NOW WHAT? We Got Ed's LJ20 That Was Stuck 40 Years In The Sierra Nevada Mountains.
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- Опубліковано 9 лют 2025
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#fabrats #mattsoffroadrecovery #thegoldennugget
Today Ed's Golden Nugget rolls into our shop! It was stuck in the Sierra Nevada Mountains for over 40 years! Follow along as Paul makes this abandoned ride into the ultimate Resto/Mod for Ed from Matt's Off Road Recovery!
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I have a LJ20 hard top in SE Wyoming. I will trade for hoddies.
Everyone needs to like and comment on this so Paul see's this! Tom Morgan hope they see this, awesome for stepping up and saying you have one.
How about a bag of Snickers?
You are the MAN Tom!
You are a stand up guy Tom Morgan.
Yep, the only way to rescue this, is another LJ20. This is it. Thanks Tom. Ed deserves it.
Please don´t even think about cutting the roof!!!!!!! LJ-Vans are the coolest SUZUKIS ever!
There are some donor-vans in my collection and I would gladly provide all the roof parts you need at no cost, if you promise not to reduce the Golden Nugget to a boring cabriolet.
Regards from Germany
Martin Reiter
Hay , thankyou for your offer and I hope that Paul sees your comment here. I agree with you about not making the golden nugget into a roofless restoration project... They are indeed one of my favourite Suzuki's, and they are so cute and capable of doing some amazing things.. I love the little panel Van and I think Ed loved it too.. so all the more reason to keep it as original.. I know "Fab Rats" can do it... I can't wait until the day Ed sees it again..😊
boost
@@robertrose1098 Agree!
@@robertrose1098 Agree! Keep the hard top!!
@@Thatsoverrated Nightmare? Not sure about that as there are lots of people in Europe getting all kinds of spares from the states. Why not the other way?
I may jump in a plane and do that myself - it´s the crazy things that make us feel alive. : )
Here in Puerto Rico those LJ are everywhere… Popular engine swap was to use the Samurai’s engine and tranny and Toyota axles. Fiberglass parts for the front end are available here… Great project
Your information could fall in the best case scenario
Well there you go, start shipping parts up 😁
You need to direct message Paul about this, in case he misses this comment.
,🇵🇷🇵🇷🇵🇷🇵🇷🇵🇷
liking to bump it up
You need to keep it as a hard top, one of the things that makes it so rad. Don't soft top it! Can't wait to see how the build comes together.
Agreed
Take Ed's door and make a picture frame out of it. Frame it around a collage of stills of the project from woods to finish. Great wall hanger for Ed's office.
If the window area does not provide enough space for the photos, then use the door as a lid to a wall mounted shadowbox. You'd then have room for a few more photos, and some appropriate mouse figurines...
I had the exact same thought about the door being a frame for pictures of the rebuild... Great minds!!
Take side profile of Ed and make poster for the center😃
WOW!
Great idea
Love the idea...great way to utilize it.!
I haven't been more excited about a UA-cam build in a long time. Can't wait to see the progress.
I know right!
Same dude can’t wait
What I thought was…These guys are NUTS !!!! and loved every minute of it!!!!🤣
I agree
keep it east Ed is a beast.....
Looks like fun Paul! Finding a donor vehicle is a challenge but, totally doable! In internet era finding it could span the world... but, we all know there's another one out there... somewhere! I like the idea of a soft top/hard top removable(with a nice roll cage!)... even if/when you do find the donor! Alternatively, if you maintain the panel back area (no side windows in back sides) then a tonneau cover that's openable over part of the roof would look nice too. Keeping in line with its given name "Golden Nugget" y'all will have to paint it more of a golden yellow. What a great story y'all are sharing with us~ Thank you so very much for that! I am pushing 60 and it warms my heart to see y'all giving so much love and appreciation to Ed! He's a great ol' man and every bit the reason I started folling all your channels!~ Peace be with y'all always... and, in all ways! R/
paul, i have been watching u guys for ages now, and i only just realised, u said, "this is the cleanest part in the jeep" 13:37 as ur talking about the floor. keep up the good work champ, i love the laid back family channel.
