Re: Project: Tow-Rat (Lil' Blue)
 

ya know, the more i think about it ... stock sux ... i think i'm down to building an I6 4.6L stroker motor or the TDI. except the TDI can make the same HP, more torque, smaller/lighter, and get 35mpg in the Jeep. how could i go wrong!?!?

Re: Project: Tow-Rat (Lil' Blue)
 

4.0 engines are cheap and plentiful. Throw one in there so you have a back up vehicle and build a cooler powerplant when the 55 is done. You'll have it running in a weekend.

Re: Project: Tow-Rat (Lil' Blue)
 

that's my catch ... a project i might not build for another year or 2 vs driving it now.

but at least the RAM should be back together here maybe tonight. i really like this getrag g360 transmission, it's nice n easy to tear down n work on. no special tools, not even a press was needed. all new now and ready for another 337,000 miles. this trans had not been rebuilt before, i was without question breaking the factory sealer for the first time. so either this is a 337,000 miles trans, or some previous owner had a factory new trans swapped in. the PTO covers had obviously been off at some point, but that was it. it also had what looked like 337,000 miles of diesel oil and road grim built on up on it. there has to be 3 clutches worth of friction material built up inside the bell housing! :lol:

and the freaking deer are back ... i filled the bird feeder and within 10minutes the turkey were there eating everything i spilled. not 5 minutes later and the deer are chasing off the turkey to stick their tongue in the feeder to eat the seed. i mean, COME ON!

https://i.imgur.com/xgrNmVc.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/BYpwIqo.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/jcUIZwx.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/JxFh7II.jpg

Re: Project: Tow-Rat (Lil' Blue)
 

i didn't read the fine print, the bold print, or even look at the pictures :lol:

so i got the shifter stub rebuild kit cuz i thought mine was SUPER blown out, just ordered what was available. turns out my stick was RTV'd to the stick-side stub and that sleeve is super wallowed out. this would be the source of my sloppy, wet noodle feeling shift. after reading up on both styles, i think i'll re-use the bolt-on stub, the stick stub bolted to it, and then weld on a whole new stick bent to perfection for my hand.

https://i.imgur.com/bPZ7zlD.jpg

Re: Project: Tow-Rat (Lil' Blue)
 

Man, they sure know when non shooting time is don't they? :lol: I'm surprised that handle didn't come off in your hand with just rtv holding it. That just goes to show how strong some of that was back in the day. :lol:

Re: Project: Tow-Rat (Lil' Blue)
 

trying to consolidate parts laying everywhere so i got the 12v/nv5600 together for good. removing the rear cover to replace the rear main seal on the bench is super nice. dual disk clutch is crazy heavy though! can you imagine spinning a small child up to 4000RPM??!?!? that'll takes some HP away from the tires. the mid plate alone weights more than the jeep flywheel! got the coated valve covers and oil pan on before slipping the trans into place. engine crane trans install ... when your trans weights more than some engines :facepalm:

i'm worried about the length of the Lokar dipstick, i might have to take it apart and shorten the sleeve. that's a job for after installed and proper oil added though. also broke the factory block heater, so it had to be removed. trying to pry it out i punched the manifold 3x in a row ... almost threw tools thru the windshild of the wife's 'vette ... and decided this was a spectacular time to go in for a snack and watch some TV. :exit:

and speaking of the wife, she even offered to help this weekend! put her to work sanding out the inside of the cab to prep it for sound spray and primer. i guess i really do need to paint it all now ...

https://i.imgur.com/X73DgXB.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/AYEvLNz.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/HPf5KmB.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/V5QuSVN.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/fnFSdxA.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/ID7HKgi.jpg

Re: Project: Tow-Rat (Lil' Blue)
 

Ya it's crazy how heavy diesel clutch/flywheel is, I had one for my 7,3idi had to use a dolly to move it around. Do you think your hoist will lift the motor and trans all at once to get it in the truck?

Re: Project: Tow-Rat (Lil' Blue)
 

so i'm able to reach the engine mounts at the 1-1/2 TON setting on the arm extension. 3000lbs working load rating should be safe enough for what is less than 1500lbs. it's a B!TCH to roll it, but does ok.

you are NOT the only one who thinks i'm nutz for even attempting to swing the whole mess from a HF crane.

