Project: In over my head (again)

[Old_Red_Jeep]

While waiting for the replacement injector and IAC valve to get here, I've been fiddling around with some of the smaller projects. I finally was able to finish installing the windshield wipers and sprayers! I'm really happy how they came out. They have self-park and appear to be synchronized. Not too bad for $200 or so. I just need to finish installing the wires and they'll be good to go.





While I was working on that, John was working on the gauges. He was able to get all the back lights working, the GPS speedo to work, and voltmeter to work. Once we have the sending units wired for the fuel, oil, and water temp gauges, they should work too.



Then today I was able to modify the battery box to incorporate a radio and speakers. I went with marine ones so they should be fairly water resistant. I'm planning on running by the store tomorrow so I can get speaker wire and an antenna hopefully.





Lastly, parts are also on the way to finally hook up the parking brake. We have plenty to do but I may be able to take it for another spin this weekend (weather permitting).

[Old_Red_Jeep]

alright, so my new fuel injector came in Friday after work. I checked it's resistance with my voltmeter and it looked good. So I installed it, reinstalled the upper intake and started it up. it was running well for a moment then I started smelling gas and saw quite the cloud coming from the tailpipe. I hooked up the code reader and this time I had "Open circuit injector 8". So... the intake came back off. That injector tested ok so it has to be the old and brittle connectors. I ziptied all of the connectors to the injectors so hopefully this will keep them all firing.



Next, I finally got around to hooking up my parking brake. I had to modify my handle bracket a bit but we made it work.



After that, I finished my cover plates for the trans cover and seals.



I also fabb'd up a bracket for my radio antenna so that part of the project is finished!


At this point, the truck is a driver! The only thing keeping me from driving out of my neighborhood is my lack of seating. Hopefully the seats finish reupholstery this week but I'm not super optimistic on that one. That didn't stop me and John from making a run to the store at the end of my neighborhood. And now with the pavement drying I gave it some throttle. And WOW! The torque and power this thing has! It really takes off! It still feels a bit like a tractor from the bumpy ride and long throw on the shifter, but now it's a fast tractor! It should have no problem getting up to speed on Michigan's 45mph roads. I'm still not 100% on making it to 65mph but I'm going to need to if I want to make it to Utah. I might try to find a hood retainer of some sort. I really don't wan't that to fly up on the highway...

Next up are tent mounts, rock sliders, roll bars, and finishing the sending units for the gauges.

[glenn]

There are some Jeep Wrangler JK hood latches that are all metal, no rubber, that would work and fit your build look. Here's an example.
https://wildrock4x4.com/products/1-p...ampaign=Google Shopping&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIuaaRt7jW5wIVFcpkCh2ZGgJ zEAQYBCABEgKD9fD_BwE

[jhartings]

Nice work brother!

[Old_Red_Jeep]

thanks all!

I was thinking more of a latch that is hidden under the hood. something like what a J10 would've used.

The first big accessory was added over the weekend! I finally got my tent installed after it has sat in the garage for a year! I spent most of Sunday fabricating my mount bars and they came out pretty ok!





The next part was the tricky bit. getting the tent onto the truck and where I wanted. It took John and I about 2 hours but that was mostly us trying to be very precise with our measurements since I was going to be drilling into the bed rails for the load bars. I think it turned out great! Just like I pictured it! It seems like its quality is solid and I honestly can't wait to go camping with it!

[Old_Red_Jeep]

Long time no update. I've been on the road for the past month and I'm finally home so I can start fiddling with the truck again. Unfortunately, due to everybody's favorite virus, Easter Jeep Safari has been cancelled. This is really disappointing and crushing. I've been working towards the goal of building my truck and driving it to EJS for 2 years now. We were really pushing hard here at the end but now the stress is off I guess.
The upside of no real deadline is a more lax work pace. So I'll focus on drivability, safety, sand usability. Here's my todo list at this moment:

1) Seats. need them
2) exterior lights to 12v
3) roll cage
4) hitch receiver
5) rock sliders
6) winch bumper

Granted this is all dependent on the strength of the economy after all this blows over. I'm due to get my seats back this weekend and I'm sourcing lights now. After that, I can coast if I need to.

Anyways, here are the fun pics! I got my new front turn signal housings installed. They don't match the patina but they have the added benefit of not being rusted together. I got the ones with the amber lenses since I figured people are usually looking for orange.


I also was able to clean up the interior a bit. I gave the dash and door tops the boiled linseed oil treatment. It came out really nice! Unfortunately, the white paint disappeared a bit but oh well. I can't believe how much nicer it looks! I don't think I'll do the rest of the truck though. I like the rough and weathered exterior with the nice interior contrast.

[brute4c]

Lovin the updates!

On the hood latch, the J10 style can be made to work BUT people often complain that the hook seems to be attracted to the skull of the person who looks under the hood...especially the dual hood latch hooks...they get ya every time one older member said...

[Old_Red_Jeep]

Lovin the updates!

On the hood latch, the J10 style can be made to work BUT people often complain that the hook seems to be attracted to the skull of the person who looks under the hood...especially the dual hood latch hooks...they get ya every time one older member said...

I could see that. I might use one from an XJ. but I was able to take the truck up to 60 and the hood wasn't flapping around so it might be ok.


Alright, so here is what I've been waiting for for about 3 months now, my seats! they have new foam on top and what is rapidly becoming my favorite leather! It's so soft and the color is perfect!







The fit is a little tight under the steering wheel but the foam should start to compress over time.

The truck works so well! The V10 is surprisingly tame but that's likely due to the gears. It's still mind blowing that it can start a 5th gear pull at 20mph! I was able to test it in highway conditions too! 60mph seems to be it's sweet spot. At 63mpg there is a wicked resonance that may be the heater box or something. but it sounds awful. And if you push up to 70mph, the engine doesn't mind but there's a lot of vibration and the truck feels a little uneasy there. So... 60mph it is! I think as long as I hang out in the right lane, people won't mind.

The bad news is that when I went to refill the gas tank, there was a wicked leak. As in, gallons of fuel on the road... I got home quickly then dove under the truck to see what was wrong. It turns out, the "fuel-resistant" rubber that I had used for a gasket, wasn't so fuel resistant. It weakened, expanded, then ultimately failed leaving a gaping hole between the module and the tank...



https://scontent-ort2-2.xx.fbcdn.net...70&oe=5E9D60C3

Unfortunately, this meant the tank had to come out. So I borrowed a bunch of gas cans, drained and dropped the fuel tank, and I reset the module neck. I cleaned all the surfaces, and scuffed up the metal of the tank and the plastic of the neck. I then used some cork gasket material this time and a liberal application of fuel resistant sealant. I'll be putting the tank back in this morning after letting the sealant cure overnight. Hopefully this does the trick.



To end the post on a good note, here are some pictures I took of the truck while it wasn't in the driveway!