Thanks for jumping on board and doing this for Ed, Eds a great man I can't wait to see his reaction when ut's all done. PRops to all you guys involved in this one.
if you have half the grille still good, you can have it scanned and 3d printed. Lots of collector cars are having parts printed now.
grille on ebay for $230
I'm seeing all sorts of stuff for it including a set of doors on e-bay.
There is a used one, even the same color, for sale in Halstead, KS. Listed on Craigslist. Looks like it has the parts you need.
Adventures made from Scratch you tube channel is in KS and he runs a salvage yard. If it's him it could be a collaboration. He's a new channel.
This is the first time I ever comment on anyone’s UA-cam video. Since you guys mentioned that you want this to be a Suzuki, well, how about stuffing it with a Hayabusa engine. It’s a larger motorcycle engine, that would easily fit into that vehicle. What you guys are doing for Ed is great! I wish I were part of the project. Keep at it, love the videos.
My friend has one in a kit car, a tad fast for Ed, I would say. 😂
Problem is torque or lack of and because motorcycle engine you need motorcycle transmission which means motorcycle clutch which are hand clutches. This thing would be bad ass with a lil vw 1.9 alh diesel. Or some Suzuki diesel. Diesels have that low end torque needed for vehicles like this.
If not keeping the original engine I'd source a Suzuki GT750 water-cooled triple 2-stroke. The power would be about perfect. Modify the engine block to mate to the LJ transmission directly. Cut the motorcycle transmission part off.
There is a suzuki just like this on the Denver craigslist, it also is pretty rough and definitely over priced, but it does have a lot of pats you could use. The price could possible be very negotiable, it should be anyway.
@@ljguy300 its powered by a small 2 stroke 339 cc to begain with so the drop box in it would have to be geared for a low torque aplication to begain with so a 4 stroke 1400 cc street bike engine would have all kinds of power for this little thing honestly a 4 stroke with 1/4 that power would veball kinds
Golden Nugget recovery series was classic! Can't wait to see the rebuild. Idea for the reveal: Fab Rats/Matt's Off -Road responding to a call with Ed along for the ride and the forecast.
You have me addicted now !!!!! I love Matt's off road recovery... Now I'm loving Fab Rats too .. I'm definitely twice as happy . Big love to you from New Zealand 💕
Yeh, They're both great YT Channels.
They're the Best of mates too. /both Families and Team.
You can't really not watch one without the other.
G'day Fellow Kiwi here from NZ.
Same Bro !! New Kiwi sub today, here form Matts offroad !! 😎👍
Paul, please find a downer Suzuki and graft the body parts (or fabricate) you need to keep it original. DO NOT make a soft top out of it. That would ruin it. It's not a dune buggy conversion project. Keep in mind it's a miniature. Original Suzukis are tough. Watch some videos. Samurais surprise big truck guys all the time. Ed's going to love it.🧙♂️ Thanks. 👍😎🙏
You think that thing is collectable? 1600 pounds not even worth scrap value!
@@edwardmartinez2472 It's being built for Ed, not me or you. For him it's collectable.
Agreed, the unique body shape of this needs to be retained...more work for sure tho, hope they find a donor or two
The existing hard top isn't salvageable. Soft top or hard top either way wouldn't be keeping it stock unless they can find a donor in better shape.
@@TheStealthbob They were junk new even junkyards did not save them for part's.
This is an LJ20V, the soft top was LJ20. The V came with 15" wheels and the soft top had 16" wheels with Bridgestone 6.00 16 NDT military-style tires from the factory. I've owned a '72 LJ20 for almost 22 years now. It's the most reliable 4 wheeled vehicle I've ever owned and gets me places other 4wds are too big to go. People are always amazed how quiet the 2 cylinder 2-stroke 360cc engine is.
Remember it is EDD's truck. Us oldies love to "remember back when. There are upgrades and updates for the Suzuki that would still give Edd his truck back, with reliability and driveability, but without turning it into a miniature rock crawler with heavy engine and running gear. Whatever you decide, it is heartwarming to see you doing this for Edd.
