Sept  14  2019

My Two Cents…

I believe anyone who is into vehicles has favorites… or maybe one model / make that they liked so much that they buy them again and again.  For me it’s an Avalanche…  Not a new one but the years 2002 to 2006.   The best years…  now GM has long since stopped production of these hybrid trucks.. In 2013 the last of them were made.  I mistake I think…  But GM has made many of those.  Diehard trucks folks thought them to be (not a truck) I disagree !  Today  1/2 ton trucks are mostly crew cabs with short boxes.  Wow.. that’s what an Avalanche is too !  BUT  with a very big difference..  I can drop the back wall (midgate) in seconds and I now have a long box truck..   Recently I carried home some 20 ft pieces of steel…   I can easily carry 16 ft lumber..  Try those things in your short box truck !  Here’s some other things for my argument …   Box covers are an option for most trucks…  Avalanche comes with them…  three piece hard and lockable.  Handling …  Because the Avalanche is built on the Suburban chassis it handles like a SUV..  smoother.. turns sharper.  But they share so much in common with a regular Chevy 1/2 ton..

Now let’s talk about my history with these (trucks).  It was my good friend Dave ( diehard GM guy) that started tooting the Avalanche horn… saying how they are great and that he was thinking of one…and that I should too.  Later he did..  a 2006..  and he had it for longer than I had… well anything.  But I was first.. In 2005 I bought a 2003 Avy

#1  2003 Avalanche base:

With the cladding..   Loved it like I loved them all.  Yep I pimped it a bit..  This was the very base model..   So not much fanciness.

No Bose sound or climate control..   But I added a back up camera.. and a new stereo… This is the Avy that towed our Award trailer..

And packed Kayaks on a rack I made… ( and still have)  .

Yes I kept that rack… good thing !   However when I was lossing my job at the mill we had to down size and the 2003 Avy was one of the things to go..  I sold it in 2008.

#2  2005 Avalanche  LT :

It wasn’t long before I bought another one… I got a new job… making good money so I couldn’t resist when this one showed up at the lot..

Loved the color..  it changed in the sunlight..  This was the first deluxe Avy..  leather seats,  Bose sound with center console.  No cladding.  Sunroof too !  And yes I pimped it out..

 

Added a Pioneer stereo and burl wood trim..  classy !.   I had this Avy the longest..  4 years..   I sold it in 2012.

#3 2002 Avalanche :

I missed the 2005 Avy..  so I was actively looking for a replacement..   I was working at the car lot where I had bought the other two..  and I saw one next door having some repairs done..

I asked if it was for sale and yup it was..  So I bought it. 8 months after selling the 2005.  Came with a second set of wheels..  This is the first gen Avy..  and the interior is slightly different..  Not fond of black..  But that could change.

So I had the darn cladding again and it needed some good cleaning .. and I installed the new wheels…  Looked good after that.

The black paint was not good.. The Avy had spent some time in Trail.. and the acid rain had pitted the paint..  In Feb 2014 a new body shop opened and they gave me a great deal on a paint job..  So i changed the color to a dark red…  Nice !

I was flipping vehicles that year.. And I never considered this Avy a keeper… So I sold it in the Spring of 2014..  I still see it driving around by the same fella..   When I retired from the lot in 2015 I had a 2004 Rare Chevy 2400HD  Rv hauler..  And I drove that till this spring 2019…  It was a great truck but not so good on fuel… so didn’t drive it much.. That’s when the newest Avy came along..

#4  2003 Avalanche  LSC special edition:

I was back working at the lot..  when this one came in on trade..   WOW..  blingged out !

Chrome everything …  4:10 towing grears..  air bags . Bose sound ..  In fantastic condition !   But I still found a few things to add.

Like factory roof racks..   and a killer Pioneer stereo ..  with blue tooth, back up camera and satellite radio…

And yes even had climate control , power folding mirrors and power adjusting pedals.  Love it…  So much we used the Avy on our trip out to Alberta this August…  got great fuel mileage and a very comfy ride.. And I want to keep this one..

# 5 A second 2005

I thought this (centre) would be the one for my daughter -in law.  But then I found the 2009…

#6 2009 Avalanche

But let’s keep in mind that the 4 th  2003 Avalanche did the moving to Alberta.  4 trips..  It’s now going to stay in the family.. Dee loves it.. and it will serve them well.  As for the 2009.. A little beat up, but I will return it to it’s former glory.  I already love it like the others..  Use the link above to follow that process.

I did keep this for over two years, and it served me well.  The bodywork never got done. I was starting to cost money in repairs. So in the late spring of 2024 I sold it.  Got the 1993 truck and drove that for the summer. Then the motor went boom.  Now in the early fall 2024 I bought

Avalanche number Seven !

A 2006 white Z71 LT.  Nicest one I could find with the lowest kms.

It too needs a few repairs but the price was right, the kms a good and the body is also good.

May  12  2017

I saw this for sale cheap…  and I was only sorta interested..  sorta !

 

So I threw it out there on the family page.   I did so because many of them were looking at smaller RV’s.  And this is the same size as a long pickup.  but it has a lot of RV stuff in there.  Including two full beds.  So what to do !  I went and had a good look..  the motor runs but knocks so bad you don’t really want to drive it.  The roof leaked at some time and damaged the ceiling panels..  But that’s not a big deal in this RV cause the frame is all steel.  The rest is in good condition for it’s age.  I paid the few hundred bucks and had it towed to Peter’s shop..  The plan is to explore the motor fix later this summer.  Here’s a video ..

These Motor homes have an endearing following:  Love / Hate kinda

And it’s easy to see why.  The four cylinder motor gets very good gas mileage ..  but is under powered for this size vehicle.  It’s front wheel drive , therefor it’s low to the ground… No steps !  In fact it’s the lowest entry of any RV.  The layout inside works very well.. and makes good use of the space.   Here’s a new video that better shows that..

I made the forward bed down just to see how that went..  great bed.  Also I wanted to see how much of a job the ceiling would be..  and it doesn’t look like that big of a deal.   Looks like the factory ceiling was paneling covered with fuzzy headliner stuff..   Ok .. I get that..  but that headliner did not do well with the constant rubbing of peoples heads on it..   Plus it was glued to the paneling..  30 years of rubbing , heat… cold.. nope . did not do good..  I’m thinking just smooth white finish is best.

Aug 2017:

I found a complete drive train for the LS..  running motor … not working transmission..  33,000 miles on it  AND  it’s here in BC .  just a 7 hr drive away..

Update: Aug 2017

After I sold the Empress motor home ,  I had the money to buy the motor from the fella down at the coast..  And how lucky I was that he was coming to Grand Forks to buy a car..  So he delivered the motor ( complete with transmission and front drive).  What a great deal..  Even though there is a few years difference the motors are identical.

Also as a bit of bonus..  he discovered that the reason for his transmission not working was a broken wire connector.  So I have a spare transmission too.  I will also have both spare ECU’s for the trans & motor.  I could just do a quick swap of the motors.. but I would like to clean up the new motor and replace some of the gaskets..  check the seals and set the valves..  All easier while outside the LS and in the shop.

Aug 10 2017:  The LS is now in my driveway facing the shop door..

Today in the cool morning I have removed the front fascia and bumper..  and sizing things up..   wow there is a lot of hoses to keep track of..  Going to have to lift the front quiet a bit to get under there..  I have the new motor apart from the transmission now…  sure don’t like the right side motor mount..  not enough room to swing a wrench.   Seems every bolt holding the two together is a different length !  curse the French.   And speaking of bolts !  are they metric.. or SAE..  seems a combination of both ?

 

I was using a 5/8 socket on the motor bolts ..  so I’m confused a bit.  So now to mount the motor to the stand and park the transaxle outside out of the way.

Sept 25 2017:      I had lost the use of the motor hoist for a few weeks and while waiting I got some other things done..  Also needed the new gaskets for the good motor so got them ordered and here.  This week is time to get R done.  The goal was always to get the LaSharo running good before winter sets in.. and then I’ll park it till spring to work on the interior.

My nephew is a mechanic and he will come help with the swap..  He’s done many motor swaps.  My next step is to pull the existing motor out ..  get the two side by side and change over the best parts..   Then I want to power wash the motor compartment.

So after much cursing and sweat..  the motor is out and I washed the whole thing down.  Nicer to work without all the yuck.   Now the good motor needs a bit of work and then in it goes.

The old motor is probably re-buildable …or at least some of the bits are useable..  Need to get it on the motor stand and see…

Here’s the new motor in..  Took 4 hrs and lots of patience.  And that’s just bolting it to the transmission !  now I need to hook up what seams like a hundred things.  It better run… cause this is not an easy in / out sorta thing.

Oct 10 2017:  Thanksgiving !

And I’m thankful that things are moving along with the re- hooking up of motor stuff..  I took a little break and went camping / quading with friends..  But this weekend I’m back at it scratching my head over the hose and wire puzzle.  Got some great help from my Facebook  LeSharo friends..

RUNS !

Yup .. it fired right up..  it’s now the 15 th of Oct.. and I have it all together and the coolant in there too..  I drove it next door and parked it for the winter..  SO will continue with renewed vigor in the spring..   Will start a new page for that..   And now I’ll focus my attention on the boler..

Page Two.

Feb  24  2017

Other things to fix :

Now that the carburetor is changed over and working good..  It’s time to address some of the other things.   And the first and somewhat urgent fix is the exhaust leak at the bottom of the header, where it joins the two into one pipe .  It’s never good to have a leak in the exhaust system.   Plus it can be noisy..  this wasn’t too noisy but you could hear it.   So I thought it was simply the gasket that goes there..   And while trying to get the very rusted nuts off we sheared the studs..  Oh boy now we got a can of worms..  But I looked at it as an opportunity to remove the exhaust manifold and remove some more of the not needed  stuff .  So we pulled the both pieces of the exhaust out.   And this turned out to be a very good thing..  because the leak was not the gasket ..but a crack in the pipe.

The crack is right up against the weld..   That will not do so I welded the crack up and drilled and tapped out the studs… got new studs & nuts..  Also welded shut a hole where the pipe came off for the silly reed valve..  ( pollution control stuff).   The new carb has no place to hook up that stuff.. so it’s doing nothing but taking up space.  Plus it could be another exhaust leak down the road..  When all is done I should have a very quiet Raider.

Isn’t that pretty !   This is going to put the rest of the motor to shame..   You can see my plug for where the pipe was..   Oh and the heat shield will not go back on..  it’s only real purpose was to provide warm air to the air intake..    Again no place for that.

Well I’m all done that job..  and the exhaust is going out the back where it should..  That crosses a few things of the list..   It’s good to drive till the weather is warmer.

Nov 2017

Well I did get the brakes done,,  And used the Raider for most of the summer..  then I put it up[ for sale..   It’s sold now to someone I know and he wanted a good hunting buggy..  Prefect..   That chapter closed !

Feb 22  2017

It’s February… Late February..  And the Carb kit is here !

And this is what I got..  A conversion kit.  I would not say complete, because it’s not..  I’ve had to make some bits and buy some bits.  So I made room in the shop for the Raider to sneak in..   And set to work removing all the crap that the Mikuni carb needed to work..  All the vacuum lines and electric sensors… gone.

This is after I installed the adapter plates for the Weber.   And that was after I plugged some holes.  The old carb had coolant flowing through..  so I had to plug those off.   I got nice little nipples to plug the vacuum manifold.   And I needed to deal with the return vent line from the fuel tank.  I bought a new fuel filter that had the place for that vent line so problem solved.   But there’s more things to figure out.   Despite being told this kit worked for the auto transmission..  there was no way to hook up the kick down cable to the throttle.  I had to invent something ..

A bicycle brake cable with a crimp on terminal..  hey it works!   Took me an hour to figure it out..  But I was determined.

So here’s how it all looks .. that round thingy is a fuel pressure regulator..  adjustable too.   The instructions don’t say much ..but they did say that  fuel pressure needs to be 2.5 psi..  so that is the solution.   One power wire to the choke  and we are off and running…

Test Drive:

WOW..  I can’t believe the power now..   That old carb was a dog.   The Raider is zippy..  and the shifts are good too..  initially the idle was too high. The spring was having trouble pulling the throttle back..  so I tweaked the cables  a bit and got that to work.  The motor idles at 800 rpm like it should now..  So back into the shop to tidy things up and check it all over.

And that is where we are at..  Here’s  the finished install.   I fixed a few other things while the Raider was warm and dry..   The wipers would never park properly. .  So I pulled the motor out and repositioned the drive arm..  fixed !    I also installed the day time running lights that I’ve had for a bit..  last fall I wired the switch up and now we have lights too.

AND.. I made a video of the whole thing…

Time for a new page…

Page 3    Other fixes:

Oct 2 2016

The replacement for the mini truck ! And the Rav 4 too.

It’s quite nice..  more room, automatic,  goes faster, has more power.  Could seat 4, and the steering wheel is on the proper side.   This is a 1987 Dodge Raider.. or Mitsubishi Montero.   262657 kms.  While not the prettiest girl in the room..  but maybe the most capable.  As a 4×4 these are reportedly as good as a Jeep or Landrover.   I’m not a fan of Mitsubishi motors.  But this one runs great..  These 2.6 liter 4 cylinder motors were used in a few dodge vehicles from the eighties.  So I’m quietly optimistic.

I like the full door on the back.  Makes getting things in and out easy. And a trailer hitch is needed for what I do..  because this is not a pick-up I will have to tow a trailer for packing yard waste and mowers.  Those are heavy steel bumpers too.  The black paint is faded but not rusted.  I’ve only driven the Raider a short distance.  Today I will go get it and bring it home.. that’s about  40 kms on the highway.  So we will see how that goes.

I put just a one day permit on the Raider..  mostly to get it home from Greenwood.  It did ok on the highway..  not too fast.  As expected it drove like a true short wheel base off road vehicle.  The tires are old , so there’s some handling due to that.  I drove it around  town today.. and in town it’s great.   In fact I went down a very rough road.  That suspension seat is so cool..  Wow.  great ride for the driver.

Check out the “inclinometer”  in the middle…  yes it tells you when you are going up hill.. down hill..  and tipped !   Jeep don’t got one!.

Now for the stuff this Raider needs. The first is New tires!  I got a good deal on all weather / all terrain tires.  So as soon as I get them mounted.. then that will not be an issue.  The carb will need some tweaking .., the choke is staying on too long.,  Are the gauges telling the truth?  if so then the oil pressure is a bit low.  The coolant temperature shows low..  but the motor seams hot ?  The transmission fluid should be changed.. as well as the diffs.  It’s good to “reset ” these things so there is no worries.  It looks like the wiper motor was replaced .. but the wipers don’t stop in the park position.. so that will be a little project.

So I suppose this was considered a good stereo 30 years ago ?  But it sucks now.  I don’t think I can find my old cassette tapes !  Do I want to .. ?  Any way the speakers are tired.. and I would like to use my satellite radio.  Maybe next year I’ll deal with this.  It wouldn’t be hard to change.   However the mechanical stuff is top on the list.  I also need to make sure the Raider is good for the trip to Quesnel.  That is where my good friend goes hunting..  and this I’m going too.

Oct 6 2016:   The new tires are on and I’ve checked out the brakes,  tie rods,  suspension and bearings.  We also adjusted the choke and idle..  As well I’ve installed a mount for my off road GPS.  and I’ve set up my Sirus radio too.

Oct 8  2016:      I got a bit carried away while cleaning up some things… and installed a winch, LED flood lights, a second power plug, a USB charging port,  and while I was at it ..  a switch and wiring for my daytime running lights. ( yet to come),.

This is temporary , till I build a nice mount and bush guard.

The center console was the perfect place for these new conveniences.  I now know how to remove the lower dash.  Handy when I change the stereo, install the keyless locking system…

Carry on:

I drove the Raider to Kelowna and back on Sunday..  that was a good test for long hauling..  Found out that the fuel gauge is not much help..  It goes rather quickly to a quarter tank.. and stays there for awhile.   But I got to test fuel consumption.  The 60 ltr tank should get me about 450 kms..  on a good day.   so I’ll make sure to record the kms and reset the trip.   The choke is still an issue !  I either have cold start ability and high idle… or  low idle and no choke..  I’ll keep trying to get it right.  I replaced the fan belt today..  and I checked out the hubs.. to make sure they work..  Good to go.   In two days I leave for a 10 hr drive to were my friend is camped..  towing the small trailer with my quad..  we will see how that goes.

Oct 24 2016:

Well I’m back from the Caribou adventure.  Despite the minor inconveniences,  The Raider did very well.  I was towing a trailer with my quad in it.  Weighing  at least 800 + lbs..  The Raider can pull that.. but it really slowed down on the hills.  Also fuel consumption was high.  And since the gauge is not a lot of help..  I stopped lots for gas .  Also for cold starts I would manually move the choke on,  and then back it off once the motor was running good.  This works good.

Here’s a photo of a different Raider. I took the Raider up to the hunting  camp near Barkerville.  We only spent a week there,  I got to do some quading and some roaming around in the Raider too.  Here’s the video I made….

And here’s the second one..

Raider in the willows

Most of the trails were badly over grown with willows..  Thank goodness for the skid pans !  The Raider can just push through.  I’m impressed with it’s ruggedness.  I drove through deep water..  up steep hills .. and over rocks..  no problem.

Things to Fix:

Fair enough..  you can’t buy a 30 year old vehicle and not expect to do some repairs.  After driving the Raider for a long trip..  I find a few things..  So let’s start with the “much needed” and work down to the “just annoying”

• The choke and vacuum lines:  This should be working and it’s not.
• Front brake rotors:  Warped badly
• Wipers won’t park:  could be the relay..  or an adjustment .
• Noisy exhaust system:   Should be replaced.
• A few rusty spots to fix ( holes) :  Next spring
• Stereo !  would be nice to swap that out.
• Rear washer:  you can hear the pump but nothing comes out.
• hazard light switch:  missing in action
• Squeaking seat:   needs to be removed and fixed.

Jan 2017:

After driving the Raider quite a bit since the trip up north,  I’m getting used to the routine of setting the choke then backing it off.  But it’s still annoying.  Shouldn’t have to do that..  So I did some research and found a replacement carburetor kit for my 2.6 motor.  It will cost me about $450.  BUT  it will simplify things tremendously.  An electric choke.. not vacuum.   And it comes with a new serviceable air cleaner.  I can take all the electronic / vacuum crap and toss it.   Money is tight so I’ll have to save up..  and that will fix the first and most important thing on the list.

I finally got the Raider into my Nephew’s shop..  He’s a mechanic with his own business.  Normally any vehicle I get would have been in there way sooner..  But the Raider is driving fine .. even in the very cold winter we are having..   He wanted to clean the carbon out of the motor with the Motovac system..  Knowing that the Raider was driven with the choke on.. and dieseling a bit,  he figured this would be a good place to start..   Well turns out there wasn’t much..   The dieseling is mostly caused by the high idle and the choke problems.  We’ve got the plugs out so why not check the compression of the motor ?  I was surprised to find 150 psi right across all four cylinders..  I think that’s good.   The motor has 260,000 kms on it..  maybe it was rebuilt ?   Well whatever .. this explains why it runs good..  no mater what the carb is doing.   And not consuming lots of oil..

While there on the hoist .. it’s a great time to look things over..  The driveline is tight..  no bad rust.. no leaks..   I only found a few things:

• Since it got cold the brake master cylinder is leaking..  So that needs to be replaced.
• I’m missing the last foot of the tailpipe..  I knew this already. and it will get fixed too..
• The exhaust seal between the header and the first pipe is leaking. That’s and easy fix..
• The right side rear shock upper mount had been broken off..  and there is wire holding the shock on !  seams to have worked but I will fix..

That’s it !   well aside from the front brakes needing to be done..   And I would be sure to check the rears as well.   I could start work on all this stuff if I finished up what’s in the shop now..  but It’s been cold and my ambition level is low..   Spring could be very busy !

Also of note:  I’ve been collecting some of the bits and pieces I need to “pimp” out the Raider..    I have the keyless door lock system now..  and I bought a used but nice Kenwood stereo.  AND I got some nice LED running lights .   Once I get the carb kit.. I will start the fixing up..  and that will start a new page for this post..

I have the Weber Carb kit now..  so let’s start a new page… shall we.

Page 2

 

Aug 2016:

The Extra Stuff:

That makes the little guy mine..  OR.. Rob’s creative corner..  where I “pimp” my ride.  I’ve already done some “pimpin”  like the keyless locks, the new stereo.  But.. I’ve got all the supplies to build a covered canopy for the back.  Also I’ve got a new winch, the wiring and the metal for building a plug-in winch / bush bar.

Here’s is some of the stuff for the winch set up.  The winch will be mounted to a hitch extension.  This allows for a snow plow to still be plugged in..  or whatever ?  This winch could be used on any vehicle with a 2 ” receiver.  It will be operated by wireless remote, and just needs power.

And this is what I’ve come up with.  looks a bit strange, but it’s designed to ….  1 – not hide the front license plate.   2- not sick out from the truck any further that necessary.  3- bush bar side extensions are plug-in and can be removed.   The roller fair head mounts to the front, and of coarse you can still plug in a hitch.

Aug 2016:

Well I’ve put about 100 or more kms on the little bugger..  and there is a tiny oil leak .. I think from the oil filter..  Everything was on hold while we had our Camping / family reunion..  And the Carry was there..

But not pulling the fifth wheel..   Before I get back to finishing the Carry up..  I need my little trailer built so I can fetch tractors with the Carry..   So I’m pausing to do that …

Small Tilt Trailer

So I’m in no hurry to do those extras like the winch..  I’m using the truck every day for work..  I’ve done a new oil change and that fixed the little leak.  Checked the timing , the hoses.. everything is good.  And it’s running good too.   This weekend my little truck will be in the car show at the City Park..

Here it is..  no prizes..  However someone saw it that wanted to buy it from me..  And a month later I have sold my little truck to a very happy guy.   So on Sept  27 th 2016 I watched it drive away.. Going to miss it for sure.. was really handy.  But time to move on..As I always do..

July 3 2016

Work on the BOX:

Time to improve the box…

Well here it is..  with the tie – down rails removed.  First thing.. weld the many holes up.

Color Scheme:

On the first page I had a mock-up of what I would like to see.. Since then I worked on the plan a bit more.  And of coarse the frame ended up black.  But I still would like some gray too.  So the head rack, hitches, winch mount and stake pockets will be grey.  The bottom of the truck will be Orange as planed.   Like this….

The plan is to build a removable winch for the front that incorporates a bush guard.  It could be moved to the rear as well if needed there.  The winch will be wireless remote.  Better get back to working on the box..

Using a combination of Por 15 and undercoating, I sealed up the underside.  In the photo you can see I have primed the parts that get the orange paint.

And this is the first coat of orange.  I will flip the bed over to second coat.  The weather was not cooperating ,  It was cool and the paint took forever to cure.  so it’s an overnight job now.   also the paint is very thin for covering..  even after 4 coats you can see through it.  Very frustrating.

So I fought with the paint..  wasted a bunch..  got a fifth coat on there.. but it’s not smooth..  I said enough and will leave it like this..  It’s a truck..  I like the color of this Orange..  so I’ll buy more and carry on.

I’m using spray on box liner that comes in a spray can..  it’s great stuff, and I can do the job quickly.  I did run out with only a small patch left to go..  GRRR.   Off to get another can.

With the bed of the box done.. we got busy and put it back on the truck.  The wiring was all improved and a new trailer harness was installed.  I’ve drove it around a bit and it seams the smoke has cleared.  Once the rings and other bits get seated in this should be the case.  I still hate the orange paint job on the side of the bed.  I’m switching over to good old enamel paint.  And I’m taking the time to brush it on carefully.  Same for the orange.. I had a quart mixed to a bit lighter orange, and that’s what is going on the truck… by brush… carefully..

Here’s the tailgate with the first coat of orange.  The white is done, three coats.  I have also taken most of the dents out..  so it’s looking good.   I’m thinking a black pin stripe dividing the orange and white.

Ok the box sides are done the stake sides are done..

The black pin stripe on the line between orange & white looks great.  The spare tire is back in the proper place.  Both batteries are hooked up.  Still some little things to do..  but it’s usable now.

In fact there goes two bags of garbage…  I can hardly wait to get going on the canopy.. But first there is more details.

The rear trailer hitch has been reworked. Lowered so the spare can be accessed,  painted grey and mounted with heavier metal.  Six bolts instead of Four.  There’s my handy bumper / step plugged back in.  Today I also got the aluminum plate cut and mounted to the tailgate.

Nice eh !  easier to load and unload over the tailgate now.

At this point the truck is done..  drives… got it’s bits and pieces back..  So everything now is fluff.. just stuff I would like to do but not really necessary.   Like:  tarp canopy,  winch,  I plan to finish the orange paint  next month.  I’m starting to build the winch mount..  We will CARRY on..  to a new page for this “extra”  stuff.

On to PAGE 4

June 14 2016

Motor Install & Frame Paint:

Well not quite the same as the other projects.   I have the good paint for the frame..  And it’s black.  yup decided to keep it simple..  If I was to change to grey I would have to do a lot more painting.  And the black undercoating that is all over could be a problem.   As for the box..  need to fix the dents , paint the bottom orange,  paint box liner inside,  install stake pockets.   I have also purchased new rims and tires for my little friend..

With a new motor and these..   we will be stylin.

Update on Motor:

So as it turns out it’s not easy getting parts for the motor in this truck.  Apparently several of the internal parts were changed over the years …so..  the pistons I have take a longer connecting rod,  narrow rings and a pressed in pin.  The ring set that came with the truck are the wider / newer type.  So I ordered a new set of pistons that the rings fit..  BUT  the rods I have won’t work with the new pistons.  Solution !   Get my old pistons machined to fit the new rings.  And that only took an hour and $30.  Wow !  Now it’s going back together..   So a new plan is to get the motor ready for install .. then do the frame.  and today we got quite far.

Here’s the motor so far..  Still more bits to go on..  but it coming together quickly.

June 26 2016:

It really is time to get this truck back on the road.. So I’ve backed it into the shop and I’ve removed the fuel tank …getting ready for painting the frame.  I’m using Por15 paint..  it’s the best at sealing the rust.  Plus it’s a hard finish..

Here’s just the first coat.  And with that I concentrated on the rusty parts.  The important thing is to get the motor & trans back in.

Here’s the new battery box for the right side.  This will hold another tractor battery and give me extra power for the winch.  I’m installing a tube across the frame after the trans is back to hold the cables.  No more attaching them to the underside of the box.

All painted now..  with the new wheels on the back.  And the fuel tank back home , ( with four bolts instead of three).   Ready for the motor…   and the motor….

Is ready for the truck..  Tomorrows job !  The transmission is back on and most things ready..

The motor is in and running !  Ya hoo.  Took a bit of fussing with the timing to get it running , but it’s all good now.  Will it smoke ?  Will it leak ?  we will see.  Here’s a new video..

Now there’s a few vent lines to hook up and some electrical stuff to do.

Electrical Stuff:

I had to remove the dash… which was a good thing..  Not only easier to get the wiring proper.. but the nut had come off the washer nozzle and very hard to reach.  So that is fixed.  I’ve installed a new stereo, a switch for the running lights , and new 12 volt power outlet..  and my favorite “keyless” locking.

I still need the find speakers that will work.  I’m thinking motorcycle / ATV speakers would be a good choice.  Because the space in the cab is tight..  And I decided not to put them on the door.  So they have to be found.  But for now everything is back in working order..  We even improved the battery hook -up wires.  And better ground.   So the box is next…  New page for that…

On to PAGE 3

May 5 2016

Poor man’s side by side.. Work Truck..  4×4..

Soo..  I actually bought this little truck for my business.  I’m doing a lot of running around picking up repairs and getting parts..  Using my big truck with the BIG motor is costing quite a bit.   so now I can buzz all over the valley for cheap.  The little truck has business insurance on it.  On the first day of having it I went out and picked up a lawn tractor for repairs.

Look at that..  actually fits with a bit of room to spare..  but shows how small the truck is..  Both Dave & I with the tractor.. no problem.   so for the business Perfect !

Side by Side ?

Ya.. It can be.  This little truck has a 550cc motor with a low geared 4 speed manual transmission.  4×4 with hi / low range,  diff lock,  auto hubs.  It’s lifted two inches.  Has 12 inch wheels like my quad..  but they are skinny..  The whole truck is only 54 inches wide..  Narrower than some of the side by’s in our club.  So fitting on a trail.. no problem.   Now here’s the bonus ! cab heater !  licensed for the street !  Rain is no problem..  No one wants to steal it daily..  Yes that’s a problem with ATV’s.

Poor Man’s ?

Ya..  With side by’s costing 14 grand and up..  and even a used one is more than $6000.   This little truck is a bargain.   These are quickly catching on with the hunters..  because they carry more.  It’s fun to drive too.. and does not need a trailer to pack it home.

About This Truck:

The odometer shows 24700 , but there is no sixth digit. And since no one drives these much on the highway, we will presume the worst would be 124,700 kms.  That makes sense due to the motor needing new rings.  The motor is a three cylinder 550 cc  Suzuki  ( not a motorcycle engine)  but similar to what was in the Sprints and Swifts.  These little motors rev very high to produce the power needed..  So the rings tend to be the first thing to wear out.  The motor uses a carburetor and simple points ignition.  NO electronics ! not even a warning buzzer for seat belts or key left in the ignition.  Very simple to work on..  I would say the only complex parts are the tons of vacuum hoses from the carburetor and the relays / solenoids that activate the differential lock and front hub lock.  YES push button hub lock..  don’t have to get out and turn in the hubs.  And it all works perfectly.

The interior is in perfect condition..  Just the way it came from the factory.  I will change out the “mono” AM radio for a better “stereo” and two speakers instead of the one.  I’m going to change the cigarette lighter out for a proper power point plug.  Also I’ve added LED day time running lights to the front with a switch on the dash.  Not much room in the cab.. so have to be careful what I add..  cup holders would be nice..  but I haven’t found a place yet.   As far as the body goes.. there is very little rust..  nothing like the rust holes in a Sidekick..  or any of the north American models.  These seem to be better steel.  Just a bit of surface rust that rubs off..  Not bad for something 26 years old.   I have a few dents to take out too..   So away we go….

A bit of Fixing :

I had some spare time ..and I wanted to polish the doors and box sides before I put decals on.  But I got a bit carried away and did some touch up painting too.  Just to get rid of the rust.

May 24 2016:

Time for a Motor Makeover:

I’ve been driving around for a few weeks now.. I love it.. fun to drive.. And it runs great.   I’m getting used to the right hand drive.   But It smokes  ! a lot.  and I don’t want to plaster my name all over a smoking truck..  So now that the shop is free.  and clean..  Time to fix the motor.

There are two ways to get the motor out of the truck..  Fastest is to use a hoist and drop the hole shabang out the bottom.   The other is to remove the box, and remove the transmission and slide the motor out the back.   Since I have no hoist in my shop…  I’ll remove the box.

And that is just what I did..  Look at how easy it is to get at stuff..  Plus I want to clean the dirt and the rusty bits while I can..  even throw some paint on the frame.

Even though the truck is simple compared to newer vehicles.. there is a rats nest of lines to deal with..   Next step is to give this mess a bath.. And some short videos too.

I’m not the fastest mechanic by any means..  so I expect the truck to be out of commission for a least two weeks.  I have other things to do.

