I've got lots of pics. I don't pist em all just the ones that get the point across. If you guys need any let me know. I'll see what I have.

 

got a lot done this weekend. Might not seem like a lot but trust me when your building a mini any small victory is a big one. Off to the photos!!!

Been doing a wire tuck so things have to move and be beefed up. Did 4awg ground cable from the chassis to the body.



Used the original ground for the starter but cut it shorter and moved it to the chassis



Drilled my starter hot wire thought the firewall put be a nice little gromet in and she looks beautiful.
I used 4awg for the starter wire as well. It's only running about 2 1/2 foot from the distribution block.



New distribution block all filled up.



Of coarse I wanted to see what it would look like finished so I layed the carpet out real quick.



Finished the wire tuck today, started putting the parts back together. the zip ties are only there for when I was setting up where I wanted everything to go





Passenger side



Also sprayed all the lower section with some purple power and took the pressure washer to it. Didn't do the top section of the engine due to some oil leaks. Everyone know when an oil leak fixes its self (dirt and oil build up create a scab) unless you plan to fix it don't pressure wash it.

Here is the whole engine bay.



Got the kick panels cut, carpet rolled back. Kinda bummed the drivers side has a hole where the foot rest used to be but I'm sure I'll be getting, or doing my own, carpet at some point.





The company I work for does do carpet restorations so I'll probably take the time one day and clean all the carpets and seats real good again. They got a lot of stains over the winter from tools and myself getting in and out with grease and dirt all over.

I can at this point probably start her up but she still doesn't have air lines up front yet. Next is to get the lines run, valves setup, and I still need to go to radio shack to get another switch. Still a lot to do but she is getting there. Probably won't touch her much this next week as I'm on call but if I do I'll post more progress.

 

Oh also, made this mounting bracket for the intake, had to put my "mini shop" name on it and sign it. I've built it on my own so now for sure she is personalized.

 

Took her off the stands today, I think she's been in the air for about 4 months now.




Sorry for the dark pics. I'll get some better ones tomorrow. She isn't done by any stretch of the means but she will be able to at least drive soon. I also started her up for the first time tonight in 4 months. Dash isn't conected so I don't know if it's throwing any codes but I will find out soon enough. She ran great, alittle burning smell but that was to be expected. If this cold doesn't turn into snow I'll take her out for the first time maybe Saturday if I can get the fenders body worked and in primer.

 

Looks great!!

 

x2

 

Appreciate it guys.

 

Few more photos:

 

Hey how did ya go with the weld on 4-link? as far as warping the housing i mean?

I've done some nine inches in the past but bolted them down to a jig first and the heating evenly before releasing them...

did you have it straightened or re-aligned at all?
any wheel bearing noise/wear/flogging out?

 

No warping, no wear, only noise I got (my fault) I bent the bearing housing in my two piece drive shaft not due to welding though. If you have any experience welding you will be able to watch the puddle and know if you are heating to much. Welding to a rear end is pretty easy, the mental there is fairly thick. One thing I did do though after welding was drain the fluid and out in new just incase the fluid did burn.

 

Because I do everything on my own, I will post up some body work pics I have. Although I hate bondo I have learned over the years how to use it as a guide and end up with minimal amounts once painting is done. I don't have all the pics of the whole process as when I get all powdery or I'm "in the zone" I forget to stop and take pictures. I've probably sanded off 80% of the bondo before primer and I will use this prime coat for a guide coat layer.











After every skim coat I sand then body work the highs and lows then sand again then start again. I've been working on this back panel for almost 2 days now off and on, probably about 5 hours total. Still trying to finish the front of this panel as of right now.

 

Are you going to use two wheel drive fenders?

 

Yeah that's what us GA trucks do...everyone defaults to 4runner fenders....or 4x4 fenders..we stuffed in 2wds down here...lol

 

Yup keeping the front clip as stock as possible, it's the only way people know its a v6. No one builds v6s cause "there's no room" only difference in the front clip is I do plan to buy a 4wd valance and section it to fit a 2wd bumper. Have to be different to stand out.


I got some more progress I'll get the photos uploaded and I'll post em up.

 

Will the two wheel drive fenders clear? I guess it would be tight on being low and turning?

 

Alright guys a little more body work update. For those who don't know and I'm sure I've said it a million times on here. I build everything for my truck. Oven sometimes if it's cheaper to buy it, Other than the obvious items. So here was my next venture in building something I could have bought. And it actually was cheaper and well kinda fun. I made my own gas door filler. I was told you can't just make one cause the compound roll angles won't line up with the fender.... That just made me want to prove them wrong... Photos below:





And yes like a dumb ass I started to bodywork the fender and thought a crap!!! I need to fill the gas door...






And I didn't get photos of it fully tacked in but it's now been filled and awaiting being blocked out. As I finish that I'll post photos.

 

Yah why not? I don't plan to run 12" wide wheels. I will have to keep a narrower wheel but I should be fine. I don't plan to lay it on the ground and try to drive it. Don't get me wrong it will be driven low, but hey that's what air is for, air it up if needed then lower it back down. I do see what your saying but if I keep in mind my measurments it will clear.

 

I might put the two wheel drive fenders on mine and see what it looks like. I have a 20x8.5 +45 offset. They set in the fenders pretty good.

 

Looks Good ! I like your commitment. I'm hoping to build as much as possible on mine also. I got some poster board today and was making a pattern for my notches.

 

If you do, post up the pics.

Appreciate it, it's taken a while but I know my truck inside and out. I know all the bad things done and all the good things done. Lol

You going to make yours out of square tube or you going to build a plate setup? JMO but some 2x3 quarter wall is just fine. Don't forget our frames come boxed from the factory if you going to built your out of plate. can't wait to see the progress on yours Redman.