First off, please note that the rig was well built before i ever got it. Most of the work was done by the PO

When i bought the Ex, i wanted to make it my own. I seen an explorer on Explorerforums with a rattle canned desert tan paint job, and loved it, so thats what i decided on going with. Then i decided to step it up a notch... Why not dedicate it to the men and women serving this great nation?? So that is what the theme will be.

here are some action shots from the previous owner...



Yes, that is a juggy following the explorer :D

Here is a normal shot.



Plans are simple... Full cage, trusses, decorations, hydro assist, maybe more. We will see when that time comes.

Most updated shots will be posted here, as well as throughout the thread at the respective post.

As of 2/19/2012, Here she sits....

 

looks awesome!

 

here are some action shots from the previous owner...




Yes, that is a juggy following the explorer

Here is a normal shot.


Plans are simple... Full cage, trusses, decorations, rack on top, digi camo seat covers, fold up bed frame inside, maybe more. We will see when that time comes.

As far as what i have planned for decorations.... Here is the list so far

1. Paint it Khaki tan

2. Pinup girl on the front fender


3. EGA on the hatch


4. POW/MIA logo on the hood or roof


5. Fallen Soldier on the sides somewhere


6. Deployed Service Star Banner on the windows somewhere



Now, to make this even more special, i am asking you guys on what to add!

Post up the ideas of what you think i should do, but remember the theme, deployed service members. No Camo other than fabric. As new ideas are chosen, they will be added to this post.

 

Done yet?

 

yep!


































In my head

 

i saw this on pirate, why exactly are you not wheeling the ranger anymore? its such a sick truck i would be proud as hell to bring tat to the trails

 

You need to get a cursive name written under the pinup girl like the old WW2 planes.
My great grandpa was a pilot, his plane was the Pollack Pirate.

 

Tired of beating the **** out of it. I am VERY proud of it. I'm not junking it or anything silly, just restoring it, v8ing it, and driving it.

 

ooooohhhhhhhh v8 sounds wonderful

 

Sick Explorer! I always liked that style... must be because growing up my Dad had one.

 

I need to post pictures of my half sleeve I have on my arm..its got like 90% of those on it..

 

That's pretty cool. post it if you want,

 

Ex is home. update in the pirate thread.

 

Sweet! Can't wait to see the progress!

 

here is the gal at the house



Then took it out to my pops after balancing the tires, and picking up the paint. Then i played up in the shrubs behind the house.

 

Looks like theres a few holes in the passenger door?

 

Perfect! Right where she belongs! In the woods!

 

no holes. Just deep scratches. Its a blast to drive. Still a little unbalanced due to the beadlocks and beat up tires, but with the hydro assist, it should be NO problem driving on the road. The tires are rubbing the links though, so i will most likely be putting some spacers on it like i had to do with D.

This thing is much more of a trail rig than D, but D's road manners are way better. Just goes to show you the differences in the hobby. I will make this one streetable (comfortably), but will be a designated trail rig with some minor street time.I drove almost 100 miles today and its still on full from when i filled up after i bought it. Mileage is great for what it is. Much better than D.

 

I joined pirate just to follow this build and the new ranger build. lol

 

subscribed

 

Bad assness

 

thanks guys!

Found out the truck can ford 4' of water today. Also found some death wobble and that the tires rub the links at full lock. I will be installing some spacers like on my Ranger on this one too.

 

Started installing the Hydro assist yesterday and taking it apart for paint.



Had to remove the spring and shock and spring bucket to get to the steering box bolts, but i got it out.



out with the old.... and in with the new


Then i stripped all the lights and grille off to start masking for paint.



Then i got bored and wanted to see how i liked the paint...


installed the spring and junk again, then started mocking up the ram. I didn't have the plasma or my cutoff wheel or any metal, so i called it quits for the night and prepped and painted the grille and headlight surrounds



today i finished making a mount for the ram, ran the lines, and mounted everything up. I didn't have any fluid, so i have to bleed the system tomorrow. I did get everything masked off but the windows. The trim tape is on, just need to cover the windows. We are going to finish the steering up tomorrow and then focus on sanding and painting to hopefully have this sucker finished by the weekend. More pics of progress tomorrow

 

what kind of paint are you using? that color is going to look good on there!

 

Thats a bit of sanding. Hope you like your DA. lol. I hate mine, i hate sanding. i hate body filling period.