74' by Jabes...

[Jabes1]

My blinkers would not self cancel, my hazards would not flash. Electrical wise the blinker system was intact. The blinker cam was broken and I could see it flex through the port on column where the blinker arm inserts. I was going to purchase a whole new blinker assembly about $35-$50, depending on where it was purchased from. I happened to be in Autozone and noticed in the "Oops" section they had just the cams themselves. They came two to a box for different years and all for around $8. I also noticed they had bushing and pin kits to repair the hinges on the doors which Ill be getting to shortly as well. Using a puller, I removed the steering wheel hub, next using another puller, depress the column lock and pull out the circlip retaining the column lock.



This piece of plastic is 39 years old at least. The top portion is what I am replacing, the rest of it was still good. I had already removed the centering springs in this picture along with the blinker arm.



Old cam and new cam. The contacts themselves are transferred to the new cam.



I cleaned up the contacts with a rag, acetone and cotton swabs. The contact were full of 39 years of dust, grime and old contact grease.



Contacts cleaned and transferred.



Cam installed along with centering pins and blinker arm. Later down the road, I'm going to pull the column, refinish the exterior and add a billet kit to it.



This green piece is what makes contact with the horn button. Mine is worn out and is the reason, why my horn isn't working. I'm going to have to order a new one. On top of this piece will be the column lock, circlip retaining pin and so on...



Finishing up for the day...

[Jabes1]

For my birthday last year, my significant other bought me some speakers to replace the factory rear cab speakers. They fit perfectly and sound 100x better! I also installed some kick pods (not pictured) designed for this model year with some component speakers and crossovers. Love the sound.

[Jabes1]

I’ve also been working on the cab and it’s the straightest it’s ever been. I’m not a fan of bodywork, so perhaps that’s why it’s taken so long to do. I think the fact that I’m getting older and want things done to the best of my ability also plays a key factor.

[Jabes1]

I haven’t taken any pictures of the cab after guide coat, but I will…

[Jabes1]

My girlfriend for Christmas last year gifted me this Astro panel stand and it’s pretty awesome! Makes spraying a whole lot easier in a small workspace.

[Jabes1]

My little helper is not so little anymore. I think my biggest push to finish this truck has been my daughter asking me to finish, so that I can take her to school in it. She’s loved this truck since she was little. I have to admit, I miss driving it!

[SCOTI]

Originally Posted by Jabes1

My little helper is not so little anymore. I think my biggest push to finish this truck has been my daughter asking me to finish, so that I can take her to school in it. She’s loved this truck since she was little. I have to admit, I miss driving it!

I followed in the beginning of the thread. Saw some updates & was hoping you included a pic of her w/the truck. Awesome!!

[Jabes1]

Purchased some Porterbuilt arms awhile back. They’re nice arms… that’s all I’ll say.

[Jabes1]

I decided to purchase a better spray gun. I ordered an Inest Iwata Bellaria. It wasn’t cheap, however when it came to spraying metallic the super wide pattern helped tremendously. Darn thing was worth every penny. I also purchased the Spectrum cup kit and couldn’t be more pleased with it.

[Jabes1]

And… let’s go!!! First base coat laid down. This is nerve wracking, to be honest but I have to just tell myself it’s a driver… don’t panic. Spraying with the doors on the truck was a challenge, not sure I’ll ever attempt it again, but managed to pull it off.

[Jabes1]

Coming right along, but with every bit of progress comes a few steps back and issues. Darn moth landed right in the clear coat. Going to have to fix it later.

[Jabes1]

Into the thick of it….

[SCOTI]

Nice looking color.

[Jabes1]

Thank you!

[SCOTI]

Originally Posted by SCOTI

Nice looking color.

Originally Posted by Jabes1

Thank you!

What is the color BTW?

[Jabes1]

I love when you get to a point when a project starts taking shape and it motivates you to keep pushing forward. Ordered some new weatherstripping for the doors and cab to door seals.

[lunatic1968]

Looking really good. I can't wait till I get to the bodywork/paint stage.

[Jabes1]

Ordered some taillight gaskets and installed them. I also ordered and installed new tires, since the tires that were on the truck were over ten years old. I purchased Nitto G2 255/35/20 front and 285/35/20 for the rears. Tires fit nicely and in my opinion are the perfect amount of sidewall in conjunction with the ride height. Also just pulled the trigger on a Vintage Air Surefit kit. Build time on these kits at this time is 12-13 weeks. I’m super excited about actually having AC in the truck and being able to enjoy it in the future Summer heat.

[Jabes1]

A few more items came. Pretty excited about the new dash! I read some of the reviews from different companies… hope the fitment is good. Also going to try CPP’s front swaybar. I’m kind of taking a gamble that it will fit with the PB arms. Not sure what I’m going to do with the factory swaybar.

[Jabes1]

Well, my gamble paid off! CPP’s sway bar fits! Saved some money over PB’s bar. CPP’s bar is actually pretty nice and a lot fatter than my factory bar. Win in my book 👍🏻

[Jabes1]

I’m pleased with the fitment of the replacement dash. I’m still assembling the interior. Not bad…

[Jabes1]

Inching closer and closer to an assembled truck. Painted the tailgate, tailgate handle, front bumper trim and color matched the power mirrors. I cleaned up the wiring job I did in my early teens and twenties…it was quite a chore however I have peace of mind that I won’t have an electrical fire. I have to troubleshoot my power door locks, as they aren’t functioning…

[Jabes1]

Finally wearing most of her face!

[SCOTI]

Getting closer! I'm excited for ya

[Jabes1]

Interior is coming together nicely. I finished cleaning up the rats nest of wires under my dash. Everything is loomed with appropriate length wires, no crimp connectors and I soldered and shrink wrapped everything. Gone are the days of random lengths of wire or spare unknown wires hanging down from the dash. I probably took 10-15lbs of wire and crimp connectors out of the truck. A little more assembly work on the front end as well…