I'm at it again - Trooper this time

[Buffy]

My sister bought this Trooper brand new and proceeded to put 247K miles on it. She gave it to me just to get it out of her yard and I was happy to bring it home. It actually had moss growing on it when I drug it out from under the pine trees. I have been working on this for several months and here is where I am at. It has completely disassembled and the frame sanded, rust proofed and painted. The engine has been rebuilt with a balance job and a Delta 260 cam. The intake has been glass beaded and and reassembled. The transmission has been rebuilt and Terra Low 3.1 gears installed. Now for some pictures of what I started with:

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/744918/fullsize/dsc00847.jpg

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/744981/fullsize/dsc00849.jpg

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/744983/fullsize/dsc00850.jpg

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/744985/fullsize/dsc00851.jpg

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/744989/fullsize/dsc00854.jpg

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/744988/fullsize/dsc00853.jpg

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/744986/fullsize/dsc00852.jpg

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/744992/fullsize/dsc00857.jpg

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/744994/fullsize/dsc00859.jpg

[Buffy]

I have 5 brand new Snowflakes going on it.

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/841878/fullsize/100_1084.jpg

Here is the intake before it was cleaned up.

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/858866/fullsize/100_1226.jpg

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/858867/fullsize/100_1227.jpg

Pile of parts for the intake.

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/858869/fullsize/100_1243.jpg

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/858873/fullsize/100_1247.jpg

After glass beading.

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/858870/fullsize/100_1244.jpg

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/858871/fullsize/100_1245.jpg

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/858872/fullsize/100_1246.jpg

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/858875/fullsize/100_1250.jpg

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/858876/fullsize/100_1251.jpg

[Buffy]

Preparing to pull the motor.

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/860642/fullsize/100_1330.jpg

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/860644/fullsize/100_1329.jpg

And it's out.

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/860637/fullsize/100_1332.jpg

Now time for some serious BLING! Shipped the valve cover off to Carolina Hard Chrome and they did an awesome job.

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/860670/fullsize/100_1342.jpg

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/860671/fullsize/100_1343.jpg

Terra Low Gears

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/866378/fullsize/100_1363.jpg

Pace Setter header

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/866381/fullsize/100_1365.jpg

After Jet Hot coating

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/866692/fullsize/100_1414.jpg

Front end is out

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/866382/fullsize/100_1403.jpg

Getting ready for drop brackets

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/866383/fullsize/100_1404.jpg

[Buffy]

Front diff before...

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/866384/fullsize/100_1405.jpg

and after....

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/871212/fullsize/100_1595.jpg

Cleaned up engine bay

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/866385/fullsize/100_1406.jpg

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/871219/fullsize/100_1603.jpg

My floating Trooper

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/871217/fullsize/100_1600.jpg

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/871218/fullsize/100_1602.jpg

[Buffy]

Frame time

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/871214/fullsize/100_1597.jpg

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/872267/fullsize/100_1606.jpg

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/872268/fullsize/100_1607.jpg

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/872269/fullsize/100_1609.jpg

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/872704/fullsize/100_1610.jpg

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/872705/fullsize/100_1611.jpg

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/872707/fullsize/100_1613.jpg

Isuzu lawn art!

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/872708/fullsize/100_1615.jpg

[Buffy]

And finally the motor and tranny is installed

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/873750/fullsize/100_1623.jpg

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/873751/fullsize/100_1624.jpg

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/873752/fullsize/100_1625.jpg

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/873748/fullsize/100_1621.jpg

[Buffy]

That pretty much catches the group up an where the project is. I have heavy duty Sway-A-Way torsion bars ready to go in. I will be putting in OME leaf springs and Joe Darlington drop brackets for the front. I will post updates as I make progress. I am hoping to have everything done by Hallowarrie

[JoFotoz]

Please come and live in my back yard for a while...:smack:

Awesome..

jo

[ZEUS]

That's sweet! I found a '91 Trooper last weekend and was on my way to buy it for $650 but someone got it right before me. Grr... Excited to see your build tho!

[Scott Harness]

Bravo!!! Sweet!!! What Jo said!!!

[Buffy]

Bravo!!! Sweet!!! What Jo said!!!

Well my brother does live in the Dallas area.:p

I missed out on a 89 RS last week. I would have loved to of gotten the 4.77 gears out of it.

[Triathlete]

Please come and live in my back yard for a while...:smack:

Awesome..

jo

I will up the ante...I will let you sleep indoors on a fold out couch with air conditioning!:bwgy:

[bigblock8396375]

Had 89 Trooper LS 4 cyl 223 k, bought for 200 guy thought clutch was bad,only needed the adjustment bolt under dash adjusted.Great truck drove it for 5 years sold it for 1000.Wish I still had it! It was shipped off to Haiti just before the earthquake. Your doing a great job, keep the pics coming!

