New 80 owner, head gasket, and build...

[bsmart82]

Here are a few pics from the hid conversion I just finished on my lights. I bought a Xentec H3 6k 35w kit from Amazon for about $41 Shipped.

Here are the bulbs mounted. I had to bent the tabs a bit and cut the plugs off of the bulbs and splice in about 6-8" of wire to feed the wires through the light housing(wires run through the mounting bolt).

Here are the plugs back on the bulbs.

Bulb in the lens.

All the wiring done.

Wiring all wrapped up. I used the double sided tape included and stuck the ballast to the back side of the bumper and secured the wiring with zip ties. I picked up the lights for another vehicle years ago for cheap, but I never used them. I probably have about $70 plus wiring supplies in these. I will take a pic of them on after dark.

 

[ralphy1997]

Specific question for you. I see that you replaced the injector connectors. Did you have an SST to get the old plugs off? I have one connector that broke when I was disassembling. I have a new plug but having difficulty getting the old connector off the wires. Any tips?

 

[bsmart82]

No sst, just a 90* pick. There is a small white piece(may be a different color) in the middle of the inside of the plug that covers the tabs that hold the terminals in the plug. Pry that up and out and it should give access to the tabs. Then just pry the tabs away from the terminal and pull it out of the connector from the back.

 

[ralphy1997]

Thanks for the tip. I'll give it a try.

 

[bsmart82]

Here are a few pics of my led dome panels installed. These are 36 led panels from Amazon with dome adapters. They are bright and decent quality, but are made in China so I am not expecting long life. But they were cheap, around $11 shipped. I also installed one of these in the front map light.

 

[TyWeed]

Very nice. Currently removing the EGR stuff. What do you do with the EGR pipe. It looks like you removed it in the picks.

How did you block of the hole?

 

[TYM4FUN]

Nice pics and few words...I like it. Congrats on the new truck, it's coming together well.

 

[bsmart82]

Very nice. Currently removing the EGR stuff. What do you do with the EGR pipe. It looks like you removed it in the picks.

How did you block of the hole?

I made block off plates out of aluminum, and removed the pipe.

 

[TyWeed]

I made block off plates out of aluminum, and removed the pipe.

Just to clarify, you put an aluminum plate on the engine block where the EGR pipe runs down and connects near the pesky heater hose?

If so, is the aluminum plate withstanding the heat of the engine?

 

[bsmart82]

The egr pipe bolts to the head, not the block. And yes, I bolted the block off plate there and it it doing just fine.

 

[redstrider81]

any time you want to work i mine truck let me know!!! jk lol

 

[OGBeno]

Nice work. Great move IMHO.

Get an 80 for $3-5K, put another $2-4K into and for less than $10K you have one of the most reliable vehicles ever made by mankind.

 

[bsmart82]

Thanks, I have no car payment, can tow and wheel, and I can fix it when it breaks.

I started leather replacement, and got the passenger seat done. Need to find time to do the rest. Leather is from Shane, and using new foam for front seats.

 

[TYM4FUN]

Wow that looks nice! Makes me want to do my seats..... Maybe next year.

 

[Texasknowhow]

That does look good man! How close is the color match with the second row? My second row seats and the two third row seats are in mint shape, but didn't know how new leather on the front two seats would match color-wise... Also did you mention the cost for the leather? New foam or reuse from original seat?

 

[bsmart82]

The color matches the vinyl on the door panels and he dash, but the other seats are lighter color from fading over the years. I used new oem foam for the front seats. The leather for front seats, seat backs, and 2nd row was 925 shipped.

 

[Texasknowhow]

The leather for front seats, seat backs, and 2nd row was 925 shipped.

Thanks for the quick feedback! Sorry for the follow on question, but did the price above include that OEM foam? Again, love the post and progressive pics. Looking really good.

 

[bsmart82]

I wish. The foam was about 400 for 4 pieces to do front seats and that's employee price.

 

[Texasknowhow]

Ouch! I bet that foam would be hard to match after-market tho... you probably did the right thing getting the OEM. So the seat holds up correctly.

 

[bsmart82]

I have not posted any updates lately, but I have been wrenching on it. New air filter and filter gaskets(I didn't install the gaskets since mine were still ok, will save for later):

Installed oem cdl switch:

Installed new cap and rotor:

I bought new oem diff breathers. My plan is to locate the breather valve high in the engine bay for the front(not sure on rear) and use a brass hose barb and hose to extend the breathers. I wanted to keep the oem valve since it keeps the axle in a vacuum most of the time and will help the seals keep fluid in the axle. I also will extent the trans and t-case breathers.

Installed cree led reverse bulbs:

Firestick cb mount, I went with a 4' firestick, and the compact Midland cb 75-822. I bought the antenna in a kit for no ground plane since I planned rear mount it. I didn't really want to use this mount, but I had it and it will make running the cable more stealth since it will go through the hatch. I am concerned with the hatch sheet metal flexing, so I think I will reinforce the backside with aluminum sheet glued inside the hatch. I have some rubber plugs for the emblem holes until I find a permanent solution.

Trail Worthy Fab 30" led light bar, very bright, I will get some night shots soon. It is made in China, but the quality is good for the price. I also installed Depo clear turn sigs and corner lamps.

New rear brakes, I replaced pads, rotors, caliper hardware, and pad shims and clips with oem parts. I bought the rear caliper seal kit, but they were in great condition so I will save it for later.

Here are a few pics from a newer offroad park I went to a few weeks ago. We rode some trails, creeks, and a few mud holes. Going back next month to try some rocks.