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Tech => Projects => Topic started by: KeystoneSmooth on October 14, 2015, 04:45:56 PM

Title: Project Keystone: Declassified
Post by: KeystoneSmooth on October 14, 2015, 04:45:56 PM
Many of you may not be aware of what was brewing, pun intended, in ole Wimberley, Texas.  ::) About three years ago I was invited to tag along at Marble Falls Adventure Park with some members here, and really get my first taste of real rocks with real repercussions; I was fortunate to be riding in a well built machine, and certainly enjoyed the experience. Two years ago I was somehow talked into the notion that I was in need of a 4x4 trail rig to keep up with some buddies and this love of "wheelin". After many a humbugs, ehhs, ahhs, maybe's, and tomorrows, an ad on Craigslist appeared, and lo and behold, it was in Wimberley, our backyard. We loaded up and went searching the backroads for this elixir. We found it, guarded by quite the collection of characters, beaten, bruised, broken in many areas, doors falling off, engine sputtering and burning whatever poor oil was still there. A handshake later, it was mine, and we awaited delivery a few days later. While questioning this purchase, the RamCharger was delivered from a flat pull across town. Needless to say the brakes were on fire, and as the smoke dissipated, we were left with what was really in front of us....the greatest vehicle on earth. Keystone, as it was later dubbed for obvious reasons, (if its not obvious its not for you) would soon come to symbolize the true underdog, which certainly saw its fair share of usage on the Hook of Shame. You may ask yourself, well, why didn't you drag this poor molested vehicle back into the wilderness and put it out of its misery? Because, despite being bone stock, floating on old tires with questionable (at best) brakes Keystone went just about everywhere and anywhere you could point it. Numerous attempts and trips were made with a goal to simply break parts; all of which failed.  :dontknow:

Pictures of some of the first runs and Marble Falls are attached. Fortunately, after two years of parts accumulations and innumerable man-hours from friends with the DodgeSickness, Keystone is on the way up.  :confused2:

Pictures of the transformation to come soon.  :headbang:
Title: Re: Project Keystone: Declassified
Post by: ProjectM880 on October 15, 2015, 10:45:52 AM
I'm Not sure sure what's better. The build post with pictures or the elaborate orgins story that was so eloquently written. Maybe the myth and legend are one in the same...... Or maybe it's putting lipstick on a pig?

:thumbsup:
Title: Re: Project Keystone: Declassified
Post by: rjtx667 on October 15, 2015, 01:44:26 PM
Quote from: ProjectM880 on October 15, 2015, 10:45:52 AM
Or maybe it's putting lipstick on a pig?

:thumbsup:

Talking about keystone or lance there?  :13:
Title: Re: Project Keystone: Declassified
Post by: KeystoneSmooth on October 15, 2015, 02:27:23 PM
After a long weekend, new axels, new wheels, new tires, new springs are installed, and Oh My. Went from a 6 Pack, to a 6 Pack of Tall Boys. :)

Drive shifts will be ordered this weekend!

More work to be done this weekend as well, updates to follow!
Title: Re: Project Keystone: Declassified
Post by: bullboy0852 on October 15, 2015, 06:11:19 PM
Maybe you should become a writer full time, you'd still get to work at home in your underwear lol

Sent from my XT1526 using Tapatalk

Title: Re: Project Keystone: Declassified
Post by: SixGun on October 15, 2015, 08:49:49 PM
  :laughing4:
Title: Re: Project Keystone: Declassified
Post by: KeystoneSmooth on October 16, 2015, 10:10:53 AM
Hmmmm....yep bigger than before.  :tard:
Title: Re: Project Keystone: Declassified
Post by: SixGun on October 16, 2015, 01:21:52 PM
Yep Troxell Automotive is building some monsters  :headbang:
Title: Re: Project Keystone: Declassified
Post by: KeystoneSmooth on October 16, 2015, 11:58:00 PM
Fuel Cell and general reorganization of the rear compartment to come soon. Just in time to measure for drive shafts.  :steeringwheel: :confused2: :violent1: :icon_salut:

Any tips and tricks known for popping the rear windows out while leaving the inner trim intact?  :dontknow:
Title: Re: Project Keystone: Declassified
Post by: bullboy0852 on October 17, 2015, 06:07:43 AM
Be pretty tricky to get em out without taking the trim off first. I took the trim off and it was still a pita. That rubber and sealer was ancient and petrified.

