1988 Mitsubishi Pajero 3000cc - full restoration project

My dad decided to strip down his 1988 #Mitsubishi #Pajero and completely rebuild it. He spent over 1300 hours working on this project mostly by himself. He's been taking some photos during his work, so I've decided to put some of them together.
He has done so much work on this #4x4 that is unbelievable. New bolts and screws all around, new bearing, breaks fully rebuild, new tank, bodywork repaired and re-sprayed (by his mate). The suspension has been fully restored. Frame fully repaired, sandblasted, covered with a few very resistant paint layers to be finally covered with anti-corrosion primer inside and outside the frame. The engine and gearbox were all checked and refreshed. New rims (also restored) and new tyres fitted. Front lamps, indicators and rear lights were stripped down and cleaned. Same with clocks and the entire dashboard.
All I can say is RESPECT! Well done DAD!
#carrestoration #classiccars #mk1pajero #v6 #cars #rebuild #carproject #offroad #offroad4x4 #pajeromk1
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[@dan_l_photo]

Just want to take a moment to say THANK YOU to all of you watching and commenting on this video. I went to see my dad over Xmas, I showed him the comments sections and translated what's below. He is overwhelmed! He couldn't believe that people are watching this video all around the planet. When I told him that over 20k people watched it he was like "WHATTT??? 20k!!!???" hahaah. He's very happy knowing that people understand how much work needs to be done to get such results. Best!

[@mayner17]

40k now! not sure if you have answered this question or not? I have a 1989 SWB Pajero, wondering what wheels and tyres you used? Looks great!

[@dan_l_photo]

@@mayner17 I may have to ask my dad again, but I’m 99% sure that wheels are just standard Pajero alloys and tyres are Gfgoodrich 31/10.50R15. He didn’t use any wheels spacers so the wheel are in line with the body (legal requirements apparently). Body was lifted so the wheels fitted nicely. Here is a funny recent story from my dad: so he went shopping and as he left the shop he saw a lady looking at the Pajero number and her VW next to it. So she hit the Pajero while reversing. My dad thought “f*** more work to do”. He looked at her car - the rear light was gone, a slight crack at the bumper and a little dent on the VW body”. Then he looked at Pajero. There was only a scratch on the bumper lol. He made the bumpers himself from a thick steal so that didn’t even bend. She apologised asking what to do etc. My dad replied “sort your car yourself, no need for insurance to be involved, but go and get a black matt spray so I can spray the scratch on the bumper” so it cost him £2 to repair the damage. VW probably a couple of hundreds. The car is like a tank.

[@biurosep5937]

Your father did a very impressive built,, what a nice car

[@dontcare7929]

Any pages so I can get parts for my montero 1990?

[@dan_l_photo]

@@dontcare7929 You can definitely get some parts from your local car parts shop or online. There are still many new parts available such as filters, bearings etc. On the other hand, finding a part of the interior or body could be challenging. Ebay is good, but that's always like hunting. Best

[@user-po9sp4le8c]

Отличная работа, приятно смотреть на то, как машины подобные этой, приобретают свой первозданный вид, особенно японские машины 80-х годов.

[@marvbingbing4511]

I love these kind of Cars! Classic! It never gets old!

[@bergeracvandamme]

Superb! I too would pay your dad to help with my Pajero project. This comment section will be full of job offers 😂 But it's a testament to his excellent workmanship 👍🏻

[@catsailorjohn]

stunning outcome - thanks for sharing!

[@dan_l_photo]

Thanks mate! Happy New Year

[@johnny_w]

Very nice job, the Pajero looks as if it comes right out of the factory ! 👍 I have the same car, but with 2500 turbodiesel intercooler engine. I bought it new in 1990, and now it stands on 112.000 km. , car is also in excellent condition. Very good and reliable car, only one problem in all those years, the clutch let me down at 100.000 km, the heart of the clutchplate was broken out, very rare happening. I will never sell it, it is a real classic 4x4. Greetz from the Netherlands 🙋‍♂️

[@dan_l_photo]

Hey Johnny. Thanks for your comment. Those are really good 4x4s. Of course, you can buy something new, full of electronics etc. But driving those old ones is a unique experience. I drive my dad's Pajero every now and then and it drives like new. I don't race it, I cruise it and enjoy every single kilometre of the road. My dad recently started working on a Toyota LJ70, 2.4TD engine, so he will have two virtually new 4x4s soon. I think once you spend so much time and work on a project, it's not just a "car" anymore, it becomes a part of the family and it will stay with us for long years ahead (forever I mean) Best!

