contemplating on customizing

[kevinw2345]

I am contemplating on customizing my truck because i LOVE it soo much, BUT i belive it was used on a farm so theres alot of rust and abuse. Have had to fork out alot of money to get stuff fixed within two months after purchase from a dealership. Would love to paint it, get new rims, new muffler, new intake, speakers etc. BUT i dont want to put all this money in it for nothing. Any suggestions on what to do?

 

[toms89]

Thats a tough call for anyone else to make for you. I would say it depends on the extent of the rust and general condition. Also your future plans with it. How long do you anticipate owning it. You will never get your money back out of it if you sell. I dont know if I would spend the money to have it painted unless your certain the rust can be stopped from progressing and/ or repaired. With mods like rims, cold air intake etc... you can recover some of your money if you ever sell it by removing parts and selling. Just keep all of your stock parts!

Just some of my thoughts.

 

[GAINMOB]

get it blasted...if youre going to keep it then its worth it...are you going street or offroad...

 

[kevinw2345]

thanks guys. Toms89 i wanna drive my truck until i cant drive it no more. I havent really looked underneith much but i do know that there is rust from what i can see. The body is perfect, again from what i can see. When i take it to the shop next i am going to see if i can go take a look at it while its on the lift. Freeway, i dont have much money right now so blasting it, is a good idea, but dont got the money and my expy is my only vehicle. I was thinking like Toms89 and only do things that i can remove and sell or keep and put on another vehicle. i appreciate it guys!

 

[kevinw2345]

are you going street or offroad...

i dont go off roading, i hate having a dirty vehicle lol

 

[toms89]

i dont go off roading, i hate having a dirty vehicle lol

Freeway is going to be your best buddy now...lol.

 

[kevinw2345]

Freeway is going to be your best buddy now...lol.

hahahaha well thats fine with me, i like the way he has fixed up his truck. A truck that nice, you dont want to hide it behind all that mud and filth.

 

[FordandPolaris]

I noticed you are about the same age as me Kevin. The first thing that I did when I got my truck two years ago is replace all of the essential suspension and engine parts so that they are new. I have no idea what kind of state your truck is in, but if you wanna drive it forever like me, that would be my recommendation. But then again, its totally your call!

 

[kevinw2345]

I noticed you are about the same age as me Kevin. The first thing that I did when I got my truck two years ago is replace all of the essential suspension and engine parts so that they are new. I have no idea what kind of state your truck is in, but if you wanna drive it forever like me, that would be my recommendation. But then again, its totally your call!

Thanks FordandPolaris, didnt think there were people my age on here haha glad to know there is. I was thinking of telling the mechanic to replace anything that LOOKS likes its going to break or quit within a couple years because the trucks got a year warranty on it for up to 4,000.00 per claim on all internal lubricated engine parts and altenator, turbo charger and super-turbo charger. I would really like to take a wire brush to all the rust and get it undercoated, but gotta see how the underbody is first. Will take pics and post them hopefully. Thanks guys for all your suggestions.

 

[GAINMOB]

hahahaha well thats fine with me, i like the way he has fixed up his truck. A truck that nice, you dont want to hide it behind all that mud and filth.

thanks for the comliment...what size rims you thinking about putting on it?

 

[GAINMOB]

Freeway is going to be your best buddy now...lol.

and you know this...MAAAAANN!!!

 

[kevinw2345]

thanks for the comliment...what size rims you thinking about putting on it?

i was thinking 22's. Was looking at a nice set at the local rim shop. Will be a while but worth saving for.

 

[FordandPolaris]

I would recommend checking ball joints and tie rod ends when you take it in as well. These 1st gen expys are known for those wearing out fairly quickly. Mine got really bad after about 150,000 miles.

 

[toms89]

If you have rust issues check lower rear control arms. These are known to rust out. Same with the exhaust manifold studs

Don't know that I would give the mechanic an open end request to repair what he sees fit. Could have him check it over and consult with you about his findings. A good mechanic should be able to explain what needs attention and why. If you dont trust him or his answers get second opinion elsewhere.

 

[kevinw2345]

A good mechanic should be able to explain what needs attention and why. If you dont trust him or his answers get second opinion elsewhere.

I trust the mechanic i go to now, he doesnt like the guy i bought it from so he feels bad for me for buying my vehicle from him. He has done like $500.00 worth of work for $120.00. My warrenty states that i can have $4000.00 per claim with a $100.00 deductible. I would for sure ask him to consult me first though so i know whats goin on. Thanks for the heads up toms89

 

[walnuts4x4]

For rust look into por15 then flat black spray paint...... can make frame look good again... I do it n for shows then spray tire foam cleaner on the paint to make it shine... tricks from shows...lol

 

[Canadian Expy]

For rust look into por15 then flat black spray paint...... can make frame look good again... I do it n for shows then spray tire foam cleaner on the paint to make it shine... tricks from shows...lol

And I thought your Expy was perfect

 

[Canadian Expy]

IF you need aftermarket parts and you don't get them in the USA. My buddy owns a number of aftermarket shops the closes one to you is in Kitchener.
There prices and delivery time are hard to beat.

http://www.overdriveauto.com/od_kitchener.html

 

[kevinw2345]

Thanks CanadianExpy and Walnuts4x4 i will look into the por15, and i will look at that site canadianexpy thanks