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1991 Mitsubishi Minicab U41V Resto

Discussion in 'Mitsubishi Minicab' started by MiniMitsuFrank, Mar 9, 2019.

  1. Couple of shots of the van as of 2 weeks ago... still have more posts to put up of work completed
     

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    OKei likes this.
  2. Mitsubishi suspension (front springs)!

    Found a set of Eibach that fit the van. The ends have to be cut, but once they are they seat nicely in the collars when installed. The nice thing about these is you don’t have to remove the strut completely, just push down on it until it clears the fender. My brake line had plenty of slack but not sure about other kei brands.

    Here is the spring information:

    Eibach “reds” racing spring
    12” length
    2.5” diameter
    275 lb spring rate
    $70 on summit (any other sites)

    I cut each spring end exactly where the flat spot ended on the last coil in order to have maximum end-to-end length of full diameter coil. The van sits about 2” higher than it did before and drives, runs, corners, and absorbs bumps like a regular car. Super happy with the results. The transmission forks seems to shift more smoothly now too? Maybe the engine/transmission was at angle that put strain on it somehow?? I have no idea, but before it was difficult to shift into reverse after being parked. You had to shift it into 1st before going into reverse to prevent grinding the gear. I think I’ll cut a half-coil off these springs to drop the front end down. I could run a 12” spring cut down to 10.5” at 250 lbs and still not rub ( the tires never rubber on the body or doors with the shot oem springs, just the fenders I put on) but they would rub my fenders due to where I mounted them.


    The oem fronts were really worn, especially the driver side which sagged an extra 3/4” when empty. I think these springs would be perfect for a 4x4 model and a 1-2” lift kit as well (plus they look cool being red)
     

    Attached Files:

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  3. punimog

    punimog Member

    This is looking so good man! Keep the pics coming. I'm hoping to spot you out and about in the PNW someday.
     
  4. Thanks brother! I’m about to post more right now. I’ll be at the Return to Renton car show on July 7th and hoping I see some other kei cars. Not sure if your in the area but I’ll be at the show if you happen to be around.

    Cheers
     
    punimog likes this.
  5. I ended up cutting the front springs down to 11”. So now I’m running 11” x 2.5” inside dia. x 275 lbs and the ride is great. The body roll during sweeping turns is unreal compared to what it was. It also doesn’t feel like it wants to plow through turns if you’re coming in a little hot.

    Here’s a pic of the new ride height with 11” coils
     

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  6. Fender flares are coming! In the middle of painting right now but here’s the progress photos so far.

    I decided to go with the stock “ascot silver” instead of black. The van looks really good with the black but I’m hoping this gives it cleaner, less “cheap bolt on fenders” look. This makes me laugh at myself because it has so many dents and paint imperfections it’s kind of a ridiculous thing to be concerned about. I did get some black cup washers and black trim for them so I think it will still look pretty cool.

    Will post the after photos of them installed in the next couple of days. Stay tuned.
     

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    punimog likes this.
  7. Fender flares are done. Not sure if I mentioned in an earlier post but as you can see I used trim lock and cup washers with Allen head bolts to mount them.

    I also just got back my upholstery for the front buckets and rear bench seat. I still have to install the front bucket upholstery so I’ll post photos of that when they’re done.
     

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  8. The upholstery is done and looks freaking awesome! (In my opinion)

    Shout out to Mike at ABC-stitch/fisher’s upholstery in Renton for making the upholstery and giving me a crash course on how to install them.

    Last 2 items to get done this weekend is wrapping the rear speaker panel edges in upholstery fabric & fixing the front dome light cover so it stay on. After that, I might replace the stock wheel (has several cigarette burn marks so not opposed to getting rid of it) with a wood grain grant or nordi gt wheel. Maybe get a matching wood grain shifter knob too... we’ll see though as I’m thinking about selling the van for a Mitsubishi Delica or Toyota Hiace as I’d like to have this style of van but bigger (I’m 6’ 3”). It’s hard to actually consider selling the mighty Mitsu already but I would love to do the same kind of restoration to something bigger and more suited for freeways/long distance trips.
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    Attached Files:

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  9. punimog

    punimog Member

    Damn! I live in Renton and knew people at the show. Wish I would have checked the forum earlier. It's looking tops, man!
     
  10. Astro Zombie

    Astro Zombie New Member

    Wow professional job well done. This will last a long Time now
     
  11. KyleK

    KyleK New Member

    Where did you find replacement bushings?
     
  12. OKei

    OKei New Member

    Did this get its steering wheel or sold? was looking great and 5 speeds are easy to source form the u42v or u44v bolt straight up and helps for freeway trips. Must be very quiet interior now from road noise?
     

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