Re: Project: Tow-Rat (Lil' Blue)
 

Nice work and yeah they are heavy. If you ever see the big torque semi ones you'll really go nuts. I don't miss putting those on without a clutch jack at all. :lol: Just watch the wheels on the HF crane. They like to break in half and cause you bad stains in your shorts when engine and trans combos are up high being positioned. :lol:

Re: Project: Tow-Rat (Lil' Blue)
 

holy crap that would suck!

i've always kept the engine as low as possible until the last moment to swing up and over the chassis. i keep threatening to get something bigger/heavier too.

on the 55 i can keep the engine nice and low, but with the trans dangle i end up jacking it way up there for this stab. it would just be so much more effort to go under with the trans with how heavy this is, and trying to get the whole chassis up high enough to roll the trans on the jack under there.

Re: Project: Tow-Rat (Lil' Blue)
 

finished getting the new valve cover seals and bolt o-rings installed. the blue seals i lucked into and really like for this truck!

got a generic Cummins manifold blanket to try and keep more heat out of the cab in the dog-house. did a bench test fit since the manifold is a Stainless Diesel high-flow T4 and it's really nice. it actually worked out great to just replace one at a time with the wire and the zipites held it in place. all installed and ready to make noises!

https://i.imgur.com/V0F57hR.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/LBqNbIR.jpg

Re: Project: Tow-Rat (Lil' Blue)
 

That sure is a sweet manifold to cover up! :lol: I used blankets on the vette to keep heat out of the cabin and to not burn the hood. They do work. I don't blame you one bit for putting the trans on the engine now. That old KISS method comes to mind. :lol:

Re: Project: Tow-Rat (Lil' Blue)
 

what a great truck build! i have a rusty windshield 56 too, and just got a one owner XJ 97 (4 door auto though), the parallels are concerning haha. I figure i will just watch and take note of your pitfalls to avoid them. KIDDING. great build.

Re: Project: Tow-Rat (Lil' Blue)
 

Who makes the manifold blanket?

Re: Project: Tow-Rat (Lil' Blue)
 

nothing special, just amazon

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Re: Project: Tow-Rat (Lil' Blue)
 

wow ... now i really feel bad ... i went long enough without update that i fell off page 1. i had a list of excuses, but then realized most of them were already posted here! :whine: but anyways, i'm waiting on parts for my excuses so back to the good stuff.

i'm really down to needing the interior painted before i can go any further with anything. at that point a LOT of stuff comes together (hopefully). last hurdle is getting this eyebrow replaced so here we go. also pulled the doors for access, rust repair, painting, and future alignment.

when i started cutting, i didn't expect to find the inner structure, let alone spot welded to it. slowly getting there getting all the old removed. wish me luck.

https://i.imgur.com/go4YuOZ.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/b0YLBCy.jpg

Re: Project: Tow-Rat (Lil' Blue)
 

Yeah, those pesky inner structures and their spot welds. Always good to look at the assembly manual before tackling any sheet metal, then you have an idea of what to expect. It shows where the spot welds are too.

Re: Project: Tow-Rat (Lil' Blue)
 

ok, random question ... how to remove the knob blanking plates in the dash?!? is there an easy way i'm mising?

Re: Project: Tow-Rat (Lil' Blue)
 

small update, still getting there. had to buy a finger sander and now i'm wondering how i've ever done anything without one before! for $42 on amazone, this thing is a HUGE win! stick it up in there, grind off over the spot welds, and i've been able to pop loose the filler panel without distorting the roof lip. also, under-hood light FTW.

https://i.imgur.com/FI4ASUA.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/MEw0IqJ.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/bXLMyNP.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/JG9CpaM.jpg

Re: Project: Tow-Rat (Lil' Blue)
 

I had to look up "finger sander". its what I call a mini belt sander, lol.
yup, got one, usefull for lots of stuff. if anybody is looking be sure to buy one that is easy to find belts for. also, some have a handle that moves to different angles, which is handy.