[@SandunLabs]

You are very lucky@@dan_l_photo

[@flyrrow]

Awesome video! Lots of work there, you don´t see these machines around much. I own one of those only mine is a Montero 1987 and I'm having lots of fun doing some work on it. Cheers from Peru!

[@dan_l_photo]

Toyota LJ70 is ready. A short video is already available to watch in my channel. Longer video similar to this one coming up soon! Stay tuned!

[@warrencramer4516]

Wow!! What a stunning machine!! Awesome work!!

[@dan_l_photo]

Thanks for your comment!

[@biurosep5937]

Love that built

[@dan_l_photo]

100k views! Thanks guys, I'm glad that most of you like the video. Happy New Year to all of you!

[@halidaymichael2899]

Can you add more photos of the finished interior please. Amazing restoration, thank you for posting.

[@dan_l_photo]

Hi Michael. Thanks for watching the video. I was thinking to upload another version of this video, with much more images included. It's a shame that I couldn't be with my dad when he was restoring this MK1. I could make a nice video out of the entire process. I won't re-render this one just to add some more images of the interior but in short...Front seats were fully restored with new foam and fabric all around. The rear seats were all fine so there was no point in touching them. Black elements of the door panels were repainted with special paint (it's the one for plastics, it gives a fresh look and it keeps a structure/look of a plastic). Everything else was taken apart and cleaned, piece by piece, element by element. It's all still standard inside. Best

[@halidaymichael2899]

@@dan_l_photo can you tell me where you got the seat fabric from? Thanks for replying.

[@owenmccord5078]

That's dope AsF!

[@mattjarvis598]

Amazing job

[@georgiosbalabanis2149]

Awesome work... !! Good job 👍 my friend!!

[@dan_l_photo]

Thanks mate. Is it yours in your miniature?

[@javiermora4389]

Excelente restauración, una máquina para toda la vida , Mitsubishi es Mitsubishi , uno de los mejores 4x4 q existen , con buen mantenimiento te vas al fin del mundo , saludos de Ecuador

[@dan_l_photo]

Gracias por ver el video y agradezco el trabajo realizado. Este 4x4 durará mucho.

[@Bazandanlan]

awesome!

[@EvendimataE]

beautiful!!!!!!!

[@shawnrickenbacker5848]

Amazing Job.... Any chance your dad wants to take on the exact same job, but this time paid. His knowledge at this point is gold for my own 1989 Raider/Pajero/Montero project. LMK

[@dan_l_photo]

Hi. He's probably very busy with his work and his workshop, but I will ask when I see him for Xmas. On the other hand, I'm not sure if he's reading the comments section here, but I will show him all these comments. He is gonna love what you and the other guys said here. I feel obligated to record another video about this car, maybe with him talking a bit about it. If I'm lucky it could be in winter scenery! Stay tuned. Best

[@shawnrickenbacker5848]

@@dan_l_photo Thats Awesome! Tell you Dad he's a legend and has fans... Looking forward to seeing more. BTW My Raider deal is happening so if he's game for another project or just tips I'am ready...

[@danielforde-pogson]

Mmm...the dog didn't seem to be helping much!! Great project.

[@dan_l_photo]

He was looking after the parts hahaha sleeping with one of the eyes open

[@danielforde-pogson]

@@dan_l_photo NOw you say that - he's working really hard!!

[@raystar362]

I got 1 same year mines 2.0 turbo mitsubishi starion motor brought it like that looks like original motor

[@futuradesign]

The best Pajero I've ever seen. And I want to learn how much is the tire size Thanks

[@dan_l_photo]

Thanks for your comment. I will get all details for you very soon.

