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Index > Body Exterior > Thread: Restorations
Thread: Restorations
admin


Administrator
Posts: 446
posted January 06, 2004 09:40 AM

Restorations

I saw a comment on another board that all we had were a bunch of rust buckets, and there were no ground up restros.

I know this not to be the case. And if people would just go through the site, or use a search, they would know. But people are impatient, I'll start with Mine.


This is how my ride was delivered to me.


It was straight, but the paint was feded and contrary to the looks, wasn't the origional Mazda Blue, but a cheap
Maaco job that had faded and worn away in the hot Arizona Sun.


The bed was bashed up. tail gate was bent, tail lights wrong, bed covered in old oil and sand.


Worst of all, the PO had put a 12a in there! That's had to go.



Start of restoration. Took off the grill work to have it redone and shored up. I did this while the truck was getting a new heart, liver, kidneys, lungs, stomach... a 1991 13BT from a Japanese TurboII.


The engine and tranny are in. Only cutting I had to do was back at the very rear of the gear shifter.. about 2/3 of an inch too long for the stock location. After the eninge, haltech, and all sub systems were done, it was time for body work.


Paint and body was done at a local body shop. I found a new tail gate, new LED tail lights, new head lights, and had some minor dings pounded out.


Next up was the interior. This is an older picture, before the new carpet, door panels, and dash.

Future plans:
* New gagues: autometer.
* New seat belts... at least 3 point... maybe 4. or 5.
* Air to Water intercooler
* Paint the NEW front valance :)
* Redo the electrics, new fuse box, new wires, more relays
* New Battery Box Hold down (maybe even new AL box?)








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nwaco


Redlining
Posts: 407
posted January 06, 2004 12:26 PM
Edited By: nwaco on 6 Jan 2004 18:03

I like it, Nice work Dan....

I am not going to get too wrapped around the axle on comments made by others in needless Forum war. We are where we are.

I must admit though, I do have a few rust buckets. Or at least that is what I call them. Three to be exact. They have provided many parts for the projects in work. I also have three drivers, and three with frames off in work. I am nearing completion of one frame. Unfortunately, my own standards require removal of all assemblies, bushings, seals, parts and pieces. Each nut, bolt, bracket, and panel is cleaned, blasted and painted or replaced. My frame rebuilds are getting new brakes, shocks, steering joints, bushings, bolts, nuts, brakelines, etc. I am in no hurry. I will meet no ones time schedule but my own, and I must admit I am behind on that.

I have spent the last month bead blasting hundreds of parts and am moving them to prep for prime and paint. I can fill two beds with spare parts all stripped for the finish coat. It is not glamorous, but it is done. I will now prep, paint, assemble and wrap for storage and then as the weather turns better, I will complete the last two frames.

I do have the luxury of being able to drive several trucks and work on several at the same time.

I know I can slap in an engine, paint it and spin on some kick-ass rubber and have a photogenic truck for all to see. I have done that a gazillion times on sevens, but I guess I want more for my trucks. I want to keep them.

So they will get all my effort to become what I believe they can become. This board is full of very nice people with many very nice trucks. But I like the Rust-buckets and the people who own them as much as those pristine trucks like Dan and Craigs.

I will be joining you soon enough.

P.S. Dan, I like the second to last pic so much, it is the background pic on one of my computers. And I've had it there a long time. My 77's going to be all white again one day.


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rotormunky


Redlining
Orlando, Florida
Posts: 424
posted January 06, 2004 02:57 PM
Edited By: rotormunky on 6 Jan 2004 14:59

I don't know what's up with criticising other folks rides, that's strange.

I can tell you right now why there aren't that many. Its f#ck!ng hard work :)

I've never done anything like this before in my life. I 'refurbished' my first car a '76 fiat which amounted to an overahaul of engine, cooling and electrical...fluids, filters, belts, hoses and new top, etc, etc. But that is nothing compared to what I've got to do with the truck.


quote:
Unfortunately, my own standards require removal of all assemblies, bushings, seals, parts and pieces. Each nut, bolt, bracket, and panel is cleaned, blasted and painted or replaced. My frame rebuilds are getting new brakes, shocks, steering joints, bushings, bolts, nuts, brakelines, etc. I am in no hurry. I will meet no ones time schedule but my own, and I must admit I am behind on that.



