Francis the Tow Pig - 1949 GMC 250 Dually

[joedoh]

hmm thats odd, maybe the proportioning valve needs adjusted? or maybe try a gravity bleed?

at least your shop is warm!

[OutlawDrifter]

Well I didn't get anything done on the brakes, but I did get all of the ground issues on the marker lights resolved.



In a moment of pure insanity....I put my 2500HD up for sale, only after purchasing another DD. I have always been a big fan of "sport" pickups...think SS454, Lightning, GMT800 SS, etc. In my search for a GMC 1500 2wd crew cab to build into a potent sport pickup, I ran across something a little more recent that caught my eye. So this arrived today, FX2 Sport package with 5.0L Coyote power...it has the same hp/tq rating as my 6.0L had in the 2500HD, in a lighter package. So far...and I hate to admit it...I'm pleased. Not my first Ford, but definitely the first one in a while.

[joedoh]

shes real purty!

[OutlawDrifter]

Well, yet again, I've been terrible about updating this thread.

Installed a new Dana 44 under the Camaro and it is functioning as expected. Lays black marks from both tires as I've been told. Found a brand new in shipping crate unit that was stashed in a warehouse in 1985. For those of you who aren't in the know. GM commissioned Dana to build them a warranty replacement and parts counter axle to replace the weak 7.5" 10-bolts they supplied in the 3rd gen F-bodies. They are difficult to find, and are the only "aftermarket" axle that accepts factory brakes that has a cast in torque arm mount. (I love "vintage" speed parts!)

Welded in the filler plates for the corner of the bed on the '49. It is now ready for paint. I've decided to make a simple floor out of 7/16" or 1/2" plywood for now. I was going to do diamond tread, but I want to have it done and be enjoying it. Also, the oldest daughter will be taking the truck to her senior prom, so I'd like to have it done prior to that.

I've got a couple of website carts full of parts for the Camaro. It needs the front steering rebuilt and needs the AC added back in. Next winter I will upgrade the front brakes and redo the headliner...this summer I just want to enjoy it for a change.

Took some time to clean the shop last Saturday, build some new shelves, and rearrange the shop a little.

At some point I will do all new weather stripping and and such in the truck and install an AC system of some sort. Like the Camaro, I just want to enjoy it this Summer.

[Advanced Design]

Truck is looking very good. That was a nice find on the Camaro diff!

[OutlawDrifter]

Originally Posted by Advanced Design

Truck is looking very good. That was a nice find on the Camaro diff!

Thanks Doug!

[Old57]

Looks good! I wish I was to the point of being able to drive mine. Still have a lot to do, and time to work on it is hard to get lately.

[lower50's]

Nice score!! I made my bed out of plywood for the first summer because I didn't know what to do with it. Then you will figure out what you want.

[OutlawDrifter]

Originally Posted by Old57

Looks good! I wish I was to the point of being able to drive mine. Still have a lot to do, and time to work on it is hard to get lately.

I completely understand that, seems like free time is the one thing I never have enough of. I did a mad push and went from bare frame and cab to a running/driving pickup in 5mo...burned myself out, I didn't even want to look at the pickup this winter!

Originally Posted by lower50's

Nice score!! I made my bed out of plywood for the first summer because I didn't know what to do with it. Then you will figure out what you want.

Yeah, I'm still up in the air on what I "really" want, I figured when painted, it will be a decent temporary solution.



In other news...turns out prom is next weekend, so I'll have some late nights this week finishing up the bed of the pickup! Guess I should pay better attention when my wife is discussing that stuff!

[joedoh]

Originally Posted by OutlawDrifter

I completely understand that, seems like free time is the one thing I never have enough of. I did a mad push and went from bare frame and cab to a running/driving pickup in 5mo...burned myself out, I didn't even want to look at the pickup this winter!

everyone needs a break!


congrats on the daughter wanting to drive it to prom, thats a real feather for a father!