Suzuki guy here, long time fan. Please keep it a full hardtop, that’s what makes it so much cooler than all the samurais running around. The problem with running a Suzuki drivetrain and Dana axles is gearing, most Suzuki’s are over 5:1 in the axles from the factory and you can’t get gearing that low for the smaller Dana axles. Samurai front axle with tracker/sidekick 5.13 gears and a stock track/kick rear axle would be easy and very cheap. Toyota transmission/transfer case/axles would be great but expensive and not quite as pure. The stock axles and transfer case would probably be fine with 31s and a 1.3 or 8v 1.6. VW diesels are a very popular swap for Suzuki’s. Track/kicks came with a 8v and 16v 1.6 and later with a 2.0 but you said 1.9 in the video? Hopefully you meant a 16v 1.6 as that’s my favorite. Can’t wait for the next video!
It truly warms my heart you're doing this for Edd. God bless
True who better than ED.
This is the best series of a vehicle build I have ever watched. FabRats did a awesome job and so did Robby Layton and everyone one else who worked on it.
If possible, keep it a hardtop! Looking forward to the build.
Hello Paul, my name is Mike and I am here living in Hong Kong. I would love to help out on this build and if you need any parts for this that can't be source in the US, I am pretty sure I can find them in Asia. I have access with Yahoo Japan which is a go to source for any old JDM parts. Drop me a line if necessary. Would love to see Ed rolling around with this gem once again!
That would be really nice of you Mike to help whith parts for ed the man we all love ed is our brother and weather man so he'll yea brother if need parts I hope they hit ya up godbless and stay safe
Vote this up so they can see it lol
ib6498, you're a wonderful person.
Man, that's really cool.
You darling 😘🇬🇧
My Friend had one exactly the same & We had so much fun with it even without any modifications & that thing would go anywhere so My advice is to restore it to original state. I'm sure Ed would love that! I may know where 1 is available here, but will get later details.
This guy knows nothing. The Suzuki two stroke was very reliable. I'm not confident about these Yanks. You could make a door, they are basic, very basic.
My advice is " Keep it as Original as Possible " IF the Engine Block & Head is Ok. it Should be. it was only Parked after Running. Just Rebuild the Motor & carb.
Maybe Just Find another Body Complete & Just Swap The Body as a Unit. unbolt & Bolt back on. That Would be easiest.
1) Sandblast the Rims & chrome them.
2) New Tires - same kind.
3) swap Bodys
4) Rebuild Motor & carb.
5) Swap Out Electrical Harnass & guages from a sister suzuki.
6) Rebuild Trans.
7) Rebuild rearend
and away u go !
Thier should be a bunch of those suzukis out hear in California.
i Remember seeing Lots of suzuki samurais out here a while back.
@@redtobertshateshandles He may have had bad experiences with 2 stokes , that were not Suzuki. In any case , they have no intention of " recreating" what the car was before . They will end up with a small yellow car , with a more powerful motor , bigger tires , new suspension parts , new transmission , and so on .
@@redtobertshateshandles I agree with you about the doors are a simple design.. and that these engines are quite reliable and kinda powerful for the size , weight, etc.. being a two stroke is excellent and one would be shocked by the actual performance of one of these.. I disagree with your comment about Paul " not knowing enything " Paul is a very clever man, An amazing Fabricator, his fabrication skills are 10/10 . I love Suzuki's ALOT and I'm hoping Paul will keep the same body style , And also just always have in mind that this is for Ed.. so keep it just like Ed remembered ( ..ie) the van body,. Colour , steering wheel , controls , (etc) but maybe a later model Suzuki engine... Fat tyres with nice deep tread and updated shocks etc... but all the while keeping in mind that this is for Ed .. I Think Thousands of people trust in Paul from " FabRats" and if one of those people is Matt from "Matt's off road recovery"s I have full trust!!! . 100 percent ....🤔
Plz keep the stock stuff all of it and just lift it and tires and wheels add a turbo
the video of the Ed's JD40 rescue got me hooked on Matt's channel that got me hooked of Paul 's Fab Rats channel, to Bleeping Jeeps , then Robby's, to the mischiefmaker and now Bikes N Breads, Praise the Lord you guys are awesome
It really should be kept as close to the Jimny and Samarai specifications as practical, including the width. That way, Ed could still do a lot of the same things with it; and have the best of the nostalgia for everyone!
Indeed, and keep or rebuild the wooden door :)
Rented a Jimny in Iceland. Laughed at it when we picked it up, but 10 days later I wished I had one.
