This Post will be about the fix’n and Plans .

Gramps does not need much.  I’m driving the truck just the way it is.. BUT there are some stuff to do.  The first thing is to make an appointment with my shop to have a look for problems and to adjust the idle.  Also I will get them to do a wheel alignment. There’s sure to be a list.  One of the biggest things for me is the paint.  It’s missing in a lot of places, and that could mean rust will happen.  I really like the blue factory paint. It makes me happy like the blue colour of my ATV.  So it’s a keeper for when that happens.

I’m not sure about the black lower part..  But it does look good.

June 4 2024

Today I picked up a nice canopy from a nice person for Gramps.  I had to drive a few hours to get it.. That was the most I’ve driven the truck..

White is a good fit and so is this canopy.  It will stay on for the summer.  After that 4 hr drive I now know more about the truck, so I have a list of things needing attention.  As well as the inspection, here’s my thoughts:  Wheel alignment..  wanders on the road more than it should.  Rough idling… The motor feels like it stumbles at idle.  Cruise Control..   Yup it’s should be working.  A/C .. yup that could be handy.. I believe a recharge will fix that.  Fan speed... medium speed is not working. Will have to see what’s up there.  Replace Multi Function Switch… Got a new one.. And it may fix the cruise.. Horn !  Needs fixing.  Dash & Cluster…I have a new headlight switch to install and all the bezel needs a good cleaning. Also I will replace any bulbs that are out.  That’s enough for now..

Update:   Now that the truck has had it’s assessment we know the answers.  A few surprises,  but overall good news.  Got a list from the mechanic and the costs.  Adds up to just under $2000.  So the plan is to have some stuff done now and some later.  Here’s whats getting fixed first.

1. Rear Brakes.  The shoes are bad and both brake cylinders leak as well as a leak in the line that crosses the rear axle.
2. Spark Plugs & Distributor Cap. I suspected this could be the cause of the rough idle. A good thing to do anyway.
3. Oil Pressure Sender.  The gauge goes up and down.  So let’s make sure this is not the issue.
4. Fuel Filter.  It’s old so let’s just do this while on the hoist.
5. Wheel Alignment. There was some wandering and pulling on the steering …this should fix that.
6. Oil Change & Air Filter.  Want this done anyway.

Here’s what is getting fixed along with those things.

1. Intake Manifold Gasket.  Possible leak of the coolant here.  The motor will be happy.
2. Power Steering Pump.  Leaking and this may help the steering problems too.

So we will see how this works out…  Now there is a few more things that need attention.  The shocks are older.  And of coarse there are a few electrical things to fix.. I will gladly do those. That’s my thing ! So by the end of summer I should have a reliable good running and driving truck.  Ready for the cosmetic stuff.

July 24 2024.

We are home from our camping now and the truck spent 3 weeks at the shop having all the stuff on the list done. Including the intake and power steering.  Runs great and now I have confidence in it for some long trips.  I have ordered the parts for trailer towing electrical. including a new brake controller.  I’ll fix all that in August.  I took the left taillight out to see what colour wire did what.  And the mud and dust was thick on the back of the light and the cavity.

Should have taken a before photo…  But this is what it looks like now after a good cleaning.  I also need access on the left side for power to the canopy light.  While I have the taillights on my table …why not make them pretty again.  They are faded and oxidized.  So I tried a new product.

And it worked wonders on those taillights… check them out.. Again some “before” photos would have been nice.

I like clean and shiny things…  So next is the trailer wiring and I’m thinking a new page for that.

Page 4  More work

May 24 2024

Time to give Gramps some love…

And what I mean is cleaning the interior. Looks to me like no one has done that for thirty years. The first thing I cleaned was the doors and the dash.  I still need to use the Bissel on the door fuzzy parts.

This is a huge improvement..   trust me on that.  My cleaner is quite powerful so I have to remind myself to be careful.  I didn’t mean to but I erased the symbols on the light switch.

Don’t ask what that toggle switch is for cause I don’t know… YET.  But now that there are no seats in the way…

It would be easier to get under the dash to find that remote start crap.  Yes I removed the seats …Easy to clean the carpet and the seats this way.  And let this be the “before” photo. Oh and now that we have easy access I was curious about the tool box.

