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Pink Picnic JEEP

Discussion in 'Builds and Fabricators Forum' started by Mr. Gangrene Jeans, Mar 2, 2010.

  1. Jul 31, 2013
    Mr. Gangrene Jeans

    Mr. Gangrene Jeans I See Voices&Hear Visions

    Kansas City
    Joined:
    Jul 17, 2009
    Messages:
    282
    Well, the front shock lower mounts I made were not quite in the right place, caused the shocks to sit at an angle. Also thought that given the choice, I would rather drive home with a broken swaybar mount than a shock mount, so I turned them around.
    The latest big idea are the reverse lights. Had holes but no lights, tried for years to find a cheaper solution than Reproduction's. A '54 Chevy seems close to the right size, just not sure. Broke down and bought some new ones. Instead of just a single filament reverse light, decided to get the clear dual filament parking/turn signal lights from the front, same size. Then I bought some dual color 1157 LED bulbs amber/white. Reverse is obviously hooked to the white side and I piggybacked the the brake/turn signals to the amber side. Just looking at them, they look stock. When signalling they flash amber more like a modern vehicle. Cost more than I wanted to spend, but if it keeps us out of trouble it will be worth it. The spare tire does block the right side somewhat, installed another taillight to have a high mounted brake light sorta centered. Fairly pleased with the result.
     
  2. Apr 27, 2014
    Mr. Gangrene Jeans

    Mr. Gangrene Jeans I See Voices&Hear Visions

    Kansas City
    Joined:
    Jul 17, 2009
    Messages:
    282
    Found this picture of what mine probably looked like in Government service. Been a long while since I have seen one like it.

    [​IMG]
     
  3. Oct 8, 2015
    Mr. Gangrene Jeans

    Mr. Gangrene Jeans I See Voices&Hear Visions

    Kansas City
    Joined:
    Jul 17, 2009
    Messages:
    282
    Well, I finally pieced it together enough to take her to 4th grade, and then it rained. Have since driven her to school, she is not that impressed, my wife just tolerates it for short trips. A good friend and I took it to Jefferson City for the Fall Midwest Willy's Reunion, 340 miles round trip, sunburn city. Seemed like we got a better reception from the motorcyclists on the highway than at the show. Been to several local shows and cruise nights, really surprised how few recognize it as a Matchbox replica.
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
     
  4. Oct 15, 2015
    ITLKSEZ

    ITLKSEZ Hope for the best, prepare for the worst

    Liberty Lake, WA
    Joined:
    Aug 13, 2015
    Messages:
    6,656
    I just read your thread, I love your "where there's a will, there's a way" style. You remind me a lot of my uncle from whom I learned a lot, including appreciating my own creations, even if few others do. Congrats on getting it going!

    Is your 5th gear direct or overdrive? That NP came in both versions from what I understand.
     
  5. Oct 26, 2015
    Mr. Gangrene Jeans

    Mr. Gangrene Jeans I See Voices&Hear Visions

    Kansas City
    Joined:
    Jul 17, 2009
    Messages:
    282
    Thank you for the positive comments, I learned mostly from my Dad.
    Have heard of OD NP-542's, mine is not. Am glad I swapped out the Powerglide, so much more fun to drive. Usually start off in second.
    Unfortunately the split between 3rd and 4th is about where in-town traffic wants to run, meaning third is too low, and fourth too high. A lower rear gear might make sense, taller tires would be cheaper. Driving on the highway in 5th around 55-60mph is a bit unnerving, appears the front axle is bowed up in the center causing to much positive camber. Caster and toe-in are good, just feels like it is on tippy toes. Will have to address that. The engine will pull it, driver confidence is the speed limiter.

    Know fellows have driven them on the highway for years without a roll bar/cage, I just worry. Like the looks without, will probably cave in and put it back on.
     
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