Danny Boy is BAACK! w/ '55 Big Window

[Dan in Pasadena]

Originally Posted by oldman3

Checking things off the list, way to go...Jim

Yeah, but I'm getting frustrated. There are so many smaller things (compared to what's already been done) that eat so much time. The goal date was Memorial Day weekend which is like 5-6 weeks away and I'm sure we're not going to make it now.

[ChuckDriver]

Don't rush it Dan, you'll be much happier in the end!

[II_Slow]

I stopped setting a deadlines. Haven't missed one since! It just got to be an emotional drain missing specific milestones. Now I just roll with it. It will get done when it gets done.

[58CameoAZ]

All "Good Things" come to those who wait!
Ya, how many times have we heard that? But when you get that far we all get a
little anxious. Your truck will be worth the wait Dan, It is going to be awesome
when its all together and it is making its own "Rumbling" noise! with your foot
on the accelerator!

Allen

[Dan in Pasadena]

Wednesday April12, 2017

I think you guys are right about my deadlines. Went to the powdercoater today and found they'd powdercoated my hood latch panel black and the latch red. Was supposed to be the exact opposite. DOH! Now they have to start all over again, add days.

The inner fenders were being blasted while I was there. They'll be ready Friday.
I dropped off the hood hinges (satin black) and the seat sliders. Sliders will be blasted only to take off the rust. I'll spray them dull aluminum so they look new again.

[bobinbc]

Just keep checking things off the list and it will get done, Dan. Don't force it, this is something to enjoy.
Plan to go to the show you were going to take the truck to on Memorial Day but just relax and enjoy this last show. Once you have your truck done you will probably spend most of your time at shows answering questions and receiving compliments..... (and you won't want it out of your site Lol)

[Dan in Pasadena]

Originally Posted by bobinbc

Just keep checking things off the list and it will get done, Dan. Don't force it, this is something to enjoy.
Plan to go to the show you were going to take the truck to on Memorial Day but just relax and enjoy this last show. Once you have your truck done you will probably spend most of your time at shows answering questions and receiving compliments..... (and you won't want it out of your site Lol)

Thanks Bob. I don't have a show I'm planning to attend Memorial Day. I just sort of unofficially consider that the start of summer and want to have the truck to drive and play with.

If I take it, probably the first time it'll ever be at a show would be the Brothers show in July...maybe...if I'm in town - have to check my vacation plans.

[Russell Ashley]

Dan, I second what the other guys have already said. Roll with it and let it happen, enjoy the project instead of letting it get you up tight. You will have the truck to enjoy for a long time so no need to rush it.
Also, you can buy new window regulators for $75 each side. I'm not sure how much money, time, and aggravation you will save by trying to find rollers repair your old ones. I just checked Bow Tie Bits but you might find them cheaper some where else.

[Dan in Pasadena]

Originally Posted by Russell Ashley

Dan, I second what the other guys have already said. Roll with it and let it happen, enjoy the project instead of letting it get you up tight. You will have the truck to enjoy for a long time so no need to rush it.
Also, you can buy new window regulators for $75 each side. I'm not sure how much money, time, and aggravation you will save by trying to find rollers repair your old ones. I just checked Bow Tie Bits but you might find them cheaper some where else.

Russ,
After searching, I've read some bad things about repop regulators. That some will strip their gears after relatively short use.

Over on another forum someone pointed out that replacement regulator rollers are available on LMC for only $2.95 ea. The tiny drawing they provide doesn't really give any detail other than to show there's a rivet that holds them in place. I don't have a factory assembly manual (yes, I SHOULD) but when I get my regulators back from the blaster I'll take a close look and see if it's just a matter of prying the rivets out and hammering the new ones in. If someone has a more detailed description/drawing of this, posting it would be very appreciated.

As an aside, after I found my hood latch had been mistakenly powder coated red I told Marcos I'd just buy a repop one cause they're cheap. He advised NOT to. His experience has been negative with almost all repop items for these trucks and especially latches of different kinds. So it went back to be re-blasted and coated black.

I actually think I will miss the fun and anticipation of working on a project. I find myself looking at other car and truck projects - not that I'll have much money to build one after this expense, lol. But incredibly I am learning a LOT just by watching in detail the progress of my truck.

