My Deuce Resto by another newbie.

[swindad2]

First off, let me say, the deuce probably wasn't the smartest choice for someone with Muscular Dystrophy (Adult onset FSH), but I had been looking at MVs for years and wanted something I could work on as time and health permitted. I am still in decent shape health wise and have no problem driving the truck, although power steering will be one of my biggest goals for my deuce. After running across a truck for sale on this site, within reasonable driving distance, I made the plunge. I purchased the truck from member wbdisco in TN, April 2013. I decided since I knew very little yet, I would have it towed back home. The PO found someone local to haul it for me. Had it delivered the next day on a very nice lowboy/tractor rig for $600 (150 miles).

I expect this to be a very slow resto in my condition, but hey, whats the hurry?

I used to do paint/body, so this was the easiest starting point for me. The exterior of the truck was decent enough for me to live with for a while, with the exception of some surface rust. The interior, on the other hand was horrible in my eyes. So first project, interior.

I started by removing as much as I could from the cab and documenting where everything goes. According to the stencil on the door, the truck got the current 3 color CARC in 2008, but the cab was left in tan. I'll not post every redundant picture, but here's enough to give an idea of what it looked like. As you can see, most of the data plates are badly faded.

 

[swindad2]

Here is a quick teaser while I locate the rest of my pictures. May just have to retake a bunch. I am not 100% happy with the paint job, as I had originally wanted show quality, but after I started sanding, I realized I would have to live with a few things. Surfaces were pretty rough in there and I had to come to live with the fact that, to get the quality I originally wanted, I would have to remove the cab and sandblast. There was a coating on the floor that was like a heavy rubber undercoating almost. It was as rough as popcorn ceiling in spots. I figured, it's just the floor, and it will be covered, so I had to make do. I also messed up a few spots trying to paint in the dark, but it's going to be a driver, so it's acceptable. I am using Rapco 383 shot from a cheap HF paint gun. Before and after shot:

 

[swindad2]

More pics of the finished product. I still have do some touch up on the smaller pieces. The data plates were sourced from a few places. I think the bulk came from TNJ Murry and Dataplates.net. I tried to match my original plates the best I could. The only one I did not replace was the original Jeep one. Never found a suitable replacement and it cleaned up pretty nice.

My seats were actually in really nice shape. Only complaint was the multiple shades of green, so I came up with a way to hide it a little. I ran across some surplus woodland camo netting (item WX2-292815) from http://www.sportsmansguide.com/. Worked out well as a temporary cover. Appears to be sold out now.

The floor mats were something I bought on a whim till I can get something better. Just 2 x 2 floor pads from Big Lots, around $12.



Forgot to mention, all the dash screws were pretty rusty, so I replaced all of them with stainless steel from Lowe's.

 

[swindad2]

More pics. All new seat belt set from C&C Surplus.

 

[swindad2]

Purchased 2 new windshields from C&C Surplus. The left glass wasn't bad except for the seals. The right frame was pretty rusty. The main frame for the windshields was in great shape. No rust. So Just sanded and painted the jams.
Original glass on left, new one on the right.

View attachment 499030

 

[swindad2]

I have not painted the inside of the doors yet. Still unsure how I want to finish them. I can make out an old style label through the CARC and I'm thinking of going with the older label instead of the newer ones. It looks something like this:

View attachment 499031

The current state of my doors:

View attachment 499032View attachment 499033

I have a new, complete cab seal set, also from C&C Surplus, but I am trying to wait till I can finish the doors to install all of it. I need all the glass channels and might replace the regulators also, if I can't get them working as smoothly as I would like.

 

[muthkw25]

Great work so far! Are you doing a solid color on the outside or still doing the 3 NATO color pattern?

 

[FormerNewMVGuy]

Very nice.

 

[swindad2]

Still undecided on the outside color. I had thoughts of going back to the original OD with the star, but that would mean repainting the interior. I may just do 383 Green and leave it for a while. I have some surface rust and paint flaking on the bed. Also a little damage on the left rear below the tailgate. Ideally I would like to remove the bed and sandblast the whole thing. Not sure if the bend on the rear can be straightened. I would love to find a really clean drop side and just switch the whole bed. Paint it before installing, but I don't have the equipment or funds to pull the bed.

 

[muthkw25]

My truck is solid 383 Green with the canopy and semigloss grill, winch, and front bumper. My wheels are also semi gloss. It looks real sharp.

 

[Scar59]

Larry,
You've been busy, interior looks great. Nice attention to detail.
JC

 

[todds112]

Awesome job!

 

[Jeepsinker]

Nice job! Let me know if you need anything.

 

[ke5eua]

Looks cool.

 

[Dipstick]

Really looking nice swindad! How would you like to clean and paint my truck?

 

[Woodsplinter]

Excellent work! You can really be proud of that.

 

[swindad2]

Finally broke down today and painted my dash light covers. They were three different colors.

 

[swindad2]

Amazing how the little things can make such a visual difference.

 

[59apache]

very nice! I like your attention to the detail!

 

[Piper Cub]

Nice work, that cab looks brand new!