Whatchu Workin' On?
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What am I workin' on? ..............this, all weekend. You're more than welcome to stop by if you want to lend a hand. 
Well, since the old '88 has fallen to daily driver status she's been going downhill. Started feeling bad about it and decided to do something about it. It looked like I was raising farm animals on the inside, so I bought some upholstery cleaner and went after the seats... Like five different times. Haha. They were gross. You can actually see the stitched in accent colors in the grey again. The flip down armrest was the worst- it got almost a whole can. Sure does smell better.
Vacuumed the whole truck, and found my stereo remote that's been missing for over three years--and it still works!!
Ordered a carpet dash cover, that actually looks quite nice. Made new wooden door speaker mounts, and not out of OSB this time, since the old ones were rotting into pieces.
Glued the shift pattern medallion back on the shift knob, glued the seat belt hanger bolt cover back together, and put a new bolt in the seat hindge spring cover. Funny I've kept up with all the pieces for so long.
I've had a headlight out forever. Can't get the grill off the truck because I mounted the Nissan ARB bumper too close. That was a real PITA to change. Changed both while I was at it.
Got a new window felt for the drivers side window, because the damn thing kept freezing closed, and I broke the window regulator.... Haha. Got the window regulator from rock auto, and with a new felt, it rolls up and down like butter.
Took my seat belt retractor apart and cleaned the dirt out from under the camber locking ball, because if you were parked anywhere at all on an angle, you couldn't put your seatbelt on. It actually pulls out now.
And finally... I ponied up for new hub dial seals, after telling the dealer I'd never pay $10 for an O-ring and leaving two years ago.... Trust me- there's no substitute for those dang things. They're not O-rings, they're star shaped! After not being able to turn my drivers side hub anymore, I gave up and gave the stealership $20 for both.
Amazing what a little maintenance can do. The truck is actually a really nice Place to spend some time now
Vacuumed the whole truck, and found my stereo remote that's been missing for over three years--and it still works!!
Ordered a carpet dash cover, that actually looks quite nice. Made new wooden door speaker mounts, and not out of OSB this time, since the old ones were rotting into pieces.
Glued the shift pattern medallion back on the shift knob, glued the seat belt hanger bolt cover back together, and put a new bolt in the seat hindge spring cover. Funny I've kept up with all the pieces for so long.
I've had a headlight out forever. Can't get the grill off the truck because I mounted the Nissan ARB bumper too close. That was a real PITA to change. Changed both while I was at it.
Got a new window felt for the drivers side window, because the damn thing kept freezing closed, and I broke the window regulator.... Haha. Got the window regulator from rock auto, and with a new felt, it rolls up and down like butter.
Took my seat belt retractor apart and cleaned the dirt out from under the camber locking ball, because if you were parked anywhere at all on an angle, you couldn't put your seatbelt on. It actually pulls out now.
And finally... I ponied up for new hub dial seals, after telling the dealer I'd never pay $10 for an O-ring and leaving two years ago.... Trust me- there's no substitute for those dang things. They're not O-rings, they're star shaped! After not being able to turn my drivers side hub anymore, I gave up and gave the stealership $20 for both.
Amazing what a little maintenance can do. The truck is actually a really nice Place to spend some time now
That has been one awesome little truck. Glad you got it fixed up a bit.
I know I tell this every time that truck comes up but Neil still remembers being up on Rampart and seeing a piece of that old rusty bed fall off and skitter down the road...haha
I know I tell this every time that truck comes up but Neil still remembers being up on Rampart and seeing a piece of that old rusty bed fall off and skitter down the road...haha
Recently I installed good pins on the Whale. With the support out after replacing the trans cooler to make way for the winch, the hood often didn't like to close. Good pins took care of that effectively.
Also, bumped up the timing on the truck. Runs much better with a bit more pep. While I was under the hood, I also readjusted the throttle (transmission) cable so she shifts nice and smooth.