[Flysocal]

As long as you are checking things off the list, you're moving forward. It will all be over soon and you will miss the process.

[Dan in Pasadena]

I think you guys might like to see these photos. It's a GMC with a Chevy clip. Mike says the owner (someone here?) has had it many years and Mike's shop has done lots of work to it. It's a small block. I don't know what trans. It has some kind of wide 10 bolt rearend because those rear wheels are 275/35/18's and you can see they have rubbed even though the bed is mildly tubbed. Anyway, enjoy. Gold metallic isn't my taste but it really is a very pretty truck. Big kudos to the owner, whoever he is.

[lowdownstar]

good looking ride...

[oldman3]

Very nice ride...Jim

[Advanced Design]

Wow, bright and beautiful!

[Dan in Pasadena]

Thanks guys. The gold is growing on me!

[Dan in Pasadena]

Friday, April 14, 2017

Picked up parts from sandblasting/powdercoating today. I delivered the inner fenders and hood latch panel to the body shop. I didn't unwrap them so sorry, no photos. But they looked GREAT considering how crusty the wheel well side of the inner fenders looked before. The original owner had put some kind of undercoat on them, it partially fell off over the years and rusted heavily below. I thought there might be some cancer holes after blasting but no, they came out clean as a whistle. Old heavy gauge metal made the difference.

I also had the seat tracks, window regulators, hood hinges, fender strut rods and hood latch done. The regulators and seat tracks were only blasted. I worried the coating might interfere with them sliding so I painted them silver. I had some ancient silver VHT but it worked fine. Has a lot of metallic but dried nearly flat. I'm still not sure the seat sliders should stay stock silver or if i should paint them black? Depends on whether I use light or dark carpet I suppose.

Pic's:







I assume the flat marks you see below are the factory clinching of the rivet that I THINK holds the plastic rollers on. Does anyone know if you can just pull them out with pliers or are more intense measures required - torch? I hope not!


FYI: Found a DIY window roller replacement video online: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=xF1rok1yN9s

[G&R's57GMC]

Coming along nicely

Good tip on roller replacement .

Just wondering , had you thought of going with power window regulators ?

[bobinbc]

If the cranks shafts aren't wobbly in your regulators then roller replacement is the way to go = cheap. Great video from Danchuk!

[Russell Ashley]

Are the rollers still available? Surprisingly, I didn't need the rollers but I had to replace my regulators because the teeth on the shafts were worn on the ends from PO's trying to keep using worn out handles. I said surprisingly because everything else inside of the doors was worn or damaged.

Good video. I wouldn't have thought about using the ball peen hammer to set the end of the shaft like that.

[Dan in Pasadena]

Definitely not going power windows. I've read too many threads saying the conversion kits are not reliable and of poor quality. Besides, I like the old-timey-ness of crank up windows and i will have vent windows and modern AC!

No, my window cranks are not wobbly at all. But I don't know how I should best lube them? I'm tempted to use dry graphite in enclosed part surrounding the shaft of the crank because it wouldnt be too hard to get in there. But I think something like white molybdenum grease would do a better job, I just can't think how to get it into that little housing!

Anyway, my inner fenders are already being massaged where Mike welded some small holes shut. Marcos said he'll paint them this week and I SHOULD be able to deliver the chassis to him by Thursday or Friday this week. That means the cab and front clip should be mounted on the chassis by about 4/26 or 27. If that happens then the truck can be returned to Mike for finalizing the build while the bed parts are final painted.





I took a quick shot of the painted hood but it is out of focus - sorry.

[Dan in Pasadena]

Wednesday, April 19, 2017

Stopped by the bodyshop today to verify what date they can receive my chassis? Monday the 24th is the date. The marriage of cab, front clip and chassis will then happen and I'm hoping it'll be ready to go to the shop for wiring, start-up, etc by the end of the week or the 28th (fingers crossed).

Marcos; the painter, didn't know I was stopping by today but was still color sanding & polishing the cowl, dash top and back wall of the cab. I'm REALLY pleased he does the right thing even if no one will see.




