M1010 Build. The Rompulance

[Larry]

Congrats on the new machine Dakota! I was wondering what the story was as I watched Born for Adventure drag that fine machine across country. That dude cracks me up with his hilarious commentaries in his IG posts. He looks like a fun guy to hand out with.

Whatever you do, stick with it. So many people buy old trucks then within a year or so realize living with an old truck is not a 100% romantic experience as they thought it would be when looking at others pictures and adventures through the internet. Its not uncommon to see these rigs change hands every 18 to 24 months because people soon figure out the constant maintenance is above their skill level.

Glad to see this M1010 went to a nice home and anxious to see what you do with it. I’m following you on IG as well. I love the color and what you are doing with it so far. Keep up the good work

Oh, and on a related note, Borne for Adventure and CUCV world got a sweet plug this week from OPTIMA batteries. Very cool! :victory:

 

[chilliwak]

Congrats on the new machine Dakota! I was wondering what the story was as I watched Born for Adventure drag that fine machine across country. That dude cracks me up with his hilarious commentaries in his IG posts. He looks like a fun guy to hand out with.

Whatever you do, stick with it. So many people buy old trucks then within a year or so realize living with an old truck is not a 100% romantic experience as they thought it would be when looking at others pictures and adventures through the internet. Its not uncommon to see these rigs change hands every 18 to 24 months because people soon figure out the constant maintenance is above their skill level.

Glad to see this M1010 went to a nice home and anxious to see what you do with it. I’m following you on IG as well. I love the color and what you are doing with it so far. Keep up the good work

Oh, and on a related note, Borne for Adventure and CUCV world got a sweet plug this week from OPTIMA batteries. Very cool! :victory:

Thanks for posting that vid Larry! Cool stuff. Always love to see the square body porn here on expo. Cheers, Chilli...

 

[dakota123]

Thanks Larry! BornForAdventure is the man. Super good dude and extremely knowledgable when it comes to CUCV's and just about anything else.

I know what you mean haha i'm pretty handy when it comes to most things and i figured if i don't know how to fix it one of my buddies does! I think a huge thing for me will be the fact that its not my daily driver. Not being forced to fix things in order to get around will be nice. Ive had two jeeps as my daily and it used to suck when things broke. It made me hate working on things because it would always be when i really didn't feel like working on it/ have the money.

So i honestly don't see it going anywhere. But thats what they probably all say lol.

Thats rad that you follow me on IG as well! Whats your name ill make sure to follow back if I'm not already!

 

[Yroundrdn]

Very cool video, need to figure our where that was!

 

[ibanezer]

Another instagram follower of you and bornforadventure here. Your TAT trip was pretty fun to follow along with, have any trips like that planned for the M1010? I was looking at M1009's a couple years ago but settled and got an XJ instead... Now I'm back to looking at CUCV's again, thinking about getting one come spring time.

 

[dakota123]

Thanks man! Sorry about the lag on a response. Not on here to much anymore. I miss that TAT trip every single day. Was extremely lucky to have the time and funds to do that trip when I did it. Changed my life. I really want to do a Yellowstone trip in the ambulance and then if all goes well an Alaska trip. How is the CUCV search coming along ?!

 

[dakota123]

For those of you that were following along on the build. Ive gotten a good amount done to the back over the last year.

-Benches & table to bed setup

-Wood paneled the entire inside

-solar

-running water


Right now I'm working on more storage and finishing some of the finishing touches. I am actually going to be Airbnb'ing it so i gotta get around to taking more photos of it looking nice. Didn't take to many photos of the actual process but here is what I have.

Next step is making a rear bumper similar to this one below except one tire and the other a box for a generator storage and some recovery equipment.

Also want to make a platform / deck on the top with a ladder going up to it so i can put chairs up there and hang out and watch the surf/sunset

Any questions y'all have let me know!

 

[dakota123]

Anyone familiar with putting in a NV4500 in an old square body? And could give any advice. My buddy has a full donor vehicle and my tranny has been slipping a little so I think its about time to do the swap. The 5 speed will be super nice too

 

[chilliwak]

Hey Dakota thanks for posting pics of your new and improved rig. To answer your question about the trans install; I would send Larry a pm. He is our GM guru and could tell you anything you want to know. I hope you stay active here on expo as we all love reading about your rig. Keep up the good work. Cheers, Chilli...

 

[fl0w3n]

Awesome build! Makes me motivated to build my crusty K20 that's sitting.

Here's some info from Pirate on the nv4500 swap - http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/chevy/979116-help-tranny-swap-th400-nv4500.html

Those are the go to guys with tech info on square bodies, but be careful, while a good group they are very sensitive to "non-hardcore" questions.

 

[dakota123]

Do it fl0w3n ! I come from a jeep family and this square body is my first. Love everything about them hiccups and all!

 

[dakota123]

Hey Dakota thanks for posting pics of your new and improved rig. To answer your question about the trans install; I would send Larry a pm. He is our GM guru and could tell you anything you want to know. I hope you stay active here on expo as we all love reading about your rig. Keep up the good work. Cheers, Chilli...

I just sent him over a dm. Thanks for the heads up on that one hopefully he lets me pick his brain a little

 

[Outback]

Nice RIG Dakota! Can you post some pics of that rear bumper set up? Opened all up etc. Do the rear Rampu doors open up all the way?

 

[dakota123]

Thanks man! My next big trips going to be either alaska or yellowstone in the ambulance. If i get up that way we should link up!

 

[dakota123]

I have been contemplating raising the roof ever since I brought the ambulance home.
Any ideas?? Either a place to go to near so-cal.....Only needs to be about a foot taller.