'86 720 Transformation (Fastboatman's Build thread)

[fastboatman29212]

I visit this forum on a regular basis and contribute when I can. (See my Ball Joint Replacment Thread)

I will use this thread as a way to update you on the progress of my '86 720 regular cab.

Here is a pic of what it looked like when I drove it home. Shameful!
Kinda reminded me of an auto parts store delivery truck. Basic, basic, basic!



Here is what she looks like now.



I'm not trying to make people think it's a 4X4, I just don't want my truck to look wimpy. You guys with the lowered trucks have done a great job and I really like that look too, but I use my truck for fishing and hauling stuff, so I really didn't want to lower it.

With a little work and by patiently waiting for some good deals to come along, I now have a truck that looks a bit more respectable.
The roll bar helps a lot. I've updated my avatar too.



So far, I have done the following things to the truck:

New ball joints
New vacuum lines
New fuel filter
Replaced the fuel pump
Roll bar (found a used one)
15" wheels and 235/75 R15 white letter tires
a few new lenses here and there
Repair of vinyl on the bench seat
transmission gear oil change
Replaced broken valve cover
New spark plugs, wires and distributor cap
Coolant flush and fill
New thermostat
Passenger side mirror installed
Cigarette lighter (so I can charge phones, ipods, etc)
Replaced tailpipe from the muffler on back
New alternator on 1/18/2011
Stereo installed 1/20/2011
Replaced DS front rotor 3/1/2011
front brake caliper rebuild 3/2/2011
new front brake hoses 3/3/2011
new front wheel bearings 3/3/2011
Rear differential Gear Oil change 3/10/2011

Future plans:
Paint and bodywork?
Adjust the valves
New valve cover gasket
New clutch and (flywheel?)
recover the dashpad
POR-15 and soundproof the floor

[PEZi]

s***.... hell of an improvement!

[86 720]

Hell of a change! Keep it coming, how did you do the transmission oil change?

Look at my build thread for a few items: front wheel bearings, etc..

[PEZi]

how did you do the transmission oil change?

its easy on a 2wd... undo the bottom plug... drain... replace plug... undo side plug... pump new oil in.. replace plug

[86 720]

Fluid type?

[noface]

gear oil....

[fastboatman29212]

This is what I used. Service Manual recommends GL-4 and this stuff is OK for GL-4 or GL-5 applications. Just make sure you can loosen and remove the filler plug on the side of the transmission BEFORE you drain it, that way you will know that you can fill it again.

[PEZi]

GL-4 fluid

if it doesn't say GL-4... DON'T use it

[vinny4205]

Gotta love the roll bars in 720's

[fastboatman29212]

Just installed a passenger side mirror I got from the junkyard. Now I can see you comin'

[breadbox]

Looking good man.

[fastboatman29212]

The rubber trim strips on the side of the body are 24 years old and have shrunk from age, so there were bare places that needed to be covered to look better. I went to the junkyard and pulled off a rubber strip from another 720 and cut pieces to fit the bare spots. Cut to size, add some glue, and it looks pretty good! All the rubber strips needed something added to fill a gap.

First photo shows the passenger door BEFORE. The gap was a little over an inch.



With the used weatherstrip from another 720, a razor blade and a little glue . . . and PRESTO!

The gap is GONE! Hey, it ain't much of a change, but every little bit helps!



Here's the other side. Not bad if I say so myself!

[AZhitman]

See, I think these types of projects are the best... not a lot of money, but a LOT of simple ingenuity.

...and that's a damn fine-looking 720. Well-done, sir!

[fastboatman29212]

I traced an oil leak to the oil pressure sending unit. Here's how I fixed it.

[livemeyer]

Hi, I found your page doing a search for 1985 720 4x4 oil sending unit. I must say, wow, your truck transformation is excellent. I have the exact same truck - same color, same 2x4 standard cab. Only difference is I don't have that trim running along the beltline...

I have been grabbing little bits and pieces off of 4x4 and ST models to add a bit of flair to my own truck, and one is the center console with the oil and amp gauges. I recently got them hooked up except the oil doesn't work. I heard it needs a different sensor in the block, that the 4x4 unit is different than the 2x4 unit. I'll continue my investigation. But at least when/if I get around to making this transformation I know it will be easier thanks to you and your pictures!

[fastboatman29212]

I recently picked up the same center console unit with gauges too. I have no idea if they work or not, but yeah, I will need to install a different sending unit to make the gauge work. This forum has lots of helpful folks. What state are you in?