This is my project of late.  I plan to bring the truck to drivable conditions and then slowly repair and rebuild the interior and exterior.  I hope to bring it as close to original as possible, but also want to modernize it as well!

Dec 15, 2003

Dec 19, 2003 - Got the REPU fired up.  Smoked like crazy!  Took front grill off and attempted to glue grill back together.  Chipped coloring off of rotary emblem.

Jan 2, 2004 - Before it snowed I attempted to fix the clutch problem myself.  I haven't decided to pull the motor or the trans.  I filled the tires with air and the vehicle rolls freely

 

Jan 25 2004 - Towed it over to my house and proceeded to tear down drive train per Chilton manual.  Found that the rear drive shaft connection to the differential was stuck on and took about an hour to tear off.  Pulled the transmission to find that throw-out bearing (although rough) was operational.  After pulling the clutch disc off, we found the real problem.  The clutch face towards the pressure plate had worn down to the rivets.  A new clutch is on its way.

Jan 29 2004 - Had clutch Resurfaced and Reattached at Clutchmasters in Detroit.  The company who makes RhinoPac and several other aftermarket models discontinued manufacturing.  Clutch was installed and throw out bearing was greased up.  We put the tranny back on and bolted everything together.  Took the truck outside and after turning over several times one of the wires under the hood started to smoke.  REPU fired up and idled at 900 RPM after warm.  A battery was tow strapped into the rusted battery box.  The truck went for a 5 mile ride and there was not a single problem.  Took off front passenger panel and beat out dent.

Feb 10, 2004 - My brother slid into the REPU with his Ford Ranger and dented the driver side door.  It is still icy in some areas here.  My plans to make the stainless steel battery box has come closer to production.

Mar 10, 2004 - I got all of the dashboard instruments operational.  The fuse box was corroded and all of the fuses (except the engine main) fell apart when I pulled them.  I replaced the fuses.

Apr 12, 2004 - Beat the driver side door until dent started coming out. After letting truck warm up, I ran it to 4000RPM

April 15, 2004 - Bought two taillights that will serve the function.  They do not have three wires so I will have to find someway to wire them.  I found that a long wire wrapped around the frame was possibly shorting out.  It went to the license plate light.

To get the REPU running I need: Key, brake fluid, side mirrors, and brake lights for two original brakes.

Audio of the REPU idling without airpump

Audio of the REPU idling with airpump

Audio of the REPU idling at rear of truck

May 31, 2004 - Have several projects with the REPU going.  The battery box is being made.  I have disassembled the brakes and completely cleaned them off.  I may replace some brake lines as the rubber hoses are bulging.  I decided to learn about body work and got the right tools to start learning.  I purchased two lights for the missing brake lights and have those wired up.  The body is not grounded good and that is the cause of poor starting and bad lighting.  Here are pics of my first day as a body repairman:

June 11, 2004 - Marv Baumann, www.marvinbaumann.com created a brand new battery box for my truck.  Front latch is original, he welded the rest of the box together with new material.

July 15 2004 - I had the front disc brakes off and cleaned them.  I bought two front tires for the truck.  185 75R14 tires were put on the REPU and I manually bleed the brakes.  I found that the REPU either starts right away or not at all.  The pickup truck runs great and seems to brake well.  The discs were extremely rusted and are slowly recovering with the usage.  I plan to soon legalize the truck. 

I need:

two more tail lights - bondo them into the body

make a key from the doors - the tumbler is not in the vehicle

make sure the engine starts every time - no electric drain

get the heater working

 

July 23, 2004 - I took the Red Top battery out of my RX-7 and put it into the REPU.  The brakes are a little spongy and need to be bled more.  The heater works ever since I ran a ground wire to the engine block for good continuity.  The pickup's drivetrain is road ready.   

 

July 28, 2004 - Tags cost me $14 and I took the REPU out for a spin.  I stopped at AutoZone and picked up two more taillights.  I drove home.  I believe my master cylinder is the weak link in my brakes as they slowly fade/ lose pressure.  I washed the truck.  I want to replace the driver door, key locks, master cylinder, and weld the floor closed.  I need to start de-rusting and primering.

 

Sept. 25 2004 - Bought Aircraft Remover (paint stripper) and removed the X on my hood.  I also sanded the driver's side of the bed and found that the rear tire flare is composed of bondo.  The work I did was quickly covered over as it was getting dark and I primered the bare metal.

 

Oct. 10 2004 - I sanded the passenger's side of the bed flat.  I purchased a tool that holds sandpaper and keeps it straight.  I plan on resanding the driver's side of the bed as it is not flat.  I sanded the passenger's side front fender.  While I am new at body work, it gets better every time I work on the truck. 

 

Dec. 28 2004 - I drove the REPU until Nov. 15 and the fuel pump internals seized.  I found a replacement model that flows 18 GPH and maintains 4-6 PSI fuel pressure.  The truck runs smooth although several fuses were blown in the process.