Safari Pacific MX2 Build

[schanusa]

Time to rip into the cab. First I strip down the cabin of all extra electronics and interior parts. I kept the dash in tacked since there will be no alterations planned to that area.

Photo taken before wiring was removed.

 

[schanusa]

With the cab being the most important part of the body modifications, I enlisted the assistance of my friend Marc. Although he's never done any extensive body work like so, he does have tons of experience in the auto body field.

Before the cutting started we worked out a game plan as to where the cuts should be made. We agreed on cutting in three external locations. The first being an inch behind the door jam on the b-pillar. Secondly along the edge of the roof line in the door jam. With keeping the roof curve intact we will make a final cut across the highest point of the roof's curve. The interior structures will be cut along the flattest portions to make extensions as easy as possible.

Suddenly the air pressure dropped. When we went to investigate we found the compressor had simply died. The motor had seized after 3 years of use. Thankfully the most important body pieces were cut, so a sawzall will be used until we can replace the compressor.

 

[ZMan]

you're gonna have alot of fun welding your roof back together!

 

[Shoeboy]

This is, by far, one of the most interesting builds I have seen on this site, I am defiantly going to be keeping an eye on this. Looking good so far.

 

[Shran]

This is, by far, one of the most interesting builds I have seen on this site, I am defiantly going to be keeping an eye on this. Looking good so far.

Agreed. I'm really looking forward to seeing the results. Good luck with the compressor situation.

 

[Destroyer000]

why not use a 4/1/2 inch angle grinder?

 

[Maverick]

I dig it. But a 2wd expedtion vehicle?

 

[AgPete139]

This is, by far, one of the most interesting builds I have seen on this site, I am defiantly going to be keeping an eye on this. Looking good so far.

Were you here on the old forum for Punisher's build?

How many inches are you extending the cab? You gonna do a half door or suicide door idea like on the 98+ years?

 

[philzilla]

NICE PHOTOSHOPING !!!

 

[schanusa]

I dig it. But a 2wd expedtion vehicle?

No more 2wd, gathering all the parts for a 4x4 swap. I posted a want ad here for the parts... http://www.therangerstation.com/forums/showthread.php?t=20970

I'm also considering a solid front instead of the ifs. I need to take a look at a 4x4 ifs before I make a decision.

 

[schanusa]

Were you here on the old forum for Punisher's build?

How many inches are you extending the cab? You gonna do a half door or suicide door idea like on the 98+ years?

I was browsing before the new forum came up, but I don't remember half of the stuff I came across...

The total extension will be 30 inches and will be solid. Making doors is a lot of work. I may make the window swing out and up to access stuff.

 

[schanusa]

The big shop compressor is still out, so progress has been a little slow. On top of that my friend Marc won't be able to give me a hand for the next few weeks, so I'm back on my own. Using a home compressor I slowly finish cutting the inner structures. Cutting for 10 minutes then waiting for the pressure to rebuild. Eventually I finished all my cuts. The next thing to do is drill out the spot welds at the bottom backing and corners.

Underneath I had to use a chisel to break apart the seams connected with seam sealer. At one point I had to use an air chisel along the back panel.

With all the welds and seams dismembered I pull the lower corners back. You can see I'm leaving an overlapping portion. I'm hoping this will make building the extensions much easier.

 

[schanusa]

Before I remove the back chunk I check the structures for strength. Surprising they don't flex much, so no need for braces. Next I need to create a new rear body mount. After that it's to creating a floor, cage and inner structure extensions. Then comes the body work...

 

[goldxlt]

are you going to have any issues with the wheels rubbing on the back of the cab?

 

[schanusa]

are you going to have any issues with the wheels rubbing on the back of the cab?

That will be cut to make way for a wheel well. I'm holding off making that cut until the back piece is welded into place by new body structure.