Topless just in time for Winter

[Eco 45]

Been a while since I posted a build thread on this forum....been working on a lot of LRs lately. Going to be doing a frame off on this project, wont be a diesel conversion ... however, will be upgraded to a more efficient gas engine . Here are some photos:

Sorry about the photo size, Flickr is not letting me use larger one on this forum for some reason. You can always go to my website and look under "in the shop" to see larger pics. Enjoy.

 

[Combat Chuck]

What's the more efficient gas engine?

 

[Chamba]

Can't wait to see the build. Can we start with a brief history of the rig? is this one on the Registry?

Cheers,

Josh

 

[Combat Chuck]

Stop holding out on us man!
We all need our fix!

 

[Eco 45]

Stop holding out on us man!
We all need our fix!

Sorry Combat Chuck for leaving you hanging. Been collecting LR parts from various parts of the country including NM and CA, so I haven't had much time behind the computer. I will try to offer weekly updates on this rig---not daily.

No photos to post, however I will offer a little history. Truck came out of South America with the typical pealing respray. Most likely a military rig due to the green that the pealing paint has shown. Truck came to me without an engine and really just need some long deserved attention. During the tear down the one nice surprise is that most of the bolts are free and very little cancerous rust. A hint about the engine is that it is a brand new GM fuel injected unit. Promise some photos this coming week.

 

[Combat Chuck]

I understand.
Sounds like a fun build!

 

[Eco 45]

A few more upgrades the truck is going to receive during the rebuild is Saginaw power steering and OME 2.5 inch lift springs. Here are a couple more photos of the take apart and the engine:

 

[gr8ful]

Don't suppose you have the abilities to make another soft top frame, using that one as a model do you? If so, and you wanted to do the job, what would you charge for it?

Thanks,
Abe

 

[Eco 45]

The bows for the soft top wouldn't be a problem, however the portion around the door would take considerable time and attention that I don't currently have. I know Icon/TLC 4x4 have some bow systems already in production.

Don't suppose you have the abilities to make another soft top frame, using that one as a model do you? If so, and you wanted to do the job, what would you charge for it?

Thanks,
Abe

 

[Eco 45]

A few more photos of progress on the truck:

 

[Eco 45]

Not getting much time behind the old computer these days so my updates have been sporadic. Progress continues with the Troopy, new suspension, power steering and aluminum rear doors all just arrived at the shop for the truck. And something has been taken off the frame....Here are some more photos:

 

[Chamba]

Are those rear door Aqualu? I havn't seen those ones. I like that they are rounded already to fit the '79-'84 tub. Does this mean you have a lift up rear door for the top? This is getting interesting.

Josh

 

[Eco 45]

Yes Josh the doors are modified Aqualu Ambulance Tailgate. They need a little messaging to fit but will work out nice. The top is still in discussion--may end up with a full length Bikini top with possible sip off sides. All depends on whats left in the budget for the build. Will have more photos soon.

Are those rear door Aqualu? I havn't seen those ones. I like that they are rounded already to fit the '79-'84 tub. Does this mean you have a lift up rear door for the top? This is getting interesting.

Josh

 

[Eco 45]

Well the body has been to the blasters and before the sand even stopped falling straight to paint. My painter is a little crazy about preventing any rust on bare metal so he did a three stage paint on the body and will now go back and patch a few areas. Even though Christmas has past I am still getting boxes in the mail for this truck so I feel lucky!
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7004/6543869421_5050055f69_z.jpg
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7161/6543870313_faef9b030e_z.jpg
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7024/6543869493_cf29380fa4_z.jpg
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7155/6543869263_93ceda3369_z.jpg

 

[krzyabncanuck]

Very nice looking .

Got to love that rotiserie, got one just like it at my place, makes life so much nicer now.

 

[Eco 45]

Received a few finished items back from paint---now to start beating on the frame and get it ready for powder coating.

 

[The Red Camel]

Well the colour is better then that light red....... same colour as this one

 

[Eco 45]

Well the colour is better then that light red....... same colour as this one

Yes the color is much better and the body work is way improved as even the bumper had some bondo on it I think it was an attempt at rattle can over the military color, only good from a distance.

 

[Eco 45]

More photos

Most items off the frame making motor mounts and Power steering mounts then off to the powder coaters:

 

[Eco 45]

Fitting the engine and patch panels for the body: