For Gramps (1970 C20 RestoMod)

[litew8]

lol try living in Iowa you think it's cold there

[knomadd]

I used the AAW kit on my 71. First time doing a complete rewire, and it wasn't too bad. Make sure you read and follow the instructions and you'll be good.

[Jahloha]

Originally Posted by knomadd

I used the AAW kit on my 71. First time doing a complete rewire, and it wasn't too bad. Make sure you read and follow the instructions and you'll be good.

Duane, did you buy their crimpers or buy another set?

[knomadd]

Originally Posted by Jahloha

Duane, did you buy their crimpers or buy another set?

I couldn't see spending that much money on a pair of crimpers, so I bought these: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0045CUMLQ/ref=oh...
They did a great job on most of the connectors, but there where some connectors that took a bit of initial tweaking to fit inside the jaws. I'm not sure if the terminals are just extra thick, or if the crimpers I bought weren't for the bigger connectors, but I made it work. I'd say these worked great on about 90-95% of the connectors.

[Lee H]

If you have not done it already you should go onto AAW website and watch the video on how to crimp. It's not like crimping a butt connector with a standard crimper.

[Jahloha]

Originally Posted by Lee H

If you have not done it already you should go onto AAW website and watch the video on how to crimp. It's not like crimping a butt connector with a standard crimper.

Lee:

Good suggestion. Figure I will also buy some additional supplies to practice crimpers prior to starting the project. I know they send some practice supplies, but I figure it will be minimal.

[Jahloha]

UPDATE:

Well, I am still prepping the frame but getting dang close to have from the cab forward ready for primer. Like a dummy, I realized I hadn't done a second power wash once my front end was dismembered, so there was a ton of extra grime and build up on the frame.

So I thought, no biggie, right? I will just spray some marine clean and wire wheel all the crud off. Well, since there was so much build up, all the marine clean and my wire wheel accomplished was to make a mud/tar substance that sprayed all over clean frame, my floor, and of course my face haha. I guess live and learn, right?

Anyways, the frame is probably about 95% complete, ready for a rust encapsulator primer then paint. I need to make my third pass through, to make sure all excess rust, paint, and build up is removed.And for anyone who has wire wheeled their frame, these pictures will bring you happiness and sadness haha, seeing as it marks the completion of a crappy job:






Mahalo!

[Jahloha]

QUESTIONS:

I found the same "457" markings on the driver side, as I did on the pass side from the earlier post. Anyone know what it means? My assumption is its a part number for the frame, but who knows; hopefully you do.


Also, I do not remember removing this piece from the engine bay and I did not document it in my notes. Is it some sort of engine secondary support or something? Let me know, if you know. Thanks.

[litew8]

Originally Posted by Jahloha

QUESTIONS:

I found the same "457" markings on the driver side, as I did on the pass side from the earlier post. Anyone know what it means? My assumption is its a part number for the frame, but who knows; hopefully you do.
Attachment 1187923

Also, I do not remember removing this piece from the engine bay and I did not document it in my notes. Is it some sort of engine secondary support or something? Let me know, if you know. Thanks.
Attachment 1187924

Can't see the part you are asking about too well. Guessing it ties one side of the engine down preventing engine torque movement.

[swamp rat]

Yea for the thick stuff i use and a putty knife and hand wire brush, then oven cleaner followed by a hose while in the driveway (and side yard too) Remember tho that oven cleaner eats paint..

[swamp rat]

Wire wheels and naked eyes + trouble, get some safety glasses minimum, and if possible a flip up face shield.. Then let er rip!

[Jahloha]

Originally Posted by swamp rat

Wire wheels and naked eyes + trouble, get some safety glasses minimum, and if possible a flip up face shield.. Then let er rip!

Haha, yup. Check, check, and about to go rip it up in final prep for primer tomorrow. What do you think about this plan for primer and paint?

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=608443

[knomadd]

Sounds like you had a nice trip. Glad you enjoyed your time with family. That time is always important, especially when you live far away and don't have the opportunity to just drop in when you feel like it.

[hpcgmc]

I've been watching this thread with interest. I'm in the process of doing the same thing - cleaning and repainting the engine compartment frame rails and front suspension while the engine is out. What made you choose Masterseries over KBS and POR15?

Are you getting every little bit of paint off and starting with bare metal? I'm not sure I can get into all the nooks and crannies, since I've still got the fenders on, plus I haven't removed the brake and fuel lines running along the frame.

[Ol Blue K20]

Glad your trip was good. But having your cramps see the pics and approve...priceless. ..Congratulations and keep it up!!

[Jahloha]

Originally Posted by knomadd

Sounds like you had a nice trip. Glad you enjoyed your time with family. That time is always important, especially when you live far away and don't have the opportunity to just drop in when you feel like it.

Absolutely agree bud.

Originally Posted by hpcgmc

I've been watching this thread with interest. I'm in the process of doing the same thing - cleaning and repainting the engine compartment frame rails and front suspension while the engine is out. What made you choose Masterseries over KBS and POR15?

Are you getting every little bit of paint off and starting with bare metal? I'm not sure I can get into all the nooks and crannies, since I've still got the fenders on, plus I haven't removed the brake and fuel lines running along the frame.

HP, we need to motivate each other! Always cool to see people in the similar stage as your own build. Essentially I debated on what product to buy for nearly 6 weeks; considering everything from Rustoleum to Powdercoat. I decided that I wanted to at least dedicate some money to phase in my build. So after talking with some trusted forum members and giving the owner of MS a call, I decided to take the plunge.

In regards to prepping your frame, I understand that there are some hard to reach places, but with correct attachments I was able to get my entire front end paint ready. Although I originally planned on painting it asap, I have talked myself out of that and will paint on a warmer day in march/april. In the mean time, I will prep the backend, under the cab, cab floor and bed floor for paint as well.

The break/gas lines and electrical were a big toss up for me too. I knew I would replace the hard lines anyways, so I ripped them out. Making frame prep easier. I do not need this truck drivable during the restoration, so that makes that decision possible. You may be in a different position though.

Holler if you have any other questions, I am not a professional, but it helps I have recently done the work you are completing also.

Originally Posted by Ol Blue K20

Glad your trip was good. But having your cramps see the pics and approve...priceless. ..Congratulations and keep it up!!

Thanks Blue

[mcbassin]

Anything new Jason?

[hpcgmc]

Hey Jason, haven't seen any posts from you in awhile, but thought I'd give you an update on the mastercoat. I applied the silver primer, mostly with a foam brush, and it came out fantastic! Temp was about 70 degrees with 30-40% humidity.

Then I applied the AG111 black topcoat and it didn't come out so well. Temp and humidity were about the same. I used a cheap foam brush and a cheap 3" brush and got lots of swirls, brushmarks and runs. I'm going to sand it down and try again this weekend, if it's a little warmer. About 2/3 through the painting, I thinned the paint out a bit and it worked a little better.

I assume alot of the problem is that I have very little experience painting. I'll try thinning it out a bit more and using a better quality brush next time. I don't have any way to spray it. If it comes out crappy a second time, I might just topcoat with a rattle can.

[Jahloha]

Originally Posted by mcbassin

Anything new Jason?

UPDATE, I apologize everyone!

This past year has been crazy: travel for work, a new addition to the family (baby #2), and some side business ventures getting off the ground. The truck stands as it did last year...

BUT BUT BUT, dont worry, all is not lost...

I have been saving money and now have roughly $6K to put towards the truck.

Isn't it the best feeling to save money? I love it, especially when it all will be going towards this build.

I am getting ready to pull the cab within the next few weeks and get the frame powder coated. If you had $6k and were at the phase my build is in, what would you look into doing? I have my thoughts but am definitely interested in hearing from some of the vets that have so graciously helped me along the way.

So chime in.

UPDATE on Gramps. He is still ticking and golfing once a week. I am hoping this $6K gets me to the rolling chassis and I can start bodywork and engine/trans build early 2015. Possibly a late summer completion and meet him down in CA.

[Jahloha]

The other option I am considering is getting the frame blasted, then having someone spray it with Pro15.

I am a bit concerned with powder coating, then 5,10,15 years down the road need to do some work and being unable to access bolts, etc and unable to touch it up after the work is complete.

Hope that makes sense.

[mjensen]

Awesome news about the funds for the truck! I'm glad to hear you're going to get back to working on it.

I would definitely blast the frame, but you have several options for coating. I went with Eastwood's Rust Inhibitor, and then top coated it with Extreme Chassis black. I ended up spraying it in the garage with just a Preval sprayer. Worked awesome and the coating has been pretty durable so far. I like the fact that I can just touch it up if I screw it up.

[Jahloha]

..

[Jahloha]

Final Decision on what to do with frame:

1. Sand blast frame (quoted $150)
2. 2 coats of Silver Primer from MasterSeries
3. 1 coat of topcoat, brand to be determined, but it needs to be brush applicable.

Suggestions on step 3?

[Jahloha]

Holy hell!

One thing I am learning is that I can get lost reading all the write ups, op eds, and comments on any of our forum threads. By reading so much, I would commit to something, then read another comment/post and change my mind haha. This went on for the past 48 hours.

But I officially purchase supplies and made a decision to my plan of action:

1. Sandblast frame, use compress air to free debris, and then use Marine Clean as grease remover
2. Apply 2 coats of MasterSeries silver primer with a 4" roller
3. Apply 1 or 2 coats of MasterSeries AG111 topcoat

What I learned from this decision making process:

You can read, read, and read some more and never feel settled. Haha, can't wait til I decide what engine/trans combo to use...should be ready to make a decision after about 3 months of reading!!

[kjdolphins]

Im enjoying the heck our of this and loving reading your build! Your frame should come out great; can't wait to see it!