Sure Nuff.. There’s all the dusty tools like they’ve never been touched.. Amazing !  I also found 4 quarters in the door pocket..  There’s a buck towards some new parts.  Dusty seams to be the theme here.  The motor and area is not greasy but very dusty.

Really dusty !  Today I dropped my 10 mm wrench down inside the door.  So I had to remove the door panel to get it.  Dusty everywhere.  And if that’s the worst, then we are good.  Here’s two photos after I cleaned the carpet and the seats.

The back seat is quite nice now..

Don’t mind those wires..  They are leftovers from removing the command start system.  I did not get any fobs for that..  So this mess goes in the garbage. 

Those wires are the 12 volt hot , the 12 volt acc and the ground.  As soon as I put the battery back I’ll test to confirm that.. Maybe could use them somewhere.  Next is a under the hood bath.

And here’s a “after” photo.  quite the improvement.  I have one small thing that needs attention. The battery terminal clamps.  They are old and rusty, and well just wrong. I fix !  And that is all the cleaning for now.

Page 3 Fix’n Stuff

May 15 2024

I traded the two Jeeps for a truck..

It seamed there was no way I was going to deal with the Jeeps.. I tried selling the 95 with no luck. And now my Son is moving away. So I put both up for sale this spring, Two for one. Not a lot of interest in two broken Jeeps. Till this guy made me an offer.  Trade the two for his 1996 1 ton diesel dually truck.  My first reaction was no..  but then I thought if I don’t like the truck I have only one thing to sell not two.  And he was willing to deliver the truck and take away the two Jeeps in one go.  So I said ok let’s do it.

And this is what he used ! A three vehicle hauler.  The truck runs and drives … and the Jeeps made it on to the trailer.  Bye Bye Jeeps.  Here’s a short video..

Well what I did not say in the video was my indecision about whether or not I would keep it.  So after driving it around for a few days ( which the truck did willingly) I got to know how I felt. And got to know more about the condition of the truck.

This is where the concerns are. Under the hood. Let’s talk about that.  I did take the truck to the mechanic for an overall mechanical assessment. And this is the low down.. The motor is the only problem on the truck. And that is no surprise given it’s age.  Leaking oil and coolant, and blow by in the crankcase.  All signs of a somewhat wore out motor. It’s starts fine and runs good, but things are near end of life.  And for me I want reliability. Also to fix all the leaks would be costly, mechanic’s opinion not worth it.  Now if you add to that the condition of the body, badly rusted rockers and doors. Well it’s just a money pit for me.  Plus It’s loud, rough ride… generally a beast !  I’ve put it up for sale. Just not the truck for me. Update !  After many weeks I have finally sold the Diesel 1 ton.  Now I can put my efforts toward this nice truck…

This is the truck for me …

Yes same colour… Let me introduce to you the 1993 Chevy OBS 1500, 350 V8, auto 2wd. I’m calling it “Gramps”.  Because that’s who drove it since new.  Only 200,000 kms on the ODO !  Rare for Alberta.  It was passed on to the 19 year old kid who wanted a car not a  “gram pa” truck.  It popped up on my radar as I was seeing what a good price for the 1 ton would be.  And your not going to believe this but the young fella was coming to Drumheller to look at a car he wanted.  Well…  Here’s chance to see the truck and if it’s as good as claimed and in the pictures, I’ll make a deal.  I did !  And here is a quick Video :

Yes the paint is bad… always in those years.  Only one rusted part on the right rear rocker. Everything works except the A/C and drives great.  In fact my Son and I are using it for dump runs and for him to drive while his truck is in the shop. This post will continue about this truck and the plans for it.  Needs a good cleaning and I will get an inspection done as well.

The rear end of the truck.  Most of the things wrong are cosmetic.  Like the Chevrolet panel. Where you see brown is the dirt stuck to the leftover adhesive when the stick on letters fall off. The hitch is not the factory one It’s better I never checked but I bet those license plate lights work. The latch works ! and still has the bezel trim.

