M151A2 in its new home

[maple_leaf_eh]

If the battery box was heavy construction, repairing the two front floors was a casual jog around the block.

A previous owner had invested in diamond plate for each floor, bent to conform with the existing panels and firmly secured with self-tapping screws. No arguments from me on methodology. After he-man cutting, grinding and welding, I was ready for 'fast and loose'.

I unfastened the diamond plate and had a look. Hmm? He must have been thinking the same way I was. It is aluminum diamond plate not steel. Measure twice, cut once. Hand operated tin snips are slow, but effective. I had to unbolt some of the Roll Over Protection System base bolts to slide the fresh panel into place over an emerging rust hole. Who knew old bolts could be so ornery? But I realized the logic of working on a small vehicle when I had one hand on a wrench underneath and the other hand on a wrench inside. You Carrier owners have my sympathies.

At some point in the story 3 other local M151A2 owners appeared in the driveway, led by Eric driving a nice company car. Scott and Steve actually lent a hand to change tires after the hard work was done. Scott had his "MUTT" on the street, which made my wife question my judgement as she drove up. "What the hell has he done now?"

Reverse the steps to put the 22 gauge panels under the diamond plate with the same screws. Spritz on the Rust Killer spray and a top coat of Rustoleum. Then off to the inspection station.

The original document was dated Sunday by mistake. The owner apologized for the mistake, but agreed the M+S tires looked better than the Non Directional Cross Countries. But on the bright side, I have enough accumulated NOS 17" tires, that I think I can put the M151A2 on decent but old rubber when the occassion demands.