Re: Project: Tow-Rat (Lil' Blue)
 

Nice progress! Not sure if there’s an easy way to remove them. Just cut the whole dash out like I did. Plasma torch worked well :lol:

Re: Project: Tow-Rat (Lil' Blue)
 

ACTUALLY!! i finally did figure out the easy way!

with the gauge cluster out going in from the side vs under it was easier ... but basically a pull and twist on the back while holding the front in place since it's just a push-clip. didn't feel like anything was happening then it would just pop loose.

a little paint and they should go right back in.

Re: Project: Tow-Rat (Lil' Blue)
 

I recently separated a roof skin from a cab and it is pretty rusty under there. I was trying to come up with the best thing to put on the rust to stop it without blasting it. Do you have any stuff you apply that you like that stops that rust? I thought about ospho or something like that.

Re: Project: Tow-Rat (Lil' Blue)
 

so my most recent go-to has been AutoTech Rust Prep. pretty sure it's the same active chem as the rest of the paints, but just straight up by itself. leaves the rusty surfaces black and smoother. looks like you oiled it, but it's dry and hard. i believe it's converting the surface to something else.

wear gloves n eyes for this stuff

My procedure: (after some trial n error)
-clean the area with a wire brush or whatever to remove anything loose
-blow it off, then wipe it off with cleaner (i tend to brake clean :lol:)
-sprits it all wet with the RustPrep
-wet a rag with the the prep (watch drips cuz they'll etch other metal n such) and wipe/sponge the whole area good to make sure it gets in all the nooks
-give it until the edges start to dry/cure (you'll start to see white residue showing up)
-sprits and wet a rag again and re-wipe the whole thing really good for a "2nd" coat
-let FULLY dry n cure (i try n leave it over night)
-fully clean off all white residue since paint will never stick to it. (water or paint-prep solvent)
-primer / paint

for something like inside the roof skin and panels i cant' get to ... i will probably just sprits that junk in there and forget about it. better than nothing.

https://smile.amazon.com/Auto-Tech-M...ps%2C95&sr=8-3
or the gallon:
https://smile.amazon.com/Auto-Tech-M...ps%2C95&sr=8-3

https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/...EL._SY500_.jpg

Re: Project: Tow-Rat (Lil' Blue)
 

Post #280 when i did the cab floor before and after

you can see pockets of the white residue around the floor, and a lot on the tunnel sheet. that all needs wiped clean before paint.

Re: Project: Tow-Rat (Lil' Blue)
 

OK, great thank you for that. I will get some and give it a whirl.

Re: Project: Tow-Rat (Lil' Blue)
 

Looking good. I used a similar product to encapsulate some trust I had on my Suburban. it worked great.

You will be soooo happy when the rust is behind you. I was.

Marc

Re: Project: Tow-Rat (Lil' Blue)
 

We call that thing a Dynafile, but I am thinking that is a brand name most likely. Kind of like how everyone calls a reciprocating saw a Sawzall. I know how much you love that. lol

Re: Project: Tow-Rat (Lil' Blue)
 

:lol: :cuss:

Re: Project: Tow-Rat (Lil' Blue)
 

I use something similar with great results. Called "Rust Check- Rust converter" comes in spray or liquid.

Re: Project: Tow-Rat (Lil' Blue)
 

this weekend was some pretty solid progress! got the entire cab eyebrow sealed internally and replaced, then moved onto finishing all metal work. everything is filled/smoothed with metal as far as i'm going to take it for now. any further body work can be done while it's still drivable. the entire floor and such are wire wheeled and ready for rust prep, that was a meeeessss.

the rust coating on this area left a lot more white than i was used to, and it wouldn't scrub off. but as long as nothing is coming off with me getting aggressive, then it should hold paint on too.

https://i.imgur.com/rCKMUdn.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/HB78fvV.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/V0ORuKC.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/xdDU1aq.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/n0dGWMq.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/6eCjNur.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/olQJWdL.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/3xBJnh0.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/tmEwCqN.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/pKtzgr5.jpg

Re: Project: Tow-Rat (Lil' Blue)
 

I know you've said you really hate body work, but you sure are good at it! Very nice.