This is common on these trucks. If that chrome hasn’t started to peel off yet …it will soon. Like I said mostly cosmetic. Mechanically..  needs a wheel alignment, new plugs and new filters. I’m sure I’ll find more but that’s where we are. In the meantime I am collecting things for improving Gramps.  The new mirrors I ordered for the 1 ton will now go on Gramps.

Processed By eBay with ImageMagick, z1.1.0. ||B2

I have installed these before on the 94 K2500 I had years back.  They are not power, but they pull out to be extended for trailer towing.  A very popular after market item and reasonable price too.  Also I have new lenses and LED bulbs for the dome light.  Oh and a set of window visors for an extra cab that will be nice to have. Allows the windows to be open a bit without the worry of rain getting in. And now I liberated these floor mats from the 1 ton.

I just cleaned them up.  The ones from Gramps can replace these.

Ok I got Gramps back from my son..  I took it to the car wash and gave the box a good blast. I also washed in the wheel wells. It’s now in the garage ready for some serious cleaning..  New post for that.

Page 2- A Bath

Sept 29 2023

Not planed… Was hoping to do some of this later !

But work is starting early on the dash and things around it.  This has to be done to install the new window hinges.  There is nuts on the back of the lower hinge bolts, behind the dash !

For a day I’ll be cleaning the dust & dirt.  I have to admit that this work will be easier without stuff in the way.  The steering wheel will have to come off so I can get the metal dash back out.

As you can see it’s got some rust and needs a paint job.  I made a video about the process .

As I take things apart I’m testing , poking and prodding.  I’ve ordered up a few new things like 4×6 speakers. Way easier to install those while the dash is apart. The same goes for new LED lighting for the gauges. But first is that cleaning…  Badly needed !

Let’s make this the before photo.  Yup it’s dirty..

And the after… less dirty   Checked a lot of the wiring and found no issues.  Lubricated the three heater cables.  Cleaned the contacts & plugs.  Plus I mounted the new hinges.  I needed to understand where the grounds were, the illumination wires and stereo wires.

I like the new allan head bolts.  Used locking nuts and washers so I won’t have to worry.  Also started the painting on the dash backing plate.

And then I found a new set of speakers in one of my bins.  So I guess I’m going with four speakers !  Nothing wrong with that.  I ordered an interesting stereo for the Jeep.

Car audio is mostly the same these days, all digital. no cd’s, no cassettes.  This one I liked because it has a clock and the temperature.  AM / FM , USB and SD card. What more do we need these days. It’s good that the wiring is in place behind the dash for rear speakers for a four speaker system.  The factory “Jeep’ stereo did too but only used two, The Jeep stereo has seen better times.

Past due for the upgrade.  So onward I go with some extra wiring.  Easy to do now rather than later.  I ran the speaker wires to the back, and made up two LED courtesy lights for under each side of the dash.  I’m using the blank place where the rear window wiper and defrost switches would be.  And installing these !

Thinking ahead here..  The horn is my OOGAA  horn that I’ve used on my ATV in parades.  What the heck  .. why not.  I have a pair of small LED light bars for when I build a new bumper.  And of coarse a winch at some point too.  All pre-wired now, but the OOGAA horn is installed.

It’s like this spot on top of the fender was made for it.  And now the new window is on the Jeep too.

As soon as some more bits and pieces arrive I can finish the dash.  It’s looking good so far..  The repaint is nice and the new speakers too !

The dash is complete now..  Everything went back together properly with only the frustration of using the Phillips head screws !

New stereo fits like it was always there.  Same goes for my new switches where there was a blank spot.

New and improved night time lighting for all the gauges.  And now it’s time to button the roof back up and sell the 95 Jeep.  This Jeep will go to the shop and have a few things done.  All done for now..  It will be months before I get back to the Jeep.

Change of the plan:

Just a little bit..   I need to work on the Ponoka Trailer and sell it to help with the costs involved with the 92 jeep.  The 95 is not selling.  So the 92 is parked out side for the winter.  Any work will wait for now.  I did find a way to insure it so I can transfer and plate it.  And this is without it passing an inspection.  That was great news. I can now take all the time I want to get this jeep back on the road. It’s tucked up beside the house for the winter.  Plans are going to change by spring .. you know it.

