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

hey dan

what about 4 good ratchet straps for lifting the bed and tie them all together at the top to lift the bed --- instead of the bolts --- use blankets to protect paint .
just an idea

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

Did that myself once and supported on some PVC schedule 40 overnight.

Works well.
Be careful when coming down though ...... ha !

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

I have really considered using ratchet straps around the outside of the bed - I have two very large ones, not the little 3/4” wide ones sold at Haror Freight. But I’m scared of bending the bedsides inward AND I'm afraid of leaving abrasions on the paint. Blankets would work if I double/triple them up and use painter’s tape to keep them from slipping.

I have two of those ratcheting bars that go across the bed in my big truck to keep cargo from moving that I might be able to use to keep the bedsides from bending inward - again if I somehow protect the new paint in the bedsides from where they hit. Maybe a couple layers of cardboard. I’d not consider any of this but the chance the eyebolts might open up under the weight of the full bed occurs to me as a nightmare! I keep thinking, “How many other ways are there that I can screw this up?!”

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

Dan,

If the bed is not bolted down, you might try jacking up the truck and placing jack stands at the corners of the bed or under the cross sills, then lowering the truck, leaving the bed elevated.???

Make sure to protect the back of the cab!


:uhmk:

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

DAMMIT! You're smart, JJ. Why didn't I think of that! (Because I lack his imagination is why!)

Of course it's already jacked up and on jack sands but I certainly could do what you suggest and it would work. I only need less than 1 foot of space. 6" would even be enough. Totally agree on protecting the back of the cab. Thanks for the suggestion, JJ!

PS: What's the latest on your main truck?

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

haha I just did the same thing, installed my bed before starting and the fuel pump had gone bad sitting. :dohh: had to pull the bed and reinstall it SOLO, broke the gas cap doing it.


screwing up is actually called "experience", better than being a hair dryer (all hot air) in my opinion.

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

Joe DOH! Huh? I should be “Dan DOH DOH DOH”

I WAS feeling like a “hair dryer” before when Mike as doing all the mechanical work and Marcos all the body work. That was due to my mom being in hospice and not wanting to sell my truck as an unfinished project. It now i just feel so damn inept. Seems the more I try to plan things out and the more careful I am the dumber the mistakes I make. Wouldn’t be so bad if it wasn’t in finished paint already, but SHEESH!!

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

dont sweat it, too many guys these days will talk about the clarity of the ice, the smoothness, the thickness, the best method to skate, the best skates to buy. they know everything; everything except snow on their butts. the guys who get out on the ice and slip and fall, get respect. I loved reading about your problems with the wing windows because that is real experience that is going to help someone, no matter how it felt for you there is a guy who will read it and say "aha". if you want to apply your experience and discount the mistakes, just build another truck! :lol:

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

I always thought that if I EVER got a chance to build my dream truck - specifically a ‘55.2 big window - I’d never ever consider selling it. Ironically, when I finally got the chance I kinda “overdid” it - at least by my standards. I know it’s nowhere near the show truck some guys build but for me its too nice to park and leave unattended for long.

We’ll see what the future brings but if someone ever offers me stupid money for it I MIGHT consider building a little more “useable” version.

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

Oh the humanity ...
Nothing like DIY screw ups to make you humble .
But then you can say I did it my way and learned what not to do.

On the plus side you can proudly say I built that .

Haha too funny because I feel the same way. I started out building a utility truck and it turned into a show truck although it’s not done that’s what it will be. While truck is locked up at paint I’ve bought and sold a couple quick projects. Now I’m working on a 66 GMC that will be my daily driver no paint job on this one obviously!
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Re: Danny Boy is BAACK! w/ '55 Big Window
 

Friday, June 1, 2018
Ok, so I FINALLY finished assembling my bed today.... the 4th time. Sheesh, this was a p.i.t.a! I wish I could blame it on something other than my own stupidity but I can’t, damn!:waah:

Anyway, she gets flat bedded to the paint shop tomorrow for final hood fitment, to repair chips on the window trim (ANOTHER stupid thing!) & install rear fenders. Glass shop is next door so the front & back windows will go in too.

I bought polished stainless hood X bars and I’m debating billet SS hood hinges - expensive but cheaper than when I started on the truck.

Anyway, that’s the current status.

