I've been thinking about doing a post like this for a while so, here it is!
First off, I'm making everything public. All the info and pictures I have on my Explorer will be free to view at this link:
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/zud28082dubxeze/AADguWM08B-BoL4sjisw9y9Xa?dl=0
My story isn't particularly interesting. I'm not building an offroader, I'm not restoring, I'm not even going for looks. I'm all about pure function and enjoyment. I'm just looking to have fun while keeping this daily driver on the road and maintain the reliability it's proven to me. This thread is to serve as a little information and a place to flap my jaw about upgrades/improvements/fixes I decide to throw on in the future as well as things I learn along the way.
Vehicle history:
From what I know on this, it's been stolen twice. The first time, it was never claimed and was auctioned off by the county to the guy I bought it from for $1 plus the cost of towing fees. Previous owner is very mechanically inclined and replaced/fixed a lot of things. It then wrecked into another car, totalling it but leaving the Blue Bomb drivable. It trashed the headlight, bent the bumper into the tire, bent the radiator support and did a number on the fender and hood. With some creative adjusting, it was on the road again. At some point, the transmission failed, all the hard parts grenaded internally and it was overhauled with upgraded parts. It was used to haul a lot of stuff after that, including firewood but started seeing less and less use and maintenance slowed. Luckily the previous owner saw some value and didn't just let it sit and rot away. Rather than it going to the scrap heap, I paid very little for it and drove away with my first vehicle.
Onto the pictures! (click for larger view)
When I first saw it:
When I got it home:
Fast forward a year later and I've done and learned more than I thought I would. Cosmetically, I removed the stick-on door trim, found a bumper and set of headlights from a 1990 Ranger, banged in the crash damage some to align things more, sourced a set of factory alloy wheels and put some Cooper Discoverer AT3 tires on. Internally, I've fixed shifting issues with some Seafoam, flushing and spin-on trans filter. I've replaced all the vacuum lines with silicone. Yanked the engine to fix oil leaks and replace gaskets & timing assembly. A/C components removed (didn't have a compressor when I got it). Power steering pump and hoses replaced. Various sensors replaced. New battery cables. All the fluids have been replaced (currently with cheap stuff, will get some synthetics in soon). Those are just a few things off the top of my head. If you dig in my files, there's an ongoing list of to-do and done things.
Here's the Blue Bomb as of December 2014:
A lot of work has been accomplished and while it isn't a perfect vehicle yet, it's been nothing but reliable. While some may see an old junker with high miles, I see value. I see something that deserves to stay on the road. This is an easy vehicle to work on in my opinion. It's got some modern features but isn't overly computerized to give you wiring headaches. It's got a beefy but simple driveline that will handle more use and abuse than a modern soccer-mom SUV but it's still light and nimble enough that it's not like driving a huge heavy duty truck. Being a computer nerd, I never thought I'd say that I've thoroughly enjoyed working on this vehicle, turning it into a functional daily driver again, pouring blood, sweat, tears and money into it. It's very much a prideful thing. The only worth it has is to me, and I'm happy with that. Combined with this fantastic and knowledgeable community, I couldn't have asked or dreamed for anything better.
First off, I'm making everything public. All the info and pictures I have on my Explorer will be free to view at this link:
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/zud28082dubxeze/AADguWM08B-BoL4sjisw9y9Xa?dl=0
My story isn't particularly interesting. I'm not building an offroader, I'm not restoring, I'm not even going for looks. I'm all about pure function and enjoyment. I'm just looking to have fun while keeping this daily driver on the road and maintain the reliability it's proven to me. This thread is to serve as a little information and a place to flap my jaw about upgrades/improvements/fixes I decide to throw on in the future as well as things I learn along the way.
Vehicle history:
From what I know on this, it's been stolen twice. The first time, it was never claimed and was auctioned off by the county to the guy I bought it from for $1 plus the cost of towing fees. Previous owner is very mechanically inclined and replaced/fixed a lot of things. It then wrecked into another car, totalling it but leaving the Blue Bomb drivable. It trashed the headlight, bent the bumper into the tire, bent the radiator support and did a number on the fender and hood. With some creative adjusting, it was on the road again. At some point, the transmission failed, all the hard parts grenaded internally and it was overhauled with upgraded parts. It was used to haul a lot of stuff after that, including firewood but started seeing less and less use and maintenance slowed. Luckily the previous owner saw some value and didn't just let it sit and rot away. Rather than it going to the scrap heap, I paid very little for it and drove away with my first vehicle.
Onto the pictures! (click for larger view)
When I first saw it:
When I got it home:
Fast forward a year later and I've done and learned more than I thought I would. Cosmetically, I removed the stick-on door trim, found a bumper and set of headlights from a 1990 Ranger, banged in the crash damage some to align things more, sourced a set of factory alloy wheels and put some Cooper Discoverer AT3 tires on. Internally, I've fixed shifting issues with some Seafoam, flushing and spin-on trans filter. I've replaced all the vacuum lines with silicone. Yanked the engine to fix oil leaks and replace gaskets & timing assembly. A/C components removed (didn't have a compressor when I got it). Power steering pump and hoses replaced. Various sensors replaced. New battery cables. All the fluids have been replaced (currently with cheap stuff, will get some synthetics in soon). Those are just a few things off the top of my head. If you dig in my files, there's an ongoing list of to-do and done things.
Here's the Blue Bomb as of December 2014:
A lot of work has been accomplished and while it isn't a perfect vehicle yet, it's been nothing but reliable. While some may see an old junker with high miles, I see value. I see something that deserves to stay on the road. This is an easy vehicle to work on in my opinion. It's got some modern features but isn't overly computerized to give you wiring headaches. It's got a beefy but simple driveline that will handle more use and abuse than a modern soccer-mom SUV but it's still light and nimble enough that it's not like driving a huge heavy duty truck. Being a computer nerd, I never thought I'd say that I've thoroughly enjoyed working on this vehicle, turning it into a functional daily driver again, pouring blood, sweat, tears and money into it. It's very much a prideful thing. The only worth it has is to me, and I'm happy with that. Combined with this fantastic and knowledgeable community, I couldn't have asked or dreamed for anything better.