Bill Hanlon

I performed this project in the spring of this year. You do the project from the exterior. When bringing up the one side the other started separating. I did it one side at a time and it is now in and does not leak. To prepare the metal edged and get the old epoxy out I used a oscillating saw with a rasp tool bit https://www.lowes.com/pd/ROCKWELL-Sonicrafter-Carbide-Oscillating-Tool-Rasp/50188775 I built a jig out of thin ply wood and glued an old towel to to the bottom to protect the paint and to spread the compression load from the clamps. See the attached photo.

I have them on my 1983 and they look great. I receive positive comments about them The below picture is the best that I have access to at this time.

The round vent is for air intake to the blower fans.

I jack on the front crossmember at the steering pivot point. And place the jack stands rear of the front wheels near the start of the x frame. This allows access to all of the lube points. I do not know if this is the ideal position but it works for me. I look forward to hearing other suggestions/recommendations.

I have the trouble shoot and install brochure that came with the 1983. It contains a lot of detail on the proper set up. (30 pages Dana Corporation 1980) PM me your address and I will copy and mail it to you. My scanner only does one page at a time otherwise I would post it. I have this same project on my “nice to do list” but I have a lot of “must do” in front of it. Bill Hanlon

Thank you guys! Dave was able to help me with this obscure part. It is almost “crowd sourcing”. Bill

Bottom is cracked PO repair is leaking. Any help appreciated. Bill

My 1983 has an extendable front on the seat part and is different from the 1980 as pictured.

If you find a suitable Windshield Washer reservoir replacement let us know. It is not high on my must due list but it is on my nice to do list. I have been chasing issues and solutions for 5+ years and finding great satisfaction in the chase and solving each issue as they come up. In my case time and $$ are the limiting factors not the list of problems to address.

I would like the vent cables. Send me details to get you the funds Bill Hanlon

Looks like power lock rams.

A Stant 10640 or 10491 available at Napa or Advance Auto works. I went through a trial and error search last June. Find a store who has it in stock and do a parking lot trial and error. They are not expensive $6-7 compared to all other parts on our cars. Bill Hanlon

Thank you all for your input. I now have a new additional spring project that was not on the radar. From the above it seems to be addressable with some flat on your back “dirty” work. I will do the prep and will need to find a welder for the remainder. Again I appreciate all of your input. Bill

After seeing pictures in replacing frame thread I crawled under and started tapping my heavily undercoated frame. At end behind rear wheel I found a soft spot. When I dug into it further about 13” of the bottom rail is gone. This is located in the box frame just before the rear shackle of the leaf spring. Will a plate welded over this provide enough structural support picture below. Thanks Bill