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

Well they go through the firewall behind where the inner fender well panels mount and go down towards the frame rails. Then you run the wires within the fender wells all the way around to the front radiator cross brace and you never see any of them. They will be hidden. ;)

Ill post some pics up on my page for you to check out. It will look very clean.

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

Thanks, but yes I know how they route so they're unseen.

My AC lines will also be mounted in the passenger wheel well to keep them from being seen. We'll use longer bolts for the inner-to-outer fender connection so that hangers will carry the AC lines safely out of the way of the tire/suspension travel.

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

Everything is looking great Dan!

:uhmk:

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

Thanks JJ!

I considered posting a separate thread; a poll thread, asking how guys have handled color selection of their core support & hood latch panel?

My firewall and inner fenders are totally smooth and body color. I haven't felt certain what I should do?

So far, I've decided to:
- Powder coat the core support black and the panel in body color red.
-Seems like it would look weird to do the panel in black when the rest is red.
- Also wouldn't look right to chrome the panel when my parts are polished, not chrome.
- Could do the core red too (as Mike suggests) but I want it to "recede" from view. I may paint the radiator black too so it also recedes when looking through the grill.

Any/all opinions and photos appreciated.

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

It's only my opinion, but I think it looks best when the radiator support and radiator are a satin black so it doesn't distract from the chrome grill.

:uhmk:

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

Thanks for those pic's, JJ.

EXACTLY what I was looking for - in the same size, same orientation so I could make a true apples-to-apples comparison.

You're right, of course. Making the core support and radiator recede from view looks better. Maybe Mike is thinking what looks better when the truck is parked with the hood open - like he sees them in his shop everyday.

Thanks again. This confirms the decision I already made so now I don't have to wait-to-see the results.

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

X2...Jim

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

Turns out Mike doesn't want the truck back to wire without the front clip installed. Soooo...that adds a week at least. There are some holes in the inner fenders that will be welded shut today (Saturday) then they have go to blasting/powdercoating Monday. That will take from a few days to a week plus, before they can go to the body shop for final massaging, priming and paint. While all that's s l o w l y taking place I'm asking Mike to finish welding up the small mods to the Corvette exhaust manifolds and send them out to Jet Hot coating. I'm TRYING to short cut the stuff near the end that eats up time.

But damn, everything adds so much time!

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

Tuesday, April 11, 2017

Just a log update:
- Inner fender miscellaneous holes have been welded shut & delivered for sandblasting/powder coating dark red today.
- Window regulators have been blasted and are ready for pick up. I will paint them aluminum and lube them. The plastic rollers on them are missing some plastic. Anyone know a fix? Cut off their "axles", replace with a welded bolt, & maybe replace rollers with something like a Home Depot screen door roller or something from the McMaster Carr catalog?
- Fender struts & core support are blasted/powder coated satin black.
- Hood latch panel is blasted & powder coated dark red, ready for pick up.

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

Checking things off the list, way to go...Jim

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

Yeah, but I'm getting frustrated. There are so many smaller things (compared to what's already been done) that eat so much time. The goal date was Memorial Day weekend which is like 5-6 weeks away and I'm sure we're not going to make it now.

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

Don't rush it Dan, you'll be much happier in the end!


:uhmk:

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

I stopped setting a deadlines. Haven't missed one since! It just got to be an emotional drain missing specific milestones. Now I just roll with it. It will get done when it gets done.

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

All "Good Things" come to those who wait!
Ya, how many times have we heard that? But when you get that far we all get a
little anxious. Your truck will be worth the wait Dan, It is going to be awesome
when its all together and it is making its own "Rumbling" noise! with your foot
on the accelerator!

Allen

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

Wednesday April12, 2017

I think you guys are right about my deadlines. Went to the powdercoater today and found they'd powdercoated my hood latch panel black and the latch red. Was supposed to be the exact opposite. DOH! Now they have to start all over again, add days.

The inner fenders were being blasted while I was there. They'll be ready Friday.
I dropped off the hood hinges (satin black) and the seat sliders. Sliders will be blasted only to take off the rust. I'll spray them dull aluminum so they look new again.

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

Just keep checking things off the list and it will get done, Dan. Don't force it, this is something to enjoy.
Plan to go to the show you were going to take the truck to on Memorial Day but just relax and enjoy this last show. Once you have your truck done you will probably spend most of your time at shows answering questions and receiving compliments..... (and you won't want it out of your site Lol)

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

Dan, I second what the other guys have already said. Roll with it and let it happen, enjoy the project instead of letting it get you up tight. You will have the truck to enjoy for a long time so no need to rush it.
Also, you can buy new window regulators for $75 each side. I'm not sure how much money, time, and aggravation you will save by trying to find rollers repair your old ones. I just checked Bow Tie Bits but you might find them cheaper some where else.

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

As long as you are checking things off the list, you're moving forward. It will all be over soon and you will miss the process.

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

Thanks Bob. I don't have a show I'm planning to attend Memorial Day. I just sort of unofficially consider that the start of summer and want to have the truck to drive and play with.

