Re: My build. Project Karma. 71 stepside.
 

Just leave the fenders loose as the grill fits inbetween them and if you get the front gap too narrow the grill won't slide in. Looking good!!

Re: My build. Project Karma. 71 stepside.
 

Thanks man... just needed a quick refresher.

Everyone has their own system.. I use what works best for me. I used 2000 grit sandpaper to wetsand it all smooth. I then do a 3 stage polish process. First stage is a 3m product i use with a wool pad. I then clean that all off and then i use the SAME PRODUCT with a medium foam pad. I then clean that all off and go with a super soft foam pad with a special finishing polish i made to finish it all off....


Thanks man... Do inner fenders go in before the fenders???

Re: My build. Project Karma. 71 stepside.
 

Inner fenders before fenders.

Re: My build. Project Karma. 71 stepside.
 

Soooooo, whatsa happenen man?

Re: My build. Project Karma. 71 stepside.
 

X2

Re: My build. Project Karma. 71 stepside.
 

You two are psychic. I really havent worked on the truck at ALL except for this weekend...

Whats going on now is i just installed BOTh doors. The drivers door was an ABSOLUTE b word to get to fit even close to how i wanted it to fit. I got it about 90% which is probably better then what factory was. The passenger door went right on, fit like a glove zero issues.

I also installed the new stock mini starter and thats working good, rewired my spark plug wires so i would lose one on the header everytime i drive. LOL.

This week i will have some pictures and i plan on having the front fenders on, the grill and the hood on. that way i can switch back and forth between wiring and body work.... I plan on doing the body work on the vehicle and painting the vehicle while its together... Why you ask? Well, just installing one door trying to be careful and taped up i scratched the epoxy EVERYWHERE. ahaha...

I will have some pics, hopefully it will be assembled by this week....

Re: My build. Project Karma. 71 stepside.
 

progress is progress. best of luck with assembly...

Re: My build. Project Karma. 71 stepside.
 

Plans this week are to paint the underside of the hood.... Paint the inner fenders, and get the truck assembled... so i can take a break and wire everything up so i can scooooooot about the neighbor hood.

Re: My build. Project Karma. 71 stepside.
 

Finally got the inner fenders painted... So this week i will assemble the front end.

I plan on putting on the grill, then the inner fenders, outer fenders, then hood. That seem right???

Re: My build. Project Karma. 71 stepside.
 

Put the grill on after the fenders.

Re: My build. Project Karma. 71 stepside.
 

Okalee dokalee.

Its been awhile. lol...

Im running into an issue. EVERY SINGLE nut and bolt i dont want anywhere near this truck. AHAHA... All rusty and dirty.

Re: My build. Project Karma. 71 stepside.
 

sounds like you need to place an order with totally stainless.......

Re: My build. Project Karma. 71 stepside.
 

Do they sell a whole kit for my truck or something?
some parts i dont mind.. its just the dang cleaning of all the nuts and bolts.... wonder what works best.

Re: My build. Project Karma. 71 stepside.
 

they have kits, I bought one for my '56. the 67-72 starts on page 46

http://www.totallystainless.com/2009.../catalog34.pdf

Re: My build. Project Karma. 71 stepside.
 

WOWza, i found that. Expensive....

I think im going to find a way to clean em all and put some paint on em... should be good to go... Any tips on that... Dipping them in some kinda solution then just painting them? PUtting them in a rock polisher? LOL...

Re: My build. Project Karma. 71 stepside.
 

I have had good results with soaking them in White Vinegar, and then using a wire brush to clean them up and paint them.

Re: My build. Project Karma. 71 stepside.
 

Awesome.. How long do you soak em. What does the vinegar do???

Re: My build. Project Karma. 71 stepside.
 

I'm going to try CLR on some and see how that works. Otherwise, there are instructions online on how to build a system that removes the rust electrollically. Low voltage from a battery charger on probes. One connected to the part, another to the side of the tub of solution. It does work well. Trying to remember what they call it. Someone on the board here posted it awhile back to.

Re: My build. Project Karma. 71 stepside.
 

electrolysis or electrolytic derusting:

I have done this years ago with good success...

http://www.rickswoodshopcreations.co...st_Removal.htm

as far as how long, I typically soak bolts in a plastic coffee can about 24 hours, the acidity eats the rust away, but will start eating the good metal as well. wear gloves and safety glasses..... I usually soak for 24 hours, rinse, clean with wire brush on drill or grinder, clean with wax / grease remover then prime and paint....
you could also take the bolts with you to home depot/lowes or even tractor supply and get the new zinc coated (gold tone) bolts as they are suppose to hold up well.
you mentioned a rock tumbler, if you have one at your disposal, have you tried that?

best of luck bro.

Re: My build. Project Karma. 71 stepside.
 

I dont have a rock tumbler. I know that would work with some sand media in it...

I think i might try that electolysis for kicks and grins.

Re: My build. Project Karma. 71 stepside.
 

I just saw an ad in Hotrod or Carcraft for some liquid rust remover, just soak the bolts in it and BAM rust is gone, pick up a mag at the stand and scan it for the ad, it's free that way!

Re: My build. Project Karma. 71 stepside.
 

I was thinking that way to. I kinda want to try this electrolysis just because it seems fun. ahaha...

Re: My build. Project Karma. 71 stepside.
 

I ended up using this stuff called Electrorust from Harbor Freight.. Worked great.

I now have a full truck. Everything is assembled except the hood and the cowl. Just need to get the hinges painted, align some fenders, install the hood and then start the final body work....

I was goign to paint the vehicle while it was apart, but after assembling everything last night, there is NO WAY IN HELL that i wouldnt of scratched the living crap out of EVERYTHING... Luckily my inner fenders made it through nice and perfect....

Pics to come.:gmc2:

Re: My build. Project Karma. 71 stepside.
 

TEASE :lol:

Re: My build. Project Karma. 71 stepside.
 

AHAH... this may not be interesting to anybody else, but seeing this thing partially together, unpainted, is @#$%*^% HUGE to me!!!!!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v6...d/DSC00598.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v6...d/DSC00599.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v6...d/DSC00600.jpg