Day 2 - Restoration (08.01.17)
Today was a fantastic day with a lot achieved thanks to help from two friends. As they say, many hands make light work.
First task for the day was to remove the head-lining, trim and sun visors. The vinyl was very brittle and will need to be replaced
Rear headlining intact but very brittle and torn
Next, removal of all the bolts holding on the roof. All but three of the many bolts objected to being removed, two snapped and one very strange bolt saw its demise via an angle grinder. Despite the nut being held firmly on the back side, and a ratchet on the bolt, it turned and turned but never loosened or tightened, perhaps it was a mis-matched pair?
Roof finally comes loose once the endless amounts of silicon is cut, scrapped and pried off
It's summer and Leif has shed a few pounds and gotten his top off!
End of day: roof and side panels off, as well as the tow hitch which was an absolute nightmare taking two of us over 30 minutes of hard labour
Throughout the day it became evident that the passenger side b-pillar is absolutely stuffed. It is riddled with rust and will need to be replaced. Thankfully, I have a spare! It appears the roof has leaked at this location for a long time, and silicon has been applied more than once to try to plug the leak with disastrous results. Unsurprisingly, it was this b-pillars bolts that snapped and needed to be cut out.
What seems a bit odd was that both b-pillars show signs of yellow paint not seen anywhere else on the vehicle. The passenger side I had suspected could be a replacement with further evidence of repairs clearly seen on the tub, but that does not explain the driver's side being yellow.
Mystery yellow paint on passenger side b-pillar
To remove the passenger rear side panel an enormous drinking water tank needed to be removed first. I must say it is a very impressive tank, having been custom made to fit inside the side panel maximising the tank capacity, it has baffles for strength and is beautifully crafted. I will, however, not be reinstalling it, but I do not want to see it go to waste.
Water tank removed, volume unknown, but one could go on a long expedition and not be thirsty
Very neat rivet lines and folded corners
Shaped for maximum capacity
With the water tank out, it is clear to see what the second body skin is hiding; I wonder what caused these?
With the water tank out, holes in the original tub skin can be seen.....
.... and tool box revealed
mmmmmm, yummy! 40+ years of dirt and dried up rubber seals
Ending on a high, some beautifully preserved Mid-Grey paintwork
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