What did you do with your truck today, Part 3

[MARTINSR]

I got some work done on the parking brake, I am very happy with it, tightened up a loose part, modified a washer to fit perfectly, it is going to work like new.

Brian

[MiraclePieCo]

Huge adventure with the truck today. I drove 100 MILES round trip to get some work done. Hard to believe that just a couple of weeks ago a trip around the block at 20 mph was a big milestone - now I'm driving 2 HOURS round trip! Truck didn't miss a beat, although my ears are still ringing from the lack of exhaust!

The truck was too low (I know, impossible right?). My front fenders behind the wheel opening were less than 3" off the pavement - I couldn't get out of my driveway without scraping, and a flat tire would have torn up some sheet metal. So I took it to a friend with a rack to work on it elevated instead of laying on my back underneath. He changed the front springs and replaced axle seals in the rear. With his expertise and equipment a job that would have taken me 2 weeks was done in 2 hours.

Now the truck sits almost perfectly level, with about 5" clearance. It doesn't look nearly as cool, but it is eminently safer and more practical - crucial since it will be a daily driver. Here's a "Before" pic taken on the way down; it was dark by the time we got the new springs in so the "After" pics will have to wait until tomorrow.

[DransportGarage]

100 miles with no exhaust? You'll be hearing bells for a while!

I put in the FatMat (actually "Rattletrap Xtreme" on the kickboard (?) and firewall on the passenger side, then hung the evap unit (again). Yes, the defroster ducts are in. My 70-year old body is very unhappy, however... (I'll be ready to go again tomorrow. )

[MiraclePieCo]

Originally Posted by DransportGarage

I put in the FatMat (actually "Rattletrap Xtreme" on the kickboard (?) and firewall on the passenger side, then hung the evap unit (again).

What is Rattletrap Xtreme? I think I need some.

[DransportGarage]

Originally Posted by MiraclePieCo

What is Rattletrap Xtreme? I think I need some.

It's a sound deadener like Dynamat, but cheaper. I got it for a buck a square foot at a swap meet from a guy 5 years ago, so I couldn't pass it up. Some say it will stink up the truck on a hot day. Some say it will stink when new, but it doesn't stink now, and it's still tar-baby tacky. We'll see. (I've got power windows!)

To make your choice of brand there are comparisons all over the internet:

https://www.google.com/search?client...UTF-8&oe=UTF-8

[oldman3]

MPC, great news on the trip, enjoy your ride...Jim

[DransportGarage]

Oh, MPC, I should have mentioned that the sound deadener won't replace the exhaust system!

[idbeast]

Originally Posted by dransportgarage

oh, mpc, i should have mentioned that the sound deadener won't replace the exhaust system!

roflmao

[mikebte]

Originally Posted by DransportGarage

Oh, MPC, I should have mentioned that the sound deadener won't replace the exhaust system!

Never been a truer statement. But it sure makes a difference. I drove mine for years with nothing, and after the noise barrier I feel it is way better.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=772817
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=771822

[vintovka]

Originally Posted by MARTINSR

.
I worked the entire day, I am BEAT. I can't wait to go to work tomorrow so I can relax. No, really, I will relax compared to this.

Brian

One, if not the only, reasons i miss working.

[MARTINSR]

Got the inside of the rear fenders prepped for primer that I plan on doing in the morning before heading off to work. The primer needs 24 hours at 68 degrees and at night it's going a bit below that so I will prime it in the morning and leave it out in the sun all day while I am at work.

I also got the front fenders up in the attic so they will be out of the way until I need them. Didn't think about that till today wondering what in the hell I was going to do with them, that worked good!

Brian

[mikebte]

Originally Posted by MARTINSR

Got the inside of the rear fenders prepped for primer that I plan on doing in the morning before heading off to work. The primer needs 24 hours at 68 degrees and at night it's going a bit below that so I will prime it in the morning and leave it out in the sun all day while I am at work.

I also got the front fenders up in the attic so they will be out of the way until I need them. Didn't think about that till today wondering what in the hell I was going to do with them, that worked good!

