Rod's 84 BabyBajaF100

BajaF250 · Post by **BajaF250** » Mon Jul 23, 2012 6:00 am

AussieRod wrote:I was just thinking, in 1 week Aus time, I will be flying across the Pacific right now, in USA time, I will be around Grover Beach / Pismo heading north to pick up some parts and meet up with some buddys. Its pretty cool, the time difference, I leave here at 11:20 am Sunday, and arrive in LAX 10:15 am Sunday!

Awesome! This is going to be such a great trip! Having both of you is really cool. Can't wait to meet your Bro.

BajaF250 · Post by **BajaF250** » Mon Jul 23, 2012 6:06 am

AussieRod wrote:Got my wrinkle wrap ready:
I've got my soldering iron, solder, connectors, crimp fittings and soon, Deutsch pliers and plugs put aside in the garage ready for the after trip attack. Anyone have any idea what the Deutsch plug kits are worth in the US? I can get them from $5 - 10 each here depending on how many pins I want, and the pliers (crimpers) are $60 or more. I might look at buying Stateside if they are cheaper.

Hey Rod,
I went with the entire Deutsch kit... it has multiple plugs and bulk pins, plus a very handy pin/connector tool, plus pin removal tools. I then just replinish the kit when I get low. I order directly from Ladd industries. Very helpful and fast. The crimper isn't cheap. You very rarely see them for less than $150... I actually got mine on ebay, paid $25 for the crimper and $7 for two (2) heads (it's nice to have a backup, especially when it's so cheap!).

Don't forget a liberal supply of shrink wrap and hot glue!

AussieRod · Post by **AussieRod** » Mon Jul 23, 2012 6:21 am

BajaF250 wrote:
AussieRod wrote:Got my wrinkle wrap ready:
I've got my soldering iron, solder, connectors, crimp fittings and soon, Deutsch pliers and plugs put aside in the garage ready for the after trip attack. Anyone have any idea what the Deutsch plug kits are worth in the US? I can get them from $5 - 10 each here depending on how many pins I want, and the pliers (crimpers) are $60 or more. I might look at buying Stateside if they are cheaper.
Hey Rod,
I went with the entire Deutsch kit... it has multiple plugs and bulk pins, plus a very handy pin/connector tool, plus pin removal tools. I then just replinish the kit when I get low. I order directly from Ladd industries. Very helpful and fast. The crimper isn't cheap. You very rarely see them for less than $150... I actually got mine on ebay, paid $25 for the crimper and $7 for two (2) heads (it's nice to have a backup, especially when it's so cheap!).

Don't forget a liberal supply of shrink wrap and hot glue!

A Deutsch kit here is no less than $400! The crimping tool I can get off Ebay for $60 - 70. I'll keep my eyes open.

Got plenty of shrink wrap stashed away, zip ties, tape, etc. Just need the connectors now

AussieRod · Post by **AussieRod** » Wed Jul 25, 2012 5:05 am

Well, this will probably be my last update for now, as I am cleaning up outside and getting ready for the trip. One update is pleasing, though, the F100 frame is back on wheels!

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The trusty old 8.8 is on holding up the rear end duties for now, secured with ratchet straps until I get back:

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Sometime over the next couple of days, I will move the cab over and push the frame into my garage and lock it inside out of sight and the weather until I return home. I will make periodic updates whilst in the US, and post pics of the goodies I have for her as I collect them. Once home, the work will begin in earnest, finishing off the wiring harness, fuel lines, etc, then the next phase, the cab. I have to admit, I was happy to see the frame back on wheels, and progress slow but continuing steadily.
On arrival, we are going north directly from the airport, to Creston and Atascadero to pick up a heap of stuff and stop in at Casa Gonzales to see SteveG and family, and then early Tuesday, we will leave (very early) and start the journey steadily south toward LA and SD. If I can, I will post my US cell number here once we arrive, feel free to call or text me to say hello or follow our progress. Looking forward to meeting the new GFB members and to catch up with all my old friends, its gonna be a blast!

yikes · Post by **yikes** » Wed Jul 25, 2012 5:37 am

Right on Rod!! Great progress. Gotta feel good to get to that stage.

AussieRod · Post by **AussieRod** » Wed Jul 25, 2012 5:56 am

yikes wrote:Right on Rod!! Great progress. Gotta feel good to get to that stage.

Yup, its a mixture of pride and not a small amount of relief, I tell ya.

Really, this is the easiest part of the build, I'm thinking....... the hardest bit is yet to come, the dreaded cabin!

Silverslk · Post by **Silverslk** » Wed Jul 25, 2012 6:13 am

You should be very proud Rod. I could tear it down and "maybe" get it back together but never to the quality you have done here with very minimal help. Can't wait to see you in the states!! I'm in Orange County (south of LA, north of SD). I'll turn you on to some junk yards while you are here if you need it.

