So I've been posting a few questions on this forum about the eGator I inherited with the new job. It's a 2006 which has definitely seen better days! I've had so much fun reading about other members projects, upgrades and general fixes that I'm gonna put my semi-resto journey up here also and hopefully add to the wealth of information that's already available.
In 2017 we replaced the 11yo batteries and more recently, the steering rack, so it's worth keeping it alive as the recent investment outweighs it's value!
The big issue and how I got here, is with the bed, it is rotten in all the right places. Rust had caused the tail gate to fall off and from years of hauling, being left outside in the elements and with a plastic bed liner holding moisture, it was only a matter of time before the sides fell off aswell (or worse). So we took the bed off to have a new one fabricated as I wanted a slightly wider bed with detachable extension sides, detachable tool racks, a detachable shelf and whatever else i can think off. Can't beat the custom made stuff for price and versitility!
Then we saw that the battery tray and much of the frame was rusting nicely. So we decided to try and prolong this old girls life best we can by stripping, dealing with the rust and repainting her to some former glory.
Now I'll be learning on the job as the only painting experience I have is with a spray can (holy moley!). But I've got in touch with my local paint refinishing suppliers and they have sent me everything (I hope) I need to respray the gator using my air compressor.
The frame is almost stripped, except for the front suspension which I'll do when I get a tie rod end remover tool (see, learning as I go). I also saw that the kingpin bushings will need replacing so I'll do those aswell, when I figure out how and what tools (anyone?).
I'm trying to get photos up on this post but can't figure out how just yet...
In 2017 we replaced the 11yo batteries and more recently, the steering rack, so it's worth keeping it alive as the recent investment outweighs it's value!
The big issue and how I got here, is with the bed, it is rotten in all the right places. Rust had caused the tail gate to fall off and from years of hauling, being left outside in the elements and with a plastic bed liner holding moisture, it was only a matter of time before the sides fell off aswell (or worse). So we took the bed off to have a new one fabricated as I wanted a slightly wider bed with detachable extension sides, detachable tool racks, a detachable shelf and whatever else i can think off. Can't beat the custom made stuff for price and versitility!
Then we saw that the battery tray and much of the frame was rusting nicely. So we decided to try and prolong this old girls life best we can by stripping, dealing with the rust and repainting her to some former glory.
Now I'll be learning on the job as the only painting experience I have is with a spray can (holy moley!). But I've got in touch with my local paint refinishing suppliers and they have sent me everything (I hope) I need to respray the gator using my air compressor.
The frame is almost stripped, except for the front suspension which I'll do when I get a tie rod end remover tool (see, learning as I go). I also saw that the kingpin bushings will need replacing so I'll do those aswell, when I figure out how and what tools (anyone?).
I'm trying to get photos up on this post but can't figure out how just yet...