Brian

Nice! your making good progress.

[MARTINSR]

Originally Posted by MiraclePieCo

Huge adventure with the truck today. I drove 100 MILES round trip to get some work done. Hard to believe that just a couple of weeks ago a trip around the block at 20 mph was a big milestone - now I'm driving 2 HOURS round trip! Truck didn't miss a beat, although my ears are still ringing from the lack of exhaust!

The truck was too low (I know, impossible right?). My front fenders behind the wheel opening were less than 3" off the pavement - I couldn't get out of my driveway without scraping, and a flat tire would have torn up some sheet metal. So I took it to a friend with a rack to work on it elevated instead of laying on my back underneath. He changed the front springs and replaced axle seals in the rear. With his expertise and equipment a job that would have taken me 2 weeks was done in 2 hours.

Now the truck sits almost perfectly level, with about 5" clearance. It doesn't look nearly as cool, but it is eminently safer and more practical - crucial since it will be a daily driver. Here's a "Before" pic taken on the way down; it was dark by the time we got the new springs in so the "After" pics will have to wait until tomorrow.

WHOOO HOOOOOOO How friggin cool is that!

Brian

[MiraclePieCo]

I reinstalled the front bumper, and although I didn't get a chance to get the truck outside for photos, I did spend lots of time staring at it in the garage. I LOVE the new stance; although not as low up front, it's almost perfectly level which looks much more modern and less 1970s. It also reduces the bulbous look of the rear, giving better overall proportions. Next task: exhaust.

PS: Excuse me rambling on and on about my truck; I'm just so danged excited I can't stop!

[mikebte]

Originally Posted by MiraclePieCo

I reinstalled the front bumper and , although I didn't get a chance to get the truck outside for photos, I did spend lots of time staring at it in the garage. I LOVE the new stance; although not as low up front, it's almost perfectly level which looks much more modern and less 1970s. It also reduces the bulbous look of the rear, giving better overall proportions. Next task: exhaust.

PS: Excuse me rambling on and on about my truck; I'm just so danged excited I can't stop!

Your truck is beautiful and you should be proud of it,I like how it sits now even better.

[MiraclePieCo]

Originally Posted by mikebte

Your truck is beautiful and you should be proud of it,I like how it sits now even better.

Thank you. You're my new best friend ;-)

But seriously, I'm honored that you guys are here to share it with me.

[oldman3]

I think all of us that has gotten one to the point of driving it has felt that way. Welcome to the club...Jim

[idbeast]

I just had to do this!

[MARTINSR]

You should be excited, that is so cool!

Brian

[MARTINSR]

I got some parking brake stuff sand blasted, that was it. But I left the rear fenders out in the sun all day because I didn't like how the Ospho had stayed wet in a few spots. I hope to get out there in the morning and prime the inside of them tomorrow.

Brian

[mikebte]

Originally Posted by idbeast

I just had to do this!

Haha, I see this as I am placing an order for car parts.

[MARTINSR]

This morning I got the inside of the fenders primed, two cars washed (drove the Gran Sport because I couldn't park it back in the garage) all before 8:00 am, now I am at work with nothing to do.

Brian

[mikebte]

Originally Posted by MARTINSR

This morning I got the inside of the fenders primed, two cars washed (drove the Gran Sport because I couldn't park it back in the garage) all before 8:00 am, now I am at work with nothing to do.

Brian

Its nice that you could at least hang out here on your free time, but I'm really looking forward to you getting your truck done. Not sure what I am going to do once your all finished.

[MARTINSR]

Fenders are ready to prime in the morning, WHOOO HOOOO!

Can I go to sleep now?

Brian

[Michel]

Nothing special done to the truck, except that I have decided to go to work with it today. 4°C so a bit cold and dark. Took the truck out of the garage, and in the street. Close the garage door and jump in the truck, switch on the lights and... no lights !
Switch off, switch on, still no lights on the front! And here the great idea! press the foot switch and then lights on !!!!!! Go to work! 10 miles no heat in the cabin brrrr! need to use the sponge to clean the screen, but happy!