Thanks to Rick and all the moderators who make this such a fantastic site ;)

Blackjack: Born February 16,1998 in Louisville, Ky. Rescued from Koons Chevy March 25, 2000 with 33,333 miles on the Odometer. Couldn't think of any good names and then I heard 'Blackjack' while listening to Brooks and Dunn's Boot Scootin' Boogie. He's been 'Jack' or "f#%^&$ pain in my @$$!" since then. His favorite hobbies are eating money and hunting Blazers, and he enjoys playing pranks (dropping hood on my head, chewing on his power steering rack, mystery squeaks, randomly starting himself up, etc).

All factory options, including 4.0 SOHC, limited slip diff, 4:10 gears, skidplates (on ExplornJ's truck now), sunroof, cass/cd player and changer, leather, blah blah.

Exterior mods:
~Ford Platinum color racing stripes (2 10" stripes, 2" space)
~Ventshades
~Lund Windjammer (painted to match)
~Sport Truck dual fog/driving (SMURF LIGHTS)
~Black Euro III Altezzas w/ cut up slotted tail covers
~20% Tinted Windows all around
~Doetsch Tech Nitro Slammer shocks
~Hella LED sidemarkers
~GT emblem from a 94-98 Mustang
~Explorer Express Rear sway bar
~Truck performance front sway bar bushings
~Diamond clear headlights and corners w/ blue chrome bulbs
~Shortened EB (running board delete option) side skirts

Interior mods:
~Aluminum dash kit by Exotic Wood dash
~Pioneer DEH CD head unit
~Pioneer 6 disk CD changer
~1 pair Pioneer 3ways up front
~1 pair Pioneer 2ways in rear
~2 JL Audio 10w6's in a custom box (replaced with 2 Kicker Vcomp's, thanks for blowing my subs, Meatball :fire: )
~1 Kenwood 729 S amp
~1 pair Pioneer 1" dome tweeters in B pillars
~1 pair Pioneer 3/4" Tweeters in front doors
~Custom MMRUSA "Sport GT" silver/white gauge faces
~Carbon fiber dash bezel
~Cold Cathode Blue neons

Engine mods:
~Valet Remote start/ custom alarm
~KKM
~Flowmaster 50 single straightback
~Taylor Spiro Sparkplug wires

Wheels and tires:
~Foose Nitrous 20x8 and 20x10, grey
~Toyo Proxes 255/50 and 295/45
~1/2" aluminum front spacers w/ extended lugs


The kinda sorta mods:
~lowered approximately 2" via TT and monoleaf block flip
~Brown wire mod, full 2wd hi/low (Yanked the front 4x4 in 2006, the hell with that mod :D)
~Throttle cable zipties
~Chopped front bumpstops
~Mr. Bat (gave up on replacing blown hood shocks. It's a Das Frem thing, you wouldn't understand)

I run Mobil 1 Synthetic 5w30 and only use Ford filters (Fram ones sometimes knock)

Guestimated 215-220 Horsepower when he was younger, 15.5 seconds 1/4 mile at Cecil County Dragway.

Here's some links to other things I've done with the ol' boy:
Bullitt Rims (http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=49754&highlight=bullitt+rims)
Stereo and lights (http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=81438&highlight=bullitt+rims)

Truck of the Week, Baby! (http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=96796)
http://www.explorerforum.com/data/3472/Sep1120060854.jpg
Blackjack and Red, my best friend Brennan's rig:
http://www.explorerforum.com/photopost/data/500/rigs.jpg

The stripes on the roof and bugshield are vinyl (and carefully cut to fit around the roofrack rails), but the rest is all factory platinum paint..

Last one...first and last time doing some serious offroading-I think I'll stick to the street, where there's less chance of rockbite ;)

looking good spas... you know, rocks bite less hard with a 4" superlift, TT/Shackles, 3" Body lift and 35" tires ;)

lookin' good, love the new rims

looking good spas... you know, rocks bite less hard with a 4" superlift, TT/Shackles, 3" Body lift and 35" tires

LOL :D

Keep that beautiful ride out of the dirt.....

Originally posted by Spas
Last one...first and last time doing some serious offroading-I think I'll stick to the street, where there's less chance of rockbite ;)

You call that off roading? I just thought that was someones driveway..... :p

Originally posted by Perry


You call that off roading? I just thought that was someones driveway..... :p


haha

Have you driven a Ford (underwater) lately? :D

Originally posted by Spas
Have you driven a Ford (underwater) lately? :D

LOL....Free carwash :D

Nice pics. The wheels look really good.

Originally posted by Spas
(DAMN, JOHN! Lookit how many views your X has gotten!!)Heh. That's because I'm special. :)

Hmmmm, didn't we come up with another name for your truck besides "Blackjack" at Carlisle??? :eek: :confused: :D

TUNA!

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!! MAKE IT STOP!!!

Call it 'Fishtank' again and lose ALL the air in your tires, Jeff! :p ;)

thats alotta air jeff but a gas station is right next to the mall so you dont gotta worry that much.

I've got an onboard compressor too, so as long as Spas doesn't use sharp objects to do the deed.....................................:confused:

Nahh, I'm not that mean :bounce:

I would not have considered those rims on an explorer...but with the stripes--I like it!

:cool:

i think you need fish pin striping.. that'd be awsome!

Keep it on the BLACKTOP baby!!!! Hey did Jack get baptized in the water?? Uhh huh yep he did!!!:D

Every now and then you come across pictures that are too funny not to post again...

I figure it's time for an updated pic of my boys :) http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=21098&stc=1

:D looking excellent pavement princess

:D looking excellent pavement princess

:p


that reminds me, though..... i have to keep Tank away from everyone whenever he's covered in mud!

I'm innocent..

Hee hee... took me long enough, but I finally got my sideskirts and diamond headlights/corners in :cool: I'll post better pics as I get 'em!

Man I love these things... they really make Jack look lower and they do a great job of hiding the ugly front spring hangers :thumbsup:

In case anyone wants to imitate me, they're off of a 97 Eddie Bauer with the "Running Board delete" option... chop off a foot, cut some new holes for the retainer clips and viola! Instant side skirts ;)

Very nice truck.

-Drew

One that's as clean as the other is dirty :) (and the saturn, which snuck in when no one was looking)

Amazing looking explorer spas I wish mine looked that damn good. Keep up the good work and keep that thing away from MUD AND ROCKS! It should be against the law too put that good looking SUV near such stuff :)

Purdy

Need some opinions here, gang. Next year, after all the engine and suspension work are done in phase III of my evil plan to make Blackjack into a Blazer eating, srt-10 Ram killing nightmare on wheels, I plan on having his body repainted to fix all the various dings, scratches and miscolored body panels. Question is, when I do, should I lose the 2 10" stripes in favor of some 12" ones? Also, the gap between would widen an additional 2".
(reasoning behind this is that from 20 feet away, it looks like there's only one stripe :p 2 10" stripes with a 2" gap may be fine for stangs, but explorers are a lot wider!)

Top pic is now, bottom pic is the photoshop:

I would spread them farther apart, but not make them any wider. Wide stripes look like they belong on a Dodge in my opinion.

uhh...oh boy... you don't mean like THIS one, do you? :eek: :D (btw, HI John! Long time no see)

I like them how they are.

I wouldn't make them any wider. I wouldn't spread them apart any farther than what they are either.

Damn, I was beat to the Explorer GT

I suppose the question is...is your Sport an auto? :D

I suppose the question is...is your Sport an auto? :D


Unfortunately :( Ahh,I shouldn't gripe, my trans has been fantastic thus far in life. Glad I added the extra cooler way back when, never had any serious problems with it. I toyed with the idea of a T-5 when I do the swap this year, but I don't like the idea of missing a shift at the track... plus it'd be a total PITA to reflash the computer :p

I get to pick my shift points and you don't :p

Today is Jack's 8th birthday :)

I wonder if Zodiac signs apply to trucks too?

aww.. you love your truck as much as i love mine. great looking truck btw. as far as the stripes go, i think farther apart but the same width. but i do like the stripes, i've never seen an explorer(besides on this website) with stripes, so it definitely makes your truck more original. Then again, i havent seen a lifted explorer around me besides mine, but i know they exist not too far from me.

aww.. you love your truck as much as i love mine. great looking truck btw. as far as the stripes go, i think farther apart but the same width. but i do like the stripes, i've never seen an explorer(besides on this website) with stripes, so it definitely makes your truck more original. Then again, i havent seen a lifted explorer around me besides mine, but i know they exist not too far from me.


Thanks for the compliment, your X is pretty nice looking too! -->has a soft spot for lifted 98's :D<-- I keep trying to get more Explorer owners to join the Stripey club but so far no dice.

nice truck spas... i got some nitro fishies.. you may want them.. but only if you crossed the water till you butt was wet.. i am thinking of join the stripey club but i suck at photoshoping and my work looks ugly to me.

Today is Jack's 8th birthday :)

I wonder if Zodiac signs apply to trucks too?

I have no clue Lindsy.

I think jack found himself a new girlfriend...seems like everytime I walk outside they're parked next to each other. Could you imagine if he got her knocked up?!

http://www.explorerforum.com/data/3472/Aug1520061042.jpg

I think jack found himself a new girlfriend...seems like everytime I walk outside they're parked next to each other. Could you imagine if he got her knocked up?!

Jack just wants some of whats under her hood!

they make a cute lil couple. hopefully blackjack isn't too hurt when that pretty little thing leaves him for a new owner.

and as to the question "what if he knocked her up?" i think the answer would be similar to a porsche cayenne.

But the child that would result wouldnt have the room in back for the wild rampages of linds and Tawney (Sorry, it was a guy right? I mean Tewey :p )


(Im moving into the witness protection program)

stipes huh? maybe i should think about it......

Spas thats a kick ass sport u got there i really like a lot. It kicks major ass keep up the good work with it.

Could you imagine if he got her knocked up?!



Isnt that where your key chain came from ?

Spas, do you have any pics with you LED's and/or fogs on? What exactly are your "Smurf lights?"

I think jack found himself a new girlfriend...seems like everytime I walk outside they're parked next to each other. Could you imagine if he got her knocked up?!


Hmmm, I wonder what a Ford Explang would look like....

But the child that would result wouldnt have the room in back for the wild rampages of linds and Tawney (Sorry, it was a guy right? I mean Tewey :p )


(Im moving into the witness protection program)

Micah, his name's Randy, you @$$. Tewey's twice my age lol. And I haven't put the back seats of any of my Explorers to the test. Yet. Now customer's Super Duties.... that's a different story ;) :p

Isnt that where your key chain came from ?

LMAO!!!! :D

Gryz, only one I have of my smurf lights is the same pic as my avatar.. I can take one of the lights up close if you want. They're just Sport Truck dual fog/driving lights- I think they're about $50 at any Pep boys or Autozone.


I can't seem to find the one picture I have somewhere on this board of the LED sidemarkers lit up, sorry!

Spas, do you have any pics with you LED's and/or fogs on? What exactly are your "Smurf lights?"

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=8272&stc=1

Now customer's Super Duties.... that's a different story ;) :p


If I ever tow my X up to paragon, im hiding it and filling the bed with fishhooks. ;) :p

Reckon I should post in here when I do major things to Blackjack, huh?

About 4 weeks ago, on the same weekend we torched off the IFS off of Jack's much larger brother, Morgan, he apparently decided he wanted some attention too and promptly chewed up one of his CV's. Like I needed an excuse to yank out the damn front 4x4 and finally get rid of the bumpsteer that comes with being lowered :D

Except for getting yet another fubar remanufactured PS rack (I got a Ford one this time!! AND IT'S STILL NOT REMAN'D RIGHT!! Argh!) the ride is noticably softer in the front and much much much much much much much much much much much much much much better when hitting bumps, dips and potholes. The only thing left of the factory 4wd is the transfer case (to remove it would require a different driveshaft and tail housing... I can't justify it with the upcoming v8 swap) and the lower A-arms. Every 2wd piece including the rotors are brand new Ford schtuff. Have I mentioned how much nicer the handling is??? :D

Unfortunately, I had to get 1.25" spacers for the Bullitt rims to fit over the large 2wd spindles because they have this stupid lip a quarter of the way up the center of the wheel and I'm too busy to have it machined out. The front wheel track is huuuuuge now, lol.

Future body mods (after the bigass hole where half my tail light used to be gets fixed :fire: ) include smoked headlights, shaving the rear wiper and relocating the push lock near the liftgate handle, cutting saleen style vents into the front fenders where the LED sidemarkers currently reside, shaving the antenna, filling in the cowl (except for the part that moves air into the cabin, don't worry), an EE airdam, roll pan, and a custom made mustang/explorer hood. I'm going to be busy for the next couple of months :D :D :D

And so begins Phase II of Blackjack's life...

http://www.explorerforum.com/photopost/data/500/302.JPG
http://www.explorerforum.com/photopost/data/500/4r70w.JPG

Those are out of a wrecked '99 that Rookie found for me on Craigslist two weeks ago (thanks, Mike! :)) Granted, 99's have return-less fuel systems but that's least on my list of things to do right now. I originally wanted to get a DSS crate 347, but all of Blackjack's mod money got spent on making myself a capable crawler (Thanks a LOT, Morgan! :p: ) so I have to start with this. Eventually it will be a 331, though... it'll just take me a year to get it that way. But when I do, WATCH OUT! :D :bounce:

Did you ever get the problem with with crappy job with the body work on rear panel straightened out?

Did you ever get the problem with with crappy job with the body work on rear panel straightened out?

Ironic choice of words there.. No, our body shop sucks big time. They made the quarter panel perfectly flat instead of curved like every other Explorer on the planet, and then somehow bent my tail light and put a washer behind one of the mounting bolts to make it match the body better. It still sticks out, and now my tail light leaks. If I were just a regular customer I'd raise hell but since I work here my boss told me to suck it up and deal with it :(

If I were just a regular customer I'd raise hell but since I work here my boss told me to suck it up and deal with it


That's a buch of crap. Regardless if you work there or not you are still a customer.

Did insurence pay for the repair? If so I would let them handle the problem.

Ironic choice of words there.. No, our body shop sucks big time. They made the quarter panel perfectly flat instead of curved like every other Explorer on the planet, and then somehow bent my tail light and put a washer behind one of the mounting bolts to make it match the body better. It still sticks out, and now my tail light leaks. If I were just a regular customer I'd raise hell but since I work here my boss told me to suck it up and deal with it :(

Woah, don't settle for that. They didn't fix it right period. Especially needing to stick washers behind bolts to get things to fit right. Just because you work there does not change your rights. In fact they should treat you better if anything. If the insurance paid for it I would bring them in on it. I think there is some kind of Ford regional office or something you can contact about dealer misconduct. I remember somebody posting something like that somewhere. Don't let it go. I am pissed and it's not even my vehicle. That is just plain wrong.

Surprisingly I have never seen your rig on here until now. About a month ago I noticed a mustang in my rearview with the stripes on it. I quickly wondered how the stripes would look on an explorer. Now I have that answer.
Sweet!

JIGA

Woah, don't settle for that. They didn't fix it right period. Especially needing to stick washers behind bolts to get things to fit right. Just because you work there does not change your rights. In fact they should treat you better if anything. If the insurance paid for it I would bring them in on it. I think there is some kind of Ford regional office or something you can contact about dealer misconduct. I remember somebody posting something like that somewhere. Don't let it go. I am pissed and it's not even my vehicle. That is just plain wrong.

I know it's wrong, but if I make a fuss it puts me on the sh!t list with the bosses and BELIEVE ME, after this week and all the stunts I've pulled over the last few months with Morgan, I'm pretty far along as far as 'next in line to get fired' :eek: Our new body shop manager is a scumball who overcharges the customers anyway, so that doesn't help matters any either. The insurance company wants nothing to do with me because they recommended me taking my claim elsewhere and made it crystal clear that they have set rates and would not dish out any extra money as dealers usually charge more than independent body shops. I'd just get an "I told you so" if I reported the shoddy work to them. Someday I'll get Jack's body fixed right, but for now I want to concentrate on the performance aspect.

Surprisingly I have never seen your rig on here until now. About a month ago I noticed a mustang in my rearview with the stripes on it. I quickly wondered how the stripes would look on an explorer. Now I have that answer.
Sweet!

JIGA

Tank yew :)

I'm addicted to stripes.. sometime before the big Carlisle show this summer I want to have my offroader painted grey with black stripes just to mirror Blackjack :D

I like the look of stripes as well.. Of course you have to have just the right width and just the right spacing between them...

I like the look of stripes as well.. Of course you have to have just the right width and just the right spacing between them...

I still think mine are too close together :p:

I still think mine are too close together :p:

Let it go bro....I tend to get way too anal about things also. Your stripes are dead on....:thumbsup:
JIGA

Nevermind

I'm pretty far along as far as 'next in line to get fired

How hard would it for you to leave and get a job at another dealer?

Aw come on Brian, I was looking forward to posting a pic of me hiding in the wreck's now-empty engine bay tomorrow and seeing what Jiga posted when he realized I'm a girl. Spoilsport ;) :D

It would be really easy for me to get a job at any Ford dealer because I work my @$$ off for this company and every dealer for three counties knows it but Plaza puts up with my quirks and, with the exception of the body shop fiasco, they treat me phenomenally well. I really do love my job :)

It occurred to me as I was editing my first post to show some new mods that I have pictures of Jack with Tank and Shelby but not his newest sibling so I feel I have to put this here, lol:

http://www.explorerforum.com/photopost/data/500/DSCN1302_Small_.JPG

Ohhhh--
I can't wait to see this engine in Blackjack!

How much power are you going to go for???

and seeing what Jiga posted when he realized I'm a girl. Spoilsport ;) :D


Quick edit your post I got rid of the evidence. :D

Tank yew :)

I'm addicted to stripes.. sometime before the big Carlisle show this summer I want to have my offroader painted grey with black stripes just to mirror Blackjack :D

noooooooo! you can't!!! that was my new idea! *grumble* back to the drawing board....

Quick edit your post I got rid of the evidence. :D

Lol, too late. It's all good, thank you :)


Jt, I haven't crunched the horsepower numbers yet because it'll be a LOOOOONG time before I get the whole shebang together, but the current ideas call for: a 331 stroker kit in a balanced, bored and decked block with forged internals and Fel-Pro gaskets; Either a Victor Jr, Edelbrock or Trick Flow intake; Torque Monster headers (if they'll fit.. dunno anyone who's ever done this to a 2nd Gen sport before!); and a Vortec or lower end (read, no more than 9psi) supercharger if I can find one I can afford. First things first, though. As soon as I'm settled into my new place I'm going to start pulling the engine apart and finding a reputable shop to begin straightening up the block and installing the stroker ;)

Jtsmith is running a 347 stroker w/o a charger with TM headers in his Mountaineer. It would be the same as your sport.

......Glad I added the extra cooler way back when, never had any serious problems with it. .......

