What did you do to your truck today? Chapter II

[Richard2112]

Originally Posted by ghalperin

When I did my frame, I removed over 60 rivets. I have a Snap-On air hammer and used a new Snap-On chisel bit. It cuts the rivet heads off like butter. After cutting off the heads, I’d swap out the chisel bit for a punch bit and knock out the rivet. Easy peasy. Wear headphones and apologize to the neighbors afterwards.

Yeah, air chisels work great but like you say...it's loud.

I rebuilt my turn signal switch.

[CG]

I haven't even started my truck up for a week or three. Got a notice that the license tabs are due January 1st. Maybe Ill take it for a spin and get my new tabs (some of you call em tags). One hundred and six bucks to the state.

[71CHEVYSHORTBED402]

Originally Posted by ghalperin

When I did my frame, I removed over 60 rivets. I have a Snap-On air hammer and used a new Snap-On chisel bit. It cuts the rivet heads off like butter. After cutting off the heads, I’d swap out the chisel bit for a punch bit and knock out the rivet. Easy peasy. Wear headphones and apologize to the neighbors afterwards.

Sounds like a plan. As tempting as it is, I'm leaning toward keeping the frame rivets. I have to add a bolt though. GM missed one on a front bracket for the rear leaf springs.

Upper Ball Joints: Happy to say all the holes for the upper ball joints were done cleanly with a drill. I drilled through to 9/32", and the top plates to 19/164. Then I used a punch, which probably didn't do much. It was simple to remove the plate off with a pickle fork. Just traces of rivet left and simple to remove.

The holes are 3/8". A tight 3/8", but will tap easily. I figure the bolts for replacement ball joints are 3/8-16.

Lower ball Joints: I "rented" an Evertough ball joint press. As a disclosure, I don't know what the (*^ I'm doing. At any rate, I don't believe this tool works as intended, at least not for install that I can see, because the ball joint is too tall or the sleeve they provide is too tall, pick one.

However, I noticed the "pin" on the threaded rod of the tool pulls off, so I removed it. The ball joint stud then inserts into the threaded rod and will press out. Then I reinstalled the pin, and used a plate on top to remove the outer perimeter of the ball joint. It was very easy.................. Unless I'm missing something, there is no snap retainer ring with the original ball joints.

[ohboy321]

I hooked up the battery tender today. I use my K10 as a weekend driver, but winter arrived in New Hampshire last week, the roads are covered with sand and salt, so it will sleep in the garage until April.

[ghalperin]

Originally Posted by 71CHEVYSHORTBED402

Unless I'm missing something, there is no snap retainer ring with the original ball joints.

The lowers just press in, the spring puts enough force on the lower arm that they'll never move.

Years ago, I did some that were a little loose in the arm. We tacked them in with the mig and never had an issue.

[McToy]

New to the forum , figured I introduce myself...with a few truck pics...
I have a 72 GMC truck...original longbed cut short...actually a 78 frame with a 72 3/4 ton cab but the 1/2 ton axles etc...8 inch lift kit and converted from 2x4 to 4x4
So you see, quite a Frankenstein but I love my baby :-)

Cheers,
Ralph

[3757chevy]

Welcome aboard ,good looking truck.

[Clint72]

Well, today i gained a headache.
I figured out that the m/c i just put on may be the wrong one.
I also snapped my right rear bleeder valve.
All of this, after completely rebuilding my front brake system, and changing all brake lines.
Was really hoping to not have to rebuild the rear brakes yet.
Oh well, old truck problems.

[Barnfind46]

Repeat after me! Old trucks are fun! Old trucks are fun! Old trucks are fun!

[Metaldoc]

Originally Posted by 427Carl

air ? oh ya I forgot . Texas is warm .

I just put snownmobile electric hand warmers on my blower. Canadian living eh. The hulk is ready for more snow.

[el_fantasma]

P01s, going old school! When I get ambitious I'll paint/powder coat the wheels white so they really pop.

[Already Gone]

Originally Posted by el_fantasma

P01s, going old school! When I get ambitious I'll paint/powder coat the wheels white so they really pop.

Nothing wrong with P01's..

[Perpendicular]

Got the floor shifter installed. These things are finicky abut the end result is worth it!

Oh, and new shoes

[toolboxchev]

Driving it to Work!

[weq92f]

Got the heads off. Ready for the head work and new roller cam install to begin!!!!

[KQQL IT]

Got this done again, wanted to since I bought dad's truck back.

[VWNate1]

*VERY* nice ! .

? Did you do the painting or have it done ? .

[KQQL IT]

Originally Posted by VWNate1

*VERY* nice ! .

? Did you do the painting or have it done ? .

No, I wish I had his talent. A local pinstriper did it for me. Aged it a little @pinstriping_dan on ig

[VWNate1]

A *very* nice job there .

[SKT]

Originally Posted by KQQL IT

Got this done again, wanted to since I bought dad's truck back.

.

Looks great!

.

[Andy4639]

Installed the pusher bumper and 4 new rear tires!

[Drummerboy]

Power disc brakes, rebuilt rear drums, all bew brake lines, rebuilt front end, new spindles, ball joints, tie rod ends, etc....

[OregonNed]

I pat mine on the rear every time I walk by

[3757chevy]

Nice rear .

[mud.man.rj]

That rear is an artistic shot, looks like a painting.
Mudman.