Tips on Fixing up an Old Off-Roading Vehicle with Your Teen

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Is your teenager approaching driving age? One of the best ways to usher in this new period of adulthood is to buy an old vehicle and fix it up. Instead of simply buying your teen a new car, the fixer method allows your teen to learn about vehicles and how they work. This idea can work for any type of vehicle, but fixing up an old off-road vehicle tends to be even more fun since off-road vehicles have a practical use outside of just driving them on the road. Let's take a look at some tips for fixing up an old off-road vehicle.

Tip 1 - Find a durable model that needs some TLC but isn't in total disrepair

The best way to start out on this journey is to find an older vehicle that needs some refurbishing but is not a complete junker. Starting with a durable model makes the job less tedious. Some examples of durable old 4x4s include the Toyota 4Runner, Ford Bronco, Jeep Wrangler, Jeep Cherokee (XJ model), Toyota Land Cruiser, Nissan Pathfinder and Chevy Blazer. In general, you're looking for models from the late 90s and older.

Tip 2 - Start by gutting the interior and installing sound-deadening material

There are three reasons you want to start fixing up your old 4x4 by gutting the interior:

- Install sound-deadening and insulation material

- Replace seats and carpet

- Check the floorboards for rust

Depending on how old your vehicle is, the need for sound-deadening and insulating material will quickly become apparent. Old 4x4s tend to be very noisy inside and without AC, they can also be very hot inside in the summer. The stock carpet and seats are probably also quite worn and old. Pulling out the interior allows you to check for any rust on the floor and treat it. Old 4x4s are very durable, but arguably their number one enemy is rust.

Tip 3 - Fix the suspension

New shocks and springs go a long way in making your old 4x4 easier to ride in on the road. You can find new off road parts online for this job. Installing new shocks and springs is definitely easier as a two-person job, so you can easily involve your teen. Some mechanics go even further and install an entire modern suspension on an old 4X4, but that's not necessary if you just want a bit of an upgrade.

Tip 4 - Change all the fluids and filters

This is a fantastic way to introduce your teen to all the fluids that keep a vehicle running. Engine oil is the easiest, but you should also flush the radiator and replace all the coolant as well as checking the transmission fluid and transfer case fluid. The process differs on various types of vehicles, but it can still be done in your driveway with the right tools and a few hours. You should also change any filters at this time as well. The engine air filter, oil filter and fuel filter are all likely to need replacements.

Tip 5 - Do some bodywork

There's a good chance your old 4x4 has some body damage. These days, you don't necessarily have to invest in an entire new paint job. Instead, you can buy body parts that are already painted. Here are some ideas for parts that might need to be replaced or fixed:

- Doors

- Fenders

- Bumpers

- Hood

- Quarter panels

If you have an old 4x4 with a removable top, you might need to invest in a new one.

Tip 6 - Start adding cool stuff

Once you have the interior and exterior of your old 4x4 fixed up, it's time to add all the fun extras. Items like fog lights, brush guards, rock rails, mud flaps and a winch are all good ideas to make your 4x4 look cooler and perform better off-road. The other thing you can do at this time is to have new wheels and tires installed. Even though this is best left to the professionals, you can still get your teen involved in picking them out.

Conclusion

Once you've finished restoring your old 4x4 with your teen, he or she will have gained valuable knowledge of how vehicles work from the ground up. They can also proudly drive it while knowing that they helped get it back on the road.