55.2-59 Ol' Blue

[8man]

After days of tinkering with the rear axle pinion angle, I got some wedge shims from O'Reilly's and the pinion is now set and torqued to about 2.6 degrees. I rechecked the engine and it was set as low as I could go and keep the oil pan above the crossmember. That meant I had to lower the transmission. So, I moved the transmission crossmember to below the frame, drilled the appropriate holes in the frame, mounted the crossmember. This put the rear of the trans at about 4 degrees down. I then shimmed the crossmember to bring the rear of the trans up to about 2.6 degrees and got back on the motor mounts.

Did I mention this is my first time welding in motor mounts? I got the POL mounts and started cutting them down a little at a time. After a couple of days of agonizing over the cuts and then the grinding down to make them fit, I was finally happy with the fit. Here is the rider's side tacked in place. The bolt goes in and out easily with the engine setting down as far as it can go.

That brought me to the transmission cover panel. The 4L60E sits a little tall in the cab. I looked at the 4-speed cover and didn't care for the size of the hump. So, I got a lesson from a friend who used a sheet steel roller to create the curve. I started cutting out the tunnel and welded in the new curved panel. I like the way it sits, and it doesn't cause too much of a curve in the floor. Should be pretty good covered in carpet.

[Tempest67]

nice work on both pieces, they look great

[8man]

Thanks Tempest.

[8man]

The test fitting is still in progress. I have to drill some holes for the wiring and the AC hoses, then I'll finish up the front and the doors, not in that order. I have the bed assembled, and just got the bumper, 13 of the 17 pieces of the rear bumper on the truck so I can check gaps. Man, I wish there was a video of how to assemble that! Here is what it looks like. The two long bolts are holding the drop-down door in place, because I'm not putting the chrome parts on it yet.

[dsraven]

I like your idea for the tank filler using the stock location. no hole to fill in the cab either.
hiding the lines behind the inner fenders is a slick idea. kabwe did that on his task force truck a few years back. I haven't heard hide nor hair of him on here for a long time. he does good work and fast too.

[8man]

Thanks Raven.

I wish I could take credit for the gas tank idea or the hidden ac lines, but Bob over in FLA did it first and shared his ideas with me. I liked them immediately and started work on incorporating them.

As an aside, the truck is sitting in my shop, waiting for the paint shop to be ready for it. Also, my buddy with the bore scope and pick, who has gotten these old doors open is coming over Tomorrow, Tuesday to "open" the rider's door. I'll report on his success, I hope!

[8man]

The grill was rusting and had been bent inward, it hit something. I sent it off to Gabriel to have it re-chromed and here it is now.

I saved a little money by having it shipped in pieces. That was a mistake. I'm not sure it is together correctly at this point.

I need to know what screws were used to bolt it into place. I need them to finish assembly. So, if you have an idea, let me know.

Thanks.

[dsraven]

Assembly manual should show them

[57tailgater]

See this.

[8man]

Thanks Tailgater, that helps. My assembly manual is more difficult to see, but that one I can read.

[8man]

Today is the day! I am taking Blue to the paint shop.

[dsraven]

Awesome. Wish it was me. I'm a long way from that.

[8man]

Raven, I just told the wife I'll be a little pumped up for a while, so just forgive me. She laughed and said, I know!

[Tempest67]

very exciting, ...............my wife reads me the same


Can't wait to see it in new paint,

[8man]

Thanks Tempest.

It will be a while, it is 5th in line, but they had a spot for it, so it sits there, not here.

[Tempest67]

I'm so far away from paint that seeing yours gives me some motivation to keep going. Thanks