Re: My own build thread
 

No congradulations needed sir, actually I'm willing to pay people to take my kids.... They don't clean up, they whine a lot, they are expensive but hey, they are all good looking because of their Mom :lol:
Thanks for all the nice comments everyone, I hope it turns out half as nice as the rendering.
I'm starting to think I'm never going to get this damn thing finished... I spent 5-6 hours making the rear shock mount brackets because I got the bright idea of just modifying a set of stock front shocks and making them work for the rear...
Well, they work but holy crap was it a PITA to compress the shocks, hold the tabs, weld and try to make sure everything staid in the correct place all by myself... I did my fair share of cussing and acting like a child but I got it all done...
The reason it took me so long was that I used the top bolt setup from the front shock "the bolt with the long stud that comes with the shock" and used that for the bottom and welded it to my 4 link bracket to use for the bottom shock mount.
What I didn't realize at the time "like an idiot" was that the bottom hole in the shock isn't the same diameter as the top, it has a roll pin in a rubber grommet.
So... no big deal I thought I'd just use my press and push the roll pin out and bolt it in... WRONG! Once I got the stupid roll pin out of the grommet the hole was much too small for the bolt. So I spent about an hour with a high speed grinder trying to make the hole large enough because I didn't have a big enough drill bit. It actually turned out prety well but it took me a long time. There has to be a shock out there that will fit without any modification but I had already bought these shocks and didn't realize it would take this long to make these work. But now everything is welded in and fits pretty good. Now I need to figure out how to mount this gas tank.
http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o...EFA2E15CD6.jpg
Here are the tabs I made, I didn't take a good picture of how I did the bottom.
The good news is that both front and rear shocks are done.

Re: My own build thread
 

Ok, another update. Last night I finished installing the rear shocks and installed my Capt Fab steering box adapter "works great BTW". Tonight I have to finish welding up the frame because I had to notch it because the steering linkage was hitting a little then I can hopefully paint the frame, finally...
http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o...6E002B1E76.jpg

Re: My own build thread
 

Just read through this. that is going to be one killer truck. I really dig the paint scheme.
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Re: My own build thread
 

Thanks! I appreciate the comments!

Ok, so I got a little done this weekend. Not as much as I would liked but progress is progress right!
I installed my "new" tilt wheel column, I need to go get some universals and a hime joint today so I can finish the steering linkage but here is the column. Obviously I need to change the steering wheel but you get the idea.
http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o...AB7DEC69AC.jpg

I also installed the gas tank, I can't believe these damn things come with no instructions... I ended up moving the rear cross member back, welding in some square stock in the front to make a box so the flanges on the tank hold it up. Then I took one of the straps and welded it in front and bolted it to the back. I left the strap about an inch short so when I bolt it down tight it hold it from moving. There's probably better ways to do it but I didn't want to put the tank any lower for fear of scraping it on the ground when the bags are down.
http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o...AB920E1BDF.jpg

I also finished welded up the portions I cut out for clearance for the steering linkage. Curving 3/16 plate steel is not easy... A vice and a Big ass hammer work well.... lol :waah:
http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o...ABAC616882.jpg

Here's the top of one of the plates I welded in
http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o...ABFBB79619.jpg

Oh ya, I also finished striping the whole firewall and windshield channel, makes a bit of mess.... haha!
http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o...ABE09463C6.jpg

Re: My own build thread
 

I looked the same after stripping the rear of my truck yesterday. Damn man, lots of great work! Pulling for you!

Re: My own build thread
 

I started taking the dash apart yesterday and finally took down this awesome custom corderoy headliner that was help up by.... wait... yep those are 70's dresser hardware and plastic mirror brackets holding it up! lmao!
http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o...F3DA3CE61E.jpg

http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o...F3E8BA99D4.jpg

Hopefully I can get the dash and everything sanded as well as the 800 holes the PO drilled in everything by this weekend and get the inside of the cab primed. If I can accomplish all of that I will be pretty happy.

Re: My own build thread
 

Good luck buddy, I know I was pretty happy to get all that done as well.
Now I am at the dash and below at this point now.

Re: My own build thread
 

Got the steering completed. I thought I was going to have to use a hime joint but after putting everything together it turns really well with no problems
http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o...CDF56DA462.jpg

http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o...CE0771DCFF.jpg
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Re: My own build thread
 

Looking good!