Ken's on the money with the way he's going about it IMO. If you aren't at least getting down to every last fastener to at least look at it to determine its condition then its not a 'ground up' or 'frame off' resto. Course that's not necessary for every truck. If I had $2,500 I'd snatch that red truck in TX like yesterday. I'd polish it up and drive it around.

My '77 is, in fact, a rust bucket. Which is why I'm taking it down to every last spot weld, nut, bolt and rubber bit. I want something BETTER than I could have gotten off the showroom floor and that means a tonne of work, most of which of the variety that I've never even see done before let alone attempted.

Which explains why its been a year and I've only derusted one piece. I've spent most of this time learning, reading and bugging guys here about how some things work or how to fix them. Its a pretty slow process. Its not happening in three months unless you're most of the way there to start with. I've talked to a couple professional restorers who've said as much and its their full time job.

I've said it before and I'm sure its sounding old and tired, but at least as valuable as the better-than-new REPU I'll have at the end of this is the experience. Knowledge and skill for one, but the time spent with different friends and family during different parts of the restoration really are the things I've got to like the most.


____________
-Martin
Orlando, Florida

http://www.themonkeyhouse.org/REPU

'77 REPU (Some assembly required :)
'91 Cabrio (Battered and bruised, but she's still my baby.)

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straightrepu


Redlining
Posts: 232
posted January 07, 2004 08:43 AM

other forum?

Do you mean the beavis and butthead chatroom for the socially retarded? Yea, cool man, nice color, heh heh.
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74 restorepu

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admin


Administrator
Posts: 446
posted January 07, 2004 09:28 AM

It was wone of them that made the comment... saying we had all a bunch or rust buckets. If they would have spend any time on this forum, without pissing all over it like the immature drunken brats they are first, they would have known that there are some very nice REPUs here.

They are gone now, started their own forum (so they can have as chatty as they want, even though it will be hard to sift through all the crap before getting to any good stuff they might have.) So this site can stay clean, and we can concentrate on making our REPU better.

Back on topic.. if you've restored or fixed up a REPU since you've joined this forum, post links and pics on up!

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Klaus43


Rotorhead
Posts: 1259
posted January 07, 2004 10:45 AM

I haven't restored... yet...

...and my fixes have consisted of keeping REPU's that run, running, mostly. I do have a couple'a genuine rust-buckets, too. However, I've been accumulating a ton of information, know-how, and parts... and I must say, all of you guys--and this forum--are an inspiration! Ken, if you're ever ready for an apprentice, let me know... :)

I appreciate the no-nonsense nature of our little corner of cyberdom. I don't have time for all of those 'other' places where the porn, alcohol, and gross-outs suck up space and time.
Those that outgrow it might even come to join us here, at some point...

       
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Tom93R1


Redlining
Posts: 458
posted January 07, 2004 03:30 PM

I wont post any pics because it will only contribute to other peoples opinions that we drive rust buckets. However, my FD is nearly paid off and getting painted in a couple weeks. After that expense is paid off I can finally really get into fixing up the REPU. My restoration isnt going to be any award winning job, right now I am going for "good enough". I just want to take care of any rust and make it look decent. After a couple years when I have a place of my own with a garage then I will go about fixing up the REPU the right way.
____________


'74 lawn-green
4-port 13b
Weber 48DCO
Racing Beat Header
Magnaflow
resonator/amplifier
really loud!

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Mazdarx605


Redlining
Posts: 314
posted January 08, 2004 01:19 PM

Here is a question.Did the folks(I'm not sure who we are talking about)who are saying we have all these rust buckets belong to the forum?If so did they ever get anything out of this place?I know I sure have,in the short time I have been here.Heck I wouldn't have my REPU without this place.Mine may not be pristine but it is a good paint job away from looking great(and maybe some carb,and exhaust work).Well whatever thanks to all who contribute here,and remember you can't make everyone happy all the time.

