Desert Turtle - M1010 Build

[ExpoMike]

A little update, I was able to get another M1010 dash bezel for my gauge project. Just started to mock up things and it looks like the larger gauges drop into the factory sized hole and the spin lock rings square up nicely to the back of the bezel opening. This sets them to the factory angle as well. Looks like the smaller gauge holes, I am going to need to trim off about a 1/4" off the backside of the holes and I think they will drop in and mount like the larger ones. Couple pics.

 

[ExpoMike]

Finally got some free time to do some work on the 1010. Wanted to upgrade my headlights and headlight harness. Have new E-code style H4 headlights (Autopal ones, I have used in a half dozen vehicles). I wanted to install a new headlight harness that uses relays to control the lights, so they get power directly from the battery. End up brighter and takes all of the load off the headlight switch as it only triggers the relays now. That went in easily but I had to order new headlight retainer rings as the ones were missing tabs to hold the lights, so I couldn't finish installing the lights.

While I had the grill out to run the harness, I tested the horn and found it to be dead. I happened to have a set of hi/lo horns laying around and installed them. They work great and you can't see the red back when looking through the grill. Forgot to get pics while the grill was out.

Then I needed to change out the transmission mounts. OMG I have never changed a set that was so bad. They had expanded with oil/trans fluid over the last 35 years and felt like squishy Jello. Put a new set in from NAPA and much better. That was it for my work yesterday.

 

[ExpoMike]

Still working through ideas for interior layout. This one my be close to our final idea. Fairly to scale but really need to do some tape layout in the box to get a better visual idea. Nice thing about this design is the front pass thru door would still be usable.

 

[ExpoMike]

Well got the first piece for the camper. Was searching in FB marketplace and ran across this RV stove top. Brand new and should be perfect for our needs. Best of all, $40!

 

[ExpoMike]

Well I was able to get a few things done this Labor Day weekend. First up, getting the wheels swapped out. When I had the new Toyo's installed, we found a bent wheel. Since I was never a fan of the black steel wheels my search started for some narrow aluminum ones. I found a set of pre-metric pattern Ford wheels that were 16x7 (stock were 16x6.5). Definitely liked the way they looked. Went into my local Discount Tire and had them swap them over and order up a spare tire for one of the original wheels. Very happy with the change in the look of the rig!

 

[ExpoMike]

Next up was working on my gauge panel project. As I found, the 4" gauges dropped right in but the smaller ones were going to need the bezel modified to fit them. Looking things over I was able to cut the "cones" that butt up to the stock gauges down shorter, which opens up the hole bigger. Trying to keep these cuts square so the spin lock ring would square up the gauges in the holes. About an hour or so worth of work and bam, gauges installed. Very happy with how this turned out! Next will be getting the sensors installed and things wired up. Luckily wiring is easy as Speedhut gauges use locking plugs at the gauge side and Weatherpack connectors at the sensors. Very minimal wiring needed. I am going to do the cooling system overhaul and install that sensor at that point.

 

[ExpoMike]

I have been working with an artist on a logo design for this project and I think it came out great!

 

[ExpoMike]

Had a little bit of time Saturday to get some work done on the M1010. Finally got the front shocks swapped out to Bilstein 5165 series. To my surprised, the original shocks still had pressure and no leaks. 35 years old but only 15,000 miles. LOL

 

[rayra]

All looking real good. What's the condition of the shell? Any frame cracks by the steering box mounting bolts?

 

[ExpoMike]

All looking real good. What's the condition of the shell? Any frame cracks by the steering box mounting bolts?

If by shell, you mean box, it is in very good condition. Cab is also in good shape. No cracks at the steering box mounts and I am planning to buy the ORD steering brace to prevent anything.

 

[Buddha.]

Had a little bit of time Saturday to get some work done on the M1010. Finally got the front shocks swapped out to Bilstein 5165 series. To my surprised, the original shocks still had pressure and no leaks. 35 years old but only 15,000 miles. LOL

View attachment 547175

I’ve replaced a couple sets of those yellow Bilsteins and both times found that the old ones were probably still good, Bilstein makes good shocks. After 35 years though probably a good idea to change them.

 

[ExpoMike]

I’ve replaced a couple sets of those yellow Bilsteins and both times found that the old ones were probably still good, Bilstein makes good shocks. After 35 years though probably a good idea to change them.

The old ones I removed were not Bilstein but some cheap shocks. Now I have some gooood Bilstein's

 

[16DenaliHD]

I'm interested in seeing where and how this build unfolds. I'm local to SOCAL also and curious to see this thing. if you need help wrenching on it, feel free to message me I'm curious to get to know these things before I start a build of my own.

 

[ExpoMike]

I'm interested in seeing where and how this build unfolds. I'm local to SOCAL also and curious to see this thing. if you need help wrenching on it, feel free to message me I'm curious to get to know these things before I start a build of my own.

Thanks! Definitely welcome to come by and check it out. I am in the San Diego area. Been working up a spreadsheet of needed items for the build. Gets expensive quickly. LOL What are you building?

 

[16DenaliHD]

Thanks! Definitely welcome to come by and check it out. I am in the San Diego area. Been working up a spreadsheet of needed items for the build. Gets expensive quickly. LOL What are you building?

havnt purchased anything yet.. but looking to do the same truck build as a weekend camper/ hunting rig.. build a good M1010 I’m up in north OC