I just finished doing the same thing a couple of weeks ago and had to use three knuckle joints. I noticed you welded the first joint on the shaft closest the steering shaft lower bearing. How are you going to adjust/align your steering wheel without adjustment bolts after wheel alignment?

Re: My own build thread
 

That's a great idea... But I didn't think about that, haha I just put the wheel where it needed to go and welded everything up. If for some reason it's a problem I can cut the welds and bolt it I guess. I don't think it will be a problem though.
Actually the more I think about this I don't know if I'm following you. The only way I would think you could adjust this would be to slot some holes and I'm not sure if I would feel to safe doing that. A stock steering shaft doesn't have adjustment. I've built a few hot rods and I've always done it this way and haven't had any problems. As long as you make sure your seat is in a good spot then the seat adjusts rather than the steering shaft.
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Re: My own build thread
 

I just drilled and tapped two holes and used allen head bolts and lock nuts. It works good but I hear you on the safety concern. I will probably get mine aligned first and then tack weld it for safety reasons. I've converted to power steering so it a breeze on the steering shaft. If I had manual steering, then I would really have concern.

I'm really enjoying your build thread. I can tell you have really worked your butt off on this project and you're doing a great job. You take chances that most wouldn't dare and if you make a mistake, you fix it, and move forward. That's tough to do raising 6 children! :) Keep up the good work!

Re: My own build thread
 

Wow, thank you for the compliments! There two things I really don't mess with too much and that is brakes and steering. I had an old friend tell me to never mess around with either, over engineer them and never modify those two things but if you have to use really good parts. Everything else is fair game. I've always tried to follow that because it makes a lot of sense for safety purposes.
I honestly wasn't sure how many people liked my build on here because I'm more into traditional hot rod style stuff than most people seem to be on here but I'm glad you like it. My intention of this build was to build it really nice but still drivable and use as many stock parts as I could instead of buying tubular suspension.
I did that for two reasons, one is because I couldn't afford those things "which in hind site I've still spent a lot and had to spend a ton of time fabricating things" but I like fabricating so I don't see that as a negative. For two I want to show a complete build that other people could follow and hopefully use as a guide for their build instead of searching a bunch of different threads to use as a guide. I know a lot of people would have done things different but hopefully someone finds this thread useful. Again I'm glad you like it, thanks!
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Re: My own build thread
 

Well, here's there latest. I tore the whole cab apart and welded up probably 80 holes the PO decided to drill everywhere but I forgot pics of that. My Old man helped me hang the fenders last night and mock up the front one last time before paint. We still nee to finish the body work on the passengers door and a few spots on the cab that I patched. Then she should be ready for paint! I keep saying that but hopefully I'm right this time. I also broke my damn wedding ring last night :(. Yes I know I shouldn't wear it while working but I can't use my left hand very well and I can't feel that finger at all, haha! Seriously I had a botched surgery a few years ago and I lost the use and feeling in half my hand.
Anyway here are the pics.
http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o...9B2AC6F801.jpg


http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o...9B34C92305.jpg

My old man, he's awesome at body work!
http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o...9B4265D347.jpg
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Re: My own build thread
 

He don't look like an old man!

Re: My own build thread
 

Only old people say that! Haha!

Put the bed on for the last time to figure out the mounting and also figure out the bumper brackets.
http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o...C3091E012A.jpg

Getting pretty excited now. Can't wait to squirt the paint on!
http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o...C3129CF2A6.jpg

Wheels tuck really nice!
http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o...C31A287D05.jpg
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Re: My own build thread
 

LMAO! Someday you will say it too!:lol:

Re: My own build thread
 

I'm getting there, I'm 34 now and I still don't believe it...
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Re: My own build thread
 

Oh geez, you're still in diapers! The truck is looking great...keep it up! I'm on hiatus until after xmas. Then, I'm going to z'frame, install my T5, and get to work on the rear. Hopefully driving by summer.

Re: My own build thread
 

Nice, good luck! I was supposed to be done last summer haha
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Re: My own build thread
 

haha same story on my truck!!! keep up the good work man!!!

Re: My own build thread
 

Thanks coulter!