Aug 28 2023

Jeep #2  AKA.. the Jurassic Jeep.

When the first Jeep you buy is looking like a real money pit…  Then you just go get a different one !  Just make sure you pay less… then you have more to spend and you feel better.  But it’s more than that.

What do I mean MORE.  Well let’s see… I drove it home 178 kms on the highway (not towed).  You learn a lot from that.  And it did great !  I like to drive automatics.. Really !  Clutches and 5 speeds are over rated.  And another thing that’s a big part of the “Jeep” experience is the open air… so a soft top is a huge bonus.

“Unmodified” ..  I don’t want to repair or remove someones bad ideas.  This one still sports the “jeep” rims, steering wheel and mirrors.  Even those ugly “bumperetes ” are there… bent but there. Same with the front bumper.. bent but there !

Even the interior looks like it’s 30 years old(seats for sure).  And we are talking a cassette player ! Wow so 90’s.   And what’s with the blue light? That has to go bye bye..Those are A/C ducts under the dash, Factory !  You don’t see that in many old Jeeps. And look the jacking tools were still in the holder under the hood.

And I had some time with not much going on SOOO…

I made these look “newish”

You know there is the “good stuff”  too.  still got the good inline 4.0 L six motor.  And it runs great.  There’s factory A/C if I can figure out how it works.  I like the half doors better than the full doors.. and these don’t need work.  There is one very good modification the manual pull ( red button) to lock in the 4×4.  Deleting the vacuum operated one that is prone to failure just when you need it. The hinges on all three doors are good and NOT loose. I attribute that to the half doors. They weigh less than the full doors.    The spare tire carrier is ready for the spare.  The fender flairs and running boards are NOT painted and in great condition.  The tires are new, and the proper size.  The top is only three years old and in great condition.  The cost of the top and the tires add up to what I paid for the whole Jeep.  These are the pluses.  What about the bad things ?  Well let’s have a look first. I’m sure more will be found by the mechanic on it’s soon to be visit.  But what are the things I’m know about. Leaking transmission ( somewhere).  Leaks in rear diff ( input and axles). A vibration at 70 km/h ?  ( don’t know where).  Right side front window hinge is seized.  Lots of small things to tinker with.  Like some of the gauges not working.  All fixable, and worth fixing.

This was the window that came with this Jeep..  now painted back.  See the post about the windows HERE.  I had to learn how the soft top goes down and back up. in order to remove and replace the front window.  Not hard at all. I also (as part of the window thing) had to fix the roll bar pieces that go above the doors and hook up to the window.   Today I was washing our vehicles .. so I decided it’s time to remove the “crispy” bra on the front of the Jeep.

Looks better now. Boy that bent bumper bugs me !  I want to build a new one.  Then I gave the motor compartment it’s much needed bath.  Here’s a before photo  (yes I remembered).

I’ve seen worse.. the idea was to get rid of the caked on dirt and oil on the engine.  Here’s the after….

Again it’s not a profound difference.  And overall things are looking good under the hood !  Ready for it’s date with the shop..

Okay… now I know what’s needs fixing from a professional.  Lets go from front to back. So first on the list is new ball joints for the right side.  Then there is a main rear seal on the motor.  A leaking seal on the transmission.  And the trans needs a service.  now here’s a big one. The whole rear axle needs replacing.  Too many issues to list.  And finally the welded patches on the rear most of the frame for the spring hangers need to be re- done.  So what now ?  A welder is going to have a look if he could fix the rear spring mounts.  So we will see about that.  I could swap out the rear axle from the 95 (if the ratio is the same) .  I could pull the trans and take it to a transmission shop.  and then I can change the rear motor seal.  I would get the shop to replace the ball joints because I don’t have the tools for that.  The debate still goes on about which is the better jeep to spend the money and time on..  I like the 92 my Son likes the 95.