I remember a LARGE puddle on a certain garage floor from that.....:eek:



:D

I remember a LARGE puddle on a certain garage floor from that.....:eek:
:D

I'm 100% sure that cooler (and the resulting lake it made on your garage floor when we put it in) is the reason that my transmission still shifts as smooth as butter and doesn't leak, even with 133,967 miles on it :D


Dan, I'm banking on the rumor that all 2nd Gens are the same from the headlights to the middle of the front door.. all I know for sure is that there's a HECKUVA lot less room to work with under a sport so I really hope the Torque Monsters fit with no issues :eek:

I have to check and see if this can be done without the fuzz realizing it, but there are electronically closing exhaust cut-offs for fairly cheap that would be awesome to put just after the headers. If I can pull it off, I'd really like to come up with a chip that has street/strip modes: When in street mode the exhaust will flow normally through a true dual 2.5" set up with one hi-flo cat each and the engine/transmission will be in daily driver function, but put him in race mode and the exhaust dumps from the headers, the transmission shift points alter for racing and the engine program optimizes for track running. Obviously that should be for 1/4 mile use only, but you could you imagine the look on the face of the guy challenging you to a stoplight race when your truck suddenly gets REALLY loud and menacing??? :D Ooooo, I just gave myself goosebumps, lol. Bonus points if I can figure out how to make this switch reside in the same place that my non-functioning 4wd dial is located!

This is probably damn near impossible to pull off, but I can dream :rolleyes: I find if you shoot for the stars, you get closer than you would if you were only aiming for the clouds, though :)

Lindsy, a bunch of guys have done the electric cutouts on the Mach board..not that hard to do..:thumbsup:

Lindsy, a bunch of guys have done the electric cutouts on the Mach board..not that hard to do..:thumbsup:

I've heard good and bad about the cut-offs, mostly bad because they seem to have problems sealing completely under normal driving and it creates quite the exhaust leak. You get what you pay for if you buy the cheapie versions though.

Hey Mustang Guru, can you recommend any top Stang sites for me to peruse for discounted stroker kits, superchargers, intakes, etc?

Found a motor for ya..no extras needed:

http://www.koenigsegg.com/graphics/imagearchive/48_640.jpg

It's based off the Ford 4.6 Block

Type: V8 cast aluminium, 4 valves per cylinder, double overhead camshafts. Cam cover of carbonfibre.
Displacement: 4.700 cm3.
Compression: 8.6:1
Weight: 215 kg
Lubrication system: Dry sump with unique oil spray piston cooling. Oil cooler.
Oil: SAE 10W60 fully synthetic racing.
Oil tank capacity: 12 litres (2.64 gallons)
Induction system: Sequential, multipoint fuel injection. Dual Rotrex centrifugal compressors with 1.4 max boost pressure. Intercooler.
Fuel: 98 RON unleaded.
Ignition system: Direct coil on plug. Transistorised.
Power output: 806 bhp at 6.900 rpm.
Maximum torque: 920 Nm (678 ftlb) at 5.700 rpm.
Maximum rpm: 7.600 rpm.

Websites:

http://www.Corral.net
http://www.Stangnet.com
http://www.f150online.com/forums/index.php

I've heard good and bad about the cut-offs, mostly bad because they seem to have problems sealing completely under normal driving and it creates quite the exhaust leak. You get what you pay for if you buy the cheapie versions though.

Hey Mustang Guru, can you recommend any top Stang sites for me to peruse for discounted stroker kits, superchargers, intakes, etc?


Mountaineergreen showed me these--


http://www.mccordcg.com/mpp/order.htm

Here is some reading from the Mach site on cutouts...

http://www.mach1registry.org/forums/showthread.php?t=59053
http://www.mach1registry.org/forums/showthread.php?t=11941

Lindsay,there is someone here (cant remember who) that put a 5.0 in their sport using Torque Monster headers with no problems.

Now if it was a 351W block then no they would not fit.

Just remember that non "P" TM's will not work on "P" heads & vice versa.

If you go with Trick-Flow or Edelbrock heads I think you will need the non "P" headers but don't quote me.

Thank you for the links, guys!!!!










Cripes, I'm going to need another job or two to pay for all of this... :rolleyes:

You could always go this way...It's still named BlackJack :D

http://www.planetmustang.com/pmimages/BlackJack_010307.jpg

Rousch Racing BlackJack Mustang
http://www.planetmustang.com/general-news/roush-blackjack-headed-to-barrett-jackson-070108.html

You could always go this way...It's still named BlackJack :D

http://www.planetmustang.com/pmimages/BlackJack_010307.jpg

Rousch Racing BlackJack Mustang
http://www.planetmustang.com/general-news/roush-blackjack-headed-to-barrett-jackson-070108.html

I couldn't drive that, Jeff.


I'd drown in my own drool!

Porter (my fav coworker) decided to prove that he can, in fact, pull apart a 302 in under an hour today :D
http://www.explorerforum.com/photopost/data/500/DSCN2154_Small_.JPG
Check out this weirdness: 233,000 MILES..... WHERE THE HELL IS THE SLUDGE?!?!
http://www.explorerforum.com/photopost/data/500/DSCN2159_Small_.JPG
And why isn't there any scoring or lip on the cylinder walls?!
http://www.explorerforum.com/photopost/data/500/DSCN2160_Small_.JPG
Likewise, the intakes are surprisingly clean, too:
http://www.explorerforum.com/photopost/data/500/DSCN2161_Small_.JPG

Not to sound ungrateful, but this is kind of weirding me out here. I know 302's have a reputation for being super strong and able to take a lot of abuse, but this sucker came out of a beat up Jersey Explorer. It just strikes me as being a snowball's chance to end up with an engine that somebody not only supposedly took care of, but excellent care of. And from New Jersey! :eek: :confused:

And from New Jersey! :eek: :confused:

Hey, we're not all that worthless, eh? :D

Lindsy,

Maybe someone rebuilt it & the seller didn't know it. With 233k on it there would be a lip on the top of the cylinder bore.

Regular oil chages would eliminate sludge.

I saw your truck at Carlisle, looks good with those Foose wheels and it sits just right. That 302 will have a nice home.

I saw your truck at Carlisle, looks good with those Foose wheels and it sits just right. That 302 will have a nice home.

Thank you :) Was yours the Gold one...?

Axiom, every Jersey driver I've ever met is ridiculously hard on their vehicle ;)

Dan, I'd be inclined to agree with you, but it still has the factory crosshatching in the cylinders.. a rebuild would have been cleaned up :eek: Plus a lot of the parts that have come off of it so far are genuine OE, and I'm pretty sure there's a VIN or some kind of identifying plate on it. I'll try to take a picture later today.

Wow.. thats got to be a record time for disassembling a 302..

Wow.. thats got to be a record time for disassembling a 302..

Not for Porter it isn't, lol. Although technically he only got it down to the short block. He still has to pull the oil pan, crank, rods, pistons, etc. But he started with a full engine and all accessories at 2:55 yesterday afternoon and had it looking the way it does in the pics by 3:46 :D

Axiom, every Jersey driver I've ever met is ridiculously hard on their vehicle

yup. i resemble that remark

yup. i resemble that remark

me 2!

Axiom, every Jersey driver I've ever met is ridiculously hard on their vehicle ;)

Come to chicago and drive down any of the surrounding interstates or highways for that matter.... you've never seen so much rust going down the interstate.... 20 over the limit.... in a construction zone.... crossing 3 lanes with no turn signal to get in the ipass lane... during rush hour.

People that do the speed limit are a hazard around here.

No unfortunatly I left the my truck at home but here's a pic of it (the green one):
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?p=1480455#post1480455

No unfortunatly I left the my truck at home but here's a pic of it (the green one):
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?p=1480455#post1480455

Sharp looking XLT you have there, sir :thumbsup: You should've brought it to the show!

Come to chicago and drive down any of the surrounding interstates or highways for that matter.... you've never seen so much rust going down the interstate.... 20 over the limit.... in a construction zone.... crossing 3 lanes with no turn signal to get in the ipass lane... during rush hour.

People that do the speed limit are a hazard around here.

LOL, I think I'll pass, thanks. Porter still seems convinced that this is an all original block that's been exceptionally well taken care of. Today we pulled the pan, heads, pistons and rods, which all appear to be in great shape (no copper showing on the bearings at all!), but the timing chain and harmonic balancer are wasted. No biggie, I'm planning on replacing just about everything anyway. It's just going to take me a long @$$ time to get it done since I can only afford one part at a time :rolleyes: Unless 2 grand falls from the sky, this is going to end up as a bored .30 over 306 with a strong cam, beefier intakes and bigger heads. Ah well, better than a dying SOHC, right?

306? That's not even worth it is it? I would bite the bullet and just bore it out to 331 or whatever. Something more significant than 4ci more anyway. Would you even notice a difference at all from 4ci?

Not bad for a ten year old truck I guess.....
and if you hunt around enough you might be able to find a budget 331 stroker kit.

Not bad for a ten year old truck I guess.....
and if you hunt around enough you might be able to find a budget 331 stroker kit.

I've been hunting for almost a year now and the only kits I've found that I can afford are no-name varieties... I don't wanna take a chance on them. If you happen across any, though, feel free to point them out :D

Brian, I keep hearing from coworkers that stroking is not worth the horsepower for the thousands it's going to cost me (it's around $900 for a good 331 kit and about a $1,000 to have the block stroked and set up by a professional shop). To be honest, boring it .30 over isn't really worth the effort either but since it's going to be cleaned and checked I figure it won't hurt.

Anybody who's ever had "the striped discussion" with me (it involves me trying to put racing stripes on everything) will understand why this cartoon is ridiculously funny :D

http://fc01.deviantart.com/fs8/i/2005/333/2/e/Stripe_by_kris_wilson.jpg

I can never tell which vehicle of yours is Morgan, or BlackJack, or Steve, or Finklestein (or whatever) :confused:

I can never tell which vehicle of yours is Morgan, or BlackJack, or Steve, or Finklestein (or whatever) :confused:

I think I'm going to call your truck "Kitty" from now on. Ala 'Hello Kitty' :D Did you ever put your pink diff cover on?

Pfft, I posted shots of the new rims everywhere but in the thread they should be in, lol. :rolleyes:

http://www.explorerforum.com/photopost/data/500/DSCN2177_Small_.JPG
http://www.explorerforum.com/photopost/data/500/DSCN2168_Small_.JPG

Blackjack and big brother Morgan (after the new paintjob) :)
http://www.explorerforum.com/photopost/data/500/DSCN2170_Small_.JPG

way way way too sweet lookin' Lindz'
Ya bringing Jack to the M&G Next week right ?

way way way too sweet lookin' Lindz'
Ya bringing Jack to the M&G Next week right ?

Definitely :)


Besides, the doctor tells me that I have to keep from jarring my hip until it's fully healed... which means no jumping, stomping, throwing or twisting. All of which are required to drive Morgan :rolleyes:

Besides, the doctor tells me that I have to keep from jarring my hip until it's fully healed...

Ok, Ill bite. What happened.


Did Omar go to hard on you. :eek:

Ok, Ill bite. What happened.


Did Omar go to hard on you. :eek:

Maaaaan, if you only knew the heartache that numnut has caused me...! No, it wasn't Omar or even the friend who helped me 'christen' Morgan that caused the damage. Two weeks ago I went rafting in a shallow local river and busted my tail on a rather obnoxious bolder. Apparently I have hereditary degenerative bone disease, which unbeknownst to me had caused certain nerves to grow away from where they should be. And I happened to nail the spot they were growing through. So Lindsy no walkie for a few days.

And now I can't feel my right butt cheek. Happy? :p:

No, it wasn't Omar or even the friend who helped me 'christen' Morgan that caused the damage.

Oh my eyes, they burn, BURN.

http://www.bluetraxx.com/phpBB/images/smiles/la.gif

Apparently I have hereditary degenerative bone disease, which unbeknownst to me had caused certain nerves to grow away from where they should be. And I happened to nail the spot they were growing through. So Lindsy no walkie for a few days.

And now I can't feel my right butt cheek. Happy? :p:

in other words..... she likes it in the butt :D

in other words..... she likes it in the butt :D

YOU! Go to H3LL!!! :p: :D

And Micah, you need to be shot for that smiley lol.

Well I'll try to make your back feel a lil better here--
your 306 will wake up that lil ol sporto--

you might even be able to keep up with my 4 door--


Sorry to hear about your rear end troubles--gravity sucks huh?

you might even be able to keep up with my 4 door--



but she'll never be able to keep up with me :D

in other words..... she likes it in the butt :D

All i have to say is refer to my signature :D

Spasticat2 (9:32:29 PM): i broke my ass
Blee1099 (9:33:00 PM): did you take it up the ass too many times?
Spasticat2 (9:33:17 PM): yes indeed, but ran out of lube and took it dry this time

lol.. I'll join in..
Spasticat2 (9:33:59 PM): had some rough nookie with a pal a week ago, had
to break Morgan in since my ex was always too drunk to do it ;)

Spasticat2 (12:02:55 PM): wish i could, it'd keep me moving and my ass wouldn't hurt so much :(

lol.. I'll join in..
Spasticat2 (9:33:59 PM): had some rough nookie with a pal a week ago, had
to break Morgan in since my ex was always too drunk to do it ;)

Spasticat2 (12:02:55 PM): wish i could, it'd keep me moving and my ass wouldn't hurt so much :(

Ha. ha. ha. That was when I busted my back, smart@$$es. This time it was a rock that put me out of commission. A ROCK!!


And you ####ers can kiss my broken arse :p: Chris, when the hell have I ever said "indeed" in a conversation?! If you're going to imitate me, get it right http://marylandcreepers.com/phpBB2/images/smiles/thefinger2.gif

im sure it was a "rock" that did you in.


We also call them stiffies, woodies, hardon's, boners, tallywackers, johnsons, wangs, mini me......

http://mtu4wheelers.powweb.com/phpbb2/images/smiles/one_up.jpg

http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=314517&stc=1&d=1184195207




Ive been waiting to use those. :D

c'mon, you atleast gotta spit on it first, then you wouldnt have these problems

Grrrrr.......

OK OK OK.... lets take it easy on poor spasy... we all know shes had some issues with lack of lube in her rear before... so this is nuttin new... but this all aint sayin much about her "pitcher" hes gotta have one small ass ##### to fit in a FISHES ASS!!!!!

http://forums.mg-rover.org/images/smilies/smileysex5.gif
http://www.clicksmilies.com/s1106/liebe/love-smiley-076.gif

http://www.offroadnuts.com/bj.gif

Im sorry, I guess I started this.

:D

OK OK OK.... lets take it easy on poor spasy... we all know shes had some issues with lack of lube in her rear before... so this is nuttin new... but this all aint sayin much about her "pitcher" hes gotta have one small ass ##### to fit in a FISHES ASS!!!!!

Does a fish even have an ass? You figure in their skeletal structure there is no actual bones for a rectum/ass yet they do shit quite often..

OK OK OK.... lets take it easy on poor spasy... we all know shes had some issues with lack of lube in her rear before... so this is nuttin new... but this all aint sayin much about her "pitcher" hes gotta have one small ass ##### to fit in a FISHES ASS!!!!!

It's bigger'n yours, old man :D

It's bigger'n yours, old man :D

thats correct, your ass is bigger then mine cuz unlike you, i dont take it up the ass. :p:

thats correct, your ass is bigger then mine cuz unlike you, i dont take it up the ass. :p:

Anyone who knows your ex-wife knows otherwise, HAHAHAHAHA!

ummmmmmm
so,,,,,,
ummmmmm

yeah those wheels look good on your explorer,,,, :rolleyes:

well fish have an orifice. a watertight one at that. maby thats y it hurt so bad

ummmmmmm
so,,,,,,
ummmmmm

yeah those wheels look good on your explorer,,,, :rolleyes:

Uh, yeah, so Kev you're coming to the M&G next weekend right? Are you going to bring the tupperware off of your old bumper? I'll bring your suede.

the rear cover tupperware is pretty messed up. I doubt it will be even remotely useful :(

Sorry man.

the rear cover tupperware is pretty messed up. I doubt it will be even remotely useful :(

Sorry man.

Get any work done on the front end? Come on, I've got the greatest comment EVER saved up for you :D


I'm trying a new tactic in dealing with fish jokes.. it's called 'ignorance is bliss' ;)

Btw, got the 302 (and everything that used to be in it/on it) moved to my best bud's house for the time being. Now I just have to find a reputable shop and get them working on cleaning the block and whatever else needs to be done. Any suggestions on what I should have done to it?

You want to get it poked and stroked of course.:D

Thought you could turn it around didn't ya?

You want to get it poked and stroked of course.:D

Thought you could turn it around didn't ya?

You're as bad as the rest of them, Jt!! AIIIGH!!! :D :p:

You want to get it poked and stroked of course.:D

Thought you could turn it around didn't ya?

Are you referring to her or the 302 :D

who deleted my cartoon? thats lame :thumbdwn:

Are you referring to her or the 302 :D

I think the answer to that question is yes........:eek:

Get any work done on the front end? Come on, I've got the greatest comment EVER saved up for you :D





Lights are IN and have been in for some time.
Zorro should get painted this week I am hoping.

It has been delay after delay. Paint booth broke, then we had a day long power outage, then the painters mother died, so paint shop is WAY backed up. Me being an employee and not an itchey customer gets bumped back some what. Here is hoping...

Are you referring to her or the 302 :D

Well, we have never been formally introduced--so I am referring to the engine for now-:D

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What he said^^^

This is your brain.

http://www.explorerforum.com/photopost/data/500/DSCN2154_Small_.JPG

This is your brain on speed.

http://www.explorerforum.com/photopost/data/500/0819071836_Small_.jpg


Any questions? :D

Ah-
The fun begins--:D
looks pretty clean--

I think you need to donate that to Porter :D

Sweet! Can't wait to see the install. Have a 4406 yet?

Sweet! Can't wait to see the install. Have a 4406 yet?

I believe she's going 2wd since she already has 2wd spindles :p

Thank you, Jt :) Cripes. I post a picture of my new 347 and don't even get that much iggernant commentary. What's wrong with the world today?! :p:

That is a Coast High Performance StreetFighter 347 long block with Trick Flow StreetHeat heads, roller rockers, and Stage 1 cam; Forged crank and all CHP bearings & seals, plus Fel-Pro gaskets. The ex-owner was running a Vortec Supercharger at 5lbs of boost through a C4 trans, which dyno'd at 520 horsepower. It has 1,420 miles on it but never saw the track, so unfortunately I don't have any 1/4 mile times for it. Just in case anyone was wondering.


:D

And I've already had to smack Porter with a large stick. Repeatedly.

I believe she's going 2wd since she already has 2wd spindles :p

Duh! I was thinking of another dark colored sport- it could use 500+ HP engine as well. ;)

I think that engine is too clean for you:p:

oooh, its beautiful....
can i touch it?

How much shipped to 80015?

Thank you, Jt :) Cripes. I post a picture of my new 347 and don't even get that much iggernant commentary. What's wrong with the world today?! :p:
:D

Well why didn't you say so. I thought you were still going with the 302. SWEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEET!!!!

Well this is just depressing. I was giving Jack an underbody once-over before racing him two weekends ago (I ran a 15.6 if anybody cares) and discovered that apparently some of Tank's rust cooties rubbed off on the old boy.

