[HerrGross]

Hi guys. I just got one of these. I know they are old and not very detailed, I couldn't resist picking it up. The thing is huge. I love it. I want to do some detailing/customization. I have done some research here and across the net. I have seen some good ideas. I just wanted to know if anyone has any first hand experience with this vehicle.

i have a temporary fix for the tailgate which won't stay closed, but how have any of you addressed this long term?

What about paint? What kind works best? I know that some of the newer spray paints have a built in primer but do they really work? Do I need to scruff it up with sandpaper before painting to help the paint stick? How many coats do you recommend?

any help you can provide on these issues or anything else pertaining to the LVT will be appreciated. Thanks.

 

[russcal]

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Heya, HerrGross!

Congrats on the addition to your motorpool! I don't have one of these, but do recall seeing them back in the day.

Couple of ideas to your questions. For the ramp, I'd suggest using a few of those tiny rare earth magnets. Drill small hole, glue magnets in place, than on mating side, you can use something like a large staple or a small flat head screw. Test before making permanent attachment that your ramp will be adequately held shut.

As for painting, Krylon put out a line of spray paints marketed for use on plastic patio furniture. These paints were hotter than typical, designed to have extra teeth to work on waxy type plastics like polyethylene. I'd suggest looking for these for your project. I believe there is also comparable paints in auto parts stores designed for bumpers. As always, test to make sure that paints and plastics are compatible. You don't want to paint something and than have the paint stay gummy without hardening.

Good luck and post pictures!
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[HerrGross]

Thanks russcal. So far, I have temporarily fixed the rear door with small pieces of industrial strength Velcro, opened up the forward hatches and reattached them using some small hinges from Lowes.

My plans going forward include fabricating some pull handles for the hatches from paper clips, painting the vehicle...still deciding between hunter, spruce and John Deere shades of green, attaching some tools ( tank wrench, shovel, sledge hammer and axe) to the interior wall via leather straps and finally applying some water slide decals..