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#401 |
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Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: calgary alberta
Posts: 8,026
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Re: Project: Tow-Rat (Lil' Blue)
is there a plan for a cross bar or stiffener at the front of the frame rails? maybe something to keep the rails at the same distance from each other would be good, other than the front bumper, just to cut down on the flex. I have seen the old front ends, like the cross member donor truck, and how much they can flex when dry steering. just a thought, don't want the bumper bolts flexing and cracking the paint or whatever.
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#402 | |
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Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: somewhere, PA
Posts: 1,071
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Re: Project: Tow-Rat (Lil' Blue)
Quote:
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#403 |
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Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: somewhere, PA
Posts: 1,071
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Re: Project: Tow-Rat (Lil' Blue)
did get to work on the 55 a little over the holiday, i was actually able to finish all my painting! just need to let a few more things cure for a few more days and we'll be good to go on assembly of a full rolling chassis.
front end is all together and the rear axle is too, just need to let the truck-arms cure to install. ![]() ![]() ![]() |
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#404 |
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Location: Scotts, Michigan
Posts: 3,770
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Re: Project: Tow-Rat (Lil' Blue)
Looks great. I love the contrast.
Marc
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…………...........__________ .................. ((__|__||___\____ ..;.;;.:;:;.,;..;((_(O))____ (_(O)) 1948 Chevy Truck - Finished SOLD!! 1953 Chevy Suburban "Family Truckster" Completed: Spring of 2021 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=605484 1994 4x4 Blazer - "Field Find" https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...ferrerid=30857 |
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#405 |
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Join Date: Nov 2015
Location: Smethport, PA
Posts: 1,213
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Re: Project: Tow-Rat (Lil' Blue)
It's almost going to be a shame to cover all that up with fenders
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85 K30 crew cab dually - Project http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=694939 87 Wrangler Rock Crawler - Reason for the project http://www.wranglerforum.com/f330/da...ld-122601.html 04 1500 crew cab http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=786514 |
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#406 |
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Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: Kitchener, Ontario, Canada
Posts: 3,254
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Re: Project: Tow-Rat (Lil' Blue)
Oooooooooooo So fun.
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http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=648459 https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=769441 1951 MG TD 1967 Jeep CJ5 1.9L TDI 33X13.5X15 Mud Grapplers. 1952 GMC 9700 p/u 7.3L diesel on air, dually |
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#407 |
6>8 Plugless........
![]() Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Prairie City, Ia
Posts: 17,140
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Re: Project: Tow-Rat (Lil' Blue)
Very nice! What are you using for the black?
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Ryan 1972 Chevy Longhorn K30 Cheyenne Super, 359 Inline 6 cylinder, Auto Trans, Tilt, Diesel Tach/Vach, Buckets, Rare Rear 4-link and air ride option Build Thread 1972 GMC Sierra Grande Longhorn 4x4 1972 Chevy Cheyenne Super K20 Long Step side tilt, tach, tow hooks, AC, 350 4 speed 1972 C10 Suburban Custom Deluxe 1969 Chevy milk truck 1971 Camaro RS 5.3 BTR STG3 Cam Super T10 1940 Ford 354 Hemi 46RH Ford 9" on air ride huge project Tired of spark plugs? Check this out. |
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#408 |
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Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: somewhere, PA
Posts: 1,071
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Re: Project: Tow-Rat (Lil' Blue)
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#409 |
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Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: somewhere, PA
Posts: 1,071
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Re: Project: Tow-Rat (Lil' Blue)
this weekend i really got after putting bolts in! now i just need to get more bolts
![]() got a few more things i can just bolt on to get off the shelf/floor, then i really need to start working on getting the engine in. transmission needs cleaned/painted, rear main seal, clutch, and painting the oil pan and valve covers with sound control before i stab it between the rails. once in i have more work that'll need done, but getting there. ![]() ![]() ![]() |
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#410 |
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Location: Scotts, Michigan
Posts: 3,770
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Re: Project: Tow-Rat (Lil' Blue)
Man....you were busy. Nicely done..
