Re: Danny Boy is BAACK! w/ '55 Big Window
 

Depends on how much thread you got left, most leaf spring shops can get the square style u-bolts longer and if you buy them from truck shop you can measure them at the store before pulling them a part. The front leaves should have the same amount of leaves on both sides. Common practice in the old days if a spring broke they would just pull a spring pack from junk yard and just swap it in not caring because it was a work truck or slide an extra spring to level the front end. I would pull them both off flip them upside down and measure the suspected bad spring arch and replace the spring that spring pack.

Re: Danny Boy is BAACK! w/ '55 Big Window
 

I did rattle can jade green rustolium on my 59 and it came out real nice.
Sad I'll never finish it. Would have been fun.

Re: Danny Boy is BAACK! w/ '55 Big Window
 

The truck looks real nice.
Kim

Re: Danny Boy is BAACK! w/ '55 Big Window
 

Thanks mknittle!

I'd always read 6 degrees was THE way to go. Anyone else have an opinion on this? I don't have steering by Armstrong, I have steering by King Kong! lol.


DUH!:lol: Yeah, I figured that out.

It SEEMS to sit level, but my driveway isn't all that level side-to-side or front-to-back. I've been assuming one leaf broke and they simply pulled it out. But I suppose back in the day when these were "just a truck" it could have been that one side was sagging (for any number of reasons) and they pulled a leaf from the opposite side just to level it out without bothering to address whatever the real problem was.

I was hoping to not have to pull both the leaf packs out cause IF I have to do that I'll be very tempted to buy new lowering springs from The Truck Shop - and that IS spendy.

Yeah, either of these scenarios make more sense than my ideas.

Rudy,
Since I've never pulled leaf packs before: Just how big a pain in the balls is this? I have a strong 1/2" impact driver so if it's just brute strength, no problem - I think. What's the usual hassle, if there is one?

Checking The Truck Shop website:
http://www.truckandcarshop.com/trucks47_59/t47_097.html

This looks like another "slippery slope" project. Potentially 6 of the $13 kits & 2 of the $17 kits ($112) OR possibly up to as many as 8 of the $34-$35
($280!) shackle kits... or oooh! The whiz bang $65 2-1/2" lowering shackles. Then, "while I'm in there" - paint and the poly material, yada, yada!

Re: Danny Boy is BAACK! w/ '55 Big Window
 

[QUOTE=Dan in Pasadena;6169529]Thanks mknittle!

I'd always read 6 degrees was THE way to go. Anyone else have an opinion on this? I don't have steering by Armstrong, I have steering by King Kong! lol.




DUH!:lol: Yeah, I figured that out.

It SEEMS to sit level, but my driveway isn't all that level side-to-side or front-to-back. I've been assuming one leaf broke and they simply pulled it out. But I suppose back in the day when these were "just a truck" it could have been that one side was sagging (for any number of reasons) and they pulled a leaf from the opposite side just to level it out without bothering to address whatever the real problem was.

I was hoping to not have to pull both the leaf packs out cause IF I have to do that I'll be very tempted to buy new lowering springs from The Truck Shop - and that IS spendy.



Yeah, either of these scenarios make more sense than my ideas.



Rudy,
Since I've never pulled leaf packs before: Just how big a pain in the balls is this? I have a strong 1/2" impact driver so if it's just brute strength, no problem - I think. What's the usual hassle, if there is one?


It isn't that hard. I have re-arched jeep springs and replaced center bolts on other trucks. I put a good sized "c" clamp on the spring when taking out the center bolt to prevent possible injury when/if the spring has tension and suddenly comes loose on the last thread of the nut/bolt.
The center bolt comes longer than you need and is used to compress the leafs then excess is cut off. so when you take it apart you only have a half inch at the most of thread where in may have been compressed an inch or more. If there is a add a leaf quite a bit more!

Re: Danny Boy is BAACK! w/ '55 Big Window
 

So I assume the procedure is jack up & remove wheels, then....what?

Take my impact gun to the shackle bolts and lower the springs & axle as one or remove the axle before dismounting spring packs from frame?

