"Crewcab Jake" the 84 to 74 conversion

[N2TRUX]

I cleaned and painted the C10 brake rotor and caliper that I'm running for now. I added new soft lines to ensure everything was at it's best. I had to cut the hardline to get the C20 brake line free. I'll pick up new fittings and flare the line to get back in business

[N2TRUX]

One side down and one to go. The drivers side is the "wet side" due to oil and power steering leaks. Consequently the layers of grunge were much thicker.

The old crossmember bracket was the first thing to attend to. I worked through the layers of nasty and sheared the rivets off.

[N2TRUX]

I bolted the new bracket in place so I could get an accurate scribe line. The mock up is crucial to getting an accurate scribe line.

[Rickysnickers]

I read through all 16 pages last night. Like always, very nice job. The one thing I was really curious about was the whole sponsorship thing. I won't ask about that though, as you already addressed. Your work makes me want to get a squarebody

[N2TRUX]

Originally Posted by Rickysnickers

I read through all 16 pages last night. Like always, very nice job. The one thing I was really curious about was the whole sponsorship thing. I won't ask about that though, as you already addressed. Your work makes me want to get a squarebody

thanks for following along. Your support and input is what keeps me motivated.

[N2TRUX]

Before I shut down last night I put a coat of paint on the frame. The bottom side of the crossmember was really nasty on this side. The section from the body mount to the suspension is good to go now.

[N2TRUX]

Chris and I got an early start today. We realized the steering box had to come off. The frame on this side was a wet oily mess that had to be stripped. It took a lot to work my way through it.

I'm glad we did it because I discovered the power steering hose from the pump was loose.
I have several leaks to chase down . I may have eliminated one from the long list.

[N2TRUX]

With a few coats of Krylon covering everything, it was time to get the drivers side put together. The crossmember brace goes on first. The upper arm comes next.

[N2TRUX]

The lower A arm comes next. The factory U bolts hold them in place. They take two nugga, nuggas to get tight.
The coilover assembly can be hung in place. Ridetech uses Fox brand adjustable shocks wrapped with a coil designed specifically for the application.

[N2TRUX]

Now that the arms are hung, the CPP modular spindle comes next. The modular spindle narrows the track width to help tuck taller tires.

[N2TRUX]

While waiting for parts to dry decided the front frame brace needed some love. Heres what I started with

[N2TRUX]

Originally Posted by N2TRUX

While waiting for parts to dry decided the front frame brace needed some love. Heres what I started with

I love it when I can access a panel to clean it up. The front cross brace and bottom of the core support fit that category. I was able to clean those panels and the inside of the frame rails fairly easy. I'll pull the bumper and get the end section of the frame rail once I get new brackets.

[Advanced Design]

Very nice. What did you use to clean the left side frame rail? It came out looking new.

[N2TRUX]

Originally Posted by Advanced Design

Very nice. What did you use to clean the left side frame rail? It came out looking new.

I use the same procedure on all parts when possible. I start with a wire cup on my small grinder. Its messy but effective. I follow this with a nylon bristle cup on my Dewalt 20v drill. Once the bulk of the grease, grime, and paint are gone I sand any rust spots to raw metal.
After that I wipe clean with brake cleaner and scuff it down with Scotch Brite pads. One last wipe before I cover with primer or paint.

[SBTork]

Originally Posted by N2TRUX

I use the same procedure on all parts when possible. I start with a wire cup on my small grinder. Its messy but effective. I follow this with a nylon bristle cup on my Dewalt 20v drill. Once the bulk of the grease, grime, and paint are gone I sand any rust spots to raw metal.
After that I wipe clean with brake cleaner and scuff it down with Scotch Brite pads. One last wipe before I cover with primer or paint.

The build is looking awesome Ken! Earlier you said you used Krylon paint on the frame, may I ask what type? I like the finish it gives and would like to use the same on my K5.

[N2TRUX]

Originally Posted by Chaplain

Thumbs up...

Originally Posted by SBTork

The build is looking awesome Ken! Earlier you said you used Krylon paint on the frame, may I ask what type? I like the finish it gives and would like to use the same on my K5.

Currently I am using Krylon Satin black "Color Master" which claims to have Paint & Primer combined. Walmart stocks the cans with 25% more at the same price as regular size cans.

Despite my skepticism about the primer built in, it does work on raw metal. The key to getting a good finish on any paint job is prep. I sand and scuff the surface it ensure adhesion. I also feather out any rough edges on existing paint.

[Chaplain]

Thumbs up...

[N2TRUX]

The past two nights my work schedule hasn't allowed me any shop time. Tonight I went straight to the shop and got started.

The steering box, and drag link had a good half inch of grease caked on them. It took a couple of hours with the wire wheel, Scotch Brite and brake cleaner to get the parts clean.

After a blast with the pressure nozzle I wiped the parts clean and prepped for paint. I decided to go with VHT Cast Iron on the pieces to have a bit of contrast.

[N2TRUX]

This morning before loading my truck for the day, I put final coats of paint on the steering box. Chris stopped by on his way home from work and hung the box in place.

[N2TRUX]

I got home later and followed his lead. I hung the remaining steering linkage and tie rods. I cinched all the castle nuts down and aligned the cotter pin holes.

[N2TRUX]

With the steering linkage in place I turned my attention to a shipment that came in today. I had ordered a set of hood hinges from Eddie Motorsports.
This is my second set and once again these are a work of art.

[N2TRUX]

Ok, fun was over now it's back to work. Farmer Fred didnt check any option boxes when he ordered Crewcab Jake. Its going to be my mission to correct that.
One option I always add to my builds is a tilt column. Its amazing how one or two clicks of a tilt column can improve driving comfort dramatically.
The exterior had years of grime to clean off and at some point it had been repainted flat black. I stripped it to the core and started over.

[N2TRUX]

After getting the surface stripped. I removed the shift and tilt lever, then masked off the ignition switch and blinker stalk.

[N2TRUX]

After cleaning the surface I laid down lite coats of paint. Despite my effort to go slow, I still had some paint reaction. I'll let it cure overnight and try again

[N2TRUX]

Its Friday night and I finished my day at a decent time. My wife fixed a great dinner and I headed out to the shop.
The Muscle Bar from Ridetech arrived so that was my first task for the evening. I unpacked the box and laid all the contents out.