Wife's 48

[youngrodder]

Those gaps are on the money....its no easy task..Looks great.

Marc

[Tempest67]

nice work, that look really good............... keep it going

[8man]

I had some time before my meeting today, so...
IMG_0563 by Robert Moorman, on Flickr
It fits with the new motor and tranny! No mods necessary.

So I started putting some parts back together for that "make sure it all fits before you paint it" that I've heard about. The first thing I did, since I'd been working on doors was to put the door panels on.
IMG_0562 by Robert Moorman, on Flickr

Yep, I'm short ONE screw! So I'm looking for just one.

Next up is to finish banging on the front fenders and prime them, then check the fit all the way around.

[Tempest67]

cab looks great on the frame...... nice

[gigamanx]

Originally Posted by 8man

I had some time before my meeting today, so...
IMG_0563 by Robert Moorman, on Flickr
It fits with the new motor and tranny! No mods necessary.

So I started putting some parts back together for that "make sure it all fits before you paint it" that I've heard about. The first thing I did, since I'd been working on doors was to put the door panels on.
IMG_0562 by Robert Moorman, on Flickr

Yep, I'm short ONE screw! So I'm looking for just one.

Next up is to finish banging on the front fenders and prime them, then check the fit all the way around.

I've been toying with what I heard about this as I'm trying to figure out what the right level of "Test fitting" parts happens before I stop. Is it every part that screws into a painted surface? What about windows and window trim or door rollers or door catches.... list goes on and on for me.

How do you know when its time to stop and paint?

[8man]

Windows, no. Door latches are necessary as they will be part of the door gap regimen.

I've only done this once before, so I'm not an expert, but as I was drilling holes in new paint for things like wires, I had to paint the hole before I could run the wire. So this time I'm going to assemble all the body parts, and any thing that mounts, like the AC stuff or trim. I'm going to think and plan the routing of all the wires and make some decisions on holes for wires and drill those. One thing I did learn is that if a hole is in the wrong place just put a bolt in it, nobody knows what is on the other side.

Anyway, unless someone gives a more complete answer for this, that's what I'm thinking right now.

[joedoh]

I guess I am the opposite, I dont take anything apart more than I need to haha.

looking ggggrrrrrrreat!

[dsraven]

I always assemble wiring and accy during mock up, mount stuff so screw holes are drilled etc. Then take it all apart for paint but mark stuff for alignment when disassembling so it goes back the same. When putting it back together I always use aviation form a gasket on the screws so they get sealed where they go into the painted holes, that stuff doesnt dry fully so it keeps the rust from forming. I hate drilling into fresh paint so all the mock up stuff is done first, wiring, lights, etc. More work but no surprises after you spend all that money and time on paint. Should use a sealer on wiring grommets etc through firewall anyway but the holes should be there before paint, that's why it's called mock up stage.

[8man]

Thanks Raven! I knew that was the answer but was trying to slide. I'll do it right! I may have to drive it around the block before I tear it down for paint!!

[Scott2]

Originally Posted by dsraven

I always assemble wiring and accy during mock up, mount stuff so screw holes are drilled etc. Then take it all apart for paint but mark stuff for alignment when disassembling so it goes back the same. When putting it back together I always use aviation form a gasket on the screws so they get sealed where they go into the painted holes, that stuff doesnt dry fully so it keeps the rust from forming. I hate drilling into fresh paint so all the mock up stuff is done first, wiring, lights, etc. More work but no surprises after you spend all that money and time on paint. Should use a sealer on wiring grommets etc through firewall anyway but the holes should be there before paint, that's why it's called mock up stage.

I really like aviation form a gasket but it’s like stepping in dog crap. First it’s just on one shoe and even if you just stand there cussing at the dog within minutes it’s all over the place and somehow it just keeps spreading.

