Kermit's Make Over

[CandyPants]

So as most of you know, I've been planning a pretty major change in Kermit. This week the work began. As any good project goes, things have been added as I find out more and as things break and what not. So here's the plan now:

Rip out and replace all the wiring. Using a Kwikwire general harness, a new Howell TBI harness and new Computer.
Deleted all non essential wires and non functioning electrical equipment
Bought and will install all new switches
Fabricated new switch plates etc. for the dash
Mounted the HAM radio in dash and added an external speaker
Replace the water pump
Clean up the engine bay
Rebuild the TBI with all new gaskets and injectors
Replace the intake manifold gaskets (having some vacuum leak issues)
Rip out the entire suspension and clean up the frame
Move the wheels forward 3 inches
Link the front and rear and add ORI struts - Using Ruff Stuff kits
Cut the frame and move the front bumper and winch closer to the truck
Change the front fender to allow for moved wheels
Likely tube the rear a bit given the change in the suspension
Add a new cross member to mount to for the links
Add a belly pan

I'm sure I'm forgetting things...but I'll add as I think of them. The truck is at Bill Stayner's still and I'm out here for the week to work on it. We hope to make a lot of progress, so stay tuned.

 

[CandyPants]

So some pics so far, some a repeat from other threads but I wanted them all in one place.

So here is Kermit's old stance. 113" wheel base but shifted to the rear quite a bit.

And here is the mock up of the new stance. 3" lower than it was. And although that doesn't seem like much, if you've ever jumped in this truck it makes a HUGE difference.

 

[CandyPants]

Here is the pile of wire and deleted items from the rewiring.

 

[CandyPants]

Cleaning up the wiring. The TBI harness is in and the rainbow wires are from the Kwikwire harness

 

[CandyPants]

Current state of the dash.

 

[CandyPants]

New switch plate. One more to go.

 

[CandyPants]

Today Bill is tearing down the underside of the truck and I'm making more plates for the dash. I'll post more pictures as we go.

 

[CandyPants]

Axles and suspension are off. I think I'll go for the hover craft look.

 

[lenross1]

gonna be sexier.. I like what you're doing to my 40 ; )
lower center of gravity is going to feel a helluva lot more stable on the rocks.

Love the accessory button !

 

[Bodean]

Rock awn girl!

 

[OGBeno]

Hey... looks like Sloughouse, CA!! I've been there before!



Good work team.

 

[CandyPants]

Yep @beno, Sloughhouse!!!

So field trip to visit FC today to talk about geometry. I have the heims and assorted pieces from Ruff Stuff. We were going for DOM but FC convinced me that solid aluminum links are the way to go. Ordering those as soon as we make some measurements.

Feeling pretty good about the plans. FC is of the opinion that it is going to be sick!

 

[Bossman]

I look forward to meeting FC one day. Truly a master!

 

[wngrog]

Branik was great for AL links when I was doing all that

 

[wngrog]

Also where are the spy pics from FC's lair?

 

[OGBeno]

Branik was great for AL links when I was doing all that

You are revealing your age and wisdom Nolen....


Go back into your turtle shell dude.


Let BK and Heather figure their own s*** out.

 

[fountainhead]

Good stuff.

Really interested in seeing how the front end turns out...having trouble visualizing the panhard 8" in front of the housing with the axle moved forward 3" and the frame horns trimmed.

What are the plans for the steering?

FC holding class on suspension geometry...would have loved to have been a fly on the wall.

Jealous.

 

[wct49]

I like the fact that yall went out in the middle of the Mojave to do this work...

 

[wngrog]

I like the fact that yall went out in the middle of the Mojave to do this work...

She saw tha little fridge drawer and was sold.

 

[CandyPants]

Branik was great for AL links when I was doing all that

Still is. Order going in soon.