The filthy interior doubled...
The filthy interior doubled as a rat motel, but it contained a few extra parts that would definitely come in handy when it came time to put it all back together.
While the half-dead Sami didn't exactly make the best first impression, we were confident that it had potential. First, we tackled the basics to make it start up and run. After a bit of frustration, tracking down problems and correcting them, we were able to begin the fun part of making it more capable. To stretch our dollar even further, we began scouring classified ads online and in local papers, rummaging through yard sales, and searching online auctions for all of the parts we would need. Within a couple of months, we were able to find some great deals on a set of wheels, a Calmini lift kit, and a couple of other things. To make it all come together, however, we did have to break down and purchase several new items like tires, spark plugs, and some other parts to take care of the basics.
After only a few months of rebuilding and upgrading, our Sami was ready for the trail. We headed out to Hungry Valley State Vehicular Recreation Area (SVRA), just north of Los Angeles, for some testing. For less than $2,000, our budget wheeler performed very impressively, handling the black-diamond-rated Miller Jeep Trail with the best of them. Not to say it was perfect, but it was evident that this Sami could definitely outperform most stock vehicles and still cost less than a brand-new stock rig.
After putting the little Sami through its paces on everything that Hungry Valley had to offer, we found a few things that still needed attention but nothing too serious. Shortly after our first trip out, the brakes were replaced, wheel bearings tightened, and the fluids were changed one more time to ensure it was running clean. Like all other rigs, this one is never actually done, but we have a capable wheeler for now and anything else we add will be gravy.
 Only slightly cleaner than...  Only slightly cleaner than the interior, the engine compartment of our Sami appeared to be mostly intact with the exception of a few pieces that were stashed in the cab. |  The only things that looked...  The only things that looked out of place under the hood were a couple of amateur attempts to rewire the ignition and carburetor. |  Samurai wiring is pretty simple...  Samurai wiring is pretty simple though, so this was an easy fix. |
 Once parked at home in the...  Once parked at home in the driveway, it was time to take care of the basic vitals. We headed to the parts store and purchased some new oil, plugs, filters, belts, and vacuum hose to ensure nothing was bad before trying to turn the engine over. |  The first order of business...  The first order of business was to check the spark plugs to see what kind of shape the engine was in. All of the plugs looked OK except for one that had a little oil on it. This would have to be looked into later. |  With the valve cover removed,...  With the valve cover removed, the valve lash was inspected, and not surprisingly the exhaust valve on the No. 4 cylinder was stuck open, allowing oil to seep onto the plug. The valve was worked free and the cover replaced. |