"Elwood" the 77_remix

[N2TRUX]

Ok, this time I promise its for real. In my defense, I just couldnt pass on an opportunity to work directly with RideTech in Beta testing their coil over kit for 73-87s. With that officially behind me its time to get this party started.
Link to install here- LINK

Last night I organized the shop trying to find room to store old parts, and new ones that will be arriving soon. When you eliminate storing parts in the cab and bed of two trucks, space becomes an issue. With as many parts as possible stashed away its was time for tear down.

I had planned on having assistance to remove the bed but my helpers couldn't make it so I went solo. I don't prefer the method I used, but it works when your on your own. I hooked ratchet straps to each corner and ran them to a shackle. I hooked that to a chain hoist and slowly lifted the bed off the truck.

With the truck out of the way I lowered the bed down on some old lawn furniture cushions. This allowed me to hook the ratchet straps to the tailgate latch and lift tilt the bed on end. With the bed precariously perched on the cushions, I lifted each side and my wife slid a furniture dolly under each corner.

Now that the bed was mobile, I moved it off to the side. To ensure stability while working on the bottom, I used the ratchet straps with the shackle around a ceiling brace. This will allow me to work on the bottom of the bed with a bit less concern.

[N2TRUX]

With the bed stable I started the clean up process. It bothers me that the bolts that hold the fender sells in are too long. I like to trim the excess off to give the wheel wells a cleaner look.
I cut them a with a cut off wheel, then clean the cut with a sanding disc. Yes, I know it's a minor thing that will probably go unnoticed but it makes me feel better when it's done.

[SKT]

.

Woot Woot!!!

.

[gringoloco]

Clean as always. Plans for updated suspension, or are we just doing cleanup on the existing setup?

[N2TRUX]

Originally Posted by gringoloco

Clean as always. Plans for updated suspension, or are we just doing cleanup on the existing setup?

Yes, and yes. The rear will be updated with the latest RideTech 4 link using the new stainless steel rod ends with delrin bushings.This will include the all new composite Shockwave.

I plan to relocate the air tanks opposite of the gas tank. This will allow room for a true dual exhaust system that will exit out the rear.

[N2TRUX]

Today I focused on the bottom of the bed. I removed the tail lights and harness. With that out of my way I turned my attention to the wheel wells. I sanded them with 150 grit to etch them for adhesion. I followed that with a solvent bath then masked them off.

With a well prepped surface ready, I loaded the schutz gun with Medallion rubberized undercoating and turned the pressure down. I laid a heavy texture on the wheel wells with several overlapping coats. This will protect the surface and dampen road noise as well.

[N2TRUX]

While waiting between coats I prepped the back of the bumper. It bothers me that the back side of the bumpers are prone to rust so I spray them with chrome paint. It's not as bright as real chrome, but it does prevent rust.

[Chaplain]

Up to date

[N2TRUX]

Originally Posted by Chaplain

Up to date

I'm a mile behind, but plan to press forward as fast as possible.

[Chaplain]

Take your time and do it right as you always do. I was simply signaling that I am up to date with the "inspirational" reading.

[N2TRUX]

Originally Posted by Chaplain

Take your time and do it right as you always do. I was simply signaling that I am up to date with the "inspirational" reading.

No worries buddy.

[N2TRUX]

Tonight my focus was on the bottom of the bed. I plan to use a different undercoating on the bottom of the bed floor. I do this because I want the bottom of the bed and cab to match and it's impossible to apply the Medallion coating laying on your back. I don't plan to pull the cab so using aerosol cans is my best option.

My experience has been good with Dupli-Color UC-102 which is a quick dry rubberized undercoating. If you decide to use this make sure you get this exact part number. They make two that look similar but one is very slow to dry.

[N2TRUX]

Preparation is crucial to acquire good adhesion. Unfortunately that means sanding and cleaning the entire surface of the floor. I scuff the surface with 150 grit to get some bite, then wipe it clean with Scotch Brite and brake cleaner. In the process I discovered an area behind one wheel well that needed additional attention. Over the years rocks had chipped through the factory seal coat and surface rust had set in. I sanded the area and treated it with Rust-Mort.

With the surface prepped I had planned to mask and spray. I discovered I was out of masking paper so I switched to another project.

[daddyjeep]

I have had good luck with the Duplicolor Undercoat as well. I did the inside floor of my truck for another layer of deadening as well as my gas tank. It lays on pretty thick.

[N2TRUX]

Originally Posted by daddyjeep

I have had good luck with the Duplicolor Undercoat as well. I did the inside floor of my truck for another layer of deadening as well as my gas tank. It lays on pretty thick.

I have tried several brands with mixed results. Most were extremely slow to cure. The worst was one of 3Ms that wasnt cured 3 days later. That was a fun task scraping all the old off so I could do it again.

I took a break last night to spend time with the family. My daughter and Son-in-law recently moved to a new neighborhood. They wanted to have a traditional Halloween gathering. We had chilidogs and passed out candy. We spent the evening watching the Astros loose game six to the Dodgers. Despite the loss it was a great evening with the family.

[N2TRUX]

So last night my social media feed was SEMA this, and World Series that. I was out in the shop like Lonestar Throwdown 2018 is gonna be lit.

Actually, I hustled home after a long day on the road and masked of the edges of the bed. Fortunately the DupliColor undercoating doesn't have a lot of over spray so its a quick process. I got the bed covered and started laying down coats of spray.

While it does need to cure over night, it flashes quick enough that consecutive coats can be laid down quickly. With two wet coats laid down I sprayed a light "texture" coat to get a surface that wasn't porous. In the past I didnt do a smooth texture coat and eventually top coated with satin black to seal the finish. I m hoping to avoid that this time.

[gringoloco]

The missing areas of cross-sills; is that for exhaust routing or?

[N2TRUX]

Congratulations to the Houston Astros and all of their fans. Im your typical fair weather fan and didnt really follow the season. The post season play was truly exciting to watch and the World Series is being touted as the best in decades.
We are Houston Proud.

[N2TRUX]

Originally Posted by gringoloco

The missing areas of cross-sills; is that for exhaust routing or?

Those in the rear were notched when it was originally lowered with shackles. The cross brace wont clear the longer shackle.
The two notches on the smaller center brace are for the C-notch. Since its thick and covers the top of the frame it needs additional clearance.

If I planned to use the bed to carry loads I would consider boxing them. Instead, I sprayed inside them with undercoating to seal it.

[N2TRUX]

AwwLast night I worked on the tail light harness. The factory runs all the bulb grounds together and solders them. they are wrapped in old school cloth tape that disintegrates with age. There is a couple of spade connectors and extra length on some of the wiresthere that I like to eliminate as well.

Once I have all of the repair work done, I check and clean the sockets. I use 3m tape to bundle the wires till I cover it with mesh loom.

[N2TRUX]

I worked late last night and traffic was horrible so my shop time was limited. The tail lights lenses and bezels are in good condition, so I decided to restore the housing. I cleaned and sprayed the back side satin black. Once cured I gave the inside a few coat of chrome silver.

[N2TRUX]

Considered my options for tail light bulbs and decided to go with LEDS. I dont feel the LED panels that are available are the look I'm after so I started research on replacement bulbs. Trust me there are a gazillion optoins out there so I started by looking at the well known brands like Sylvania, and Phillips. They are pricey and the reviews were not flattering for the cost, so I moved on.

After looking at several brands, I ran across iBrightstar. The reviews were excellent and answered my two big concerns. I had forewarned that some replacement bulbs wont fit inside the tail light housing. The iBrightstar bulbs are shown as the exact same size so clearance wont be an issue.

My next priority was brightness and color. Ironically many of the brands I looked at had complaints that the LEDs werent much brighter than stock. Another common issue is the bulb emitting a blueish hue. According to me reserach the iBrightstar emits a very white light.

I ordered them from Amazon Prime. The 1157 and 1156 come in 2 packs for 15.99 and the 194 2 pack is 14.99. Thats certainly not cheap, but competitive with the name brands and much better reviews.

I got free 2 day shipping so I expect them to be here tomorrow. I plan to do a side by side comparison as soon as they arrive.

[N2TRUX]

Moving along with the small parts and pieces. I mocked up the harness and measured for spacing of the clamps. With some minor adjustments made I wrapped the wires in mesh loom.

[N2TRUX]

With that done I marked and drilled the bed for the screws that will hold this in place. I gathered a handful of nylon clamps and stainless screws. The screws wont be seen, but I couldnt leave them dull. A few mintues of polishing and they looked much better

[N2TRUX]

I noticed that the tailight pockets were dirty and had compound dust inside. I couldn't put my freshly restored light assemblies in a dusty, dirty pocket. A quick clean up with Scotch Brite and a coat of satin black made them much better.
Yes, that's paper towels instead of masking paper. I ran out of paper and wanted to finish before heading out to buy more.