Chris
74 green REPU
83 RX-7 limited edition
92 Cummins
00 Protege ES "hers"

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Fd3BOOST


Hauling
Posts: 114
posted January 08, 2004 07:00 PM
Edited By: Fd3BOOST on 8 Jan 2004 19:19

If your going to quote at least try to get it right.
I said Ken has a lot of rust buckets which he just admited.
The point behind that comment was to point out that you seem to pride yourself on owning several delapitated vehicles. Why not just haveone nice one and get rid of the rest? Besides it was not a comment directed at the entire forum. It was about Ken.
He has since emailed me and I have no beef with him at all. My beef is with you Mr. Admin. No need to drag your members into it. I have no issuse with the other REPU enthusiats like myself. In fact I invite them all to visit us at www.vintagerotaries.com :)
All i said about you Mr. Admin is that you came across as an ass. Which you are proving me wrong. Now you strike me as the type who is way to worried about other peoples opinions.
One post and now your posting pics to prove what your truck looks like. Seems you don't mind the chat so much now huh?
How does this thread help your forum?
BTW it doesnt impress me anyway. Some fitting, a new engine and a little paint and viola. Not to mention you didn't even do the engine bay which leads me to belive that you didnt fully "restore" the truck so dont get to excited about your truck. Try doing all the paint and engine work by yourself next time. Then I will be impressed with the pix.
So loosen the collar some.
All you had to do was let me know that you wanted the site to be info only.
Instead you reacted towards me like I shit in your yard for trying to socialize on your board. What is it, new guys aren't cool enough to fit into your little club?
Thats the way you act.

Mr.Straight Repu
I hope you are not refering to guys like Ito, j9fd3s, BDC,RX-Midget, Scalliwag or Myself
You should go and see exactly who you are talking about before you go running your mouth off.
I havent seen any amazingly informative posts out of you anywhere. If I am wrong link me..
Your post describes itself

-Cheers



       
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admin


Administrator
Posts: 446
posted January 08, 2004 08:24 PM

One of these days we'll meet in person. I'll buy you a beer ... or ten, and then make sure you don't post anything on the net until you sober up...

Direct quote:
The admin really comes across like an ass.
Not to mention he seems way to impressed with his collection of rusty ass trucks.


Looked like you were talking about me... had to prove my point that 1.. we weren't all rust buckets, and 2 show a thread of a near complete truck...

I did come across as an ass.. it was the holidays, I didn't have time to baby sit everything, so quickest thing for be to do wass to shut some threads down, and send a reply here and here..

Now, shoo shoo... come back when you have something constructive to add like about your resotration of emblums or what not. :) And post when you're sober...

What are your plans for restoration.. to get this thread back on topic?
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Fd3BOOST


Hauling
Posts: 114
posted January 08, 2004 09:14 PM
Edited By: Fd3BOOST on 8 Jan 2004 21:24

You got me. I did say that.
It should have read "ken is way to impressed with his rusty ass trucks"

I was right about you being an asshole though you gotta admit. :)
The way you keep insisting on me being an alcholic. Thats what assholes do. Assume stuff about people. Am I to assume that your sitting around eating twinkies and stuff cause you look overweight?


Also you take cheap shots at a little emblem I did the day I brought my truck home.
Again, thats not cool and the stickers are huh? Point is that I do my own and you pay someone like me to do it for you.
But once again the asshole shines through.

The plan for my truck is to destroy your truck in the 1/4 mile and look better doing it. Wanna make a friendly wager?

       
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straightrepu


Redlining
Posts: 232
posted January 08, 2004 09:35 PM

I don`t waste

my time answering to drunks.
____________
74 restorepu

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nwaco


Redlining
Posts: 407
posted January 08, 2004 09:47 PM
Edited By: nwaco on 8 Jan 2004 22:39

Dave....

Although I use the term "Rust-bucket" now and then tonque-in-cheek, what makes you think any of my trucks are really rust-buckets? Have you ever seen one?

The fact is, I am very selective in the vehicles I aquire. Although rust and corrosion, is something I am very familiar with, I choose my purchases wisely and only buy when I can make use of either the chassis or some parts within. I would hope you would give one the benefit of the doubt since you do not know.

