Ok time for a update. I scored a set of aluminum wheels for $125 bucks, so i mounted the N's on them while i start restoring the factory steel wheels (I love the way the factory's look). I have also been doing some repairs on some misc. wires that had been chewed on (This was one big rat nest when i got it). I put in a new battery, and while it was out i sanded down the place where the battery sits, and painted it with some rust reformer for the time being. Also put new battery post connectors etc.....Ok time for the pics......

 

I was a little worried about putting such a narrow tire on a 15x8, but i think it will be ok for now....Its borderline though....

 

Here are some interior shots....I have begun the long process of chipping the 30yr old deadening material off the floorboards so i can do some repairs..





Ooch..

 

And this is one of my favorite parts of the truck...This sweet tool box on the drivers side..

 

here is some shots of the new battery and power steering components...





P.S: someone needs to sell me a round headlight Black grille, i finished mine off when installing the power steering "cooler". Otherwise i will have to do the square headlight grille/conversion off my '83. (dont really want to do that, i like the round headlights)

 

And im still waiting on my parts from Marlin........

 

I wish I could score on a set of non dry rotted buckshots or co-ops.Yours look to be in pretty good shape.

 

There is a little dry-rot..but it us not bad....I wish these tires were still made

 

My dad runs those Buckshot tires on his Bronco. They are 35 12.50 15 and they have been on the truck since '90. Great tires then and great tires now

 

Im starting to wounder if the parts will ever get in.....

 

sweet lookin truck man. i wish mine was in tht kind of condition when i bought it lol.

 

With more progress comes more pics....I could not find any local junk yards that had a '80 black grille in good shape...So i decided to do the front end conversion from my '83. I also decided to start removing the extra 100 lbs of un-needed iron off the winch bumper. I still have to cut the "wings" off.

 

Well the wife called and told me that the front knuckle rebuild kit and HD pinion seals arrived from Marlin.....looks like ill start working on it when I make it back in from offshore.

 

Updates are coming....I am in the process of fixing the floorboards right now... man that is some thin metal...lol...i will tear down the knuckles when i find a set of front springs to replace my old wore out stockers. Im prolly just gonna pull the front axle, and sand and paint the front axle/frame/springs all at once. Up to date pics coming shortly.

 

Got some work done on the drivers side floor.

 

Threw some rust reformer paint on there...

 

I know they are not the best looking welds, but they are tied in and what can i say? Its flux-core!!

 

Wont be long i can start playing with all this stuff.....

 

Finished with the drivers side......

 

Im just going to order a 3" suspension lift, shocks, dropped drag link, and steering stabilizer instead or re arching my stock springs. The plan is to pull the front axle off completely so i can clean it up, service the knuckles, sand and paint it and the frame. I also have to install the Marlin HD pinion seals....Time to start lift shopping..