I just acquired an HJ61. It is in good condition considering it was manufactured while Reagan was in office (1987). There are several key areas I'd like to focus on to begin a general restoration. What is the most logical order to complete the following so that I am not going back and messing up other portions I've accomplished already? Mechanically, as usual, the 60 series is sound and solid, the body is just suffering from neglect and abuse.
So, TLDR, what's best first logistically and logically? Body rust, Underbody protection, interior rehab, or door rehab?
There is surface rust all along both side gutters, top and bottom seams of the gutters, and various small patches of surface rust in various places on the lower body in normal places. I've thoroughly gone through and found no scaling or serious rust; top, bottom, inside, chassis, etc. Small random pinpricks as well. I am ok with unpainted ugliness, just to be sure the rust is removed and sealed. I'm leaning towards this being serious step #1. Luckily it barely scoots into the garage (literally less than a cm clearance so if I use too much fuel and lighten the truck, I'm screwed), so further water damage wont be an issue for the time being.
The underbody and chassis aren't rusted at all, but I do want to sandblast and undercoat it anyway for the future.
I'm pulling the interior but using the original seats and carpets; they are in very good condition, just need small repairs and a good deep shampoo. Some carpet is starting to fray at the edges, so I will replace the 70s hangover shag brown if it starts to unravel. Of course am going to soundproof and modernize the underlay to keep from serious issues later, as well as dampen the road and diesel noise. I was going to replace the center console, as it is faded, ugly, and wobbly, but miracle of miracles, the rear heater blower actually works perfectly, so unless anyone knows how to put the factory blower in a Tuffy console, I'm going to rehab the original console.
All the door cards are shot, and doubtful they can be salvaged. I'm thinking Australian Door Cards are going to replace all panels inside. Boohoo on losing all that sweet chocolate brown shag on the doors. Also, the regulators are mostly beat. The driver window is absolutely first because it lets water in, but the rest can wait. All weatherstrips need replacing because of sag and poor sealing, but none are so bad that water leaks in.
So, TLDR, what's best first logistically and logically? Body rust, Underbody, interior rehab, or door rehab?
So, TLDR, what's best first logistically and logically? Body rust, Underbody protection, interior rehab, or door rehab?
There is surface rust all along both side gutters, top and bottom seams of the gutters, and various small patches of surface rust in various places on the lower body in normal places. I've thoroughly gone through and found no scaling or serious rust; top, bottom, inside, chassis, etc. Small random pinpricks as well. I am ok with unpainted ugliness, just to be sure the rust is removed and sealed. I'm leaning towards this being serious step #1. Luckily it barely scoots into the garage (literally less than a cm clearance so if I use too much fuel and lighten the truck, I'm screwed), so further water damage wont be an issue for the time being.
The underbody and chassis aren't rusted at all, but I do want to sandblast and undercoat it anyway for the future.
I'm pulling the interior but using the original seats and carpets; they are in very good condition, just need small repairs and a good deep shampoo. Some carpet is starting to fray at the edges, so I will replace the 70s hangover shag brown if it starts to unravel. Of course am going to soundproof and modernize the underlay to keep from serious issues later, as well as dampen the road and diesel noise. I was going to replace the center console, as it is faded, ugly, and wobbly, but miracle of miracles, the rear heater blower actually works perfectly, so unless anyone knows how to put the factory blower in a Tuffy console, I'm going to rehab the original console.
All the door cards are shot, and doubtful they can be salvaged. I'm thinking Australian Door Cards are going to replace all panels inside. Boohoo on losing all that sweet chocolate brown shag on the doors. Also, the regulators are mostly beat. The driver window is absolutely first because it lets water in, but the rest can wait. All weatherstrips need replacing because of sag and poor sealing, but none are so bad that water leaks in.
So, TLDR, what's best first logistically and logically? Body rust, Underbody, interior rehab, or door rehab?