Here is the frame problem..  What a mess with the welding ! This is the rear of the frame and that is the rear spring hanger.  And this is a common place for the rust to happen..  They make new (weld in ) frame sections for here.  So a fix is possible..  and good.

I just solved one of the big problems.  I found a used but good rear axle that’s a perfect match.  Only a leaking pinion seal..  I can do that..

No other leaks. Came from a jeep that had a bad frame.

Here’s a new video I just made..

Well due to a problem switching the windows the 92 Jeep is now the one in the shop.  Had to remove the dash to get to the backside of the hinges.  So I guess I’ll be working on the dash and things behind it.

Five thousand screws later I have the dash apart.  Now is a good time to start a new post cause things are going to get serious !

Page 2 for the 92 Jeep:

Aug 18 2023

More work to do !

Parts for the doors arrived today.

Except the gaskets and window channels.  The Jeep is ready to go to the shop in two days.  so I’m picking away at the doors.  I removed everything except the window regulator. Those four Philips screws will not budge.  There’s no repairs needed so I’ll leave well enough alone.

Same with the hinges.  Not going to chance damaging the torx bolts. The hinges get the red paint anyway. After washing the mud out and doing a few repairs I have started the painting.  Satin black for the door frames.

Sampled the regal red from the spray can… not thinking it’s dark enough.  But we’ll let it dry and see.

The Jeep is off to the shop now..  and another thing we’ll see is what they find wrong..  That was the longest drive today..  and I have some thoughts.. I think the clutch needs adjusting.  Wanders a bit on the road .  So maybe a wheel alignment.  Well it turns out that there is lots wrong !  The transmission has NO 4th and 5th gears.  That’s bad.  One front bearing needs replacing.  The power steering is leaking because it was poorly installed and buggered up..  So that needs to be replaced..  And of coarse we knew about the exhaust system..   And lets ad to that a new front window and a new rear window… The cost is starting to get crazy.  However I have been told by “Jeep guys’ that a fixed up Jeeps are worth it.  And the only thing that would halt spending money on the Jeep would be a rusted out frame.  So we shall keep on with it…

Back to the doors…  with the extra room in the shop I started working on the driver’s door.  Welding the cracks that all Jeep doors apparently have, and fixing the rust. Then this happened !

Tap tap with the body hammer and a rusty spot became a holey spot.  No worries I’ve welded a new plate on there. And the doors have the new paint on the parts where gaskets go.  I finally made a new video..

And this reveals the plan to sell this Jeep and  switch to the 1992 Jeep.

So let’s have a look and talk about the second Jeep. A few years older (92), but it’s in very good condition.. But most of all it’s 99% factory original.  With the only modification being the popular manual 4×4 axle engagement.  Best of all it comes with a full soft top (that I wanted), half doors (which I also like ) and it’s an automatic, which I very much like.   Sneak peak…

This one cost less than the 95 YJ..  It runs and drives.  It too has almost new tires.   A/C, trailer hitch and the spare tire mount I wanted.

The body has rust holes, and there are some leaks to fix and some electrical stuff.  Not lifted !  The good old 4 L inline six too. Runs great !

That Bra is ratty and is coming off.  As you can see the windshield frame is rusty so the new window frame and glass will go on here.  This is the Jeep I should have bought first time.. but it wasn’t for sale then.  So I will correct that by selling the 95.  By the way does this photo look familiar ?

Ya..  This is the year of YJ Jeep they used.. Those are the factory rims painted red.  Interesting I live in Drumheller. Don’t worry  I’m not thinking of that paint scheme.  It’s just a white Jeep with a blue splash.  Quite likely it will stay that way.

Enough about the new Jeep..  It will get it’s own post here:

1992 Jeep YJ Wrangler:

Back to the 1995 Jeep..  Well work on the doors is complete, and they are back on the jeep. Next up is the Jeep front window switch-a-roo.  And because it involves both Jeeps and it’s own unique work it warrants a new post:   Jeep Window Post

Jeep Front Windows :

I’ll get back to the 95 Jeep after the window fiasco.  The plans are to install the back painted window on this Jeep and the top back on . See what the newer wheels and tires will look like on the 92.  Not sure yet what other bits we will transfer over.  And the debate over which jeep is best also continues..  That means there is a lull in the work..  However I am fixing the power steering leak.

