1989 Build

[DirtBronco]

I think by now it's appropriate I started a build thread to document the polishing of this turd.

About a year and a half ago, I bought a 1980's Bayliner with no title for like $200. Craigslist is a beautiful place.
Couple months later, I realized I don't like boats, so I traded it for this magnificent eyesore, but at least I got a title! and the rear wiper sprayer worked!

Red velour interior. Captain Kirk would've had one of these. Or at least Shatner. Maybe Zap Brannigan. Maybe.

Cheers.

 

[RonD]

You do know the "Red Shirts" died in every episode of Star Trek?

But still looks like a good project

 

[DirtBronco]

You do know the "Red Shirts" died in every episode of Star Trek?

lol ya got me. To be fair, I was thinking of the movies, not the show.
But Picard wore red, and he is far superior.

 

[DirtBronco]

Copped a cool upgrade yesterday, if you can call it that.

Fact: Benches are best. Buicks, Bonnevilles, Battlestar Galactica

Armrests in the '93-onwards look identical so I should be able to snag one and swap the fabric to counter the loss of center console storage.

Seating Level: +1

 

[Curious Hound]

Most people seem to want that console you’re about to give up.

 

[BlackBII]

Looks like a good start!

The 60/40 bench is nice for when you girlfriend, or boyfriend, wants to sit next to you. That one is in really good shape too. The covers come over really easy. I took mine off and ran them through the washer and they came out looking brand new.

 

[DirtBronco]

lol girlfriend. And that was part of the decision. She misses the old ranger's front bench.
Nothing like a reliable cruise control so you can.... move about the cabin.

 

[DirtBronco]

More body parts were removed today.

Kinda cool.. in a Mad Max sorta way.

If I had a dollar for every hornets nest I've found in this car, I'd have like, 9 dollars.
Also, check the insane body gap. Quarter panel got smacked hard.
So much mud... Everywhere it shouldn't be.

Up next: stripping down the interior, removing the doors, and grinding out the horribly welded bumper guard for chassis separation.

 

[DirtBronco]

Santa came early and I must've been very good this year.

Junkyards are beautiful places.

 

[DirtBronco]

So this happened...

Turns out the vehicle came with an e-shift transfer case but at some point an owner installed the floor yoke. The intent will be to revert back to the buttons.

I would like to offer the biggest of middle fingers to the team of engineers who thought this was an acceptable design for removal.

 

[DirtBronco]

I'm feeling a bit inept right now. How does one remove this broad piece of trim. All the screws are out, overhead handle's off.

It feels like its caught on the carpeted bit beneath the window but I can't see far enough to find what it's secured with.

 

[Shran]

What's your plan for it? Trail rig? Second gens are my favorite, should be a fun project.

I would really suggest leaving the manual shift t-case in there... usually everyone removes the electric shift ones in favor of what you have because there are so many things that can go wrong. Simple=better.

 

[DirtBronco]

@Shran You could call this a restomod of sorts. Hot cam, headers, etc...
I'm not much of a rock crawler but it will definitely see more dirt than the lifted WJ's prowling around Atlanta.
Replacement rear quarter panels are in the mail along with some harbor freight paint guns. The next big issue is fixing the rusted rain gutters.

I get the mechanical transfer case is a more popular path but I like buttons and the idea of a cleaner cabin floor. RBV's are already a bit cramped.
My driveway has been stained by 2 Leyland-era Range Rovers equipped with EAS so Ford's electrical gremlins should be a walk in the park... hopefully.

 

[DirtBronco]

Finally figured out what was holding the plastic on. Turns out the carpeted bit lifts off to reveal screws.
Got all the trim off, kinda wish I didn't.

PO stuffed insulating foam between the sheared metal to conceal it, clever.
Looks like I'm gonna go order new inner fenders as well.

Additional damage:

But what a view.

Also, I would like to bring your attention to the hilarity of the body lift.... Its aluminum btw

Tomorrow: Remaining front dash and wiring. Then liftin' 'er off.

 

[ecgreen]

No rust...it was a good day