Jon, I saw something this morning that made me say "Duh!" reminding me of something I photographed last year about this time. I saw a prerunner Datsun, big nasty tires, no windows, and HUGE front fenders, but that's not important now.

Last year I kept seeing this little orange LUV on 36's in the business park near my office. I stopped the dude once, asked about the truck, and he'd just sold it. What is important is that he'd cut down a Grand Wagoneer frame and kept the 360 V8 and running gear and put a modified LUV body on...much like Jeff's project with the K20.

Is the silver Raider project truly dead, shelved for now, or to become pieces for someone else's rig? Is it cold feet because you may need a 1-ton and big trailer to haul the Raider? Like my project with the black Montero and 302 Ford, I still have to wrap up details with Clarence for purchase value, gather parts, learn skills, and such. But my goals from the start were just a resto-mod - add more power, better braking, and such. I like the IFS ride, not so concerned with going over large rocks...but I digress and have a tendency to do so.

My folks belong to an Austin Healey club. In the 70's/80's, the club had 'Tech Sessions' where everyone would bring there cars, turn some wrenches, drink lots of beer, and get some projects done. My folks were forever dragging me to these things, and I learned lots. Maybe the Cali members here need to do the same? Justice has turned out some fantastic work on his 89. Kris and Jacob, the (Ghost) Raider twins...;) Jeff and his K-Raider are cool. The guy ('777' ??) who put the Cad 6L in, wherever he went... Our friend, rrodriguez, and his loaded Raider. Numerous others with individual projects, we all feel for you.

Ask the recently deceased fellows from Yosemite, even with a mondo-Raider, they'd not have survived. It's not always the mountain climbed that is important, but the safe return to family and friends. Our Board provides great support for addicts like us, and our lofty goals. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />

Russell