1980 Mitsubishi J53 Project - and it begins

[livingthepast]

Hello all,

It has been a bit of a ride over the last three months since I returned from Afghanistan. This last week has been the most challenging for me personally as I watch the news, so time to focus on the Jeep and do something positive in this world...

After arriving home, cleaned the garage and made a spot for the Jeep to get it out of the driveway and weather.

jeep driveway.jpg

Removed the side curtains from the top and did a quick inspection - albeit I missed a few things...lol and then drove the beast for a few days around town.

- Brakes grabbed and pulled to the left (discovered the issue below)
- Master Brake Cylinder: One resevior completely dry
- Horn doesn't work
- Replaced horn regulator - still doesn't "honk"
- Blinkers don't blink, but the emergency blinkers work
- Replaced all bulbs with LEDs - brighter and compatible with 24v system
- Ordered the blinker regulator - will see if that fixes it
- Needs an oil change, trying to figure out an American oil filter replacement option vice the $35 + $35 shipping Japanese option from Mitsubishi
- Needs a new air filter - same issue trying to figure out an American replacement - parts prices aren't bad, shipping is a killer from Japan
- Almost no rust on the jeep. As stated previously, it needs the entire exhaust assembly replaced soon
- Did find rust on the under side of the hood (edges closest to both batteries. Obviously batteries leaked at a previous time and caused the rust issue. I'll have to wire brush these down
and paint with some rust preventer.
- I need to either suck up buying backup brake pads from Japan - $250 with shipping or try to find local replacement options. Also need to find a decent reliner service for existing pads.
- Emergency brake works fine and the good news is that it is a stock CJ3b emergency brake
- Needs a new top but they are no longer made or available...will be a challenge
- Overall bits of surface rust across the Jeep (screw/bolt heads) and other areas that just need some TLC and elbow grease.

Overall, the Jeep runs great and just needs some attention a bit everywhere to what was lacking from the Japanese Army maintenance program.

More to follow and appreciate any expertise especially regarding the brakes. More pictures to follow.....

Brian