Builds The Escape Wagon Restoration (3 Viewers)

[EscapeWagon62]

Decided to treat the rig to a full windows out dent/ding removal and full re-paint in single stage factory 045 white.
In process at Balise Collision in West Springfield. They do great work.
Just doing my part to keep the economy going during COVID-19 lockdown.

 

[LandoNick]

The windshield wipers worked but did not operate in Intermittent Mode and they did not return to rest position when you turned them off.
Reading threads on this forum I found that my likely issue was a bad wiper motor.
Replaced it and all is well.

View attachment 1881316

Where did you get a new wiper motor?

View attachment 1881317

 

[EscapeWagon62]

I picked up the wiper motor at Cruiserparts.net

 

[EscapeWagon62]

Slow and steady progress on the rig at the bodyshop. The agreement we made is that they work on regular business and use my rig to fill in work when they are slow.
This is going to be a completely new truck when they are finished.

 

[EscapeWagon62]

More photos

 

[pistonpete]

Very nice job, well done, my hat is off to this shop !

 

[TexFJ]

How long did they they quote?

 

[EscapeWagon62]

How long did they they quote?

I expected about a month and it may end up being two.
I have a connection there and we worked out a killer deal since they were so slow during COVID. They had to pay their techs even if there wasn't any work so they agreed to work on my rig and any time customers cars come in, work on my rig gets de-prioritized.
The arrangement worked for both parties. The long wait will be well worth it since I'll end up doing a full windows out and rehab of all sheet metal for a budget closer to a respray and minor sheet metal prep.

 

[EscapeWagon62]

The body shop got busy so it's taking a bit longer. That's fine since I ordered new exterior badges which won't come in until next week.
Doors are now in the paint shop and the chassis will go in once the gutters are redone with self leveling blue sealant.
In the mean time the techs have skim coated every single panel. The sheet metal will be straighter than it had when it left the factory.
Another week or two and I should have the final pictures.

 

[TexFJ]

Ooof. They're getting that engine dusty from all the sanding.

 

[EscapeWagon62]

Yep - the whole rig is pretty dusty but I’m sure it’ll clean up well.
Got the new badges in from @FJDEPOT. Decided not to reinstall the Burt Toyota badge since its really pitted. It’ll be a wall hanger in my workroom.

 

[EscapeWagon62]

Slow but sure progress.
Got a new A/C condenser in and installed. Turned out the existing one had received some damage at some point years back. It was still holding the R134 but while its disassembled....
Sourced a Denso unit.
They are also spraying the front sub frame one some other areas in rubberized anti-chip material. Not a bad idea in the Northeast.
Have new bumper bolts and hood bumpers inbound from SOR.
Truck finishes priming this week, paint and re-assembly next week.

 

[EscapeWagon62]

Primed waiting to be block sanded

 

[EscapeWagon62]

Block sanded and headed to paint this week.

 

[Borrego]

Just read the whole thread! AWESOME JOB!

 

[EscapeWagon62]

Thank you @Borrego
I’m going through withdrawals having it the body shop since April.
They should finish paint this week, they just shot the roof today.

 

[Gretsch]

Oh man that's gonna be sweet. Lucky man.

 

[TexFJ]

Dual stage or single stage paint? which do they use these days?

 

[EscapeWagon62]

Dual stage or single stage paint? which do they use these days?

You can do either.
I went single stage since I’m trying to keep the rig as stock as possible. Stayed with Toyota 045 paint color for the same reason and so it matches the arenas that aren’t being done (engine bay etc)

 

[FlyingPlumr]

Nice build however aren't Bug Out vehicles supposed to have a carburetor so you don't have to worry about an EMP ??