BrewScout

[mikeindustries]

aren't they just fun! Just when you think you have a plan figured out on a build, 4 other thing come into play that mess the original plans up!

And that is exactly what has happened once again. I found a pretty good deal on a running 345 ($650). I figure its going to still take a bit of time ( and money ) to get all of the parts I still need for the 4bt swap. So this way at least I will get to drive the Scout. I really miss it!

 

[fireride]

Thanks for the build thread, looks great so far. I noticed you put in some heat barrier (rattle mat?) how is it holding up stuck to the undercarriage? Im looking at ways to stop the heat coming through, I also sprayed my inside with a liner. I was thinking about covering the floor inside and using an oem rubber floor kit. I would rather keep the liner uncovered if I could keep the heat out like you did.

 

[mikeindustries]

thanks for the build thread, looks great so far. I noticed you put in some heat barrier (rattle mat?) how is it holding up stuck to the undercarriage? Im looking at ways to stop the heat coming through, I also sprayed my inside with a liner. I was thinking about covering the floor inside and using an oem rubber floor kit. I would rather keep the liner uncovered if I could keep the heat out like you did.

Thanks. It has been a long road, and no end in sight. But I enjoy wrenching on it. My son also has the bug.

The mat sticks really good. The underside is new metal so I am sure that helps. If the bottom were really oily I am not sure it would stick as well.

The factory rubber mat liners that they came with are a terrible thing in my opinion. All they do is trap moisture and cause the floors to rot out. I think I would go with some sort of carpet kit. I don't notice a lot of heat from the floor. Think I get more from the roof that is not insulated.

 

[mikeindustries]

So anybody who knows me understands that not only does something need to work well but it needs to look good too.

With that being said, me an ollie got the 345 that we just bought home. It looked like your typical motor covered in 30+years of dirt, oil and who knows what else. Since I witness this motor running before it was pulled I am very satisfied that it is mechanically solid. No lifter rattles, no funny noises, good oil pressure, idled smooth.

So that only left me with the appearance of it. Start the makeover.

 

[FDChappie]

The presence of paint inside the bell housing indicates that it has probably been rebuilt at one time.

 

[mikeindustries]

the presence of paint inside the bell housing indicates that it has probably been rebuilt at one time.

I was thinking the same. As I have been cleaning some of the parts with brake cleaner I noticed two different shades of red paint. The Scout it came out of had 80,000 on the odometer. Probably 180,000. Too many miles to run as good as this does without a rebuild.

 

[mikeindustries]

So everything was pulled off the motor. Cleaned, prepped, and painted. This is where we are now!

 

[mikeindustries]

Today ollie and I finally got the motor in the Scout. What a pain in the a$$. Seems to have less room. Is the 345 wider than a 304? Should get all of the loose ends buttoned up tomorrow.

Oh yeah...we switched oil pans. The pan that came on the new 345 only had one drain plug. The pan off my old 304 has 2 drain plugs. I like draining all the oil during an oil change. Just had to clean all of the babbet out and paint.

 

[punjig]

Looks shiny! the cleaner they are the more horse power and torque you get out of them, that what I say!!!

 

[mikeindustries]

Thats what I have always thought. Like a shiny diamond pressed into a turd!

 

[mikeindustries]

It's alive!!!

Finally got it running. So stoked. Has way mor power then that old 304. Had a bit of a waterpump leak but installed a new gasket and was good to go.
Finished product. ...

 

[mikeindustries]

Now that the Scout is back on the road I decided that I needed to give some attention to the top. It had several holes rusted through it. I basically just made it a little better to look at.
Bondo the holes and rubber spray coating....

I would like to get a softtop for it. I just hate that none are made with the proper shaped side windows.

 

[mikeindustries]

Mil-Spec bed liner panels!

So I have had this idea in my head for a while. My thought process was "storage sure does suck in these. I am really sick of hearing crap roll around in the back." then I was at an army surplus and saw all those cool velcro storage pouches. So my mind started to take off.......

First I ordered a 6'x8' oiled military type canvak tarp. This would be large enough to cut in half and then fold the halves in half so I would have panels double thick.
I also ordered some olive green hook and loop material in 2" and 4" widths. Bought some nylon 1"strap, synthetic heavy duty thread and waited for my wife to leave town!

 

[mikeindustries]

Mil-Spec bed liner panels!

First step....

Make panel shapes...measure twice!!!
Cut the border with the eyelets off. Then traced the wheelwell and started cuting.

 

[mikeindustries]

Mil-Spec bed liner panels!

Then I test fit what I had and it fit well. Time to move on to the molle.

Making this was pretty time consuming. But turned out good. Now I needed to sew it to the canvas....

 

[FDChappie]

Re: Mil-Spec bed liner panels!

Beautiful work! Nice choice of colors too. Can't wait to see it installed. Looking at your design you must have a bumper mounted spare.

 

[mikeindustries]

Re: Mil-Spec bed liner panels!

beautiful work! Nice choice of colors too. Can't wait to see it installed. Looking at your design you must have a bumper mounted spare.

Thanks! I plan to eventually have a bumper mounted tire carrier. For now I dont even have a spare. (knock on wood).
Should have the other side finished later today. Maybe with enough time to get them installed.

 

[mikeindustries]

Mil-Spec bed liner panels!

So another long day of sewing these up. Wouldnt want to do that for a living!
Got them finished. Learned a lot about something that I really dont care about. Oh well. And here's the pictures....

 

[mikeindustries]

I used snaps to attach the panels. I think I May find some cool looking d-ring type anchors to attach the panels as well for added strength.
Need to go buy some surplus mil-spec pouches. Will be nice for the back seat passengers. They will have a place to put their crap.

 

[mikeindustries]

Mil-Spec bed liner panels!

There is a metal supply place about 8 miles from me that usually has old surplus pouches. So I drove over to see what they had and this is what I picked up.

I do wish they all matched but for a few bucks each I'm not going to complain.