Rebuilding of Old Timer (EK wagon)

[WayneXG95]

Top job Rusty.....Great pics Stewart

Looking Schmicko.

Lookout Wangratta here come Stewart!

[Blacky]

Getting there mate , she's looking a treat

With all these top quality restos going on I might have to find an excuse to travel over east in June ........

[samprinci]

Nice work guys . Thnks for the pix Stewart

[Trev]

Looking really nice stewart.
But with a motor like that it has to be lowered .

[parisian62]

Thanks guys.

I here ya Trev Front springs are 2" lowered but the grinder will definitely be coming out...

[rosco]

Which one is the before shot, Stewart....?

Great work, by golly this is getting close...

Just one little suggestion concerning your stainless trim, I ran an extremely thin bead of grey butyl-mastic in the valley between the top of the trim and the body - you can't see it unless told, but it prevents the washing down of grit behind the trim and a build up of crud around the clips.
I only did this to the very top of the trim.

Probably too late to consider, but I also used a Dremel to grind away very small small drainage ports at the bottom end of each section - not large, but big enough to let anything likely to get in there - out... somewhere around the equivalent of an 1/8" drill..

I did this with the boot-lid letters as well.

Something further for consideration, I bought some 1 mm neoprene and made up gaskets for all the body mounts to bumper/bonnet bar/fender eyebrows.
I used Sikaflex to adhere these to the body and when set - fitted the parts to them.... it affords a little protection when fitting/removing, plus aids in sealing out the nasties from getting between these parts.

Can't wait to see the shiny stuff go on the front, Stewart... I just ponder if you realise how close you are to proudly bringing this restoration back on the road...
It is certainly "coming back to life".. you should be so proud - as we all are of you....and your faithful team of "specialists"...

I'm a bit old school, and probably hypocratic in stating that, to me - I love the current height and appearance of "Old Timer".. the front will "drop" when you fit the bar and trim...the motor is going to provide enough enhanced performance and visual spectacle alone - such a wonderful restoration to a time long gone.. I'd leave it as close to what you remember the old bus being, if it were me.... I now wish I hadn't changed one single jot of mine....

Vehicles in their original format are becoming very rare... most owners want to make 'em different and go with the trend to modify/"hot" 'em up...

frats,
Rosco

[Craig Allardyce]

I'm a bit old school, and probably hypocratic in stating that, to me - I love the current height and appearance of "Old Timer".. the front will "drop" when you fit the bar and trim...the motor is going to provide enough enhanced performance and visual spectacle alone - such a wonderful restoration to a time long gone.. I'd leave it as close to what you remember the old bus being, if it were me.... I now wish I hadn't changed one single jot of mine....

Vehicles in their original format are becoming very rare... most owners want to make 'em different and go with the trend to modify/"hot" 'em up...

frats,
Rosco[/quote]

I cant agree more Rosco. I've done the full circle from a FC with a 400 small block back to my current nearly stock FB sedan and totally stock EK ute. I think its an age thing but the bug with hotting things up still exists! I'm now thinking of an old woody ski boat with a worked grey.......................

[rosco]

Swamping thread, Stewart - apologies...

Craig - if ever I were to purchase something stock - I'd do my darndest to keep it that way....far too many "butchered" vehicles which don't get the effort or expense needed to complete the build end up as spare parts donor vehicles.... and we lose potential members with very heavy hearts...

A refurbed stock vehicle is both a heartening reality to behold - and a purchase on continuance for the future....

frats,
Rosco

[parisian62]

Hi Roso

No worries about the hijack - I enjoy reading your profound ponderings!

Which one is the before shot, Stewart....?

A visit to the optometrist is in order for you Rosco...It's the very last pic.

Thanks for tips on the stainless too.

Craig -

I'm now thinking of an old woody ski boat with a worked grey

....you'd better chat to Thommo and Bootlegger about that.

I wont be getting the grinder out until everything is back on..still have front and rear seats, front bar which will add to the weight.

Stewart

[Mick]

cool stewart
could you imagine the who ha if people were commenting on full restos telling them what they should do to modify there cars jeezus there is nothing on stewarts car that couldn't be reversed in a weekend to make it completely stock, NOTHING is irreversable and there's plenty of stockers around that they aren't gunna dissapear any time soon

[Trev]

As Mick said, lowering a car is in no way "butchering it" (unless I did it cause I am a butcher) it's easily reversed .

[parisian62]

Everything's cool Mick.

No butchers here...Trev might have butchered a fews lamb shanks and chump chops though!

[Devilrod]

The end is near! Go go go Stewart, can't wait to see it finished its going to look great!

[Sputzwagon]

As DR said..GO Stewart..GO!!

Scotty.

[Brian Westlake]

Car looks fabulous Stuart. I too, can't wait to see it at the nats (for the first time!) I'm keen to see Waynes beauty finished also. Fi and I will take NONO62 as it's a proven commodity for a long trip, whereas my FB is still a crude "Mystery Machine"
Tony Tinfloorboards.