[OutlawDrifter]

OK...luckily enough, the wife had the wrong weekend...it's NEXT weekend.

But...in other news:

69 year old lacquer buffs out pretty nice!

[Old57]

Nice job! Looks great.

[OutlawDrifter]

Originally Posted by Old57

Nice job! Looks great.

Thanks! Should have the bed wood coated and screwed down and ready for the weekend.

[Advanced Design]

Wow, that buffed out really nice! Truck is looking good.

[mongocanfly]

that did clean up real nice....

[joedoh]

i cant even believe how nice that buffed out

[OutlawDrifter]

Originally Posted by Advanced Design

Wow, that buffed out really nice! Truck is looking good.

Thank you

Originally Posted by mongocanfly

that did clean up real nice....

Thanks!

Originally Posted by joedoh

i cant even believe how nice that buffed out

You and me both! I debated for a long time whether or not to tie into it. Pulled out a wool pad and some Wizards Finish Cut and went after it. The back of the cab has the best paint, like most. The front is still pretty tough, but it's a nice blend of fade/rust/shiny paint. Also bled the brakes again, we'll see how it stops now. If it isn't any better I'm taking the proportioning valve out and plumbing straight to the master.


I put 2 coats of Tung Oil on the bed wood last night. I'll do 2 more tonight, and screw everything down tomorrow!

[lower50's]

I can't believe that it is that shiny, did you put any wax or something on it? Bed looks good.

[OutlawDrifter]

Originally Posted by lower50's

I can't believe that it is that shiny, did you put any wax or something on it? Bed looks good.

Thanks lower50s!

I did put some Wizards Shine Master on the doors, hood, and front fenders. Doors turned out ok, but the fenders and the hood did dull out some. I hand rubbed it instead of buffing with a microfiber pad. I'll probably pull the buffer back out with a wool pad and the Finish Cut and make one more pass. Even the Finish Cut will bead water, just doesn't last as long. On most of my DD's I just use NuFinish...it lasts a long time and does a good job protecting the paint.

[OutlawDrifter]

Pictures...cause, well, everyone likes pictures!

Still need to add a trim piece to the back (currently drying while I enjoy a barley pop) and calibrate the speedo. Sure does look good going down the road. Daughter had a great time and was appreciative of my late nights putting it together. Four coats of hand rubbed Tung Oil beads water very well!

[lower50's]

Looking great. Good to hear she enjoyed it.

[OutlawDrifter]

Looks like I need to update this thread a little.

Cleaned up some of the wiring in the engine bay, installed the headliner, a peep mirror, and took the '49 to a car show in Holton, KS. Had a lot of interest in the truck, brought some business in for the shop hopefully.

After multiple projects at once in the shop, it had become quite cluttered. I took an opportunity to use some downtime to clean and rearrange. Also had a chance to hang my new "Old Glory"...60 ft/sq of awesome!

I'm very pleased with how the pickup runs down the highway. It cruises at 68mph turning around 2400rpm. I was going to swap the 3.73's for a set of 3.23's, but I think I'll keep the lower gears, makes it more fun around town.

Now I need to do window/door/cab seals and put in some AC.

[OutlawDrifter]

Wow, I didn't realize I had been away for so long!

Been doing work on other things, finally replaced the Bobcat's radiator. Picked up a 2003 Mach 1 Mustang for the wife, so I've been making it to her preferences....

And...

The ol' '49 is finally lettered up and has the correct Aces High door art. Took it to the Midwest All Truck Nationals last weekend. Lots of interest in the truck and hopefully some business building some toys for others. Took 2nd in my "Utility" class. Mark Ripley of Ol-Skool Ripleys Pinstriping did the work. If you're near Olathe, KS and need top notch work...he's the man.







Also scored a Top 20 at another local show.

[joedoh]

outstanding finishing touches, that bed is poppin.

[Old57]

Man, I like that! Looks cool!