[8man]

Assembling the truck to test fit everything.
IMG_0564 by Robert Moorman, on Flickr
I got the inner front on, the running boards and the bed. Those fit pretty well. I wrote down my measurements from the first test fit, and it went right back like it was supposed to. With the cab and running boards on I am looking at a spot under the cab for a drop down battery box, unless I change my mind.

IMG_0565 by Robert Moorman, on Flickr
Inside I got the VA mock up unit and vent parts installed, the steering column, seat, dimmer switch, E-brake, gas pedal, S10 inside brake pedal and Astro Van hydro master cylinder on the firewall, ignition switch in and a small single throw switch in the hole over the ignition switch (no idea what I'll use it for right now, but didn't want to weld up the hold because of the way the dash is shaped) and a couple of other little things figured out.

Since the hydro proportioning valve is mounted to the unit, I installed it that way. The brake lines come down on top of the inner fender. So I either need to drill two holes to run the brake lines through, which might make sense, or rebuild where the proportioning valve mounts so the lines can go in without cutting the inner fender. I'm leaning toward drilling some holes and then putting a plastic spacer (no, again I don't know what they are called, but they are used wherever wires go through the sheet metal) around the line.

I did spend some time looking at the switches and door conduit to run electrical to the doors as I've been adding holes wherever I need them. I have not made a decision on switches yet, but I did a separate thread on this to see what ideas others have on the subject.

I've been taking notes on the one person assembly method. That is to help me reassemble once it has paint. I am not ready to tackle the front fenders or hood quite yet. Luckily I have long arms or it would not be this far along.

Anyway, I am making some progress.

[dsraven]

are you planning on seam sealer before paint?

[8man]

Yes sir. I just wanted to get it primed so I could test fit it all after I changed the plan for the motor and tranny. Seam sealer will be next, after all the fitting.

[rgunlock]

Can't help with the spacer elimination for the steering column, but I believe you were referring to a grommet around the hole in your inner fender. You're making great progress!

[8man]

Thanks. I remembered later that night. I'll just lay it off on being tired...

Also got the steering column figured out. I rebuilt the column on the Cherokee at least 4 times from top to bottom, so I should have known, but I guess I was tired. I think the ecumenical "WE" picked the steering wheel this afternoon. WE need a better picture to show the wood grain, but I think it'll work.

[8man]

I got the brake booster rod adjusted so it fits the brake pedal stud and the length is correct for the truck.
IMG_0572 by Robert Moorman, on Flickr
Yes, I did finish welding and finishing it.

Then I want to add several relays for things like headlights, door locks, fan, etc. So I had this old fuse/relay box in the pile o' stuff and so I thinned it.
IMG_0573 by Robert Moorman, on Flickr
I know it is from a blue oval product, but it will be hidden from sight!
It had these little plastic clip things holding stuff in. I broke a bunch, luckily not on the stuff I needed. Now I have 40 amp relays for the hi beam, low beam and fan, then the micro 30 amp for the lock, unlock and fuel pump. I left 3 micro fuses for the OH YEA how about wiring for... The relay for the horn is on the fuse box, speaking of the fuse box,

IMG_0569 by Robert Moorman, on Flickr
Now it's a party!

[OutlawDrifter]

Good work, don't worry about the blue oval stuff...at least its not out of a MOPAR!

[8man]

Thanks Outlaw. My Dad and brother are huge Mopar guys. They have never understood my Chevy habit.

[joedoh]

grrrrreat stuff! I love MAXI fuses, easy to see and change.

[8man]

Thanks Joe. You are right about the maxi fuses.

[NorCalGal]

Holy moly Robert looks like you're passing me up! I need the step up my game.

[8man]

Thanks Jan, but no. I'm test fitting stuff and laying out wires to see where I need to holes, so I've got a long way to go.

[NorCalGal]

I haven’t even laid my harness out. I am NOT looking forward to that job.

[8man]

Jan, I'll trade you. I'll do the wiring on your truck and you can do the paint on mine.

[NorCalGal]

No way Jose!