[Buffy]

Thanks for the compliments guys. I am waiting for my suspension parts to arrive. Just ordered up an Aussie locker for the rear and an ARB for the front. I will be installing OME heavy duty springs (about 3" lift) and some other goodies. I will also be installing VX seats when I get to the interior. Found a 1999 or 2000 VX in Dalls and got fron tand rear seats for 250.00. I am not sure I can use the back seat or not due to width but will ponder my options when I get them home but the front seats in a first gen Trooper is going to be fun!

[Ldub]

VERY nice...:thumbup:.:thumbup:

[samneil2000]

Man, I wish I had your motivation. That is going to be one slick Trooper. What are your plans for it?
I'm not sure what you do for a living, but have a feeling you could do restorations and make a nickle or two.

[Riff Raff]

Man, I wish I had your motivation. That is going to be one slick Trooper. What are your plans for it?
I'm not sure what you do for a living, but have a feeling you could do restorations and make a nickle or two.

x2. Buffy, your talent is simply amazing!!! Perhaps you should apply for a job at Chip Foos Automotive.

:bgwb:

[Buffy]

My day job is managing Java developers and projects but my true passion is restoring cars and bulding hot rods. My boss keeps asking my I work for him and not myself and the wife tells my I should go out on my own. I guess I just haven't had the courage to make that step. I put myself through college by working on cars with my father-in-law. We would rebuild a different totalled car every weekend for a salvage dealer. I got to cut them in half, weld them together, repair engines and do paint and body work. I would truely love to own my own restoration shop.

Working for/with Foose would truely be a dream job!!!!

[SlowPro48]

First you rebuild the VX and now this? Dude you get more done in one summer than I do in a decade! I hope you realize what a wonderful wife you have. As I'm sure you know, projects that involve spending large chunks of time in the garage will NOT get completed in a reasonable amount of time without an understanding better half!

If you ever decide to give the restoration thing a go let me know. I've got a '57 MGA that needs the entropy fighting energy and skills of a man like you. It's been taking up space for 15 years. I've never even bothered to start on it because given my monthly allotment of 8 hours in the garage - with no one session allowed to last more than 2 hours - it would take me oohhh.... about 4 lifetimes to complete.... so there it sits. I'm serious about this. I'll be your first customer! I'm not looking for a concours d'elegance quality restoration - I just want to drive the damn thing before I die!

Anyway - thanks for sharing the pics of your project - I really admire your ability to "git 'er done"!!!

[Buffy]

I do have a wonderful wife. As a matter of fact she is usually in the garage turning wrenches with me or getting the tools I need. She helped with the frame on the VX and got black highlights in her blonde hair to show for it. You gotta love a woman who will allow her husband to spray her hair with brake cleaner to try and get paint out of it, which didn't work by the way. :laughgray

SlowPro48 - I see you are in Winston Salem, we should get togther sometime and talk about that 57 MGA. I helped an uncle rebuild the engine in his MGB in my teenage years. Wasn't a 57 though. ;)

[Buffy]

Man, I wish I had your motivation. That is going to be one slick Trooper. What are your plans for it?
I'm not sure what you do for a living, but have a feeling you could do restorations and make a nickle or two.

First plan is to take my sister for a ride in it. She has fond memories of all the vacations she took the family on when the kids were young. They would head down to Florida and camp in the back of the Trooper for the weekend. She has MS now and doesn't get around as good as she used to but she is raring to go for a ride. Her husband refuses to believe it is the original motor which is pretty funny. After that I want to take it to Hallowarie and put it through its paces and then enjoy the old Trooper like it was ment to be. May buy me a small camper and fix up to pull behind it for wheeling trips.

[Gussie2000]

Excelent work man.

I wish i had some back yard & enclosed garage to play around with the VX and do some stuff to it.


You definately have a great wife to spray some brake cleaner over her hair !

[Buffy]

Not a whole lot got done this weekend. Waiting on some parts is it is scorching outside! But I did install a new heater core and get the rear diff housing cleaned. The best part about the weekend is I scored some 4.77s for my project!! That is the last piece of my wish list for the project.

It wasn't too bad doing the swap but having the interior out is a big help!

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/874523/fullsize/100_1626.jpg

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/874524/fullsize/100_1627.jpg

Getting ready to paint the rear housing and install a new locker.

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/874525/fullsize/100_1628.jpg

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/874526/fullsize/100_1629.jpg

I replaced the heater core because I did not know what kind of shape the core was in. Turns out it was in pretty good shape.... so if anyone is in need of an OEM heater core mine is in pretty good shape.

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/874527/fullsize/100_1630.jpg

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/874528/fullsize/100_1631.jpg

[ZEUS]

Some progress is better than none! Wish I could figure that out for myself! haha

[nfpgasmask]

Yes, very awesome. Gotta love a restored 1st gen.

Bart

[tom4bren]

Buffy, didn't you have shoulder surgery or sump'n at the end of your VX build? Guess it turned out well considering the work you're doing now. Great job.

