Back to The 80’s – A New Paint Job And Flares

Last time, we saw how even a super-tough vehicle like a Gen 1 Pajero has a weak point. Go here if you missed it.

Makeover Time!

We all get nostalgic about old things. Reminds us of the good ol’ days…

With this in mind, Dave had an idea.

He had to rebuild the Paj, after its rollover at Condo. So in a nod to the classic Pajeros of the 1980s and 90’s, he decided to go with a retro look.

It will never be this clean again. 80s Paint Job Retro Pajero. — A new 80’s – style paint job and some flares. It will never be this clean again!

Rear view. 80s Paint Job Retro Pajero. — View from the back.

New paint job and flares. 80s Paint Job Retro Pajero. — Even the bullbar wasn’t spared from the 80’s paint job!

The flared guards just sort of started as an idea, then grew a life of their own. The colour scheme is reminiscent of the Eighties… bright and slightly mis-matched colours that say, “Hey, look at me”!

Forest Rallies

So the Paj kept on going. Peta (my wife) claimed the navigator’s seat in 2014, the Paj was retired from the more brutal off-road races and became a forest rally convert. Forest rallies are far easier on the vehicle.

With the Old Girl having more bumps and bruises than Mike Tyson, it was time to nurse her a bit.

Stirring up the dust. 80s Paint Job Retro Pajero. — Stirring up the dust. Photo courtesy DKTV (www.dktv.com.au).

Through the bush, Johns River Rally, 2014. 80s Paint Job Retro Pajero. — Pushing through state forest – Johns River Rally, 2014.

Winding it up. 80s Paint Job Retro Pajero. — Getting it sideways.

Setting up for a corner. 80s Paint Job Retro Pajero. — Setting up for a corner. Photo courtesy Fifth Gear Photography (www.fifthgearphotography.blogspot.com.au).

Turning in hard. 80s Paint Job Retro Pajero. — Turning in hard. Photo courtesy Fifth Gear Photography (www.fifthgearphotography.blogspot.com.au).

Chucking out rocks. 80s Paint Job Retro Pajero. — Chucking out rocks. Photo courtesy Fifth Gear Photography (www.fifthgearphotography.blogspot.com.au).

No Escape From The Punishment

Whilst forest rallies are far kinder to a vehicle than off-road events, you still get the occasional bump and scrape. The rear left door copped a beating after a sideways drift into a tree. Time for some panel beating…

The results of an encounter with a tree. 80s Paint Job Retro Pajero. — The results of an encounter with a tree.

Door sill damage, hidden by the back door. 80s Paint Job Retro Pajero. — Door sill damage, hidden behind the back door.

Making a start on the repair. 80s Paint Job Retro Pajero. — Making a start on the repair.

Repair done, time to clean it all up. 80s Paint Job Retro Pajero. — Repair done, time to clean it all up.

Ready to paint. 80s Paint Job Retro Pajero. — Ready to paint.

A Dying Engine

The trusty Astron 2.6L G54B turbo finally decided to act its age. It was getting tired after more than 25 years of hard racing and was noticeably slower every race. Perhaps it’s time for a rebuild… or something else.

Next time: Retro Pajero gets a new heart. Out with the old and in with the new.