- City
- Biloxi
- State
- MS
Hurry up you're running out of room over here.
Yep, I saw your newest Thanksgiving Turkey
my new scrambler..and first one for me
- Thread starter jeepinjosh
- Start date
Yep, I saw your newest Thanksgiving Turkey
- City
- Biloxi
- State
- MS
I was able to get a pretty good amount of work completed on Josh's Scrambler over the Thanksgiving holiday. The good news, I am running out of parts that I previously purchased to install on this Scrambler. The bad news, like all old Jeeps, the more I look, the more issues I can find
I left work early on Wednesday and prepped/painted the passenger seat frame:
We have been having really warm weather lately, which helps when you have to paint stuff outside. The windy conditions forced me to take my time, which really helps out when you are painting something like this, which is a PIA to paint due to its complex shape. I am not repainting everything on Josh's Scrambler, but since the rest of the interior is looking good...............
I also drained/refilled the front/rear axles and the Dana 300. The rear axle and the Dana 300 looked OK, but old. The front end appeared to have a bit of moisture inside:
A few cans of brake parts cleaner really cleaned it up. The moisture did not hurt anything, bearings still spin free. Unfortunately for Josh, this Scrambler came with 49/18 ratio, the dreaded 2.72 !!!! It will be fine for cruising/light off roading, but definitely no big tires!!!!!!!
The rear end came with the dreaded 41/15 ratio, the dreaded 2.73!!!!!!! The rear also has a factory Trak-Lok LSD. I thought it was interesting that the factory diff gears are slightly different, 2.72 in the front, 2.73 in the rear. Not enough to make a difference, just interesting why they used different tooth counts front to back to get the same ratio.
I also greased up the drive shaft u-joints and the steering linkages. I probably need to change the rear pinion u-joint, it looked really dry and I can't get grease to come out of two of the four caps. The four steering joints took grease, but the boots are all torn/dry rotted. I will wait till I drive the Scrambler to see if they have play.................
I also changed out all of the radiator/heater hoses, and the two belts.
Old parts, belts have tears, hoses are squishy:
And a under hood shot, showing new hoses and stuff:
I used a NAPA upper radiator hose, but it is too short:
On my red Scrambler, which has a 1" body lift, I used a different upper hose that fits perfect. On my stock green Scrambler, I used the same hose because the NAPA upper hose is too short. Unfortunately, I cant find the part number for the hose I used!!!!!!!!! No big deal.
You can also see in the above picture that I removed the unused/disconnected AC compressor. I did this for two reasons:
1) It was in the way!!!
2) It is not being used.
3) When it was disconnected, the two ports were not capped, so it leaks compressor oil all over the place!!!!!!!!!!!
When I first got Josh's Scrambler, I noticed how grimey it was under the hood/under chassis, especially on the passenger side. Well, I am sure the compressor oil leaking out did not help matters. Might be a few engine oil leaks, too. Not sure, i need to do a really good clean up job before I can tell.
I still need to change out the vacuum/vapor hoses under the hood, and work out some kinks with the PCV system. And a battery hold down, and mount the overflow bottle (aftermarket front fenders don't have all the mounting holes pre-drilled, and re-do the wiring, and.....................
Josh was able to find his column mounted gear indicator, and he shipped it to me. It is in perfect shape, so good news there.
One last picture:
That's it for now
I left work early on Wednesday and prepped/painted the passenger seat frame:
We have been having really warm weather lately, which helps when you have to paint stuff outside. The windy conditions forced me to take my time, which really helps out when you are painting something like this, which is a PIA to paint due to its complex shape. I am not repainting everything on Josh's Scrambler, but since the rest of the interior is looking good...............
I also drained/refilled the front/rear axles and the Dana 300. The rear axle and the Dana 300 looked OK, but old. The front end appeared to have a bit of moisture inside:
A few cans of brake parts cleaner really cleaned it up. The moisture did not hurt anything, bearings still spin free. Unfortunately for Josh, this Scrambler came with 49/18 ratio, the dreaded 2.72 !!!! It will be fine for cruising/light off roading, but definitely no big tires!!!!!!!
The rear end came with the dreaded 41/15 ratio, the dreaded 2.73!!!!!!! The rear also has a factory Trak-Lok LSD. I thought it was interesting that the factory diff gears are slightly different, 2.72 in the front, 2.73 in the rear. Not enough to make a difference, just interesting why they used different tooth counts front to back to get the same ratio.