Done ! Now this Jeep can live outside for now.

Aug 13 2023

It’s in the garage so why not do some fixing !

Cleaning is first on the to do list..  The motor and under the hood was very dirty.  So much easier to see what you’re doing without the dirt.

trust me this is way better then what it was. I forgot to take a “before” photo. Not much to do under here. The leak in the power steering reservoir , a new belt and could use an oil change.

OOPS !   we had a little mishap.  As part of the cleaning Ben and I took the hardtop off..  And it was heavier than we thought it would be. and … we dropped it on the tail gate and broke the rear window..  Darn.. One more thing for the auto wrecker list.

I removed the passenger door so I could do the repairs.  AND clean the caulking off the vent window.

WHY ?  Was it leaking ?  What a pain.. I did get it all off and the window works again.  I’m going to take the door completely apart, and rebuild it..  And  I have some new parts for the doors coming.  I like the full doors so we will fix them up like new.  Let’s see now, doors off, top off and now the seats are out too.  Time for a bath on the inside.

And boy is it needed !   Years of mud and dirt.   It will look different tomorrow.

Much better !  Now we can see what’s under the dirt .   Also…  A topless jeep is kinda cool..

I’m trying a product I bought years ago for turning rust into primer. Can’t remember what project it was..  But it works.  I’ve soaked a few of the rusty bolts and screws in it and wow do they look different.

These were very rusty seat bolts, and the screws that hold the mirrors on.  So I used it on the front bumper, let it dry and painted it semi gloss black.

Now it’s time for some new tires. The ones I chose are multi use , trail , snow, mud and the good old road.  So I had them mounted up and now I need to freshen up the semi gloss black on the rims.  These are not the big fat tires that were on the jeep, but a much more reasonable size.  In fact close to the factory size.  There was some rust on the rims …  I treated it and repainted them .

Looking good where the rubber meets the road.  Next I’m painting the seat frames, and they will go back in so we can drive the jeep.

And here we are with the new tires on.  Some nice new center caps to fancy things up a bit. Today my new windshield frame came.  The old one is rusted through and dented up top..

This will make it so a new window can be installed without worry.  Putting the seats back in today.  Ordered a new steering wheel too.  In a few days the Jeep is going to a shop to have some work done.  They will install new tail pipe, a new belt and fix the leak in the power steering.  Also we will see what needs to be done to pass the safety inspection.  While in the shop I’ll rebuild the doors and paint the window frame to ready it for new glass.   We’ll start a new page for that work..

Page 3  Doors & Stuff:

Aug 11 2023

Another Toy !

I took some of the proceeds from selling my ATV and bought this Jeep.  More suited to Alberta adventures than a quad..  And in my long standing tradition of rescuing sad things..   This definitely fits that .

It has a tow bar that I used to bring it home.. 2 hours away in Red Deer.  No Problems..  The price was good and allows me to spend a bit of money, mostly on new tires..  but there is a  few things that need attention.  OK a lot of things.  The power steering tank has a leak, parking brake needs work. Exhaust is leaking.  Door hinges are worn.  One door latch is broken.. I’ve ordered a whole new set.   235,000 kms in 28 years… not bad. The motor runs great and so does the 5 speed trans. ( Not )

Good brakes too.  A lot of the work is cosmetic.  Like the paint , the drivers door panel is missing, and I need to clean up some wiring.  He had a winch that plugged into the front and back hitches… and then power plugs too…  All wired to two batteries and control switches for charging..  NOPE.. That’s coming out..instead I’ll put a winch on the front and wire it to the battery under the hood.

OK  That’s thoughtful.  and it is needed if you are going to have two batteries… He was winching himself or his buddies out of a lot of mud holes..  I won’t go into any mud holes .  So I can take this away AND ..

This mess as well.  WOW wires everywhere..  I get the switch for control over where the power goes..  Just don’t need that.  Do need the light bar switch.. Don’t need the siren switch …. Yes there is a siren under the hood.  No It’s not staying there.

