Builds Project R2D2 Sixty - 1986 Retro Refresh (1 Viewer)

[wngrog]

Got the dash cover from @Cruiser Corps yesterday. I could not get it on fast enough.
I trimmed up the old dash and cleaned it

Steel shot boxes to weight it all down while the glue sets

 

[wngrog]

@dnp carpet is the single best upgrade to refresh a truck.

The rear is a pretty quick deal. It gets more complicated as you move forward with the other 2 sections but man.....it’s so nice

Side panels and fenders are in good shape.

I cleaned it up real good and added a layer of Noico. New fuel tank is such an amazing bonus. I peeked in the cover and it’s all new.

These wrinkles will fall out as the carpet relaxes. I just unpacked it this morning.

 

[wngrog]

Middle section. Nasty. I think this is where the dog lived and ate the seats.

Once you get the center out it’s easiest to use it to pattern the cuts and cauterize your cuts

Cleaning and some noico will make this all good.

I found about $3 in change.

 

[wngrog]

Mid Body cut out and installed.

Pro Tip.Use a soldering gun to cauterize the cuts

 

[wngrog]

The front is a bit more tricky. I cut my shifter holes and slipped it over the shifters then trimmed the edges.

I put seats in last. Pull it all right then find the seat bolt holes with a pick then burn the holes in with the soldering iron.

The rear seat bottom is new. The fabric was good on the other one but something ate a hole in the vinyl front. Easier to buy a new one in good shape. I still need to shampoo it all

 

[wngrog]

The drivers seat was hammered. Foam was flat. Side was ripped.
Solution was to find a good passenger side foam and cover and swap em over.
Also found a new tilt handle and bent the arm back and installed.

 

[wngrog]

Final product. Dash is solid and tight. Looks great. Console top is a bit faded but it’s fully functional and even has a good cup holder.

I still need a couple of small items for the interior but this was a HUGE step forward on this truck.

 

[G-Cat]

Console top is a bit faded

Will console lid take fluid film?

 

[wngrog]

Will console lid take fluid film?

You know I tried ....... nope. Will have to be painted or the lid replaced.

 

[chbrow10]

Is the truck a 4 speed?

 

[wngrog]

Is the truck a 4 speed?

Yea

 

[TheProspector]

Love this 60 and I was thinking about the faded console you mentioned. I've seen where people have taken a heat gun to exterior faded plastic and it refreshes things. Maybe you could try that? Also, you could start with something less harsh like a hair dryer and see if that does anything at all.

 

[wngrog]

Great Idea. I’ll look into that first.

Why not??

Love this 60 and I was thinking about the faded console you mentioned. I've seen where people have taken a heat gun to exterior faded plastic and it refreshes things. Maybe you could try that? Also, you could start with something less harsh like a hair dryer and see if that does anything at all.

 

[b56tc]

R2, Luke, the Force -

Please just tell me this dog's name is Yoda -

 

[Cruiser Corps]

Heat gun on the console is actually a doable deal. Typically a hair dryer is going to not have enough heat.

When using a heat gun just remember that it’s easy to get it to hot and distort the grain or melt it so no drinking on the job!

We usually remove the consoles and use a good cleaner followed by grey scotch brite for a minor prep and then wiped with rubbing alcohol. NOTE: DO NOT USE THE ALCOHOL YOU ARE DRINKING AT THE TIME! It is in fact different!!!!!

After prepping.... Graphite SEMS interior color will be a dead on match to your dash cover. You can also use this color on any interior colors in the vehicle including upper vinyl on door panels.

Cordovan Brown is the SEMS color for brown interiors. PLEASE keep in mind that preparation is the key and just use enough color to cover. More color is not a good thing for flexible products / plastics,vinyl, rubber.

Though this is not a sales pitch..... it is available on our website as well as most automotive paint stores.

 

[wngrog]

Great tech. Thanks man.

 

[OG SUV]

Love your cruiser. And all the work you are putting into restoring the original paint and decals.

side note I do use that P&S bead maker spray mentioned earlier on your thread from amazon. It’s a great top coat product. It can go over everything, waxed paint, glass, plastic, rubber. Everything! It’s relatively cheap and works very well ( as a top coat, last thing applied ). I love it but it’s not something that last more than several weeks to a month. I apply it’s after every wash when drying off, to a already waxed vehicle! Again awesome stuff i am pretty sure it has a uv protective as well, which would be good to help reduce further fading on those kick ass decals!

 

[TLC Norway]

I'm following! Those sweet decals make this 60 pop!

 

[wngrog]

I'm following! Those sweet decals make this 60 pop!

Thank you. I agree. I am playing musical Cruisers tonight making room in the shop and took it for a spin then tucked it away in the corn crib until I get some time to rub on it again

 

[wngrog]

This is so exciting. I bought this all aluminum ARB rack for my 60 about 12 years ago. Loved it until I went to a bag style roof top tent and it would not work.

@Dustin Messina bought it from me and he too sold it for a flat rack to @JTU who also took it off for a roof top tent.

Full circle. It’s amazing it’s back. Thanks for delivering it @JTU