So isn't this how all weekends should start???


but yeah, I kind of got tired of the way things were and decided it was time for a change...
so I removed my shifter bezel...

and then started up a mock-up of the cover for the computer thing there, made one out of cardboard for fit, constructed the plywood, and then used some 3M adhesive to cover it with carpet...



I have to say I am pretty happy so far... loosing that black piece on the bottom really helps seperate the carpet area from the dash, next up, diamond plate... now what could that be for???

I am also really considering a white or silver face instrument cluster... I think it would go a long way. I also put some new shackles on last weekend.... now she is really ready for some 33s......

 

I saw that your status on Facebook last night, nice! I bought a flowmaster this afternoon, hopefully it will be in and I can put it on this weekend.

 

Nicely done Tony!

 

curious what the diamond plate is for... is that going in the interior as well? looks like it would make a decent skid plate too.

 

tony, if you need help this weekend or company, give me a call, ill have nothing to do except for saturday morning

 

Trent, you are going to be happy with that flowmaster... what series is it? I have a 40 series on my 3.0 and I love it, so I can't wait to hear yours...

Frank, you don't happen to recognize that carpet, do you??..... Thanks man

Keith.... naw, I hadn't thought about that....maybe I should consider that.... but for now some is for the interior...

 

no love for ryan, i see how it is, ill return the favor tomorrow

 

haah no dude, I sent you a pm. But let me put up something for you here so you don't feel left out...

Ryan, yeah man, that sounds good. I will give you a call when I know what is going on this weekend. I am hoping to get a white cluster soon...maybe you could help me install mine seeing as how you've been in there before...

Also, thanks ryan for helping me install that D60 set and that 400hp 5.0 yesterday. couldn't have done it without you !!!

 

yea, we were bustin tail to get all that done, sure runs like a monster though!!! lol..maybe on the tractor though, we'll take charge and make sure the thing is done in time

 

Its a super 44, supposed to be the sound of a 40 just not drone as bad. I can't wait.

 

Hey, I'm glad you put it to good use! I also recognize that console and that armrest, haha. Oh, BTW, I bought a set of heads for the Bronco (off an 89 BII, so they are the stronger design). They should arrive in a few days. Then I have to find a weekend when I can tear the engine apart and install them. Maybe THEN I can finally get the Bronco II running, and start real work on it, or at least be able to sell it.

 

Frank, that is awesome! I am so glad you finally found some!!! If you want help, let me know, I'll do what I can. Or also if you think you need more tools we could maybe take it up to my dads place... he has airtools etc... and I am NOT saying for sure bc I don't want to sign him up for something, but if it unsafe to drive, he might be able to trailer it some.

 

It's looking like my thesis defense will be at the end of October. Once it's over I'll have the time to finally tear her apart and hopefully get the engine running. If I sell the Ranger, I may end up keeping this old thing as my beater/offroad vehicle. Granted, that will be one SLOW restoration, haha.

 

So I trimmed the lower shifter cover (I think it is mostly to seal the cab from the exterior. Basically I just got rid of the part that the old bezel mounted to


Then I went to the shop and spent some time making my new cover plate. Nice diamond plate and a nice shop with tools (not my shop - one at school)..and about an hour later, it was done. I spent alot of time on the plate on little details that you can't really see in the pics but it came out great!




So that's how you can use the factory boot and get all the way to the floor.
Let me know what you guys think? Like it hate it, either way.

Next up...speedo cluster?

 

Looks sweet man, I like it a lot better than the stock thing.

 

looks great tony

edit: or should i say grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrreat!

 

i'll differ sorry but i think its cheap and not a smart idea.. why do this and loose the cup holders... idk i use all my 4 cup holders...

 

Gave me inspiration to do the same thing. Made a mockup out of abs, now I've realized I must have used all my diamond plate so I guess I'll have to go get some more.

 

thanks guys. well, I never used 4 cup holders. actually, I think I only use 2 of them at most to hold my phone or whatever, but I don't do the food thing in my truck... just don't want the mess. plus I have the whole console to put stuff in if I need more space. I also like how the shifter goes right to the floor. just a person preference I guess.

Seth, glad to hear it man, I'd love to see pics of yours when it is done! haha yeah, as rarely as I buy diamond plate...it doesn't last long...

 

I think it looks really good.

How did you attach your shifter boot to the new cover plate?

Also where did you get your carpet from?

 

thanks. I traced the shape that was in the old bezel and cut it out exactly on the diamond plate. Then the same 'tabs' on the bottom side of the boot the recess in the bezel also recess under the diamond plate. The boot actually stays by itself really; if you trim the inspection cover like i did, those tabs on the end of the boot actually get wedged between the carpet and the diamond plate

The carpet I actually got from a friend (pastfinder - Frank) who pulled it out of a junk yard for me. Its just the piece that covers the back of the cab, so it was a medium sized piece with the factory color and texture!!

 

So here's how mine ended up.

 

I like the looks of those!!!!!

 

thoes diamond plate shifter covers look good!

 

thanks guys.
Seth, good work bud. Looks great! Maybe time for some carpet cleaner though haha. I had that same console line of clean/dirty too