Now that you have done one side, you will know exactly what to do from now on. It gets better lol I promise.

 

I'm going to the store to get some grade 8 bolts in a minute because they close early today. I'm determined to get the other side done and the hangers bolted up today.

 

I sure hope the other side goes faster! Now that I know exactly what to do, it should be easier.

Thanks for the support guys!

 

Well guys I finally got the best of those stubborn *** rivets! I still got one left though. I will get it tomarro. I know my neighbors were getting irritated with me banging on rivets at 9:45 at night. So I just pried the hanger off the last rivet. My next step is drilling out the holes for the bolts.
What do yall recommend 7/16 or 1/2 holes?

Heres some pics. Nevermind the rust, I didn't wire wheel the drivers side yet.

 

Finally!!

When I was knocking some rivets off of spring hangers on a truck I used an air chisel. I had tried the grinding thing and chisel was faster. You just have to be a little careful not to hanger if you want to save it.

 

What'ya gonna do for shocks? You do know they wont fit when your done..Hope your tallying up the cost of this "budget" lift kit,Grinding disks,bolts,chisel,U-bolts,Shocks,Longer brake lines,degree wedges ETC..........ETC...........ETC...

LOL! Just think if you bought a lift kit youd be already done for $350.00...Peer pressure is a B....h

But I will give you coudos for busting your a** and knuckles.

 

Yeah, buying a lift kit would of been easier, but I didn't have the whole $350 to spare when I started. I'm still within my budget, I haven't even broke $150 yet and all I need is bolts, U-bolts, degree wedges, and my brake lines needed replacing anyway. And I heard for a 2 inch lift I wont need shocks. But I'll see when the time comes. I don't think I will end up spending $350. It'll all be worth it when I'm done because I can say 'I did it myself'.

 

To answer your question, I would drill to 1/2" just because it is an easy size, and you get plenty of strength.

As far as piecing together a lift kit, if I do another coil front truck, I will piece it together. The kits are great for a bolt-and-go affair, but on my 74, by the time I made everything the way I wanted, half of my kit was thrown out anyway

 

There is nothing like the feeling you get when you stand back at a finished project that you have done your self.

 

Thanks Ted, I went out and got a 1/2 drill bit today. I'm hesitant on drilling it though, I don't want to drill the holes crooked.

I can't wait to see what that feels like!

 

Well after....two drills (I guess I fried the first one), raw hands, and a sore back..I got almost the whole frame wire wheeled. The only spots I have left is above the axle inside the frame. It was worth it though! It looks alot better!

Heres a couple before and after pics..





Sorry the pics are kinda crappy, it was getting dark when I finished.

 

Looks a lot better buddy! Keep up the progress.

 

Thanks Keith!
It's guys like you that keep me motivated and not to give up.

 

I'd recommend a step drill to drill the rivet holes bigger, I have the cheap ones from Harbor Freight and they work surprisingly well.

 

Thanks, I'll check them out.