Biotex

The plan was to paint my truck in the AM. I logged onto the weather to see what was in store. Seems the winds are going to gust as high as 40mph. I'm indoors, so not undoable, but just bad luck that I have to stress over dust. I really don't want to call it off, so am going for it. I'm excited that I will soon be driving again and can move on towards more fun stuff. Will post pictures in my build section titled 'Maura gets a face lift". Just wanted to vent some frustrations over the weather not cooperating.

Springs are from General Spring, and were a group buy. There is a thread on them in the tech section. I honestly don't remember the prices of the rears, but the fronts were something like $75 from mudflaps.com and the shocks in front were takeoffs from my 06 Rubicon when I switched to bilsteins. I don't recommend rough country shocks, as they are pretty crappy. I always blow them out after a couple months of wheeling. The plan is to paint tomorrow! Wet sanding with 360 at the moment.

I e-mailed him a couple of months ago with no reply.

Thanks for reposting those Bob. That is definitely the direction i'm going.

I would patch the holes, and spray in bed liner or undercoating.

I think what I'm going to do, is to install them and fill in the imperfect fit with U-pol raptor liner. I was planning on doing the rocker area anyways.

I won't do business with a company that won't bother to reply to a customer when there is a problem, and attempt to resolve it. a "we'll look into it" doesn't cut it.

Painting the manche, building a rock buggy, adding on to my shop, 4H shooting coach, running 4 businesses, playing golf, mowing 4 acres, maintaining a ranch, family time, computer time, ...the list goes on. Yeah, life can get hectic. Wouldn't want it any other way!

Thanks for the update. When you get ready to visit Big Bend Nat'l Park, please look me up. If you are into birding, my family owns Christmas Mountains/ Big Bend Bird Habitat. I'll hook you up...

Did you contact the company that makes them? If so, what was the outcome?

Looks to me that those are the inner fenders made of metal, not the plastic liners. Am I missing them? That is a great site though for front end crash parts. Prices are awesomely cheap IMO. Wish I would have seen those replacement rockers for $25 each instead of me welding in patch panels... Wonder if the metal is OEM quality?

I broke a bunch of them yes, but I had read on here about using bolts, so I didn't sweat it. Another reason though, is I'm 90% sure I'm going with bushwhacker flat fender flares, so no need for the backers. I am wanting to keep the inner liners though, so thanks for the tips so far.

Was wondering what you all are doing for replacements. The two front liners are off for paint right now, and I wouldn't mind replacing at minimum the driver side one. I suppose I could try to repair the tear, but would rather not. No JY's in my area.

I'll take them Jim. You can bring them when you come down and visit right?

I would answer that Jim, but I won't take the chance that she might some day read this...

One of the local ranchers in my neck of the woods (Alpine, TX.) is cutting loose one of their herd. I'm told they are asking $3,000, but will accept offers. I haven't vrified it, but am told that it has the 401/auto engine, tranny. It is 4wd, and has what looks like brand new tires. There is no rust, or body damage that I can see. The interior is very clean, and all the glass looks good. I will go get a picture later on today, but they said it runs good. I imagine someone could probably get this for $2,500, but not positive on that. Said it has 80,500 miles on it. I'd buy it myself, but the wifey would NOT be happy...

Congrats on earning your ticket. I too have an A&P license. Got mine from Spartain School of Aeronautics back in the late 70's. Skills that will help you out all through life. Looks like your facility is top notch. Again, good job!

I took the passenger side door apart for paint. I decided I will live with taping around the handle and lock cylinder on the drivers side. :grrrr:

I really want to drive my MJ there, but won't have lockers by then. The Rubicon is ready to go though... Tough decision. What do you think?

Spent 6 more hours wet sanding and block sanding. Very happy with the results. Shot the final coat of primer on, now a final wet sand with 360 grit, and ready for paint. Can't happen fast enough for me.

87manche1, I too was an hvac tech in my past life (Tampa, FL). I too got tired of the same things you are. My solution was to go to one of my customers ( a hospital) and showed them how they could hire me as contract labor and save them money. The director of the hospital asked me if I minded coming on as full time instead, which I did. My point being, that with your skills, you could easily build up a client base before you quit, so you can set your own terms, hours, and how much work you want to do, so you have time to pursue your other passions in life. Then you can ease out of the trade as necessary, but at least you have some income through out the transition. Good Luck!

I installed a heavy duty clutch in a car once. Pressed in on the clutch and the firewall moved forward. :doh:

Too late...

Do you know if any more of those NOS hinges are available? I'm thinking of replacing mine also before paint. I replaced the pin, but it isn't 100% perfect, so I might as well do it. A link to the listing would be awesome. :bowdown:

Mr. ComancheShaman. Not able to read minds yet, even though I tried real hard. it would be helpful if you filled in your signature line with the specs on your truck. If you have a manual transmission, and if you have an internal slave, that could be the source of the leak. Have you noticed your clutch fluid reservoir going low? If you have an automatic, do you notice any loss of fluid? Can you tell what kind of fluid is leaking? try putting a clean white cloth where the drip is and catch some oil. If you put some red ATF in your manual gearbox, you will know if the front bearing retainer seal is leaking for instance.