Thanks Joe, I didn't have anything better to do.

[cornerstone]

Originally Posted by Dr Jekyll

It's supposed to be fun for me and when I get stressed out it defeats the purpose. Most the time I have to research how do things. My wife asks "How do you know how to do this?" and I reply "What makes you think I know what I'm doing." Admitting that I don't know keeps me open to learning and thats partially what this project is about.

I hear ya loud and clear. I'd bet for every hour of actual hands on work time on my truck, there was 3 hours of "research". I've learned many times that there are better ways to do the job than the way I was planning to do it. I've had occasions when I got a job done, then came here to see how others handled the same task. A time or two I went back and "re-fixed" it because I found a better solution after the fact.

I've come to believe the saying more and more... "its about the journey, not the destination"

[MDPotter]

That's a great attitude to have. I tend to get so tunnel visioned trying to get the project done that I overlook other things I should be doing with my time or taking the enjoyment out of it. With every project, we get better. There are lots of things I wish we would have done on my dad's 64 that we did on my 68, but there are a few things I wish I would have done on my 68 that we are doing on our current 69. They get better and better!

[1971Stepside]

I'd bet for every hour of actual hands on work time on my truck, there was 3 hours of "research"

Truth!! I almost want to build another truck now because it seems like a waste to have all this knowledge of what I should have done

[Dr Jekyll]

Interior and engine bay.

[Dr Jekyll]

Installing a new bumper today $150 from classic industries, looks good. The original has a slight tweak on the drivers side, it’s barely noticeable but sticks out to me. Then I have a new hardware set for the bed. Stainless steel unpolished was $120, which is going to take a while with all the pieces.



It’s a beautiful day to turn some wrenches, it’s 75 with a slight southern breeze. (Back yard pic)

[Dr Jekyll]

FYI the repop bumper is 1/16 thinner than the original, and the “OER” bumper hardware has longer square retaining area so the bumper required some body shims on the outside bracket bolts to get the fasteners to engage. Here is the before and after. The originals’ driver side is slightly pushed up and has a creased/pinched area on the top and bottom of the inside bumper fasteners.



Here is the new bumper hardware compared to the original and the shim I used to fix it, took two shims on each side.



Also, the bed hardware kit didn’t include flat washers so I had to use some I already had. I think the kit was for wood and steel beds because it had an undersized set of rounded head bolts that weren’t applicable. This kit did not include wheel well to bedside bolts, or front bed panel to bed side hardware. I keep all the original parts and fasteners, learn that lesson early with the Camaro, so I will chase the threads on the old fasteners and paint them black.

[lupo]

Originally Posted by Dr Jekyll

Thanks for the encouragement guys.

I felt pretty good about spraying the color because I have sprayed a lot of epoxy primer, but the clear was a whole new animal for me. Bright light when spraying clear is a must and I really needed a couple more coats. After I touch up the blemishes on the color I want to wet sand the exterior and respray the clear.

My 4 year old son is on me almost everyday about working on the Camaro he’s a miniature gear head already.

Really great workmanship and I really like the way you weld. As far as the paint thing goes, I'm sure you'll be able to straighten that out. Great job

[Dr Jekyll]

Thanks, lupo I taught myself how to weld, so that compliment is appreciated.

[MikeinNH]

Great deal on that truck. Love these kinds of threads, good motivator.

[Dr Jekyll]

It was priced to move, I really couldn't pass that deal up. Joes a good guy and knew I would fix it up. He's got a 66 SWB, but Im not sure if he posts on this site. Hey, if you get in good with him he mite sell you his 66 for $500.

[May70]

Very Nice!

Im still debating how I want to take care of the inside of my doors....