Project Grande Slam: Coley's Hot Rod Shop

[Bennett68C10]

Nice can't wait to see some updated pics
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[superflysteiny]

Frame looks great as do the notches

[CC69Rat]

I appreciate it fellas.

I have 1.5" blocks, new U bolts, shims, etc. on the way. The trailing arms were blasted and came out like new. Dad is finishing them up now. We're about ready to start bolting things back up.

When we were taking the brackets off, we kinda chewed them up in places so I just got another set. One of the guys on the forum had a set of the Hotchkis adjustable brackets, so I'm going with them on this truck. That kit is almost $300 from Summit, but you get extra U bolts, shims, and grade 8 bolts .. That I don't need (?) All I need are the brackets I'll get for $50. So, .. saved a little on the whole kit. He was using everything but the front trailing arm brackets, so it just workd out.

I'm just waiting on my bolts and blocks now, next will be the 5 lug swap over and mounting up my rear brakes, wheels, etc.

Dad is working on the initial sanding on my bedwood this morning. Spar coat #1 should go on today (on the backsides first)

[CC69Rat]

First coat of Spar varnish on the backside of my bed boards. I really like how the varnish colored up the boards. I'm going to do 220 / Coat, 400 / Coat, and 500 Coat then polish on a low speed buffer.

this is just a 220 sand with one coat .. I'm diggin it so far!

[shawno72]

Looks awesome!!
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[shawno72]

Nothing like using one Chevy as a work bench for another love it
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[CC69Rat]

Yeah, my stepper is like .. "What about MY wood?? .. HEY !!"


They're just there to dry, they weren't brushed there .. (no drips on the step)

[mcbassin]

The wood looks great!

[cericd]

Looking good man. So jealous.

[big_al_71]

That wood looks great chad!!!!

[CC69Rat]

It's coming together! Maybe I'll have it drivable by spring.

[Rusbuilt]

Wood looks great!

[original-71]

looking good chad

[CC69Rat]

Thank You ..

Here's a couple of the pieces from today. Still the bottom side, sanded with 400 on a DA, then two more even coats .. Lookin good! The length of the boards will need to be trimmed to be exact but we'll touch up the ends as we assemble the bed.

[NewType72]

gourgeous I already can't wait to re-do my bed to make it baby butt smooth

[VA72C10]

Looking good! Curious as to why all the work on the backside though? I understand protecting it but why all the sanding? Not trying to be rude...just thinking out loud and seeing if I need to research more for the bed wood in proj #1

[NewType72]

because you still see quite abit of the wood from the underside and it's just that much more attention to detail IMO

[VA72C10]

I get that but don't see how you can tell it's gone through all that process when looking at it from underneath...especially since it'll be dropped over 6".....

I would sand it and stain it and seal it but don't see the reason to extend the process by several days to do all the in-between sanding on the side most will never see....but I guess if you have the time anyways it makes sense?

[NewType72]

boredom and maybe a little bit of insanity weigh in as well

[CC69Rat]

When I put the dancing bed on it, youll see the bottom side.
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[bossmanivy]

Looking really good. I'm hoping you're cruising around in it by spring!
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[Bennett68C10]

Wood looks good Chad

[CC69Rat]

The work on the bottom side will be minimal compared to the top. I plan on making it as perfect as I can get it, .. it's just my nature. 110% in everything I do so I can walk away knowing if I did it again, .. I couldn't have done any better.

There's just something about knowing I did my best. That's all I can do. And I feel like it's safe to speak for my Pops here too. It's just the way I was raised. Yeah, it's on the bottom side but I know it's there.


I used to build model cars when I was a kid as I'm sure you guys did too. We're talking 3hrs with a needle painting the center caps on my wheels 1:24 scale. Yeah, probably a little bit crazy but I just don't like half way doing stuff.

[NewType72]

I like your style chad keep it up
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[VA72C10]

I totally understand how you feel. I've done things twice to get them right when others thought they were perfectly fine the first time....my mom's the ocd one in my family.... she got it from my grandmother who still gets down on her knees to straighten the fringe on her rugs with a comb....I got a little of that but with three kids I've had to learn to relax
I think working on a patina truck right now has me knowing when to say when too

With everything else you are doing you have the time now to get it right and the right help which makes all the difference. I will def be sanding and sealing the underside of all my bedwood projects too...just might not do the 3 sanding steps between coats

Leaving it unfinished would be 1/2 way doing it
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