I also greased up the drive shaft u-joints and the steering linkages. I probably need to change the rear pinion u-joint, it looked really dry and I can't get grease to come out of two of the four caps. The four steering joints took grease, but the boots are all torn/dry rotted. I will wait till I drive the Scrambler to see if they have play.................
I also changed out all of the radiator/heater hoses, and the two belts.
Old parts, belts have tears, hoses are squishy:
And a under hood shot, showing new hoses and stuff:
I used a NAPA upper radiator hose, but it is too short:
On my red Scrambler, which has a 1" body lift, I used a different upper hose that fits perfect. On my stock green Scrambler, I used the same hose because the NAPA upper hose is too short. Unfortunately, I cant find the part number for the hose I used!!!!!!!!! No big deal.
You can also see in the above picture that I removed the unused/disconnected AC compressor. I did this for two reasons:
1) It was in the way!!!
2) It is not being used.
3) When it was disconnected, the two ports were not capped, so it leaks compressor oil all over the place!!!!!!!!!!!
When I first got Josh's Scrambler, I noticed how grimey it was under the hood/under chassis, especially on the passenger side. Well, I am sure the compressor oil leaking out did not help matters. Might be a few engine oil leaks, too. Not sure, i need to do a really good clean up job before I can tell.
I still need to change out the vacuum/vapor hoses under the hood, and work out some kinks with the PCV system. And a battery hold down, and mount the overflow bottle (aftermarket front fenders don't have all the mounting holes pre-drilled, and re-do the wiring, and.....................
Josh was able to find his column mounted gear indicator, and he shipped it to me. It is in perfect shape, so good news there.
One last picture:
That's it for now
- City
- Biloxi
- State
- MS
A quick summary of how much/where I have spent time, since the last update:
Saturday, October 31 (5 hours) - install shifter boot/Dana 300 shifter/trans cover plate/drill hood holes, installed hood catches and doo-dads/installed windshield squirter nozzle/installed heater cables and blower switch
Saturday, November 7 (6 hours) - under hood fuel & vapor lines/fuel filter/metal fuel lines/dash wiring/engine oil and filter change/disassembled old seats & brackets, slider
Sunday, November 22 (5.5 hours) - assembled installed driver seat/installed HVAC control cables push locks/went through old hardware/installed column shifter handle/cleaned threads, installed seat belt bolts/readjusted DS front wheel bearing
Wednesday, November 25 (3.5 hours) - painted passenger seat frame/drained all old gear oil (F+R+Dana 300)
Thursday, November 26 (1 hour) - repaired both front turn signal wiring looms, all running/signal lights now work
Friday, November 27 (6 hours) - cleaned out differentials, scraped gaskets, cleaned bolts and covers/refilled axles and Dana 300 with gear oil
Saturday, November 28 (8 hours) - Removed AC compressor/removed all old coolant hoses/drained & flushed cooling system/installed 95% new coolant hoses/cleaned part of engine and old AC bracket
That bring me up to date on work/progress, its going to be close to get it back for Christmas, especially since Josh decided to move again
143 hours Total, so far
Saturday, October 31 (5 hours) - install shifter boot/Dana 300 shifter/trans cover plate/drill hood holes, installed hood catches and doo-dads/installed windshield squirter nozzle/installed heater cables and blower switch
Saturday, November 7 (6 hours) - under hood fuel & vapor lines/fuel filter/metal fuel lines/dash wiring/engine oil and filter change/disassembled old seats & brackets, slider
Sunday, November 22 (5.5 hours) - assembled installed driver seat/installed HVAC control cables push locks/went through old hardware/installed column shifter handle/cleaned threads, installed seat belt bolts/readjusted DS front wheel bearing
Wednesday, November 25 (3.5 hours) - painted passenger seat frame/drained all old gear oil (F+R+Dana 300)
Thursday, November 26 (1 hour) - repaired both front turn signal wiring looms, all running/signal lights now work
Friday, November 27 (6 hours) - cleaned out differentials, scraped gaskets, cleaned bolts and covers/refilled axles and Dana 300 with gear oil
Saturday, November 28 (8 hours) - Removed AC compressor/removed all old coolant hoses/drained & flushed cooling system/installed 95% new coolant hoses/cleaned part of engine and old AC bracket
That bring me up to date on work/progress, its going to be close to get it back for Christmas, especially since Josh decided to move again
143 hours Total, so far
Last edited:
jeepinjosh
Basic User
- City
- pell city
- State
- al
holy cow...that's a lot of work. you da man!!! :-)
- City
- Biloxi
- State
- MS
- City
- Biloxi
- State
- MS
Lot's of "small tasks" completed this weekend. I will post a few pictures first, then just kind of list what I did. I am running out of "picture worthy" opportunities.