Also, bumped up the timing on the truck. Runs much better with a bit more pep. While I was under the hood, I also readjusted the throttle (transmission) cable so she shifts nice and smooth.
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ordered the last couple hundred dollars of misc parts for the 40. Should get them Monday and installed next week. Also need to figure out why they passenger door pops open while driving (it just comes open...you can push the door, hit bumps and it stays closed...comes open on flat non-bumpy roads). Also need to take it in to get the timing and carb adjusted. Then...do I brave it on a long trip down to the San Juans??? (I'd expect a convoy in case it has trouble being its first big outing and all).
I've been a busy bee chasing a snap in the front end when its under steering load or articulation. Replaced the steering damper and bracket (original one was bent badly), I also replaced both ball joints with OEM joints on the steering tie rod... the snap is still there, I think it might be in the tie rod between the tires or a spring but IDK at this point. I might put the gopro under the truck and try to zero in on the issue. Its obvious that I still have some leaks huh?
I also replaced the lower control arms (bent the stock ones on the chinaman's gulch run) in the rear with some wicked SPC 3/16" DOM control arms from Mr. Slee they have ball joints on the axle side for extra flex. And my drivers side rear wheel bearings grenaded themselves so I am waiting on seals and bearings from Mr. T.
I also replaced the lower control arms (bent the stock ones on the chinaman's gulch run) in the rear with some wicked SPC 3/16" DOM control arms from Mr. Slee they have ball joints on the axle side for extra flex. And my drivers side rear wheel bearings grenaded themselves so I am waiting on seals and bearings from Mr. T.
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cowl vent drain tubes would be much easier to install if the dash wasn't installed, but they are in. Now I can drive in the rain. Next up...oil change and trying to figure out the turn signals...WHY WON'T THEY FLASH???!!!
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OK...so after a few months of no problems, I have a problem on the Cruiser. The 5 amp fuse that runs the oil/temp/gas gauge and the reverse light is blowing. First happened on Saturday...traced the problem to the fuse today...replaced it and immediately blew it. So, I'm guessing, since this is what I've learned about cruiser wiring, is that it is a ground somewhere. But I checked all of the obvious ones and everything is securely bolted down. Am I missing something? Should I try and use like a 10 or 15 amp fuse? Don't know why I would all of a sudden have issues...
Replacing the fuse with a bigger one can lead to burnt wires and damaged harnesses. If it is feasible disconnect as many end items as possible and replace the fuse. Reconnect stuff until it blows again. Or you can disconnect the battery and ohm the load side to ground. Easier to disconnect...
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I think I figured out the blown fuse issue...only 3 things run off that circuit...4WD light, reverse light and gauges. All connections and wiring were good, so my thought was it was the 4WD light on the dash. I removed the bulb some time ago since the switch is stuck on and the dash light was annoying. It looks like the inside of the bulb holder came out of the housing and was hitting the under side of the dash. Must have been enough juice going through the dash to pop the fuse. Luckily that bulb housing just plugs in, so I unplugged it, and everything is working again and didn't blow a fuse.
Now to get the turn signals working. I'm almost certain its the hazard switch, just have to find time to pull it and clean it...and instructions on how to do it!
Now to get the turn signals working. I'm almost certain its the hazard switch, just have to find time to pull it and clean it...and instructions on how to do it!
Well I'm going to start off small. I did not see a "noob changes light bulb thread" so here is my whatcha working on contribution. headlight change. My old one had a hole in it and was holding water. I did a "rampage" halogen upgrade. With a removable bulb. I don't think there is an easier project than this. After removing the cowling it was as simple as loosening 3 screws per light and then plug and play! Didn't even have to adjust the lat/long. I will post up some pics of my drum break mystery squeak quest and tie rod boot replacement adventure this weekend.... If my wife does not haul me off to Ren-fest Saturday. I can't say no to fried turkey legs