If I take it, probably the first time it'll ever be at a show would be the Brothers show in July...maybe...if I'm in town - have to check my vacation plans.

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

Russ,
After searching, I've read some bad things about repop regulators. That some will strip their gears after relatively short use.

Over on another forum someone pointed out that replacement regulator rollers are available on LMC for only $2.95 ea. The tiny drawing they provide doesn't really give any detail other than to show there's a rivet that holds them in place. I don't have a factory assembly manual (yes, I SHOULD) but when I get my regulators back from the blaster I'll take a close look and see if it's just a matter of prying the rivets out and hammering the new ones in. If someone has a more detailed description/drawing of this, posting it would be very appreciated.

As an aside, after I found my hood latch had been mistakenly powder coated red I told Marcos I'd just buy a repop one cause they're cheap. He advised NOT to. His experience has been negative with almost all repop items for these trucks and especially latches of different kinds. So it went back to be re-blasted and coated black.

I actually think I will miss the fun and anticipation of working on a project. I find myself looking at other car and truck projects - not that I'll have much money to build one after this expense, lol. But incredibly I am learning a LOT just by watching in detail the progress of my truck.

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

I think you guys might like to see these photos. It's a GMC with a Chevy clip. Mike says the owner (someone here?) has had it many years and Mike's shop has done lots of work to it. It's a small block. I don't know what trans. It has some kind of wide 10 bolt rearend because those rear wheels are 275/35/18's and you can see they have rubbed even though the bed is mildly tubbed. Anyway, enjoy. Gold metallic isn't my taste but it really is a very pretty truck. Big kudos to the owner, whoever he is.
http://i832.photobucket.com/albums/z...ps3ppz6p7j.jpg

http://i832.photobucket.com/albums/z...psw2rc18em.jpg

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

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

http://i832.photobucket.com/albums/z...psh62g1vds.jpg

http://i832.photobucket.com/albums/z...psqgnecfn9.jpg

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

good looking ride...

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

Very nice ride...Jim

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

Wow, bright and beautiful!

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

Thanks guys. The gold is growing on me!

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

Friday, April 14, 2017

Picked up parts from sandblasting/powdercoating today. I delivered the inner fenders and hood latch panel to the body shop. I didn't unwrap them so sorry, no photos. But they looked GREAT considering how crusty the wheel well side of the inner fenders looked before. The original owner had put some kind of undercoat on them, it partially fell off over the years and rusted heavily below. I thought there might be some cancer holes after blasting but no, they came out clean as a whistle. Old heavy gauge metal made the difference.

I also had the seat tracks, window regulators, hood hinges, fender strut rods and hood latch done. The regulators and seat tracks were only blasted. I worried the coating might interfere with them sliding so I painted them silver. I had some ancient silver VHT but it worked fine. Has a lot of metallic but dried nearly flat. I'm still not sure the seat sliders should stay stock silver or if i should paint them black? Depends on whether I use light or dark carpet I suppose.

Pic's:
http://i832.photobucket.com/albums/z...pswszswipa.jpg

http://i832.photobucket.com/albums/z...psvehgfipc.jpg
http://i832.photobucket.com/albums/z...psun3ntitt.jpg

http://i832.photobucket.com/albums/z...psocm0uo3p.jpg

I assume the flat marks you see below are the factory clinching of the rivet that I THINK holds the plastic rollers on. Does anyone know if you can just pull them out with pliers or are more intense measures required - torch? I hope not!
http://i832.photobucket.com/albums/z...psxmq09k43.jpg

FYI: Found a DIY window roller replacement video online: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=xF1rok1yN9s

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

Coming along nicely :)

Good tip on roller replacement .

Just wondering , had you thought of going with power window regulators ?

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

If the cranks shafts aren't wobbly in your regulators then roller replacement is the way to go = cheap. Great video from Danchuk!

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

Are the rollers still available? Surprisingly, I didn't need the rollers but I had to replace my regulators because the teeth on the shafts were worn on the ends from PO's trying to keep using worn out handles. I said surprisingly because everything else inside of the doors was worn or damaged.

Good video. I wouldn't have thought about using the ball peen hammer to set the end of the shaft like that.

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

Definitely not going power windows. I've read too many threads saying the conversion kits are not reliable and of poor quality. Besides, I like the old-timey-ness of crank up windows and i will have vent windows and modern AC!

No, my window cranks are not wobbly at all. But I don't know how I should best lube them? I'm tempted to use dry graphite in enclosed part surrounding the shaft of the crank because it wouldnt be too hard to get in there. But I think something like white molybdenum grease would do a better job, I just can't think how to get it into that little housing!

Anyway, my inner fenders are already being massaged where Mike welded some small holes shut. Marcos said he'll paint them this week and I SHOULD be able to deliver the chassis to him by Thursday or Friday this week. That means the cab and front clip should be mounted on the chassis by about 4/26 or 27. If that happens then the truck can be returned to Mike for finalizing the build while the bed parts are final painted.