Pulling the front end apart to fix the headlights, bad grounds and connectors not pushed all the way on to the head lights; I also installed the radiator bolt "clips" - the little tabs with the nuts attached vs just loose nuts, make it easier in the future to pull radiator.
Good thing I changed the rear drive shaft u-joints!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I also needed to drill two holes in the driver side inner fender to finish mounting the coolant overflow bottle. Josh has replacement front fenders, they don't come with all the mounting holes drilled. In order to drill the two holes, I had to pull the steering shaft, which also entails loosening the steering column:
I had noticed a "gritty sound" when I turned the steering wheel. Well, the lower steering column bearing was dry/rusty, plus all the walnut shell debris I washed down the column ended up at the bottom of the column!!!
I plan on changing this bearing out. I cleaned it out and re-greased it, it works better, but it is missing two balls. When I pulled the steering shaft out, found out the lower joint has excessive slack. Josh mentioned he had a bunch of play in the steering, hopefully these two repairs, plus the previously miss-adjusted wheel bearing adjustment will fix a lot of this.
Now, for a quick list of accomplished tasks:
Friday, December 4 (1 hour) - installed passenger seat and frame/installed correct upper radiator hose
Saturday, December 5 (6 hours) - installed overflow bottle holes/ removed steering column and shaft/ repaired wiper and window squirter pump electric issues/ installed horn/ installed high-low beam switch/installed wiper arms/ installed seat belts/ removed rear drive shaft/ bled and filled coolant system
Sunday, December 6 (5.5 hours) - installed radiator bolt retainer clips/ fixed headlight electric issues/ cleaned and installed new u-joints in rear drive shaft, reinstalled in Scrambler/ installed glove box door/attached front axle vent line to grill after repairing clip
Still a bunch of "small projects" to go, that's it for now
155.5 hours total so far
Pulling the front end apart to fix the headlights, bad grounds and connectors not pushed all the way on to the head lights; I also installed the radiator bolt "clips" - the little tabs with the nuts attached vs just loose nuts, make it easier in the future to pull radiator.
Good thing I changed the rear drive shaft u-joints!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I also needed to drill two holes in the driver side inner fender to finish mounting the coolant overflow bottle. Josh has replacement front fenders, they don't come with all the mounting holes drilled. In order to drill the two holes, I had to pull the steering shaft, which also entails loosening the steering column:
I had noticed a "gritty sound" when I turned the steering wheel. Well, the lower steering column bearing was dry/rusty, plus all the walnut shell debris I washed down the column ended up at the bottom of the column!!!
I plan on changing this bearing out. I cleaned it out and re-greased it, it works better, but it is missing two balls. When I pulled the steering shaft out, found out the lower joint has excessive slack. Josh mentioned he had a bunch of play in the steering, hopefully these two repairs, plus the previously miss-adjusted wheel bearing adjustment will fix a lot of this.
Now, for a quick list of accomplished tasks:
Friday, December 4 (1 hour) - installed passenger seat and frame/installed correct upper radiator hose
Saturday, December 5 (6 hours) - installed overflow bottle holes/ removed steering column and shaft/ repaired wiper and window squirter pump electric issues/ installed horn/ installed high-low beam switch/installed wiper arms/ installed seat belts/ removed rear drive shaft/ bled and filled coolant system
Sunday, December 6 (5.5 hours) - installed radiator bolt retainer clips/ fixed headlight electric issues/ cleaned and installed new u-joints in rear drive shaft, reinstalled in Scrambler/ installed glove box door/attached front axle vent line to grill after repairing clip
Still a bunch of "small projects" to go, that's it for now
155.5 hours total so far
Last edited:
- City
- Biloxi
- State
- MS
You are quite fast and efficient.Will be nice when it's done.
Appreciate it
It should be faster/more efficient, except for the fact that the body shop lost most of the attaching hardware!!!!! Every time I go to install/repair something, I realize there is no hardware 
So, its look on another Jeep, see what I need, did through the garage, go to the store.........That's why I am so anal when I take stuff apart and place all the hardware in labeled ziplock bags, makes reassembly so much faster
I appreciate your attention to detail....
