Jack's Minty Fresh 68 Build

[Jack68]

April 28, 2024 I found a good deal on a Harley Sportster. I couldn't pass it up for $1,800. I had to borrow some money from my dad to make it happen because I did such a good job paying off my truck when he loaned me that money he was happy to help out. It will be weird to have a vehicle payment again. Now that I am 6'6" the bike a little small proportioning wise, but I don't think I will find a better deal and anything bigger will cost too much money. It was totally worth it.

[Jack68]

May 18, 2024 We have the truck back up in Gooding to start the suspension project. Before I do that I installed the new stainless steel thresholds and small diameter stock steering wheel. It is awesome how little details can make such a big difference. Some day I will be able to take out a dad loan and get my seat redone. lol. Even with my crusty seat I love my interior.

[Jack68]

May 24, 2024 Suspension surgery begins. It is fun to have my little brother Connor as my assistant, trying to teach him some of the things that my dad has taught me. We started out removing the brakes and spindles.

[Jack68]

We also removed the old ball joints.

[Jack68]

May 25, 2024 Back at it again the next day. My little brother did a great job sandblasting all the bits and pieces. Cut one full coil off of the front springs. We got every sandblasted and painted and epoxied black that is going back onto the truck. Wired wheeled and sprayed rust converter on the stuff that stayed on the truck, then a nice coat of epoxy black.

[Jack68]

May 26, 2024 I got the ball joints pressed and bolted in. Mocked up on of the spindles and it looks good.

[Jack68]

June 4, 2024 Finishing up the front end.

[Jack68]

June 28, 2024 I haven't found a 1/2 ton rear axle yet. But we decided to install the lowering springs anyway. Finally got it in the weeds.

[Jack68]

June 7, 2024 Out with the old rear end. I couldn't have done it without my trusty assistant. Was able to get the U-bolts out without cutting them, lots of heat and hammering. Not worth it just cut them.

[Jack68]

June 20, 2024 Installed a disc-drum proportioning valve off of a donor '72. We built a bracket to attach the drive by wire module. Same place we had it before but better than with just zip-ties.

[Jack68]

July 24, 2024 Guys from the show "Road Kill" and "Dirt Everyday" stopped by my dad's store randomly. Of all the days to miss work, it would have been awesome to be there and meet them. They loved my truck and even tried to buy it. My dad ended up giving them an alternator off of his Pontiac Ventura. It will be cool to see if it makes the TV show.

[Jack68]

September 18, 2024 Finally found my 5-lug rear end. Even better it came with the rest of the truck. I plan on swapping out the rear ends so it will be a heavy half lol. Just need to drag it home, its in the next town over. Got to get it drug home before the snow flies.

[Jack68]

September 19, 2024 Riding the Sportster Home after a football game. I can't believe this is my last year of football. Starting to get cold I need to get this truck back on the road for the winter and before my senior year is over.

[Jack68]

November 6, 2024 Our buddy Jake came through and hauled the truck to the store for us. I got right to tearing it out the same day. I have to get this truck drive able again.

[Jack68]

November 8, 2024 I wire wheeled and disassembled the rear axle and brakes. I also put the housing in the hot tank to clean it the rest of the way up.

[Jack68]

November 13, 2024 I got the brakes cleaned up in the sandblaster, put a good coat of black paint on most of the items. Turned the drums. All new bearings, seals, wheel cylinders, etc.
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[Jack68]

November 14, 2024 Painted the last items. I had to replace one break line. Then got everything put back together. This axle is as close to brand new as possible.

[Jack68]

November 15, 2024 Got the axle installed. New U-bolts (bent by my Uncle Joaquin), new track bar, and drilled out old shock brackets and installed drop shock brackets.

[Jack68]

November 19, 2024 Put it up in the air so we could bleed the brakes. Someday I need to build a truck that is this tall, monster trucks are fun.

[Jack68]

November 22, 2024 We got the passenger side tires all mounted up.

[Jack68]

Behold my creation!!!! Loving the dog dish hub caps.

[Jack68]

Well crap. A-arms rub on brake rotors we called CPP and they said no problem and grind a little bit. Got the truck off the ground and clearanced the a-arms. I liked this photo it looks like the truck is floating.





Got her back on the road and the a-arms rubbed on the rims as well. I guess that's really common with the modular drop spindles. Ground off a bunch more metal. Sorry no pictures.

[Jack68]

November 23, 2024 Maiden voyage without any rubbing. My baby made it home.




My dad got these pictures following my brother and I home.

[Jack68]

November 25, 2024 She's back in the school parking lot, where she should be. Here's a before and after photo.

[Jack68]

Decided to get rid of our inline fuse links and relays. They were supposed to be temporary just to get it going, but years later we were still using them. Found a clean fuse box with integrated relays this is going to look a lot cleaner than the rat nest hidden underneath the battery.