Rebuild Project - J20 1981

[Yakirt]

So, finely...I've found what I was looking for...1981 J20. It was neglected at a backyard for 16 years, little rusty.
The original owner rebuild the engine 16 years ago and due to health reasons couldn't drive it no more.
It's going for DETAILED...

Started to take it apart...will keep you posted.

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[Yakirt]

Replaced the original rims/tires. It's difficult finding 9.5/16.5 tires.
Put 285/75/16 instead. Looks better

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[Yakirt]

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"Face off"...taking it apart.

[Yakirt]

Had to take the windshield off in order to remove the dashboard.
Anyway, need to fix the windshield metal frame...

Dashboard is off...

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Will remove the dash vinyl cover for recovery.

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[Yakirt]

Renewed the gauge cluster, had to remove the lenses.
The old ones has glue all over them, impacting the sight.
looking for new ones.

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Put it back...

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[Stuka]

Nice project!

The gages look a whole lot better after a bit of cleaning.

[Stuka]

Oh, and are you sure its an '81 and not an '80? Reason I ask is it has a brow. Its quite possible some left over brows were carried over into the '81 model year. But typically '80 was the last year for it.

[Yakirt]

You know what...it could possibly be a 1980. Back then, and up until a few years ago, DMV used to write the date a car went on road and not the car manufacturing date. So, if the car was manufactured on 1980 and was sold only on 1981, the effective date on its license would show 1981.
Kind of stupid but that how it was done. It was actually a trick of the car dealers...they used to sell old models as new.

Anyway, could the VIN tell the real story?

[Yakirt]

I'm looking to renew the gauge panel lenses.
Thinking to fabricate a glass ones.

Is there a place to buy new ready ones (plastic of glass)?

Thanks.