[Buffy]

Yea, I had my left elbow rebuilt. Much to my doctor and wife's dismay, I was in the garage a week later working in a sling. :o

[Buffy]

Parts have been arriving all week. Just waiting on my new front and rear diffs.

Sway-a-way torsion bars

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/875360/fullsize/100_1632.jpg

Aussie locker for the rear

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/875361/fullsize/100_1633.jpg

ARB air locker for the front

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/875364/fullsize/100_1636.jpg

Indy4x Pro Suspension

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/875362/fullsize/100_1634.jpg

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/875363/fullsize/100_1635.jpg

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/875365/fullsize/100_1637.jpg

[RamAirZ]

Looking great man!! I've thought the same thing about opening up my own shop, maybe we should go in it together :)

[Buffy]

Works for me! Would love to restore cars for a living. I hope to hear the 4.77 diffs are good I will be good to go. As soon as I get them in I will be in for a serious wrench fest getting my suspension back together.

[RamAirZ]

If I lived closer, I'd help ya. You liking that Master Series coating btw? As you know I love restoring cars too, working on this baby right now:

http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/267266_2187360849268_1404466228_32633206_5309403_n .jpg

http://i583.photobucket.com/albums/ss272/RamAirZ/1968%20Mustang/photo15.jpg

I really need to open my own shop :(

[Buffy]

I love the Master Series Coatings! I used the silver on all the rusty spots on the frame. The master cylinder apparantly leaked and caused some rusting on the frame in that area. Instead of the MSC black to paint the frame I ordered some Eastwood Extreem Chassis high gloss chassis paint. One good coat of their primer and two good coats of the paint and the frame looks great. I have all the skid plates coated and painted and are awaiting to get installed. I am interested to see how well the paint holds up to some abuse.

[RamAirZ]

I love the Master Series Coatings! I used the silver on all the rusty spots on the frame. The master cylinder apparantly leaked and caused some rusting on the frame in that area. Instead of the MSC black to paint the frame I ordered some Eastwood Extreem Chassis high gloss chassis paint. One good coat of their primer and two good coats of the paint and the frame looks great. I have all the skid plates coated and painted and are awaiting to get installed. I am interested to see how well the paint holds up to some abuse.

I know the MSC held up great on my '69 frame, it got banged around and bumped into alot at the shop, never a scratch. I told you the stuff was good!! Probably going to be ordering some more of it myself soon

[Buffy]

I spent last weekend working on cleaning out the inside of the gas tank. Man talk about a long hard process! So this weekend is trying to get it all back together. I had to fix the rear cross member as the brother-in-law used to pull heavy boats which resulted in cracking out the croass member. So guess what the tool fairie sent me???

New Lincoln welder...

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/877086/fullsize/100_1653.jpg

Here's the tank after internal cleaning, sealing and paint...

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/877080/fullsize/100_1648.jpg

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/877081/fullsize/100_1649.jpg

OEM sending unit and fuel pump...

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/877082/fullsize/100_1650.jpg

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/877083/fullsize/100_1651.jpg

All assembled...

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/877084/fullsize/100_1652.jpg

Gas tank skid plate....

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/877085/fullsize/100_1654.jpg

I finally got my seats. Here is what a VehiCROSS back seat looks like in a first gen Trooper. It is just sitting in there at the moment. I have a section of a VX floorpan on the way that I am going to graft into the Trooper. There is some space on either side of the set that I think I will build a cup holder for each side.

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/877087/fullsize/100_1658.jpg

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/877088/fullsize/100_1659.jpg

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/877089/fullsize/100_1660.jpg

[RamAirZ]

Looks good buffy, can't wait to see the seats and what not installed, and that looks just like my welder. I love that thing!

[Buffy]

Yea, I am loving the welder. I've been wanting one for a long time and the wife finally said to go get one. Lowe's is doing the no interest thing for 6 to 18 months so I brought one home.

I welded the cracks in the rear cross member and got the gas tank and skid plate installed yesterday.

Cross member repaired. I had a tough time welding the plates that I sandwiched the crossmember in as the are both about 3/8" thick. Those are some hefty stainless steel bolts for extra holding power. Anything worth doing is worth over doin!! :smilewink

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/877120/fullsize/100_1662.jpg

Tank and skid plate installed...

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/877121/fullsize/100_1663.jpg

I got my Joe Darlington drop brackets....

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/877122/fullsize/100_1665.jpg

[Buffy]

Parts are finally starting to trickel in. Here is my 4:77 diff and Aussie locker install.

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/879119/fullsize/100_1667.jpg

Disassembly of the diff:

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/879120/fullsize/100_1668.jpg

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/879121/fullsize/100_1669.jpg

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/879122/fullsize/100_1670.jpg

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/879128/fullsize/100_1672.jpg

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/879129/fullsize/100_1673.jpg

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/879130/fullsize/100_1674.jpg

Locker parts:

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/879135/fullsize/100_1675.jpg

The trust washer you always hear about but never see:

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/879136/fullsize/100_1676.jpg

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/879137/fullsize/100_1677.jpg

[Buffy]

I ran into a problem while assembling the locker. I couldn't get the clearances between the spaces and the retainer pin. I tried to sand the thrust washer to get the measurements to come in as described in the instructions.