Marc
__________________
…………...........__________ .................. ((__|__||___\____ ..;.;;.:;:;.,;..;((_(O))____ (_(O)) 1948 Chevy Truck - Finished SOLD!! 1953 Chevy Suburban "Family Truckster" Completed: Spring of 2021 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=605484 1994 4x4 Blazer - "Field Find" https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...ferrerid=30857 |
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#411 |
Registered User
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: Kitchener, Ontario, Canada
Posts: 3,254
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Re: Project: Tow-Rat (Lil' Blue)
Looks so good!! Are you putting a trailer hitch or something joining the rear frame rails?
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http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=648459 https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=769441 1951 MG TD 1967 Jeep CJ5 1.9L TDI 33X13.5X15 Mud Grapplers. 1952 GMC 9700 p/u 7.3L diesel on air, dually |
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#412 |
Registered User
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: somewhere, PA
Posts: 1,071
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Re: Project: Tow-Rat (Lil' Blue)
as good as it feels to have it going together like this, cleaning the shop up feels even better. organized piles and open floor space with room to move! i spent as much time organizing and cleaning as i did on the assembly
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#413 |
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Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: somewhere, PA
Posts: 1,071
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Re: Project: Tow-Rat (Lil' Blue)
yeah, once i get the bed on there i'll need to weld in some kind of bumper mount and receiver hitch. i need the bed together before i can really place the hitch or either bumper though. i made a conscious decision to move on with chassis paint and assembly before i built the bed structure so i could paint the chassis outside before winter. it gives me a chance to drive it in the spring vs just starting paint then, but i kinda wish i had done it before at this point.
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#414 |
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Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: somewhere, PA
Posts: 1,071
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Re: Project: Tow-Rat (Lil' Blue)
yesterday i ordered more parts, mostly for the air and bulkheads into the cab. would be nice to have that plumbed for easier moving. last night i wrapped up the WATT's link and got the axle centered, then wrapped up the heat exchanger mount. there's just something mechanically sexy about the watt's, plus the duals, what an a$s on this truck.
![]() i think with that i'm as far as i can get cleaning up the shop and consolidating parts now until the engine/trans are in the chassis. so here we go. ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
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#415 |
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Join Date: Nov 2018
Location: Ishpeming, mi
Posts: 621
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Re: Project: Tow-Rat (Lil' Blue)
Wow, your feeling of accomplishment must be off the charts! That is coming together very nice. I’d be proud to show off that rig! Great work
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http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=780018 Jason’s 56 build |
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#416 |
Registered User
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: somewhere, PA
Posts: 1,071
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Re: Project: Tow-Rat (Lil' Blue)
thanks! was feeling pretty good last night, but kind of over-shadowed by knowing what's left still this morning
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#417 |
6>8 Plugless........
![]() Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Prairie City, Ia
Posts: 17,140
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Re: Project: Tow-Rat (Lil' Blue)
Thanks for the info on the paint. I heard there stuff was pretty good and relatively easy to work with. It looks sweet! That Watts Link is so bad azz! I really wanted to put one on the back of my 72 but was in a hurry to finish the rear suspension and didn't. Maybe someday I'll change that? Are you putting lizard skin on the oil pan and valve covers?
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Ryan 1972 Chevy Longhorn K30 Cheyenne Super, 359 Inline 6 cylinder, Auto Trans, Tilt, Diesel Tach/Vach, Buckets, Rare Rear 4-link and air ride option Build Thread 1972 GMC Sierra Grande Longhorn 4x4 1972 Chevy Cheyenne Super K20 Long Step side tilt, tach, tow hooks, AC, 350 4 speed 1972 C10 Suburban Custom Deluxe 1969 Chevy milk truck 1971 Camaro RS 5.3 BTR STG3 Cam Super T10 1940 Ford 354 Hemi 46RH Ford 9" on air ride huge project Tired of spark plugs? Check this out. |
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#418 |
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![]() Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Scotts, Michigan
Posts: 3,770
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Re: Project: Tow-Rat (Lil' Blue)
Nice work...Lots of progress. I was planning to re-look at my Watts link. I don't think I have it set up correctly. I was just reading some info this week.
