Project "My Happy Mess"

[Dieselwrencher]

The trim definitely looks great! Enjoy it now!

[litew8]

Thanks!

[litew8]

Who else knows that the lower/rear fender trim cannot be installed while the fender is installed on the truck.

[litew8]

Any suggestions on the make/model type of tire would look good with these mags? I was considering a bf goodrich a/t not sure.

[litew8]

Over 300 views since my last post but no suggestions The rest of the trim (for the tailgate) is in the mail.

[BigDaddyV]

I wish I had a suggestion for ya, I'm still doing the research for my tires too.

[Molberg]

What kind of stance are you after? Like an LT truck tire? Or a BFG radial TA like I have? (Car tire). I like the lower sidewalls myself.looks nice on rallies. Depends what look you're chasin.

[litew8]

Originally Posted by BigDaddyV

I wish I had a suggestion for ya, I'm still doing the research for my tires too.

Checked out your build, looking good. Those 17's you originally had and called 'garbage' I think looked decent. Kind of like mine, old school look. Granted, I don't think mine are that great either, could be worse I suppose. Sweet engine

Originally Posted by Molberg

What kind of stance are you after? Like an LT truck tire? Or a BFG radial TA like I have? (Car tire). I like the lower sidewalls myself.looks nice on rallies. Depends what look you're chasin.

Stock stance. I think the BFG radial TA's look good. I don't want a rough ride, but a taller filling tire I guess. Wish there were a website that'd show the tires on a picture when uploaded, that'd make it easier. I'm not in a rush to buy tires, but will eventually as the ones I have are dated. I wouldn't mind getting steel wheels either down the road.

[BigDaddyV]

Thanks for looking me up, Its slowly coming along. The reason I called those rims garbage is because 2 of them were cracked and welded up. they looked BAD. But thats another story.

[litew8]

I can relate. About a decade ago, some stranger was checking out my truck when returning from inside the local QT gas station. Apparently he was checking out my mags and said they were 'custom made' (like for during the TA erra, early 90s, late 80s) and that one had a hairline crack - and pointed it out to me. I'm thinking it may be from having tires mounted off/on over the course of their life. Either way, I think an investment in steel wheels is worth wild.

[litew8]

More trim installed. Pics up when I get some time.

[litew8]

I think I'll just keep/use the original mirrors.
They need a little cleaning. Do you think steel wool will clean them up?
From what I think I've read, these originals were triple plated.

[doubleb's69]

Looks awesome!

[BigDaddyV]

Killer! I would have chickened out with all that drilling in freash paint

[knomadd]

nice job on the trim. And that's a nice Olds. Is that a '56 Eighty Eight?

[litew8]

Thanks!

Intimidating to drill holes - it only took us 15 minutes of staring at it before getting the nerve to actually do it Especially the tail light bezels. The upper tailgate and above handle trim are the only ones left to install. We got the cab divider trim on the other day too (no pics currently) - you can barely see it in the first pic above. Tail light bezels are NOS I picked up a long while back. Cab divider, windshield and rear window trim are originals. All the other trim is Mar-K U.S.A. made. @knomadd, yep a 57' Olds 88 convertible. My brother repaired some seals in the transmission and fixed some electrical issues. Her name is 'Patty' and she's gone.

[swamp rat]

That would have been nerve wracking for sure.

I hear you can use #0000 steel wool with Coke, Or #0000 and CLR, might be a Youtube vid available.

[litew8]

Thanks man I've got some S.O.S. soap pads and some CLR stainless steel cleaner. Maybe I should see about getting the CLR rust removal stuff.

[litew8]

Learned CLR isn't recommended for use on Aluminum.
In other news, test drove this car (6.1) the other week ;


And then this one today

[swamp rat]

I thought the mirrors were chrome. ..

[litew8]

Ugh, it was a long day. You're right swamp rat. "•CLR Calcium Lime & Rust Remover Blasts Calcium Deposits From Glassware, Tile, Tea And Coffee Pots. Dissolves Lime Scale From Coffee Pots, Humidifiers, Tubs, Toilets And Sinks. This calcium/lime remover also zaps Rust Stains From Stucco, Brick, Porcelain, Chrome And Metal."

[swamp rat]

Heads up, i haven't used it myself so try it sparingly at first i guess.

[litew8]

I ended up buying a spray foam, Bar Keepers Friend since 1882 (made in USA) as it said removes rust stains and lists chrome. I'll give it a try and if it and the steel wool doesn't work I'll run out and get the clr - or try the stainless steel cleaner one I have. I also have NevrDull somewhere around here I can try too. I need to find the time and enthusiasm to get this done

[litew8]

Spent some time yesterday cleaning up the side mirrors.
I only used NevrDull and they brightened up some.
There's pitting on the underside of the elbow that isn't too visible.
Good enough for a driver. Still need some attention.
I'll probably replace the steel/nylon washers too.


















8' tall tomato plant

[litew8]

Eventually, these for the side mirrors -