Kev, any suggestions on fixing this? The rust line goes all the way around the body seam. This is not how I planned on losing weight for racing :(

This is just behind the driverside front tire:
http://www.explorerforum.com/photopost/data/500/DSCN2247_Small_.JPG

http://www.explorerforum.com/photopost/data/500/DSCN2246_Small_.JPG

i vote for duct tape

sadly rust is inevidable.
Some of which is "normal" and uneventful.
I would be currious hopw deep it goes near the body mount. The brace is pretty much non issue. Soak it with some inhibitor that will buy you some time.

Nice truck Spas, I like the stripes.

I have been thinking of doing stripes on my Sport. My sport has the dark blue paint, I was thinking of white stripes placed like yours. Its gotta wait until I have the truck repainted, too many little dents and deep scratches from the previous owner. Plus I want all the mechanical upgrades done first. Keep up the good work on "Jack".

Thanks, NC :) Blue with white stripes would be pretty durn awesome, IMO. Very shelby cobra-ish!


Kev, how about if I paint on some of that stuff that supposedly turns rust into metal/inhibits further rusting?

yeah do that

in my experience it doesnt work.

slows the process.

To correctly repair her issue would be quite an extensive undertaking.

Spray on stuff it is. It's bizarre how the body's only rusted right there, nowhere else :dunno:

Well, this is not the way I envisioned losing weight :(

http://www.explorerforum.com/photopost/data/500/DSCN2317_Small_.JPG

It's so bad that even the little parking brake retainer clip fell off when I touched it with the die grinder. I'm thinking I may have to beg sn0border to do some lightweight welding in the near future, cuz this just suuuuuuuuuucks! I've painted several coats of rust-stop on it, and tomorrow I'm going to clean and undercoat everything I can reach with the nozzle... then hope for the best :/

psst! should have moved out west :D

psst! should have moved out west :D

WORKIN' ON IT, BELIEVE ME!!!!!!!!!! :D

WORKIN' ON IT, BELIEVE ME!!!!!!!!!! :D

LOL:D

Well that looks to be a prob....Sucks for sure....



And who wants to move out to the place that has all the good wheeling spots, great weather, and anything you could need???? Who is that crazy??? LOL

And remember that we occasionally have a state wide BBQ every few years:p:

And remember that we occasionally have a state wide BBQ every few years:p:

Pffft... that was SO wrong....!

Blackjack should be renamed to Spot :D

WORKIN' ON IT, BELIEVE ME!!!!!!!!!! :D

You can come hang out with my in Oklahoma when I move out there in January. Oh by the way everybody I'm moving to Oklahoma in January.

Oklahoma? what? that's like so far away! Don't do that, people in Oklahoma are not OK.

Pffft... that was SO wrong....!

:D it's good to be bad....bawahahaha

i was thinking Swiss Cheese for a new name.

Oklahoma? what? that's like so far away! Don't do that, people in Oklahoma are not OK.

Well there's one person in Oklahoma that's ok anyway.

Oh OK ;)

http://www.kjol.com/images/phone/ok.gif

Oklahoma? what? that's like so far away! Don't do that, people in Oklahoma are not OK.

X2, that's where most of my inlaws are... :D

X2, that's where most of my inlaws are... :D

Hmm, that's were my inlaws are going to be. That's where I'm going to be too. Hmm, I might have to rethink this. :D

Physically, I'm just bruised and sore with a lot of small cuts, but fine. Mentally is another story.

I just lost my best friend.. my reason for everything that I am today. Please, don't anyone say "he can be replaced".

http://www.explorerforum.com/photopost/data/500/DSCN2404_Small_.JPG
http://www.explorerforum.com/photopost/data/500/DSCN2402_Small_.JPG
http://www.explorerforum.com/photopost/data/500/DSCN2401_Small_.JPG
http://www.explorerforum.com/photopost/data/500/DSCN2400_Small_.JPG
http://www.explorerforum.com/photopost/data/500/DSCN2399_Small_.JPG
http://www.explorerforum.com/photopost/data/500/DSCN2395_Small_.JPG
http://www.explorerforum.com/photopost/data/500/DSCN2396_Small_.JPG
http://www.explorerforum.com/photopost/data/500/DSCN2393_Small_.JPG


I was heading home on a two lane highway, doing 60mph. It was foggy and the ground was wet but not raining. Some foreigner in a Nissan car who was heading the opposite direction decided he could make a U-turn into oncoming traffic when he was only 40 feet away. I swerved, he plowed into Jack's driverside door and quarter, shoving him into the curb... where he cartwheeled a few times, knocked over a lightpole and landed upright in the bushes. The fellow in the brand new Altima behind me plowed into the Nissan that I hit and broke his arm, as well as totaling his car.

Blackjack saved my life.

Please, don't anyone say "he can be replaced".

Blackjack saved my life.

Don't look at this thread then. http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=199715&highlight=condolences

Glad you're ok Linds!!

Holy crap! Is there a meritorious service medal for a vehicle? I nominate Jack!

sorry for your loss. It was/still is a sweet ass ride! Good to here your made it out alright.

Knowing Lindsy personally I know how she feels definately. Blackjack was like her own son. Hell she rather starve herself then loose Jack.

WOW! I actually saw this thing get dirty once. Sorry to hear about it. Total loss???

gutted man... glad yr ok tho


Si

My heart breaks for you Linds'
Bottom line, I am glad you are physically okay.
With out question you are one of the coolest kindest people I know. I am saddended with you that this happend to Jack but I am both relieved and thrilled that you are okay and that we all can go through this next phase with you.
You wont ever be alone.

Sorry to see that Lindsy :( . We know what Jack meant to you.

Sorry Lindsy, were here for you. Sad to see Jack go, he did his job and did it will, he protected you!

Man, what an unfortunate accident:( I know you've put a lot of heart and soul into your X and it's hard to replace that. Most importantly, it;s good to hear you're ok:thumbsup:

Linds I glad to hear you are physically ok, Ill say this though. When I read that you wrote that the guy behind you hit the nissan that hit you and broke the guys arm I was like "hell yeah". Im here if you need anything, you still have my number.

i am also glad that you are ok when i heard the news i was in total shock, anything you need don't forget to call

<<<HUG>>> im so sory hun

if theres anything i can do for you you know how to find me

Please, don't anyone say "he can be replaced".

He can be replaced :confused::confused::confused:

That sucks Lindsy... At least the accident wasn't your fault and you'll get a nice insurance check to help make you feel better.

we are feeling for you out here on the west coast. i lost my girl last year. it hurt bad....

Lindsy, we're so glad your ok, I know that Blak Jack ment a lot to you, we have seen the trials, and the extent you have gone through to keep him dear to your heart.

Of course in all that has been done, we'reee more happy that you are safe and sound with nothing more than some minor injury's, saddedned by the loss of Black Jack but glad that the irreplaceable is still with us, you were watched over for sure.

If you need anything please let us know :cool:







Jeff & Lori - :navajo:

I am glad to hear you weren't more seriously hurt. The damage to BJ sucks and just isn't fair..

Physically, I'm just bruised and sore with a lot of small cuts, but fine. Mentally is another story.

I just lost my best friend.. my reason for everything that I am today. Please, don't anyone say "he can be replaced".


AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH, what the....Wooo, glad you're ok Linds. Blackjack was awesome but can be replaced. Look at it this way. Now you can get a 2003 Sport with SOHC and a manual trans. :D

Argh, Sorry about the ride, good thing your alright thats what matters the most.

There are a lot of dickheads out there that have no idea what their doing, and you just happened to be there at the wrong time, sorry about the lost.....

AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH, what the....Wooo, glad you're ok Linds. Blackjack was awesome but can be replaced. Look at it this way. Now you can get a 2003 Sport with SOHC and a manual trans. :D

Kabukies is for sale still.

Guys lets give her some time to decide what she wants to do. I doubt she wants to look into a replacement just yet.

Sorry for your loss :( It always pains me to see wounded Explorers, especiallly in my opinion one of the nicest on the site.


My first thought looking at the pics was, "... Gentlemen, we can rebuild him. We have the technology... Better than he was before. Better, stronger, faster"

Guys lets give her some time to decide what she wants to do. I doubt she wants to look into a replacement just yet.

No, she's definitely going to exhaust every possibility of saving her truck first, body damage be damned. I'm not gonna settle for blue book: I want my truck back.

Thanks everybody for the kind words. My coworkers had Jack brought home to our dealership so they could take care of him for me while I was recuperating. From what I understand, the tow truck driver was a Chebby man and he started busting on my truck, saying "If she'd have been in a Blazer, she never would've rolled"... which my extended 'family' didn't take kindly to. They were ready to call the tow company and complain about how their driver had mysteriously disappeared and left his rollback idling in our parking lot :rolleyes:

http://www.explorerforum.com/photopost/data/500/1115071414_Small_.jpg

The swelling in my hand has gone down a lot from the original egg- nothing's broken, but everything from my left ear to my left hip hurts like a mofo.
http://www.explorerforum.com/photopost/data/500/1114072024_Small_.jpg

And I don't remember doing this, but the firefighters tell me I came through the broken window and forcibly removed the jaws of life from them when they tried to take Jack's door off :p:

http://www.explorerforum.com/photopost/data/500/1116071001_Small_.jpg
http://www.explorerforum.com/photopost/data/500/1116071000a_Small_.jpg

Long live BlackJack....


Glad to hear you are going better.

You fight for him, Spas! It's your right and I hope you get what you want out of it! Best of luck and you've got my prayers added to the mix!

seeing the truck first hand tonight.. I can definately say Blackjack was testament to Ford quality. Dunno how Lindsy survived with no broken bones. The roof has some serious damage, drivers quarter, hatch, passenger quarter, fenders, grille, etc.

seeing the truck first hand tonight.. I can definately say Blackjack was testament to Ford quality. Dunno how Lindsy survived with no broken bones. The roof has some serious damage, drivers quarter, hatch, passenger quarter, fenders, grille, etc.

Ford Built Tough! :D

Lindsy, Sue and I are very glad to hear that you are ok.

I'm very sorry to see Jack in that condition.:(

Explorers are definitely are much safer than the media would lead everyone to believe:rolleyes:. It's amazing how hard a shot one can take while still keeping the passenger's safe. :thumbsup:

Yeah Blackjack took care of chinstrap..

:D :mattmoon:

sentamenatal feeling aside repairing that would be an huge huge huge task. No question the insurance company will total it. Buying it back and paying for a repair out of pocket will be extreemly costly.
I hate to say it but I would just let this chapter close. :(

Time to start fresh.

I am so sorry to read about your tragic event. Though we've never conversed, I've read your past posts and know how much you care for Blackjack. My Explorer doesn't have a name, but like you, I have a profound attachment (http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=194345) to it and it pains me to know how much you're grieving. Though I am a stranger, please accept my heartfelt sympathy.

It sounds like Blackjack is now in a safe place, just as my Explorer was. So please believe me when I say you now have time before you have to make any big decisions. And it is that time that will tell you best what to do. I pray that one tomorrow you will find what's needed to erase the pain of yesterday.

Sorry to hear about your loss, I say you should take everything that is still usable and find another chassis. Let the reconstruction begin!

"Blackjack, Explorer. A truck barely alive. Gentlemen, we can rebuild him. We have the technology. We have the capability to build the world's first bionic Explorer. Blackjack will be that vehicle. Better than he was before. Better, stronger, faster."

Sorry to hear about your loss, I say you should take everything that is still usable and find another chassis. Let the reconstruction begin!

"Blackjack, Explorer. A truck barely alive. Gentlemen, we can rebuild him. We have the technology. We have the capability to build the world's first bionic Explorer. Blackjack will be that vehicle. Better than he was before. Better, stronger, faster."

Ha! You said it in a nutshell.

I know if I were to fix the battery cables that the fire department chopped, reattach his driveshaft and crank all the oil out of the cylinders, Jack would fire right up and putter wherever I ask him to (even if I can't turn very far). There's no damage to his frame north of the rear leaf springs, and what little there is should be easily bent back to normal. If all goes like I'm praying that it does, I can score him a nice new body and pop in the v8 in the process. It definitely helps to work for Ford and to have a coworker who has a full body shop at home ;)

The jerk who hit me seems to have skipped town or something, since he has neither reported or responded to his own insurance company. And it's been almost a week already! I'm still waiting to retain my lawyer officially, but that should be resolved this evening. The jerk's insurance company won't even give me a rental unless I have a lawyer call them :( I'm afraid to see what my ER bill is, and my back is killing me again. Which REALLY sucks because it was just starting to feel better!

Looks like it's going to be a long, ugly fight.....but I'm really not ready to let go of the old boy just yet. He's all I have!

wtf is with people. Hell I swear dead beats like this need to be taken out back and beaten..

Probably one of these jerks who thinks if he does nothing then the whole thing will just go away....yeah right

And Spas make sure you are sitting down when you open that bill from the ER
So you don't have to make a second trip there:D

On my Dad's (ahem)final trip to the ER it was like 5K:eek: Thankfully the Insurance paid it.

WoW sorry for your loss Linds, main thing is your ok. Hang in there girl, if you need anything just holla.

I have a rhetorical question for y'all... there's no right answer, but I'm really interested in your opinions-all of you.


What part(s) of our beloved Explorers would you consider their heart and soul?

Right now...tires (slashed). :(

http://www.explorerforum.com/photopost/data/3420/medium/IMG_3302.jpg

I have a rhetorical question for y'all... there's no right answer, but I'm really interested in your opinions-all of you.


What part(s) of our beloved Explorers would you consider their heart and soul?

The soul and heart of our beloved Explorers to me is the time and Love that we put them into them. We have all put many hours of labor, many thousands of dollars, and many times of distress that makes our explorers priceless.

Thats why mine will always be mine.

I have a rhetorical question for y'all... there's no right answer, but I'm really interested in your opinions-all of you.


What part(s) of our beloved Explorers would you consider their heart and soul?

I agree with Burns.

Lindsy, you're not gonna like me much for this, but as a friend, and someone who has vehicles that I care about a lot, it's time to put aside the emotion and think about it logically. Jack has been wrecked how many times now? 3? Before this wreck, he already had frame damage, body work and rust, all of which were causing issues. If I totaled the '66 or the Mach, I'd be really, really upset, but I wouldn't spend more money than they were worth to rebuild them, I'd go find another one and salvage the good parts from the wrecked vehicle to take with me. Rebuilding a vehicle with that much damage is just not a good idea. Besides, you're talking about putting a new body on the bent frame? Why not go that little extra step and start with a good frame and good body.

It's time to get a different vehicle. I know you love Jack, but it's not financially or mechanically smart to try and rebuild him. Take the insurance money and buy another Explorer. Yes, it will be emotionally painful to do, but you'll end up far better off in the long run. Start with a fresh truck that hasn't been in any accidents and doesn't have rusted out panels. Transfer all you possibly can from Jack to the new truck, and make a new, improved Jack. If you try to re-build Jack, you are going to always have issues. I know you love him like a family member, but it's time :(...Ask Kevin and I'm sure he'll give you the same answer.

I have a rhetorical question for y'all... there's no right answer, but I'm really interested in your opinions-all of you.


What part(s) of our beloved Explorers would you consider their heart and soul?

The part YOU put into it.

Let's face it-before you owned him Jack was just another explorer--you can do it again.:D

The part YOU put into it.

Let's face it-before you owned him Jack was just another explorer--you can do it again.:D

I agree with Jon, he kept the best part about him safe.

It's not unlike when the vet says you have a choice to make about your best friend. Keep him going with various drugs, knowing he'll never be the same or let him go peacefully.

Lindsy, you're not gonna like me much for this, but as a friend, and someone who has vehicles that I care about a lot,

x2 (and x3 for Rookie, x4 for BOD)

Lindsy take the recommendations of all your friends.. We know what that truck has been thru. The structural integrity of the frame has been compromised more than once already. Its more than likely diamonded. Why risk have further complications down the road with the truck.. The last thing you want to do is go thru balljoints or have issues with the drivetrain due to the accident. Just find a suitable 2nd gen sport model and just swap components.

I appreciate the opinions, guys, really I do. (and Colin, who the HELL did you piss off?!?! Good God that sucks!! :eek: )


I may not have any choice in the matter of saving Jack. I was just informed that if Teferi Dagne (the foreigner who caused all of this) doesn't cooperate with his insurance company, they are legally allowed to disavow coverage of him and throw him to the wolves: namely myself and Mr. Casey, whose car was also wrecked as a result of this pinhead's bad driving. To date, his cell phone has been disconnected and none of the three insurance companies has been able to get ahold of him. Which means that it's a good possibility that he's already decided not to take responsibility. How can you sue someone for damages and medical if they're not in the country anymore?

Just when I think that I've lost everything again and things can't get worse...........

(Edit: Oh, and I've already got dibs on the 00 black sport we have here. Plus one of the customers wants to trade in his Xp8 so don't think I'm not considering other options, as much as it hurts to do)

Time for a good lawyer ASAP!! I can't see how his insurance company can duck responsibility when he was paying premiums to them. He was an insured party when he caused the accident. This may just be the insurance company's way of trying to weasel out of it.

Get a lawyer. I have been tied up in a lawsuit from a car accident for two years. Get one now and get everything working.

Glad you are doing well.

Like Jeff said, you need legal representation ASAP.

Sorry to hear of your loss. Hang in there.

there is some smart smart people here.
The heard and soul of Jack was the driver, and the owner.
When you bought Jack it was okie doke, but you made it bad ass.

As far as ressurecting it, I have been bitting my tounge.
NOT a good idea. I dont care if your guy is the best in the world. That is a hugely difficult repair and the odds of it being done correctly, straight, safely, with no leaks, no wind noise, all alignment points dead on in the numbers, are slim, slim, slim.
And that just wouldnt be Jack.

What part(s) of our beloved Explorers would you consider their heart and soul?

The heart and soul of anything that could be considered "material" is the extension of our own heart and soul that we put into it. Its the time money, busted knuckles, dreams, schemes and everything else we pour into these trucks, but most of all its the memories we share with and involving the truck.

No mater what they can never take jack from you, because jack will live on within you

Lindsy,
I have to agree about putting another body on the frame after a wreck like that. It would be more work and money with questionable results and safety if you were to get into another accident. Take what you can off of Blackjack and find another Sport to continue on with or choose another vehicle if you think it is a better option.

I also believe the vehicle is what YOU put into it, you make it what it is.

Good luck with you recovery and I'll keep you in my thoughts for a good outcome. The driver who caused this does deserve a good AssWhoopin' though. Sucker should pay up for his being a stupid driver! Get an attorney fast! The longer you wait, the harder it will be to collect anything for this.

