1980 Daily Driver/ Mild crawler build

[OldGold3VZE]

Got to take my Dad from Florida out for a quick trip.  Also, checked out the flex with the modified front end and chevy 63 springs.







Moved my bump stop pads down and now they don't touch, but at least my shaft bumps are up to par,

[86yoter]

like it can't wait to take my dad up when he gets here. i just hope to have some rock sliders by then. but looks good bud.

[86yoter]

Thanks man, yeah these are the same springs that I have installed on every rock crawler I've ever built.  I actually go 59.5"-60" and run a longer shackle.  It keeps the springs soft and really flexy, and I off set that with stiffer shock valving and good bump stops.  I don't carry much weight, and I like the soft ride.  Springs are all done, just need to cut my shackles, currently running an old set of 6" shackles.

ya i need to do some stiffer shock in the rear she is pretty bouncy back there. getting geared though before new shocks. i don't carry weight all the time but i have been know to load her up.

[zebracrawler]

are those shocks made to bottom out like that or are you planing on moving your bump stops?

[OldGold3VZE]

are those shocks made to bottom out like that or are you planing on moving your bump stops?

The shaft bump stops I added are intended to compress as pictured.  I might move the cone shaped bump stop pads up, but probably not since they actually do engage on straight (think pot hole) style hits.

[OldGold3VZE]

Cut some 7.5" eye to eye shackles and started some half doors.

[OldGold3VZE]

First attempt at half doors, first one almost done.

[nisota]

Lookin really nice, I like the way this build is comin along.

[santa cruz crawler]

Yeah x2 , doors look great 

[OldGold3VZE]

Thanks guys!  Here are some test fir pics, and a shot of my door release, a piece of 550 cord with a rubber grommet.  Simple, and best part, NO RATTLES!!!







The inside will get the same HDF panel material that I used on my full size doors, and the paint will match also.

[nisota]

Looks great 

[86yoter]

nice i am thinking about making some doors for the summer

[OldGold3VZE]

nice i am thinking about making some doors for the summer

Go for it!  This is a project that I never thought I'd get into, but now that the hard part is done, I would definitely do another set.  18 gauge sheet metal, and a plasma cutter and welder are about all you need, oh and  grinder with some flap wheels.  I can't believe how much lighter they are vs. a fully dressed door.  And my doors didn't even have speakers in them!  I left the frame so that I can add a snap in window down the road if I feel like some weather protection is in order.

[santa cruz crawler]

They look good  no cup holders ?

[OldGold3VZE]

They look good  no cup holders ?

Nah, more work, trendy, and I already have em in my center console.

[86yoter]

plasma i wish, i do all my cutting with a grinder for now. but now that i have saturated on my truck the tools will be coming soon

[OldGold3VZE]

Doors done.  Wheeling Kelly Flats this weekend.  It usually doesn't open till mid or late June, so this is great.

[4x4yota]

those are some good looking half doors

[Zs Confederate Toy]

Lookin good! You should wheel with us sometime. Since its is finally the season and all haha.

[dropzone]

doors came out great.  is the 550 cord release spring loaded?

[OldGold3VZE]

Lookin good! You should wheel with us sometime. Since its is finally the season and all haha.

I'm always looking for new wheelin' friends.  Where in Colorado are you?  I'm in  Loveland.

[OldGold3VZE]

doors came out great.  is the 550 cord release spring loaded?

Yes, it uses the lever that would normally attach to the inside door release handle.

[Peterbuilt84]

Very cool build. Nice to see a 1st gen restored 

Probably going to steal your idea for a handle on the half doors, I couldn't think of anything after I did mine.

[OldGold3VZE]

I also whipped up this gear tie down thing.   Use door latch strikers for added tie-down provisions.







And had to do some yard wheeling, too!

[Zs Confederate Toy]

I'm always looking for new wheelin' friends.  Where in Colorado are you?  I'm in  Loveland.

I am up in Bailey. So not all too far

[Slolyfe]

Looks good man! Loving the half doors!

[86yoter]

nice i actually pick up some doors to get started on yesterday. looks good

[OldGold3VZE]

Thanks everyone.  I wheeled Kelly Flats outside of Ft. Collins yesterday.  It's pretty funny wheeling a truck on bald 34s in the rain with an open rear diff, but I was able to make it through the trail with no real issues.   I have to admit, I used to think that half doors were just for looks, but the extra visibility was really nice.  Kinda reminded me of being in my runner with no doors, except I didn't get all the mud spray.  Was about to take some pics, but forgot to put my memory card in the camera, oops!

[nisota]

  woulda like to have seen pics, oh well next time. 

[loctupdave]

Outstanding build