At ride height my bars are parallel to the ground but my Watts center link is straight up and down which it sounds like it is not correct. Marc
__________________
…………...........__________ .................. ((__|__||___\____ ..;.;;.:;:;.,;..;((_(O))____ (_(O)) 1948 Chevy Truck - Finished SOLD!! 1953 Chevy Suburban "Family Truckster" Completed: Spring of 2021 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=605484 1994 4x4 Blazer - "Field Find" https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...ferrerid=30857 |
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#419 | |
Registered User
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: somewhere, PA
Posts: 1,071
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Re: Project: Tow-Rat (Lil' Blue)
Quote:
i have to put anti-seize on every washer before i tighten any bolts, and i'm still getting some that'll chip the paint in a twist right at the edge when i tighten them. the valve covers, oil pan, and tappet cover are known to be where a lot of the sound from a 12V comes from. the pump is the other major offender for being loud. while the engine is out i'm going to spray those bits with sound control lizardskin to see if it helps at all. it can't hurt right? |
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#420 | |
Registered User
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: somewhere, PA
Posts: 1,071
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Re: Project: Tow-Rat (Lil' Blue)
Quote:
is it acting weird driving it? i feel like any gains or ill effects would only be seen in times of high force. you don't really plan to road race that burb right? it's been a while since i ran the numbers or researched them much, but as long as you don't have a crazy short center link, or large amounts of travel while driving i can't see it being too much of an issue. though, adding some link length is probably pretty easy. |
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#421 | |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Scotts, Michigan
Posts: 3,770
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Re: Project: Tow-Rat (Lil' Blue)
Quote:
It will be easy to confirm. I just need to find my 1/2 travel and see that the watts and bars look like. Then adjust accordingly. Explained below (good info) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xWl3Cd7edgM This is my first rodeo with a Watts. Marc
__________________
…………...........__________ .................. ((__|__||___\____ ..;.;;.:;:;.,;..;((_(O))____ (_(O)) 1948 Chevy Truck - Finished SOLD!! 1953 Chevy Suburban "Family Truckster" Completed: Spring of 2021 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=605484 1994 4x4 Blazer - "Field Find" https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...ferrerid=30857 |
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#422 |
Registered User
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: calgary alberta
Posts: 8,026
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Re: Project: Tow-Rat (Lil' Blue)
as a heavy duty mechanic by trade I can say that when we install anything on a painted surface it is standard practice to clean the surface down to bare metal on the part and also the attachment point. then run a thread chaser on any threads required to attach, then a layer of anitsieze on the surfaces before installation. paint under an attachment will usually mean the bolts come loose at some point because the paint wears away or chips away between the parts as things get stressed and then you start over. I know some who install the new parts according to plan and then paint over that spot. it will likely show though.
if youre building a trailer queen or show truck, probably not a big deal. if you plan to drive it and want longevity, maybe mark around the part to be installed and buff the contact surfaces? |
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#423 |
Registered User
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: somewhere, PA
Posts: 1,071
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Re: Project: Tow-Rat (Lil' Blue)
any new build i like to go back and "nut-n-bolt" after use. with a jeep that's like one trail ride, but i was thinking more like after a cruise season with this. i do plan to tow with this, but defiantly not the first year. good info sir
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#424 |
Registered User
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: Kitchener, Ontario, Canada
Posts: 3,254
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Re: Project: Tow-Rat (Lil' Blue)
One thing I thought about looking at your big a$$ was.......... Oh wait that sounded dirty. Your rear end........ umm not much better. Your dually axle... there we go,
was you are most likely going to have to run lower air pressure in the tires. I run my 4 little 205/55's at 20 psi each unless I'm pulling a car trailer other wise I find the axle bounces over bigger bumps. Thought I would mention it while I remembered. I love the look of the dually with the BFG's
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http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=648459 https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=769441 1951 MG TD 1967 Jeep CJ5 1.9L TDI 33X13.5X15 Mud Grapplers. 1952 GMC 9700 p/u 7.3L diesel on air, dually |
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#425 |
Registered User
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: somewhere, PA
Posts: 1,071
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Re: Project: Tow-Rat (Lil' Blue)
wow, 20 seams low but that makes sense. i've never driven a DRW, so "dually noted"
first tires on my YJ after the axle swap were 35x15.5-15 SX's ... they ran at like 18 on the street ![]() |
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