Looked like the soup coming out of the pumpkin was "water based" oil...?
Thanks for sharing the journey with us.
z
Appreciate it
There was definitely moisture/slight amount of water in the front axle gear oil. But, it wasn't enough to form the little clear water droplets that come out the bottom of the diff cover when you first drain it. I remember that from my mud riding days, either the little clear droplets or the gush of clear water that first comes out when you drain a contaminated differential!! The bearings still turn free with no noise, gear faces look good. Besides a little surface rust around the diff cross pin and on the carrier bearing retainers, it all looks/feels/operates fine.
The Scrambler should be good to go once I get it back to Josh. There are a few other things I would probably do if this one were mine, but i do have a budget to work towards, in both time and money. That being said, it should be a good, solid, reliable Scrambler for Josh to finally enjoy, I hope
- City
- Biloxi
- State
- MS
I was able to knock out some more work on Josh's Scrambler this past weekend. I took a few pictures, nothing too exciting.
A few quick "picture highlights" before a summary of the work completed:
Existing custom rear tail light wiring harness:
I rebuilt the lower joint on the steering shaft. I did not want to separate the two pieces of the stock shaft in order to put the new boot on. The shaft is held together with melted plastic. If you take it apart, it never seems to fit tight again. So, I first removed the cross pin. I used a hammer/punch. A press would be better. You don't want to mushroom or deform the ends of this cross shaft. If you do, the little square blocks wont fit tight, causing play.
You also have to remove this piece. It is a PIA, be careful not to tear it up. It is even funner to line it back up perfect to get the cross shaft through:
Once those two part are off the shaft, it is easy to slide on the new boot retainer clip/boot. And, the assembled "guts" of the steering joint. On the old joint, the thin metal "pre-load spacer" was broke. There was also a litte wear on the two "squares" and on the inside of the coupler.
A few pictures of the door adjustment procedure. I set the body mounted door hinge holder first: the top windshield hinge bracket flush with the cowl, the top of the lower hinge holder 12-3/4" below the top of the upper hinge holder. I loosened the door hinges, placed a piece of cardboard on the body to space up the door, and set the door in place. I did this with the strikes removed. The blue tape was used to protect the paint:
After adjusting the door, I installed the strike and adjusted it. When I was done, the doors fit/operate perfect.
The "too thick" aftermarket windshield cowl seal is causing problems. I can pull the windshield into position with ratchet straps to get the 98-3/4" measurement, but it will not stay in position:
And a quick summary of work completed this past weekend:
Friday, December 11 (2 hours) - repaired rear light harness / fixed all dash lights (all illumination, courtesy, 4wd light, volt and oil gauge, speedometer lights and speedometer blinker lights and speedometer high beam indicator)
Saturday, December 12 (5.5 hours) - installed all tail gate hardware / finished cleaning up all under dash wiring / corrected and installed all PCV hoses and all fuel evap canister hoses / rebuilt lower steering shaft joint and installed new lower steering column bearing / fixed hazard lights (easy fix, just needed two new flashers)
Sunday, December 13 (6 hours) - installed/cleaned stock steering wheel and horn button parts (waiting on two parts) / got the horn working / 95% complete with under hood wire clean up / cleaned inside and outside of 1/2 hard top / adjusted installed doors and strikers / installed door striker cover plates
169 hours total so far, getting closer
I have a bunch of "little" odds and ends to address this weekend. I should get the body mounts/ transmission mounts next week, right before Christmas. After that stuff goes on, I can take Josh's Scrambler for a drive
Quick list of remaining items to address:
1) get windshield frame angle right
2) install 1/2 hard top
3) install new DS door strike (ordered)
4) shim ignition lock cylinder (need to fabricate)
5) install column mounted gear indicator (have the parts, have to modify one piece)
6) install steering wheel skirt/horn button (ordered)
7) make/install glove box door bumpers
8) install new motor mounts (have them)
9) install body mounts/transmission mounts (ordered)
10) fabricate battery hold down system
11) repair choke wire
12) install door panels (need to fix something in driver side door first)
13) adjust transmission linkage
14) thoroughly clean entire Scrambler, need to clay the hood, too
If i have time/budget, my additional wish list:
1) new valve cover gasket (leaks)
2) new intake/exhaust manifold gasket (looks sketchy, issue with bottom of intake)
3) new suspension bushings
That's it for now
A few quick "picture highlights" before a summary of the work completed:
Existing custom rear tail light wiring harness:
I rebuilt the lower joint on the steering shaft. I did not want to separate the two pieces of the stock shaft in order to put the new boot on. The shaft is held together with melted plastic. If you take it apart, it never seems to fit tight again. So, I first removed the cross pin. I used a hammer/punch. A press would be better. You don't want to mushroom or deform the ends of this cross shaft. If you do, the little square blocks wont fit tight, causing play.
