Well, I've done it.
I've quit the highly paid overseas contracting gig and returned to my home state of Iowa, there to live out my remaining time with my lovely bride and dog to be named later.
I got to actually see and drive the 1975 piggie named "Zeke" which I bought sight unseen from SuperT.
Based on his description and my inexperience with SOA lifted trucks, I was a bit anxious to get out and drive it.
After driving it for a couple days now, I can't say there is anything wrong with it. It drives (not surprisingly) like a truck. Stable and fun. Set up really well, imo. I love the color and the way its been set up so far.
The good: Oh, My Word, the interior is in amazing good shape.
The front bucket seats were very well executed. I simply love them.
This campy home made center console and drink holder is too freaking cool for words. When I saw the pics in the for sale ad, my first reaction was "ewwww". Now I think it is awesome. Plus it's the exact right height for shifting and resting elbow on while steering down the road.
As far as the exterior is concerned, I love the patina, the trail rash and the dents. Really has a "rough and ready" appearance.
The front disc brake setup is well executed and quite effective.
The best thing I can say about the Saginaw power steering conversion is that it works. It looks kind of hinky, and I will reinforce where the frame cross member was cut to make it fit.
The tires are brand new and quite aggressive. Will run these until they wear out and then consider possibly a smaller tire/lowering the lift a tad. Maybe go to a SUA 3" lift, as my wife and I get older and get tired of mountain climbing to get in.
But that is down the road.
I do have a laundry list of things to do to it before I have it where I want it in the short term.
A/C. No way will my better half accompany me to Pig Part 2018, if there isn't A/C in the mix.
Needs some kind of step/assist on the passenger side so my lovely bride can get in it easier. Am looking on input for this. She just needs a step of some kind.
Horn is inop and will need to sort that out.
New spare (ordered)
Heated seats to be added
Everything needs lubed. When I got it the hood was stuck shut. I squirted some Mouse Milk in that sucker and it released with an audible "pop", and now operates freely.
It is a touch cold blooded, and will stall at low rpms until thoroughly warmed. I'm wondering if the fact it's jetted for Denver Colorado might have something to do with that.
Will address most rust spots and then treat it with an oil based rust preventative before the salt comes out. This will be my DD for winter.
This rust spot is on both front fenders behind the wheels
Driver's side rocker is perfect. Passenger's side is rusting through and I will try to patch it prior to needing replaced.
Driver's side window handle was broken. I moved it to the passenger side rear seat, and will find a proper one to replace it.
Both the headliner and windshield are shot, but the PO helpfully included a brand new replacement for both. Will put them both in sometime soon.
My plans for this rig is to drive the wheels off it as both a DD and a Wanderlust machine. My wife and I will continue our expedition-ish driving we started in Europe and try to drive the roads less traveled throughout America. I'll try to update here as we go along.
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