The third Dakar - On the way to new condition : SQ5-313

My third Dakar, number 44 out of 50, is gradually on the mend. Bought as a barn find that hadn't been moved for many years, it is now technically completely rejuvenated. In order to achieve a new condition, however, a lot of work was necessary. Since I had planned the major revision anyway, a few things were renewed that were not yet necessary, but made a lot of sense due to the state of dismantling.

With a bit of luck I overcame the biggest difficulty. Since the previous owner had damaged the tank, I needed a replacement here. Luckily I was able to get a new tank through contacts, because it's not that easy to get from Mitsubishi anymore. There was also a new tank pump including electronics, a new tank sensor and of course a new fuel line system. So a big post was already closed.

Next up was the engine. Despite the low mileage of just 80,000km, this received a fresh cell treatment. Of course, this includes all fluids, a new timing belt with tensioners, rollers and water pump. In addition, a new V-belt with all the trimmings, as well as a thorough cleaning and new filters. Then new spark plugs were installed, all seals renewed and a new ignition transistor installed. After the new Varta battery arrived, which by the way was not so easy to get because the poles of the old Japanese were reversed, a first attempt at starting could be made. After the engine was allowed to turn a few times without ignition so that the oil could be distributed well, everything was reconnected. Amazingly, the engine started immediately and ran smoothly and cleanly on all 6 cylinders. As if it had been driven just yesterday. Even my two Mitsubishi masters were enthusiastic.

After this construction site had also been completed, the next step was the braking system. All brake lines, the brake booster, all brake calipers, all discs and pads were renewed. The handbrake was also fundamentally overhauled. Surprisingly, despite the long service life, all the calipers still moved freely, although the old Pajeros have the habit of the pistons getting stuck in the calipers after a long service life. This was not the case here.

Then we continued with the clutch package. Here, too, all components were renewed, so that it is ensured that nothing more needs to be done here in the future.

Little work was done on the suspension and chassis. Here, of course, all bearings, rubber buffers, etc. were exchanged.

The maintenance and overhaul of the air conditioning is still open. Apart from that, it is now technically in new condition again, since every component was considered during all work.

During the work I also took care of the underbody and frame. This has already been derusted and will be blasted with dry ice in the near future. The final preservation is then carried out by a professional, including cavity sealing. Preparatory work has already been done here, especially in the areas that are covered by the tank, for example, and are therefore no longer easily accessible.

Another vulnerability was also eliminated in this context. This is the brace inside the rear bumper that holds the outer corners. Due to the entry of a lot of dirt and water, the rust can easily assert itself here. I have now replaced all of this with new parts from Mitsubishi. Expensive fun but worth it. I then treated these parts accordingly so that rust no longer has a chance in the future. Likewise, all attachments such as trailer hitch, spare wheel holder, eyelets, ... were sandblasted and then powder-coated in the original color. There, too, rust will no longer have a chance in the future.

Through my contacts with the former outfitters, I was also able to get the two missing Dakar components. On the one hand the 18 inch Dakar GeCo rims, which were fitted with new tires and on the other hand the Dakar stainless steel front bar. Everything is not cheap either, but these details make up the end result!

The interior of the Dakar is currently largely dismantled and is being thoroughly cleaned. Everything was in good condition, but after the years, such a treatment is still worth it! This will also drag on for a while since I can't find time for it every day. In the spring, the paintwork is then treated with polish. The Dakar then goes to the painter I trust, who will decide where painting may be necessary. Once this is ticked off, the restoration would be complete. There will be a separate article for that.