You also have to remove this piece. It is a PIA, be careful not to tear it up. It is even funner to line it back up perfect to get the cross shaft through:
Once those two part are off the shaft, it is easy to slide on the new boot retainer clip/boot. And, the assembled "guts" of the steering joint. On the old joint, the thin metal "pre-load spacer" was broke. There was also a litte wear on the two "squares" and on the inside of the coupler.
A few pictures of the door adjustment procedure. I set the body mounted door hinge holder first: the top windshield hinge bracket flush with the cowl, the top of the lower hinge holder 12-3/4" below the top of the upper hinge holder. I loosened the door hinges, placed a piece of cardboard on the body to space up the door, and set the door in place. I did this with the strikes removed. The blue tape was used to protect the paint:
After adjusting the door, I installed the strike and adjusted it. When I was done, the doors fit/operate perfect.
The "too thick" aftermarket windshield cowl seal is causing problems. I can pull the windshield into position with ratchet straps to get the 98-3/4" measurement, but it will not stay in position:
And a quick summary of work completed this past weekend:
Friday, December 11 (2 hours) - repaired rear light harness / fixed all dash lights (all illumination, courtesy, 4wd light, volt and oil gauge, speedometer lights and speedometer blinker lights and speedometer high beam indicator)
Saturday, December 12 (5.5 hours) - installed all tail gate hardware / finished cleaning up all under dash wiring / corrected and installed all PCV hoses and all fuel evap canister hoses / rebuilt lower steering shaft joint and installed new lower steering column bearing / fixed hazard lights (easy fix, just needed two new flashers)
Sunday, December 13 (6 hours) - installed/cleaned stock steering wheel and horn button parts (waiting on two parts) / got the horn working / 95% complete with under hood wire clean up / cleaned inside and outside of 1/2 hard top / adjusted installed doors and strikers / installed door striker cover plates
169 hours total so far, getting closer
I have a bunch of "little" odds and ends to address this weekend. I should get the body mounts/ transmission mounts next week, right before Christmas. After that stuff goes on, I can take Josh's Scrambler for a drive
Quick list of remaining items to address:
1) get windshield frame angle right
2) install 1/2 hard top
3) install new DS door strike (ordered)
4) shim ignition lock cylinder (need to fabricate)
5) install column mounted gear indicator (have the parts, have to modify one piece)
6) install steering wheel skirt/horn button (ordered)
7) make/install glove box door bumpers
8) install new motor mounts (have them)
9) install body mounts/transmission mounts (ordered)
10) fabricate battery hold down system
11) repair choke wire
12) install door panels (need to fix something in driver side door first)
13) adjust transmission linkage
14) thoroughly clean entire Scrambler, need to clay the hood, too
If i have time/budget, my additional wish list:
1) new valve cover gasket (leaks)
2) new intake/exhaust manifold gasket (looks sketchy, issue with bottom of intake)
3) new suspension bushings
That's it for now
Where do I sign up for the "Spankrjs please go through my Scrambler and fix all the things I should, but can't (or know that you could do better than me) wait list"? You could make a fair amount of money off that list (as long as I get to go next 
)...
Seriously man, you do awesome work. Here's what I see when I read pretty much any of your posts (and I still re-read your build threads pretty much every week): "Spankrjs had an hour before dark and got more done in that hour than I can do in an entire weekend, and he did more in a weekend than I did all year. And he did it better. And it looks awesome. And, holy crap, I didn't even know that part existed."
You rock! Just sayin'. :big fan
Bill
)...Seriously man, you do awesome work. Here's what I see when I read pretty much any of your posts (and I still re-read your build threads pretty much every week): "Spankrjs had an hour before dark and got more done in that hour than I can do in an entire weekend, and he did more in a weekend than I did all year. And he did it better. And it looks awesome. And, holy crap, I didn't even know that part existed."