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/879139/fullsize/100_1678.jpg

So, I took a trip to the machine shop and had a couple thousandths taken off the spacers. I happened to speak with Matt at Indy4X who explained the only part of the instructions to pay attention to was the sheet that details installing the pins and springs. So if you are going to install on of these things just put it together! And note to the planet, Matt mentioned they may no longer be selling the Aussie so if you want one better get cracking!

All back together:

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/879141/fullsize/100_1682.jpg

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/879142/fullsize/100_1683.jpg

Housing ready for the third member and paint:

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/879143/fullsize/100_1684.jpg

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/879146/fullsize/100_1686.jpg

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/879147/fullsize/100_1687.jpg

Pretty!

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/879148/fullsize/100_1690.jpg

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/879149/fullsize/100_1691.jpg

[nfpgasmask]

Very nice. This fall, I will be doing much of the same with my Trooper. Real paint job, Linex, crate motor, and lots of other new parts. I can't wait!

Where did you source your 4.77s?

Bart

[Buffy]

Very nice. This fall, I will be doing much of the same with my Trooper. Real paint job, Linex, crate motor, and lots of other new parts. I can't wait!

Where did you source your 4.77s?

Bart

I go the 4.77s from a member on the Planet. Keep a lookout for Troopers that came with the big tire package which consisted of Snowflakes and 31 10.50 tires and 4.77s.

If you were closer, I would be more than happy to come help you with some wrenching.

[ZEUS]

Awesome! I may be PMing you about a few things in the next few months if you don't mind...? Paints and processes and what not...

BTW, the villian side of me has to ask... is that an old skool Wagoneer I see or maybe a CJ?

EDIT: Or maybe it's a CJ project with ol skool Wagoneer axles? LOL

[Buffy]

Awesome! I may be PMing you about a few things in the next few months if you don't mind...? Paints and processes and what not...

BTW, the villian side of me has to ask... is that an old skool Wagoneer I see or maybe a CJ?

EDIT: Or maybe it's a CJ project with ol skool Wagoneer axles? LOL

Feel free to PM me any time and I'll shoot you my contact info.

You are correct in that it is a CJ project. It is an 86 CJ-8 with a world cab steel hard top. It has only 38,000 original miles on it. The original motor, tranny, transfer case is missing but the deal included a brand new Cummins 4BT, advanced adapter overdrive, Richmond 5 speed and a Dana 300 transfer case. All brand new. The top is what makes it rare.

It is a super rare Jeep barn find if you will.

[yellowgizmo99]

did you get the 4.77's from chadzu on the planet? was talking to him and he said he had someone he was working with already.

[vt_maverick]

This and the other thread are very encouraging Buffy. Whenever I change the oil and see rust here or there or just caked on dirt on the diff I now know it's possible to bring things back to near-factory condition. Not cheap I imagine, but possible nonetheless.

Great work!

[Buffy]

did you get the 4.77's from chadzu on the planet? was talking to him and he said he had someone he was working with already.

Yea, got them from chadzu. I also got an ARB for the front from him. Good guy to deal with.

[ZEUS]

Feel free to PM me any time and I'll shoot you my contact info.

You are correct in that it is a CJ project. It is an 86 CJ-8 with a world cab steel hard top. It has only 38,000 original miles on it. The original motor, tranny, transfer case is missing but the deal included a brand new Cummins 4BT, advanced adapter overdrive, Richmond 5 speed and a Dana 300 transfer case. All brand new. The top is what makes it rare.

It is a super rare Jeep barn find if you will.
No kidding... a Scrambler Panel??? I've never heard of such a thing. I'd love to keep up with that build too when you get to it. :) Expedition rig?

[Triathlete]

Buffy,
Is indy going to stop saling the aussies for all zu axles?

[Buffy]

No kidding... a Scrambler Panel??? I've never heard of such a thing. I'd love to keep up with that build too when you get to it. :) Expedition rig?

They are very rare. There were 230 built from 81 to 85 for the state of Alaska as postal units which were right hand drive and had no windows in them. Those built with windows were all exported. Most were sent to Austraila as the Overlander and the rest to Venezuala with left had drive. Mine was supposed to exported but for some reason never left the country. Speedo is in Kilometers. Here are a couple pictures of it when I got it home and did some cleaning on it. It has troop seats in the back like the old FJ40s. I've been trying to verify if this was the last unit built with the steel hard top but have not been very successful. It has a very high serial number and was not originally titled until 12/24/86 and seeing that there we only 128 built in 86 I think I've go a shot. :yesy:

The interior you are seeing is the original interior the truck came with. It literally sat in a dark shop for over 12 years.

https://www.supermotors.net/getfile/843978/fullsize/100_1148.jpg

https://www.supermotors.net/getfile/843989/fullsize/100_1157.jpg

https://www.supermotors.net/getfile/843996/fullsize/100_1164.jpg

https://www.supermotors.net/getfile/844182/fullsize/100_1169.jpg

And let's not forget the powerplant!

https://www.supermotors.net/getfile/837704/fullsize/truck-040.jpg

[Buffy]

Buffy,
Is indy going to stop saling the aussies for all zu axles?

