Project - '69 4x4 named "Patches"

[1969k10stepside]

Have any pics of the new front springs for it? I was wondering how much arch they have.It's gonna be sweet when it's done.

[sdailey]

Originally Posted by 1969k10stepside

Have any pics of the new front springs for it? I was wondering how much arch they have.It's gonna be sweet when it's done.

Here you go Dustin. Hope this helps.

[sdailey]

Well we had some nice weather here yesterday (finally) so I was able to make some progress on Patches with the help of my bro-in-law.

We rolled the frame outside and let it "warm up" a little while we went and got a few supplies.

The chassis paint from PMI (www.nomorerust.com) was really easy to apply. We opted for the foam brush method. I think it turned out pretty good for the most part. I decided to use their satin finish, but it looks pretty glossy to me. Either way it turned out nice.

I'm not making as much progress as I'd like to, but it's progress none the less.

[Richard8971]

I like it! I'm gonna keep my eye on this one! Good luck on the rest of the build.

Don

[Richard8971]

Have you picked a color yet? Any specific shade of red?

Don

[sdailey]

Originally Posted by Richard8971

Have you picked a color yet? Any specific shade of red?

Don

Don,

I was thinking of Victory Red, but who knows at this point.

[jkaylor68gmc]

Looking good

[slammed1]

Nice project.

Glad to see you getting hooked up with parts.

I would think the 33's would be a tad small,and cant wait to see the truck sitting on them.

[sdailey]

Originally Posted by slammed1

Nice project.

Glad to see you getting hooked up with parts.

I would think the 33's would be a tad small,and cant wait to see the truck sitting on them.

Slammed1,

I pondered on 33's vs 35's for a long time and finally decided on the 33's based on the number of trucks on here running 33's and a 4" lift.

[msgross]

nice build.... I missed this thread until you PM'd me... glad to see some of my research being put to use on another truck. I'm happy with the paint as well... remember that it should cure more than 48 hours between coats... or I think it needs scuffed. Looks great and shiny too... I would have thought that the satin would be duller. I do know that the primer won stick to new cold rolled steel without being scuffed... my springs clamps flaked off...oops

I'll keep an eye on this one too and hopefully we can help each other out with tips and tricks... Love those tires...

[Madmandav]

Nice, I know what you mean about axle cleaning being a pain.

[msgross]

I had mine blasted, didn't cost that much... hopefully they didn't getmuch sand in the oil though!


did you get a leaf spring lift for all four wheels? If not you could do a rear shackle lift, keep your original springs while you have the rear shackles off...

[sdailey]

I had a flap disc to use on the axles but I figured I couldn't get into all of the different nooks and crannies with it like I could the wire wheel. After spending an entire afternoon of cleaning the rear axle I decided to have the front one blasted. What a timesaver that was.

Mike I used an all spring lift on the truck. Everything on Patches was pieced together (hence the name) so I started from scratch with everything pretty much. The rear axle is complete and actually is sitting on its on 2 wheels as of now. I'm trying to button up the front axle now so I can have a rolling chassis to admire soon.

I'll be posting more pictures soon. Stay tuned.

[sdailey]

Look what followed me home yesterday.....

A new 350-290 hp GM crate motor



I got it unloaded and had planned on finishing the front axle but somehow that didn't happen. Anyway, I snapped a few pictures of the frame as it sits now.





The MTR 33 x 12.50's on 12" Eagles

[sdailey]

I finished the front end finally and pushed the frame outside for a few glamour shots. I must admit I was grinning pretty big when it rolled outside for the first time.





I still have to run the brake and fuel lines (after I decide on a tank), finish painting the tranny/transfer case crossmembers and motor mounts and get them installed, replace the tie rod (it looks straight in the pictures, but its not), and install the power steering box. Once that's done I can start on the motor and tranny.

I've looked at my cab numerous times trying to find a way to salvage it, but it's too far gone to try and repair. So I'll be looking for a cab pretty soon. (hint hint) The bed is in really good shape though, other than the tailgate. Oh well one day at a time.

[Frizzle Fry]

You're makin me want to build a 4x one day. Do you like that paint more than POR-15? Exp with both?

[sdailey]

The Master Series paint and primer both went on really well and I would recommend them to anyone. The only "problem" I had with the paint was that I had a few runs in it. No complaints other than that. I applied both the primer and paint using foam brushes from Home Depot and it covered really well. I've never used the POR-15 stuff, so I can't speak for their product. I went with the Master Series line based on the results other members had with it and also the customer service I got when I called with a few rookie questions about it. Good luck with whichever one you choose. I'm sure either one will do just fine.

[see ten]

Looks good so far bro! However I do have doubts about it fittin through that garage door once the cab gets mounted.

[sdailey]

Thanks for pointing that out Asa. I've already noticed that "problem" as well. We've actually been looking into building a 30 x 30 garage for extra space anyway. We've already had some site prep done.

[sdailey]

Progress on Patches has been slow lately. I still have a few odd and end things to finish the frame. I ordered an aluminum fuel tank to mount under the bed and I received it last week, but haven't had time to mock it up yet. Many thanks to msgross for getting a group discount on the fuel tanks.
The tank looks good for the most part, but there are a few things I'll have to fix before I install and use it for the first time. Simple things like deburring all of the holes that were drilled and angling the vent tube to face the same way as the filler.





I have been looking for another cab and got lucky (for a change) and found one less than 10 miles from home. It needs some rust repair as well, but not as much as my original cab needs. I got the cab and both doors for $200. Part of the original plan was to install a 71-72 front end on Patches, so I picked up a '72 hood from the same guy with the cab.



New cab floor




Original cab floor

[msgross]

I have a all the floor patches for sale if you need any, I can't see pics at work so hopefully your tank came out ok...

[see ten]

That tank looks huge!

[sdailey]

Originally Posted by see ten

That tank looks huge!

It looked smaller on paper. The tank is only 13" at the rear and slopes down to 12" in the front. Once it gets powdercoated black and I install a hitch and the rear bumper you'll never see it. At least I hope not anyway.

[sdailey]

Originally Posted by msgross

I have a all the floor patches for sale if you need any, I can't see pics at work so hopefully your tank came out ok...

Mike,

What brand patches do you have? Tri-Plus? PM me a list and prices on what you have. I was a little disappointed with the over all quality of the tank. There were small things that we spelled out in my drawings that didn't happen, but no biggie. I can correct those issues myself.

[msgross]

Originally Posted by sdailey

Mike,

What brand patches do you have? Tri-Plus? PM me a list and prices on what you have. I was a little disappointed with the over all quality of the tank. There were small things that we spelled out in my drawings that didn't happen, but no biggie. I can correct those issues myself.

That sucks about the tank, I had a few small issues but they won't affect the installation. Did you contact Dave? Overall im pretty happy, especially for the price. Let me check on the panels. I purchased the panels from Jerry at the TN truck shop. He usually only sells the best parts, since he builds trucks himself. What city are you in? I might be driving to lower AL again next month...