1992 Mazda Navajo Collision repair

[MONMIX]

FWIW, insurance would unquestionably total it. Good news is its your vehicle, you can fix it if you want.

Are you going to MIG it or do you have a spot welder ?

 

[NICE59FORDF100]

Im going to MIG all the spot weld holes back up and anywhere is to get it true again

 

[Kris Guilbeaux]

Today very basic small about of work was done on the Navajo as I was a busy cutting up my 98 Limited I bought for parts.

I removed the damaged hood. so I could go ahead and replace the hood hinges.

Bent hinge #2

And here are the New hinges installed.

I also removed the damaged radiator and AC condenser.

 

[Trckmagik]

Today very basic small about of work was done on the Navajo as I was a busy cutting up my 98 Limited I bought for parts.

I removed the damaged hood. so I could go ahead and replace the hood hinges.

Bent hinge #2

And here are the New hinges installed.

I also removed the damaged radiator and AC condenser.

Hey...... My motor

 

[Kris Guilbeaux]

yep thats your old motor... i need to do valve cover gaskets on it while i have the core support out. looks like they just started to leak

 

[Kris Guilbeaux]

A little more progress today on the Navajo, I finished my 98 limited today so that was the priority this morning but by the afternoon I had the Navajo in the Driveway.

First order of biz was to drill out the existing bent up inner fender and core support.

the Driverside inner fender was not damaged in the accident so I just left that one in place.

After making sure every thing was in good shape I clammed on the new structure for a test fit. Fits very well

And just so I would not loose the factory ID tag I used a self tapping screw and put it in the stock location.

 

[MONMIX]

dont forget to use a good weld thru primer.
I like the copper stuff best.

 

[Rick]

Making great progress

I used weld through primer on my Dart. I was very skeptical as to it's effectiveness once it gets burned by the weld

 

[Kris Guilbeaux]

Cant say I've had a project I needed weld through primer. Just wondering if it would be really worth it. No matter which way I look at it I am still under budget on this repair as of right now.

 

[MONMIX]

I use the weld through on all seams where there is bare metal and I am going to weld. If there is no bare metal there is no need.
A good weld through will not burn up when welded. Thats the point.

 

[Kris Guilbeaux]

Weld thru primer was bought today along with the Quart of Bright Red, color code EP.

 

[Kris Guilbeaux]

I have good news and bad new.

First the Navajo got his structure welded in place and the motor was put back together.

Pics will be coming soon.

The bad, when I got the motor started coolant is leaking from the motor. Most likely the lower intake gasket. Now the Navajo needs a top end rebuild. :-(

 

[NICE59FORDF100]

you'll get it fixed bud, i know it! You have done top end 4.0 OHV before, right? if not, get the lower gasket that is all once piece and has the wings on it..TRUST ME!

 

[GuardianSport]

V8 swap?

 

[Kris Guilbeaux]

If it was mine and not my dads I would do a 5.0 swap but no point since all he does with it is drive it back and forth to work. And yes Russell I have done a top end on a ohv.

 

[Kris Guilbeaux]

Photos from the welding work.

Short of the body seam filler from the factory burning and trying to catch fire the welding went very smoothly.

 

[NICE59FORDF100]

your dad will be very satisfied with all the body work when it is done! See, this is why i want you to be my body guy at Bandit Customs! LOL

 

[Kris Guilbeaux]

So today I fixed the lower intake leak. The lower intake gasket was original, not to bad for a 20 year old gasket. Took 2.5 hours of work but got it done.

 

[Turdle]

That is pretty good time. Nice work

 

[Kris Guilbeaux]

If I didnt have a full time job that takes up all my time, could you imagine what I could get done.