B.J. And The Bear (70 Series)

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Yes indeedy-do. Picked up a new project today.
Doesn't need much doing to it, just a tidy up. The previous owner is kindly providing all interior parts so I can restore it to it's former glory.

Question is, restore, resto-mod, modify???

Will mull that over whilst I have a good play with it for a bit.

[bigstu]

Retore it if you can, not many mint ones around, they roll easy my son found that out couple months back

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they roll easy my son found that out couple months back

Ouch! Hope he was alright. Heartbreaking for the truck. Can't imagine those fiberglass roofs hold much....then again, boats are strong

The more I research and uncover, some parts are like hens teeth to find. Thinking of a resto-mod. Full restore but with some added comforts of a modern vehicle. Will see how it goes.

First thing, sort the brakes out and a bit of rust. Plus work out how it goes into 4Low. Seems a little odd.

[bigstu]

Where abouts are you, hes cutting cab down and putting engine gearbox and cutdown cab on an 80 series chassis, so has factory rollbar, diffs etc forsale soon, rear diff is a rare disc brake one he spent $1100 on just before he crashed, also has ironman lift springs and just put in new efs shocks and rebushed pined and shackled front and back.
Also rear panels etc available to chop for rust cuts

[bigstu]

If u have manual hubs on it u still have to push the two buttons to right of steering wheel, then just the low high lever auto may need to be in neutral

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Where abouts are you

I'm Welly based. Sounds like a treasure trove of goodies that I need to visit

If u have manual hubs on it u still have to push the two buttons to right of steering wheel, then just the low high lever auto may need to be in neutral

Yeah I've got manual hubs and it's a manual. Engaged the hubs, depress the H4 button and the 4wd light pops up on the dash. But getting it into Low4 with the gear lever it a bitch. I have it in neutral, even hold the clutch in. Move selector from H2 to N, but won't go into L4.
Must admit, I haven't had a real good look at the linkage etc, but thought it would be the way I'm holding my tongue. Will do some more searching of the web.

Ha!! Had the same problem when I bought my first 80. Might just be the combo of settings and in the right order.

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First things first though. Clean up the PAJ, sell it off to fund the 70

https://www.offroadexpress.kiwi/Forums/ ... 18&t=47655

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Ideas, ideas....

**FRP**
I'm exploring the feasibility of some design ideas for the 70 and wondered if anyone knew how integral the FRP top is to the structure of the vehicle.

I'm assuming because it's removable, you can actual drive around with no FRP top here in NZ....legally?

If so, my next stage of investigation is separating the FRP into 2 halves. So I'll end up with a wellside ute with fully enclosed cab. Then use the remaining FRP top for a canopy. Little bit like the back half of an old Bronco...

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Here's what I'm aiming for.....
Rear doors and FRP can be removed.

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So a mate had some fibreglass flares lying around that he didn't want and so ummmming and arrrrrring if they would look like a good addition....

[bigstu]

Definitly go the flares coloured coded they look great

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Ok, so time to get serious on this project. Starting with a full inspection of the good, the bad and to horrific.

Thankfully nothing too horrific that can't be easily fixed. Mainly rust, but that's fairly easy to cut out and replace.

One thing I definitely cannot fix is the rooted FRP canopy window frame. One is completely stuffed, the other looks ok. Will need to look for another one.

Full naked photo shoot here:

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/11mncb3t ... dh2zw&dl=0

A few samples of the fun times ahead....

Should be able to save the door

Peek-a-boo, I see you massive hole

One of the rear quarters will need some love

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In no particular order...thought I would tackle the seating arrangement. The existing is something to be amazed at. Something that old hill Billy Bob would even roll in his grave at.

I have a fresh set of original seats, but also some reclining bucket seats designed for a 2 door vehicle. Having a play around with the mounting and might just go with the buckets.