The 'band-aids' came off today for the jerk's insurance adjuster to look at Blackjack, although they made it quite clear that they have NOT determined whether they'll take responsibility for the damages yet.

http://www.explorerforum.com/photopost/data/500/DSCN2436_Small_.JPG
http://www.explorerforum.com/photopost/data/500/DSCN2435_Small_.JPG

It's difficult to see, but apparently Jack is no exception to the cancerous doglegs of death :rolleyes:
http://www.explorerforum.com/photopost/data/500/DSCN2438_Small_.JPG
http://www.explorerforum.com/photopost/data/500/DSCN2437_Small_.JPG

Kev, I took a pic of the shoddy bodywork that I was tellin' you about: as you can see, the junk just cracked right off :mad:
http://www.explorerforum.com/photopost/data/500/DSCN2441_Small_.JPG


Encompass Indemnity, the jerk's insurance, hard core lowballed me on their estimate. They set Jack's value at $4758.... and that's NOT including buy back. My rims and tires alone are worth half that.


Oh, and this is the '00 Sport with the blown engine that I keep mentioning. (It could use some love, it's been in our lot for well over a year now)

http://www.explorerforum.com/photopost/data/500/DSCN2442_Small_.JPG

Oh wow the drivers side is worse than i first had thought.


Please go ahead and get legal help now. Been there done that. Get ahead of the game.

That actually doesn't seem too low. When I totaled my 98 mouny in February, they "gave" me 5400. They wanted me to produce reciepts for my wheels and tires and all of my mods so they could depreciate them (of course they were not going to give me full price for them) so I just bought the truck back for $850 and have been selling the useful parts here on teh forum to help pay for my new project. When all was said and done 5400 for the truck, 1300 owed to the bank and 850 for the buy back, I got a check for $3250.

Listen that is not right. You can get more out of it than that.

Two years ago when i totaled the explorer i have now (my 91) i got 4500 plus all medical from the accident.

Listen that is not right. You can get more out of it than that.

Two years ago when i totaled the explorer i have now (my 91) i got 4500 plus all medical from the accident.


You got over big time if you got that much for a 91.

Lindsy get a lawyer and refuse every offer they make until you & the attorney can agree.. I'd say atleast $6000 for the truck and an additional $1500 for wheels & tires.

You got over big time if you got that much for a 91.

yup, thats way more that I would expect for a 91.

Yup. You have to fight to get what you need to rebuild your baby. She can get what she wants.

how is jack motor ?

It looks like that 00 sport might be your hot ticket,,
( it looks like Zorro did when he was a little kid. )

Lindsey, I'm glad to see you are recovering and looking at new possibilities.

As far as Blackjack's value. Hmmmmm, that's almost $5000. I'm definitely not any expert. But, to me that doesn't seem too bad for a 2dr 2wd truck that is almost 10 years old. Are we ever happy with what the industry says our trucks are worth? Not me. I still shake my head at the trade-in values of my two trucks. I don't understand it. My two trucks came off the assembly line in Louisville just 3 months apart. But, the trade-in value difference is over $3000. :eek:

From the NADA website tonight...
2000 Explorer Limited 5.0L with 106,000 miles(-$750 for mileage) - Assembled January 2000 = $6475
2001 Sport Trac 4wd with 86,000 miles - Assembled March 2000 = $9550

Too bad my Sport Trac isn't in good shape to actually get that kind of money for it.

But hey, get what you can. :thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup:

Colin - WTF????

Colin - WTF????

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=199690

Found out from the mailman, it was just some punk kids. They got 4 cars down that street and a couple in another tract.

I have a rhetorical question for y'all... there's no right answer, but I'm really interested in your opinions-all of you.


What part(s) of our beloved Explorers would you consider their heart and soul?

I couldn't answer this without alot of thinking, but just wanted to say I was sorry about Jack. So glad you are ok though. I know you will do what is best in the long run

((((((((Lindsy))))))))

Lindsey, I'm glad to see you are recovering and looking at new possibilities.

As far as Blackjack's value. Hmmmmm, that's almost $5000. I'm definitely not any expert. But, to me that doesn't seem too bad for a 2dr 2wd truck that is almost 10 years old. Are we ever happy with what the industry says our trucks are worth? Not me. I still shake my head at the trade-in values of my two trucks. I don't understand it. My two trucks came off the assembly line in Louisville just 3 months apart. But, the trade-in value difference is over $3000. :eek:

From the NADA website tonight...
2000 Explorer Limited 5.0L with 106,000 miles(-$750 for mileage) - Assembled January 2000 = $6475
2001 Sport Trac 4wd with 86,000 miles - Assembled March 2000 = $9550

Too bad my Sport Trac isn't in good shape to actually get that kind of money for it.

But hey, get what you can. :thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup:

Colin - WTF????

After looking at the price for 98 Sports within 150 miles of me for the last two days, I have to admit you're right, John. They seem to average between $3500 and 4k mostly. I've never been able to put a price on Blackjack, I guess because he means so much to me :( I do remember having an argument with Kevin once over how much it would take to get me to sell him. And I remember the shocked look on Kev's face when he said "One Million" and I shook my head 'no'. I've always said that the only way I'd ever be able to give Jack up would be by a freak act of God....... and now it's happened.

I finally got to wriggle underneath him for a better inspection (little bastard punched me in the jaw, too!!) and although I certainly don't want to admit defeat on this one, there's no way I can save him without winning the lotto. And even then I doubt he'd be the same. My friend Bri got through to me last night with the same thing all of you have been saying: It's been a wild and memorable ride, but it's time to let him die peacefully. You guys have no idea how hard it is to type this, and I hope you never do. My coworkers are looking at me like I'm nuts because I'm crying again :p:

Glad to see your looking around for other options, still sad to see blackjack like that, it really does. If you need an engine for blackjack II, let me know, the junkyard up near school has one sitting in a 00 with 13k on it, tranny, transfercase looks fine, everything has been covered. Just been siting for a few years, I know for the engine they want 900 bucks for it.

The back of the truck was taken off with by the looks of something large, but everything from rear windows forward is intact and fine from what i can tell.

Lindsy, I am so sorry. :( Jeff and Ben have been keeping me updated on what's going on, but at least you are ok and not hurt. But as everyone has said, he did his job and kept you safe.

I can empathize greatly to what you are saying and know that the decision is a hard one. A dog ran out in front of me a few weeks ago while I was driving to work. Couldn't avoid him and I hit him with Reaper. He took out my Cobra R bumper and scared me to death. No other damage, luckily, except for some stripped bolts for the headlights. It definitely could've been a lot worse. Couldn't drive him until I replaced the bumper. Every day I'd come home from work and see him and just cry. I know people think I am nuts :confused:, but until you have that "connection" with a vehicle, they just don't understand. And thinking back, Reaper did his job as well. He kept me safe. Going 60 mph down a highway and hitting a 70 lb dog and I didn't even have a bruise from the seatbelt.

And though I can drive Reaper right now, I know the chances of something happening where I will have to give him up are high (due to the amount of idiot drivers in Austin :rolleyes:), but I know that I took care of him the best I could and he did his job.

You have your memories of your truck and like someone said previously, no one can take those away from you. No other truck can replace Jack, but at least you can look forward and give another truck your love as well. Please let me know if there is anything I can do. You are in my thoughts......

Lindsy, this is just one period in your life. You will make it through. Material objects can be replaced, friends and family can't.

<<<HUG>>> i get the feelin you need one of those today. keep your chin up, ok?

Sending a little love your way <<<<hugs>>>>

Linds I know exactly what you need. Im gonna go pick you up, then we are driving over to that little town we stayed in when we went to RC. Im gonna go to Arbys and order 2 of their 5 for $5.95 meals, then Im gonna walk into McDonalds and you can sit back and watch the sparks fly!!!!!

My wife and I have a connection with our '92 Cougar. Lola is her name. We bought her in Aug of '04 because we needed a car to replace a Taurus we had and she was all we could afford.
We feel she found us. She has a personality. There have been a coupe of times the hood closed on me while working on her. It wasn't windy and the hood props are not shot.

She is sitting beside the house right now with a blown head gasket. (3.8) It has been down since April this year and I just didn't have the time or money this year to fix it.

I'm going to fix her this spring so I can drive her again. Then I hope in two years to have a 347 in her.

If something ever happened to Lola we would both be crushed.

Linds I know exactly what you need. Im gonna go pick you up, then we are driving over to that little town we stayed in when we went to RC. Im gonna go to Arbys and order 2 of their 5 for $5.95 meals, then Im gonna walk into McDonalds and you can sit back and watch the sparks fly!!!!!

Oh God, I do enough crying every night as it is-I don't need to laugh so hard I cry, too :D :p: On that note, a coworker suggested that maybe I need to be on anti-depressants right now, and I'm thinking it might not be such a bad idea. If nothing else, it'll keep the depression at bay so I can concentrate on getting some justice for my boy.

I don't like seeing people be put on those things, nothing good can come from that. I would go to a doctor to see what they say. Because those things will screw you up physically and emotionally if you do not take the correctly. Most people don't understand that you MUST wean yourself off of them, you can not stop taking the right away, it will send you and your body into the worst mood swing and depression swing you've ever experience.

My fiancee(Crystal) is a nurse and I've heard way to many horror stories, just be careful linds.

Also, Crystal says she's glad to hear your ok and sad to see blackjack down. We wish the best of luck to you, hope all works out.

Oh God, I do enough crying every night as it is-I don't need to laugh so hard I cry, too :D :p: On that note, a coworker suggested that maybe I need to be on anti-depressants right now, and I'm thinking it might not be such a bad idea. If nothing else, it'll keep the depression at bay so I can concentrate on getting some justice for my boy.

Anti-depresants are not a does all saves all.

Oh God, I do enough crying every night as it is-I don't need to laugh so hard I cry, too :D :p: On that note, a coworker suggested that maybe I need to be on anti-depressants right now, and I'm thinking it might not be such a bad idea. If nothing else, it'll keep the depression at bay so I can concentrate on getting some justice for my boy.

Nah, not the answer. First of all they take a about a month to start working. You just don't take them and feel better.

anti depresants should be used as a final means after other options have been sought
plus it takes months or yeas if ever for them to find the right medication and dosage for you, and when theyre wrong it does alot more harm than good

I have a rhetorical question for y'all... there's no right answer, but I'm really interested in your opinions-all of you.

What part(s) of our beloved Explorers would you consider their heart and soul?

The heart is the time spent together and the experiences shared. The soul is the embodiment of the living memories created by that singular relationship. These are an indelible part of you and they will live and thrive so long as you do. Regardless of Blackjack's physical state, his heart and soul are eternally with you. And what of Blackjack's physical manifestation of steel and oil? It was always transient - subject to rust and periodic maintenance changes.

It's been a wild and memorable ride, but it's time to let him die peacefully.

I think you are being wise. And I say this from experience. In many ways the Explorer I drive is all the physical form I have left of my brother. It took me 10 years to realize it was okay to drive his truck. It took me 10 years to realize he would have wanted me to enjoy it.

Blackjack gave everything of himself so that you might live. No nobler deed could he have done. He deserves more than than a tortured continued existence. And he would feel the same way about you.

Realize that letting him go will never mean he will be gone. Close your eyes and think back to a wonderous experience you shared with Blackjack and try not to smile. I believe you will find in that moment of reflection that he lives still on.

..a coworker suggested that maybe I need to be on anti-depressants right now, and I'm thinking it might not be such a bad idea. If nothing else, it'll keep the depression at bay so I can concentrate on getting some justice for my boy.

Be careful. Anti-depressants may be a good option if you feel you cannot cope. But they are only helpful in suppressing some of the symptoms resulting from the inability to deal with the tragedy. They cannot help you deal with the tragic event itself. If you feel you need assistance to deal with this, which is not at all unreasonable, seek psychiatric counseling. A professional counselor can help you get through this and may prescribe anti-depressants as a part of the treatment. Only under these conditions should you consider taking medication that so deeply affects your neurological system. As others have pointed out, you cannot expect results as soon as you start taking them and you cannot simply quit them when you feel you're okay. Failure to follow professional dosing instructions can have dibilitating effects that can even include seizures.

Black Jack was the Most Kick A-S-S truck i ever met...Linz u got my message on myspace about BJ and how i felt about him...but heres some old pics i came across that i thought id share... these were takin in 2004..good times..good times....and hey do u still have that picture i had gotten made for u? it was pretty sweet

It's amazing how quickly a lawyer will get things rolling for you.. I started therapy for my 'reverse whiplash' (don't ask, somehow my neck is negatively arched now) and the compressed disc in my spine. If the damn cyst/lump in the back of my hand doesn't go away in 5 more days, they say I'm going to need an operation to remove it so I can get some semblance of gripping power back in my hand again. Glad I'm not paying for any of this since they finally caught the bastard, I'm sure the bills are gonna be quite the tall order.

After much arguing with the insurance company, they cut me a check for $4250-ish after the $475 buyback and totaled my boy (obviously). I've decided to use half of that to get a Focus or Zx2 because I have a 44 mile roundtrip to work now and Morgan is raping my wallet. I'm not going to sell the 347 just yet, because I'm too torn up to buy another Explorer right now. I'm not saying I won't because my plans change on a daily basis. Jack is and always has been a snotty little sh!t, though.. I've known this since the first day I saw him and I can honestly tell y'all that he wouldn't want me to replace him. Now comes the most difficult part.

I can't do this by myself, guys. I tried to take just his air filter out to give to Morgan and had a complete meltdown in the parking lot. I will NOT let him go to a junkyard to be picked apart. I have a friend in the Maryland Creepers whose family owns a salvage yard and, knowing what Jack means to me, is willing to take what's left of him (after I remove what I want to keep) and take his carcass straight to their crusher. Christmas is coming soon and I'm sorry to ask this of you guys, but if you can free up a weekend in the coming weeks to come down and give me a hand I would appreciate it more than you could ever guess. Please let me know.

Thanks everybody for the support.

I have a trailer and a tow vehicle if you need help moving Jack!

Id go with the focus personally,but im partial. in all honesty ive got about 24k on mine and no compaints. itd definately help the gass thing, i get about 27-28 mpg on average and i drive like a jackass.
I wouldnt sell the 347 yet. even if you let it sit for a bit it wont be hurting anything

i checked the calender, im tied up through the new year though. ill be more glad to help you though any week in january though.

I WILL make time for you Linds'

Glad to hear things are finally going your way! If I have time one of these weekends, I'll come down to help ya. I know next weekend is out, but not sure after that.

I can probably help.

Merry Christmas to me... the boss is okay with me keeping Jack here on our property for another month (and I quote, "I don't see why not. It's not like you didn't keep the damn thing here all the time anyway." :p: ). So maybe the first or second weekend in January, if you guys can spare half a weekend. I'll post the date once I get things sorted out. Thank you!

That's great. I wish I could help out but there's about 3000 miles preventing me. Although, you might get a smile out of the fact that your musical text message woke my sleepy ass up at 5:40 am!! I about crapped my pants.

Merry Christmas to me... the boss is okay with me keeping Jack here on our property for another month (and I quote, "I don't see why not. It's not like you didn't keep the damn thing here all the time anyway." :p: ). So maybe the first or second weekend in January, if you guys can spare half a weekend. I'll post the date once I get things sorted out. Thank you!

Lindsy,

Praying for you that you get better soon and that you have no lasting effects from the accident ((((((((((Lindsy))))))))))

I wish I lived close enough to come and help you. Need to ask a question though. You said you were only taking things out you wanted. Would you be willing to part out Jack's rear bumper to me?

I don't know if you know, but I was backended last May and I only got $2,200 for a settlement, so I'm waiting until I get my tax return to have my Explorer repaired, and already having the bumper will save me a bit of money. January is ok for me, since I have to talk to my boss to see if I can use our UPS shipper ID to ship it up to CT.

If you don't want to, I completely understand, Jack was your baby and it must have been so hard to let him go. Let me know either way, ok?

I still miss my 92 Sport, but I was realistic after going through 2 trannies, the last blowing a seal it got to a point where I had to put tranny fluid in every time I drove it :( That's when I knew it was time to let it go. The guy that took it told me that there was nothing salvageable from it and that it was going directly into the crusher.

I was lucky in finding my 98 Sport two years ago, for a great price.


Here's the pic of my rear bumper after I was hit :(

anything after the 1st is open for me

Sandy, I wouldn't mind hooking you up with his rear bumper, but as you can see- it faired about as well as your old one:

http://www.explorerforum.com/photopost/data/500/DSCN2400_Small_.JPG

That's actually what punched me in the jaw last week when I got underneath to measure the points on his frame :rolleyes: I will eventually start a "For Sale" thread after we've taken him apart, but right now even thinking about it hurts.

I went to see a specialist on Monday and we finally figured out why the lump on my hand won't go away: there's a piece of glass hanging out in the bruise. So technically Jack really is a part of me, lol ;) If it didn't hurt so much I'd actually like to leave it there. That got me thinking, though... can anyone recommend a good custom jewelry maker who specializes in metals? I'd really like to take a piece of Jack's hood and the chip from his pats key and have a necklace made so I'll always have a physical part of him to keep.

That got me thinking, though... can anyone recommend a good custom jewelry maker who specializes in metals? I'd really like to take a piece of Jack's hood and the chip from his pats key and have a necklace made so I'll always have a physical part of him to keep.


Wifey knows a guy in Frederick that has made a coupla' rings for her.
That is a good start at least.

BTW
GREAT idea

Sandy, you might want to try out LMC Truck Parts....http://www.lmctruck.com/index.htm

Very good site and they have your bumper for 159.95, not including any of the plastic. The top step pad is about 74.95. I think thats your best bet is to either by from there, which would be new or go pick one out of a junkyard. Don't know how much shipping would be but id give them a call or at least check out their web page, very good place.

Item numbers:
Bumper-Standard Paint Explorer 98-01 Part# 50-9559
Step Pad Explorer 98-01 Part# 50-9562

Now my book says the step pad only comes in black but you can call them and see if they can get you the grey. Good Luck, hope that helps.

Sandy, I wouldn't mind hooking you up with his rear bumper, but as you can see- it faired about as well as your old one:

http://www.explorerforum.com/photopost/data/500/DSCN2400_Small_.JPG

That's actually what punched me in the jaw last week when I got underneath to measure the points on his frame :rolleyes: I will eventually start a "For Sale" thread after we've taken him apart, but right now even thinking about it hurts.

I went to see a specialist on Monday and we finally figured out why the lump on my hand won't go away: there's a piece of glass hanging out in the bruise. So technically Jack really is a part of me, lol ;) If it didn't hurt so much I'd actually like to leave it there. That got me thinking, though... can anyone recommend a good custom jewelry maker who specializes in metals? I'd really like to take a piece of Jack's hood and the chip from his pats key and have a necklace made so I'll always have a physical part of him to keep.

Damn, girl I see what you mean about your bumper. Now, how did the doctors at the hospital not find that piece of glass in your hand? That must hurt like hell :(

Looking at Jack's damage, made me think how blessed you are that you were not injured worse, Jack literally saved your life

You should be able to find a custom jewelry maker to make exactly what you want.

frickea86, thanks for your help too, I have a magazine from that place and already know what it would cost me brand new. Wasn't planning on putting a brand new bumper on a almost 10 year old truck , and Jack's bumper and step pad are grey like mine which is why I asked her about it. So now I'm going to inquire at junkyards around here and see what I can find.