[@futuradesign]

@@dan_l_photo ı just want learn tyre size 31” or 33” thanks

[@dan_l_photo]

@@futuradesign Those are 31" mate. Are you working on a Pajero yourself? Best

[@futuradesign]

@@dan_l_photo thank you so much I have same color but 5 doors mk1 I would like to make like your style

[@mullerandre95]

Looking great, got a Gen 2 myself and I'm not sure what direction to go with it yet. It's a UK import to South Africa and seems to be a lot less prone to rusting, I live on the coast. My brother in law has one(South African built/assembled) that's badly rusted out. Took the interior apart and cleaned it out, then put boiled linseed oil on all the spots where rust was evident, not much at all. I intend to use it as a 4x4 so I won't be beautifying her much, just rust prevention and cleaning her up. She's be our Botswana car for trips up there. Basically 1150kms to the Kgalagadi(and freedom).

[@dan_l_photo]

Give her a little lift, slightly bigger tyres and she will be good to go! Most of the 4x4 from the 90-00 are very rusted, not that much on the outside, but the frames. So hard to get a decent one.

[@mullerandre95]

@@dan_l_photo bought her with an ARB 2inch lift kit and 32,5's. Shocks are also aftermarket, the old adjustables are no more. One mod I want to do is a swaybar disconnect system.

[@dan_l_photo]

Sounds like you are pretty good to go.

[@saghirshafqat4272]

Great bro

[@dan_l_photo]

Thanks mate!

[@user-et3wv2dy2w]

Очень красивый получился!

[@javiermora4389]

Linda restauración , completa , excelente tienes carro para toda la vida , felicitaciones, saludos de Ecuador

[@dan_l_photo]

Muchas gracias amigo. Mi papá está tan orgulloso de este auto, ¡le encanta! (Yo usé el traductor de Google)

[@dan_l_photo]

Well, it seems that my dad loves to keep himself busy. So he bought and started working on early 90's SWB Toyota lj70. I don't know much about the car, but from what he said it's a good restoration base with much less work compared to Pajero. Once done, I will upload a video similar to this one. Unfortunately, I can't be there and film. Best

[@TjtsAndroid]

Огонь!!!!!!!!просто огонь!!!!!!!!!

[@TjtsAndroid]

А тут пол жизни собираеш на старенький джип..еще пол жизни его восстанавливать ....

[@dan_l_photo]

Почему нет? Тогда у вас есть хороший, простой 4x4, который вам ничего не стоит по сравнению с современными ценами на автомобили.

[@TjtsAndroid]

@@dan_l_photo 🔥

[@Егор-Андреев]

@@dan_l_photo Согласен. Дёшего и сердито, но + качественно и с душой. Твой батя реальный мужик, раз своими силами осилил проект реставрации!

[@dan_l_photo]

@@Егор-Андреев Спасибо за ваш комментарий. Он любит свою машину, однако купил Toyota LJ70 и начал над ней работать. Я думаю, что он может понравиться больше, чем Паджеро

[@user-ub6pk2im1g]

いい～👍️😅

[@topherspeed3361]

Truck looks amazing! [2:42 on the video] Where can I get that rear license plate holder??

[@karimhim4506]

Hello from Algeria. im gonna restore my 1993 mk1 next week and i love what you did. can you please tell me what's the name/reference of the color ?

[@dan_l_photo]

Hi. As far as I know it was the closest match to the original blue. The guy who was painting mixed the paint for this job. I’m not sure what was the original colour code, but maybe you can find it online somewhere. Best!

[@karimhim4506]

@@dan_l_photo thanks for the answer. ill try to find it online. once again, amazing job

[@user-ub6pk2im1g]

❤YES!いい～👍️

[@mikemer79]

Very nice may ask how much you spent?

[@sebterror]

Amazing! Do you have more videos or Instagram?

[@dan_l_photo]

Hey. It's my dads car, not much of it on my social media channels. But I'm trying to get my dad to talk about the car a bit, about all work he done so far and record it all. I posted a 30sec video yesterday, that's the current look of the car. Best.

[@user-tt2sr5yn7h]

Красава респект и уважуха 👍

[@dan_l_photo]

дзякуй за прагляд відэа і ваш каментар. мне трэба знайсці час, каб запісаць больш, можа быць, у гэтым годзе.

[@ktmadventures7493]

Hey mate, I want to do this with my NL Pajero. How much did he spend on the whole project?

