55.2-59 Ol' Blue

[8man]

Well, having decided on front and rear suspension, I finally got to start working on the frame, removing the stuff it won't be needing.

I have used a Rotocut bit, grinders and even an "All-Wrench", but these old rusty rivets are a PAIN to get out. It took almost 2 days to get the front spring perches and the other things riveted to the frame off, and I'm only back to the crossmember behind the rear cab mounts.

I was going to leave the tranny crossmember until I get the new IFS installed, and then take it out.

IMG_1485 by Robert Moorman, on Flickr

That's the complaining portion of this post.

The good news is that I only have a few more rivets to get out, and the rear spring perches are included in that, and it'll be ready to get blasted or dipped. I'm going to talk to the shop that dips cars and see what they say about doing frames, and talk to another guy who media blasts frames to see which way I want to go. If anyone has some experience with this, please let me know.

[8man]

I got the frame sandblasted to get the decades of gunk off of it. I got my TCI MII front suspension, and started on the frame. I have welded up some small holes where they used a cutting torch to take off a trailer hitch, I think. Then I started reading the instructions for the MII front end. I have measured and checked level until I'm absolutely crosseyed!

So today I trimmed the boxing plates to fit as instructed, and welded them in.

IMG_1506 by Robert Moorman, on Flickr

Then I finished the welds so it looks smooth.
IMG_1507 by Robert Moorman, on Flickr

So, boxing plates are done, the frame is cut out on the bottom so the crossmember will slide up into place, and it has been test fit at least once.

Installing the crossmember will be a job for another day.