When I saw the first nugget rescue video my immediate thought was, "I sure hope Paul gets to fix this thing up!" This is going to be a great restoration series!
I love Matt and ed and the hole crew of M.O.R.R.s ...!!!! Now I have found FAB RATS ... I think I'm going to be twice as happy 😋 .
Paul, please keep the body as original as possible. What a classic. So excited to watch this build.
I hope it's not a Pimp My Ride type of project
Today is May 21, 2022 This is the second time I've watched this. ALL Gold Nugget videos I've watched as they've been released. Seeing all of the work that you, Paul and your team have put into this is nothing short of incredible. The amount of work and money that has gone into it, Amazing. Paul, you're an inspiration to what we all should live up to. May the Lord continue to Bless You and your Family.
Definitely needs to stay a hard top. Modern drive train and comfortable interior for Ed but keep the rest as close to original as will be possible.
Agreed
My vote would be to keep the original looks, but have free reign on everything else. With such little weight, a straight four with 1000cc would have all the performance Ed would need and then some, and it would keep things doable for Paul.
When things were at their very worst:
2 Suns, Cross in the sky, 2 comets will collide = don`t be afraid - repent, accept Lord`s Hand of Mercy.
Scientists will say it was a global illusion.
Beware - Jesus will never walk in flesh again.
After WW3 - rise of the “ man of peace“ from the East = Antichrist - the most powerful, popular, charismatic and influential leader of all time. Many miracles will be attributed to him. He will imitate Jesus in every conceivable way.
Don`t trust „pope“ Francis = the False Prophet
- will seem to rise from the dead
- will unite all Christian Churches and all Religions as one.
One World Religion = the seat of the Antichrist.
Benedict XVI is the last true pope - will be accused of a crime of which he is totally innocent.
"Arab uprising will spark global unrest - Italy will trigger fall out"
"The time for the schism in the Church is almost here and you must get prepared now"
The Book of Truth.
Paul, you and Matt need to get a Go Fund Me account going to get Ed's baby back together with solid parts.
I found new doors and other parts that are more than likely going to need to be replaced.
I'm 100% sure that the viewers that you and Matt have would donate because of the love we have for Ed.
What you and Matt have planned for this resurrection is what makes life better for all that are watching your videos.
Ken
Outstanding idea.
Hey!! Now that's a great idea!!
When it gets done, it would be cool to add some wood trim to pay tribute to Ed's wooden door.
Oh I like that
Some wood trim would be riiding in style for sure!
It might be worth it to also find copies of all those books (preferably the same edition) and put them back in.
i like this idea!
Wow!! A Samurai Woodie!!
i am 75 years old, and own, and still drive, my 1994 GEO 4X4 stick shift Tracker version on this old girl. I chopped the roof and made a miniature pick up truck out of mine. By the way the GEO has the same size engine only it is NOT a 2 cycle. My engine has over 300,000 miles on the clock and has never failed to start, even after being left out in the Mid West winter for months. I recently drove it over 1,000 miles to my new home in Del Rio Texas. You might get lucky and find a few of them in junk yard. The body parts look very similar on your video.
“The only door that works is the one that Ed made.”
Just another reason Ed is a legend. Built a wood door that lasted almost 50 years in the Sierra Nevada Mountains…
I hope songs are sung of his ventures and triumphs
That lead paint really lasted back then
@@David-rj1ru honestly I wanna go out there, get stuck, have them pull me out-and then get a beer with Ed.
@@andybonner4730 I do too. Lmfao!! Just to get me and my jeep some publicity...and a t-shirt ofcourse.
I'm late into discovering Matt's channel and didn't get to see the true progression of the Banana mods and the build of the Morrvair, but I'm glad I am gonna get to see the rise of the Golden Nugget and how happy Ed will be!
Pretty sure all Matt's videos are still viewable on his channel.
@@rickwilson466 Oh believe me I'm still watching those older videos I haven't seen. But what I meant was I didn't come across the channel before the progress of both vehicles.
@@cocoAE86 It was the same for me. UA-cam suggested Matt's channel about half way through the morvair build. Been trying to catch up also. Just thought I would try to help.