I sent you an email apologizing for the divide caused by my remark a few weeks ago. My apology still stands. I would expect that you dispense with the nasty language and name calling at least against me. Although I disagreed with your approach to posting. I respected your rights to do so. I also saw your post on your forum in which you chose some very rude and nasty remarks towards me. I have not done so to you.

I would appreciate a retraction of them. If you read my past posts, you will find nothing so vile about you.

The ball is in your court.

By the way, Let's get back to the trucks:

One of my last $350.00 aquisitions, which came with two running 13B's and two 4 speed trannies:


And, of course, your latest aquisition:



Hmmm....Which one is the "Rust-Bucket again?

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pdxdave


Newbie
Posts: 7
posted January 08, 2004 10:56 PM

I like both forums, and I post on both.

fd3Boost has helped me WAY more than any other person on this forum, from stupid shit like 'What do I use to mix filler on?' to more complicated stuff like 'How do I line up my porting templates?'.

BTW-My truck has lost a ton of weight, is no longer a rustbucket, and I am aiming for low 12 second 1/4 mile et's.

With a Lincoln locker, bridgeport 13B, RX7 5-speed, and the 4.62:1 rear end I think I can trailer a lot of serious iron. Add in a healthy shot of nitrous oxide and it may not be the most consistant rotor trucks, but it will be one of the quickest.

Also, the sticker guy is a dick.

         
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rotormunky


Redlining
Orlando, Florida
Posts: 424
posted January 08, 2004 11:01 PM

quote:
I like both forums, and I post on both.

fd3Boost has helped me WAY more than any other person on this forum, from stupid shit like 'What do I use to mix filler on?' to more complicated stuff like 'How do I line up my porting templates?'.

BTW-My truck has lost a ton of weight, is no longer a rustbucket, and I am aiming for low 12 second 1/4 mile et's.

With a Lincoln locker, bridgeport 13B, RX7 5-speed, and the 4.62:1 rear end I think I can trailer a lot of serious iron. Add in a healthy shot of nitrous oxide and it may not be the most consistant rotor trucks, but it will be one of the quickest.

Also, the sticker guy is a dick.




::yawn::


____________
-Martin
Orlando, Florida

http://www.themonkeyhouse.org/REPU

'77 REPU (Some assembly required :)
'91 Cabrio (Battered and bruised, but she's still my baby.)

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kick


Hauling
Posts: 149
posted January 08, 2004 11:02 PM

To each their own..
____________
1972 Rx2 - no enigne or trans
1974 Repu - runs and drives
1976 Rx4 - no engine or trans (klaus42 old 4)
1977 Repu - Parts

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kick


Hauling
Posts: 149
posted January 08, 2004 11:07 PM

quote:
'What do I use to mix filler on?'


Ewwww, can we say bondo.
My truck and everything I own will be 95-99% bondo free. I can't stand that stuff. Their will never be a 100% bondo free car, you will always need to use a very very very lil amoumt of that shit.
____________
1972 Rx2 - no enigne or trans
1974 Repu - runs and drives
1976 Rx4 - no engine or trans (klaus42 old 4)
1977 Repu - Parts

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admin


Administrator
Posts: 446
posted January 09, 2004 12:01 AM
Edited By: admin on 9 Jan 2004 09:51

Ok... mr Fd3BOOST.. you can't read sarcasm well, or you can't read... THEN YOU GO BACK AND EDIT YOUR POSTS. Your 1st one was fine, then you f it all up.

I was actually being friendly, but you sir are a prick and an asshole here.

I invited you to post your plans on your truck, and you attack me.

i'm sick of your shit. get off my board. you have your own.

EDIT: I tried to get this thread back on topic, but it didn't work. Closing.
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pdxdave


Newbie
Posts: 7
posted January 09, 2004 08:20 AM
Edited By: pdxdave on 9 Jan 2004 08:28

what a great idea admin;

1. piss off people so badly they start their own board.
2. troll the new board.
3. troll your own board.

for someone who doesnt want any off topic posts you seem to have gone pretty far out of your way to create an off topic post.

@kick- yur mom is fat.

         
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