59 Panelmania

[arturo7]

Progress has been slow but sure. I finally have the front suspension fully dismantled.


Simple jig to loosen the end nut; vise grips and a dull chisel.





Ready for POR

[arturo7]

The panel came with a factory sway bar. Can't seem to find a source to replace the in inner sleeves on the arms. Any ideas?




Also, How do I service the drag link ends? I assume there is a sleeve in there that is tired.

[arturo7]

Improvised frame dolly.

[elcamino72]

On the sway bar end links, I think your only option is to pour your own and then drill them out. That's what I did. I used liquid urethane from McMaster Carr. - (Urethane Casting Compound 1 Pound Liquid, Shore (80A), Black Part # 8644K11) - http://www.mcmaster.com/#urethane-ca...pounds/=kyp3to.

I used pencils to rough out the holes for the endlink pins. I then drilled out the holes to the right sizes.

[_Ogre]

interesting idea elco.
have you driven your truck with the homemade urethane bushing in it?
how did they hold up?

[elcamino72]

Yes, I drive the truck all summer and they held up just fine. Folks use this urethane for engine mounts and other high-torque applications if you do a google search. I didn't know what else to do, the I came across the idea of making my own and I've been happy with the results.
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[NEWFISHER]

Any updates Arturo7? Looking good so far. Mine comes off the frame at the end of this summer.

[arturo7]

Interesting solution elco. I was hoping to find a sleeve from another application, but your idea might be the ticket.

Not much to report, Jon. I'm trying to resolve an issue with the harmonic balancer. Either the local parts store sold me the wrong part, or my pulleys, which came from a reputable source, don't match. I ordered an HB from JEGS, where I got the motor. It should should up any day now.

Hopefully I'll get some POR on the front suspension this w/e. I nearly at the turning point where the all work switches from disassembly and repair to reassembly and upgrades.

[arturo7]

Seems like I've been wading through mud lately. I think the pulley alignment issue is solved. Looks like the water pump pulley was the culprit Might have an incorrect bracket as well.

Finally got the first coat of POR is on the suspension today. Also baked the exhaust mani's to cure the VHT paint.






Craigslist strikes again! This guy followed me home from the central valley this week. Now I just have to figure out how to weld.




Big thanks to NEWFISHER for his generosity with the SM240 on a few other goodies. We were enable to enlist the help of a couple guys driving down from WA to the GNRS this weekend to transport the parts to SoCal.



ever forward

[Task Force Era]

Man I do love the 58-59 panels and burbs. Joining this site really has me wanting one now!! ... But it's looking good man, keep up the good work!!

[arturo7]

Tried my hand at body work this afternoon. The result was far, far from perfect, but at least I'm getting a feel for it.

Here's the before and after. Try not to laugh...

[Kim57]

There's nothing to laugh at. We all have to start some where.
Looks a lot better than what you started with and I'm sure will get better with time.
Kim

[_Ogre]

i'm not laughing either, looks good.
i used 2- 5 lb hammers to straighten a rear fender, one to swing and one as an anvil.
that is not light metal, it's not easy to reshape it.

[arturo7]

Finally able to work on the truck this weekend!

Had to put the project on hold for a couple months; travel, visiting family, trade shows, etc.. Also added some infrastructure work on the garage. My cousin wired in an auxiliary panel complete with a 220 circuit. My uncle gave a half dozen bench-mount power tools he no longer uses. Lucky me! Had to build some new shelves to store them.

Back at it!

Started assembling the front axle but ran into an issue installing the kingpin bushings. Hopefully a day or two in the freezer will do the trick. The rear end is fully broken down. Looks like the axles are in good shape. I'll drop this diff off this week to be rebuilt and install the 3.39 gears.


New shelves and panel.



Progress!!

[G&R's57GMC]

You might want to paint the POR'ed parts that will see the reflected sun light under the truck. I understand the POR chassis paint is not UV protected.

[_Ogre]

my frame is por15 with no top coat. no fading or problems 6 yrs after painting it.

[arturo7]

Progress!

Finished assemble of the front axle this today. Also mounted the new rotors and discs from ABS in Orange, CA. The support from ABS was outstanding. I must have called Uzi a dozen times, sent some pics back and forth via email as well.

Going after the rear axle tomorrow. Here are a couple pics from today.

[Kim57]

Looks real nice.
Kim

[arturo7]

thanks, Kim

[_Ogre]

looks good arturo
what wheels are you using?
will stock fit over the calipers?

[arturo7]

Ogre, I believe stock will fit, but I'm not sure. The wheels that came with vehicle need to be replaced, so this didn't factor into the decision.

I plan on running some pretty tall tires, not sure which wheels. Guess I'll burn that bridge when I get to it. Maybe spinners...

[arturo7]

Hung the springs and installed the front axle today.

Picking up the HF dollies was certainly a good idea. They make it very easy to slide the chassis around the garage to make the best use of the limited space. Hopefully they'll still be rolling smooth when the weight of the motor and body is added.







(yes, I do realize that I didn't pull the stickers off the springs. I kinda like the Minnie Pearl look)

[fabguy]

Looking really good.

[Kim57]

Looks good.
I have those same dollies. They work O.K. with the extra weight. You just have to be careful with any small ruts that the wheels can get hung up in.
Kim

[_Ogre]

looks good arturo