the last time I saw you there!

Oh and the trim you are talking about... on the bed, where the seal is held, yeah that will be replaced next year..... LOL

 

[gregnash]

Really need to get on this welding crap, gonna have to grab another tank next week after we are back from Turkey Day as this weekend when i took the dogs to the park they knocked off the paint exposing the rusted section. Which means that will rust even quicker seeing as the truck always sits outside.

So the question now is, the bubbling goes down to the curved/angled section at the bottom but still feels strong. Pretty much assuming that I need to cut the out and replace but what is the easiest way to do that? Should I see about finding a press brake and bend the piece to fit or is it just easier to weld a separate piece on at the angle needed?


Untitled by renofizz, on Flickr


Untitled by renofizz, on Flickr

Think I am going to get a quart of black Monstaliner and just paint the entire tailgate that. Damn GSPs and there pyschotic amount of energy!!

 

[TRAIL TAILOR]

G,

Call me...

Some 16/18 gauge steel, a hammer (and a slight rounded edge to shape with) and bend a piece to match.. Take your time and you will get it pretty close.

Or call Jason at CruiserYard for a patch piece..

J