Either way, I put big C clamps on the spring pack before backing off the center bolt, right?
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Re: Danny Boy is BAACK! w/ '55 Big Window
 

Yeah on the c clamp. just in case.

I like to take the axle off first then the springs It is just easier for me because I almost always work alone. and more lighter parts are easier than one big clumsy mass of parts. I learned that as a mobile mechanic for a tree service/logging company.

If you aren't doing anything but springs just block the axle so the brake hoses don't stretch and you have enough room to work. if you can. That way you don't have to mess with the mess of taking the brake hoses off.

Re: Danny Boy is BAACK! w/ '55 Big Window
 

I put them together with a long bolt and clamp and put the right bolt in. Will mono leaf lower the front? Will long shackles in the rear change the pinion angle?
Your truck looks so good that if it were mine I would leave the paint the way it is. I mega like it..

Re: Danny Boy is BAACK! w/ '55 Big Window
 

I agree it looks GREAT, I seen it in person yesterday when I met Dan. I was hoping to hear the "rumpity rump rump" of the engine but had to leave early and get dinner for the family. :mm:

Re: Danny Boy is BAACK! w/ '55 Big Window
 

"If I'm not doing anything but springs..."

See, of course I INTEND to only do the springs but the "slippery slope" starts. My brake hoses are pretty checked and the fittings are rusty. So, "while I'm in there" I'll want to change the brake hoses: 4x$17=$68.

At the very least I'll be pulling leaves which possibly means new U bolts, either shorter ones or replacements for broken ones.:waah:

And that front mismatch makes me wonder if I won't have to replace the entire pack or have them re-arched for a sagging one.

Re: Danny Boy is BAACK! w/ '55 Big Window
 

Thank you, that's very nice of you. The green color is actually kind of growing on me. I think it looks good for rattle can stuff but I don't kid myself its any better than that. Paint inconsistency doesn't really show in photos.
But what it DOES have going for it is that I never worry about it, I can give a panel a quick going over with a Scotch Brite pad and re-spray it!

Re: Danny Boy is BAACK! w/ '55 Big Window
 

So here's a photo catch up post:

The windshield I replaced two weeks ago. Hard to see the spots are NOT water spots. It was loaded with pecks and severely wiper scratched on both sides.
http://i832.photobucket.com/albums/z...psde71b61e.jpg

Out with the old and in with the new:
http://i832.photobucket.com/albums/z...ps58d85615.jpg

The door panels/holes I welded up yesterday. I didn't remember to take a true Before photo but this at least shows where I welded, bondo'd and sanded:
http://i832.photobucket.com/albums/z...psc048f9f6.jpg

After Duplicolor Self Etching Primer:
http://i832.photobucket.com/albums/z...psc15148ff.jpg

http://i832.photobucket.com/albums/z...ps1242b1cb.jpg

I had this primer left over from when I used it on my entire truck - big mistake. My truck looked like hell and I wanted it one color, but not the standard gray or red oxide primer. I loved this green but it turned out to have ZERO resistance to fading and rust started to develop in spots. SO...I went looking for something else and found the Oregano in satin.

Re: Danny Boy is BAACK! w/ '55 Big Window
 

Dan I just read your whole thread over the last couple days and I am amazed at how you have transformed your truck! I really like the way you have gone after all the mechanical stuff while tackling the cosmetics as you go, one panel at a time. I appreciate how tough it can be to do this sort of thing while keeping it running and not having a shop to work in. But I REALLY like the way you have done the 2 tone on the interior! The colors are great and look is really period, simply MAAHVELOUS! I would be happy to cruise that truck anywhere, anytime.

Re: Danny Boy is BAACK! w/ '55 Big Window
 

Panels look good Dan.

Re: Danny Boy is BAACK! w/ '55 Big Window
 

Thanks Bob! Quite the compliment given how nice your '57 is. I had a '57 back about 15-16 years ago. I had to sell it when I was divorced after 20 years of marriage. It was a small window and had more rust than this truck does, plus I still had small children etc. I swore then I'd get the '55 big window I'd always wanted and couldn't pass up this one when it popped up having a V8/Auto/modern rearend already in it.

