my 55 build need advise

[drivea55]

when having your body media blasted... what is best?

I been searching locally and found this link... http://newenglandsodablast.com/

is this the new type of blast or a gimmick?

i am contemplating removing my cab and having it blasted, media blasting is one thing but using baking soda? its new to me....

on my budget build I am seriously thinking of removing the body and having it done.

majority?....

thanks
Brian

[bensimmons_05]

Soda blasting isn't all that new. One guy on this forum just did his cab the other day. JML55 i believe.

Baking soda is lighter than sand or other media so it does not have the warping effects that can make the body work a nightmare.

you should be able to google soda blasting and get a good amount of information.

[mylow53]

every media has it's uses. if your cab is bondoed up pretty good soda may not get it out. soda also changes the metal preventing flash rust. i would talk to a pro have them look at your specific needs. i heard wallnut shells are pretty awsome as well. i did my entire truck with sand and i still had areas of bondo i had to remove by hand
GT

[Kabwe]

Soda also does not remove rust. I use SPI primer and they will not warranty their product if you use it over Soda Blasted metal. Soda Blasting leaves a residue that is crucial to remove for adhesion.
This is from the tech sheet for my epoxy primer.
"NEVER use SPI Epoxy over a Soda Blasted vehicle, Acid Etch/Wash Primer, Rust Converter or other Metal Treatments. NEVER!"

[blackdiesel]

i wouldnt soda blast it. i've used it on alunmium wheels, and thats its place IMO. a lot of paint companys will not warranty their product if the metal has been soda blasted

[drivea55]

wow!
thanks a lot guys... looks like sand blasting it is...

[drivea55]

sad day for my wallet...

I decided it was time to pull the glass and the windshield went fine and is safely in the basement then came the rear glass.........

was sooooo easy to remove.... it slipped out of my hands.....

need I say anymore?.....

[kalirodding]

That sucks. If you were closed i'd give you an extra one I have.

[hotrodrookie]

yea thats a bummer. My dad set my windsheild outside after we pulled it out. The wind didnt like it either....

Nice frame sectioning though!

[drivea55]

ah you noticed the frame... lol

[Kabwe]

Originally Posted by drivea55

sad day for my wallet...

I decided it was time to pull the glass and the windshield went fine and is safely in the basement then came the rear glass.........

was sooooo easy to remove.... it slipped out of my hands.....

need I say anymore?.....

If all you broke was a piece of glass consider yourself lucky.lol I misplaced and replaced and brought so much stuff I will never use I don't know what to do with myself.lol A mind is a terrible thing.

[bensimmons_05]

Originally Posted by Kabwe

If all you broke was a piece of glass consider yourself lucky.lol I misplaced and replaced and brought so much stuff I will never use I don't know what to do with myself.lol A mind is a terrible thing.

I'll give you an address to send the stuff you won't use.

Just trying to help out.

Ben

[Kabwe]

Originally Posted by bensimmons_05

I'll give you an address to send the stuff you won't use.

Just trying to help out.

Ben

Ha ha, are you sure you have enough room? Everything must go once I finish the truck. I've been know to change my mind a lot thats why I have so much crap.lol

[Muleman100]

One good thing about soda blasting is you don't have to mask off the chrome or glass for soda blasting doesn't hurt or mar the surface. It also does not warp the metal.

[drivea55]

yeah, this one guy I linked to wants $650.00 to do the cab, he is out of his mind...

[Kabwe]

Just to share some info I paid 250 to have my cab media blasted inside and out. 650 is nuts.

[drivea55]

thats what I figured, around 300 max.

[drivea55]

On the topic of power steering...

Does anybody know what year(s) truck parts work to converted to power steering using late model chevy parts?

I am bound to go junk yard hunting and would like to convert and also change the column on a budget.

what works? what does not?

need to know info,
I am keeping the stock front end so I would be adapting a column and gearbox to the original steering linkage.

advise?

thanks,
Brian

[bensimmons_05]

CPP has a kit to use a 73-87 chevy truck power steering box. This is the kit im going to use, but I don't have it installed yet so I dont have any pictures for you. check out www.classicperform.com

[drivea55]

pretty cool,
this seems to be the direct link to the kit
http://www.classicperform.com/Store/...ks/5559PSK.htm

[drivea55]

this isnt a truck update as much as a truck much needed update...

just got done running a new line to the garage so I can run everything needed for doing this truck. its really nice to be able to run the air, welder, heater, lights without issues...

thought there are a few guys out there that would find this a great step. i see it as a step back that I couldnt be workin on the truck but power is essential.

now to start grinding away...

[OrrieG]

That is a big step. When I bought my place in 1985 first thing I did was tear down the old single space garage and build my shop. I told her it was necessary to have a nice place to work and build all the nice stuff she wanted for the house remodel and addition. Wired it for 220, only think I regret is not putting in the toilet and wash sink.

[drivea55]

funny, I couldn't get her to agree to phone and cable while I was running the wires...lol

I even said I'd throw in a hammock...lol

brian

[drivea55]

heres a couple pics, still gutting the cab in order to remove it from the frame before the snow flies.

more pics to come, tomorrow to finish boxing the frame where it was shortened...

anybody running this same original tranny?... I am trying to get some info on how to replace the drum e-brake so this works right. I really like the look of the e-brake being the this way, no cables, just a drum right off the rear of the tranny.

whos got one?

[drivea55]

1st repair done on the cowl, I am not yet very handy with the welder so it was a pain in the ass to not blow through the sheet metal. damn amateurs...lol

I am sure I will get better as I go a long.

before and after not quite done but getting there.

brian