Thread: Spongie Introduction

I've just about done my swivel seals. Stuffed around with them this arvo. I asked a question in TC.
I just need to tighten the nuts and bolts and fill with oil.

Thanks Das!

Don't have laptop at the moment so was gonna post some pics up today from work.


heres some more recent pictures, however will take some more tonight when I get to do some more work on the 200tdi conversion.

Sorry to hijack this thread Spongie! Mick, start with the wheels removed. Having cleaned the seal retaining groove, made sure the studs are in the right place and not out resembling bolts, make sure the old seal spacers are not still on the studs... Start by looping the spring around the axle and hooking it together. Make sure the spring join is at the bottom, opposite the seal join. Then loop the seal over the axle in the same way, diff side of the seal spring. Using both hands, start at the bottom, whilst looking from above. Locate the spring in the groove, work your left hand around clockwise, and your right hand around anti clockwise, working the spring into the grove with your thumbs until you reach the seal joiner. Holding the seal ends together along with the now fitted spring, using your free hand, guide the seal onto the four studs. At this point the spring should be fairly well located into its grove. Gently slide the seal into the housing. You should be happy that the spring is still located at this point if it went ok. Fit the seal retainers, and remaining bolts and nuts. That's how I did mine and they went surprisingly well!!

Well lately I've been working on the custom dashboard and the wiring harness, i've also fitted the new 1.003:1 transfer box so hopefully the gearing should be right.

the engine and box are still sitting on blocks of wood across the springs so no progress there really, I've also put the rear body back on for a short period as I want to try and get some paintwork done in the near future.

I've been clearing out my shed and sorting through my surplus components, many of which will be up for sale but I've yet to work out how to use your for sale forum on here. I've got a couple of track rod ends on the bench to rebuild and fit grease nipples on and then hopefully for the first time since I've owned it the wheels will be in line!!!

huzzah for that, still hoping that by christmas I can have all the welding especially on the engine mounts done and the cab back on for good.

Good work Spongie! Be interested in seeing your new dash. Re selling stuff, scroll down to the 'Markets' section, select the area you are after.. Guessing Military Parts For Sale. At the very top of the page you'll find a template... Use this to advertise your parts, or you'll have Inc and a load of mods turn up in a black van with darkened windows to correct your mistake!

Don't forget postage to Australia...

Originally Posted by Sitec

Good work Spongie! Be interested in seeing your new dash.

Ok, I just happen to have it here with me at work so here it is...


Its something I had laser cut up to shape from 2mm alloy so its a wee bit thick but its also approx 1-1/2" deeper than the standard dash IIRC.

Its kitted out with Carling switches and several blanks (to allow for further expansion when its fitted with other kit, such as winch, work lamps etc) but at present just has switches for Lights, Front & Rear Fog lamps and electric fan.

I'm using VDO gauges for Speedo, Tacho, Boost and Oil Pressure gauge and at present I've got TD5 coolant and fuel gauge installed but the pointers are the wrong colour to match the aftermarket VDO stuff so one way or the other the plan may need to change there.

I've also allowed provision for a few girly bits and bobs such as a nice big red button saying engine start, and the Td5 warning lamp cluster visible in the middle of the dash, I've still got the standard style (but slightly larger... and cheaper) hazard switch. The ignition switch will either be sited on the column (fitted with power steering and coily style column) or in the centre panel in front of the heater.

Originally Posted by Sitec

Re selling stuff, scroll down to the 'Markets' section, select the area you are after.. Guessing Military Parts For Sale.

Mostly sold it all in the UK now already...

That's very neat, and should look good in place! Love the 'engine start' button idea. Wired to do the IGN then a timed start, or just activate the starter? I have a new dash idea planned to fit in with a later stage of the 101 project... Something along the lines of this out of an OKA..