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Title: Re: Project Keystone: Declassified
Post by: taz_man440 on October 18, 2015, 04:14:34 PM
A big hammer gets em out quick...lol. Awesome build...  Keep it up!!
Title: Re: Project Keystone: Declassified
Post by: KeystoneSmooth on October 20, 2015, 10:17:24 AM
I am most afraid of a tree limb swinging into one and leaving the trail full of glass. Maybe they will be coming out soon.  :violent1:
Title: Re: Project Keystone: Declassified
Post by: SixGun on October 21, 2015, 09:00:44 AM
Glass on the trail is good for traction :tongue3:
Title: Re: Project Keystone: Declassified
Post by: bullboy0852 on October 21, 2015, 09:58:26 AM
Nah ask Ernest it comes into the truck none on the trail

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Title: Re: Project Keystone: Declassified
Post by: ProjectM880 on November 02, 2015, 06:18:15 AM
After some recon I can neither confirm nor deny that progress has been made in the top secret project code named : Keystone !
Title: Re: Project Keystone: Declassified
Post by: KeystoneSmooth on November 02, 2015, 09:43:44 AM
I can only confirm that it is technically lighter than it started yesterday. :)
Title: Re: Project Keystone: Declassified
Post by: SixGun on November 02, 2015, 03:21:35 PM
Did you use some of that "Glass-B-Gone"? :violent1:
Title: Re: Project Keystone: Declassified
Post by: KeystoneSmooth on November 09, 2015, 10:36:02 AM
Glass Be Gone does not work as well as Va-poo-rise. Where does the poo go? One of the few movies I have actually seen. 10 points to the first to name that movie.

However, Keystone had Christmas come early; the remaining fuel cell parts are in, straps came in, and driveshafts are on the way. Oh boy.   
Title: Re: Project Keystone: Declassified
Post by: KeystoneSmooth on November 09, 2015, 11:24:02 PM
Can we say Fuel Cell?  :dontknow:
Indeed a dirty job, and lacking a little work  but much better than the woefully exposed stock setup.  :035:

:sleepy:
Title: Re: Project Keystone: Declassified
Post by: rjtx667 on November 10, 2015, 10:00:22 AM
very nice looking!!

I may someday have to go to something like that, but I will keep my stock setup for now.

if I bottom out on my tank now... I have bigger issues to worry about  :laughing7:
Title: Re: Project Keystone: Declassified
Post by: KeystoneSmooth on November 11, 2015, 09:25:10 AM
Plumbing all tucked away, and spare tire mounted inside via the passenger seat hooks.  :icon_salut: No picture yet, but it was a pretty slick location.

Keystone has a particularly unique set of front seats that actually work with the RC setup. They are VW seats that have done very well in the elements, but they needed a few spot welds to make sturdy them up. Done and Done.  :headbang: Down right cushy.  :nono:

Title: Re: Project Keystone: Declassified
Post by: ProjectM880 on November 11, 2015, 08:50:04 PM
More Shenanigans
Title: Re: Project Keystone: Declassified
Post by: rjtx667 on November 11, 2015, 11:34:24 PM
and they have a well light shop with a lift... I have a dark wet back yard!!!!
Title: Re: Project Keystone: Declassified
Post by: KeystoneSmooth on November 12, 2015, 08:09:08 AM
Certainly Shenanigans. However, custom drive shafts are installed and fit perfectly.  :great:

