So, how is the project coming along? Is it driving yet?

 

Thanks so much for asking, I thought everyone had lost interest!

So yes, I am happy to report, nearly two years from the accident, the Durango was started and just this past weekend, finally pulled out of the garage and driven around the block! No bumper or grille or passenger headlight attached at this point, so we could not go far. Here's the rundown.

With everyone's generous help here, I was able to get the final pieces wedged into place enough where I felt confident in adding fluids back. Things were pretty smushed in there. The truck started but it didn't seem the radiator was getting any flow even after 20 minutes of idle and revving. Asked a friend to take a look who thought it was due to the upper radiator hose being kinked almost fully shut due to the tight install. With his help we removed the hose and cut close to an inch off each side. Replaced and restarted. Voila! The Durango fired up yet again (sounded great by the way and ran really smooth with the new serpentine belt installed). Finally the radiator fan kicked on and we could see the fluid stop bubbling and moving through the system and into the overflow. We added some more fluid then took her out for the maiden voyage around the block! Engine temperature was right where it needed to be and stayed stable. So, yes everyone, WE DID IT!!!

Still many things left to do. I did pull it out and give it a nice wash yesterday (Will post some photos later) as a reward for starting. Other than the rust spots looks pretty good. I'll need to find the fuses I removed while working on it to prevent any airbag deployments, will put those back in to make that nag alert go away. Other things left to do:

- Insert all the radiator and upper shield bolts (many are inserted or tightened at this time and the bent radiator support arm is not lining up with the 2 center support holes, so I need to remove it and try and bend it into a better orientation).
- Install the passenger headlight generously donated (looks like I will need to identify the hardware that connects the back plastic plate to the body to secure it, that is missing from the crash).
- Locate and install an upper grille across the hood
- Locate and install a bumper and bumper cover / install the fog lamps

Roughly that's what looks to be needed here - But wow, it was magical to drive it again guys. Sure she drives like a 191,400 mile truck but that's how she drove before as well. It was pretty special to be able to be behind the wheel again, I feel like I have one up on the deer now.

More to come, thanks, I could not have done this without all of you!!!!

 

Awesome! Another one saved from the scrapyard.

 

If you replace some body parts, like the hood or a fender, with used ones, don't paint them if they don't match. This will keep people from cutting you off in traffic.

 

Ah, the psychology of american drivers.

Thanks Grouch, that one gave me a good chuckle.

 

For about 3 months shy of 10 years, I was a volunteer police officer. I have seen almost, everything stupid drivers can do. I can't tell you how many times my hat was knocked off by RV mirrors. I've seen things that I never mention because people wouldn't believe it if I told them. Now that I'm retired from the daily grind, I've taken up writing and am getting a reputation of being very inventive. Not really, I just have a good memory.

My truck is all one color now. I'm looking for little decals of the Furd oval, Chrysler Pentastar, Chebby bow tie, Toyota circled T and so on. I plan to put them either on my drivers door or drivers fender. It will denote folks I've pulled out of ditches, but if people think it's idiots I've run over, oh well.

 

Huh? We're waiting for burnout videos signaling the end of the saga.

 

I can share a photo of her getting her first wash in two years for now, until I am ready for the burnouts.

 

I can see why you wanted to fix that one.

 

That's just aching for an oil field pipe bumper.