New (to me) Gen1 Montero LS

[corter]

Hey everyone! It's my first post here, figured I'd start a little thread for my new daily driver.



In my search for a new daily driver, I found this in Arizona and had it shipped up to me on Cape Cod (I learned quickly with my VW Syncro project that shipping from the desert is much less expensive than repairing 25 years of salt road exposure). It's a 1990 Montero LS, body has 179k on it but the motor has 80k and was completely rebuilt 100 miles ago. Just took delivery yesterday and got it out for a few miles today, and it's really quite nice. Engine is smooth, everything inside works as it should, body and underbody are extremely clean- just needs new tires and suspension refreshing. Monday I'm going to install some 31" BFG All Terrains, and then it's going to the mechanic's to refresh all the dried out bushings that cause some clunking and creaking. After that it should be good to go!



I don't have huge plans for the Montero, maybe something on the roof for beach chairs and skis, and I'd like to find a straight slatted grill that fits like on the 85-88 2 doors. Oh, and removing the gold pinstrips- very ugly. Other than that I'll probably just use it on the beach every now and again, pretty basic. If anyone has any more recommendations or things I should watch out for I'd love to hear them!

And what the heck, here's my Syncro tiptop project that's almost back on the road

 

[yugo308guy]

Hey, that looks very familiar!

 

[off-roader]

Nice. Always liked that color on the gen 1's. Other than checking the fluids, you should be good to go.

Since the engine was recently rebuilt you should have any worries. Did the PO also do a transmission flush recently? May be worth inspecting your transmission fluid to be sure but mileage wise it's still a youth transmission so long as you replace the transmission fluid on schedule.

hth.

 

[corter]

Hey, that looks very familiar!

View attachment 196604

Look at that! Nice Montero dude, looks great!

 

[rxinhed]

Undoubtedly my favorite color on the Monteros. I parted out a 5-speed model like that a few years ago, some parts linger with me still. I have the horizontal slat grill you seek also, chrome or black.

Cheers, Russell

 

[corter]

Really? Would you be willing to part with the Chrome one? Shoot me a PM if so

 

[corter]

New tires today, and took the gold pinstripe off. I'm surprised at just how modern it looks now, and a guy on the beach trail even asked if it was a Land Rover (guess he couldn't see the badges)

Sorry for the phone pics- didn't have a proper camera on me

 

[corter]

Just a couple updates-

-cleaned out the throttle body to solve idle bounce issue
-found a stock alloy for the spare, just don't dig the steel wheel on the back
-had my mechanic do a thorough "everything that's wrong" inspection, and to my surprise he said there's not a spot of rust anywhere, everything else has been maintained or replaced in the last 100 miles except the lower ball joints and idler arm (which I expected as the steering's kinda loose). So those problems will be fixed this week.
-After all that I'll Fluid Film the underbody for protection against the winter salt up in these parts, as this is my daily this winter. Looking forward to getting her out in the snow!

 

[BushPig]

That's really clean, I like it. What size tires did you go with?

There's no school like the old school.

 

[jeep-N-montero]

That's really clean, I like it. What size tires did you go with?

There's no school like the old school.

Read the thread, he said he was installing 31's. Very clean rig for sure, and they do look like an FJ60 series from some angles.

 

[corter]

thanks guys! it'll stay pretty clean, just a little beach driving every now and again.

Tires are 31x10.5's, I've always preferred skinner tires