Ok, so I've been staying busy. I made all the supports for the bed and welded then on. We mounted the bed and got it to sit exactly where we wanted it. We also mounted the rear bumper and tacked on the bumper supports. I still have no clue what bumper this came off of. I'm thinking its a 70s C10 bumper but whatever it is it fits the truck really well. It took me awhile to cut off all the crap the PO tried to weld. These welds were horrible, I have no idea how this bumper didn't fall off.
Here's the old brackets
http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o...AC6959DE92.jpg

Another shot, this type of stuff scares me
http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o...AC76BC04C2.jpg

Here's the bumper mounted, fits the truck well I think
http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o...AC85A74385.jpg

Here's another shot
http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o...AC91E61BF4.jpg

Tonight I'm going to finish welding up the bumper brackets, I cut off most of the crap the PO welded together and re-welded everything to make it safe. Then I need to bolt up the front bumper and make sure it fits nicely. Once that is complete we are going to tear the truck back apart so I can paint the frame with POR 15. Once that is complete then we can finish the few spots of body work left and start blocking everything out so I can finally paint this damn thing!:ito:
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Re: My own build thread
 

After searching for hours I figured out that the bumper is 64-72 Ford F100 style side rear bumper. Not too sure I'm happy about putting a Ford part on this but I guess I'm putting pontiac tail lights in it so... whatever haha! I think it fits the truck well.

Re: My own build thread
 

Hey zipp, I just read through your build and I gotta say, your fab skills are very impressive. I had a question about your steering set up. It looks like the steering shaft is awfully close to the upper arm with the truck aired up. Does it hit when you lower the truck? I'm using a 90 burb as a donor to do a 350/700R4 swap and am trying to figure out how I am going to do the steering. I can switch over the burb steering or try and make my manual rack work. Your input is appreciated.

My truck is bagged and has pancaked crossmember.

Keep up the awesome work man. Truck is gonna kick a$$ when it's done.

Re: My own build thread
 

Yes the steering clears by about 1/2 inch. I made sure that when I welded the universals in I made sure not to weld them above the uppers. If I would have put the universals there it wouldn't have cleared but honestly it only would hit with the truck aired out anyway and you can't drive like that anyway. I'm not sure but it could be a problem if you put large wheels on and did the same things that I did but I doubt it.
Thank you for the compliments also! Sometimes I don't feel like I'm doing things well enough and it's nice to know people think your doing nice work sometimes!
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Re: My own build thread
 

I haven't posted in awhile because the progress I've made is mostly just tying up loose ends etc. I've done quite a bit I just haven't taken many pictures like I should have. I ended up wiping off all the spray balm I painted the front end with and repainting it with POR15. I found out real quick that it sucks getting that crap in your eyes... I was wearing safety glasses but I walked under the frame "the trucks on my Dads lift" and some of it dripped down inbetween my glasses and into my eye... I got it out but it looks like I have eye liner on... haha!
I also welded in the L angle to move the bed floor up to cover the C notch. It's going slowly but we are making progress.
I ran into some problems, I never tried to take the rear wheels off with the bed on until last week and found out that I couldn't get them out without taking the rear shocks and the bags out... So I ended up having to bend the tops of the wheel well lip up to make enough room. It's still really tight be at least I can get the wheels out now. I'm assuming that is why most of you guys put the bags on the trailing arms to get more extension, you live and you learn right? I will try and take more pictures tonight, I also finished welding up the bumper brackets.
This week I plan on finishing painting the frame and my old man is going to finish the body work so we can get this damn thing finished some time this year... "I hope" haha.

Re: My own build thread
 

nice man glad you getting some work done.. even though there are no pics...keep it up.. and ya my truck has to be all the way up to be able to get my wheels off the rear.. its still a really tight fit

Re: My own build thread
 

Flat tire= call AAA and have them take it home for you! Glad your getting stuff done in this warm spell we are having....

Re: My own build thread
 

Ok, so here's my update... I need to stop screwing off and going snow mobiling every weekend, lmao!
Here is the frame with the POR15 on it, nice stuff

http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o...37BFA0CA00.jpg

http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o...37C9F0B772.jpg

Here's a crappy one of the rear bumper brackets, I wish I had the right metal to make them look better but once I get paint on it and the truck is on the road no one will see it. I was more concearned with making it safe because the PO was no welder... lol
http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o...396AC521BD.jpg

Hopefully this weekend we make some real progress, the old man is getting pissed because his car is out in the snow... lol Now, if I can just talk him into chopping the top on his! :D

Re: My own build thread
 

Got the frame painted today! Feels good to make this progress finally.

http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o...F2FA4C7932.jpg

http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o...F3039DA3F2.jpg
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Re: My own build thread
 

Looking good! Sure it feels good to have that frame all painted. Getting mine all ready as we speak can't wait. I have a hard time getting out to work on my truck with one kid never mind 6, more power to ya l
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Re: My own build thread
 

To be fair we usually don't have them all. The oldest is 20 and just moved out and the youngest is 9 so they usually keep themselves busy. My wife is a saint, she puts up with me spending a lot of time building stuff.

