Project Pajero, Entry 4.

Fourth entry for my Project: Pajero.
Since my engine vibrates like hell, I decided to get my supports changed. After getting the all of the supports swapped for new OEM items, I was happy that the vibration was drastically reduced. The interior rattles, well, they magically dissappeared! Despite the fact that this procedure burned a hole through my pocket, it was definitely worth every penny as it made my pride and joy a little bit better than it was.

What was done, the following was changed:
-Engine Supports (Left and Right)
-Transmission Support
-Transfer Case Support

Here it is getting its supports swapped out for new ones.

Project Pajero, Entry 3.

Entry 3. Time to change shoes.
I decided to get my favorite rims for the pajero, the RalliArt Webs. Unfortunately, I can't find original ones and can't afford them as well so I went for copies (16"x8"). The copies weigh a bit more compared to the stock "flower"-style rims. I also got new Yokohama Geolandar AT-S' (stock size so one of my old tires can be used as a spare and not look different from the installed tires) tires as the old tires were all bald to the point that they did not have any tread on them at all and they were simply too old so I changed them for safety's sake. I've also got the wheels aligned and balanced and I also got that ugly roof rack removed from the paj.

up on the lift

new shoes

panoramic photo of car

5 pcs baby! new spare rim + old tire.

getting straight

post-install shakedown at NLEX

beauty shot after getting the rails removed

Project: Pajero, Entry 2.

The first thing I did to my paj. The first step. Re-genesis. Here it is.
The first thing I got fixed was the underchassis as it was beat up and worn-out as hell. Like I said in my previous post, at around 60-80 kph, there always was a grinding noise coming from the front end. Also, the steering wanders at high speed. Well the things done here addressed those complaints.

Here it was getting sorted at banawe.
Things done to it:
-New wheel bearings
-The wheel bearings were repacked
-New CV shaft boots
-New idler arm

Project: Pajero, Entry One.

I haven't posted anything for a long time so here's a new post, and it's loaded. 

It's about my obsession of late. And it's a car. I hope the experience of restoring this car will make me learn a lot of things. :)


Philippine Domestic Market Pajero Fieldmaster 4x4 (Gen 2.5)

The Pajero was picked up from the dealership on June 1999. Up to this day it's still a very reliable daily driver but these past few years, it hasn't been treated well, it wasn't maintained properly and it is now in a sorry state. But recently, my dad tasked me get it repaired to bring it back to its former glory. Little by little, despite the little free time I have, it's being restored.

Specs:
1999 PHDM Mitsubishi Pajero Fieldmaster 4x4.
4M40 2.8L Turbo Diesel Intercooler.
Super Select 4WD.
4 Speed A/T w/ Overdrive.
220,+++ Kilos on the Odo.
White+Silver 2 Tone Paint.
Assorted Tires! (Bridgestone H/T's and Pirelli Scorpions)
All stock. :-bd

It has a lot of electrical glitches, aesthetic shortcomings, and some mechanical problems. I'll talk about them here.
  
Lets start with the electrical probs:

The lights outside (Hazard/Signal lights) don't illuminate simultaneously (like christmas lights!), some of the cabin lamps are busted, and the interior panel lights are mostly busted. The fuel floater is also faulty because the warning light lights up even though its full of fuel. The headlights are different as well, and some exterior lights are busted. 

The Mecanicals: 

there is a grinding noise coming from the steering column between 60 and 80 kph and 110 kph onwards. The wheels are not aligned properly. There is excessive play in the steering. There are some noises from the suspension, the engine rattles the whole car like hell, and the rear doors don't open easily from inside and out. Also the brakes are crap so they need to get sorted.

Aesthetics:

The flat paint is the result of botched washover, the white and silver is too light. The stickers and emblems (Yes, all of it. E.g. Intercooler Turbo 2800 sticker, Pajero fender emblems) were masked over when the washover was done so it looks like s#*t, and the rims are really tired and tires need to be changed. Also, I hate the roof rails. 

Now, here is where I stop the rants and start to fix the stuff i'm ranting about.

What I want to do:

No journey is bereft of a destination, and for this restoration project, I basically planned out what I want to do with the car and what it's going to look like. 

1. I want to fix the electricals, interior stuff, and mecanicals (suspension, engine, and others) when there is time little by little.

2. Once the car is working perfectly and the interior is complete, i'll move on to the exterior which will basically consist of: a. Rims-Ralliart Web Rims, Tires-Yokohama Geolandar Tires, A front bumper overrider, front chins, blacked-out trims/brightwork, Bosch Aerotwin Wipers all around, and new stickers/labels.

Primary Repairs Done:

-Interior Upholstery Repair/Refurb (Leder Interia Timog)
-New iPod/iPhone compatible Pioneer head unit was installed (from the suking car accessories shop)
-New alternator (from the suking auto supply)
-Lower rad hose replaced.
-3M Carpet for the rear (Handyman Trinoma) This thing has a story of its own.
-Aircon Repair (Frigid Zone Kamias)

Here are the pics (w/ captions!):

The front end. It looks tired but still is macho and gwapo. Needs TLC.

The rear end. The rear window has some heavy scratches. 

The rear end. 

Rusty front bumper.

Masked-over sticker. 

A bunch of wires hanging about. Ugh again. What an eyesore.

OEM Tool kit. Missing lots of tools, but it's partly my fault that the many of the tools are missing. 

Ultra filthy engine bay. Very reliable powerplant, not very powerful though.

Broken rear air-con air vent. Will be fixed. Gonna DIY it.

New alternator. Not oem but it works. 

New head unit. Pioneer DEH-3350UB, decent sound quality, its not impressive but its okay. iPod connectivity is all I want. Plus it's very affordable.

Boom.

My mom was involved in an accident whilst going home at EDSA last night. Her car was rear ended by a red passenger bus which i'd reckon, had been going at a brisk pace because during the time the accident happened, there was very light traffic at EDSA. The good thing is, the car was hit spot on at the rear center, which means, nothing structural was affected, therefore only the door would be needed to replaced and it would be pretty much as good as new. Although in the state it's in right now, the door is pretty much ka-put, its destroyed literally, it can't be opened at all and it's stuck basically.


Another great thing is that the bus driver immediately admitted that it was his fault and the bus company he works for will shoulder the repair cost. Thank God for insurance!


The moral lesson here would be: be careful out there, especially on our hazardous roads. Try to avoid being beside big vehicles like trucks or buses because they have minimal visibility and more often that not, have little consideration towards the other smaller, plebeian vehicles they are sharing the road with.

Sleeping Habits.

My sleeping habit of late is starting to improve. At last, my erratic sleeping habits have started to improve because last night, I was able to sleep at 12 midnight which is definitely a lot better than my usual 3 am or 4 am "bedtime". I'd reckon if I start exercising and busying myself with important things, it'll make me tired earlier, therefore I can sleep earlier, therefore I can wake up earlier and feel good rather than me sleeping late and then waking up and feeling rough. If I keep this up, I think I can end this sleeping dilemma once and for all.

Sleep Early.

I need to sleep early, I am having a difficult time keeping myself awake during classes. These past few days i've been sleeping at 2, 3, or worse, even 4 in the morning. And what's worse is I need to wake up at 6:30 am to avoid tardiness. If I don't correct my sleeping habits, it'll surely start affecting my grades in school, which is not good.