Project "Critter" begins

[trapperjack]

Am hopeing replacing that one headlight will fix it. I checked everything else (clearance lights blinkers) had to replace most of the p side light wires. Every "new" piece of steel I bolted on was dinged in some way. Think I may put the brown hood on from the sedan, it's about perfect. Just didn't want to lose power by switching to non-power-buldge hood . That p side bumper mount is going to take some head scratching. The captive nuts in the frame rail are toast. I have an extra bumper mount for that side, but it's a little smacked too. Time to hit craigslist for tires.

edit-
I got it back together using my redneck engineering method. got the d side fender, then headlight buckets mounted correctly. then the fareing underneath, then headlight cover, and grill. Put the screws into the p side headlight bucket from grill, duct taped the headlight bucket in place, ran in new self-tapping screws, shimmed the last bolt on the p-side fender.

[IowaEagle]

Red Neck engineering.  When all else fails.

[Nick]

B E A UTIFUL!!!!!! Great work, cant even tell that you used 3 rolls of duct tape, a roll or bailing wire, a stick of gum and a paper clip. But seriously, awesome job

[blondedriver]

just dont let them  see the tape or wire at inspection center

[txjeeptx]

Lookin really great, there, Jack! Sorry bout not gettin back to you about a possible visit. My plans changed after all the rains tried to wash away my freshly landscaped back yard.
Yep, time to get some tires. That donut spare doesnt have enough contact patch to really count as a driving wheel, makin Critter more like a 4 X 3&1/2. If I come across any good freebie tires around here, I'll let you know.

[trapperjack]

Those tires that were on the red sx/4 you brought me are pretty good. If I can ever get time, I'm going to take those of the Javelina, mount them on the hurricane mags (from the sedan RIP) and put on the Critter. They are 215 75 15's and are Slightly aggressive M&S tread.
I have a short somewhere. The battery won't stay up more than overnight. Not sure how to track that down, don't have a tester.

[trapperjack]

May be clock related. When you turn the key on, whether running or not, the clock is on. when you turn on the headlights, clock goes off, disappears. Was told by P. O. that rear defroster may be the battery drain problem, but that clock thing is interesting.

[IowaEagle]

Is the headlight switch rotated to provide full illumination to the dash lights?

[trapperjack]

Anytime the headlight switch is pulled, the clock goes away, with interior lights dim or bright. PO mentioned the battery drain being kind of hit or miss. Would be fine for weeks on end, then happen every day for a while. then back to fine. Started happening after aftermarket stereo installed. Original AMC am/fm back in place now.

[83Eagle!]

I am impressed with your re-assembly.  Sorry this response is throwing off the flow of this thread.  I have been busier than heck the last couple of weeks.

[trapperjack]

Not accomplishing much on the Critter. Did get the hood from the brown sedan (RIP) sanded a bit and primed. Son helped me swap it on there this evening. i like the power bulge hood better, but this one is in great shape and was easy to paint.

[blondedriver]

looking good !!!

[IowaEagle]

Gave the Critter some class with the hood ornament.

[trapperjack]

Swapped tires today. The old ones in photo 1 are 205/75/15's, street tread. In photo 2 they are the 215/75/15's, mud and snow, from the red SX/4 parts rig. Used the hub caps from the parts rig, too.


These tires have a decent tread, and haven't seen much use. Hard to tell because of the flash, it sets up better. It'll have to do for now. Still want the hurricane mags on there.

[IowaEagle]

I can see the difference.  Looks nice.