[@dan_l_photo]

Hey buddy. He didn't spend a lot only because he did 99% of the work by himself. So all the cost was to cover materials and parts (and that's not expensive compared to labour). All in all maybe 4-5k euros on parts + tyres + paintwork (done by his mate) and seats to be covered with a new fabric (some local guy starting his business). But what costs the most is the TIME spent on the project. It took my dad something like 2 years to finish it, working on it evenings and weekends. My dad runs his own company so finding time to work on such a project must have been very difficult. I salute him! So the value of the car doesn't come from the money actually spent on it but from the work done. Also to remember everything is cheaper in Poland compared to the rest of Europe, so that helps too. Any time I drive the Pajero, called by my dad "Dziadek" which means "Grandad" I see people turning their heads thinking what car is that and why is so nice? Not many of them left on the roads, not many in a good shape after the 4x4 culture boom. My dad is working on Toyota LJ70 these days, a short wheelbase. That was his dream car I think but when he was looking for it he couldn't find anything good. Then suddenly 3 years later after this Pajero project, he bought an LJ70 and then a few months later another one. Anyway, good luck with your project! If you have friends who can help you it will make your life much easier, or if you are rich and you can just pay people to do everything (however it wont be as good as you do it yourself). I see you ride KTMs, I'm more on the roads with my Fz1s. Ride safe!

[@ukaszgoos4913]

Cześć, Piękna robota, wyrazy szacunku dla Taty. Czy jest możliwość odkupienia auta? Pozdrawiam

[@dan_l_photo]

Czesc. Dzieki za komentarz. Pajero raczej zostaje w rodzinie, bedzie pamiatka na stare lata. Watpie, zeby sie cos mialo zmienic w tej kwestii ale kto wie. Pozdrawiam!

[@mwawasilupumbwe2325]

Great job,any video for the interior?

[@dan_l_photo]

Unfortunatelly not, but its all standard (refurbished/refreshed)

[@andriussamuolis5270]

Hi! Would you repeat it again, knowing how much effort needed? :)

[@dan_l_photo]

Well, my dad is restoring a Toyota LJ70 atm, so I guess if you like to do it you can do it over and over again.

[@jm-lz8dq]

Excelente trabajo 👍. Cuánto te costó ?

[@valadas4]

Super clean, amazing job... i have a 1990 Gen 1 and i am struggling to find replacement rear calipers and discs... Any idea where i could get hold of them, i am situated in South Africa but happy to import if they are available somewhere ?

[@dan_l_photo]

Do you have disc brakes at the rear or drums?

[@valadas4]

@@dan_l_photo Thank you for the speedy reply i have *Disc brakes* at the rear and front (As i understand, they were only produced for a couple years with Disc brakes front and read like mine) Most other Gen1 Pajeros have Drum brakes in the back and leaf springs, mine has coil springs all round and disc brakes all round... Kind regards Jack

[@magnumllama400]

@@dan_l_photo so

[@JoseSantos-wb3ow]

@@valadas4 hey, I order everything from autodoc! I have that one too, but I am from Portugal, you just have to see if that’s available for you!

[@emuca2903]

What kind of engine are you using? Could you bring me more details about it. Good job!!!

[@dan_l_photo]

It's all standard, 3000cc petrol.

[@demetrealeksanashvili2436]

How much did it all cost?

[@dan_l_photo]

The car itself was cheap, around £2000. New parts and paint work somewhere around £3000. But then you have nearly 1300h of work which you have to count.

[@demetrealeksanashvili2436]

@@dan_l_photo yea right, but anyways thats nice build i want to buy one

[@dan_l_photo]

@@demetrealeksanashvili2436 I should convince my dad to build another one like that.

[@demetrealeksanashvili2436]

@@dan_l_photo yall should build now pajero mk2 that would be more fun

[@dan_l_photo]

@@demetrealeksanashvili2436 It's so hard to find one with a frame in one piece. For some reason, lots of them got soo much corrosion just near the rear axle. But I agree It would be great to have an MK2.

[@Bryan25105]

very nice job ^_^

[@dan_l_photo]

Cheers mate. The car should last years from now on! Best

[@andrewabogado]

Roughly how much did it cost for the overall restoration?

[@Tomhonks]

What’s are peoples thoughts on making one of these electric? I reckon they would make a great candidate for it

[@dan_l_photo]

With all the planet going electric, it could be the only option to keep it on the road in the near future. There would be a lot of space for batteries, in the boot and behind the driver/passenger seat (if you don't need 4 seats). But atm it runs on petrol, at least we can enjoy the sound of it.

