The geriatric 80. “Rustfree” (1 Viewer)

[40LandCruising]

Well it was bound to happen, it’s time for another 80 build thread. I figured my 40 had one so one for the 80 was in order, equality and all that stuff. I bought the 80 from @WHG423 a monthish ago and upon selling my Silverado it became the daily.

Edit: This is an 80 build/“adventure” thread, I do some slightly interesting things.

 

[40LandCruising]

When I bought the 80, it was bone stock, minus the modified fender and bunper. And had some awful aftermarket rims.

 

[40LandCruising]

Next order of business was to replace the fender. Billy gave me a fender with it when I bought it but it was green. So I had it painted and then had to install it. Easier said then done when the mounts are mangled.

 

[40LandCruising]

Since I didn’t know how to attract the fender flare to my newly painted fender, I figured I might as well remove the running boards and flares while I was at it.

 

[40LandCruising]

Now that the 80 was in fighting shape, it was time for its first adventure. Two weeks ago I got a call from a dude I know asking me to come pull him out. I figured he couldn’t have gotten too stuck in a Chevy trailblazer but boy was I wrong. After 6 hours we got him unstuck not once but twice, sadly with the help of a jeep and with casualties to my 80.

 

[40LandCruising]

This is the mud pit where the trail blazer got stuck the second time. Trying to pull him out I made a dumb call and used a chain. Chain didn’t break but I ripped the tow hook off the front of the trailblazer and the chain launched through my back glass.

 

[40LandCruising]

Tech tip: Aluminum tape and plastic is your friend.

 

[40LandCruising]

Last Saturday was the first time I truly got to test out the capabilities of the 80. I went wheeling with an FJ cruiser, two third gen 4runners, and the same jeep that helped us pull the trailblazer out. I was truly impressed, as was everyone else, of the places the 80 would go stock on slicks. It out wheeled the FJ Cruiser that was lifted on mud tires and it was almost equal to the 4runners.

 

[40LandCruising]

My wheelin’ buddies

 

[40LandCruising]

After a week and a half of driving around without a back window, I got a used one from @Roxx and installed it with help from my friend Jacob.

 

[40LandCruising]

And on the third day, God created mud tires so we could drive over stuff.

These are Comforser CF3000s in 285/75r16

 

[40LandCruising]

Origins of the name, the geriatric bit is a reference to the old man colorway of my 80. The Rustfree part is a nod to my Silverado. My 1999 Silverado was quite cancerous in the rockers so my friends called her Rusty, so Rustfree was only fitting for the 80.

 

[Warpigg]

How hard was it to do the hatch glass? I have to pull mine to fix some rust that's starting around the seal. I take it you pry the seal from the metal and it just pops out? Then you just "rope" it back in?

I'm also suprised you did as well as you say with those bald tires

 

[40LandCruising]

How hard was it to do the hatch glass? I have to pull mine to fix some rust that's starting around the seal. I take it you pry the seal from the metal and it just pops out? Then you just "rope" it back in?

As far as removing it, a chain did that for me. But I would not recommend that option. I have heard that you can use plastic pry bars, like for installing a bike tire to remove the seal. As far as install goes it is very easy, just put the rope in the seal, have someone hold the glass up and pull the rope while they apply some pressure. I had a section where the seal didn’t pull over but was able to use plastic trim tools from Harbor Freight to pop it over. I would recommend removing the rear taillight as well. It is two pop rivers and a few screws.

 

[Warpigg]

I've done a few windows with the rope and usually if it's an older seal you have to be careful not to cut it but new seals at least for me, I've always had to use a pry tool with the rope. When I took my sliders out and put in solid glass those were by far the most pita ones I've ever done and they still leaked after... Thanks for the tips

 

[Malleus]

Redneck mating call:

"Hey ya'll, watch this!"

 

[40LandCruising]

Redneck mating call:

"Hey ya'll, watch this!"

That’s been yelled more than a few times.

 

[40LandCruising]

Redneck mating call:

"Hey ya'll, watch this!"

That’s been yelled more than a few times.

 

[BILT4ME]

Redneck mating call:

"Hey ya'll, watch this!"

You forgot to add: ."Hold my beer and......."

 

[Ntgm37]

What's the pro tip on removing the bracket piece thingy on the bottom of the doors when removing the flares?