Project Fieldmaster: Entry #2

A week in, and the Fieldmaster is already in full-on restoration mode (unlike the e30, I have control over the schedule of this car's work). There's so much that needs to be done. The Pajero runs, but isn't running great. The last owner admits that the car wasn't maintained regularly, so I'm going to have to assume the worst.

First things first: give the car a top overhaul and a full service. Second, give the steering, brakes and suspension a full inspection and fix what needs fixing. Third, give the car a much needed cleaning, and that means a complete detail job inside and out. Last, some minor upgrades like a new alarm, lighting upgrades, and maybe some audio work.

But back to the present - here's whats been going on so far, at least mechanically:

1. The rear window motors are shot, so I need to get new ones. (Didn't get to take a pic of this, but hopefully I can get one next time i get to visit it.)

2. The timing belt is starting to show its ply, so that has to go. Might as well replace all the belts. And spark plugs. And filters. And fluids. And...

3. The auto shift knob is wiggly and loose. When we opened it up, the bushing has already disintegrated!

4. The battery terminal is... um... let's just say it's not what it should be. That's a safety issue right there.

5. Off goes the valve cover, and it's sludge city!

6. The rear axle is leaking fluid. That means the oil seal is dead. The wheel bearings are still good, though.

There's a lot more, for sure, but we've gotten the ball rolling. I'm really excited to see the end result, but so far, the journey there is just as fun. There's lots to look forward to - after all, the journey has just begun for me and my Fieldmaster.