AussieRod · Post by **AussieRod** » Wed Jul 25, 2012 6:23 am

Silverslk wrote:You should be very proud Rod. I could tear it down and "maybe" get it back together but never to the quality you have done here with very minimal help. Can't wait to see you in the states!! I'm in Orange County (south of LA, north of SD). I'll turn you on to some junk yards while you are here if you need it.

Andy, my usual thing is to pull it apart, and thats how it stays

I am really pleased at how well it looks and has turned out, with virtually NO help, I might add

My brother has helped on a couple of occasions when he has been here, but its been 99.8% me alone on this. We will definately have to catch up, and yes, I need some junkyards to scavange from, any little bits and pieces I know I'm gonna need during the final assembly. I'll be stopping in on the way down, for sure

ChaseTruck754 · Post by **ChaseTruck754** » Wed Jul 25, 2012 10:30 am

Looking good!

AussieRod wrote:my usual thing is to pull it apart, and thats how it stays

There's more of us like you out there! I'm personally trying to get out of that habit right now.

tcm glx · Post by **tcm glx** » Wed Jul 25, 2012 10:37 am

AussieRod wrote:
Silverslk wrote:You should be very proud Rod. I could tear it down and "maybe" get it back together but never to the quality you have done here with very minimal help. Can't wait to see you in the states!! I'm in Orange County (south of LA, north of SD). I'll turn you on to some junk yards while you are here if you need it.
Andy, my usual thing is to pull it apart, and thats how it stays I am really pleased at how well it looks and has turned out, with virtually NO help, I might add My brother has helped on a couple of occasions when he has been here, but its been 99.8% me alone on this. We will definately have to catch up, and yes, I need some junkyards to scavange from, any little bits and pieces I know I'm gonna need during the final assembly. I'll be stopping in on the way down, for sure

Likewise there is a good JY out in Ontario Rod... lots to pick from there. Maybe we make a trip out. When do you land?

AussieRod · Post by **AussieRod** » Wed Jul 25, 2012 2:18 pm

Sunday 29th. We are heading north straight away to pick up the 9 inch housing and a pile of other bits from Creston, etc.Tuesday we will be south of LA, heading for SD.

tcm glx · Post by **tcm glx** » Wed Jul 25, 2012 2:50 pm

AussieRod wrote:Sunday 29th. We are heading north straight away to pick up the 9 inch housing and a pile of other bits from Creston, etc.Tuesday we will be south of LA, heading for SD.

We should sync up... maybe Wednesday?

AussieRod · Post by **AussieRod** » Thu Jul 26, 2012 12:15 am

tcm glx wrote:
AussieRod wrote:Sunday 29th. We are heading north straight away to pick up the 9 inch housing and a pile of other bits from Creston, etc.Tuesday we will be south of LA, heading for SD.

We should sync up... maybe Wednesday?

I'll call you once we get close to your area, Tony

economig · Post by **economig** » Thu Jul 26, 2012 5:44 am

Impressive! I got busy with work & stuff, last few weeks, but I've been meaning to check back in with this...

Wasn't doubting at all...

but I was very impressed to see it on the shoes! And so much detail! Good job Rod

AussieRod · Post by **AussieRod** » Thu Jul 26, 2012 6:15 am

economig wrote:Impressive! I got busy with work & stuff, last few weeks, but I've been meaning to check back in with this...

Wasn't doubting at all... but I was very impressed to see it on the shoes! And so much detail! Good job Rod

Thanks, Mate

There is still a lot of work to do on it yet, wiring, fuel lines, filter(s), pump(s), etc. Little bits and pieces that require time and patience, which I will lavish on it. Cant wait to start the cab rebuild, it needs it badly (and I want my truck running again badly, too

). Oh, and I haven't fitted the front brake calipers and lines yet either.

AussieRod · Post by **AussieRod** » Fri Jul 27, 2012 8:03 pm

Saturday update:
Last post before I get going tomorrow morning early. Put the baby to bed for 2 weeks, got everything crammed into my garage under lock and key:

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See you all soon, guys and girls!

Copykat · Post by **Copykat** » Sun Jul 29, 2012 7:22 am

Have a safe trip Rod.

philofab · Post by **philofab** » Wed Aug 01, 2012 12:32 pm

Rod: I have a center console here for you... shall I bring to Tom's house?

AussieRod · Post by **AussieRod** » Sun Aug 12, 2012 2:02 am

Whew! Just got back from USA, talk about busy

Bought lots of goodies, will post up some pics in the coming days. Got to beat on a Jeep Wrangler renter in Baja, it took everything I threw at it and held its own pretty good. Worked out today, with the flight over and back, a trip to Baja and after, Montana via Spokane, WA, we clocked over 21,000 miles in 14 days! Updates soon.

tcm glx · Post by **tcm glx** » Sun Aug 12, 2012 8:01 am

Glad your back safe and sound Rod! Was great hanging with you and your brother!