SoobieDoo

If it's an epoxy-based bedliner, that's gonna be best. I've added silica sand to hammerite with good results too. Your coverage will go to crap, but I used a stir-stick coated with the stuff as a wood rasp!

That's exactly what I wanted to hear, thanks Bill! So it can hold up real well. Dave, it certainly sounds like an adhesion problem of some sort. I know the stuff to be one of the hardest, best one-part paints around...but a rock is a rock. I'm using the original hammerite brand and dobbing it on with a brush. That makes for an awesome, hammered look and it goes on much thicker than the spray too. I'm also not leaving one square inch of steel, that doesn't feel like 120 grit. Next best thing to powdercoat, at $15/ quart!

For sure!

Thanks, guys. I was told by one tire installer that once the tire is on, that the rust wouldn't continue, but that just didn't make any sense to me. I might just treat it with phosphoric acid first.

I'm using hammerite on my new old nissans, and no, they're not worth powdercoating. Question is: Will a tire seal reliably on hammered paint, or should I just go smooth, except the surface? I likes the hammered look, and hiding surface imperfections is a bonus too!

Yeah, in shopping for tires, I was looking at the measured rim width. I now know that's not set in stone, but there's still much less selection in 14's compared to 15's. I can see in the future much less selection with even the "smaller" 15's. I picked up some nissan's that are just what I'm after: 15" selection, 5.5" width, and 5" backspacing. My stock wheels are 5.25" b/s, so these will tuck in there real nice. 205/75R15's call for a minimum 5.5" rim width, so I think there's enough protection there. Granted, not as good as 9.5" ssr's on a 5" rim, but sufficient for my "trail" rig. I'm willing to put the extra effort into the 6 lug conv, for a perfect rim size like that. I test fitted one of the 5.5" pugs, and with the 4.5" backspace they have, it lined up flush with the fender...and no tire taboot.

Those are sick, man! Didn't think you could squeeze those into 5's!

Well, I don't regret buying those pugs, since I can pass along a great deal to other USMB'rs, but I'm not going to use them. I had so little time to pick them up, that I didn't notice the width is only 5" on 3 of them. I thought I was getting 5.5 and 6's. That means the biggest tires that can be mounted are 205/75R14, and they won't even take the liberators. As the 15" steel pugs are so rare, I'm going back to 6 lug. I'll give the local boys first dibs on the pugs, then post the rest for sale here, and return any not sold by this thursday. I'm sure the (2) 5.5" powdercoated ones won't last!

Trading for a matched set did cross my mind. I'm fine with mismatched fronts and rears, but a full set would be nice.

Thanks, Jeff. It's gettin there!

Nice wheelin! Did you clear all of that in fwd, or just use it around the boulder!?!

Got wheels! The price was just too good to pass up. Set of 5, 14" steel pugs for $37 INCL. TAX!!! They are not all the same, but I'll just put like wheels on the same axle. Does anyone know if different width wheels will change the tire's diameter? I don't think it'll be a prob, but better than replacing trannys all the time. I'm thinking the wider 6's on the back. Hammerite silver is next! Sorry 'bout the sideways pic...I don't have a clue? Soooooooo stoked!!!

You could crank up the front suspension, 'till ya get struts/springs. Real nice shape! Any plans to mod it?

Guess PO needed that change tray you're after...or 12!?!

Yeah, yah...at least it's not the glasspacks. Gotta say though, after driving around for a week with NO muffler, they would'nt be that bad.

Here's some minor stuff to check off the list: My custom 1/2 rack. Yeah, I know it won't hold much weight, but good for shovel, axe, high-lift, etc. The cool thing is that the other half of the rack is still good for hauling lumber and stuff. What do y'all think, cheesy?...I don't care! This was obviously a display rack and I can't think of any use for these brackets. Cut 'em or leave as is? This is about to go on, just getting the short pipe that bolts on nearby welded up. I've test fitted and the fit is absolutely perf! More ground clearance. Lift and wheels soon...I promise.

Nice car! I could just barely see the rust you mentioned.

Nah, I'll take care of it like you are come spring. I also have rust behind the wheels, but it's just surface...for now.

Glad you finally found a soob without the cancer that bad! I know how rust is your arch-nemesis...mine too, apparently. Found a fifty cent hole below the bumper the other day.

The hankook site does show 215's available in that tire, so I'll just try a few tire shops and see if it can be ordered.

Glad I don't have that kinda commute! That's the 15* lift, isn't it? It'd be cool if he stayed in touch to report on tire/axle wear.

Never had spfi, just a feedback craptachi. Definite power improvement there, though!

Where exactly are you rubbing at, Jeff? I'm surprised, even with 235's, with the wheel offset you got on there. I'm concerned now with those mazda wheels. I think they come in 15's too, but with these taller tires, I don't wanna hit the spring. Maybe a tad more offset would be good? Scott, didn't I read that you ordered those hankooks some time ago? Who'd you go through?

I can't make it, Jeff. My soob's stuck in the driveway...oh, and I'm working!

Nice work! Now you need bigger tires, so you can sell me your old ones!!!