It’s all available to watch on his channel
As someone who has had 3 lj80s, they were pretty much unstoppable. 1000cc engine was plenty. ride comfort was "fun" so maybe a little leaf spring mod .taking the big thich load spring out the rear pack helped. a 5 speed gearbox, and disk breaks on the front.
We have them here but bigger ones they are called gypsy kings my uncle is restoring his old one that he re-purchased
ONE MILLION VIEWS?!?! This series is gonna crush it for you guys. Congrats!
1.8M views now, lol
@@1nsurgent BOOM!
@@Eatongee 😄
This is the start of the best build you have ever done. Thank you for helping ole Ed and restoring his tired ass ride to working condition!!! God bless you Paul, you're doing god's work.
Kudos to Paul too for taking this one on.
Take Ed’s door, refinish it and make a picture frame with the entire crew.
Definitely need to save Ed's door, pic frame sounds like cool idea.
That is an amazing idea; I definitely support this.
@@TheOriginalGOC Nononononono - put the Kramer poster in it !!!
Agree
Plz plz that would be amazing
@5:20 My vote is to make it LOOK stock from the outside but give him modern hardware on the inside. Anything you can do to make it more comfortable for Ed to drive should be done. And anything you can to to make it as safe as possible should be done and that means a modern engine, modern brakes, modern shocks and such. Air Conditioning and heat are both probably essential :p
This right here! Classic restomod, stock outside but upgraded inside and underneath
Here in the Netherlands are a lot of LJ80 parts for sale. I know it’s a few years younger then the LJ20, but maybe some parts you’ll need will have the same dimensions? Good luck with the build! 👍🏻
In Europe and nederland in particular there is a good deal of parts indeed for these old vehicles hidden away . Makes me wish I was still living in 040 . Love the landcruiser sitting on the rack
Yep ! I think the body parts could fit as well as the motor
The LJ80 is called Eljot in Germany
Suzuki Samurai's are local and cheap. Do a body swap. Save time and $$$
Would you please say 'I am Groot!'
Keep it as original as possible and in line with Suzuki spirit. Simple but very functional. No soft top for me and whatever you do, keep it yellow!
I've only just seen you guys featured in one of Matts recent videos, I'm still working my way through his previous episodes and I was aware of the Golden Nugget but I didn't know it's origin story.
I'm glad UA-cam has finally suggested this content to me and I'm looking forward to following this build, albeit a year late! 😅
I'm also looking forward to catching up with your previous content as a new subscriber! 😁👍
I love when you guys do a collaboration! I especially love the friendship and teamwork! So excited to see where this build goes.
Ed deserves it.
He’s right deadly.
WOW Paul this is going to be an challenging build and awesome at the same time, back in the mid 80's, 83-88 a Volvo dealer i worked for sold these old series of Suzuki LJ and SJ series 410's they were just a slightly newer generation of these, so if your able to source one of them as a donor for parts you might have a base to work from structures were very similar , we sold a few hundred to hunters all the province they are super capable and go anywhere from being light and small enough to getting places most can't, and have seen seen pictures from customers hauling full bull moose carcasses out of the bush that they tied down with ropes to the roof or the box of the truck, the moose was almost as big those Suzuki's, LOL, in 1989 when GM bought shares of Suzuki the joint venture for North America, so Suzuki and the Geo Tracker , the Chevy version were built in a GM assembly plant in Ontario Canada and one production line was Suzuki and one Geo Tracker, the Tracker did have a 1.6 4 cylinder that was super durable with EFI never a problem starting in -35 weather, yes Fahrenheit and had fantastic heat better than any thing else in the Chevy line up, the whole powertrains were super strong for their size and the 3 speed autos were also good, I drove a brand new Tracker 5 speed hardtop the winter of 89/90 it was a bitter winter never failed to start and was awesome in the snow, if you get to use one of those powertrains, they are great basic and dead reliable i have seen the transplants from the new engines to the old body style 410's they were freaking awesome , if i can locate a donor i will pass on the info to you. look forward to this restomod build for Ed, the old Jeep axles by the way are the smart choice they are narrow , reliable and you get parts everywhere for them 👍
Looks like you can get the front grille on Ebay.
Might be easier to just find another LJ20 and tell Ed that was his.. lol
Good luck, this will be fun to watch. :)
In 2011 a fully restored convertible sold for more than $15,000 at Barrett-Jackson, Scottsdale.