Re: Project: Tow-Rat (Lil' Blue)
 

Great job! Loving the progress. They didn't have that replacement piece above the windshield when I redid my dad's 59 long bed. I bought a roof out of a junkyard in Texas and my fabricator friend swapped the entire roof for me.

-Josh

Re: Project: Tow-Rat (Lil' Blue)
 

thank you! i'm slowly learning patients ... smaller tools, with less power, and take my time.

https://www.memesmonkey.com/images/m...dc63cd9bf.jpeg

damn, he's a good friend to swap the whole thing! having to harvest my own patch panels from the junk yard before installing them would get old. these have all been relatively cheap with a great fit and even showed up quick.

Re: Project: Tow-Rat (Lil' Blue)
 

Looking good. Way to eradicate that evil rust...

Marc

Re: Project: Tow-Rat (Lil' Blue)
 

so i think i'm going to try a new rust converter. the AutoTech Rust-Prep is high shipping cost, and long lead right now. here's my research n thoughts.

the more i look into others, it seams like there are like 2 different actual converters on the market, but sold or "made" by 100 different companies in different % products.

Thick vs thin:
some are sprayable, some are not. when both are offered by the same brand, it's the same stuff, just with reducer.

Primer vs not:
some are ready to paint, some need cleaned of the possible white powder with mineral spirits. the non-primer needs primer over it.

Tannic or Phosphoric acid based:
most won't tell you, some do, but you can figure out by the directions really. the tannic might all have primer, while the phosphoric look to be the ones that need post-cleaning ... cant' 100% confirm, but that's my feeling.

i feel like the AutoTech Rust-Prep is the same as Ospho Metal Treatment ... Phosphoric based, thin, no primer. these will leave the white powder that needs cleaned before priming.

i'm thinking Rust Check, FDC Rust Converter Ultra, Corroseal Rust Converter, MRO Chem Black Star Rust Converter, Eastwood Rust Converter, etc etc etc ... Tannic acid, with primer, sold as thick or thin.

SO! i feel like i'd rather have a thicker, with primer product ... and $10 says they are all the same exact thing with different levels of active agents in a different label. every review says the FDC does 500sqft but most likely needs 2 coats, while the Corroseal does 250sqft but only ever needs one coat. that sounds like FDC is just a watered down Corroseal to me. i know eastwood doesn't make their own stuff, so who's is it? is it just corroseal with a different label and a JACKED up price? i also feel like Corroseal floated to the top of more comparison reviews.

Amazon:
FDC Rust Converter Ultra ... $50
Corroseal Rust Converter ... $67 ... free shipping (might be $10 cheaper on eBay)
AutoTech Rust-Prep ... $51 + $34 shipping
MRO Chem Black Star Rust Converter ... $95
Eastwood Rust Converter ... $134

i'm buying 1gal of the Corroseal on Amazon to do the floor of the '55 with ... stay tuned for further thoughts.

Re: Project: Tow-Rat (Lil' Blue)
 

I have used the POR 15 prep, which is Phosphoric acid with Zinc Phosphate, It seemed to eat rust well

Re: Project: Tow-Rat (Lil' Blue)
 

6DoF, you've really been doing your homework! I'm looking forward to your results. There are so many competing claims by vendors of rust converters, and I suspect that you are correct. There's only a couple of different ways to do it, and the rest is just different ratios of active ingredients, followed by tons of marketing B.S.!!!

Re: Project: Tow-Rat (Lil' Blue)
 

pciklex is also a good product but can't get it here in Canada anymore but still available in the us i think

Re: Project: Tow-Rat (Lil' Blue)
 

so i finally got all my waste oil in the barrel and set-up for easy transfer into the diesel fuel tanks. while i was doing that, the wife got bored and got to work inside the 55 again! she finished sanding out the door frames and cleaned up everything from when i wire wheeled it too. we got the rust convertor down and i like it.

so the Corroseal was nice to work with and the foam brushes were great. the results look ready to rock.

https://i.imgur.com/Y6fLANA.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/w18qEYi.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/Nqd3pbA.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/Xj2EzGA.jpg