Matt indicated that they were going to stop selling them. Not sure if it was a done deal or not but it sure sounded that way.

[samneil2000]

Man that Jeep is cool!

[vt_maverick]

https://www.supermotors.net/getfile/843978/fullsize/100_1148.jpg

https://www.supermotors.net/getfile/843989/fullsize/100_1157.jpg

https://www.supermotors.net/getfile/843996/fullsize/100_1164.jpg


Looks like they had the same backseat design guidance as the VX engineers - give it a spacious backseat with virtually no way to get back there. :p

That "troop seat" looks a lot like the seats at the end of a subway car.

[ZEUS]

I can't seem to reply with a quote - weird! About the Jeep tho: WOW!!! That is one HELL of a find! Thanks for all the info. It is sure to be an awesome rig when you get er up and runnin!

[circmand]

Looks like they had the same backseat design guidance as the VX engineers - give it a spacious backseat with virtually no way to get back there. :p

That "troop seat" looks a lot like the seats at the end of a subway car.

It looks like you can fit in the backseat between the front seats as well as through the read door. No such luck with the VX

[vt_maverick]

Yup you're right circ, definitely was forgetting between the front seats, and for some reason I was thinking the bench in the photo was against the back not along the sides. What a weird lay-out!

[bigblock8396375]

http://m.wimp.com/armoredvehicle/ how about one of these!

[Triathlete]

http://m.wimp.com/armoredvehicle/ how about one of these!

I guess if you want something that is totally useless! To big for the road, to big for the trail.

[JHarris1385]

wow

[bigblock8396375]

My porridge is too hot,my porridge is too cold!

[Buffy]

Back to Trooper action!

Made some good progress over the weekend. I got the rear end installed and the clutch hydrolics installed as well.

The end is in! :P

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/879654/fullsize/100_1720.jpg

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/879655/fullsize/100_1721.jpg

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/879656/fullsize/100_1722.jpg

Front steering knuckles cleaned and in primer:

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/879657/fullsize/100_1724.jpg

Passenger CV getting cleaned and new boots installed:

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/879662/fullsize/100_1727.jpg

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/879663/fullsize/100_1728.jpg

Driver side CV before:

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/879664/fullsize/100_1729.jpg

And after:

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/879665/fullsize/100_1730.jpg

[Buffy]

The clutch hydrolic hose finally made it!

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/879650/fullsize/100_1692.jpg

New OEM cluth master cylinder:

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/879651/fullsize/100_1693.jpg

Installed:

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/879652/fullsize/100_1694.jpg

Power booster installed:

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/879653/fullsize/100_1695.jpg

The wife and I made a junk yard trip on Saturday and scored a set of brakets to install the VehiCROSS seat in my Trooper. The brakets are perfect and will allow me to install the seat without modifying the floor pans. They are out of a Kia Sportage 4 door. It is like they were made for this purpose.

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/879658/fullsize/100_1725.jpg

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/879660/fullsize/100_1726.jpg

[bigblock8396375]

You are really making progress,I wish I still had my 89 Trooper.Can't wait to see it finished! Looks great!

[nfpgasmask]

The power booster, what kind is that? I already have the 2nd gen Trooper brake upgrade in mine, but I would like to upgrade the booster eventually also....details?

Thanks - Bart

[Buffy]

It is a power booster out of another 1st gen Trooper that was better than my original. I may have gotten it out of a V6 model but cannot remember if it was or not. Of course I am not sure there is a difference between the two though.

[ZEUS]

I thought "The end is nigh." :P Lookin great as always! Just keep wrenching just keep wrenching...

[nfpgasmask]

It is a power booster out of another 1st gen Trooper that was better than my original. I may have gotten it out of a V6 model but cannot remember if it was or not. Of course I am not sure there is a difference between the two though.

OK, yeah, supposedly, you can get one outta a 3.1 Rodeo and it will be a little bigger/better. The 2nd gen front brake setup is a must if you ask me, something you might look into also.

Bart

[Buffy]

OK, yeah, supposedly, you can get one outta a 3.1 Rodeo and it will be a little bigger/better. The 2nd gen front brake setup is a must if you ask me, something you might look into also.

