Steel Soldiers::Military Vehicles Supersite - View Single Post

JDToumanian · 09-22-2007, 14:18

Here's some more pics that will bring me from summer, 2006 up to the start of the restoration back to semi-gloss OD with stars, which started at the end of March, 2007.

Throughout 2006 I collected thousands of dollars worth of NOS and new parts, pretty much everything I would need for the restoration... I almost felt like I could build another truck! Almost all of it was purchased from Walker's right here in Hesperia... I'm very lucky to have a supplier so close. (And I suppose he's lucky to have such a spendhappy goofball so close!) Most of what Walker's didn't have came from Antelope Valley or Saturn Surplus, and a little came from Ted Hils and Memphis.

Summer 2006 I decided to replace my bed. Dave Walker had one that was completely rust free, had a pretty good tailgate, and also came with a complete set of troop seats. He even lifted my old bed off and set the new one in place with his big fork lift. I also got a good used hood, because mine had a crease from someone sitting on it, and also had quite a bit of rust and thin areas, as well as a lot of stress cracks.

Also that summer, I replaced the clutch and installed an air shift transfer case. The sprag just didn't cut it in the soft sand around here... I almost got stuck several times.

The last pic here is camping at 29 Palms in October 2006. All mechanical issues had been taken care of, new bed and heater kit installed. This is pretty much the way my deuce looked up to the start of restoration. I was ready at that time, but I had to order the paint and wait for nice weather in the spring.