Miller's 1978 Ute - HP

[miller]

So I've been driving HP around a fair bit lately. Geez its fun and although I already have a ute I am finding the flat bed very handy.

I mentioned that I picked up OJ tub from the blasters. I knew the floor would need replacing but really its in pretty decent shape. The sides are quite straight and will require minimal patching but some work with a hammer and dolly is defiantly needed!

Used HP to go and pick it up of course!




Some of the cross members will need to be replaced. Most of the aren't boxed so water and crud sits inside them which leads to most of this rot


I don't plan on doing any repairs to this tub until I move into the new house but took a couple of minutes to start circling the repair spots.

[bosque]

....hey Tim,
That vegetable strainer Steve sold you looks awesome!
Reminds me of my roof repair!!!! Ugh
Good luck

[RiverPatrol]

There are drain holes at the front that get plugged up with debris. Then the water just sites there and rots everything out.

After circling the repair areas it looks like it has chicken pox.

[moore_rb]

I'm reminded of the scene in Return of the Jedi where the carbonite starts dissolving off of Han Solo's face....

[Swerve]

Wow, how different is it now. I guess it really does pay to get it blasted as you can see what your working with (or what you don’t have lol). There rear door of the white ute looks quite good, maybe just take that one ?

How are you driving it ? club rego ?

[miller]

Thinking of giving HP a full rebuild.... hmmmmm decisions decisions

[Swerve]

your been driving / thinking to much

[moore_rb]

Thinking of giving HP a full rebuild.... hmmmmm decisions decisions

What is there to think about...? You only have 2 options:

1) Do it, or

2) Come up with more new excuses not to do it.


So, stop thinking, and go get busy on number one.

[G60michael]

Thinking of giving HP a full rebuild.... hmmmmm decisions decisions

Tim my 2 cents worth is, It depends if time and money allows, With having to work and brought a new house and raising a family, you may not be able to spend the time doing it that some of us other members may have.

If the Above does allow, Then I would do it, But that's what I would do. What sort of Rebuild are you talking, Full body off ?

I know where there is a 67 or a 69 Ute, On aFarm near by id love to get my hands on it, its cheap and its only been offered to sale to me so far haha.

If I were to get it I would Full Restore it, I Would Go full Body off next time, it makes chassis work ect so much easier. Full Timber Aussie hardwood Tray, So I go Plans too, just a little behind in the Queue haha.

Cheers mike

[miller]

This all came about while driving home from my latest tour of central Australia.. (youre right Steve) originally the thought was to pull the P and Marks from HP, rebuild them and throw fhem in the '72. This would then mean HP would get MQ diffs, 350 Chev and auto from a MQ and the tub off OJ.

The big catch is having too much on the go at one time. I know it's fun to joke about but honestly it's not very productive. I've sold 2 of my 60's and waiting to find a buyer for the '64. That leaves me with the '72 and HP (and a rail buggy, couple of motorbikes and an early falcon )
I've seen many a project started and not finished and I'd hate to see that happen to HP. If I took it on it would be a long build I can see that.