Long time lurker here, and have appreciated all that I've been able to learn from you guys as I've watched and read from a distance. I guess this first post will just be an intro to my cruiser and I'll add some more details below, as I've already commenced on the build.
Bought my 1985 60 Series in September of 2019. Over the past few years I've slowly upgraded and worked on basic maintenance items while it's also served as my daily driver. Stuff I've done has included:
-Ironman 4x4 Foam Cell Pro 2" lift
-New wheels and tires (a couple times)
-Replaced Radiator and cooling system
-Dual Battery Setup
-4x4 Labs Rear Bumper
-ARB front bumper w/ smitty winch
-New motor mounts
-Clutch slave cylinder
-Desmog (air pump failed and decided to ditch it)
-Rebuilt knuckles
When I first bought the Cruiser, my knowledge of these trucks was pretty close to nonexistent - I just knew I wanted one. So, I found one locally that was in my price range (super low) and jumped on it. While it's been a fantastic rig and has taken me a lot of places, and worked as a fairly reliable daily driver for years, there are a few things that really need addressing. I was able to retire her as my daily this past spring, and am finally dedicating the time necessary to address some items that just need to be tackled - as well as add a few upgrades that will make this rig as comfortable and reliable as I can for long weekend trips.
First item on my list is body work. A previous owner applied a rhinoliner-esque material to the bottom half of the body. When I purchased I really had no idea what to look for and didn't even think about what could be underneath it. I unfortunately had a pretty rude awakening during it's first Utah winter when the rear quarters almost immediately rotted out beneath the rhinoliner. Since then it's had a few run ins with some trees and boulders, so the body work will include the following:
-Rhinoliner removal where necessary (proving to be an absolute b***h)
-Rust repair to rear quarters (cut and weld in panels from parts truck)
-Replace rusty doors and tailgate/hatch (replace w/ doors from parts truck)
-Pull carpet and check for floor rust
-Sound deadening to doors and floor
-Prep for and apply vinyl wrap
Mechanically the cruiser is fairly sound, but would like to do a base line. I've got to chase down a leak or two and am planning on replacing every gasket I can without removing the engine. New plugs, wires, etc. The fun stuff will include:
-H55F swap
-Holley Sniper EFI kit
-New wheels and tires (again)
Pics of the day I brought it home and right before I started tearing it apart this past year.
Now that I've introduced the rig and my plans, first thing I'll document is removing the rhinoliner. Probably post that later tonight. Also, I'm posting video progress on Instagram on my page @d.stevooo if you're into that kind of thing.
Bought my 1985 60 Series in September of 2019. Over the past few years I've slowly upgraded and worked on basic maintenance items while it's also served as my daily driver. Stuff I've done has included:
-Ironman 4x4 Foam Cell Pro 2" lift
-New wheels and tires (a couple times)
-Replaced Radiator and cooling system
-Dual Battery Setup
-4x4 Labs Rear Bumper
-ARB front bumper w/ smitty winch
-New motor mounts
-Clutch slave cylinder
-Desmog (air pump failed and decided to ditch it)
-Rebuilt knuckles
When I first bought the Cruiser, my knowledge of these trucks was pretty close to nonexistent - I just knew I wanted one. So, I found one locally that was in my price range (super low) and jumped on it. While it's been a fantastic rig and has taken me a lot of places, and worked as a fairly reliable daily driver for years, there are a few things that really need addressing. I was able to retire her as my daily this past spring, and am finally dedicating the time necessary to address some items that just need to be tackled - as well as add a few upgrades that will make this rig as comfortable and reliable as I can for long weekend trips.
First item on my list is body work. A previous owner applied a rhinoliner-esque material to the bottom half of the body. When I purchased I really had no idea what to look for and didn't even think about what could be underneath it. I unfortunately had a pretty rude awakening during it's first Utah winter when the rear quarters almost immediately rotted out beneath the rhinoliner. Since then it's had a few run ins with some trees and boulders, so the body work will include the following:
-Rhinoliner removal where necessary (proving to be an absolute b***h)
-Rust repair to rear quarters (cut and weld in panels from parts truck)
-Replace rusty doors and tailgate/hatch (replace w/ doors from parts truck)
-Pull carpet and check for floor rust
-Sound deadening to doors and floor
-Prep for and apply vinyl wrap
Mechanically the cruiser is fairly sound, but would like to do a base line. I've got to chase down a leak or two and am planning on replacing every gasket I can without removing the engine. New plugs, wires, etc. The fun stuff will include:
-H55F swap
-Holley Sniper EFI kit
-New wheels and tires (again)
Pics of the day I brought it home and right before I started tearing it apart this past year.
Now that I've introduced the rig and my plans, first thing I'll document is removing the rhinoliner. Probably post that later tonight. Also, I'm posting video progress on Instagram on my page @d.stevooo if you're into that kind of thing.
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