Re: Danny Boy is BAACK! w/ '55 Big Window
A really easy fix, and yes, the pin comes as normal. Classic trucks magazine did a how to on replacing the pins, it's in their mono leaf swap tech article on their site
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Re: Danny Boy is BAACK! w/ '55 Big Window
Ok, so it looks like $18 for a "kit" made up of a bushing and a bolt.
http://www.truckandcarshop.com/41-57car/c41_126.html So I assume that means two per leaf spring, $36 for both ends of the front leaf springs? I think I'll go ahead and get this and also get the Teflon that goes between the leaves, pull them and paint them. Then that's done - check. Move on to the next thing. |
Re: Danny Boy is BAACK! w/ '55 Big Window
This is the kit I used on mine.
http://www.performanceonline.com/195...n-shackle-kit/ |
Re: Danny Boy is BAACK! w/ '55 Big Window
Ok, so that kit does one side front & rear, right?
Here's a view of my driver's side leaf pack. 5 leaves and note the "clip" - for lack of the proper name holding the leaves together: http://i832.photobucket.com/albums/z...ps9eea5344.jpg Now note the same clip on the passenger's side: http://i832.photobucket.com/albums/z...ps76de68a5.jpg They're totally different than each other. Not only that but the driver's side U bolt extends 1/2" beyond the nut. On the passenger side, the nut is physically longer and there are multiple washers stacked up under it and no U bolt hangs out beyond it. I'm suspecting the leaf pack on one side or the other came from another car or truck! So now I'm wondering if I should consider going with new, lowering leaf packs or possibly a monoleaf? So, while looking things over online I found THIS kit: http://www.performanceonline.com/195...-Shocks-19057/ It's a lot of money but everything would be matching and new. |
Re: Danny Boy is BAACK! w/ '55 Big Window
definitely the way to go. It costs way less to buy that kit than to source the components out individually, trust me on this one. I wish I would have found their site a few weeks earlier
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Re: Danny Boy is BAACK! w/ '55 Big Window
Dan, your build is comming along great. I replaced all leaf packs, shacles, bushings etc on the burb and couldn't be happier, it rides super smooth. I get comments from passengers that they can not believe its a straight axle rig. I think you are money and time ahead buying all new even though it seems spendy now.
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Re: Danny Boy is BAACK! w/ '55 Big Window
Yeah, I'm leaning toward just biting the bullet and paying the $1200. I wonder if there's a % off sale upcoming or anything?
Of course this makes me think "I'm 1/2 way to the price of an IFS system" but then I think do I really want that? I tussle with the question constantly and I usually remember that I'd have to buy a tilt column, arrange (pay) for a qualified welder, get a PS pump & brackets...the whole "slippery slope" thing. Where if I get this kit it can all be done by me in the driveway in a weekend...or three! I'd better start counting my pennies. I'll have to buy a king pin rebuild kit & caster shims. I already have a CPP front disc kit so that means I need the frame mount dual master cylinder & bracket. And of course new lines, bender, flaring tool, clips, yada, yada. Makes my wallet hurt just thinking of it all! Posted via Mobile Device |
Re: Danny Boy is BAACK! w/ '55 Big Window
i hear ya bud, I just bought and installed all the parts you listed. And you're right, for the money I have invested in a dropped solid axle truck, I could have bought and installed a IFS from hub to hub. But, I wanted the nostalgic look and feel to it, that's the only reason I decided on the solid axle route.
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Re: Danny Boy is BAACK! w/ '55 Big Window
Hello Dan. On my 55 when I took the springs a part to clean and paint them I saw that at each end of the springs was rubbing on the bottom of the one above it. From the factory the springs are sheared and stacked and the ends are not cleaned up. I just took a grinder and put a small radius on each end and with poly liner it rides much better. By the way, Great truck you have there.
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Re: Danny Boy is BAACK! w/ '55 Big Window
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ClaranceJ, Hadn't ever thought of the fact that the leaves are probably sheared and had a sharp edge. I definitely plan to use the Teflon between leaves. Chamfering the edges is an excellent tip, thanks. Posted via Mobile Device |
Re: Danny Boy is BAACK! w/ '55 Big Window
Dubie, did you use a dropped axle AND lowering springs? I ask cause I notice the front spring pack (not monoleaf) says you can get a 2.5" lower spring for our trucks.
My thought was to start with that (to minimize $$ outlay to start) but if I want it lower; and I probably will, I could add a 2 or 3" dropped axle from Sid's afterward. Posted via Mobile Device |
Re: Danny Boy is BAACK! w/ '55 Big Window
yep, I'm running 3" dropped axle and 3" drop mono leafs up front with a 6" drop reversed eye mono leaf in the rear. You can buy Posies that are a multi pack leaf spring that lowers the truck 2 - 2.5 inches
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Re: Danny Boy is BAACK! w/ '55 Big Window
Did you go with the modified drag link & whatever to minimize bump steer? If so, does it steer ok?
I know about Posie's Super Sliders but I like the POL kit above and with the poly liners ill get the same result - easily sliding springs. Posted via Mobile Device |
Re: Danny Boy is BAACK! w/ '55 Big Window
I painted the backside of the front bumper today after letting the Rust Reformer dry a couple days. I used Rustoleum Hammered in silver. Only one coat and it covered great.
I really do like this stuff. I'll let it dry a couple days and it'll be rock hard. http://i832.photobucket.com/albums/z...psbba09095.jpg Contrasted to what it looked like before and it's a night and day difference: http://i832.photobucket.com/albums/z...ps671cf519.jpg http://i832.photobucket.com/albums/z...ps89e84a00.jpg |
Re: Danny Boy is BAACK! w/ '55 Big Window
Also, I just didn't like the mint look of the Rustoleum Sage - it's a complete misnomer. In gloss it really looks great but in the satin its an entirely different color, not at all like the gloss.
Not sure how clear this photo will show it but I stopped mid re-paint to show the new color I chose, Rustoleum Oregano in satin vs. the other side in "Sage." I like it a lot. Almost an army type green. http://i832.photobucket.com/albums/z...ps47910d5c.jpg |
Re: Danny Boy is BAACK! w/ '55 Big Window
Hello Dan. Just an attempt at humor here. Maybe you could make a commercial for Rustoleum and help finance parts for your truck. My choice of color is in the yellow spectrum. I use a bunch of that paint brand myself. It works for me. Now when ever I go to the store to buy more paint I'll see your truck. Its turning out real nice.
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Re: Danny Boy is BAACK! w/ '55 Big Window
Thanks Clarance. I'm under no illusion that Rustoleum is an automotive level paint - it's clearly not. But I think it's a very good paint for the DIY'er like me while I'm putting my truck together and before I (eventually) blow it all apart for its final paint - yes, I know it will have to be stripped to bare metal. But it would have anyway.
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Re: Danny Boy is BAACK! w/ '55 Big Window
Hello again Dan. I'd like to apologize to you for that remark I made. It was dumb and I apologize.
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Re: Danny Boy is BAACK! w/ '55 Big Window
Looking good.
I'm happy with the Rustoleum on my frame so far. Hopefully it lasts longer than me. Kim |
Re: Danny Boy is BAACK! w/ '55 Big Window
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Re: Danny Boy is BAACK! w/ '55 Big Window
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Haha Clarance J I found this actually pretty funny. I always get a kick out of going to Home Depot and grabbing these cans by the cart full. Dan I am thinking you and I could do the commercial - one for a Task Force and one for an AD. I'll be honest, on my '49 I am putting together I used Rustoleum for a ton of it (frame, parts, interior, etc) and I think it is good stuff. Funny what else we have bought at Home Depot/Lowes for our trucks. Just snagged that ducting I am going to use for sound deadner in the cab. "How many pipes are you looking to cover sir?" Eh well buddy it is actually the whole inside of a truck....haha Posted via Mobile Device |
Re: Danny Boy is BAACK! w/ '55 Big Window
Yeah, I admit to using more rattle can stuff than I probably should by some guys standards. By MY standards, I'm doing this truck a solid! Lol. It was totally neglected and pounded on for decades.
It'd probably have been headed for the crusher soon if I'd not come along and dropped some serious coin (for my budget) on fixing all the electrical, fluids, filters, belts, hoses, plugs, Pertronix, rims & tires, yada, yada. Posted via Mobile Device |
Re: Danny Boy is BAACK! w/ '55 Big Window
Pix upcoming.
Today I did a bunch of small stuff. Removed signals (they're trashed) and headlights/buckets. Wire wheeled those and gave them the Rustoleum "treatment" - red oxide primer and semi gloss black in & out. Used OOO steel wool on the pecky headlight trim rings, then chrome polish. I'm gonna have to get new signals & lenses, gaskets for them & the headlight buckets. The rubber grommets into the buckets were hard as rock. Gotta be replaced then I'll have to splice in the sockets. But I may just get new ones as the leads are also rock hard. Inside my fenders looks like ass but they probably lasted with no rust-through because it looks like someone undercoated in there a loong time back. Peeling now, but saved the metal. Gonna TRY a 3M wheel or wire wheel on it. If it come off clean? Rust Reformer followed by....wait for it....Rustoleum rubberized undercoating! Lol. Posted via Mobile Device |
Re: Danny Boy is BAACK! w/ '55 Big Window
Yeah, last year I bought the large family size box of yada-yada and am still paying for it. That stuff sure adds up fast. But ya gotta do it.
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Re: Danny Boy is BAACK! w/ '55 Big Window
I'm currently contemplating the "large family size box" of suspension parts.
Here's some pix of today's work: She got stripped down and got some face paint. Oregano is the color. http://i832.photobucket.com/albums/z...ps31509457.jpg An example of how EVERYTHING under my truck looks in it's "BEFORE" condition: http://i832.photobucket.com/albums/z...pse880b487.jpg AFTER : http://i832.photobucket.com/albums/z...psab7e89d2.jpg |
Re: Danny Boy is BAACK! w/ '55 Big Window
The headlight trim rings are pecky, but not TOO bad for a weekend driver:
Before: http://i832.photobucket.com/albums/z...psfccadd7a.jpg After: http://i832.photobucket.com/albums/z...ps76a8a26d.jpg Can't exactly see them, but there are much heavier "pecks" under the eyebrow of the trim ring: http://i832.photobucket.com/albums/z...ps94610df1.jpg |
Re: Danny Boy is BAACK! w/ '55 Big Window
Nice "bright work", Dan. That buffed up real good.
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Re: Danny Boy is BAACK! w/ '55 Big Window
Thanks. But if you look at the top one you can see its pecked to hell. Bugs me cause all it would have taken to keep that from happening would have been to polish them like one a year or three!
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Re: Danny Boy is BAACK! w/ '55 Big Window
Hello Dan. I just recently put my head light stuff back into the fenders along with the park lights. I have to work on the bezels some because I don't like the way they fit. Just a little tweeking to do. I'm glad that there was'nt more rust damage on your truck. After all these years so many of these trucks are quite a problem in that area. I've enjoyed reading your posts and up dates.
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Re: Danny Boy is BAACK! w/ '55 Big Window
Wow. I had'nt seen your bezels. They did clean up real nice. I like yours better than mine. They were painted white.
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Re: Danny Boy is BAACK! w/ '55 Big Window
Thanks Clarance.
Once I got the headlight buckets out I reached my hand up into the eyebrow area expecting to find lumps of Bondo! But I lucked out. It was dirty but totally solid. When I put them back in I'm gonna (blindly) hand sand in there, wipe clean and (again) blindly spray Rust Reformer in there. Couldn't hurt, I figure. I'm also contemplating scrubbing the remnants of undercoating out of the wheel well and using the Rstu Reformer/re-Undercoating. |
Re: Danny Boy is BAACK! w/ '55 Big Window
The parts are coming out real nice.
Kim |
Re: Danny Boy is BAACK! w/ '55 Big Window
I read your hole thread the other night. It is amasing what a little money and a hole bunch of elbo grease can do,
Where did you get your mileage numbers from on your speedometer? Mine are bad too. Thanks Rich |
Re: Danny Boy is BAACK! w/ '55 Big Window
Hi Rich,
I think I got them from Tucker's. if I remember the website is tuckersparts.com. Posted via Mobile Device |
Re: Danny Boy is BAACK! w/ '55 Big Window
Hello Dan. Have you said or decided what color your 55 is going to be finished in? Looking forward to the finished product.
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Re: Danny Boy is BAACK! w/ '55 Big Window
No, I go around and around thinking about color. Originally I fully intended to use red. Trite, but for a reason...a lot of people like red, myself included. Later I thought orange. I THINK I've moved on from it though.
I only started with green primer was cause EVERYONE had flat black, gray or red oxide. I liked it, the interior was terrible so I decided to echo the green primer. Now? I've thought of the little Fiat 500 light green. A stock green. But long term? Who knows. Posted via Mobile Device |
Re: Danny Boy is BAACK! w/ '55 Big Window
Just as an aside, I scored a used Lokar 16" floor shifter for my TH350 today for less than half the $235 Summit & Jegs has them for.
It'll go in soon IF its not too involved an installation. I already have a new tranny cover. Mine's thrashed. Posted via Mobile Device |
Re: Danny Boy is BAACK! w/ '55 Big Window
Oops, I was wrong. The Lokar shifter is a 23" - all the better.
Dropped into The Truck Shop in Orange, CA today....and of course I ended up picking up "a few more things" than I planned. Then I came home and actually got a few things done! Reinstalled the grill and apron beneath it (I guess its called), installed new headlight sockets, grommets and headlight-bucket-to-fender gaskets. I also bought new signal housings & lenses. Mine were rusted out after 58 years. The lenses were cloudy and basically fell apart when I removed them. So the front end - with the exception of the hood latch panel that will be mounted tomorrow - is all back together. If I can find more of the Rustoleum satin Oregano I will spray the hood and possibly the front fenders. Pic's coming shortly. |
Re: Danny Boy is BAACK! w/ '55 Big Window
Here it is before this afternoon's work:
http://i832.photobucket.com/albums/z...psd79d5eed.jpg AFTER this afternoon's work: http://i832.photobucket.com/albums/z...ps9abaa596.jpg The chrome paint looks a bit better in the photo than it does in person. |
Re: Danny Boy is BAACK! w/ '55 Big Window
Looks good Dan, Before looks kinda sad and after.....it looks happy.
These old trucks are kinda like dogs..........you just gotta give them a little love and they are happy. Good score on the Lokar shifter. It should work well. |
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