Yes the light bar works ! And it’s staying..   That’s a nice tow bar .. I’ll keep it but the wiring for the lights is a mess and needs gone..  If I need to tow I’ll use my tow lights.

Well with Ben’s help we got to the job of cleaning up the wiring mess.  And fixing the loud exhaust.  Found a wire off the output housing. Sure enough the speedometer was unplugged.. HMMM One has to wonder for how long ?  It was ripped off by something… Therefore broken, so a new one is ordered.  Work is started on the jeep now to get it “road worthy’ Let’s start another page for that..

Page 2 Fixin Stuff:

Feb 7 2022

Fix’n Time :

Getting warm out so lets see what we can do.  First off I wasn’t happy with some of the work the detail guy did..  Carpets are good and the headliner too.  But he dropped the ball on the seats..  So I gave them another go..  !

Just got to scrub a little harder..  Then I used some leather conditioner / protector.  Nice…  I then used the decal kit for the HVAC controls..

Again… Nicer..  Once I get all the bits for the stereo install I can get that done.

I did find the passenger side running board at a wrecking yard in Calgary.  It’s a good thing Albert-in’s crash a lot.

Also grabbed a good driver’s side tail light.  The other one on the vehicle is cracked.  These won’t be changed till the painting is done. And speaking of that…. I’m getting quotes from small body shops. We will see how that goes..

Update: May 2022

I now have a guy who will do all the body work and painting .  Local too.  He’s got the parts I bought..and soon the Avalanche too.

Future Me :  None of that worked out I drove the Avalanche till March 2024 As is ..  Then got tired of the repairs and sold it..

Jan 25 2022

Hunting & Gathering :

Scored some parts !

Referring to the body of coarse…  after having a close look and assessing whats needed and what could be fixed. I need to replace both rear doors, both front fenders..  and maybe the front bumper. Also I need a right side running board.  These are where the most damage is.  Found a body shop in Strathmore that was selling the body parts off of a 2008 Avalanche.  $100 bucks each for the doors and fenders.  Wow my quote from the wreckers was $400 ea for doors.

I also got a white front bumper and the bottom air dam that finishes it.  That will fix the worst goober on the right front corner.

This !  Wonder what they hit..  ?  The right side fender and the front bumper cover will fix this…

The left fender will make this disappear.  Unfortunately I can’t get the same color parts..  So some painting will be needed.

You know I don’t really need the pearl paint.. It’s very expensive. If I just settle for a nice off white  one step paint I could save a lot and do the whole truck.  For now I’m stopping the rust, and sealing it.  And for now it’s too cold for any body work.   SOOO I’m concentrating on the interior.  As I said I’m having the inside professionally cleaned.  That is happening today and tomorrow we will see how that turned out.  I have ordered the bit and pieces to repair the few things not right inside the avalanche.  Starting with the dash..  Wouldn’t you know it one of the cool things you can get is a new dash cover.

Glues right over the old one.  easy fix!  The other cool thing I found was a kit for fixing the heater controls.  The typical scratched off  finish on the most used buttons.

would ya look at that.. even if you found a Hvac control at a wrecker it would still look like mine and cost more than the twenty bucks for these.

Back from the detailing shop..

Well… it’s better .. he did a good job on the carpets..  But could have got the seats cleaner.

At least it smells nice.. More bits and pieces are arriving soon. The console lid, the dash cover.  And a new stereo system.. that will give me the backup camera.  I found out what the 12v plug in the console was for.. it powers up the two DVD players in the head rests..  Hmmm don’t need those so I left it unplugged.

The new stereo arrived today..

This is a media player.  It uses the Android operating system.  It does a lot of things, basically anything my phone does.  All I need still is the dash install kit and the GM interface module.  And some warmer weather.  This will bring the tech in this 13 year old truck up to date. And the “Loaded” term will apply.  Also had an inspection done and only found two small things to fix.  That will be done next week with a service.  I’m not worrying about the ride control anytime soon..  The Avalanche rides nice and the nagging message is not happening any more.  The weather is warming up….SOOO  let’s start a new page.

Page 3  Fixing Things: