The bug has bit, '08' Quigly, Let the games begin!!!!!!

[Latetobrake]

I cleaned and re-taped front and back as best i could.....
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Several hours later with the twist of a Shiner bottle cap and a twist of the key, I had ignition and she was purring like a kitten. I took it for a test spin and could tell instantly the difference. A couple things that I will pass along and its only my opinion, pull all the coil and injector plugs at one time and label them as you go. Also, get a steamer, the results just cant be beat. I am only mildly mechanicaly inclined and this job really is not that hard, just take your time and you will get into a rythym by the 3rd plug. I just picked up these seats off craigslist for $80 and will install tomorrow.
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[Mark Harley]

Great build and Congratulations on the payoff of your Credit Card Debt!
I took Dave Ramsey's advice and paid off my all my credit card debt.
Dave would be proud!

Good deal on the van, I looked at several V10 models trucks and Vans but with gas prices creeping up.
It scares me to have that big of a engine. Keep us posted on mileage figures.

What wheels and tires are planned?

[Latetobrake]

Trying to figure out the wheel situation. I can powder coat the stock ones, but I am leaning on getting a set off craigslist and powder coating them( I have come this far so some new hoops seem appropriate) The tires r going to be 33's. Probably go with falken wilderness peaks.

[bknudtsen]

Just be sure to check for inside clearance if you go with a wider tire and factory offset wheels. Looks good!

[Latetobrake]

I have been trudging along and making progress on the maintenance side of things. I started the day with the back diff, surprisingly the fluid was clean and probably didnt need changing, but I didnt know, this was my first go at it, pretty straight forward.

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The socket is temporarily part of the chasis.

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Starting slowly

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This thing is stout

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Same thing up front

After buttoning everything back up and changing the engine oil, took it for a spin. No leaks so far so everything is good, knock on wood. I got the seats mounted. They were from a chevy, but the ford seat brackets fit over the front two holes and I only needed to re-drill the back.

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Bolted in and ready for some miles. I will say that these are a cheap investment in road comfort.

(OFF TOPIC)One thing I have found with this van is that it has become all consuming. If I'm not messing around with it, I'm thinking of what to do next or reading articles and day dreaming.

I mainly want to use this as my coastal fishing rig, so getting a coat of rustoleum on the bare bottom is a must. I have power washed it several times and after doing it the last time, it became apparant that elbow grease is the only thing that is going to defeat this Arizona red dirt. So I bought a pack of the green scour pads and accomplished what i couldn't with water.

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Back corner Before

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And After

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Still have a ways to go, but only bought 3 cans of paint and kept myself on a promise that I will eat this elephant in small bites. So wrapped it up and called it a day.


I have no idea what this is so any help would be appreciated. It is right in front of the spare tire carrier.
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[86scotty]

Very nice work.

[bknudtsen]

I have no idea what this is so any help would be appreciated. It is right in front of the spare tire carrier.
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I believe that is a vapor canister and purge valve. I would guess that the thing they are mounted to is probably the spare tire winch.

[ujoint]

Paint looks good!

[MicroBird]

The van looks awesome. A few questions. Does the color make it hotter? Was that spray on insulation on the sheetmetal at the beginning of your build?

[Latetobrake]

Dont know if the grizzly grip makes the van any hotter than usual. I live in TX, so I am pretty used to 100 degree days in the summer. It may actually be cooler than sheet metal because it is a rubberized coating. The insulation was already in the van when I bought it, so I dont know the particulars on it. Looks to just be a form of Great Stuff spray can insulation.