Hi Otto
Thankyou. That paint job does kinda stand out. It was painted back in 1999 so it’s lasted well.
I consider it fortunate that the truck looks pretty good but there’s enough wear and tear that I don’t mind using it, parking it wherever and not worry about it.
It’s in great shape but no show queen.
Engine developed a knock in July.
Pulled it out and took it to our local engine rebuilder. Burnt valve and cracked head. Turned out the engine had a lot of wear and tear, and some dubious quality previous work done.
Anyway, it’s getting done properly now. Thank goodness for Rockauto.
Luckily I was able to source a complete engine which gave me a good crankshaft, head and some spares. Couldn’t use the block due to engine mounts not compatible otherwise I could have just swapped it.
It was physically possible to change the engine mounts but then I would have had to get it inspected and certified to be legal. Anyone here will tell you that can be a major PITA.
I was also able to source a second cylinder head in great shape so now I have a spare.
Getting both of those in NZ at the time I needed them was like winning the lottery. They ain’t common.
Long story but that’s what happened. Will get the engine back soon and they are doing a great job.
