Re: 1968
 

I sure wish we could get a few days of 70 degree's. Went to V.A. in Seattle 6 weeks ago and spent from 0800 hrs until 1640hrs on a gurney. The original issue has mostly subsided but my back started hurting on the 2hr drive home. Still hurting after all this time.

I bought a welder to fix some areas on my truck but haven't even turned it on yet. Just watching Utube video's to get the hang of it. Even then will have to go lie down for a bit with a heat pad to face the day, Want to go to Harbor Freight and get a helmet and gloves if I can manage it.

Watching your traffic still.

Re: 1968
 

Dp

Re: 1968
 

yea I know about a bad back. I have one myself and when it goes out I am on my back for three days to recover. But keep up the work and you will get a hang on the welder.

Re: 1968
 

I replaced the tarp on my canopy today Now I am ready for the summer. It gets pretty hot here. And it will keep the frost off the ole girl. I hope to have it running in a couple months. Long time coming.

Re: 1968
 

glad to see you got a new tarp over the truck

Re: 1968
 

Cozy digs for Patches!

Re: 1968
 

Yea it is a poor man's garage. How about that Dean & Nick, I thought I was going to have to put it off another day. The tarp that is. The wind started blowing about half way through the job. But with a little help from one of my boys I got it done. I am still waiting on the bumper. it should be here next week some time.

Re: 1968
 

I know all about that poor mans garage stuff, mines a 10X20, well, 2 of them end for end. Glad ya got the cover up!

Re: 1968
 

My canopy is 19 ft x 20 I put a 19 ft x 29 tarp. It covered most of the sides also.

Re: 1968
 

home made wood bed strips that I seen on the web.

Re: 1968
 

do you allow for the contraction and expansion humidyty / cold snaps with them ? they are very nice looking

Re: 1968
 

1/16 of a inch on the width none on the length.

Re: 1968
 

Well. today FedEx came by and dropped off my front bumper. I tried to install it but I was in too much pain. I have a problem with my hip. maybe tomorrow I will feel better. I did go to Ace Hardware and pick up some bumper bolts. I found out Home Depot is cheaper on the bumper bolts.

Re: 1968
 

Today I mounted the front bumper. I still have to put the outside braces on. Mine is too long, so I will shorten them I guess.

Re: 1968
 

Today, I started working on the front bumper braces. I am cutting 1'' 3/4 out of the center of the brace. Like I said, started. I ran out of 0.35 welding wire. So I got them both cut and one spot welded as you can see in the picture. Tomorrow, I have a Dr's appointment for my hip and then I will finished welding them up.

Re: 1968
 

Awesome at-home build!

Re: 1968
 

everything you see I did myself. except for the final touch on the body work. I brother-in-law helped me with it. Thanks.

Re: 1968
 

Well, Today I finished with the bumper braces. I installed them also. UPS came by and I got a set of sun visor. They look real sweet. I painted the visor rods also.

Re: 1968
 

Why was they too long?

Re: 1968
 

I bought these from a fellow board member, and he thought they were for a 67 thru 70. They were for a 71/72 and that what made them too long. No big thing, all I had to do was cut 1 3/4 out of the center. It was easier they selling these and buying a new set. He sold them for a song so I could not complain. George

Re: 1968
 

Today I put the painted rods and ends in the sun visors. I them mounted them on the truck. As you can see in the picture. Monday I will buy a line to the transmission mod. valve to carb. another step done. I am saving up for the carb. I hope to have it this month. Then I can crank the ole girl. Oh I forgot about the exhaust next month.

Re: 1968
 

Lookin good George!

Re: 1968
 

thanks a lot swamp rat

Re: 1968
 

Foot ball season for the boys. I am in the process of ordering bed strips un punches stainless and a exhaust system DIY system. I am going to hold off on the carb. for now.

Re: 1968
 

I pulled the set of headers, that I installed a last year. Then I put them on the parts board and they were sold the first night. I didn't want to deal with getting shorty plugs and heat wrap for the spark plug wires. then getting custom down pipes. I ordered a new set of exhaust manifolds for the 350. Expected delivery date is the 18th next Wednesday. I banged up my hip so I will have to get my son to install them. I am just going to have to start working within my physical limitations.

Re: 1968
 

I ordered my exhaust gaskets for the new manifolds and down pipes today. I will order the exhaust when they come in. I am looking at Jegs exhaust systems. maybe in a few days I can start putting it all together.

Re: 1968
 

looking good

Re: 1968
 

Thanks Dean. I am still waiting for my parts to come in. I would have to order parts from Ca. Of all the places. Couldn't get any further away.

Re: 1968
 

I really like the amount of black and chrome in the front with the bumper on. Nice balance.

Re: 1968
 

Thanks Nick. Glad to see you around again. done anything to old Mustard?

Re: 1968
 

Today, the big brown truck gave me a visit. Received the manifolds with a surprise. The company that I bought them from grinded the numbers off the manifolds. Now I have grinding marks on the front and back on both manifolds. Not really pleased with these. I guess I am expecting too much I guess. They are after market so you get what you pay for. If I knew that they were from China I would not have bought them. I also got a set of manifolds gaskets. they are ok made in USA and the down pipe donuts also made in USA very pleased with the quality of the gaskets and donuts.

Re: 1968
 

If you have some casting nubs (kinda squair looking things) the top they may end up hitting the valve cover on the driver side, they look like what i got from Doorman.

Re: 1968
 

George, after reading your complete build(ya all 90 some pages!) you are doing a great job on this truck! Keep up the great work and it will be on the road soon.

And as I read, your goal was to have it on the road by your birthday...(you didnt really say WHAT year though) .... I think you can do it! The weather will be in your favor very soon, so keep collecting parts til you can finish it up and get it on the road!

Re: 1968
 

The company that sold me the manifolds are going to refund my money. But thanks for bring up about the nubs I will look at them tomorrow.

Re: 1968
 

I hope to have it running down the road this Aug which is my birthday. I probably stated that I wanted it finished by my birthday, but three years later I am waiting for it to happen.

Re: 1968
 

George, I never got back to look for the prices of the manifolds. We got tired and cold and went home. But I did see ones that had straight exits for $75 for a pair. There were quite a few forsale there and I wasn't even really looking for them.
I have one at home but i can not remember what side it is.

Re: 1968
 

How often does the Zephrhills have this flee market or car show? I might go the next time .

Re: 1968
 

Well, I boxed up the manifolds and will ship them back. I just don't care about the looks and shape of the manifolds. Does anyone have a set of manifolds for sale.

Re: 1968
 

George, you've done so much since I last checked in quite a while back... The old ride is looking great!

Re: 1968
 

That's awesome man, wish I had the space and FL weather to build with!