The 8 year 300TDI project coming to a close with paint... ouch! HD bumpers go on this afternoon and rock sliders a bit later will finish it.

terryjm1

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Jan 23, 2011
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Finally wrapping up this project. It has been more than a decade since I purchased paint. When did 2 quarts of paint, clear, and activator become a $550 purchase. Ouch!
 

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terryjm1

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Jan 23, 2011
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Lol, I didn’t ask the color, just gave them the paint code. Definitely a gold of some sort, I think.
 

bnmack1

Well-known member
Apr 14, 2014
63
3
Ga
Looks nice! I think the color is white gold pearl metallic. What bumper are you planning to put on it? I saw the Arb deluxe bar at 4wheelonline and it looks good though I'm on a budget right now.
 

terryjm1

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Jan 23, 2011
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I installed bumpers made by a small time guy in Ohio. On a 5 star rating, I’d give the front a 4 star as the fit wasn’t perfect and the sides of the bumper should have been a little longer. Also, the width where the bumper comes around the fenders is just little too tight as it pushes in the fenders just a little. For the rear, I am going to be kind as he normally only builds rear bumpers which require the bottom rear of the quarter panel to be cut off. He agreed to build one that didn’t require that. As such, it is a “one-off” and I doubt he will build another. I’ll give it a 2.5 out of 5. It fits but poorly. On one side it touches the body. He didn’t allow any room for adjustment in mounting. It was a huge fight to get it installed. On the positive side of both bumpers, they are extremely solid with excellent welds. Also, the price was very reasonable but they come unpainted. I like the unpainted aspect as I chose a color that is easy to get and touch up. I’ll try to post some photos but I am currently at our cabin and have only a weak cell signal.
 
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terryjm1

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Jan 23, 2011
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First photo was taken when we were about to leave for the 1100 mile trip to the mountain cabin. Everything was last minute (paint took 2 weeks longer than expected) and I didn’t take a test interstate run before we left. (I should have...) I have flat towed cars this route 2 times previously and flat towed many other times with zero issues. I am fairly confident the issues experienced this time were due to me having the cargo area loaded in the Land Rover.

After 300 miles I could no longer take going 55-60 MPH to keep sway down. Sway was horrible at anything over 60. I disconnected the tow bar, bolted in the driveshafts, and drove it the rest of the trip. My wife drove the truck. She didn’t give me any trouble as I am pretty sure the sway issues terrified her. I’ll admit, I was really regretting not taking a test run and the sway issues were really nerve racking. Sometimes, I am a idiot.


Aside from slowing down on hills, I was able to keep it right around 70 MPH. (300TDI not built for speed) I was a little nervous driving it as I had only driven it about 500 miles on short local trips since the 300TDI / R380 conversion was completed. It performed like a champ. After driving it here on the mountain for a few days, it is absolutely perfect for here. Second photo is after arrival...

Due to the unexpected delay in the paint shop I didn’t have time to install the rock sliders. I didn’t have room to pack them for this trip. That will have to get done the next trip here.
 

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ERover82

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Nov 26, 2011
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Darien Gap
Congrats on getting it back on the road and off road. What line of paint did you use? I've been looking into paint options for my D90. Automotive Arts sells a 2k single stage that looks promising and relatively affordable.
 
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terryjm1

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Jan 23, 2011
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PPG - base coat / clear coat. It looks really good but I think it should have hardened more than it did. In time I’m sure it will harden up more after some time in the sun.