Build First time 80 owner build thread.
- Thread starter effjay76
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- #42
Well I have been driving it a little bit, runs like a champ but the brakes are very weak. At this point I have replaced everything except the booster and the proportioning valve. Have bled the brakes for hours, made sure the drums were adjusted. Maybe it needs a new booster. Either way it feels good to be driving it.
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- #43
It was the booster, replaced it with a junkyard donor and the brakes are great. Have been driving it to work this week and it’s running like a champ. I also got the interior lights and speedo working. The only thing left that needs attention is the fuel tank sending unit. Hopefullly a bad ground or something.
Awesome to see this brought back from the dead, looks great!
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- #45
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- #46
Quick update on the 80, I’ve been mostly daily driving it, used some rubbing compound on the paint. I replaced the ac compressor and realized the old one was probably ok, just needed to tighten the belt but oh well.
It was bad.. I had similar rust. I am going to get an arb roof rack soon I think to replace the factory one. right now I am using yakima bars. How hard was it to pull the rear hatch glass?
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- #48
it’s super easy, you just work the weatherstripping out over the pinch weld from the inside. I like to use this plastic tool kit I got at harbor freight. Alternatively, if you buy new weather stripping you can cut the old stuff out with a box cutter.
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- #49
Before and after dropping the fuel tank and pressure washing it. Made a big difference, also replaced the fuel pump and sending unit.
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- #50
I pulled the front and rear bumper off and wire wheeled and por-15’d the under stuff. I also por’d the rear bumper. Installed pictures to follow.
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- #51
Im replacing the carpet and front seats so I decided to address the rust hole in the driver’s side while the interior is out. Welded panels, por15, and seam sealer. Will finish with some white color matched paint.
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- #52
Got a set of new seats and am waiting on carpet and a tuffy console. The cool thing is the new seats give it the new car smell.
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- #53
A few pictures of the carpet install.
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- #54
Last step of the carpet install, traced the original tailgate card onto some fresh panel board, added new clips, and put the carpet piece on.
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- #55
Fit is nice. Truck noise is much improved Overall very happy with the carpet kit.
Very nice job! Glad you didn't put leather in there. Also the boat hatches would look nice in your tailgate for storage
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- #57
Got a small amount of trail rash from the annual New Years off-roading trip. This year was arkansas. I hit the right side rear fender flare on a tree and decided to remove them all, I’ve secretly been waiting for an excuse to do so. Found out my rear right door was silver originally so I sprayed some color match rattle can over it to make it less ugly.
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- #58
I ordered a tuffy center console since they improved the driving experience so much in my 40 and 60. I will end up cutting some material out and re-welding mounting tabs so it will fit as close as the factory center console while retaining the rear seat folding. Here it is just sitting in the rough position.
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- #59
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- #60
well, I crashed into a concrete barrier on a rainy day at a pretty slow speed. Nothing mechanically damaged but the frame is bent and the front grill stuff is toast. I have already sourced a new frame and all the body parts so now the 80 gets a forced frame-off.