Chris, thank you for bringing her down so she could say goodbye to her little buddy. I really appreciate it.


:(

http://www.explorerforum.com/photopost/data/500/skunk_jack.JPG

I guess I'm just slow on the uptake... I learned about your crash just now:(

I'm SO glad you came out of that ok. That was a helluva crash. I hate it when idiots screw up the lives of others by pulling stupid, selfish moves like the guy that caused your crash did.

Right now I am working on rebuilding a "new" Dodge Dart. It's not the car I got from my grandma, but I'll tell ya what, working on it brings back all the good memories from the original:burnout:

Good luck with your new Focus. I'm sure it will do a good job for you.

aw that pic of jack and skunk is just so sad.... i still can't believe that he got so hurt. I had a blast hanging with you guys the other night, i will stay in touch once i deploy. stay stong hun and give jack a fare-well pat from me.

TILT!!! are you back in Colorado yet?

He should be by now, and I TOLD him to call you, lol. Gotta catch him quick before he has to head back to Army life!

Seeing as to how today is Blackjack's 10th birthday I figure it's about time I update this thread with his future plans. Yes, he's going to have a future, and no, it's not the crusher. The depression and uncertainty I've experienced for the last 3 months has given way to determination: He is mine and I don't want to let him go. There are wayyyyyyyyyy crazier people out there than me who reduce perfectly good vehicles down to bare race shells or turn them into completely useless show trucks, so I don't want to hear anyone's attempts to talk me out of this. Understand? I'm fully aware of my financial situation. If you can't suggest anything helpful as far as getting him back on his feet then keep it to yourself please.

That said, whether I get $15,000 out of this settlement or not, he will be turned into something part Explorer and part race truck but he'll still be Blackjack. Current plans (subject to frequent changes I'm sure, lol) call for a completely new, boxed rear frame made from 2x3 3/8 with 4 link & panhard, possibly on airbags to lower his C.O.G for racing/show. I don't think I want him laying frame though... that just seems silly to me :eek: (no offense meant to you frame draggers). The front suspension's probably going to consist of aftermarket, beefier A-Arms and matching bags (or bag/shocks) and might even get moved out from the frame a little to widen the front track. Rear axle's getting a C-clip eliminator to widen it as well. A new body has to be found of course, and I will more than likely remove his rear seats to make room for the 8 point cage and new racing seats. Plenty of bodywork's going to happen as well, but I'm not sharing those details just yet ;) I figure since I'm going to help him turn into the beast he's always wanted to be, then he's getting a supercharger too- and I fully intend to let him go after Troll's record :D

If this sounds like I'm dreaming way too big, then you're right. But I find that if you aim high you'll probably hit pretty close to your target. This is going to take forever to get accomplished, but I'm more than willing to follow through. Help will be MIGHTY appreciated,though- whether it's just a suggestion or actual wrenching time.

Thanks a lot everyone.......... wish us luck!!

http://www.explorerforum.com/photopost/data/500/happy_birthday_buddy_Small_.jpg

Are you gonna do a V8 swap? =) Would be nice with the supercharger..

I have a CHP crate 347 with a forged steel crank and a Trick Flow top end ;)

Nice!!! Oh man.. this is gonna be kickass..

good luck to the both of you

body hammers and sanding blocks standing by....

( with "that look" in my eye )

Oh yeah

Awesome idea. Good luck you you both

Hell yea. Made the right decision. Let's get this show on the road. :thumbsup:

I just came across this thread and read about the accident.. i went through the same thing.... i only had liability though, but i decided it was best to fix "green lightning" rather then get rid of it, it's been my only vehicle since i turned 16, and i wouldn't have traded it for anything. my signature shows what all it entailed... but one things for sure looking back on it. i never regret fixing my explorer, if anything i value it more, because i know how close i was to losing it.

good luck in your quest.

Yeahh!!! Thats the spirit!!! I can't wait to see the final stages of Blackjack being done.
I almost got back ended today on the highway, and thank God, the Ford Windstar behind slowed down before hitting me. Some dickhead jumped right in front of my lane and slams the brakes, I slowly slow down (I'm only 20 feet away, going 20mph), but the windstar was going pretty fast and couldn't stop in time, hitting me. Thank God, nothing happened to my X, I don't give a poo whatever happened to his windstar. We both got of the highway, and checked out the cars, he had a small dent and I had nothing thanks to those solid bumpers. There was no need for any police reports or anything.

Now I have a feeling of what feels like to lose something that you care & love.
So yeah thats about it. Been babying it for 7 years and I'm not stopping anytime soon. :D

Thank you guys for the encouragement... that's exactly what I need right now, especially every time I pull his cover off and look at the massive amount of work in front of me :eek: I've still got a few more months before the jerk's insurance company makes me an offer, and possibly even more time after that if it's not high enough and we have to take them to court. Hopefully they'll be smart and offer what I want right off the bat. For now I really have to compile a list of parts that I will need so it will make ordering them a smoother process when the time comes. That, and I need IDEAS!!!! Throw some out here, people!

I hope they offer you a good ammount. I have been fighting for 2 yrs so far on my accident


You will be ok. The work will help the stress you have been under

What are your thoughts, and what are the legalities, of going old school. Carb, with a c6

You'd save a wad of dough.

Gotta keep the OBD II system or Maryland will kick me out of the state or somesuch, lol. I told Jt this already, but I want to keep the front of Jack's frame because it'll be the only large original piece of him left, aside from the coolant/washer reservoirs, AC, ABS, and 60% of his interior trim (Which will include my damnable squeaky console... you guys just don't know how much I miss those dreadful noises!)

Burns: TWO YEARS??? Why?!

hey well i'll be sitting here watching the progress as im cold and lonely w/o queenie in korea.
good luck hun, you and jack are an icon i can't wait to see how he turns out

hey well i'll be sitting here watching the progress as im cold and lonely w/o queenie in korea.
good luck hun, you and jack are an icon i can't wait to see how he turns out

Well no wonder you never answer your phone anymore :confused: It's actually cold over there?

ill keep ya warm! :D

(Which will include my damnable squeaky console... you guys just don't know how much I miss those dreadful noises!)

?!

I thought we made that go away ????

ill keep ya warm! :D

Damn did i miss something here?:eek::confused:

Damn did i miss something here?:eek::confused:

They like to share pants... don't ask :D

Kev, it went away for a little while and then came back in full force a few days later. What I wouldn't give to hear it again... I even tried a gentle shake to see if he'd still do it, but I guess since the floor looks like an accordion it keeps it from squeaking :(

They like to share pants... don't ask :D



Yup your right i am not gonna ask;)

we woke up on rookie's floor one morning and lt was in my pants

it really does sound dirty when i say it like that

we woke up on rookie's floor one morning and lt was in my pants

it really does sound dirty when i say it like that

That was a fun night, I miss that old apartment.

Captain (Morgan)'s log, Stardate: March 6, 2008.

Well, she finally started taking my younger brother apart today after months of the poor guy enduring driving rain, 40+ mph gusts and near-constant ice. Surprisingly, she seemed pretty chipper about it, even cursing at him like she used to as she cut herself on random pieces of glass. She yanked his passenger seat (WHICH WILL SOON BE MINE, ALL MINE mwahaha!), radio, radio bezel, Door panel, overhead console, 3 of his speakers and some misc bolts before she called it quits for the day. I'm glad he can't hear/feel anything, because if he heard half the insanity she mutters to herself about his 'future plans', he'd probably piss 5w30 all over himself and run away in terror! I think she plans on trying to remove the rest of his interior and stash it away in storage next week... lucky me, guess who gets to hold all his parts until she makes time for a trip to the storage unit? :p: It's ok though, I can't wait to have the snotty little bastard back, I miss having someone to pick on Chevies with. Will enter more as time progresses, right now it's time to go hit on that hawt lifted F350 across the way again. Maybe now that I've had a bath she'll be more inclined to give me the time of day....

http://www.explorerforum.com/photopost/data/500/parting_0ut_finally_Small_.jpg

your not well

i thought you might need to know that :p:

Luvin" it. You go girl:D

Captain's log, stardate March 17, 2008


I HAS NEW SEATS!!! :D

http://www.explorerforum.com/photopost/data/500/0317081833_Small_.jpg

Umm, yeah I think you need to get some down time. You're talking about yourself in the third person, it's creepy.:crazy:

Umm, yeah I think you need to get some down time. You're talking about yourself in the third person, it's creepy.:crazy:

...and, spas... you need to remember that I am 3 hours behind you! :p:

As long as you don't have a vehicle named Polly Prissy Pants, I'll let the crazyness slide. :D

your not well

i thought you might need to know that :p:
:D

All right all right, I'll stop trying to write from Morgan's point of view, sheesh :p:

Seriously, hearing that noise scared the #^$& out of me. It was like a cross between a dying cat and a jet engine! I was going to pull the fan shroud off the pulleys and see if I could get him running again, now I'm having serious second thoughts :eek:

i cant even fathom what that noise would sound like

Heartbreaking would be a good word.

slight delay due to mechanical dificultys caused froma ford being a ford might be a better way to look at it

Has anyone here ever tried dyeing their carpet? I'm thinking of ways to save Blackjack's, but A) it's got 10 years worth of yuck in some places and B) I've always thought black carpet would look kick-ass. On that note, anyone ever tried to two-tone their interior panels?


Oh-and Colin, I know these things... I was just making sure you got up in time for breakfast :D

Has anyone here ever tried dyeing their carpet? I'm thinking of ways to save Blackjack's, but A) it's got 10 years worth of yuck in some places and B) I've always thought black carpet would look kick-ass. On that note, anyone ever tried to two-tone their interior panels?


Oh-and Colin, I know these things... I was just making sure you got up in time for breakfast :D

I want to say I read somebody did. Yeah power wash his carpet and then dye away. And there is plastic/vinyl dye also for the interior pieces.

My local valet bay uses spray paint on faded carpet..

Si

Blahh. I don't want the dye to come off on my feet or when I steam clean the floor :p: There's got to be some kind of professional dye that I can dip the carpet in, repeatedly if need be until it's good and on there and not coming off..!

Sheri's 944 carpet had faded so I re dyed it with Rit dye I bought at the grocery store-
I bought 2 cheap shower curtains to protect the concrete

I mixed the dye triple strength with lots of vinegar.
then I scrubbed it in real well with a brush, while the carpet was still wet from being powerwashed.
Let it dry in the sun real good, let it get real warm. Then repeat it again.

after this rinse it with a power washer lightly and let it dry again.

I can not promise it will work for you, since carpet is made of different stuff, but this worked well on tan carpet changed to brown.

OR
I think you can find a "nifty" carpet kit for less than 200 bux. It takes some work but fits well.
Honestly, now that I think of it I would rather replace the carpet. :D

Define "nifty" carpet kit, JT :D I was originally thinking of putting down some type of carpet kit but it seems to me that factory would be the best fit and have the best sound dampening, too?

I think this is what he was talking about: Nifty Products (http://www.niftyproducts.com/home_nifty.aspx)

They make replacement interior components.

go with the pro street look
all sheet metal interrior

this looks like a good deal here-

http://www.stockinteriors.com/items.asp?MakeId=34&ModelId=225&MainCatId=1&Desc=Ford_Explorer_Carpet&gclid=CInUzKTNmZICFQurPAodVhlnyA

go with the pro street look
all sheet metal interriorIm going to have to agree with this :thumbsup:

While all metal would indeed look cool... I'm thinking of how deafeningly loud the 347 and flowmasters are going to be, plus I'd like some insulation because I plan on keeping some sort of stereo system (removable woofers to save on weight, of course). Thanks for the links!


In the ironic department today we have this breaking news: As I was pulling up Morgan's carpet to run wires for his new power seats I discovered that SOMEBODY HAS SPRUNG A LEAK. A very very very SMELLY leak..! I don't know whether water's creeping in from the busted windshield or somewhere else, but PEEYEW is the carpet moldy!!!! :fart:

Got most of Jack's interior pulled except for little things like the rear seats & instrument cluster, finally. Ideally, I'd really like to transfer the airbags, seatbelts and steering wheel over to the new body (when I get it)... the wheel because it's had plenty of blood sweat and tears put into it (literally), the belts because they've saved my life a few times now and the 'bags because I've always said that "I've never been smacked by his airbags, nor do I ever plan to!" I can't keep an eye on the originals if I leave them in the old body :D If anyone is looking to spend some tax return money on a new engine/trans/transfer case, I put Jack's up for sale here (http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=211940).


I was working on removing my stereo wiring yesterday and noticed something kinda cool... Jack was covered by a tarp for 4 months until I could afford a proper car cover (I know, I'm a baaad person), and it beat what was left of his paint mercilessly in the unusually high winds we've had. It's been almost 6 months since the accident, though- look how shiny his paint still is!
http://www.explorerforum.com/photopost/data/500/still_shiny_Small_.jpg


I love my truck :)

you were in a roll over
get new belts




Please.

Spas, are you going to make it to Moab this year?

i know i will probably have the option of making to moab this year since i will be living in AZ

Monmix, if you say so I will!

DWD, Man o man don't I wish I could afford it. But alas, the wallet is bone dry and I'm going to have to skip this year :( You better make it to next year's though: I *should* have my settlement by then and I REALLY wanna bring Morgan with me!!!!! :D

Jus, you're not moving til May 30 right? You're going to miss this year's Moab, but you had best be out there next year too!!

might be out there sooner depending on what happens with jobs

I say so.
:thumbsup:

[sarcasm on]Oh yay, here we go right back into depressionism again...[/sarcasm off]

I had to make yet another miserable decision today... if anyone's interested in a professionally race built Coast High Performance 347 long block for $3 G's, shoot me a Pm. I don't know why God hates me so much that he keeps throwing non-stop obstacles in my way and shooting down my dreams, but without a second income to help me out I have no choice but to sell it in order to pay my taxes and overdue bills. I already work 62 hours a week and I STILL can't get by in Maryland. Somebody buy the damn thing and make a monster out of their Explorer, would ya? :( The Focus is next on the list of things to go, just FYI.

I think it is less about God hating you ( which he doesnt, but you knew that ) and more about perspective. Simply put, what is really important. What really will matter five, ten, fifteen years from now ?
yeah I know life has handed you a shit sandwhich, again and again. I am convinced of this.
There are no coinicidences.

You said 'shit sandwich'.... LMAO :D You're right, I don't and shouldn't blame God. It just baffles me why I have such horrible luck. The hopeless optimism is still at work underneath the angry exterior though...maybe someday I can hand build a 331 and slap some twin turbos on it or something.

[sarcasm on]I don't know why God hates me so much that he keeps throwing non-stop obstacles in my way and shooting down my dreams,

because obsticals make you stronger
and despite everything i still believe things happen for a reason
thje only unfortuneate part is that we never seem to be meant to understand the reason

we should get together for lunch some time. Chit chat more.

Give me a month to get caught up and I'll take you up on that, Kev! What did you do, pray for me?! 'Cuz somebody apparently listened for a change :)

I wanted a miracle and I got one: Instead of selling my beloved 347, I had a new opportunity pop up 4 days ago. My best friend and her husband got kicked out of her house (long story, her mom needs to be on heavier medication BAD) and they were desperate for a place to live on their own. My aunt has a townhouse that she's willing to rent to the three of us, which means that instead of losing 3/4 of what I make on rent, I now will only be losing 1/4! The only downsides are that the house is in one of the worst parts of my county and that I hate having to share a bathroom. BUT NOW I DON'T HAVE TO SELL MY ENGINE!!!!!!!! Now I can not only get caught up on the bills (and FAST!) but I can finally start making it to more offroad runs and meet & greets :) So thanks to whoever said a prayer on my behalf :bounce:

Sweet! That's awesome Linds. I was sad you were going to have to sell your 347. I'm glad you'll be able to get caught up on your bills too.

Ahhh.
This will make me sleep good tonight.

:D
Who needs roller coasters?

So thanks to whoever said a prayer on my behalf :bounce:


some times God does stuff like this on his own too ya know...

I finally received a settlement offer from the jerk's insurance company... suffice to say, Lindsy is not amused, nor hardly satisfied with the peanuts they're offering.

Breakdown:
Upper Chesapeake Emergency Physicians: 300.00
Medical records fees: 39.75
Harford Memorial Hospital 50.00
Harford County Chiropractic 3,000.00
(negotiated down from 4,985.00)
Stanley *****, MD 500.00
(negotiated from 690.00)
Administrative Expense 45.00
Attorney Fees 3,000.00
(courtesy reduction from 4833.33)

Total Fee & disbursements: 6,934.75

Net Client recovery $7,565.25


Yep, the best the lawyer could get them to offer was 14,500 to cover everything. I ARE PISSED. I won't agree to this because I firmly believe that his insurance company owes me at least as much as they estimated it would cost to repair Blackjack to previous condition, which was in the neighborhood of $12,000. 10k is the bare minimum it's going to take to get him back to where he needs to be (ideally, 14k would be perfect). I wrote this little tidbit out of sheer emotion after reading the letter last night, and I would really appreciate some un-biased opinions from y'all as to whether I have a snowball's chance in front of a jury with this statement:

"I am a strong person… losing my Mom, making horrible credit mistakes and not having more than a handful of family to begin with, has made me that way. I have an unusual and extremely strong attachment to my ‘98 Explorer, who I firmly believe has been one of the major influences on my life for 8 years now and is directly responsible for much of who I am. It is arguable that to hold an inanimate object in such abnormally high regard is neither typical nor rational. To some extent I agree, however, I ask that you respect the fact that I feel my truck to be the one thing in life I can always depend on and that without that dependability I consistently feel very depressed and completely lost. Mr. Dagne is only human, and humans make mistakes. He exercised horrible judgement and had my truck not been in such excellent shape as a result of my devotion, who knows how badly things might have ended for me! I feel you should have to PAY for your mistakes.. God knows I‘ve paid for mine. Seven thousand is not enough to rebuild the one thing in life that makes me truly happy, regardless of whether you agree that me saving my wreck is sane or not. Not to mention that I may never regain full use of my left shoulder, I still have glass in my left hand, and given the fact that I lift heavy objects for a living, I’m having to deal with lower back and neck pain that previously weren’t such an issue! "


The trouble I'm having is getting people to respect the fact that YES, MY INANIMATE OBJECT MEANS THAT MUCH TO ME, and regardless of whether anyone thinks that's wrong, the sumabitch who hit me owes me money to fix said inanimate object back to its prior condition.


Well? Whatcha think? Go to court, possibly get less of a settlement but hopefully more based on emotional trauma and lasting physical injury... or take what they're offering? If you've got something helpfully eloquent that I can add to my statement, share!

Sadly that is very common with insurance companies and their lawyers. You can try doing a civil case against the insurance company and the guy who hit you but it will cost you a good considerable amount of money, due to the fact your already have negative financial problems, it may just make it worse for you. You'll have to make the hard decision whether to take the $14.5K or try to get them thru circuit court. Just remember that the insurance main job is to pass the blame off as much as possible and to generate as much revenue as possible.

i agree with ben and all they have to pay u for your explorer is estimated blue book value for it, trust me i know first hand i hate to say it but it might be time to take what u can and move foward

Why would they pay to have it restored to its orig condition? You know as well as anyone else that once its totaled they wont pay to restore it.

