Previous owner '68

[raggedjim]

Seen it once in KY in 1978 but usually not that much snow. I did spend some time in Lakehurst NJ when I was in the Navy.

[raggedjim]

I took some time to try to treat and seal the insides of the doors. Not an easy thing to take pics of, but hopefully it will help to stave off the rust. Basically used phosphoric acid and a thick coat of rustoleum anti rust paint.

[raggedjim]

Then I started working on the dash. I welded up some holes I didn't think I needed. I'm an idiot! Now I have to redrill the holes that hold the heater controls.

[raggedjim]

Then I took a look at the ash tray. Not too good.

[raggedjim]

So I poured some phosphoric acid in it and cleaned it up a bit. I ended up hitting it one more time after this pic.

[raggedjim]

I started thinking, am I going to start smoking anytime soon? Nah dude, mom didn't raise no idiots! Well, maybe she did (my brother smoked until he died, and I love him, but sometimes I'm pissed off at him for choosing to do some of the things he did). He was the second part of Junk Bros, and now I have to do all this crap by myself. I miss him.

Anyway, I started thinking maybe a cup holder would be more useful than an ashtray. How hard could it be? Just cut a hole, easy peasy! Ohhh, my, gods...

I know, some of you are thinking "what about the passenger?" Well, my wife has two hands and when I'm driving she isn't doing anything more than telling me what the speed limit is 2 miles ahead. She can hold her own drink, I'm busy driving over here! I've seen the other drink holder conversions, hmmm, a bit flimsy for my neanderthal manners.

[raggedjim]

Dang, there's a lot to figure out on this! It had to fit the large McD's cup so I started there.

[raggedjim]

But I don't always drink tea, so I came up with a way to hold my favorite Snapple flavor.

The black ring will be in the glovebox ready for duty if needed. Not the most elegant solution but I'm less than elegant.

[zicc1835]

Originally Posted by raggedjim

But I don't always drink tea, so I came up with a way to hold my favorite Snapple flavor.

The black ring will be in the glovebox ready for duty if needed. Not the most elegant solution but I'm less than elegant.

neat creation....

[72 tigger]

Nice craftsmanship

[raggedjim]

I have the support bar spring-loaded and when you pull the holder out it rides on the dash and folds down. When you push it in it folds up.

But I didn't like the idea of the rod rubbing on the edge of the dash so I added a magnet to hold it up when pushing the holder in.

Still lots of cleanup to do on this but the hard parts are done.

[pjmoreland]

Great idea, nicely executed, and a much better use for that component

[Steeveedee]

Looks good! I should do something with my ash tray, too. Smoking? My wife smoked about a pack a week when I met her. She quit in '83 before she got pregnant with my eldest son, who was born in July, 84.

[raggedjim]

Thanks guys. I'm trying to add a video so you guys let me know if this works.


https://www.facebook.com/share/r/188VLDaugk/

[raggedjim]

I added some support to make sure it would work well with a load on it. I also did some rough bondo and paint on it.

[raggedjim]

I got the slides I used from a flea market wire drawer I bought for $6.50. Here it is after I had cut it up. I also used the mesh to make some cowl guards, I don't ever want to have to do the cowl area again.

[raggedjim]

I was looking at the heater controls and noticed the bezel has a broken standoff on it. This limits how far the bezel can stick out from the dash. So I drilled a hole and inserted a roll pin. I also cleaned the bezel up a bit.

It ain't perfect, so that's perfect for me.

[raggedjim]

And, to quote the artist formerly known as Prince, "Maybe I'm just like my mother, she was never satisfied" I did this. Some will hate it, I love it, so it stays.

I also drilled out the heater control holes I had welded in. As long as I am around I will always be busy!

[zicc1835]

another quote " beauty is in the eye of the beholder " and I think just maybe you have given someone this advice just maybe .....its your truck and if you like it ...it doesn't matter if someone else doesn't. Im going to wait and see the dash done to give my opinion whether I like it or not ....my opinion that is ....Im all in on being kraftee ( not a real word) ,creative and putting your personal touch on your creation is refreshing ....especially after all the work you have already dedicated to this build ....

[Scurry67]

I dig the custom cup holder. That’s a cool use for the ash tray. Looking forward to the next update.

[raggedjim]

Thanks guys. I'm trying to get everything test fitted before I paint the dash.

[raggedjim]

I've been under the weather the last few days (allergies, cold, whatever) and today is the first day my nose wasn't running clear water by the gallons. And it's a beautiful day in western KY, so I took advantage of it and did some painting. Dash came out okay but the glovebox door is gonna need some love...

[raggedjim]

A couple more, pictures are good.

[zicc1835]

one of my favorite colors ....lookin good

[jaros44sr]

Times two on the color
Plus that salmon color
Glad you’re feeling better
Didn’t know that these dashes bolt in