Retro Gladiator build, my modern take on the Old Honcho

[AndyB]

Most of us do not have an industrial size shop with a 4 post lift and plasma cutting table like the OP. We all work within what we have.

It's amazing how big the camera makes my shop look. It's 30x45 interstate basically holds about 3-4 cars. It is an enclosed carport and was the cheapest building I could get. Still had to do the concrete myself. Definitely not industrial, very much shopped to get it extra cheap. That's a 2 post lift bought used from a shop closing down for $200 (granted spray paint made it look good and saved for 3 years to replace the hydraulic motor). The plasma is a langmuir table, I bought it 10 years ago for $1200, it's now $1500 new.

My point is, I've never had much. Most things I've built because I couldn't afford to hire someone. As I've sold things, traded up or worked crazy hours, I essentially kept adding to my shop. I never want people to think something is unattainable. Most the tools in my boxes are from Harbor Frieght. I have no shame in that.

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[Stuntman Mike]

Even if your shop is smaller as it looks on the pictures I am jealous ...

But I have to admit, even if I would have that kind of shop I am too lazy (and maybe not talented enough) to do such an absolute fantastic build.

Anyhow, I really enjoyed the documentation and hope to read some more in the future.

 

[Hootbro]

It's amazing how big the camera makes my shop look. It's 30x45 interstate basically holds about 3-4 cars. It is an enclosed carport and was the cheapest building I could get. Still had to do the concrete myself. Definitely not industrial, very much shopped to get it extra cheap. That's a 2 post lift bought used from a shop closing down for $200 (granted spray paint made it look good and saved for 3 years to replace the hydraulic motor). The plasma is a langmuir table, I bought it 10 years ago for $1200, it's now $1500 new.

My point is, I've never had much. Most things I've built because I couldn't afford to hire someone. As I've sold things, traded up or worked crazy hours, I essentially kept adding to my shop. I never want people to think something is unattainable. Most the tools in my boxes are from Harbor Frieght. I have no shame in that.

I am not knocking or begrudging what you have. Maybe a little envy but in a good way.

 

[Brandon Glads]

Nice rig ! great build

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[Rainman519]

You're a mad scientist!! Great job, it looks awesome and the personal reward has to be out-of-this-world. Well done.

 

[Rubiwoo]

i appreciate your humbleness. Keep up the amazing work.

 

[56cbr600rr]

Looks fantastic! Love it.

Questions about the paint. Did they have to blend the white on your cab to match the new paint of the bed? Or did you just drop off all the parts/bed and they just painted? If so, the match looks to be perfect.

 

[AndyB]

I'm

Looks fantastic! Love it.

Questions about the paint. Did they have to blend the white on your cab to match the new paint of the bed? Or did you just drop off all the parts/bed and they just painted? If so, the match looks to be perfect.

No blending was required. All the pieces were painted separately. It does match nicely, but the decals probably help hide any difference.

 

[JT Thomas]

It's amazing how big the camera makes my shop look. It's 30x45 interstate basically holds about 3-4 cars. It is an enclosed carport and was the cheapest building I could get. Still had to do the concrete myself. Definitely not industrial, very much shopped to get it extra cheap. That's a 2 post lift bought used from a shop closing down for $200 (granted spray paint made it look good and saved for 3 years to replace the hydraulic motor). The plasma is a langmuir table, I bought it 10 years ago for $1200, it's now $1500 new.

My point is, I've never had much. Most things I've built because I couldn't afford to hire someone. As I've sold things, traded up or worked crazy hours, I essentially kept adding to my shop. I never want people to think something is unattainable. Most the tools in my boxes are from Harbor Frieght. I have no shame in that.

You go man. Well done.

 

[AndyB]

So my first wheeling trip is in the books. It's easy to brag about the good and always hard to admit the bad.
Let's start with the bad: Although I forklifted each tire to check clearance, the right front tire still rubbed the inner fender liner. The lack of Ram assist and 40's at 10lbs can be very difficult to turn.
Now the good: no shortage of power from the diesel, it was effortless on the trail. Every switch, button and feature worked as designed. The dust lights were plenty visible on dry desert roads. Climbing steep loose crap was like nothing. Drove approximately 4hrs to Parker, AZ and only stop was for my friend who's front drive shaft exploded (he had an unnoticed hairline fracture mid tube). Entire trip approximately 500 miles and averaged 18.4 mpg on 40's.
A pic and video for fun. I should note, this wasn't much of a difficult trip. Just a light run to test out. Definitely more trips coming. I will start posting those in a separate thread. Thanks for following along!

 

[Mikey_89]

Absolutely EPIC!! Love the old school look and the creativeness!!! Kudos to you sir and your devotion to this vehicle and the Jeep life. This is the way...

 

[KX L]

You sir are a very talented genius. You're wife is a saint. Couple of questions IF you're willing to answer them.

1. Is the wife unit into 4 wheeling and goes with you on trips? Mine definitely isn't but thank God she has never complained about the mods I've done or the time away doing trails. That said she does call my truck Olive---Because it takes all of my money and all of my time

2. How much, including the purchase of the Jeep have you spent so far?

3. Do you have kids? If so I hope you are/have taught them how to do things yourself.

 

[Joe_G]

Wonderful build and thread! Thanks for sharing with us!

 

[Wet Willys]

This is the coolest thing I've seen in a long time. Inspirational......

 

[Willys502]

Truly an outstanding job. I'm always amazed at people who are this creative and talented to actually plan, build and implement their plans.

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