You rock! Just sayin'. :big fan
Bill
- City
- Biloxi
- State
- MS
Appreciate
Looks like y'all are doing some great work "down there"Where do I sign up for the "Spankrjs please go through my Scrambler and fix all the things I should, but can't (or know that you could do better than me) wait list"? You could make a fair amount of money off that list (as long as I get to go next
Seriously man, you do awesome work. Here's what I see when I read pretty much any of your posts (and I still re-read your build threads pretty much every week): "Spankrjs had an hour before dark and got more done in that hour than I can do in an entire weekend, and he did more in a weekend than I did all year. And he did it better. And it looks awesome. And, holy crap, I didn't even know that part existed."
You rock! Just sayin'. :big fan
Bill
Appreciate all the compliments, but I am just human
I love working on "my" Scramblers/Jeeps, no pressure, working on other peoples stuff becomes too much like "work" sometimes
I also have a "problem" where I "go too far" into things, sometimes, but it is hard for me to leave questionable things alone, if that makes sense.
Josh hasn't had his Scrambler in so long, I would hate to give it back to him before I am "finished" with it, then see some basic issue crop up and side line him from enjoying it.
I hope when Josh gets it back he will be able to enjoy it for awhile before he has any "gremlins" pop up. But, it is a Jeep
As for a "waiting list", lets see:
1) my LJ (need to fix seat/CD player)
2) my Tan Scrambler (top gear switch in 700R4, battery, paint maybe
)3) my Red Scrambler (tires, and I am sure something else
)4) my Green Scrambler (it hasn't moved in over 6 months
5 - 22) a bunch of out of state "visitors"
If I make it to the end of that list, plus keep the GF's TJ Rubicon running, I will be amazed
- City
- Biloxi
- State
- MS
I had cleaned the 1/2 hard top on Sunday. The inside white part cleaned up really well. The outside is faded some, but I am not going to repaint this hard top, that will be a good Josh project
Anyway, I couldn't leave the rusty metal strip alone. I was at home for lunch the other day and knocked out this little project, before the rain/cold/damp weather returned.
A bit of sanding/masking:
A bit of Rustoleum Gloss White:
The inside of Josh's Scrambler will be pretty nice, I couldn't leave that rusty piece of metal!!!!!!!!!!!
That's it for now
Anyway, I couldn't leave the rusty metal strip alone. I was at home for lunch the other day and knocked out this little project, before the rain/cold/damp weather returned.
A bit of sanding/masking:
A bit of Rustoleum Gloss White:
The inside of Josh's Scrambler will be pretty nice, I couldn't leave that rusty piece of metal!!!!!!!!!!!
That's it for now
I love working on "my" Scramblers/Jeeps, no pressure, working on other peoples stuff becomes too much like "work" sometimes
Mini hijack, with an apology and explanation, then I'll go back to lurking...
I completely understand this idea. To me, it's the difference between home improvement, which I love, and home repair, which I hate. When I can be creative, add value/function and take my time then I really enjoy doing things around the house. When I'm simply trying to get back to level, usually with a deadline and little option, I hate it...
I also happen to be an attorney. That's important here only because I also completely understand the idea that people's time and expertise have value. I frequently do "legal" things for friends and family, and am happy to do so -- but there's a limit to what I'm willing to commit myself to just because I know/like/am related to someone (except for my parents -- and they're they ones who drive me the most crazy lol).
I was teasing about inviting myself to drop my Scrambler off at your place (I promise -- it just might not have come across that way -- limitation of the medium I suppose). But... even then I said you could make a fair amount (as in it never occurred to me that you wouldn't get paid
). I've rebuilt cars for me, and even one for my daughter, but I can't think of anyone not related to me by blood that I'd do another one for for free (helping is a different issue -- all you have to do then is wait until I have some time and buy the cold beverages).I also completely understand about time. If I had all the parts sitting in my garage right now to do all the things I want to do, it'd take me at least a year to get it all done. I just don't have the time -- and, in some cases, I'm a little worried about my ability too (and I'll probably have to pay someone anyway for those, e.g., painting the new doors). Heck, I bought a set of 15x8's here a couple of weeks ago and haven't even opened the boxes yet.
I would never expect to find someone (anyone) to do that much work in their "spare" time on a schedule.
The very first rule of any project is: "Good, fast, or cheap. Pick two."
Mostly, though, I was just trying to pay you a compliment. Sorry if it didn't come across better.
/end of mini hijack... back to lurking...
Regards,
Bill
- City
- Biloxi
- State
- MS
Mini hijack, with an apology and explanation, then I'll go back to lurking...