I spent the majority of the day yesterday stripping all the old paint out of the door jam on one of the doors and treating the surface rust on the bottom of the door. The PO decided to put the door panel on with an entire tube of white bathroom caulk... That was fun too... Sigh lmao.

I understand that not everyone is a mechanic but seriously??? A whole tube of caulk? I should have taken pictures, it was a mess and it took hours to get it all off... I just hope I don't have a lot of issues when I paint it now, silicone and paint = no bueno!
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Re: My own build thread
 

I'm trying like hell to get this thing in paint by next weekend but its not looking like that's Gonna happen. Here's what I've done the last few weeks

Finished final sanding the Pontiac tail lights.
http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o...pscc87e7d1.jpg

http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o...ps8ccf7142.jpg

I made the panel to hide under the raised floor
http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o...ps2245dfd9.jpg

My metal brake is only 3 feet long so I had to use this... Not how I wanted to do it but this worked and it actually bent it really nice.
http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o...ps13bafdc5.jpg

Here's the panel welded in.
http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o...ps33052e71.jpg

We are getting there, the bed is almost finished and the body work is done on it, the doors are ready for paint. The inner fenders, hood, and front cowl are all ready for paint too.
http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o...ps7e270236.jpg

Hopefully this week we finish all the body work and get everything blocked out. Made a lot of progress. Should have this baby on the road by spring for sure!
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Re: My own build thread
 

Looking good!

Re: My own build thread
 

Thanks! It's been about 6-7 years since I've painted a full car/truck. Funny how you forget how much work it is. At least I haven't sanded off my fingers yet... But I'm sure I will before this thing is done.
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You are getting close. Truck has come a long way! Don't want to rush it now, most important part of the job. your doing great work so far! :
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Re: My own build thread
 

Oh I forgot to mention that I bought all my paint supplies. I bought bought both colors, clear, seam sealer, primer, and various other supplies. I about had a damn heart attack when they rang everything up. I've already spent close to $500 on supplies before this and this time it was almost 1500 bucks...

I can't believe paint is this expensive now, I did want to go with House of Kolor paint but they are changing up their paint line and I was worried I wouldn't be able to get a color match in the future should I have to do any touch ups. So I ended up choosing 2 colors close to what I wanted out of the color book.

I bought DuPont chroma base because I've always liked their stuff but man... I wasn't thinking it would be almost 1k just for base and clear... That's just stupid... It better turn out awesome or I'm going to be one pissed off little man!
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Re: My own build thread
 

I spent most of the day yesterday stripping the paint off the inside of the cab. Man... What a pain! I finished 90% of it yesterday, hopefully I can get it finished today and get it primed tonight.

Here some pictures
I think the PO had an old camper shell on this, I filled all the holes they drilled.
http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o...ps68782025.jpg

The PO also had a corduroy pleated headliner in this... That he held up with dresser brackets, mirror hardware, and liquid nails... This was not fun to grind off...
http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o...psca0ff204.jpg

Here's the final product! I still need to strip the dash and fill some holes in the firewall but its almost finished!
http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o...psad24d118.jpg

We also made the fuel filler hole, I wanted to do it a little fancier but most people will never see it so I what the heck....
http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o...psa02bb25e.jpg

I also stripped all the old primer off the fenders fixed the small dents in them and re primed everything. Now I just need to high build prime it and block it out
http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o...ps34235447.jpg

http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o...psac9efbe4.jpg
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Re: My own build thread
 

Looks good! Cant wait to see it all painted up.
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Re: My own build thread
 

You know when the PO did that headliner he was like "damn that thing looks good!!". Looking good man.

Re: My own build thread
 

Lol... To each his own I guess, the people I bought this from were severely cartarded... even more than I am :lol:

Thanks! It will be painted for sure by the middle of April, I'd like to do it before then but my old man left on vacation for a month and there are some things I'm not able to do by myself that still need to be done. I will have it 100% ready to paint by the time he gets back though.

Half of one of my hands is partially paralized, my old man help with the things I have trouble with, otherwise I would paint it while he's gone.