Yeah, it's kinda tough never being able to tear the truck down too far for a lack of space but on the other hand I can jump in it and make a run to Home Depot - as I'm about to do after I type this!!:lol:

As for the interior, it's gonna change...today! Not that much though. It's Sage & Celery which ooks good on the lower dash but its too...."celery-ish" to have it all over. Plus, the Sage matched the Duplicolor I originally used outside but not the Oregano it is now. I plan to switch to Oregano inside and unless I can find a nice complimentary light green I'll change it to Ivory or Almond. I THINK I've seen some Rustoleum "hammered" Ivory so I'm going looking for it now.

Re: Danny Boy is BAACK! w/ '55 Big Window
 

The door panel came out nice.
Kim

Re: Danny Boy is BAACK! w/ '55 Big Window
 

Thanks Kim. I noticed this morning one of the welded holes still shows a bit - damn. I thought I'd done a better job. Bam's right that your weld skills improve a little bit every time you do it.

I'll throw some sandable primer on it later and build it up/smooth it out and hopefully that'll take care of it. I want to get the passenger interior completely done and painted this weekend so I can do the driver's door next week and hopefully throw the door weatherstrip on (FINALLY!) very soon.

Re: Danny Boy is BAACK! w/ '55 Big Window
 

dan

make sure you have the door rubber weatherstrip facing the right direction !

Re: Danny Boy is BAACK! w/ '55 Big Window
 

Ha ha, yeah. I've seen how easy it is to get them on there backwards. Basically, my understanding is if the seal looks like its on the logical correct way, it's likely on wrong!

It should NOT conform to the inside of the door, it should kinda "L" out from the inside of the door so when you close it it kinda folds and forms a seal. Sound right?

Re: Danny Boy is BAACK! w/ '55 Big Window
 

Ok, I'm just back from a 40 mi freeway round trip. She ran good, but still makes me a little nervous...the steering is "approximate" at best and she still has a single master cylinder, seat belts not yet installed, and no emergency brake! I'm being a ninny, I know.

My Dad's '59 Fleetside took all five of my family to Seattle & back in '63 for the World's Fair w/a huge (for then) 10' camper on the back. Of course that truck was only 4 years old at the time and mine is almost SIXTY years old!! (Where'd the years go?!) I've had the drums off mine and the brakes show white moly lube on the backing plate rub points, new rubber plugs in the adjuster holes - the telltale signs of a professional job done right.

Anyway, it took two Lowe's and a Home Depot to find hammertone Rustoleum in "Rosemary" "Pearl Mist" and a light goldish color. I wanted Ivory or Almond, but no dice. I want the interior light and the hammertone covers a lot of minor sins.

I'm gonna do some samples and post them for some opinions from you guys. I've been hot and cold on this so I can't judge anymore, lol. Back in awhile.

Re: Danny Boy is BAACK! w/ '55 Big Window
 

i think ogre had his in the wrong way and posted a pict - i think he got it fixed

Re: Danny Boy is BAACK! w/ '55 Big Window
 

I recall that someone did, but (of course) I can't remember who or on what thread.

Went outside and tried out the three paints. So far I'm not very impressed. I had high hopes for the off white but it came out looking like silver so I just shot over it with the "Champagne Mist" - I don't even like the name. Sorry if it offends but champagne color reminds me of old folks nondescript cars. The Rosemary did NOT come out hammer tone at all. I cleared over each color which improved the look but overall, not sure if I'll use any of them. I'll post once I mask and apply the two tone later.

Re: Danny Boy is BAACK! w/ '55 Big Window
 

Looking good Dan!

Re: Danny Boy is BAACK! w/ '55 Big Window
 

Thanks JJ!
Hey, since you chimed in can I ask: How many gallons is your Tanks, Inc. tank? If its 15-16 gal has that been an issue for you? Would you tell me to get a bigger tank? I'm almost ready to finally buy and now I see 49-51 Chevy tanks that fit our trucks plus others. I really like how your cap is "down in" the stainless recess in your bed but wonder if I'll be frustrated with that longer term?
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Re: Danny Boy is BAACK! w/ '55 Big Window
 

I know what you mean Dan. The "slippery slope" often becomes the greased incline into the bottomless money pit. If that is the case you will have plenty of company down here.:lol:

Re: Danny Boy is BAACK! w/ '55 Big Window
 

"PAAARTY in the money pit!!!!" lol.