@@LuckyBaldwin777 There will be more than that in just labor to bring this one back.
@Jeremy 77
Not sure. Why you ask?
I had to rewatch this one in anticipation of the big reveal! I might have to binge-watch the series. The before & after is incredible. Kudos to all of you!
I have so much respect for you and Matt. this project looks damn near impossible, but impossible will not stand in your way to put a smile on an elderly gentlemans face. Respect!
I've done a 1.6 8v efi swap on a samurai. It does pretty well at highway speed but if you put 31's on it you will zap a lot of giddyup out of it. I had 31" tsl's on it and it would run them but you would feel it pulling hills. Sweet spot for drivability was a good set of 235/75/15. I had many 2.5 hour trips to lake michigan beaches at 70 mph with no problems.
Great information.
you need to do a gear swap on your transfer case. It changes high and low range.
PLEASE keep the roof! The axles and engine swap I understand, but the body needs to stay as close as possible. I can't imagine Ed enjoying a soft top!
Agreed
X2
Sam, Ed went skydiving.. I bet he would enjoy a open air ride to the mine!
I get the idea that Ed is an extremely humble man. I suspect the thought behind the project will mean more to Ed than most people can grasp. The fact they came together and brought it out was more than enough, I'm sure he's going to treasure the finished product, whatever it is!
KEEP THE TOP! That rear door is the coolest part of the body.
Here we are 8 months later and seeing just how close you are to giving this back to Ed. What an outstanding job . Thousands of man hours later. What a difference .
Came over from Matt’s channel and subscribed on the spot. We get to see the rebuild content, and you will pick up a ton of subs ! Everyone benefits, especially Ed ! Thanks !
You will absolutely love this channel! Matt & Paul are great friends & have collaborated on a lot of videos. Welcome to the addiction. 😊
You probably already know about this source, “Samurai Salvage” . I bought some Samurai parts from them in 2019 and they had some LJ parts also.
I believe there was a VW diesel conversion for that, also the later 1.6 L out of the sidekick can be made to work. GM sold versions of the sidekick, (Geo Tracker) so are a parts supply.
Didn't Suzuki make something called a Samurai too?
@@marklar6505 basically the successor successor to the LJ...
@@marklar6505 Samurai (usa name) is the 2nd gen Jimny, eds is the 1'st. Therest of the world is now on the 4th (3rd ran for 20 years).
Yeah, a small diesel would be a good choice. Anything to keep it simple and light weight.
Samurai (2nd gen jimny) and Tracker (1st gen Vitara) were both available in Diesel outside the USA
That Paul put the thought into making the seat height the correct for Ed with the axle and wheel choices; I just want to buy that man a beer...or milkshake, his choice :-)
That thing is damn solid for sitting in a forest for 40 years. I've seen 2YO trucks in worse shape! Keep it up!
Find an Isuzu pickup as a donor. They're carb'd motors until the early 90s and have rock solid drivetrains. The transfer cases are strong enough and narrow, which makes fitment easier. Then just pick a front axle.
Edit - had I watched the video I'd see you already picked the donor drivetrain. I still like the Isuzu t-case and rear diff.
Izusu 4 cyl blow head gaskets on a regular basis ...
@@johncaruso1025 if you'd like to not blow a head gasket on your 2.3 or 2.6 Isuzu motors, you need to do two things. 1. Take the block and head to a machine shop and have them both decked perfectly flat. 2. Head studs.
You'll usually find the gaskets blown between 2-3 or 3-4 and this is why. Either the crappy bolts weren't torqued enough or lost torque, or the surfaces need some attention. Use an OEM gasket if you can. Fel Pro if you can't find one. A properly decked and studded block and head will never have a failure unless you overheat the thing all to hell.
Or find an Isuzu C223 diesel motor for ultimate wins.
Ed is blessed to have friends recover and fixed his suzuki. The the time, effort and money spent to recover it was more than the worth of the suzuki.
so stoked you are fixing the LJ20 up! this will be a fun one to follow along!
These things do fantastic as they were built
I think Ed would really appreciate the nostalgia of hearing that 2 stroke run.
yeah but after a while he would remember why he left it in the woods for 40 years lol
@@signlsirchir2156 because of a Rock slide?
