The "In over my head" build thread

[SeventyOne]

Been keeping busy on some small tasks with the end goal of undercoating and getting the body back on the frame by Spring.

So with that in mind I started finishing things off on the Chassis that is essentially 95% done. I had my stock tank boiled out and lined because I was not happy at all with poly plastic tank - it's for sale if anyone is interested

Also no one reproduces the rubber isolators that go under the tank straps and the tank flange so I've got some 1/8" sheet rubber coming and I will copy the original rubbers.

Then I need to get the fuel lines finished off. Hard lines are in, just the rubber hose connections need to be put on.

Then I turned back to getting the body ready for undercoating. I cut out the all the rust spots on the bed floor and will be patching in scavenged '68 long bed patches soon.

Pics of the holes I cut in the floor - 5 spots in total were cut out. This is my first attempt at rust repair but I'm excited to learn. What's the worst that can happen?

Rear tail gate area - both sides are like this.




Crossmember was toast also but I will patch that also.


3 of the 4 wheel tub corners look like this, but this one was the worst one.




I'll prep the patches soon and get these checked off my list.

I am also stealing this "punch list" idea from the infamous "Low Buck Junkyard Build" - So here goes:

TUB WORK

• Repair wheel tub / bed floor rust
• Repair drilled hole in firewall by PO
• Cut larger firewall fuse panel hole for AAW kit
• Dress body bolt areas (Left over tack welds)
• Clean & Prep underside of Tub
• Spray some kind of rust converter in areas not accessible to be prep'd and primed
• Spray Epoxy Primer/Undercoat/Bedline

CHASSIS WORK

• Cut and install tank rubber isolators
• Hook up all gas lines
• Install Transmission cooler lines
• Install new starter bolts
• Torque engine mount bolts
• Install front axle breather
• Install Thermostat
• Install Radiator hose clamps
• Install BTO TV cable setup