I completely understand this idea. To me, it's the difference between home improvement, which I love, and home repair, which I hate. When I can be creative, add value/function and take my time then I really enjoy doing things around the house. When I'm simply trying to get back to level, usually with a deadline and little option, I hate it...
I also happen to be an attorney. That's important here only because I also completely understand the idea that people's time and expertise have value. I frequently do "legal" things for friends and family, and am happy to do so -- but there's a limit to what I'm willing to commit myself to just because I know/like/am related to someone (except for my parents -- and they're they ones who drive me the most crazy lol).
I was teasing about inviting myself to drop my Scrambler off at your place (I promise -- it just might not have come across that way -- limitation of the medium I suppose). But... even then I said you could make a fair amount (as in it never occurred to me that you wouldn't get paid
I also completely understand about time. If I had all the parts sitting in my garage right now to do all the things I want to do, it'd take me at least a year to get it all done. I just don't have the time -- and, in some cases, I'm a little worried about my ability too (and I'll probably have to pay someone anyway for those, e.g., painting the new doors). Heck, I bought a set of 15x8's here a couple of weeks ago and haven't even opened the boxes yet.
I would never expect to find someone (anyone) to do that much work in their "spare" time on a schedule.
The very first rule of any project is: "Good, fast, or cheap. Pick two."
Mostly, though, I was just trying to pay you a compliment. Sorry if it didn't come across better.
/end of mini hijack... back to lurking...
Regards,
Bill
No problems or misunderstanding at all, I knew you were just kidding around, and I appreciate the compliments
Please don't just "lurk", I need someone to comment on this thread, and I do appreciate any comments/suggestions/questions/criticism
- City
- Biloxi
- State
- MS
Geeez, that's a lot of newspaper masking for just painting that rusty strip.
There, you've been criticized
Thanks buddy
- City
- Biloxi
- State
- MS
I was able to work through a good portion of my "To Do List" this past weekend, RED items completed:
1) get windshield frame angle right
2) install 1/2 hard top
3) install new DS door strike (ordered)
4) shim ignition lock cylinder (need to fabricate)
5) install column mounted gear indicator (have the parts, have to modify one piece)
6) install steering wheel skirt/horn button (ordered)
7) make/install glove box door bumpers
8) install new motor mounts (have them)
9) install body mounts/transmission mounts (ordered)
10) fabricate battery hold down system
11) repair choke wire
12) install door panels (need to fix something in driver side door first)
13) adjust transmission linkage
14) thoroughly clean entire Scrambler, need to clay the hood, too
I took a few pictures to show the highlights, nothing too exciting.
I used some rubber door silencers as glove box door bumpers. These are usually found in hollow metal door frames. I ran a short screw through the existing dash holes into the bumpers to secure them, works great, and cheap!!!!!!!
I can never find battery hold down bars that are worth a crap at the parts stores, so I have been making my own. I use pieces of the galvanized vertical "bars" that you find in chain link fence. Cut to length, drill two holes, two "J" hooks, done. They work great, won't rust, and fit between the "caps" on top of the battery perfect, too. And best of all, cheap!!!
Besides the horn button/retaining nut, which are in the mail, I finally have a complete factory steering wheel/horn components. Minor stuff, but nice!!!!! I had to find/purchase the steering wheel skirt, and all of the horn contact parts.
I used some foam weather stripping I had in the garage on the bottom of the hard top. I think rubber would work better here, but i had this stuff, better then nothing. I have been using the same stuff on my red Scrambler. Not sure if it leaks or not because the rear window in my red Scrambler leaks so much!!!!!!!!
I put two ratchet straps on the windshield frame, for 5 days, with a bunch of tension, to "compress" the windshield to cowl seal. Now, one strap easily holds it in place. Note how the door to windshield frame gap is nice and tight.
I replaced the driver side door striker with a new one. The door now fully shuts and latches completely. The old strike was caved in around the door post. I do wish I could slide the post "outward" a bit more, the door fits a little too far inward.
It took about 3 hours of cleaning on Saturday to clean up all of the transmission mount/skid plate/motor mount areas. All this stuff was covered in grime, wish I would have used the steam cleaner!!!!!!!!! I like how this '81/auto skid plate does not have the deep "drop" like most of the other Dana 300 skid plates, I might need to find one of these skid plates for m red Scrambler.