Different subject entirely: Rims. I've been looking at every dark colored Task Force I can find online to narrow down which I want. I decided on 17's (though Mike was kinda pressing for 18's) I'd given up on 5 spoke Budniks or Boyds because they are just too expensive. It would be easy to spend $1500-$2000 just for rims, no tires- no way! I'd decided I'll be happy with Coy C5's or possibly Torq Thrust II's

BUT THEN..... my nephew found an ad on OfferUp for a set of Boyd's 17's that are filthy and neglected for $350 obo. Seller claimed they were on a parts car Camaro he bought, didn't know how wide or the backspace on them. Plus, they were 6 hours+ from me but only 1 hr away from him. Nephew bought them for $300 for me yesterday. Said he took his life in his hands because 3 bearded, heavily tattooed (even on their faces and necks) 20-something bikers living in the middle of nowhere greeted him. Says he nearly just scrammed outta there, but it went ok. He says they're not bent but one has some repairable damage on the inside bead - but they still hold air. At only this price I feel like I stole them and I can afford to have them professionally repaired and re-polished. I'm REALLY pleased about this.

"Before" condition:


What they'll look like "After":


...and if i decide i don't like/want them i can flip them without losing money

[bowt1ed]

Hey Dan, are those Junk Yard Dogs? What width? Nice

Cheers, Jim

[Denee007]

I love the picture of your dash! Yes, I'm still lurking around watching! You're doing great!!
dne'

Originally Posted by Dan in Pasadena

Wednesday, April 19, 2017

Stopped by the bodyshop today to verify what date they can receive my chassis? Monday the 24th is the date. The marriage of cab, front clip and chassis will then happen and I'm hoping it'll be ready to go to the shop for wiring, start-up, etc by the end of the week or the 28th (fingers crossed).

Marcos; the painter, didn't know I was stopping by today but was still color sanding & polishing the cowl, dash top and back wall of the cab. I'm REALLY pleased he does the right thing even if no one will see.




Different subject entirely: Rims. I've been looking at every dark colored Task Force I can find online to narrow down which I want. I decided on 17's (though Mike was kinda pressing for 18's) I'd given up on 5 spoke Budniks or Boyds because they are just too expensive. It would be easy to spend $1500-$2000 just for rims, no tires- no way! I'd decided I'll be happy with Coy C5's or possibly Torq Thrust II's

BUT THEN..... my nephew found an ad on OfferUp for a set of Boyd's 17's that are filthy and neglected for $350 obo. Seller claimed they were on a parts car Camaro he bought, didn't know how wide or the backspace on them. Plus, they were 6 hours+ from me but only 1 hr away from him. Nephew bought them for $300 for me yesterday. Said he took his life in his hands because 3 bearded, heavily tattooed (even on their faces and necks) 20-something bikers living in the middle of nowhere greeted him. Says he nearly just scrammed outta there, but it went ok. He says they're not bent but one has some repairable damage on the inside bead - but they still hold air. At only this price I feel like I stole them and I can afford to have them professionally repaired and re-polished. I'm REALLY pleased about this.

"Before" condition:


What they'll look like "After":


...and if i decide i don't like/want them i can flip them without losing money

[Dan in Pasadena]

Originally Posted by Denee007

I love the picture of your dash! Yes, I'm still lurking around watching! You're doing great!!
dne'

Hi Dne! It's nice to hear from you. We need an updat from you on your latest adventures -car/truck related or not.

Hope all is well. Anything new with your truck or contemplating any changes?

My truck is draining my checking account fast but I'm having a blast doing it exactly my own way. Take care, please don't be a stranger. Best, Dan

[Denee007]

Hi Dan!! I'll give you a sneak preview of what I've been doing for the past almost 3 years, then I'll post a thread on a short summary of the adventure later this evening.

Quickly, as for my 59 Apache, it's in storage; I get it out now and then for car shows. I'll be back on board not too far from now cause I have to do something to the firewall, but that's another story which I'll be back on here in the not so distant future!

"My truck is draining my checking account fast but I'm having a blast doing it exactly my own way. Take care, please don't be a stranger. Best, Dan[/QUOTE]"

I just put this one picture as I don't want to take away from you fabulous build! And believe me, I know what you mean about the cost of our toys!
So here is a little tease I've put 70 miles on it; I have more work to do ,but at least it's running!
dne'