PS: These rims are 17x8’s and offset is wrong. I will replace them eventually but for now I’ve ordered spacers. i put washers on the studs to get it on the truck tomorrow. I used 7/16” washers so I assume that’s the stud size. Anyone know what replacement longer studs I should order? I know zip about Fords and this is a Ford 8.8 rearend. Any advice appreciated.

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

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

Lookin' good !

Dan that tire is going to rub, no doubt about it. You need at least 3/4".

I'm glad you are having the body shop install the fenders, they are a pain to install without scratching the bed.

Won't be long now that you'll be cruising' :)

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

Getting real close.
Truck is going to be great when done.
Kim

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

Dan, bed looks great, won't be long now...Jim

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

Thanks for the link Black Sheep. It says 1/2” stud but I easily put 7/16” washers on my studs last night so I THINK those are too large a diameter(?)

Thanks you guys for the comments. I ended up having to remove the bed side so I could take off the rear most cross sill yet again (miraculously I didn’t chip or scratch it!) and slid out one of the bed boards to tighten the fuel lines. Started truck hours apart to verify no leaks and the. Set about putting it all back together. Did it by myself. Dozens & dozens of trips up too and below in the creeper. Hate to admit it gave me quite a workout.

Glen, That tire pic was before I installed the washers. There was barely 1/16” clearance so that was definitely not gonna work. Not sure I like the Smoothies after all. I’m considering replacing with gray spoke Torq Thrusts or 17” Rally repops (w/redline tires).

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

For you that have done it, did you install welt between fender & bedside?

I wasn’t going to because they didn’t come that way. Then I realized Chevy/GMC didn’t because these weren’t passenger vehicles back then. They were tools like a hammer and the probably thought why spend an extra dollar per truck?

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

Dan

I have made similar mistakes just as duffie , more as I age. Keep the faith, your list is getting smaller, all be it slower, but still less and less as time goes on.

Strong work dude. I feel your pain..

Strong work

NC

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

Tuesday, June 5, 2018

Bad night, I actually fell out of bed last night (insert laughter here) cutting my chin, tearing inside of my mouth badly necessitating an ER visit this afternoon for stitches in my mouth. But first:

I got up early - I was hurting anyway, couldn't sleep. Final tightened bed wood bolts, took truck off jack stands and did a full wipe down/dry off. Then....

FINALLY....loaded her for return to the paint shop.

- Hood, grill, & custom over-radiator valance to be installed (bit a HARD bullet - ordered polished billet hinges today, ugh)

- Windshield & rear glass to be installed.

- Repair of too much STOOPID assorted paint damage I am responsible for.

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

Well that means the truck is getting close to the finish line.
Sucks about falling out of bed hope you are ok.
This should help. LOL
Attachment 1790726

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

Ha! That’s funny. My adult nephew said, What? Are you 4 years old?!”

But seriously, I moved the big dog bed we have in the room next to the bed last night...just in case!:lol:

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

PS ‘Cause She’s WAAY More Important Than Any Truck

Introducing my newest and probably last grandchild, Indigo Grace James. Delivered by my adored daughter Sunday evening 14 minutes after they got to the hospital!! Eek!

Name doesn’t roll off the tongue for my generation but fortunately she will be called “Indy” which goes well with her soon-to-be-4-years-old sister, Isla Pearle. (We have a neice that named her now 6 mo old son, “Zeppelin” so I feel relieved by comparison!)

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

Oh, and a picture of sister Isla (because she’ll see the post). And one with mommy at the shower for her sister. Indy appears to be a twin of Isla at birth. Yeah, her hair was dark too and went blonde as it grew out.

Ok, enough grandpa stuff. Back to trucks!!!

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

Dan, grandpa stuff is important. Enjoy them now, they will grow so fast...Jim

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

Somehow my previous response got deleted or never posted.

Yes, I couldn’t agree more. It feels like my kids were this age just the other day but they’re about to turn 37 and 36 respectively! How can my infants be in business for themself or an attorney, lol?!

Forgot to mention I bit a haard (though tasty!) bullet last night and ordered polished billet hood hinges for my truck - ugh. Good news is they’re half the price they were when I started this project. BAD news is they’re still expensive as hell. When it came right down to it, I just couldn’t see putting in black stamped steel hinges when I’ve gone for polished-everything-else.