I LOVE working on my truck, but what annoys me sometimes is that I have to do three or four things before I can get to the one thing I originally intended to do.

Re: Danny Boy is BAACK! w/ '55 Big Window
 

That's normal:lol:

Re: Danny Boy is BAACK! w/ '55 Big Window
 

That's normal.

Re: Danny Boy is BAACK! w/ '55 Big Window
 

Adds to the fun.

Re: Danny Boy is BAACK! w/ '55 Big Window
 

My current example? I wanted to stop the windows rattling in the doors & doors from rattling in the frames so I can't drive it. Install door weatherstripping & window channel/anti-rattle strips in my doors, right?

1. Don't want to do that without painting the door.
2. Can't paint the door without patching the giant speaker holes
3. Need a scrap door for the interior metal
4. But there are a couple minor rust holes on bottom of door
5. Better treat rust inside door w/Ospho & RustBullet
6. Need ArCO2 gas for the MIG welder
7. Gotta buy Bondo, finish minor low spots
8. But my latches don't hold! Buy Altman latch kit/install
9. My glass is all bubbly & cracked/gotta buy new glass

Holy moly! I'm waiting the arrival of the latches. Man, I can't BELIEVE how each project grows!

When/if I ever get the doors done it starts all over again with wanting to paint the frame from the cab back. Gotta pull bed, better move the gas tank now than later, gotta remove the 60 yr old brake lines, yada, yada.....


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Re: Danny Boy is BAACK! w/ '55 Big Window
 

Dan you need to have Moderators move this post to the build section sub forum with all them things to do.:ito:

Re: Danny Boy is BAACK! w/ '55 Big Window
 

Yeah, maybe I should have posted the original thread there way back when.

But I tend to think more guys see it here which may be good cause what I'm doing (spray can stuff, fix/refinish/upgrade things as I go along and while i can still drive it) is more like what the more casual members do than the guys doing frame-up projects on the Project board. At least this is what I tell myself.
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Re: Danny Boy is BAACK! w/ '55 Big Window
 

What you do is just as interesting and important as any frame up build.
Kim

Re: Danny Boy is BAACK! w/ '55 Big Window
 

^^^^^^^^
What he said!

I stripped mine down to the frame, although I am not a Kim, BAM, or many other talented individuals on here, but I like to think that each and everyone of us can learn from each other.......no matter the experience!
I love the creativity of the guys and gals on here! :tim:
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Re: Danny Boy is BAACK! w/ '55 Big Window
 

Stop lying to yourself Pal it is a build, all them trips to the truck shop prove that!:lol:

Re: Danny Boy is BAACK! w/ '55 Big Window
 

How did I miss this???

This sounds like my A-D-D!!!
:lol::haha::lol:
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Re: Danny Boy is BAACK! w/ '55 Big Window
 

Dan, I call that the snowball effect. once it starts rolling it keeps growing.
When I feel like mine is in bad shape I read through some build threads. it seems no matter how bad it looks there is somebody fixing something much worse!

Re: Danny Boy is BAACK! w/ '55 Big Window
 

You guys make me laugh. My list of "things" proves out the value of buying someone else's project - IF that person does thorough work.

A partially completed project saves a brazillion man hours!
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Re: Danny Boy is BAACK! w/ '55 Big Window
 

Howdy Dan! I haven't had any issues with the 15 gal tank, and I like it more because you cant see to much of it from the rear. Ive seen trucks out there that have a lot of it showing when viewed from the rear. If you do go with a bigger/deeper tank I would paint/coat it flat black the hide it visually!

Re: Danny Boy is BAACK! w/ '55 Big Window
 

Thanks again. I agree I do NOT want the tank to be very visible.

If I remember correctly, you took their rectangular generic tank and had it powder coated...silver...right? Has the bed fill been an issue? A regret, or no big deal?