Then install some speakers to simulate it while a real reliable 4 stroke has him tooling along.
Keep it stock. You see what Ed drives now. He dont want no cool modern truck. He wants a 50 year old truck.
Considering the needed working hours to get in running shape… What does your local repair shop post for hourly work fees ?
Matt is probably throwing bundles of $’s at Fab Rats for the job, but nostalgia … I think NOT worth the sound… IF Ed can even truly remember !
I understand it is in rough shape but Ed seems to be an old school kind of person that would want it original or as original as possible.
Absolutly right . To go and get his treasured truck only to see it changed into paul's wet dream would be a nightmare.
If Ed is going to drive this around don’t you think 25 HP would be a little dangerous? Shouldn’t they put a Sidekick motor in it? Maybe 80 HP, still Suzuki but a little safer?
Original nah, Ed will just want something functional. That's why he put a wooden door and a flat metal panel.
@@ericbrooking I am an old man too and I would not want my truck changed at all, what was the point of getting it if you are going to change it into something else ? You could just cobble together a monstrasity, without the salvage.
@@williamglaser6577 I see what you’re saying.
I can't wait to see this Suzuki in its new beautiful shape, as well as seeing the joy on Uncle Ed's face, may God bless everyone.
I would try to keep it with a hard top, because the convertible ones have a different windshield frame which is foldable and this one doesn't, so the cowl is totally different
You realize this is going to be a custom fab, right? It's not going to look like a normal Suzuki. Watch the videos on Papa Dars Jeep mods for an example of what they do on a build like this. Obviously the front grill and hood needs to look somewhat original, but the back will be a total fab job. If you was a total restoration this isn't the right channel. He will totally gut the suspension and drive train to something modern.
This is a labour of love for Ed.... There are 100's of thousands of viewers that are
intrigued with the Golden Nugget project - so I know the outcome will be a blessing
for everyone involved !!
This looks like a great project! The youtube channel "Marks of Distinction" has a 72' in running order - can see it on youtube video "A Driver series: Suzuki LJ20V 1972 jimny brite lj20 lj". Maybe they can provide some reference information or contacts for a part car? Good luck!
Interesting finding your site... When these little cars were first imported to Canada they were just a tin box with wheels... so my company started manufacturing carpet sets and rear seats for them and sold them to the dealers for installation... we made a lot of carpets and seats for them. A bit small, but when the full size 4x4 guys got stuck, the LJ20 was light enough to go out and not get stuck, then winch in the big guys. I don't remember them being two stroke..
A real class act all the way around, and I love how you guys have joined together to honor Ed!
I can't wait to see Ed accept the finished product, thank you so much for taking the time and hassle to record it to share with us. I can't think of a more worthwhile endeavor, or a more humble man to bless with your efforts!
Good luck. That's going to be a crazy rebuild. Keep it a hard top. And add air conditioning. If you can't find a real door make one. That's my 2 cents. Very impressed you are doing this for Ed.
Should have a brand-new hand-made wooden door… God bless you all for doing this… ❤️🇷🇴🇬🇧👍🏻
"I mean this is the good side and its not good" this made me spit coffee! Gonna be a sweet build!
We call that the craigslist side
You can’t write this stuff. My mouth hurts from smiling all the way through this video….the amount of LOVE
Cannot wait to see Ed’s reaction. Such a deserving man.
Yeah the reveille video is gonna be awesome!
I love Suziki's, this is gonna be a great build, back in the day I had 2 Suzuki SJ410's, one was a stock 1 liter engine convertable with 31's on it, the other was a hardtop with a Ford 2.8 litre and auto trans, I will be glued to this series
Had one also in Fairbanks Alaska, Right hand drive . Go anywhere
As a Senior citizen hard top for staying warm when he cruises in the winter time. Seniors have thinner blood.
Good point.
Brings back memories of my 1980 LJ80 soft top and doors, 797cc engine. That looks like the same drive train.
Used as a winter driver and it was great in the snow and off-road here in Ontario.Yyoung dreams of modding it up never realized, but plenty of good times had.
I made a plywood top and had it fiberglassed, hand painted black top on firetruck red.The looks I would get driving down the road in it - LoL.
The rust belt was not kind to those fenders and floor.