I'm just saying that I think they owe me more than 7,500.

I would fight the injury angle more.
my exfiance sued me for a quarter mill. for "deminished life style" that is the correct legal term. She won too.


Odds are slim you will get very far with the " You really dont know how much this Explorer means to me " Odds are pretty good you will not find 12 people on the jury that will understand.
You injury is MUCH more relateable.
( is relateable a word ? )

I'm just saying that I think they owe me more than 7,500.


agree

So I found this short little video on an old CD... talk about bittersweet. I miss his 'voice' so much that it almost makes me hesitate about doing a v8 swap :(


Almost.


http://www.explorerforum.com/files/6507/Jack cecil.MOV

Finally, a glimmer of hope! :bounce: Just sharing this with those who are following my court case :)

A month ago I was informed that the trial for my lawsuit against the guy who hit me (henceforth referred to as "@$$hole" from this point) was being moved out of the District court, where it was to be decided by a judge, and into the Circuit court for a trial by jury. Not understanding why but having faith in my lawyer, I didn't ask what was going on. I received a ton of questions to fill out last week from the other insurance company and called my lawyer's aide today to clarify a few things... (and I quote, "Oh yeah.. you're the one who was really into her truck. Good Lord, you still have that thing?? I saw the pictures, no wonder you want to sue the pants off of this guy!" ;) ) Without knowing the final verdict on my permanent injuries, apparently @$$hole's insurance company decided they wanted to go to a jury trial instead, presumably thinking that a jury would award LESS money than they previously offered. Here's the thing, though: I'm really not joking about having headaches every damn day, or not being able to lift heavy objects with my left arm anymore- and the final specialist wrote a nice long letter saying so. Had they waited to see said letter, they would've known this. Maybe they think their foreign ignoramus' sob story is going to be better than mine? I don't know.

So instead of being smart and staying in District court, where the max cap on my injuries is $30k (according to Maryland law), these dummies are now in Circuit court by their own choice. WHERE THERE IS NO CAP :D And I have a glowing review from a well regarded specialist :D :D Granted, I shouldn't be so excited over the fact that I'ma be on Advil and Flexeril every day for the rest of my life and probably at the chiropractor's once a week :rolleyes: but I love the fact that my lawyer decided to respond to @$$hole's decision for a jury by bumping the settlement request up to $100k :bounce:

It's totally unrealistic and we all know it but it's a nice little way of saying, "Haha, you idiots. You are so gonna pay for this!"



I can't wait to see what kind of offer they make now :D

This is exacltly how mine went. I hope everything works out for you. Its already been a long process and they will hold it as long as they can. Mine went 2 years before i just said enough and settled with them.

Nice Spas. Good luck with everything! :cool:

I knew I should of charged more for that bumper.

i hope everything works out for u! fingers crossed.:thumbsup:

best of luck, u might be able to come out and visit then

(and I quote, "Oh yeah.. you're the one who was really into her truck. Good Lord, you still have that thing?? I saw the pictures, no wonder you want to sue the pants off of this guy!" ;) )


Hell yeah, That was probably and is the best looking Explorer on this forum or anywhere else. I can't wait to see what the final verdit is and hopefully you can start over with another stock Explorer, and make it much better :salute:

i must chime in with my typical dont expect much dont get disapointed aproach, but good luck!

i must chime in with my typical dont expect much dont get disapointed aproach, but good luck!

i agree with u, a lot of the time that's how i go

I knew I should of charged more for that bumper.

You hush up. I still have to modify the hell outta that thing to make it work on Morgan :p:

Thanks guys. I really don't have super high expectations, but it's comforting to think that maybe... just MAYBE... patience and perseverance will pay off in the long run.

That, and thinking of $20,000 different ways to make Blackjack into the baddest ass sport ever makes me happy :D ;)

Meet Junior. Junior's days are numbered, so don't get too attached.



:D

http://www.explorerforum.com/photopost/data/500/jr_1_Small_.jpg
http://www.explorerforum.com/photopost/data/500/jr_3_Small_.jpg

is this ur new truck?...

Lindsy can you even afford him? With what I know of your financial situation don't you think it would have been better to pass it up and try to save money?

and the hole keeps getting deeper and deeper soon u won't be able to see the top at all and then there is no turning back i say get rid of it all and live in the woods off the earth much simpler

you only live once, start transplanting parts imediately. its a 3 day weekend after all.

:scratch:







:banghead:

Why......

:scratch:







:banghead:

Why......

i agree draper

you only live once, start transplanting parts imediately. its a 3 day weekend after all.

I'm glad at least one person understood the "why" part, thank you Aric ;)




Ben, I bought it for $2,000. The Focus is being sold for $3,200. Do the math, dingleberry. Everything it needs, brakes/shocks/belt/etc, is going to come off of Blackjack, who's going to be stripped down to bare frame- which will then be turned over to the fabrication geniuses at S&W in Pennsylvania so they can make me a kickass linked suspension and weld on the aftermarket A-Arms I'm going to get. Plus make a cage :p: It's all that I can save of him, but that's the way it is. I don't know why this seems so extreme to some of you: Look at Iz's truck, or almost ANY dedicated race car that's been gutted, tubbed, caged, and turned into a 1/4 mile monster. I have a budget, contrary to what y'all think.

I pity you guys who live life by how much money and possessions you have. I'm not like that, nor will I ever be. As long as I have Blackjack and enough moola to pay my bills and get by, I'm very happy (which is my current situation). I don't aspire to get eyeball deep in debt for a house that I'll be stuck in for a million years. And knowing my budget, it'll be a POS that needs daily repairs anyway. I don't know what you guys want from me, but I really wish you'd stop doubting how serious I am about getting my damn truck back!

I just don't want to see you put yourself deeper in the hole or make your credit history beyond repair. I have a customer with a son my age who basically ruined his credit history by failing to pay his credit card, kept bouncing checks, etc. It actually reached the point where he just didn't pay even the minimal balance on the card. From what I was told it was somewhere in the neighborhood of $1000. Most people don't realize that when they do background checks on you some services will actually also run a credit check on you. When you apply for a credit card, each time you apply your credit rating drops a little bit each time. You see all these first time home buyers who have defaulted on their loans cause of their inability to manage their money. You can't depend on your possible civil lawsuit case to bail you out of the hole you buried yourself in or depend on the sale of the focus to build a vehicle. You need to have money saved in high interest savings account like ING or Household bank, both offer 3% and 3.5% respectively. Even putting in $25 a week over a 6 month range will earn you at minimum $30 interest as long as you don't withdraw the funds.. I've been putting in $50 a week since January of 2007 and have earned $120 in interest in 2007 and about $80 or so since in 2008 but thats mainly due to the fact the rates dropped from 5% to the current levels. Starting young with a retirement goal like a Roth IRA will greatly help instead of starting at 40 or 50. I'm sure Plaza Ford offers some sort of 401k system, you should definately look into it.

You can't depend on friends or family or selling stuff to bail you out of your financial problem forever..


If you look at IZ's situation his ratio of how much he earns and how much he spends is alot lower than your ratio. Thats the key thing, you spend what you can spend for modifications and other frivolous things based on how much you need to put away a month to pay off bills and any unexpected things to a limit. If you put yourself in a budget I can guarantee you within 6 months you will have your bills all paid off or atleast half of them.

Linds its not people doubting you, or how serious you are, its people looking out for your own well being

i dont know how your finances are, honestly its none of my business, but i know what of them i do see, and i just want you to REALLY sit down and think about things and your future

i know this is what you want but ill be the first to prove that what you want and whats best for you are not always the same thing

Ahaha, I think I know where the confusion is coming from here... I haven't been in contact with many of you for the last few months, so there's no way you could know that not only am I caught up on 95% of my bills, but since I moved in with my buddy I've actually got money left over each paycheck. The way it should be, lol. I'm putting $$ aside for emergencies AND diverting what's left toward futhering my master plan. This is why I can afford to get rid of a car that I absolutely LOATHE driving and switch back to an suv. I'm not depending on the lawsuit as much as you think, just working toward my goal a little at a time. This new truck is going to have to hold me over until I have enough saved up to do what I want to it, I never said it was going to happen tomorrow. When I say "I'm broke" now, it's because there isn't enough left over after paying for everything. Doesn't mean the bills aren't paid ;)


You guys really thought I'd never learn to control my finances, huh. With age comes wisdom. And a very strong desire not to starve every week, LOL! :D

a car that I absolutely LOATHE driving

hey hey, i dont tolorate focus bashing :p:

hey hey, i dont tolorate focus bashing :p:

Yours is a lot newer and faster and better looking than mine :mattmoon: Scoot's only saving graces are gas mpg and being somewhat reliable. I really miss my big, fat, understeering, torquey RWD! Oh, and it'll be nice to be able to carry 4 people comfortably again.. AND have room in the cargo area still! This new one is a true 2wd with a SOHC: I'm really curious to see how much better the gas mpg is without that damn transfer case eating half of it. It has 3.73 LS, too... that should make a difference over my old 4.10's, yes?

On that note, anybody have a 98+ driver side lock actuator they'd be willing to part with?? Mine no workie :(

On that note, anybody have a 98+ driver side lock actuator they'd be willing to part with?? Mine no workie :(I does -- el doors will get el plasma cutter so actuators will go to trash unless claimed.

I does -- el doors will get el plasma cutter so actuators will go to trash unless claimed.

Oo oo! EL GIMMIE! :)

PM me your street address and I'll get it out to you Tuesday or Wednesday (holiday on Monday).

*Looks out window*

I just had to make sure you didnt walk off with midget.

But, im with ben on this one. However, goodluck.

Its not that I don't support you on your idea but I just think the time frame is a little too early. I just personally see it in a need and want situation and with the way the cost of living is going, your gonna hurt yourself.

Its not that I don't support you on your idea but I just think the time frame is a little too early. I just personally see it in a need and want situation and with the way the cost of living is going, your gonna hurt yourself.

I do what I can, when I can. And seeing as to how much "support" I'm getting in here, I'm just gonna do what my heart tells me to. I'm not going to keep you guys updated anymore to avoid these unwanted critiques of my lack of financial capability. This thread is about a very unique little black 1998 Explorer, not me.


I'll post pictures when Jack's whole again, hopefully in about 6-8 months :mattmoon:

So if you don't mind me asking what exactly is the plan with the new Sport you bought?

I think i have an idea here of what ur planning......But i want to hear it from the horses mouth.

Sent chu a Pm there, buuuuuddy :)

Yeah Linds' cause it is not like we all care about you or any thing like that......

Supporting your friends does not mean you agree with every descision they make.
Supporting your friends means calling them out when need may be. Like if I wanted to put graphics on the side of Zorro with a big "Type-R" on the door. I would like to think you would have a word or two with me.

Hey if ends are meeting and bills are getting PAYED OFF, and you have savings I say more power to ya (literally and figuratively;) )
Otherwise take your time and be carefull.
Think things all the way through.

I can see everyone's point of view. I finally paid off my 3000 dollars worth of credit card debt, and I can't even begin to describe how good it feels. I'm 20 years old and got in just a little bit, I know people my age that have RUINED the rest of their lives. The creedo I live by is don't go over your limit, and make at least the minimum payment so the card company is happy.

Now that I actually have money, the Explorer has seen numerous improvement in the last few months. It's a great feeling to be able to do what you want and not feel restricted.

Then again I also took out 14,000 for school, lol. I look at it as an investment though.

But let's get back to the thread:
Good Luck, Spas!! Keep us updated!

Spas,
I think some of the confussion about your situation comes from not knowing every detail of your finances, but I can tell you this; I believe you are getting this input from the previous posters because they do care about you and your situation. I agree wholeheartly about making your debts priority one, but if you have it under control, then you are on the right track. Good luck with the transformation of your new X. Keep the updates and pics coming!

and make at least the minimum payment so the card company is happy.

thats exactly what they want, and it will make them very happy because they get to charge you 9.99%apr(if you are lucky), and if you are late or dont make the minimum payment again, it skyrockets to 34%+ apr.... and then your in deep doo doo. My dad always preached that the only things you go in debt for is "reliable transportation and a home mortgage" and everything else, "if you can't pay for it with cash, then you don't need it."

its kept me out of trouble thus far, and built me some damn good credit. 5.75% apr on my used f150, and i'm 20 with no previous major purchases. i cringe when i hear people paying anything above 7% apr for anything.

My dad always preached that the only things you go in debt for is "reliable transportation and a home mortgage" and everything else, "if you can't pay for it with cash, then you don't need it."There are some benefits to credit cars, like air miles :). That's what I mostly use my credit card for -- pay it off at the end of the month and continue the cycle. I've been able to get a few free cross-country tickets with it so far :) -- and ALMOST got a free ticket to Japan but decided to save the miles and just buy the ticket instead since it was so cheap during that one season (also used the credit card for the ticket, and accrued even more frequent flier miles on that same credit card)

its kept me out of trouble thus far, and built me some damn good credit. 5.75% apr on my used f150, and i'm 20 with no previous major purchases. i cringe when i hear people paying anything above 7% apr for anything.

One handy trick is to call your credit company, ask them if you can get any kind of lower interest on your cards. I had the chase freedom, had mine lowered from 17.95% down to 14.95%, and told me call back in another 6 months to get it lowered again.

And I got smart this last time I realized I couldn't handle my credit card payment: I shut it down, am paying it off (a whole whopping $300 left), and don't use the damn things anymore!! If I can't pay for it with my own hard earned cash, then I can't have it. Simple as that. The only card in my wallet is the one linked to my checking account, and it's been that way for 10 months now. I've moved 3 times in the last year, bought a car, bought another Explorer, bought furniture and food... all without utilizing any type of credit at all. The only POSSIBLE thing I might need that crap for in the future is to buy a house. And that's so far away that's its absolutely ridiculous to think about at this point in my life. It would require a second income anyway, and the last time I checked I wasn't married ;) I know you guys care, and I appreciate it. However, what I need right now is a lot of support in this undertaking- cuz it's a doozie!

^^^
Well that said than keep up the good work.
Make that little $300.00 disapear ASAP.

Beyond that, take your time and make smart descisions.
You DONT want to rush Jacks ressurection.
Jack is well worth taking your time.

Well,
All I can say is I understand where you are, where you want to go, and will help you any way I can.

On the other hand, keep up the direction you are going with your financial status please. Please, wait for the deals to come around, and don;t get the project into a rush. Like Kevin said, it is worth the wait.

Glad everything is turning in a better direction. I am not much help to you but would if needed.


Also Spas were you selling a manual tranny at one time? or was that not you?

Glad everything is turning in a better direction. I am not much help to you but would if needed.


Also Spas were you selling a manual tranny at one time? or was that not you?

Yeah that was me. Decided to hang on to it once I got my financial situation resolved, sorry! And thanks for the offer of help, it's appreciated :)


Well, a lot of people have asked what I plan on doing with Jack's Fooses, since they've been discontinued and are getting harder to find by the day...


I highly doubt I'll be able to save the right rear, considering it shaved off a section of the inside wheel well when the axle folded in half :eek: The left rear is missing a chunk out of the inside edge but it looks repairable. Both front rims have superficial scratches around the outside edges that I can fix myself with a Dremel (in theory :p: ). Only one tire shows any sign of damage, oddly enough. The left rear has a few sidewall slices but they don't penetrate through to the steel.

Ow, my poor babies :(
http://www.explorerforum.com/photopost/data/500/rim_damage_1_Small_.jpg
http://www.explorerforum.com/photopost/data/500/rim_damage_3_Small_.jpg
http://www.explorerforum.com/photopost/data/500/rim_damage_2_Small_.jpg


I'm going to have the three salvageable ones fixed and hope to high Heaven that I can find a single 20x10 (that I can afford!!!)


Fooey :rolleyes:

Lindsay, I wonder if these guys can fix the Foose's?:dunno:

http://www.lakeshorewheelandtire.com/services.shtml

I have welded up a few cracked alunimu wheels before, we have a wheel repair guy bring his stuff to us. Ive built up the aluminum to the orig shape and he shapes it back in form, paints and clearcoats it. He has done some pretty awesome work.

I wouldnt be surprised if with some careful heating and grinding if that wheel couldnt be saved.

If you want to send me some better pictures I can get a better idea and I could work on it here at school.

Ouch, they don't look so good. :(

So guess what I found on Ebay during a random search last night...

WHAT ARE THE FRIKKIN' ODDS?!?!?!!?! (http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/20X10-FOOSE-NITROUS-GRAY-06-09-MUSTANG-SINGLE-WHEEL-NEW_W0QQitemZ200260055358QQcmdZViewItem?hash=item200260055358&_trkparms=39%3A1|65%3A2|240%3A1318&_trksid=p4506.c0.m245)

:D


Micah, I just need to you to fix the rim with the little nick in it now, if you don't mind. And if your Uncle can have the tire guy recoat/paint/buff/whatever to all of them, could you get me a price??


Ahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha, $92! I got a brand new 20x10 for $92!!!! *does the happy dance all over the place* :bounce: :bounce: :bounce:

Holy crap! Wow, that's awesome. I wish I could get lucky like that on E-bay.

congrats on the auction win!

you should still give the refurb guys the new wheel to match it with the ones they're going to repair..

Si

Brian, that seriously had to be a one in a million shot! Too bad I didn't buy a lotto ticket instead, huh? Lol!

congrats on the auction win!

you should still give the refurb guys the new wheel to match it with the ones they're going to repair..

Si

Not a bad idea! To be honest, the outsides of the rims are still mostly gorgeous though.. it makes me smile every time I look at them. They're like... rolling art :)

I will be home the weekend of the 17th and thanksgiving so anytime you want drop it off.

Cool beans on finding that other wheel. Holy crap.. Those things cost $2K for a set of 4..

Was browsing through the many links I have saved to provide inspiration in my rebuild and thought you all might like to see why I'm so interested in having S&W build my mutant 3 link frame/rollcage....

Blair's Cherokee (http://www.swracecars.com/PhotoGallery/index.aspx?PhotoCategoryID=19)


Yes, that Cherokee actually has a frame. They built the whole thing, and it runs 10's :eek:


...and you guys think I'M crazy! :confused:

girl that s!@t is offfffff the hook!....i cant wait to see jack rearing up like that!

girl that s!@t is offfffff the hook!....i cant wait to see jack rearing up like that!

If he actually stands up like that I'd have a heart attack! LOL!

I'm making some very slow progress while waiting for the idiot lawyers to finally set a date for the arbitration that I agreed to TWO MONTHS ago.. I've taken apart most of Blackjack's interior and now I've only got the dash, steering column, windows and some misc interior bits to pull. Next is getting the drive train out, which will hopefully be happening some time in March. It's been difficult to do what has to be done because of my @$$hole boss's restrictions about working on our personal vehicles, so I only have my lunch hour and a few hours on Saturday to devote to Jack. That, and it's still pretty damn cold outside *shivers* I'm getting there, slowly but surely.