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

thanks for sharing pictures of your family! I know its not the name of either but rather of both, but Indigo Pearle would be a heck of a paint color. :lol:

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

Danny

I told my children that the grand kids are my reward for not smothering my kids in their sleep. Grands kids are the best. Sorry my grand daughters are prettier than yours...... :haha::haha::haha:

Dude you're getting closer and closer....

Strong work

NC

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

Congrats on the grand baby. You have a good looking family. The hinges may be expensive, but you will love them in the end.

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

Congrats on the new grandchild.
Kim

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

Thank you guys for the kind words... about the truck and especially about our little girls. You’re the ones that make all the waiting and spending tolerable (fun?) while it’s happening. But I just can’t wait to take it out on a cruise or to a gathering.

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

Congrat's Dan!

:uhmk:

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

Thanks, JJ!

Status Update:

Brown Santa dropped off my polished billet hood hinges today. Yipee!:lol:
But seriously, they have me stoked anew! ha ha ha. They make it feel like the finish line is just around the corner.

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

Congrats Grandpa ! Cute kids !

Yippeeee ! The truck is almost to the finish line , won't be long now. What say about the end of summer ?

Last year I pulled my '66 Dart out of a 11 year hibernation and got it running just in time for Kool April Nights in Redding.

I did a front disc brake conversion , LOF , tune up, rear brakes , shocks new wheels and tires, fuel tank , carb rebuild and alignment.

After the show I took it to the body shop and got in line to have some body work and partial paint . I took it home and striped the trim and bumpers off and changed out the new tires and wheels for a rolling set.
Well long story short it waited in my garage for its turn all summer , winter and spring and finally got in March this year and then got a sunbath for another month before they started the body work.
Then I decided to have them fill some holes for the mirrors , antenna and some trim.
Thats now done.

Then I wanted them to touch up some of the Yellow. But its a custom color and was put on in '75 . It would be a bear to match. So we're doing a color change
Well at this point its sanded and just about to go into the booth for the first color over the whole car (Bright White) then mask for the second color (Turquoise).

Now that brings up the interior and that has to be redone ,etc.,etc.

This IS the slippery slop and now I'm sliding down it .... Hellllllpp !

And then there is the chrome ...

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

Wednesday, June 13, 2018

Stopped by the paint shop this afternoon to see the reassembly progress. It's going a little slow. Partly because reproduction parts don't fit like factory ones. The photo below of the grille is an example. The gap between the grille and sheet metal opening is AFTER the painter worked to improve the fit as best he could! I'll live with it for now since another repop grille would likely fit just as poorly.

The brackets that hold the AC condenser had to be modified to move it closer to the radiator so the hood latch could be made to fit. The fan guard has now been painted and temporarily fitted.

QUESTION:
Does anyone know if there are "seals" that go around the wiper "drives" that come through the cowl? My painter seems to think there should be to keep rain from entering the under-dash area. I don't recall ever seeing any. Also, did these trucks ever have windshield sprayers of any kind? I don't think so but he is asking so he can get these areas buttoned up and install my non-louvered cowl panel.

EDIT:
Just checked The Car & Trucks Shop catalog and found the windshield wiper bezels, nozzles, nuts & gaskets. (I actually think I already bought them at some point - now to find them! ha ha) What comprises the "system" to feed the nozzles? I remember on my dad's '55 BelAir the large glass bottle and a push button in the middle of the wiper on/off knob. But I don't remember anything like that on his '59 Fleetside. Any help appreciated.

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

Fit comparison from side to side. No bueno!... but what's to be done? Any suggestions?

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

Can't help on the wipers but I think you need to put the splash apron in to see how the grille is going to end up.
If it pulls the fenders in a bit at the bottom fit may be better.
Truck is looking real sharp.
Kim

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

Thanks Kim, Yes I agree the apron MAY pull in the fender bottoms a little and help.

I did a search on Windshiled washers and found a link to a site that has an inexpensive pump and piping system that would work. I doubt I’ll install it as I have no intention of ever driving it in the rain but in time I may change my mind.

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

On the windshield washer I believe there was an electric pump mounted to the top of a glass jar under the hood for the fluid. The switch was a pushbutton in the middle of the wiper switch knob. I haven't seen one in a while and not aware of any reproductions either.

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

hey dan

truck is lookin great ------as far as windshield washer deal i did a junkyard thing and found a nice plastic water bottle with built in washer pump took all hoses and clamps and got it all workin ----it aint 57 stuff but it works for what i need .........just an idea