Builds Project 'Fresh Start' RestoMod (1 Viewer)

[Sheck44]

Hey guys, so now that I've recovered from the stress of my latest build, 4 year 69' Camaro pro-touring show car I am now finally getting excited to start my 73' Resto Mod ... thanks in part to Riley (amazing !!)

So unlike Riley's truck, mine will be close to replicating one of Jonathan Ward's simpler TLC builds.

Overview;
73' with Aqualu tub (as seen below, already completed) thus the 'fresh start name. Basically starting from brand new which is so awesome compared to the Camaro I built. LQ9, NV4500, 88' split case, 4" Safari with Fox Racing shocks, all Advanced adapter stuff, PSI wiring with DBW, 4 wheel disc, 60's power steering conversion .. and then lots of custom cool stuff

some starting pics as we get going


Cleaned up and painted the 2 year old NV400 that took me 8 months to find



and the fully built LQ9 with Holley intake



And the colour consideration right now, Porsche Graphite Blue metallic ... was at the dealership last night and the colour is REALLY nice

would love to hear what you guys think

 

[Youpicktokim]

Great foundation to start with for your build.
As far as color goes, all of us will have our opinions, but in the end it's yours, so pick a color that excites you (personally I like the Porsche color you posted).
Good luck.

 

[S4Cruiser]

Really like your plan and the color. I recently went with a non Toyota color (Audi Nardo Gray) as my build is nothing close to stock. Zero regrets on the non Toyota color choice and don't see why you'd have any either going with the Porsche color above.

 

[SMG]

Awesome start! Love the color choice.

Following along.

 

[StreetScenes]

Love it. Just got a 77 and headed in the same direction as you. I'm thinking of a similar charcoal gray

 

[White Stripe]

I think that is a nice color, not too flashy and while similar colors have been done, it hasn't been done often. Whats with the whole in the back of the tub?

 

[74HogGuy]

I think that is a nice color, not too flashy and while similar colors have been done, it hasn't been done often. Whats with the whole in the back of the tub?

Marker lights...unless you're looking at something else...

Edit...nvm. I see what you're talking about.

 

[Sheck44]

Ya ... don't ask, the dummy that started this build cut that opening for the gas fill location.
Going to have yo get my buddy to fill/TIG that as well as that stupid rear swing gate is GOING ! Will be getting clam shell rear gate from Aqualu

Thanks for the feedback on the colour, Im not sure yet exactly what I'm going with but that colour is near the top of the list. The other colour I am seriously contemplating is this FJ Comp. Venetian Blue ...

 

[Sheck44]

Drive train coming along ...

Fully rebuilt 1988 FJ60 split case






And just ordered new heated seats

 

[S4Cruiser]

What seats are those?

 

[Sheck44]

Hey Jon, those are Corbeau RRS that LRI in Britain takes and customizes for Defender 90's.
LRI Solutions - Seats

Price isn't too bad, considering Corbeau advertises these in regular leather with seat heaters for $1900+ , and these came in shipped at just a little more.

Cheers'
Steve

 

[Sheck44]

Update on the 66'

Man this this is tiny and awesome !!!
I am so impressed with the quality and the components

Time to crack here open

 

[Sheck44]

Ok, back to the 73' LS

Down to bare chassis



Full tear down of diffs, all new seals/bearings on the way ... including some 'nice' new brakes. Everything is getting sand blasted and base/cleared black



Doing a 60/80 series Box conversion ... supposedly give the best driving/steering feel



Tore down the NV4500 for a full rebuild and repaint

 

[Varty Yo]

Pretty sweet build!

Whats th back story on the previous work done? Looked pretty decent before the tear down

 

[Sheck44]

Thanks Varty
Both rigs I purchased from Oregon. The Blue 66' I bought 7 years ago is absolutely mint no rust truck. It already had dual tanks, upgraded wildwood front and rear brakes etc. I tore it down and gave it a lot of TLC including a new wiring harness and a new paint job as well as some new interior bits. I absolutely love the truck, so with the new Cummins in it as well as the 5 speed and new split case it will be even way more fun to drive.

Here she is when I just finished her the last time

 

[Sheck44]

Decided on the 73' LQ9 40's colour ... going Audi Nardo grey with all black accents, and with the new wheels below that just arrived

 

[Sheck44]

New rear seat custom made to match the fronts

 

[Sheck44]

 

[NorCal]

 

[Sheck44]

So ... this is the level we are going to on this truck, sand blasted and 3 ours on the wire wheel (by me)



More parts ...

These should do just fine, thanks to Rick from BTB






Rears