Still my favorite place to be :)

http://www.explorerforum.com/photopost/data/500/fav_place_Small_.jpg

That, and it's still pretty damn cold outside *shivers* I'm getting there, slowly but surely. Yeah the weather has been a distraction. But the All Ford Nats is just around the corner!
http://izwack.com/dump/weather_spas.gif

(rabbit = good!)

Yeah the weather has been a distraction. But the All Ford Nats is just around the corner!
http://izwack.com/dump/weather_spas.gif

(rabbit = good!)

bah, that would be a heat wave up here this time of year!!!!

LMAO, IZ! It's bunny weather!

In the last month we've had not one, but TWO out-of-staters who gave up their Explorers rather than fix their mechanical issues. I had the opportunity to buy one, a '99 EB, for pretty cheap. I just can't say no to these things :rolleyes: As much as I would LOVE to have a 4 door to putt around in again (since Morgan is hardly the greatest daily driver ever), this poor thing has a VERY serious rust issue as well as a bad fuel pump and some completely annihilated rear brakes. Plus I still need v8 bits for Blackjack and my boy Port needs a 302 for one of his Stangs. The other customer had an '01 sport with tensioner death rattle and no oil pressure. Haven't got my hands on that one yet but if I do, it's getting Frankenstein's SOHC once I pull his body in two months.

I'm getting really good at killing the poor things :( Hopefully after this I only have one more to destroy and then I can go back to breathing life into the little buggers.

Looked pretty from 20 feet away..
http://www.explorerforum.com/photopost/data/500/IMG00116-20090409-1336_Small_.jpg

I adore dark charcoal interiors. I'm trying to figure out a way to make myself a two-tone sporty :)
http://www.explorerforum.com/photopost/data/500/IMG00123-20090410-1807_Small_.jpg

1.5 hours and a lot of caffiene later
http://www.explorerforum.com/photopost/data/500/IMG00128-20090410-2007_Small_.jpg
http://www.explorerforum.com/photopost/data/500/IMG00127-20090410-2007_Small_.jpg

World's biggest dork chopping off the exhaust with our "sparkle wrench" (again, know how I know you're gay, Port? ONLY YOU WOULD CALL A TORCH A "SPARKLE WRENCH" :D)
http://www.explorerforum.com/photopost/data/500/IMG00137-20090411-1453_Small_.jpg

Lenny and I finished off the killing last night
http://www.explorerforum.com/photopost/data/500/IMG00187-20090413-1934_Small_.jpg
http://www.explorerforum.com/photopost/data/500/IMG00188-20090413-2000_Small_.jpg

Naturally, things did not go smoothly and one of my coworkers had a pissy fit because I got the truck and he didn't... so he ratted me out to the boss :fire: Ya know.. I wonder who is worse to work with sometimes, catty women or catty men. Lol. Whatever.

This is the little golden sporty I would love to have as a DD, but time will tell.
http://www.explorerforum.com/photopost/data/500/IMG00117-20090409-1637_Small_.jpg

AAAAAAAAAAAAAND, picture candy time! Looky what we got in :)
http://www.explorerforum.com/photopost/data/500/IMG00183-20090413-1341_Small_.jpg

She sounds purty :D


As for Jack, the arbitration date is April 28th and it will take a month to recieve whatever the arbitrator deems my case is worth. I can get anywhere between 10 and 35 thousand, but I have steep medical bills and my ridiculously LAZY ASS lawyer gets 40% so he's not trying very hard. We'll see. I'm not making too many plans right now, just kicking back and waiting to see what happens. And hoping. Lots of hoping.

Port the gay mechanic.. Who would have guessed.

that's not fair! your tripping over these things, and i cant for the life of me find a explorer with a 302!!!!

Wow that mustang has something about it that looks exactly like a candy blue challenger. :)

You have any plans for the bracket on the underside of the arm rest? Or the cupholder part of the console?

You have any plans for the bracket on the underside of the arm rest? Or the cupholder part of the console?

Whadya do, break Midget's? You can have Blackjack's old one if you want but I'm keeping the e.b's whole center console because it's in perfect shape :) cupholder's yours if you want it!



On another note, remember how I said I pissed off a coworker who apparently had first dibs on the Eddie Bauer and I didn't know it? He was so ridiculously immature about it that he actually got me fired from Plaza! Don't know if that's what he had planned on, but I found it amusing that they'd let me go for something as dumb as working on my own truck when I've done it hundreds of times. You'd think I would've been fired long ago, when Morgan's wheel came off and he crashed to the ground in front of everyone on the busiest sales day of the year, or for any number of the outrageously idiotic things I've done over the 4 years I worked there. Like jumping the trade-ins off the hill in back, having trash can races, making giant penises out of masking tape and rags, lighting things on fire, messing up one of the first Saleens they got.... oh wait, no... that was all Port, I was just along for the ride :D (haha, I love it- his laptop's busted so he can't read this and defend himself!)

It's all good though, with the cuts and super restrictive abuse that have been taking place over the last four months I just didn't care anymore. Now I have a job at Packer Ford, which is MUUUUUUUCH better managed, cleaner, and all around more professional. Plus I was asked to head up their Quick Lane when they open it in a month, and guaranteed yearly raises... something I never got at Plaza. They're fine with me working on my vehicles when it's slow, because they want to appear busy on those kinds of days. The customers don't need to know the hulking gray monster Explorer is mine, just that they're "busy" ;) The only craptastic part is that I have to get Frankenstein and Blackjack outta there ASAP. Frank's going to be chilling at my friend's house for a while, and my best bud Numi is making room for Blackjack in their barn, which will actually provide a lot more protection for him AND a warm dry place for me to finish dismantling him. I'm glad thimgs are turning out so well! :D

hey, think of it like this, maybe they will pay for some schooling for you

watch out for the field mice in the barn..

Field mice better watch out for me :fire:

Tim, they offered but I can't take them up for two reasons: Can't afford to go to school and NOT work while I'm there. And, (I'm not proud of this, mind you) I can't seem to lift $h1t anymore since the accident ruined one shoulder and a very thoughtless friend of mine ruined the other by yanking it out of the socket when we were wrestling around a few months ago. Between the shoulders, back injury and completely girly lack of muscle, I don't have the stamina or endurance needed to continuously fight with heavy car parts all day. I will MAKE myself do it for Blackjack but I'm going to be paying for it for a loooong time. Took me two weeks of 800mg advil shots to stop hurting when I dropped Morgan's trans last month, and I still have most of the bruises. Sucks.

Congrats on the new job, Lindsy. Sometimes there is a plan laid out for us. ;)

honestly i think bein in a new place might open some things up for you

Yeah, like my mind! I've been off for a week and I feel more free and happy than I have in YEARS! It's great :) Not really looking forward to being worked like a dog at Packer but I am indeed grateful for the job.

Glad I got Blackjack outta that hellhole on Saturday, even if the @$$hole who towed him for me overcharged and didn't even drop the poor thing off where I asked him to--- because they took my green '99 e.b to the scrapyard this morning without even warning me! I ARE PISSED! I still had the dash, rear seats and a whole bunch of other stuff to pull :fire: Feh. Whatever. Hope the place sinks, they dick over so many people that I'm amazed they're still in business.

I'll take a picture of Jack's new home next Monday: it'll be the last time you guys see him whole for a long loooooong time. Btw, if anyone's free next week and would like to lend a hand helping me get his body off- I would REALLY appreciate the help...!!



The pathetic little shit made all kinds of horrible noises and put up a fight all the way across the parking lot but we made it thanks to Captain Morgan's towing service, lol.
http://www.explorerforum.com/photopost/data/500/IMG00214-20090418-1444_Small_.jpg

I would help... but I'm absolutely NOWHERE near you! good luck... I hope you get him looking as good as before...


Si

, they dick over so many people that I'm amazed they're still in business.


those are the ones that always seem to stay in business

I would help... but I'm absolutely NOWHERE near you! good luck... I hope you get him looking as good as before...


Si

I sure hope so too. I really hope I get enough to pull off half the wild ideas that have been floating around my noggin for over a year now. You could do me a huge favor though, my English friend: could you look around and see how hard it would be to get a hold of an Explorer floor shifter stalk, the center console, hand brake and linkage? (See where I'm going with this? LOL ;)) I would greatly appreciate it!


I had to give up on having S&W or OTGP do the framework- they just want WAYY too much for a simple 4 link, 2 crossmembers and basically 5 feet of 2x3 :( BUT! I got in touch with a friend who has done some awesome work to my best friend's and his little brother's trucks and is willing to take on Blackjack this summer. I'm sure it's going to be a learning process for both of us since he's more accustomed to building fourwheelers but he's very talented and SUPER thorough. Plus he's extremely fair in the money dept and really enjoys side projects :)

Btw, if anyone's free next week and would like to lend a hand helping me get his body off- I would REALLY appreciate the help...!!


When exactly?

When exactly?x2 - let us know

Joppa, MD

Well, if you guys are up for a drive I would love y'all forever! (Like I wouldn't anyway, lol)

I'll be working on Jack Monday, Wed-Friday and probably Saturday ALL DAY. I have to go to Timonium for his settlement hearing on Tuesday at 1pm, but I should hopefully be back by 5... what my mood is going to be after that is subject to speculation, though :rolleyes:

Speaking of speculation I need your help too, Iz. My friend Andy (Lowdown on the Creepers) is the one doing the framework and he after I showed him your build thread he asked if we could all get together for a few hours one Saturday night soon and discuss the best route to take with my project. He knows I admire your ideas greatly ;) You free any weekends in the next month?

Actually... hell, we should make a M&G out of it since ALL of you have contributed to Blackjack in one form or another over the years :D Who's up for it??

I think I've got most of the parts you require already sitting in a lock up... I'll keep them to one side for you, but you might have to paint them.... I know I've not got the handbrake or linkage, but I've got a shifter, and most of the centre console bits that go with it....

Si

I think I've got most of the parts you require already sitting in a lock up... I'll keep them to one side for you, but you might have to paint them.... I know I've not got the handbrake or linkage, but I've got a shifter, and most of the centre console bits that go with it....

Si

I LOVE YOU, MATE :D I'll figure something out for the hand brake. If you'll give me a few weeks to get my settlement I'll happily send you $ for them and for shipping! (oh shoot... I'll have to figure out how to convert it to pounds...or is it Euros now? lol)

it's still pounds. I'll have to work out how to get it shipped... the smaller parts should be easy enough. 1 or 2 boxes, but the sides of the centre console are about 2ft long....

I won't be free to find them till thursday next week at the earliest though.....

Si

How about the goods to convert one to RHD? :D

Off-topic, are you still going to import yours to Canada?

How about the goods to convert one to RHD? :D


Eegh! I dunno bout you, but I think it would majorly mess me up in everyday driving, LOL.


Oh, and this is Jack's new hideout. The awning is a lot sturdier than it looks, and at least he's out of the rain now :)

Eegh! I dunno bout you, but I think it would majorly mess me up in everyday driving, LOL.


Oh, and this is Jack's new hideout. The awning is a lot sturdier than it looks, and at least he's out of the rain now :)

BARN FIND! :D just kidding lindsy

BARN FIND! :D just kidding lindsy

I know where it is :p:

hey lindsy, put some dryer sheets (downy sheets) inside of him. mice hate that smell, and he will smell like fresh laundry :thumbsup:. seriously it works, instead of moth balls. that way he wont smell like a urinal.

BARN FIND! :D just kidding lindsy

That's not nice :nono: Dryer sheets, though.. those sound way better than mothballs. PYEW do those things reek :fart:

And Ben, you know better than to mess with Jack. I'll tolerate stickers and stupidity on Morgan, but touch my baby and your girlfriend's gonna be in the E.R. with you for 24 hours straight, stitching up the massive trauma that will happen to your thick skull :fire:

That's not nice :nono: Dryer sheets, though.. those sound way better than mothballs. PYEW do those things reek :fart:

And Ben, you know better than to mess with Jack. I'll tolerate stickers and stupidity on Morgan, but touch my baby and your girlfriend's gonna be in the E.R. with you for 24 hours straight, stitching up the massive trauma that will happen to your thick skull :fire:

You really think I'd mess with Jack? Umm I may be stupid but not retarded :D

You really think I'd mess with Jack? Umm I may be stupid but not retarded :D

you didn't say daring!

you didn't say daring!

Umm.. i don't wanna die.. She will kill me and slowly to at it. Though I do enjoy messing with her.. I thought about static cling ones.. just to mess with her :D

How about the goods to convert one to RHD? :D

Off-topic, are you still going to import yours to Canada?

I've only got most of the centre console parts, I think.

and I'm still planning on it, but it has to be 15hrs old, so I have to wait another 3yrs.... :(


Si

I may be able to help this coming Saturday, I'm not sure yet though.

Speaking of speculation I need your help too, Iz. My friend Andy (Lowdown on the Creepers) is the one doing the framework and he after I showed him your build thread he asked if we could all get together for a few hours one Saturday night soon and discuss the best route to take with my project. He knows I admire your ideas greatly ;) You free any weekends in the next month? Sure thing, just PM me whatever time/location you and Andy decide on and I'll be there.

Coolios, thank you IZ :) Blueka, 'most' is good enough for me! I just have to figure out how to make our column shift interlock work with a floor shifter. I can make my own linkage or get high tech and order somethig fancy ;) Brian, if you can make it, awesome, if you can't, don't worry about it. Most of my heavy lifting is going to be Wednesday and Friday... I hope.


Got a lot done today! Man I'm glad it's so nice out and I'm on 'vacation' :D Although I'ma KILL Porter for tricking me into thinking that Explorer dashes are easy to pull. EASY MY @$$! At least I don't have a windshield in the way.
http://www.explorerforum.com/photopost/data/500/IMG00279-20090427-1418_Small_.jpg
http://www.explorerforum.com/photopost/data/500/IMG00287-20090427-1826_Small_.jpg
http://www.explorerforum.com/photopost/data/500/IMG00289-20090427-1832_Small_.jpg

This little sucker managed to strip all the skin off of a knuckle :eek: Does anyone know the proper way to remove the cable from the bracket? I just used the 'Tim the Toolman' approach...
http://www.explorerforum.com/photopost/data/500/IMG00282-20090427-1607_Small_.jpg

Ta-daa! I has dash. I can't believe how freakin' HEAVY these things are...!!!
http://www.explorerforum.com/photopost/data/500/IMG00291-20090427-1833_Small_.jpg

I'm really happy to have his steering wheel out too. Probably sounds pathetic but it's the part of him that I'm closest to since it's how we interact. Still has blood on it though, so I didn't take a picture.



..... I'm acting like I'm in a good mood but in reality I'm on pins and needles. In 15 hours I'll finally know how much I have to work with after 17 months of grief. I can't wait for this to be over, but I'm alternately dreading and hopeful. It's like that saying, "Hope for the best but plan for the worst".

Coolios, thank you IZ :) Blueka, 'most' is good enough for me! I just have to figure out how to make our column shift interlock work with a floor shifter. I can make my own linkage or get high tech and order somethig fancy ;) Brian, if you can make it, awesome, if you can't, don't worry about it. Most of my heavy lifting is going to be Wednesday and Friday... I hope.


Got a lot done today! Man I'm glad it's so nice out and I'm on 'vacation' :D Although I'ma KILL Porter for tricking me into thinking that Explorer dashes are easy to pull. EASY MY @$$! At least I don't have a windshield in the way.
/photopost/data/500/IMG00279-20090427-1418_Small_.jpg
/photopost/data/500/IMG00287-20090427-1826_Small_.jpg
/photopost/data/500/IMG00289-20090427-1832_Small_.jpg

This little sucker managed to strip all the skin off of a knuckle :eek: Does anyone know the proper way to remove the cable from the bracket? I just used the 'Tim the Toolman' approach...
/photopost/data/500/IMG00282-20090427-1607_Small_.jpg

Ta-daa! I has dash. I can't believe how freakin' HEAVY these things are...!!!
/photopost/data/500/IMG00291-20090427-1833_Small_.jpg

I'm really happy to have his steering wheel out too. Probably sounds pathetic but it's the part of him that I'm closest to since it's how we interact. Still has blood on it though, so I didn't take a picture.



..... I'm acting like I'm in a good mood but in reality I'm on pins and needles. In 15 hours I'll finally know how much I have to work with after 17 months of grief. I can't wait for this to be over, but I'm alternately dreading and hopeful. It's like that saying, "Hope for the best but plan for the worst".

YOU FAILED! at posting your pics :D

Har har. EF failed, the 'Direct Link' on the pictures I just uploaded won't show the entire link for some bizarre reason. I just suck because I forgot to hit 'preview' before I posted and catch it ;)

Har har. EF failed, the 'Direct Link' on the pictures I just uploaded won't show the entire link for some bizarre reason. I just suck because I forgot to hit 'preview' before I posted and catch it ;)

Can it be cause you've been out of the water too long? :mattmoon:

Not really sure why I'm posting pictures of me taking apart a broken truck... but for some reason it makes me feel better so I hope you guys don't mind. The arbitration seems to have gone well but the judge said he wouldn't have a decision for up to two weeks. It was hard not to let my jaw hit the table, since I was expecting this crap to finally be over already :( *sigh* The good thing is that the other lawyer couldn't come back with any points that might compromise the case or give him any hope of winning because we shot him down really hard on EVERYTHING. The judge didn't even want to watch the "surveillance" tape they got of me doing a rotation at work on a Mustang since I flat out told them that I have no problem doing my job and moderate lifting. Unfortunately he still is required to watch it but he made it clear to the other lawyer that he thought it was a waste of time. NYAH NYAH :p: It almost made me laugh when he asked both lawyers what they thought my case was worth and mine says "2k a month for the rest of her life" (which according to some scientific thing is another 47 years on top of the 29 I've already lived.. I didn't tell them I'm convinced I'll be dead by 45 and my last words will be "Hey ya'll, watch this!" XD), and the opposing lawyer just caved and said that his client was horribly in the wrong and whatever the judge says is fine. Lol.


So anyway, I just hope the call I'm waiting for is a really good one and it doesn't come at a really inopportune moment like when I start my new job on Monday. In the meantime, Jack's losing even more weight than I have. Today he shed his remaining windows and a door as well as almost all of his interior. Tomorrow I'm going to start disconnecting his motor and such.

Took some pix of the really crinkled areas for Monmix to shake his head at:
Driverside B-pillarhttp://www.explorerforum.com/photopost/data/500/IMG00294-20090429-1527_Small_.jpg
Driverside inside pinch weld at front of rear wheelwell
http://www.explorerforum.com/photopost/data/500/IMG00295-20090429-1527_Small_.jpg
View from driver seat of rear driverside tire. Gee, the body's pushed in over a foot, wonder why he flipped. FRIKKIN NISSAN :fire:
http://www.explorerforum.com/photopost/data/500/IMG00298-20090429-1529_Small_.jpg

http://www.explorerforum.com/photopost/data/500/IMG00304-20090429-1534_Small_.jpg

I had forgotten about the factory "Ford Pillow" that they sometimes stuff under the speaker boxes and remembered the first time Wolf and I found it. We were scratching our heads and going "what the #$%@ is the point of this?!" Made me laugh :D
http://www.explorerforum.com/photopost/data/500/IMG00299-20090429-1530_Small_.jpg

Surprisingly, the only body part that ISN'T heavily damaged is the passenger door. As you can see by the reflection, it's still straight and true and was opening and closing just fine despite the fender being squashed. Btw, Jack's old wing is for sale for $30 since I won't be re-using it. PM me if anyone's interested.
http://www.explorerforum.com/photopost/data/500/IMG00301-20090429-1531_Small_.jpg

Took this one because a year from now I want to remember how much I never want to see this in person again!!
http://www.explorerforum.com/photopost/data/500/IMG00306-20090429-1712_Small_.jpg

Pm'd!!!!!! :D

I have told you I have my body hammers ready. Not to fix that dang pillar though. Let me know when you want me up there to start the metal repair. It would be an honor and a privlage.

