44AJ20 & 93KA28 Rebuild Barbados

[weetchus]

Hi all.

This is my first ever rebuild project and I am hoping to get some support from everyone on here as I go. I'm very excited and have a lot of emotional attachment to this project. The 44AJ20 was my stepfather's until he put it down and it rusted almost entirely before he gave it away. I then managed to track down the person he gave it to and get it back! It was the first ever vehicle I drove when I got my license and have some great memories with it.

Here it is now
https://photos.app.goo.gl/2LveFqsP2eGU4F6T9

Lots of work but lots salvageable.

The 93KA28 has a similar tale attached to it, but for a different family who loved it and have now given it to me to look after with my family.
It's in way better shape and should run as the oil looks decent, there is fuel in the filter and the spark plugs look new.
https://photos.app.goo.gl/FSW3ygpsRy2URsak9

The idea is to create the best of both vehicles, putting a bit of the soul of 44AJ20 into 93KA28. I don't want it to look pristine. I will be keeping the patina look but replacing all the bolts etc with stainless and building from the chassis up.

[weetchus]

I should note that once complete this should be the only Lightweight in Barbados and my family fun vehicle for the next 50 years.

[Jiml]

Welcome to the Forum, it looks like you have a nice project on your hands Jim

[weetchus]

So far I have stripped 44AJ20 down to just the tub, which will come off this week.
https://photos.app.goo.gl/z5cKi5rGMbTC1oFXA

The bulkhead was so shot that I had to think up ways to keep the windscreen (and me) safe.
https://photos.app.goo.gl/zkbzZc4kMmyWKoaz7

I have no special equipment so have had to come up with round about ways of lifting heavy stuff
https://photos.app.goo.gl/gRZM5yYNRyP9tHbt6
https://photos.app.goo.gl/wRF9cMj9QzaFnHoa6

Notice there is no bulkhead
https://photos.app.goo.gl/r8mCHCC33WaByhhZ7
https://photos.app.goo.gl/kNb7KDh6XTzneAHR6

But I've stripped off almost everything
https://photos.app.goo.gl/vtEHGSTttNktvepM9

[weetchus]

Welcome to the Forum, it looks like you have a nice project on your hands Jim

Thanks Jim

[removeduser185]

Welcome to the Forum. That's quite a project you have there - and not made easier, I expect, by the shortage of parts in Barbados. But, I have no doubt you will enjoy (almost) every minute of the rebuild - and so will we - we like reading about other people's projects and seeing the pictures!

[hibbo]

Hi and welcome to the forum looks like your going to have some fun over the next few months.
Wishing you the very best of luck.

[weetchus]

Welcome to the Forum. That's quite a project you have there - and not made easier, I expect, by the shortage of parts in Barbados. But, I have no doubt you will enjoy (almost) every minute of the rebuild - and so will we - we like reading about other people's projects and seeing the pictures!

Thanks Fred for the encouragement. I'll keep posting updates and you are right... I am enjoying every second!

[weetchus]

I have tried to get inventive with saving parts...

Here is the speedo in horrible condition
https://photos.app.goo.gl/K1ebmLRTvGDei9iq8

But I've discovered that a baby formula tin is the exact same size!!
https://www.facebook.com/alex.weetch/vi ... 175185002/

[weetchus]

Hi and welcome to the forum looks like your going to have some fun over the next few months.
Wishing you the very best of luck.

Thanks Hibbo!