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

http://i832.photobucket.com/albums/z...psmacqbx5l.jpg

I took a quick shot of the painted hood but it is out of focus - sorry.
http://i832.photobucket.com/albums/z...psczgrvywq.jpg

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

Wednesday, April 19, 2017

Stopped by the bodyshop today to verify what date they can receive my chassis? Monday the 24th is the date. The marriage of cab, front clip and chassis will then happen and I'm hoping it'll be ready to go to the shop for wiring, start-up, etc by the end of the week or the 28th (fingers crossed).

Marcos; the painter, didn't know I was stopping by today but was still color sanding & polishing the cowl, dash top and back wall of the cab. I'm REALLY pleased he does the right thing even if no one will see.
http://i832.photobucket.com/albums/z...psgucztfjm.jpg

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

Different subject entirely: Rims. I've been looking at every dark colored Task Force I can find online to narrow down which I want. I decided on 17's (though Mike was kinda pressing for 18's) I'd given up on 5 spoke Budniks or Boyds because they are just too expensive. It would be easy to spend $1500-$2000 just for rims, no tires- no way! I'd decided I'll be happy with Coy C5's or possibly Torq Thrust II's

BUT THEN..... my nephew found an ad on OfferUp for a set of Boyd's 17's that are filthy and neglected for $350 obo. Seller claimed they were on a parts car Camaro he bought, didn't know how wide or the backspace on them. Plus, they were 6 hours+ from me but only 1 hr away from him. Nephew bought them for $300 for me yesterday. Said he took his life in his hands because 3 bearded, heavily tattooed (even on their faces and necks) 20-something bikers living in the middle of nowhere greeted him. Says he nearly just scrammed outta there, but it went ok. He says they're not bent but one has some repairable damage on the inside bead - but they still hold air. At only this price I feel like I stole them and I can afford to have them professionally repaired and re-polished. I'm REALLY pleased about this.

"Before" condition:
http://i832.photobucket.com/albums/z...pskkey6z3n.jpg

What they'll look like "After":
http://i832.photobucket.com/albums/z...ps4m4sggfw.jpg

...and if i decide i don't like/want them i can flip them without losing money

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

Hey Dan, are those Junk Yard Dogs? What width? Nice

Cheers, Jim

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

Hi Jim,
They're Coddington's Smoothies. But I know there are the original design Smoothies, Smoothie II's and III's too. I havent seen them enough to know but I assume they're the original design. My nephew says all four are 8" wide.

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

Thanks

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

Nice score on the wheels. I like the deep dish I really hope they fit nicely. I had to order specific custom back spacing etc to get a good fit so if they do fit right I will be surprised and happy for you. I must say this is a big dollar build and everything looks outstanding. Wheels are like the cherry on your sundae or the spray of cologne before you go on a hot date. Get the ones you like best, don't try and be cheap on wheels at this point.

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

UGH, yeah I know you're right. The Smoothies aren't a compromise for me. I like the design. I'd just decided I couldn't afford billets like Billet Specialties Legacys.
The only compromise MAY be their width in back. I'd planned on trying to fit 9's or 9.5's. I didn't think I could get 10's back there without rubbing and I don't want tubs anyway.

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

Friday, April 21, 2017

Inner fenders final painted. Front fenders getting bedliner inside tomorrow. Chassis to bodyshop Monday.

I need a front sheet metal bolt kit asap. The Car & Truck Shop has one and its stainless but they're hex head bolts and i want polished button head bolts for the inner-to-outer fender connection you see when the hood is open. Anyone know if someone sells a kit with those already included?
http://i832.photobucket.com/albums/z...psdezs5fal.jpg

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

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

Ok, so I've been doing some searching. I don't know the sizes, lengths, or quantities of all the bolts I'll need so I'm debating buying the Truck Shop kit and using that as a sort of bill of materials before returning it, OR I could keep it and use it except for the top hex bolts that will show with the hood open. Of course I'd prefer using all stainless so i won't have rusty bolts anywhere again.

http://www.truckandcarshop.com/trucks47_59/t47_072.html

I'd have to buy:
"Front Fender Bolt Kit" p/n 55-06504 (stainless)
"Front Sheet Metal Fastener Kit" p/n 55-06506 (says "basic" so I assume NOT stainless) and
"Hood Latch Catch and Brace Kit" p/n 55-067025 (doesn't say stainless so I assume it's not.

This comes to $69 but it's not the cost so much as the waste and also that even though I bought the Assembly Manual I don't find it all that instructive for which exact bolt goes where. Any/all advice from those that have done this is appreciated.

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

Dan, you should be able to buy just the ones you need at Lowe's or Ace Hardware, etc...

I cant tell you exactly how many you need or what lengths but if you have all of the original ones you can just match them.

:uhmk:

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

Dan, I was just looking at bolt kits last night myself and came across this. It looks like their kits have everything for the cab and front sheet metal including interior. Their prices are about the best I have found and it just makes things easier and replaces everything so no more rusty bolts

http://www.trucksusa.net/products.ph...&submit=Search