Calipers cleaned but will probably need a new set.  :violent1:

Rear shock mount tabs welded on thanks to a certain fan of Tan DeathChargers.  :headbang:

I almost forgot, upon test run the 36'' tires on the 4'' lift still rubbed the front fenders just a bit, and thus....the last decision of the night was to well home. The second to last decision was to do a bit of custom trimming. Lines follow natural curves and I have a feeling this well polished turd is going to shine. See Mythbusters....a turd can indeed be polished. Proven.  :o

Hello Hidden Falls....be afraid. Be very afraid.  :fucyc:

Title: Re: Project Keystone: Declassified
Post by: SixGun on November 12, 2015, 12:04:37 PM
 :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Project Keystone: Declassified
Post by: KeystoneSmooth on December 13, 2015, 02:58:40 PM
Update on Keystone:

Hidden Falls decided to dump rain on us nearly the whole weekend, and thus in prudent fashion, we stayed away from stupid obstacles, but true to form, rain digs new holes and even the by-passes were good challenges. Went all over on the new lift, old hummer tires; whether dry or wet. In fact I was rather impressed by how well they did when it got slippery.

Just this past Friday, however, we (I held the flashlight, when needed) knocked out an issue that had been present, yet livable since the initial purchase; the Throttle Cable. This...cable....needed a solid 20 lbs of pressure to move, and even if you got it moving, fine tuned movements and adjustments, which one would think would be needed in travelling such terrain, were not possible. It was either on :happy3:, slightly on :sleepy:, hung open  :nono:, or off  :hmh:. After Friday though....can we say "Butta"? I will need to start doing big-toe exercises, as that is all that is needed now. The ole 360 also seems to truly like the more delicate input as well.

Last update. Dodge Lean seems to be in full effect. For some reason, Keystone had battled this affliction even after the lift, and certainly sat nice stock. Unfortunately, the little Marble Falls shakedown may have settled the front springs into the aforementioned stance.  :read2:

Title: Re: Project Keystone: Declassified
Post by: SixGun on December 13, 2015, 08:11:01 PM
Maybe it's a lil swagger  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Project Keystone: Declassified
Post by: rjtx667 on December 14, 2015, 08:40:56 AM
He just wanted to keep up with his cousins lol.
Title: Re: Project Keystone: Declassified
Post by: KeystoneSmooth on December 17, 2015, 03:19:06 PM
There are two ways to lift a Dodge. One...picture below....take stock RC and floor it....or add metal and bigger parts.
Title: Re: Project Keystone: Declassified
Post by: KeystoneSmooth on January 05, 2016, 11:52:18 AM
More action from November trip.
Title: Re: Project Keystone: Declassified
Post by: taz_man440 on January 06, 2016, 08:22:39 AM
Love the new 8 lug rims.   Now find me a set..LOL
Title: Re: Project Keystone: Declassified
Post by: KeystoneSmooth on January 06, 2016, 02:03:42 PM
Random craigslist find from TA. Traded for a shotgun and some cash.
Title: Re: Project Keystone: Declassified
Post by: KeystoneSmooth on March 19, 2016, 08:59:01 PM
Deep Tranny Pan installed today. Part of exhaust deleted.  :great:
Title: Re: Project Keystone: Declassified
Post by: KeystoneSmooth on March 21, 2016, 01:41:20 PM
Cat deleted, oreillys special installed. A bit loud.
Title: Re: Project Keystone: Declassified
Post by: rjtx667 on March 21, 2016, 02:21:57 PM
you hoping the loud helps you forget you don't have doors when it rains?  :laughing7:

Glad you were able to overcome your dilemma and get it running again.  :tard:
Title: Re: Project Keystone: Declassified
Post by: KeystoneSmooth on March 21, 2016, 02:54:13 PM
Haven't fixed the battery strap yet. May still have to put the ole girl down.
Title: Re: Project Keystone: Declassified
Post by: KeystoneSmooth on March 21, 2016, 03:09:05 PM
Why would I fix the thing that was actually broken? That doesn't make Dodge Sense to me.
Title: Re: Project Keystone: Declassified
Post by: rjtx667 on March 21, 2016, 05:35:18 PM
well like I said... you don't have to have one, but your battery might end up in your exhaust manifold... ask me how I know  :confused2:
Title: Re: Project Keystone: Declassified
Post by: KeystoneSmooth on April 02, 2016, 09:55:29 PM
Battery Strap, Painted Exhaust, Power Steering Cooler and an Oil Change later......is it time yet?
Title: Re: Project Keystone: Declassified
Post by: KeystoneSmooth on April 11, 2016, 12:54:02 PM
I contacted NASA and had them send me their finest heat shielding available. Its actually ground up space shuttle tile which they then coat in an aluminum and fiberglass adhesive finish. Had to take out a second mortgage but I just couldn't have the fuel getting warm.

Ok I can't back any of the above up on paper, but a good buy from Amazon seems to be below:

http://www.amazon.com/Aluminum-Protection-Fiberglass-Self-Adhesive-Backing/dp/B00LGZ3NWA?ie=UTF8&psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o05_s00

Plan on zip ties, but we shall see how it holds up.
Title: Re: Project Keystone: Declassified
Post by: KeystoneSmooth on June 04, 2016, 04:59:36 PM
Doors. For anyone that has been around Keystone long enough, this is indeed a weird sight.
Title: Re: Project Keystone: Declassified
Post by: ProjectM880 on June 05, 2016, 08:49:37 AM
Quote from: KeystoneSmooth on June 04, 2016, 04:59:36 PM
Doors. For anyone that has been around Keystone long enough, this is indeed a weird sight.
next step air condition....
Title: Re: Project Keystone: Declassified
Post by: KeystoneSmooth on June 05, 2016, 11:13:50 AM
With the exhaust, the fender well sealing, and now the doors.....its a bit warm.....
Title: Re: Project Keystone: Declassified
Post by: taz_man440 on June 06, 2016, 01:25:32 PM
Will it ever hit the highway???
Title: Re: Project Keystone: Declassified
Post by: KeystoneSmooth on June 07, 2016, 08:52:10 AM
Absolutely not. Unless it falls off a trailer.
Title: Re: Project Keystone: Declassified
Post by: rjtx667 on June 07, 2016, 12:00:13 PM
the warm will be appreciated by passengers in rain and on cold nights!
Title: Re: Project Keystone: Declassified
Post by: ProjectPW on June 08, 2016, 08:05:42 AM
Quote from: KeystoneSmooth on June 07, 2016, 08:52:10 AM
Absolutely not. Unless it falls off a trailer.

almost spit out my coffee LMAO
Title: Re: Project Keystone: Declassified
Post by: KeystoneSmooth on June 09, 2016, 08:32:10 AM
Quote from: rjtx667 on June 07, 2016, 12:00:13 PM
the warm will be appreciated by passengers in rain and on cold nights!

Passengers? Keystone is very good at making people not want to ride in it.
Title: Re: Project Keystone: Declassified
Post by: KeystoneSmooth on September 25, 2016, 09:20:28 PM
What a weekend. Serviced the bearings in the Dana 44, new rotors, new calipers, and new brake pads. Of course thanks to Troxell Automotive. Took three days, but dad gummit it is finished. Front axle is ready for Moab.

Also, something only Keystone worthy...the new hood latch. Existing was down to two threads, and thus got replaced today. Bicycle handle with clever zip-tying and routing. 
Title: Re: Project Keystone: Declassified
Post by: KeystoneSmooth on September 26, 2016, 12:10:09 PM
Zipties for the win
Title: Re: Project Keystone: Declassified
Post by: KeystoneSmooth on September 26, 2016, 12:11:12 PM
Rotors, calipers, pads, and hose.