Project Keystone: Declassified

[KeystoneSmooth]

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. 

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. 

Pictures of the transformation to come soon. 

[ProjectM880]

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?

[rjtx667]

Or maybe it's putting lipstick on a pig?

Talking about keystone or lance there? 

[KeystoneSmooth]

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!

[bullboy0852]

Maybe you should become a writer full time, you'd still get to work at home in your underwear lol

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[SixGun]

 

[KeystoneSmooth]

Hmmmm....yep bigger than before. 

[SixGun]

Yep Troxell Automotive is building some monsters 

[KeystoneSmooth]

Fuel Cell and general reorganization of the rear compartment to come soon. Just in time to measure for drive shafts. 

Any tips and tricks known for popping the rear windows out while leaving the inner trim intact? 

[bullboy0852]

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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[taz_man440]

A big hammer gets em out quick...lol. Awesome build...  Keep it up!!

[KeystoneSmooth]

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. 

[SixGun]

Glass on the trail is good for traction

[bullboy0852]

Nah ask Ernest it comes into the truck none on the trail

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[ProjectM880]

After some recon I can neither confirm nor deny that progress has been made in the top secret project code named : Keystone !