I have told you I have my body hammers ready. Not to fix that dang pillar though. Let me know when you want me up there to start the metal repair. It would be an honor and a privlage.

Thank you Kev ;) I have a lot of things to order in the next few months! Do you recommend using stock Explorer sheet metal to do fill-ins for the door handles, antenna hole, etc? Or should I use something else? There are a few places on Jack that the metal is straight... ish... I thought it might be cool to use some of his old body to patch the new one.


Speaking of the devil, it looks like I will have enough to do most of what I want. The judge was fair, and gave me more than the minimum I need to do this project although not as much as the maximum. I'll just say that I should have taken the original offer instead of going through hell for a year and half and that's all you guys need to know about how much Jack is getting ;)

Soooooo, in two weeks I get the money-- and as soon as I get his #$%@ body off the fun begins :D

yeah I would use jack old metal for patches. You might recall when I shaved Zorro's rear wiper I used the sheetmetal from Zorros old lift gate.

(NOTE: Five more posts and you hit 5,000 :thumbsup: )

(NOTE: Five more posts and you hit 5,000 :thumbsup: )


and saying "welcome" doesn't count! LOL!

and saying "welcome" doesn't count! LOL!

Post Padding.. :thumbdwn: Some worthless users do that..

Post Padding.. :thumbdwn: Some worthless users do that..

What?

Oh dag... 5,000! I'm slacking compared to you and Ben, Kev ;) I have Jack's old hatch in the basement, I'll save some metal off of that and take a sawzall to his left quarter panel I suppose. How sad is it that my truck looks like a giant played kick-the-can with him and yet I still find it exceedingly difficult to cut into his sheet metal ? :rolleyes: Lol. I'm hopeless :p:

I'm hopeless :p:

but we knew that allready...


:p:

:dunno: still waiting for a shipping cost....

Spas, I haven't forgotten about you even though I kinda disappeared there for a while. I've been praying for you and Jack though, give me a hollar sometime!

BTW I just looked at the dash board photos.
You didnt lable a single connector did you?
And you dont have a photographic memory do you?

*sigh*

not labeling makes it way more fun....

becomes like a f'd up jigsaw puzzle...

does this fit?
no
damnit
does this fit
no
damnit
does this fit...

and so on....:D

Does this fit?
no
How about this?
damn it
Okay, let's try this one..
....

Where did I put my hammer?


:D

Kev, I'm not re-using Jack's dash because I really want to do a half dark charcoal interior (from the dash down). Which is why I'm still pissed that my parts truck got towed so prematurely :fire: It'll happen...


59Ford, where have you been hiding?? HOLLA! lol.

Tim, I'm still working on finding a damn box big enough for the wing, let alone getting a shipping quote on it :x I've been digging through body shop boxes for two days hoping someone ordered a bugshield but so far no luck. I'm not slacking, I swear!

lindsy, try this. this is what i normally do for shipping dash pads, door panels, ext. get a windshield box, and trace the wing around it. that way you have a tight fitting box.


.......wait did i just say that?!

how big of a box do you need lindsy? I have some boxes from the dog legs I ordered thru LMC that have been sitting here..

lindsy, can you do me a favour next time your out visiting jack (on top of the other stuff i asked for LOL), he had a full length console in him did he not? if he did, can you snap a picture of the mounting plate that is on the floor at the back of where the console would sit. i am trying to figure out if it is the same as it is in evil for when i change the console in it for the message center (mine is just the short console with the ever famous snapping arm rest).

Man, I don't know WHAT is up with my motivation lately (or lack thereof).. had a great time hanging out with Kevin, IZ, Brian and Ben at a car show Saturday and then spent 3 hours discussing build options with Andy so I was all kinds of stoked for a day. Then I tried to pull the rusted body bolts again yesterday and promptly gave up. Somebody come out here and give me a much needed kick in the @$$, PLEASE! It seems like mission impossible, trying to get those stupid bolts out with only 110 electrical to work with :fire: *sigh* I'll tell you what, though: remembering all the times the little fart has aggravated me certainly helped when it came to cutting out body pieces that can be used to patch door handle holes and etc in the new body...
http://www.explorerforum.com/photopost/data/500/IMG00375-20090515-1841_Small_.jpg
http://www.explorerforum.com/photopost/data/500/IMG00376-20090515-1841_Small_.jpg
http://www.explorerforum.com/photopost/data/500/IMG00377-20090515-1841_Small_.jpg

Anyway, I'm slowly formulating a proper game plan for when I DO get his frame out.
~I've decided to stick with a beefed 8.8 over a 9" simply because I have a few spares, I'm familiar with them, and between a truss/c-clip eliminator/welded tubes/Moser shafts and some variety of locker I think it'll stand up to 500+ horsepower pretty well. If I break it, then I'll go with a 9.
~After much discussion, I'm leaning towards something called a Satchell Link (http://www.carbibles.com/suspension_bible.html) rear suspension design (scroll down to "Derivatives of the 4-Bar system"). I've read about a couple of advantages of this design over a triangulated and parallel 4 links, namely that's it's a compact system and that it provides good anti-squat and a low roll center. While a parallel would probably be best for track use, I still want to drive my truck on winding back roads without him knocking my teeth out.
~No airbag shocks or airbags of any form on Jack's new design... The point was driven home quite clearly when Andy asked me what I'd do if I lost an air line halfway down the track at 100+mph. The answer is "Die" :eek: Coilovers pleeez! Kinda sucks because I was looking forward to the coolness factor, but oh well. Plus the coilovers are about HALF the cost of the shockwaves.
~The front suspension is giving me massive headaches. We all know there aren't any lowered arms available for Explorers so I'm researching other ways to go. I thought about a complete Mustang II front end but the cost and fabrication necessary is too much. There is no shortage of lowering arms available for (can't believe I'm going to say this...) S-10's, and since I have no aversion to chopping the factory IFS off and grafting on something else, it looks like that's what will happen. Picture this but with the mount for a coilover: https://candospecialties.com/Merchant2/graphics/00000001/MAZD-MAZD-lg.gif

My coworker Greg is going to take apart my 4r70w in two weeks and give me the shell so I can have it powdercoated, along with the accessory brackets (Damn it JT, why can't you live closer?? :p: ), then it gets rebuilt with some Baumann goodies and Red eagle Kevlar junk. Scored a beautiful and practically brand new top end, fuel rails and 42 lb injectors for Jack from an old friend who switched his race Mustang from fuel injected to carburated, too.

Hubba hubba ;)
http://www.explorerforum.com/photopost/data/500/IMG00352-20090512-1546_Small_.jpg

So while I'm not physically motivated at the moment, the gears are still turning at least :)

Then I tried to pull the rusted body bolts again yesterday and promptly gave up.

Can you just grind the heads or nuts off of them?

bust out the torch and/or angle grinder and then take a trip to the hardware store. problem solved. if its not solved by that point than add a bfh and a drift to the equation

bust out the torch and/or angle grinder and then take a trip to the hardware store. problem solved. if its not solved by that point than add a bfh and a drift to the equation

torch and old barn.. Can you say break out the marshmellows? :D

Wow so this is going to be huge eh!?

I personally can't wait till the build starts!

torch and old barn.. Can you say break out the marshmellows? :D

then we better take away anything this side of safety scissors

You know, I have a 9" laying in my garage with a truss already on it? If you want it its yours. its fullwidth, but they arnt hard to shorten.

You know Linds, I bet my Dad's Crawler Loader and Bull Dozer could get the body off of the frame.:thumbsup:

You know, I have a 9" laying in my garage with a truss already on it? If you want it its yours. its fullwidth, but they arnt hard to shorten.And the 9"'s outters is basically an 8.8 with a C-clip eliminator built in (the axle retainer plate). But of course it'll probably need a disc brake conversion, but thats what this thread is for : ;)
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=212307

Oh yeah? I may take you up on that one, Micah. And thank you for the linky, Iz
http://icanhascheezburger.files.wordpress.com/2007/07/excellent.jpg

I think I'm going to need rotors that are considerably heftier than the ones that came off a Suzuki, though :D Wouldn't I need ones that will allow Explorer style parking-brake-in-the-rotor-hat? Hmm, or maybe a trans brake... hmm hmm....

Brian, you scare me :eek: No bull dozers!! I'm going to try grinding the suckers off in the next week since Justin is in desperate need of a transmission and I don't want him to miss the Carlisle shenanigans because I was too lazy to get my project started already. Jus, if you wanna bring your @$$ down here and help it would be much appreciated ;)

Hey is this build more for a road course or more for the strip? Cauz if its for the road course, it would be a ton of fun if we all spent a day apexing :). I'll bring my Civic - just dont bump into it, its fragile.

Never really thought about a road course...hmm! I was really pleased with Jack's cornering before but hopefully this will make it even better, although he'll be predominantly set up for 1/4 mile shots. Not sure if it's possible to be really good at both types of tracks but if I can find a happy medium I'll be pretty tickled :) Sure I'll race ya!

Mua haha... Oh, Look. Motivation.

http://www.explorerforum.com/photopost/data/500/IMG00482-20090527-1727_Small_.jpg

I'm pretty sure the lawsuit is finally done (I hope!), seeing as to how I have a fat little check waiting to be deposited into a seperate account that will be for Blackjack only :D

I went straight to his busted up carcass as soon as I received it to show him. Then I dug out the grinder and cutting wheels and managed to hack up 6 out of 10 body bolts before I lost the sunlight :hammer:
http://www.explorerforum.com/photopost/data/500/IMG00489-20090527-1831_Small_.jpg
http://www.explorerforum.com/photopost/data/500/IMG00491-20090527-1832_Small_.jpg
http://www.explorerforum.com/photopost/data/500/IMG00494-20090527-1944_Small_.jpg

Kinda glad he's getting a new body after seeing what the one disintegrated body mount looks like from above :eek: (that would be the one I discovered right before the accident, there's a picture of it around page 7 or 8 I think). I'm going to have to go over Frankenstein with a fine tooth comb to make sure this doesn't happen again!
http://www.explorerforum.com/photopost/data/500/IMG00487-20090527-1831_Small_.jpg

Hopefully going to get the other four bolts out tomorrow night as well as the radiator. If I can pry it off of his engine :p:

no apexing without me!

jack dosnt even hold a job and hes gonna have a bigger bank acount than you do =P

no apexing without me!

jack dosnt even hold a job and hes gonna have a bigger bank acount than you do =P

bwahaha, good one!!!! :D:thumbsup:

no apexing without me!

jack dosnt even hold a job and hes gonna have a bigger bank acount than you do =P

Yeah for real! I wish I could just laze around all day under a neat historic barn, listening to the rain on the roof and enjoying a beautiful backyard view like he does :p: Did you get the wing yet, Tim?

Got 2 more bolts out, removed the trans cooler and what was left of the inside grill thingy before I got my hand stuck in Numidian's garage door while trying to steal a bolt cutter (#### those trans lines, I'm not even gonna mess with taking them off the "right" way) and exploded my left middle finger, which put a premature end to my afternoon. Not that I wouldn't just superglue, tape or bandage it and keep working, but I had none of the above available and infections are no fun. On the plus side, I won't have any fingerprints for awhile so if I can figure out how to rob a bank using only that finger we'll have more $$ to work with :D Ugh. The way it split makes it look like it's.. smiling... at me...

http://www.rrorc.com/forums/images/smilies/cookoo.gif

Yeah for real! I wish I could just laze around all day under a neat historic barn, listening to the rain on the roof and enjoying a beautiful backyard view like he does :p: Did you get the wing yet, Tim?

Got 2 more bolts out, removed the trans cooler and what was left of the inside grill thingy before I got my hand stuck in Numidian's garage door while trying to steal a bolt cutter (#### those trans lines, I'm not even gonna mess with taking them off the "right" way) and exploded my left middle finger, which put a premature end to my afternoon. Not that I wouldn't just superglue, tape or bandage it and keep working, but I had none of the above available and infections are no fun. On the plus side, I won't have any fingerprints for awhile so if I can figure out how to rob a bank using only that finger we'll have more $$ to work with :D Ugh. The way it split makes it look like it's.. smiling... at me...

http://www.rrorc.com/forums/images/smilies/cookoo.gif



We can't take you anywhere.. sheesh..

no lindsy, it hasn't came yet. probably next week some time......when i am back to work after my 7 day weekend......and wont have time to play with it! when it gets here, i will let you know however.

hmmmm? what came today in a box? :scratch:

http://i41.tinypic.com/14ay1ci.jpg

its evils newest toy! :bounce:

http://i44.tinypic.com/5k0oja.jpg

i was so excited to get it, i had to try it on! :biggthump

http://i42.tinypic.com/bgwtib.jpg

http://i42.tinypic.com/wgzzw7.jpg

thanks lindsy!!!! i think evil will be happy with it to.....however, if evil starts showing signs of being a brat :fire: and i think she is. she decided to show me the check engine light today! LOL!!

D'aww, I miss my stripes :( Glad it got such a good home though!

i'm hopping to get it painted in the next 2 weeks or so, will have to see. might be buying a 99 ex, to fix and sell.

well lindsy, it took more then two weeks to paint (been busy with other toys for evil, there's a fine line from owning a truck and a truck owning you!). so, as promised, here is a picture of jacks wing on evil.

http://i44.tinypic.com/n56j6h.jpg

Looks damn hawt, I'm glad it got a home on such a gorgeous truck ;)

I guess I should update Blackjack's thread too. I had to make a major decision with him the other day and it's been hard to get my mind to come around on it, but..

I'm not going to use Jack's frame.

I was wrong, it is indeed twisted up front. Even though I *could* have it twisted back so it would be closer to factory specifications, it will never be 100% again. Especially after that incident with the Jersey wall (6 years ago this weekend!). Plus his power steering crossmember was bent by a stump the one and only time I took him through Paragon. He deserves the best, and I deserve not to crab walk into a wall at 110mph :eek: Andy and I are going to tear Frankenstein apart in 2 weeks and I'll be taking Jack's remains down to Meatball's roomate's shop so we can finally remove his SOHC and trans. After that I want to take him to a crusher and make sure no one can ever mess with what's left of him again. After that the fun begins. We're not going to back half the frame as originally planned since there's no need now but I'm still going with a Satchell 4 link. No idea what to do for the front suspension yet.. shy of cutting the whole damn thing off and welding something better on, anyway. Like I haven't done that to an Explorer before :rolleyes: How much of this new beast will actually be Blackjack is hard to say, though.

That said, I've been collecting parts for this total rebuild, and have to throw a huge thank you to CDW for suggesting that I use Total Performance to build my mutant balancer... because they gave me a super sweet deal on this beast :D :D :D
http://www.explorerforum.com/photopost/data/500/powerdyne.jpg

That would be a complete Powerdyne kit specifically for Exploders :D Dave at T.P. even upgraded the 'charger to a BD-11 non-polished since I told him I wasn't into the polished BD-10 that it came with. Supercharged 347 FTW, baby!! You guys DO realize who's speed record I'm going after, right....? I figure Jack will have at least 500 lbs less than Troll, so it should be interesting ;)

I've got a line on a 4.11 posi 3rd member and Greg is currently figuring out the Baumann valve body for the trans. Micah, I REALLY need to get up there and get that 9" from you so we can get started with the mock-up for the build!!


Also picked up these beauties
http://www.explorerforum.com/photopost/data/500/IMG00593-20090623-2251_Small_.jpg

Glad to hear everything is going to work out Lindsy! Sometimes the best decisions are the hardest.

I can always let the SOHC live on in a white Sport :D

well lindsy, it took more then two weeks to paint (been busy with other toys for evil, there's a fine line from owning a truck and a truck owning you!). so, as promised, here is a picture of jacks wing on evil.


The wing looks good. I think it would look better on my Explorer though. :D

Also picked up these beauties
http://www.explorerforum.com/photopost/data/500/IMG00593-20090623-2251_Small_.jpg

Good choice. Make sure to go HID if you don't have a set already. HIDs work extremely well with the projectors. :thumbsup:

Celly, if it comes with two small black boxes attached to the backside, does that mean they're already set up for HID? I wasn't 100% sure when I ordered mine, I know they say they're capable of it...

Celly, if it comes with two small black boxes attached to the backside, does that mean they're already set up for HID? I wasn't 100% sure when I ordered mine, I know they say they're capable of it...

Two black boxes? I don't recall mine having black boxes (not to say they didn't). They didn't come with HID when I got them. I fitted an existing setup I had to my lights.

Where did you order them from? I can't see them throwing in HIDs for free. Mine came with a couple of halogen H1 bulbs on each side (one for low/projector, one for high/reflector).

Got any pics of these "black boxes"?

Very awesome thread! Your plans are somewhat inline with mine. I would like to do something about the suspension as well. The stock IFS SUCKS for lowered applications. A 4 link rear is also on my list.

For motor I was thinking one or two turbos would be fun, but who knows. haha Manual trans swap would be cool as well.

I am definitely excited to see how things turn out with this beast.

I will be too... if I can ever actually get things moving :fire: Meatball's room mate graciously offered to let me use their shop for a weekend to tear Jack apart but scheduling conflicts have been keeping me from taking up his offer thus far. Andy is apparently pretty busy with a new job so he hasn't had time for me to bring Frank down to him and start the teardown either. Total Performance had some trouble locating a correct balancer to make my mutant 28 oz'er so I haven't gotten that OR my Powerdyne yet... *frustrated*


*sigh* Patience patience. Celly, I'll get a shot of my mystery black boxes on my day off, k?


On a side note, I finally got my Blackjack tattoo started. The final coloring takes place this Tuesday, I'll post pics when it's done if anyone actually wants to see them. I'm really tickled that my artist transferred my work almost exactly the way I drew it :)

http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/75/l_e4f8da36115a4b71bcd1d9b4de0b9e7c.jpg

that is one awesome tattoo... I love it.. I'd love something like that...


Si

The black boxes are the inverters or whatever for the halos. They are cold cathodes in that version of the headlight. The other version just uses two LEDs.

HIDs are a must!

The black boxes are the inverters or whatever for the halos. They are cold cathodes in that version of the headlight. The other version just uses two LEDs.

HIDs are a must!

I should have looked at the photo of the lights more carefully. I see now that they are the same ones Jamie has which are different than mine.

Yeah, what Todd said. :D