Bart

I already have most of the parts to do the brake upgrade. :smilewink I had not heard about using the power booster out of the Rodeo though. Hmmmm may need to do some cyfering. :p:

[nfpgasmask]

I already have most of the parts to do the brake upgrade. :smilewink I had not heard about using the power booster out of the Rodeo though. Hmmmm may need to do some cyfering. :p:

Yeah, there is a thread on the Planet about it somewhere. And you don't NEED the upgraded booster, I just read that you can use one. I just did the 2nd gen brake pads, rotors, dust covers and calipers with mine and it made a HUGE difference.

Bart

[Buffy]

I decided to add power windows to my Trooper. I have a set of new OEM window regulators and motors to start with. I found a LS Trooper in the junk yard and got all the door panels, swithces, wiring etc. I was hoping for a plug and play kind of thing but no such luck. There is a main wire harness that connects under the dash behind the heater box and runs all the way to the back of the truck. I had to remove this harness from the LS thinking I could just plug the motor into it.... ummmm no. So what I had to do is strip the window motor wires out of the harness and I will make a separate harness that will be used to run the windows. I will have to take the wire out of the old connector and place them in the connector that is in my truck. this little project is still in progress, kind of at a stand still until I can get a terminal release tool to move the wires.

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/880372/fullsize/100_1733.jpg

The old connector, notice all the slots are full. The one in my truck is half empty.

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/880375/fullsize/100_1738.jpg

Here is the front axle back together, the ARB is in there!

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/880373/fullsize/100_1735.jpg

I got the upgraded air pump so I can air up my tires etc after a day on the trail:

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/880374/fullsize/100_1736.jpg

[Buffy]

The other thing I got accomplished this weekend is the back seat is now installed. I was very pleased at how easy it was to install, it all dropped right into place. What made the install so simple was the seat brackets we got out of the Kia Sportage.

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/879660/fullsize/100_1726.jpg

Removing the old seat striker...

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/880378/fullsize/100_1742.jpg

I centered the seat and made some marks of where to drill...

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/880381/fullsize/100_1745.jpg

This is 3/16" plate, the thickness allows the bracket to lay flat on both the front vertical and horizontal surfaces. I decided to span three ribs for extra strenght.

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/880382/fullsize/100_1746.jpg

I used 1/8" plate on the backside for additional strength...

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/880383/fullsize/100_1747.jpg

The cool part was the original VX stryker fell perfectly in a valley, I just had the align it up and weld it in place.

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/880384/fullsize/100_1748.jpg

Finished product, the springs are in backwards for now but I'll flip them when I do the final seat installation. I am using 7/16" grade 8 bolts.

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/880385/fullsize/100_1749.jpg

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/880386/fullsize/100_1750.jpg

Today's chore is to try and figure out a mounting system for the front seats.

[ZEUS]

FUN! Did you think about adding a quick release to the rear seat?

[Buffy]

:cool!:
FUN! Did you think about adding a quick release to the rear seat?

I hadn't thought about that. The seat will still roll forward out of the way and I can always pull the pins and remove the seat that way. This did just give me an idea though. I may see if I can find one of the pins you use for a trailer hitch for quick release. Hmmmmm.... :cool!:

I spent the morning looking at how to install the front seats. I took the mounts off both seats and while similar they are different enough to pose a big head ache. What I am thinking about is cutting the sheet metal out of a Rodeo and welding that into the floor of the Trooper, I think that may be easier in the long run than trying to rig up some modified seat bracket.

[ZEUS]

http://www.vehicross.info/forums/showpost.php?p=78477&postcount=20

Not sure if that will take you to the post or not... if not here is the thread it came from: http://www.vehicross.info/forums/showthread.php?t=8968&page=2

The front seats sound like a nice challenge tho! Do they sit kinda low for the Troop at this point?

[Buffy]

That is exactly what I was thinking about using!

The seat being too low is a concern that I have. If you put the seats side-by-side their mounting bases are about the same. The first gen square mounting pedistal is pretty high. I will have to take some measurments over the weekend to see what I come up with. Once I figure everything out I will post up all the specs. It sure has been nice having a welder of my own now, it opens up so many possibilities when working on my projects.

[Marlin]

Coming along quite nicely! I would love to find an old 1st gen that already has the V6 swap, and put the montero jump seats in the back. I have always love the look and the idea of them folding down and making a bed in conjunciton with the other seats.

[Buffy]

I've gotten the front axle, CVs and steering knuckles installed. This morning I got the driveshafts installed, that front drive shaft is a pain to get back in!

Front knuckles with fresh paint and new seals....

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/883259/fullsize/100_1763.jpg

I had some extra loud paint laying around and decided to do something different.... :smilewink

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/883262/fullsize/100_1766.jpg

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/883263/fullsize/100_1767.jpg

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/883264/fullsize/100_1768.jpg

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/883265/fullsize/100_1770.jpg

I am waiting on some parts for the big brake kit and I can finish the front end. Hard to believe I almost have this thing on its wheels again.

[Buffy]

I started working on getting the front VX seats installed. It has caused me some head scratching moments but I think I am almost there. The thing with the VX seats is the off-set is made into the seat frame insteat of the mounting bracket. So here is what I am doing....