[@Tomhonks]

exploz2 certainly would be space. I have a similar 2.5 version of this pajero, same year and Iv been checking out a lot of restoration videos on KZbin. My options were restore it or get rid of it but after watching a few videos I think I’ll hang onto it until I can make it electric in the near future

[@dan_l_photo]

@@Tomhonks KEEP IT. My dad was searching around for this example for a very long time. He missed a few just because the price was too high. Now, a couple of years later it's so hard to find decent examples of those cars. You won't get much for a car like that, but maybe in 15 years people will look at it saying "omg what a classic 4x4". It takes time to restore and rebuild, but once you put hours of work into the car it will have a "spirit". Best

[@damianwojcikiewicz7070]

Jaki rozmiar opon zastosowaliście

[@dan_l_photo]

31 cali na feldze 15. Wyglada dobrze. 33 cali robiło by pewnie większe „wow” ale mosty by płakały. Wesolych świat!

[@proverbgoldstar2025]

Well done mate! How much in total approximately

[@dan_l_photo]

Cheers mate. The car itself was about £2k. Parts + tyres + paint job + seats reupholstered an extra £4k. That's not including work itself/hours which my dad spent working on this car. He took the car apart by himself. He sandblasted the frame, repaired it, painted and protected it. Same with other bits. As he knows how to do it and he owns all the machines, he saved a lot of ££. He's already looking for another car hahaha. I'm going to see him during Xmas so I may record another video. He's planning to put some accessories next (lights, roof rack etc).

[@josegarciamartinez9236]

dios mio.... cuanto trabajo.... y q precio tiene eso?

[@dan_l_photo]

Hola. Gracias por ver el video y tu comentario. Sí, se ha trabajado mucho. El costo del auto y las partes no es nada cuando lo comparas con la cantidad de horas de trabajo realizadas. Mi papá lo conducirá hasta sus últimos días, luego yo cuidaré el auto. No estará a la venta, tiene espíritu.

[@josegarciamartinez9236]

@@dan_l_photo felicidades... Q lo disfrutéis... Q suerte por saber restaurar

[@user-fu2xy8dw6t]

Mitsubishi ក្រុមហ៊ុនផលិតរថយន្តចម្បាំងធ្លាក់មកឡាន😄

[@rulisalim7360]

how much it cost?

[@zq1312]

May I know where to find the replacement rubber seal for windscreen, rear door glass and rear side window?

[@dan_l_photo]

I think my dad used some kind of universal seal to fit the windscreen back. Check with any online car windows supplier, they may have it. Not sure if you can get a new glass, so maybe second hand? if someone is breaking mk1 for parts? It's getting harder to get those kinds of parts.

[@toby3862]

Where did ya find that bumper

[@dan_l_photo]

My dad made it from scratch. He bought the steal, draw it, cut all the bits, put them together, welded then painted - insane.

[@doloresvillanuevacubero5353]

ese es apropiado para mí

[@raphael3666]

gorgeous..could flip this thing for easy $10k+

[@dan_l_photo]

It will. I may ask my dad to restore another one and put it up for sale :) Best

[@vel7205]

Это сколько денег надо ?????

[@_InGodWeTrust_]

copper lines on brakes are a NO NO very dangerous!

[@dan_l_photo]

Those are copper-nickel brakes lines. Steel ones will corrode much easier, rubber ones are much easier to cut. Any line can get damaged in that kind of car, if you drive it the terrain. What would you recommend as a better solution?

[@_InGodWeTrust_]

@@dan_l_photo Galvanized steel is the correct type. Copper is too soft to handle high pressure over time. The brake lines can rupture die to repeated stress of hydraulic pressures, this is another reason why the use of copper is actually illegal in USA. ITS A SAFETY ISSUE. oops cap lock. Hope this helps explain my point. No sarcasm intended.

[@dan_l_photo]

@@_InGodWeTrust_ Interesting point. It's all legal here in the EU. Lines have to be obviously fitted correctly and well secured. Safety is obviously another thing, some people here will say Yes, some No. It's all done, so no plans to change it in the near future. Best

[@cashcore]

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