If you could do anything???

[dc9137]

I just won an auction on an M1009! I'm very excited, but am not sure how long it will take to actually get my hands on it. It's in pretty rough shape, but I plan on tearing it completely apart and rebuilding from the ground up.

My goal is to make it a solid, reliable (as much as can be) truck that can go on and off road. I'm very novice at all of this so I don't want to do any crazy fabrication or anything, but I'm willing to take my time and learn how to do things right.

With that in mind and given that it will be basically down to the frame, if you could do anything to it to make it better what would it be?

 

[CycleJay]

Hello DC,

The first thing to do is the "Doghead starter relay modification".
You can find details on it by searching or looking at the top of this CUCV forum.

Second would be to keep it stock other then the Doghead mod.
That way future troubleshooting/work will be less complicated.

Also, keep the 24v system, do not convert to 12v.
It is a good system when it is working correctly.

Another thing, "if it is electrical - clean it. If it is rubber - replace it."

If you plan on towing, do not use the bumper mounted pintle hitch.
It is known to fail, get a frame mounted receiver hitch and get a pintle hitch for it.

Here are a few more..
Add a winch...
Add a roof rack
Add a spare tire mount somewhere on the outside, to free up room in your cargo bay.
Add a 20mm ammo can for a center console between your two front seats, with cupholders.

Just my $0.02 cents...

 

[Keith_J]

Air conditioning, noise, vibration and harshness suppression are the tops. Most have the floor pads and mats removed because the kick panel vents leak, causing rust on the floors.

The issue with the kick panel vent leaks is easily fixed, remove the vent doors and find the cowl gutter, a flowing garden hose helps. Extend this gutter with aluminum flashing so it doesn't drip on the vent opening. Glue in place with contact cement.

Repair all panel bonds, then affix Dynomat to the drumming surfaces of the doors. Also good under floor pads on the larger flat areas.

Fresh air ducting for the engine will also reduce noise. There are knock-outs on the radiator support for factory intake. This can help economy as cooler air is better for engine efficiency.

 

[CycleJay]

Air conditioning, noise, vibration and harshness suppression are the tops. Most have the floor pads and mats removed because the kick panel vents leak, causing rust on the floors.

The issue with the kick panel vent leaks is easily fixed, remove the vent doors and find the cowl gutter, a flowing garden hose helps. Extend this gutter with aluminum flashing so it doesn't drip on the vent opening. Glue in place with contact cement.

Repair all panel bonds, then affix Dynomat to the drumming surfaces of the doors. Also good under floor pads on the larger flat areas.

Fresh air ducting for the engine will also reduce noise. There are knock-outs on the radiator support for factory intake. This can help economy as cooler air is better for engine efficiency.

Hi Keith,

Do you have any photos of what you are talking about?
So I could perhaps follow your advice and do that to my M1009 too...

Later...

 

[Cucvnut]

I suggest you search read some threads, what you want t do has been covered on here.

 

[dc9137]

I've been looking through threads and there's tons of great stuff. Most of the time people are doing things here and there when it's in a drivable condition. I'm thinking there may be opportunity to do some things when it's down to the frame that might be easier than a complete one.

I definitely want to keep it mostly stock. I want to keep the 24v but don't mind changing things and adding AC, beefier tires, etc.

Anybody ever do disc brakes on them?

 

[Cucvnut]

To the 10 bolt? They only make weld on kits. Its a semi float axle. You have to take off the drums and cut the flange off and weld on the adapter for the brakes.

 

[dstang97]

4 inch lift 35"s
1 tons
4 or 6bt
nv4500
205
body work
paint job
DONE

 

[original]

Don't let the new car feeling get you in over your head. Stick with simple maintenance and replace anything old or worn out. I can't even count the projects I've jumped into, only to realize that it is not worth the time and money. Let the new wear off and slowly build the machine that you desire, if you desire. Good luck mate.