Sold it to a co-worker for their family farm in '93, 2 years later she told me it was still going and had no issue pulling a loaded hay wagon in 4-low.
I just salute all you guys for doing this for a fellow senior citizens 👏. You must keep it a hard top as we older people get cold even in summer. Good video. Take care now thanks 😊
I've been waiting for this day! Watched Matt's videos pulling it out of the mountain, and now it's ready for some lovin'. Will be watching future videos on the 'gold nugget'. Ed is lucky to have so many people care for him (heart).
I can see weeks and weeks of work on your project Paul. looks like the LJ had a drivers side wreck when it was younger. Being a 80 year old myself getting the seat height up is a good thing. Trying to get up out of a vehicle with old hips...knees...shoulder joints isn't easy anymore.
More head and leg room will help ED.
Nope. The fender happened when they recovered it. The body was in decent shape before. It stuck under water on a rock
CONGRATS!!!! on your 1M viewed video!!! Awesome to see....
Bozemas83 here on UA-cam literally just posted a video today on restoring a 1972 LJ20. You may want to reach out to him to see if he has any parts and/or help locate sources for additional parts.
Body parts are going to come from fans all over the world to help the build,we all love Ed and can't wait to see him back in his ride
Excellent Idea
I'm sure hope so or a sheet metal wizard
You should reuse the wood from the door: dash insert, shift knob, something.
To see where I watched this months ago to where it is now with a few body panels left after the wreck EJS and all else just a reminder of the roots spreading amongst us lovers of these channels and good luck
Really hope someone out there has sheet metal for this, the hard top ones look so much cooler than the soft top trucks.
Agreed- needs to keep it a hardtop. A good sheetmetal guy can roll out new panels without much effort- this has pretty simple lines
Agreed. Hard top needs to stay!
ee top comment by Tom. Morgan "I have a LJ20 hard top in SE Wyoming"
I’m so excited about the Gold Nugget build! I can’t wait to see what you do to it!! And I can’t wait to see Ed’s face when he gets it back! This is SO FUN!!🎉😎👍🏼
"im not a suzuki guy" Famous last words! Welcome to the Zuk world, and I'm now following you thanks to Matt
The restoration and modifications are almost done. What a journey this has been.
I’m looking forward to Sunday, July 17, 2022 to see them almost done.
I am looking forward to this build. Thanks for agreeing to take on such a massive project for Matt and Ed.
I cant wait to see what they can do with this to get it going again. The look on Eds face will be priceless!!
Came over from Matt's for Ed's project. Looking forward to more.
Since the reveal to Ed is getting close now, I had to come back to this one and re-watch. Some impressive what has been done with this old Suzuki. It's been a blast watching it through all the phases.
Love to see it as close to stock as possible.
Your channel will grow big time...thanks for helping Ed and Matt! Look forward to the rebuild!
You should try to find replacements for the books he was reading and leave them in the glovebox
I had the same idea and just saw you did also. One of them is available on Amazon for around $4 so they should be able to find them.
@@Josh-nq6lh Good on you boys for volunteering to get those books.
So nice to see family working with you Paul. Lovely family.
That's a personal touch already for Ed. 👍🏼
Man, I can’t wait to see how Ed’s Golden Nugget turns out. Y’all did a great job getting it out of the woods!
Ya me too, also Ed's face when he sees it.
You guys are awesome!! I met Ed last summer and he's a great guy! I'll bet he suspects that you're going to do a little more than just "get it running" because he knows you, but I'm sure that he'll be blown away by the final results!! Looking forward to watching it! :)
Wow, that’s not going to be a quick fix. I can’t remember ever seeing a Suzuki LJ20 other than in pictures. If anyone can pull this off Paul, it’s you. Complete confidence in your master skills to get er done
Don't think I've ever laughed so hard as the recovery & repair & commentary! You guys are great, you too Lizzy. Didn't know they made a Suzuki 50 yrs ago. Good luck 🤞😎👍🎉🎊❄️🇺🇸
The entire extraction of this car from Sierra Nevada Mountains just made me chuckle all the time the guys started taking oit!
I found new dors, grill , patch and patch panel and more on EBAY new ! Leave it a hard top, so it will be like Ed had it.
That's good news
Maybe get eBay Motors to sponsor some of the build.