Here are the seats side-by-side. Notice the lean on the VX seat, this is the passenger seat....

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/883257/fullsize/100_1757.jpg

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/883258/fullsize/100_1758.jpg

Here are the seat mounts I cut out of a Rodeo. Plan to spent about 4 hours minimum to get these panels out. I had blisters on my blisters swinging a 3 pound hammer getting the panels loose.

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/883260/fullsize/100_1764.jpg

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/883261/fullsize/100_1765.jpg

This is the driver front mount after a couple hours of cutting and shaping....

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/883266/fullsize/100_1771.jpg

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/883267/fullsize/100_1772.jpg

Stock mount out....

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/883268/fullsize/100_1773.jpg

I had to move the new floor mount about 2 inches forward to allow for the longer travel of the new seat. If installed at the original location the front seat would actually hit the back seat. Definitely a good mod for someone with long legs..

[Marlin]

I know I had my seats all apart once. Why not just take the actual seat off of the VX hardware and fab a plate to bolt it to the trooper hardware? IIRC it was only 4 bolts holding the seat on?

[RickOKC]

Here are the seats side-by-side. Notice the lean on the VX seat, this is the passenger seat....
My old VX seats currently live in my home office. I call the driver's seat "that one" and the passenger seat is named "Ilene". :p:laughing::rotate:

[Buffy]

I know I had my seats all apart once. Why not just take the actual seat off of the VX hardware and fab a plate to bolt it to the trooper hardware? IIRC it was only 4 bolts holding the seat on?

I was going to that, took the both seats apart for a comparison. One side of the VX seat frame has about an 1 1/2" drop made in it. I looked at fabbing up some sort of drop bracket for one side but didn't come up with anything that I liked. I looked up how Squatch did it on the planet but the seats he used had flat bottom, needless to say I was a tad disappointed with my discovery.

[Buffy]

It was a busy day today. I got the front suspension back together, torsion bars back in and the new brake calipers painted. I will get the them installed tomorrow and perhaps the new master cylinder. Man I am getting close to being back on 4 wheels again!!

Front hub with new bearing, seal and ready for the rotor....

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/883989/fullsize/100_1779.jpg

My Aisin hub disassembled and cleaned....

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/883988/fullsize/100_1778.jpg

All the nuts, bolts and screws cleaned and ready for installation....

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/883987/fullsize/100_1777.jpg

I FINALLY get to use my rotors, these have been on the wife's dryer for well over a year....

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/883991/fullsize/100_1783.jpg

Outter hub before detailing....

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/883990/fullsize/100_1780.jpg

and after detailing, I delegated this to the wife (she has a much steadier hand that I do)....

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/883996/fullsize/100_1790.jpg

All done, just waiting for the paint to dry on the outter hub to dry to finish up....

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/883995/fullsize/100_1788.jpg

Calipers detailed with caliper paint. I am curious to see if it is resistant to brake fluid....

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/883997/fullsize/100_1791.jpg

Sway-A-Way torsion bars installed....

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/883998/fullsize/100_1792.jpg

[Buffy]

The front suspension is complete, all I need to do now is put the weight on the suspension and torque everything now.

Big brake upgrade complete....

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/884473/fullsize/100_1800.jpg

The shape of things to come...

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/884474/fullsize/100_1802.jpg

[nfpgasmask]

Very nice. I can't wait to get back to work on my Trooper.

Bart

[Marlin]

Is it weird that another man's truck is giving me a stiffy

[don moore]

Is it weird that another man's truck is giving me a stiffy

hehe he said STIFFY.....hehe ......hehe

[Buffy]

That's some funny stuff right there... I don't care who you are!!

[samneil2000]

Is it weird that another man's truck is giving me a stiffy

If it's wrong, I don't wanna be right... :confused: :p

[Buffy]

Oh lookie what followed me home today!!!

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/884845/fullsize/100_1803.jpg

Ride height adjusted and on its wheels again for the first time in a LONG time.....

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/884846/fullsize/100_1804.jpg

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/884847/fullsize/100_1805.jpg

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/884848/fullsize/100_1806.jpg

The engine bay is complete as well, just need the positive cable and it is time to fire this puppy up!!!!

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/884849/fullsize/100_1807.jpg

[tom4bren]

Oh lookie what followed me home today!!!

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/884845/fullsize/100_1803.jpg



OK, now I have a stiffy too!!!:):):)

[Buffy]

OK, now I have a stiffy too!!!:):):)

Way too funny though I had the same reaction after getting them installed. Also note that those snowflakes were brand new and still in the original box! Bought them about a year and a half ago and have been just waiting for this day to get here.

[samneil2000]

I love the KM2's. I have had mine for a while now. No weird wearing or anything. They look great on the snowflakes + trooper. You heading to the paint booth next? If so, what color(s)?

[tom4bren]

... what color(s)?

