Somewhere in the NW woods....
- Thread starter Eco 45
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- #3
More news at 9ish
After having survived 25 years on the Wild South African Plains, this beast was corralled into captivity due to a slowly failing heart and place into a large metal cage. It was determined that a transplant would be needed and new environment for this critter to survive. Three months on a ship, various and strange examinations by government agency's and a new heart... the beast is almost ready to be release back out into the woods of Wild Oregon. As payment to the ship that brought it safely to its new home the beast offered its old gasoline heart up as a mooring anchor as it would soon be able to move on its own with a much newer and better….not to mention more economical diesel heart…….
After having survived 25 years on the Wild South African Plains, this beast was corralled into captivity due to a slowly failing heart and place into a large metal cage. It was determined that a transplant would be needed and new environment for this critter to survive. Three months on a ship, various and strange examinations by government agency's and a new heart... the beast is almost ready to be release back out into the woods of Wild Oregon. As payment to the ship that brought it safely to its new home the beast offered its old gasoline heart up as a mooring anchor as it would soon be able to move on its own with a much newer and better….not to mention more economical diesel heart…….
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- #6
5 hours of pressure washing and the truck still smells funny
Stuck in traffic seemed to be a common theme when I went to collect the truck at the port. I hit rush hour in Portland both coming and going. And when I tried to get out of Seattle there was a rubber necking convention due to an accident in the North Bound Lane while I was trying to go South---that was good for another additional hour onto my round trip.
Anyway an update on the truck. Spent at least 5 hours pressure washing and soaping the truck to remove the smells/residue from whatever chemicals were used to fumigate the truck and get it ready for shipping down in Africa. Going to still need some airing out but it is no longer slimy to the touch. For a 25 year old truck that did time in remote parts of the world it has held up great...not perfect....but still amazing condition for being used as a truck vs a mall queen. Going to be a fun adventure and an every evolving project.
Stuck in traffic seemed to be a common theme when I went to collect the truck at the port. I hit rush hour in Portland both coming and going. And when I tried to get out of Seattle there was a rubber necking convention due to an accident in the North Bound Lane while I was trying to go South---that was good for another additional hour onto my round trip.
Anyway an update on the truck. Spent at least 5 hours pressure washing and soaping the truck to remove the smells/residue from whatever chemicals were used to fumigate the truck and get it ready for shipping down in Africa. Going to still need some airing out but it is no longer slimy to the touch. For a 25 year old truck that did time in remote parts of the world it has held up great...not perfect....but still amazing condition for being used as a truck vs a mall queen. Going to be a fun adventure and an every evolving project.
Cool......
What engine?
What engine?
Wow. Amazing cruiser.
You going back with a petrol engine?
Not a Toyota Diesel ....... Blasphemy. 
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- #14
Not a Toyota Diesel ....... Blasphemy.
I know it will be a real disappointment getting better fuel economy than a 1HZ, having more power and better parts availability......but some how I will manage
Which Cummins?
I know it will be a real disappointment getting better fuel economy than a 1HZ, having more power and better parts availability......but some how I will manage
Well only is you deem better fuel economy, more power and better parts availability to be important.
new cruiser!
I'm assuming that's a 1987 year model? While hunting in Africa in 2006, I traded 4 rifles for a 1988 year model two door cruiser, after trying for 4 months to import it, called the deal off. Dang, this sure makes me wish I would have tried harder.
Looking forward to the build!
I'm assuming that's a 1987 year model? While hunting in Africa in 2006, I traded 4 rifles for a 1988 year model two door cruiser, after trying for 4 months to import it, called the deal off. Dang, this sure makes me wish I would have tried harder.
Looking forward to the build!
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- #18
The importation law for non US spec vehicles requires that they be 25 years or older no real easy exceptions. And the vehicle is supposed to not have any crazy upgrades from stock or much newer engine. So if you would have waited until the truck you had was 25 years old you could have finally brought it over. This is how our government protects the local car companies. This vehicle was a trial run to see how many grey hairs I would acquire from trying to chase a dream and maybe in the near future help others chase theirs as well. So yes the vehicle is a 1987 build date and I have the South African title to prove it. Now just waiting on a few documents from my broker to get a US title and registration.
Congrats, that's a real nice truck. BTW, did you not get any remarks etc about it being an aftermarket build double cab from your authorities or didn't they notice it? What does your South African title say, 2 seater or 4 seater? I know when they do these 4 door conversions they sometimes change the title to a 4 seater vehicle.
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- #20
Things have really been flying along with parts in every direction. Limited time to have one of my own projects in the shop but things are coming together nicely....a lot of the hard mental work in putting everything together was completed by my partner in South Africa who I owe a lot of thanks. Dropped off a large pile of brackets and a set of 16 inch rims for the truck at the Powder Coater....once they are back the truck will be up and running. Only other item I noticed is that one of the rear wheel cylinders was leaking so will be waiting on some various brake components before the truck can hit the road.
Truck will be getting larger wheels than currently on it. Plus will be getting a custom rear bumper as the large tube hanging off the truck doesn't quite work for me. Here are some photos:
Truck will be getting larger wheels than currently on it. Plus will be getting a custom rear bumper as the large tube hanging off the truck doesn't quite work for me. Here are some photos: