Meet Red, my 81 Restomod Build

[Randyzzz]

"I want a Scrambler that respects the classic look, has the modern conveniences, and wields more than enough power. And hopefully gets good fuel economy. Going to be really attentive to the appearance in fit and finish. I realize that this is not everyone's cup of tea, but the build thread will hopefully be interesting. I've learned a lot in the years since I built Copper, and I think this one will hit my nail on the head. I also think there might be a market for this type of build in the Mecum/Barret Jackson circles, which would be amazing for my business. Think an "Icon" type vehicle. Or, think of Stump Jumper! No, that doesn't mean I am building it to sell, but as a rolling business card."


My 81' has a few extras and rides like a tank? Yours is looks good though.

Thanks, Tom! Wow- seems like forever ago when I wrote that. The fuel economy thing probably was the first to go with the 6.0, but the desire for power will be fulfilled. Too bad on the economy- that’s becoming more important these days. Also the “rolling business card”. That ship has sailed with retirement and the realization that this is pure hobby and love, not business.

I’m hoping for a smooth ride. That will be the one thing that I must achieve. Crossing my fingers on the BDS Wrangler springs. We shall see.

 

[sdsupilot]

I think you will be happy with the BDS springs. I have the BDS 4" springs on mine. Rides really well for a leaf spring vehicle.

 

[Randyzzz]

More small victories. After getting the updated water pump that accepts the 2 piece thermostat housing, a swivel water outlet, and correct thermostat, I think I have this problem figured out. The updated pump doesn’t look nearly as nice as the old style, and it’s internal passages are smaller. But it fits. It does push the thermostat housing about 1/2” further forward, making for a tight fit on the lower hose. But it all works out- I just have to get a silicone 45 degree hose with a long straight part. Its on order. But here’s the mock-up- looks good to me.
I also got the cowl seal from Metro Moulded Parts, and it’s the best so far. So I’m going with it. Thanks again for the discount coupon, Jason. Worked like a charm.


Lastly, making progress on the grille wiring. Had to reorder the #8 tube ( my bad) and it was lost in delivery, so still waiting on parts.

 

[Randyzzz]

More progress. Radiator hoses are done. Got the longer 45 degree hose, and some Gates silicone hose clamps. Looks good to me.

I also got the a/c lines ran out of the grille, and the headlamp buckets installed. Aside from headlamp bulbs and trim rings, the grille is done.

 

[designerRob]

More progress. Radiator hoses are done. Got the longer 45 degree hose, and some Gates silicone hose clamps. Looks good to me. View attachment 103439View attachment 103438View attachment 103440

I also got the a/c lines ran out of the grille, and the headlamp buckets installed. Aside from headlamp bulbs and trim rings, the grille is done. View attachment 103441View attachment 103444View attachment 103442View attachment 103443

Looking awesome! Are you going to do the Kim Dawson frame cover painted body color? It would be sweet. All the cool kids are doing it.

 

[Randyzzz]

Looking awesome! Are you going to do the Kim Dawson frame cover painted body color? It would be sweet. All the cool kids are doing it.

I am torn between that and a winch.

 

[designerRob]

I am torn between that and a winch.

That thing is going to be so cool. You have to have both. One year you have the off-road look going with the winch. And the next year you've got the hot rod look with the exclusive Dawson custom frame cover. Just switch your look up whenever you feel like it.

 

[Randyzzz]

That thing is going to be so cool. You have to have both. One year you have the off-road look going with the winch. And the next year you've got the hot rod look with the exclusive Dawson custom frame cover. Just switch your look up whenever you feel like it.

All it takes is $$$

 

[Belizeit]

All it takes is $$$

Or credit.

 

[Randyzzz]

Or credit.

Yeah…trying to stay away from that…but my retirement investments have taken a beating and discretionary income is becoming scarce. Tomorrow will tell if I have even less…

 

[Belizeit]

Yeah…trying to stay away from that…but my retirement investments have taken a beating and discretionary income is becoming scarce. Tomorrow will tell if I have even less…

X2. I’m to scared to look, and I live long enough for a come back

 

[Randyzzz]

Bit by bit. A/C high pressure hose from pump to condenser. Getting pretty close to throwing this fender on!

 

[Randyzzz]

Well, I received the Quadratec Stealth LED’s today. I was pretty excited to install them…until I realized they didn’t fit in the stock buckets! Aargh. I’ll call QTec tomorrow, but has anyone else dealt with an issue like this? It’s not the ribs on the back- it’s the diameter of the mounting surface right behind the mounting flange. Here’s some pics.

 

[Randyzzz]

Might try a set of these if all else fails-

 

[Kim Dawson]

I wonder if buckets from a TJ would fit?

 

[Randyzzz]

I wonder if buckets from a TJ would fit?

Don’t know. I believe they use different trim bezels so that might be an issue.

 

[bigwalton]

Looking good, sucks on the light fitment.

 

[Randyzzz]

Looking good, sucks on the light fitment.

Thank you. I have no doubt I’ll get the lights to fit…it just how many hoops I have to jump through to get it to happen.

 

[Randyzzz]

So, those aftermarket buckets arrived just now. I’m hopeful that I can make them work. It looks like they seat the headlamp about 3/8 further into the grille, and with LED’s that shouldn’t be an issue. The Jeep bezel will in no way come close to bolting up, but it does fit. Likewise, I’ll have to make a template and drill holes in the new bracket to mount in the factory Jeep holes.

The biggest challenge is the bezel mounts. I could try and build some workable ones, or just drill the rivets out of the already modified factory buckets and transfer them over. Option 2 sounds pretty good right now.

 

[Randyzzz]

Well, with minor modifications the aftermarket headlamp bucket works. Basically drill the mount to match the grille, although I’m sure you could drill the grille to fit the mount too.

But, mounting the bezel will take some thinking…but I’m expecting it to be pretty easy.
I was mistaken in thinking that the mounts recessed the lamps more. It’s just the opposite. I’ll see what I can come up with there.