Maybe he'll leave it as is.

A red 4 door vehicle with 1 blue door fits right in @ NC.

[Buffy]

Maybe he'll leave it as is.

A red 4 door vehicle with 1 blue door fits right in @ NC.

It will be red and black. The plan is to have the lower half of the cab Rhino lined as well as the top. The top suffered some significant damage in a hail storm, so I'll fix the dents and then cover them up with the liner. :smilewink

[Buffy]

I've finished modifying the floors for the VehiCROSS seats. It was a bit of an effort but I am pleased with the results. I've got the cruise system installed and a good start on the power windows. The engine has fired and cam broken in, brake system is finished and bled. I have the rubber floor in but need to get it installed. Once that gets done I can install the seats for the final time and install the shifters and take it for a trip around the yard. :driver: Then an exhaust and body work. SO I am down to the small details!!!!

Here is what a Rodeo seat mount looks like in a first gen Trooper...

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/887193/fullsize/100_1810.jpg

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/887194/fullsize/100_1811.jpg

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/887195/fullsize/100_1812.jpg

[LittleBeast]

The engine bay is complete as well, just need the positive cable and it is time to fire this puppy up!!!!

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/884849/fullsize/100_1807.jpg

Uhhhh..... Wow..... :-) Congrats, so far so good!

[ZEUS]

That kicks mule man! Have any pics from during assembly?

[Buffy]

Unfortunately I didn't take any pictures during assembly. I had planned to but once I got started I kind of got tunnel vision. But some specs on it are I had it bored .020 or .030, had it balanced, Delta 260 cam, complete head rebuild, Pace Setter header that I had Jet Hot coated, stock valve cover was polished and chromed, almost all parts used were OEM Isuzu part. I had Jerry Lemond help with the build which was awesome. I could fill up a page with all the new parts I put on this thing.

[samneil2000]

You're my hero!

[ZEUS]

I meant for the floor work. Seems like you would have had to do a lot of cutting out to replace with new/different.
Unfortunately I didn't take any pictures during assembly. I had planned to but once I got started I kind of got tunnel vision. But some specs on it are I had it bored .020 or .030, had it balanced, Delta 260 cam, complete head rebuild, Pace Setter header that I had Jet Hot coated, stock valve cover was polished and chromed, almost all parts used were OEM Isuzu part. I had Jerry Lemond help with the build which was awesome. I could fill up a page with all the new parts I put on this thing.

[Buffy]

Surprisingly there were "some" similarities in the floors for the front main piece. I spent quite a bit of time with a hammer and shoe heel dolly to form the fit to the Troopers floor. A cutoff wheel and grinder helped fine tune the rest. Unfortunately I was busy working the metal to get any more pictures than what I posted earlier. I took me about 3 hours to form the first piece and decide on the mounting location. It only took me about 45 minutes to replicate it for the passenger side.

[ZEUS]

That's so cool.. Body work is a little daunting for me cuz I fear rust in newly formed crevices. I have a hard time taking pics nowadays myself. Nothing really pic worthy right now anyway tho! Speaking of, I never saw an answer to my PM regarding Super Motors; did you see it?

[bigblock8396375]

Top of the line work! Looks fantastic,can't wait to see finished product.

[Buffy]

That's so cool.. Body work is a little daunting for me cuz I fear rust in newly formed crevices. I have a hard time taking pics nowadays myself. Nothing really pic worthy right now anyway tho! Speaking of, I never saw an answer to my PM regarding Super Motors; did you see it?

Sorry about that! I just responded to it. And I hope to start the CJ project this spring but will have to outsource the engine install as it is just too heavy for my shade tree equipment. I have found a guy who builds race jeeps, crawlers and such to help me out with that. I will be sure to post up pictures on that one here. Then it will be on to the 240Z project. :winkgray:

[Buffy]

My flooring and new insulation came in so in it went. When I am done the whole floor will be covered in Eastwood company's version of Dynamat. Pretty sticky stuff and really helped secure wires and what nots.

Cutting and shaping the mat...

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/887547/fullsize/100_1816.jpg

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/887548/fullsize/100_1817.jpg

Eastwood heat and sound deadener...

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/887549/fullsize/100_1818.jpg

Console installed...

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/887550/fullsize/100_1819.jpg

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/887551/fullsize/100_1820.jpg

Seats going in...

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/887552/fullsize/100_1821.jpg

Test fitting the rear mat, I have not installed the insulation yet but will soon...

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/887554/fullsize/100_1824.jpg

[nfpgasmask]

Lookin' damn good dude. I went to Pick & Pull today and scored a VERY clean set of captain's chairs for my Trooper. Eventually I think I will get them recovered but for now they will work nicely.

My ultimate Trooper build will begin this winter. My baby is gonna get done, and done RIGHT.

Bart

[Buffy]

I am lovin the VX seats. It is amazing how much more comfortable they are over the stock. It won't be long I'll be moving on to the body work.