Started working on the new project, and as I'm fixing some of the smaller things, I can't help but keep digging deeper and deeper, until now I've almost got the whole front end apart. What start out as a minor repair is all of a sudden turning into a complete overhaul
As I start making a list of all the things I am going to do, I'm am beginning to think that I might as well take it all the way down and do a restoration. The question is, how far would you go to restore a vehicle that's already in pretty good shape? Mechanically, there's nothing wrong, the drivetrain is solid w/no leaks, I'd say it's probably a 7-8 out of 10. Should I go ahead and drop the whole drivetrain out to get the frame sandblasted and painted? I'm worried that if I do, I'll probably end up screwing something up and causing some leaks and other headaches later. Also, if I'm not having problems with the transfer case, do I risk opening it up to see if it needs a rebuild?
If I do strip it to the frame, what do people do about the spring shackles and frame gussets and things like that, stuff that is semi-permanently attached? They're all in good shape, but taking those out requires I drill out the factory riviets so I can get into all the corners and everything. Same question with the windows, the seals look great, but in order to do a complete job, I'd have to take the windows out and probably risk destroying the seal. Part of me thinks I should leave the factory stuff alone, that if it ain't broke don't fix it. Then again, since I'm gonna be taking it all apart, why not put a little more effort and do it all correct. What do you think?
As I start making a list of all the things I am going to do, I'm am beginning to think that I might as well take it all the way down and do a restoration. The question is, how far would you go to restore a vehicle that's already in pretty good shape? Mechanically, there's nothing wrong, the drivetrain is solid w/no leaks, I'd say it's probably a 7-8 out of 10. Should I go ahead and drop the whole drivetrain out to get the frame sandblasted and painted? I'm worried that if I do, I'll probably end up screwing something up and causing some leaks and other headaches later. Also, if I'm not having problems with the transfer case, do I risk opening it up to see if it needs a rebuild?
If I do strip it to the frame, what do people do about the spring shackles and frame gussets and things like that, stuff that is semi-permanently attached? They're all in good shape, but taking those out requires I drill out the factory riviets so I can get into all the corners and everything. Same question with the windows, the seals look great, but in order to do a complete job, I'd have to take the windows out and probably risk destroying the seal. Part of me thinks I should leave the factory stuff alone, that if it ain't broke don't fix it. Then again, since I'm gonna be taking it all apart, why not put a little more effort and do it all correct. What do you think?
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