is this a show truck?

[2nup350]

I'm building a near-as-I-can-get perfect restoration of a '79 black sport. it's getting powdercoat, engine rebuild, paint, interior, decals and all new rubber. I've spent more time and money on the wheels than I spent on the original truck. I want it to look better than showroom new. I even plan on pulling the chassis and powdercoating it black then airbrushing over that to get the sloppy/fade look that was new. But is it a show truck? I don't know.

[geezer101]

If you're going for a complete resto and are trying to repro all the factory nuances (e.g. bad finish and missed details like full paint, welding slag etc) this might be considered 'concours'. Not something normally considered for a mass produced low end vehicle. It becomes tricky when some of the parts that are meant to be OEM quality are NLA and you only have 2 options - aftermarket or custom made. Is it an all matching numbers truck? This is what will keep it legit. I will call this a show truck. Om meet and greet days it's trucks like these that get people talking

[StarquestMan]

That's kinda what I hope to eventually get with my truck is factory perfect. Its amazing how many parts are NLA when there are say American or European cars that are getting close to twice the age as our trucks but have every part imaginable as a reproduction. Im sure every restoration has its compromises between factory and better than factory quality. I am definitely going to cheat a bit when it comes to going for a better than factory job, things like painting things that were originally only primed to prevent rust. I have also added options to my base model truck that were from higher trim levels or dealer add on's like a clock and AC. I would love to see pictures of how yours turns out!

[2nup350]

this is during the paint and the test fit of the first series decals. I don't know why some of the pics are oriented strangely. better decals and complete reassembly coming. I'll do the beauty shots soon.

[geezer101]

Oh man, like it's just it rolled off the factory floor. If there's an insurance company that does classic/vintage vehicles, get your truck covered. This is definitely a retard magnet and some moron is gonna fail to give way or cut lanes on a highway straight at you. It'll end in tears (and some justifiable bloodshed...) Do you have all the panel emblems for it? It looks clean without them but some restored fender badges would be nice. Were you able to get new OEM rubber for it? I see you have all the stainless trim in place properly.

[pennyman1]

I insure Geronimo through Collectors Insurance - he is insured with an agreed value of $23,500 for 320 / year with 0/100 deductible and 250/500 limits.

[dash]

wow!
lookin good

[BradMph]

I luv to see them Washington trucks. Seems there are many survivors still hanging around this state, including mine.

[2nup350]

I don't know where the truck grew up, but it was completely rust free, not even a hint in the rockers or lower fenders. as for the WA plates, it's a Military thing but it's never been to Washington. starting with a rustless truck (it even has the OEM exhaust and mufflers on it) makes things bunches easier.

[noahwins]

Updates?

[2nup350]

it's complete.

[geezer101]

Pics of the interior and engine bay? (aww, com'n - you knew someone would ask )

[xboxrox]

Awesome..!

[2nup350]

Pics of the interior and engine bay? (aww, com'n - you knew someone would ask )

the interior is here, needs more work and the engine bay is still a mess. I've got to remove all the wiring and clean, clear and reset everything in there, plus build a nicer intake setup than the garbage bashed version pictured. It will give me a chance to practice my Tig welding skills.

[geezer101]

Now I remember that scary air cleaner assembly lol. I'd be opening an artery every time I reached in there to do something. Those seats look soooo sweet

[xboxrox]

Who thought of this cool art work on these trucks..? Musta been Chrysler Corp n' not the JNs..? Thanks for sharing the photos 2nup... Maybe your truck would make a sukoshi more power if the ingested air weren't so dry n' dusty (dryer air vent & saw blade)

[geezer101]

Look up the Mitsubishi Forte which are JDM. Same styling and look but tweaked by Dodge with the different decals and the D-50 fender badges. They are very cool either way

[2nup350]

Now I remember that scary air cleaner assembly lol. I'd be opening an artery every time I reached in there to do something. Those seats look soooo sweet

know what's sweet about the intake? I took it off to have a look and it was clean inside my carb.

[xboxrox]

Look up the Mitsubishi Forte which are JDM. Same styling and look but tweaked by Dodge with the different decals and the D-50 fender badges. They are very cool either way

That L200 had cool graphics; seems the 70s & 80s little trucks from Japan had plenty of unique markings... 2nup350 has done a swell job reviving his time machine back to like new... It's turning heads everywhere it goes