I was able to change out the engine mounts, transmission mount(s), and 11 of the 13 body mounts, the last two body mounts are in the mail. The body mounts were easy, since I previously successfully removed all of the old bolts, tapped the threads, and put anti-seize on the new bolts. All of the frame out riggers are in super shape. Not sure on the rear cross member, I saved those two body mounts for last. Motor mounts were easy, just oily/nasty. The transmission mount involved dropping the skid plate, and reassembly of the factory brackets, but wasn't too bad.
Quick re-cap/summary:
Friday, December 18 (1 hour) - battery hold down/glove box door bumpers/steering wheel stuff
Saturday, December 19 (7 hours) - adjust driver side door/hard top seal/motor mounts/clean transmission stuff
Sunday, December 20 (6 hours) - transmission mounts/body mounts/installed hard top/cleaned Scrambler
183 hours total, so far, almost there!!!!!!!!!
Unfortunately, I don't think I will make the Christmas dead line, but I am close.
One last picture, the Scrambler off jack stands, washed, and with the hard top on (still need to bolt it down):
That's it for now!!!!!!!!! Merry Christmas!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1
1) get windshield frame angle right
2) install 1/2 hard top
3) install new DS door strike (ordered)
4) shim ignition lock cylinder (need to fabricate)
5) install column mounted gear indicator (have the parts, have to modify one piece)
6) install steering wheel skirt/horn button (ordered)
7) make/install glove box door bumpers
8) install new motor mounts (have them)
9) install body mounts/transmission mounts (ordered)
10) fabricate battery hold down system
11) repair choke wire
12) install door panels (need to fix something in driver side door first)
13) adjust transmission linkage
14) thoroughly clean entire Scrambler, need to clay the hood, too
I took a few pictures to show the highlights, nothing too exciting.
I used some rubber door silencers as glove box door bumpers. These are usually found in hollow metal door frames. I ran a short screw through the existing dash holes into the bumpers to secure them, works great, and cheap!!!!!!!
I can never find battery hold down bars that are worth a crap at the parts stores, so I have been making my own. I use pieces of the galvanized vertical "bars" that you find in chain link fence. Cut to length, drill two holes, two "J" hooks, done. They work great, won't rust, and fit between the "caps" on top of the battery perfect, too. And best of all, cheap!!!
Besides the horn button/retaining nut, which are in the mail, I finally have a complete factory steering wheel/horn components. Minor stuff, but nice!!!!! I had to find/purchase the steering wheel skirt, and all of the horn contact parts.
I used some foam weather stripping I had in the garage on the bottom of the hard top. I think rubber would work better here, but i had this stuff, better then nothing. I have been using the same stuff on my red Scrambler. Not sure if it leaks or not because the rear window in my red Scrambler leaks so much!!!!!!!!
I put two ratchet straps on the windshield frame, for 5 days, with a bunch of tension, to "compress" the windshield to cowl seal. Now, one strap easily holds it in place. Note how the door to windshield frame gap is nice and tight.
I replaced the driver side door striker with a new one. The door now fully shuts and latches completely. The old strike was caved in around the door post. I do wish I could slide the post "outward" a bit more, the door fits a little too far inward.
It took about 3 hours of cleaning on Saturday to clean up all of the transmission mount/skid plate/motor mount areas. All this stuff was covered in grime, wish I would have used the steam cleaner!!!!!!!!! I like how this '81/auto skid plate does not have the deep "drop" like most of the other Dana 300 skid plates, I might need to find one of these skid plates for m red Scrambler.
I was able to change out the engine mounts, transmission mount(s), and 11 of the 13 body mounts, the last two body mounts are in the mail. The body mounts were easy, since I previously successfully removed all of the old bolts, tapped the threads, and put anti-seize on the new bolts. All of the frame out riggers are in super shape. Not sure on the rear cross member, I saved those two body mounts for last. Motor mounts were easy, just oily/nasty. The transmission mount involved dropping the skid plate, and reassembly of the factory brackets, but wasn't too bad.
Quick re-cap/summary:
Friday, December 18 (1 hour) - battery hold down/glove box door bumpers/steering wheel stuff
Saturday, December 19 (7 hours) - adjust driver side door/hard top seal/motor mounts/clean transmission stuff
Sunday, December 20 (6 hours) - transmission mounts/body mounts/installed hard top/cleaned Scrambler
183 hours total, so far, almost there!!!!!!!!!
Unfortunately, I don't think I will make the Christmas dead line, but I am close.
One last picture, the Scrambler off jack stands, washed, and with the hard top on (still need to bolt it down):
That's it for now!!!!!!!!! Merry Christmas!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1