71 4X4 Frame off Restoration

[DWilbur]

Finally found stainless steel upper radiator tube that fit the rubber hose. the 1-1/4" measured 1-3/16" picked up 1-3/8" with 90 degree bend and had 3" cut off one end and orbital welded on. Thanks to Tim for welding it for me.

[DWilbur]

I delivered my sheet metal to Anthony early this morning. I stopped to add 2 straps as the cab was moving around on the trailer all parts made it safe 1 hour 40 minute drive.

[DWilbur]

I painted RC car body to get an idea how the paint will look.
going with 2017 Chevrolet SS Orange Blast Metallic and Black

[7dee2]

Good to see your project moving forward!

[Dieselwrencher]

Nice paint scheme. There's your drive line and power train for the crew cab in post 635.

[DWilbur]

Hay Dieselwrencher
I'm not ripping apart my Cummins to install it in my 71. I did try to find a wrecked Duramax but it was more than I was able to spend. some day I might be able to.

[Dieselwrencher]

I hear ya there. Those wrecked Duramaxes are bringing too much money for me too. I don't blaim you for not ripping a high dollar dodge apart.

[DWilbur]

My painter Anthony has started working on my truck. That's the good news. The bad news is he found rust in the bed sides and BONDO 3/4" think. So I decided to buy 2 new bed sides and remove the one I have. This will set me back weeks work and $2,200.00 in parts and labor. The cab had a small are above the passenger door in the rain gutter area that rust was found. The primer blew off with air gun after sanding due to the rust. The cab required a lot of blocking and reworking some areas to get it read to paint. some pictures of the rust found, right, left cab sides and roof. This is a learning curve for me I wish I had met Anthony when the body work started. Having someone do the metal work and body work. Then different guy finish and paint is costing me a lot of money. At least the issues are found now instead of later after painting.

[DWilbur]

https://youtu.be/OJ2ZrbEab2E
video of how thick the Bondo is on the right side of the bed.

[First c10]

Holy crap that's a lot of Bondo! I looked at several beds and decided I just find the best and work on it or buy new bed sides. Found a decent bed from a 72 but it has damage in the same area your bondo was but only had about 1/8".
Glad your getting it ready for paint. Can't wait to see it complete.

[7dee2]

Good to see your project is moving forward, looks like the new guy understands quality workmanship!

[swamp rat]

Better to find the hidden stuff now than after paint, I'd give kudos to the painter.

[Dieselwrencher]

That does stink, but at least he has found it and is fixing it right. It'll last you a lot longer that way. That sure is a lot of mud in the bed! I bet it'll be easier to install now though. Haha

[mud.man.rj]

Smart painter, knows his stuff and better now than again soon.
Mudman.

[DWilbur]

Things are moving along good now in a forward direction. the cab is ready for final priming and blocking. GMC Paul shipped the new bed side a week earlier than planed. just have to swap out the bedsides and weld in the gas tank door.

[7dee2]

It'll be painted before you know it!

[DWilbur]

In the 1 picture you can see how thick the bondo is. the old bead side have been removed ready to install the new sides.

[Dieselwrencher]

Man, someone spent a lot on bondo. It'll be way better now!

[DWilbur]

Shall I say " I can see the last of the bondo in the back window now.

[DWilbur]

On my way to Reno Air Races I stopped by the body shop to check out my truck Friday 9/15 and the new bed side are installed and looking way better that the old ones. just have to weld in the gas tank door and prep for paint. Anthony said they will start paint in about 3 weeks.

[Dieselwrencher]

Looking a whole lot better! Take some good pics at the air races for us! Is it jets or old war birds?

[DWilbur]

A few pics from the air races.

[Dieselwrencher]

Awesome, thanks! I love old war birds!

[DWilbur]

Bed sides are ready for final priming. then paint starts

[swamp rat]

Way better!