May 27 2016:

All the bits are here now.  The new 13″ alloy rims, the gasket set for the motor.  The power keyless locking system, The stereo too.  So I’m not waiting for anything..   Right now the transmission is out on the floor.. and the motor is coming out in a day or so.  I’ve also been thinking about some painting.  My logo will be on the truck..  and I would like to improve the look.  And be unique !  So I’ve come up the idea of following the Kubota color scheme.  Orange and grey.   I’m leaving the cab mostly white..  But I’m painting the frame and it’s parts grey.  Then running an orange stripe down the side .. which includes the lower part of the box.  Here’s a mock up of the idea.

I haven’t drawn the frame in the picture .. but it’s the general idea.  I also included some wood side boards.  I would like to do that too.  So add to all this the nice new rims.. and we are stylin !

I’m thinking the motor work should be on a new page.

 Motor Work:

Now that the motor is out and in the work stand..  Time to talk about that..

Wow that’s a huge motor !  And.. it was very easy to pull the motor out the rear.. onto a piece of plywood..  once you remember to disconnect all the hoses.   In fact it was faster than I thought.. Took longer to get it mounted to the work stand.   And so I did a lot of careful removing of the bits..

Here’s a short Video on the progress…

So the motor sat there on the stand for a week… maybe a bit longer..  Seems I’m busier than I want to be..

June 7 th  2016:

Finally got at the motor..  Dave came and in a few hours we had nothing but a naked engine block.   Everything is laid out carefully on a table.   It’s sure hard to tell there is anything wrong with the motor..  The cylinders are perfect.  All we did was a quick honing to take the shine off.   Dave’s gone away for the week, so the plan is when he comes back I will have all the parts clean and painted.. ready for re-assembly.  All new gaskets / seals/ rings and main bearings.   The top of the motor was done so not touching that.

As you can see I’ve cleaned and painted the block.   Yup Orange.  !  That’s part of the color theme for the truck.

Here’s my table full of goodies..  And …

Here’s the new & improved oil pan..  Grey.. once again following the color scheme.  A lot of cleaning , polishing and painting.. but look at the bits & pieces !

As before the whole motor block is orange.  The exhaust is completely painted with extreme high heat silver ( better than rust) . I decided not to paint the transmission..  It’s aluminum.. but I did paint the rusty steel parts.  I am ready for re- assembly on Monday.

Monday June 13 2016:

We got the crank back in with the new bearings and seals..  But when we were changing the rings we ran into problems.  The new rings do not fit the pistons. !  So I did some phoning and will have to wait now for genuine Suzuki rings to come.  So The motor will have to wait once more ..  But if I’ve gone this far I only want it done properly.   I’ll switch gears on the truck and fix up the frame  and box.

New page for that work…

  Page 2

March 28 2016

Painting the Exterior…   RED !

All Primed and ready for the color.  I had trouble getting the color I wanted.  So I settled for a Honda Civic color ..  interestingly a slight orangy kind of red..  very different.  Lots of pearl in this red.. so I’m hoping I like it.

So far I do !   Have to wait 30 min and then the clear coat..

This is where I realize I’m not a good painter..  In my lust for laying the clear on .. I got a few runs !  Damit.. !  On the second coat.  So Hopefully they will polish out.. This color is going to look different… in different light.  looks orange here..  after I turned off the halogen work lights.   Going to be interesting to see it outside.

Anyway It’s looks good with the black trim.  You would have to take apart stuff to know it was once white.

May 10 2016:

The Suzuki got kicked out of the shop for a month while the lawn tractor repairs were happening..  And now I have sold the blue Tracker.. and have potential buyers for this one too.. So !  Finally got the Suzuki back in the shop.

Welcome back..  time to Get R Done.   I’ve transferred the insurance from the sold Tracker to this guy..  so once we are on the road I can get a new window.   and I’m determined to keep the momentum up on the finishing.  I’ve now got the exterior all back together.

Bumpers, grill, rocker panels and mud flaps on done.   And the mirrors too.  So now I’m moving to the interior.  The power locks are first..  The carpets and the rear door panel all done now to..  I’ve been working on the dash.

Had to wire in the locking system.. and install the new muti-media stereo.  The ash tray is going back.  Only a USB port and a 12 volt power plug.  I’m keeping it simple.

May 19 th 2016:

I’ve been busy..  Got most of the interior back in..  and the locks working good…  just the door panels and the seats to go..   When I tested the electrical I found that none of the rear lights work..  Then I remembered I skipped over the broken wire behind the left tail light..  sure enough the connector was in bad shape..  So I rewired that and all is good..   Here’s a new video..

All Done !

I really put in a full day and got all the rest of the Sidekick finished up.  All that’s left is to take it to Kelowna and get a new windshield.

Looks good runs good.. time to sell it..   and move on..