It has been awhile since I posted an update on Eagles Nest but work has been very busy. While great for making money to buy parts it’s kind of bad for finding time to work on the van. I am working in Roswell NM for another week and a half. Then my wife is flying out to meet me in Albuquerque and we are taking a working vacation through New Mexico, Colorado, Wyoming, Nebraska, Iowa, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee, and finally back home where I plan on taking a month off to work on Eagles Nest.
Over the last several months I have been collecting parts and have started many projects on the van but haven’t finished any. As most of you know you start one thing that leads to another and another and so on.
I ordered my wheels and tires. I have had to tires for months now. Mickey Thompson Sportsman S/Ts 295/50R15 for the rear and 235/60R15 up front on 10s and 8s. I patiently waited on my wheels and they finally arrived. They didn’t fit. Specifically the front wheels wouldn't fit over my stock front calipers. So back they went. I ordered another set from a different manufacturer and the rear two arrived this week and the front two are supposed to arrive next week. I hope they fit. The manufacturer said they should but might not. I have a pic of the rear wheels but I will keep that secret for now.
I found a correct tilt column. I haven’t seen it yet but it’s there waiting.
Also have all the parts (best I could find) for a complete stock brake rebuild and KYB shocks.
I ordered my fender flares, front spoiler, and visor from Mark Hann at vancrazy.com just before Nats. Mark has been kind enough to slow roll my order so they will arrive just before I get home. Thanks Mark.
Oh and I found a set of mirror hoods of eBay. Sorry to anyone I was bidding against but those were an absolute must have for me. I still need to order my mirrors. Note to self: order mirrors.
New shocks, u-joints, carrier bearing, power steering pump rebuild kit, steering box rebuild kit, and other parts I can’t remember right now.
I knew I had a roar in the drive line. I was hoping it was a u-joint but nooooo. It was the pinion bearings in the rear end. So new bearings, 3:42 Richmond Gears, and an Auburn Limited Slip later…. Should work real sweet with the 700 R4 I’m having built to replace the original Turbo 350.
OK for a few pics
My 12 Bolt just out of the van
OK I don't think the money spent on new brakes was wasted. I think Sam (the shop cat) agrees
Original 2:77 gears with open carrier
At my friend Freds shop setting things up
Ready to go back in
And now it's in
And finally the mirror hoods
I think these will look way better than the stock mirrors.
Can't wait to get back home and really start having fun... That is after having fun with Suz for a week+ on our vacation.