Flopped on the rubicon

[1973Guppie]

sorry about your accident, is that on the "slabs" of the rubicon? been there many times and it is deceiving so don't be too hard on yourself. It is actually quite an unnerving feeling going sideways on those rocks peering downhill. I always try to remove all my roof rack and / or gear from above when doing the rubicon or other off camber trails. Anyhow, IMO the damage is not that bad! I would not get that bummed about it really. From the look of it all those dents can be simply pounded out. I would go buy some decent metal dollies and other body work tools, pull the glass and interior on that side, pound all those out, Get the rear hatch to close and then monstaliner the whole truck. I would not even bother with bondo.

Thats my advice, far from a total loss and still quite a useful rig for what you use it for!

Noah

 

[1973Guppie]

Thanks Mike,
I'm also lucky that all the doors and rear hatch still open and close. There might be a spot on the rear passenger door where water could slip by the rubber. I'm not too sure how to address that yet but I'll take a closer look next week.

thats good news! pound em out and go on wheeling!!

 

[SammyT96LX450]

sorry about your accident. That sucks. Maybe time for a conversion?

 

[LandCruiserPhil]

Sorry to hear glad to see no one was hurt

Conversion - I hate to see 80's cut to be trashed on trail never meant for 80's. I prefer something you can use for years to come out of a conversion.

 

[jp_waltz]

Sorry to hear glad to see no one was hurt

Conversion - I hate to see 80's cut to be trashed on trail never meant for 80's. I prefer something you can use for years to come out of a conversion.

View attachment 1111247

Wow Phil that thing is awesome!

 

[LandCruiserPhil]

Wow Phil that thing is awesome!

I agree 100% Thats what I want my CampTeq to look like when it grows up

One more pic opened up to give the OP something to think about when it comes down to resale value. No resale value in an 80 thrasher

 

[LS1FJ40]

Maybe @jcardona will trade you bodies? He's going to hack his up anyway.

Honestly, when I first started reading I thought it was a lot worse than it is.

 

[LandCruiserPhil]

There is a nice rust free body and frame only in AZ available

 

[CruiseOrlando]

Fuggit, make it a truggy.

 

[LandCruisinMy93]

No offense @LandCruiserPhil , especially since I have followed a few of your threads and know you're a pretty knowledgable guy, but I think the 80 conversion @SammyT08FJ posted is nicer than that toyota dolphin looking RV/expo rig. To defend this claim I point out that the first 80 could have canvas roll up sides to enclose it, or even fiberglass pop up side panels similar to the gulwing window and it remains as useful if not more useful and utilitarian. Think modular, a rear flat bed with removable upper roll cage from the rear to the front, so you will always have the external bar by the cab. With fold Down sides, a tailgate and removeable side panels/ roll up canvas panels the uses become endless. It becomes a wheeler, a all purpose truck with an easy load bed, a camper/expo rig. And my personal favorite Awsome lol.

 

[richardlillard1]

There is a nice rust free body and frame only in AZ available

Is it moonglow?

 

[greentruck]

I would really, really hate to be at the wheel of the truck Phil showed -- and have it flop. But I wouldn't be there in something like that. At least not from the pics I've seen...but I'm from the Midwest and CO/UT impress me enough/gas is dear enough I have not seen the Big R with my own eyes.

 

[NLXTACY]

Exactly! I could supply a massive Wits' End sticker

 

[Delancy]

Back half it.....getting rid of all that's "wrong" with the fat ass station wagon 80.....and find s better way to carry, at least 80lbs of sloshing unsprung weight, that at the tipping point.

 

[LandCruiserPhil]

I understand its not for everyone and I dont know the OP needs. Just throwing out ideas to keep a positive spin on his loss.

I would not want to wheel the rig I post either, but it does qualify as unique as does the very cool rig sammyt08fj posted.

Here an option with a little of both. BTW Maltec's stuff is now available in the USA

 

[Cruiserdrew]

If you completed Fordyce in an 80, then props to you. That is a hard trail. Even if you bailed at the "committee" exit, you still did well. I've only done it in an FJ40, and even then, it was difficult.

I know that exact rock where you flopped. The slabs have claimed many victims over the years. One moment you loose concentration and you're over. Right there, it could have been far worse-like multiple down hill rolls worse.

No advice as to what to do next. I'd probably just buy another 80 and swap good parts. If that isn't in the cards, bend it sort of strait and drive on.

Tough luck. I've done the Rubicon maybe 20 times and the slabs still get my attention every time. The slabs are easy to drive, but there is little room between good and bad.

 

[rc51kid]

sorry to see this for you. You got it worse than i did on my "trail damage" yesterday. but since the glass is still in i think i would just make it water tight and go with it. if all the doors still work you might be ok. maybe some fiberglass or something you can lay on nice and thick? best of luck.

 

[dirtyboots]

Having been through the exact same experience I concur with your idea to run it. I did a tube chop top deal and for the money and time wouldn't do it again, instead, I would swap parts to a donor. Just my .02 and glad no one got hurt.

 

[Qball]

That sucks Paul, she was so clean and nicely modded. But she has more character/attitude now.

 

[Phildoh]

I'd still fix the tin and make her whole again