After I installed the fuel tank, I got a friend to help me put on the bed. I had sanded it with 240 grit wet paper, wiped it well with grease remover, and I painted it with Rustoleum spray paint, as I had done the rest of the Rover. I prefer spray paint because touch ups are easy. I never have to worry about scratches. This is a work truck after all! Then I cleaned up the galvanized cappings with a Brillo pad. I used stainless nuts and bolts for all of the exposed hardware, painted or not. That way if the paint does chip, it will not rust before I get to it. The tailgate is not done here. Notice how close the paint matches, and the rusty hinge bolts. The reverse lights are Hella units from a 60's vintage VW bus. They are wired via a toggle and double as work lights. I use them to close the gate behind me at night mostly. Love that liscense plate! It was made by Eurosign to my specs, and is for show only. I run antique plates on the road.
I could wait no longer, I ran some baling wire from the bulkhead to the grill to support the forward wiring harness, fired the Rover up and went riding. What a relief, She would move under her own power! I began to feel as though I may see success soon.
But when I tried to put on the doors, they would not align! The bulkhead was warped. My wife said that doors were necessary, so I came up with a way to straighten the bulkhead. The drivers side was OK, but the passenger side door hung low in the rear, no matter what. So I broke out the friendly hand winch, hooked it between the bulkhead and to the front tow ring. I began to crank it tight. I used the offending door as a guide, and went a little farther than necessary to compensate for rebound. It worked! The bulkhead was straight and the doors fit!
Next
[ The Beginning ]
[ Tearing It Down ]
[ Electrical Considerations ]
[ Bulkhead Removal ]
[ Car Wash! ]
[ Engine Painting, Bulkhead Prep ]
[ Rotten Frame ]
[ Clearing The Shop ]
[ The Galvanized Frame ]
[ Running Wires & Brake Lines ]
[ I Drive It Again! ]
[ Finishing Up ]
[ Rover Home ]
