Lookin' good. I went the same route with my frame ( wire wheel and elbow greese).
I used Eastwoods rust converter and topcoated with Rustoleum. It's alot cheaper to touch up later.

 

...that looks GREAT! Congrats......

That copper is wild lookin'......I'm diggin' that...

 

I have finally decided to stay with the straight axle...As of right now I am keeping the stock springs, etc for stock ride. I may change my mind down the road if I come across some more money for lowering springs/axle.


I have the toyota ps box and pitman arm...I just need the bracket and hoses and I will be good to go.

I have a mustang II mc and booster to put under the floor in the stock location.

I am going to upgrade to disc brakes and will probably get the kit from speedway motors. That will be next along with the brake line plumbing.

 

I have lots of pics with my son helpin as well. Hes 17 and graduates next year from high school. He thinks we should have the truck done for his prom night. I dont think so!!!!
Showed him how to weld and paint and all the other stuff that goes with rebuilding a old truck.

 

Thanks for all the kind words...

Money willing, I hope to keep up the progress in finishing the truck...either way, we will find a way to continue to build the memories together.

 

Got some more progress done on the front axle this time.
I am in the process of swapping front axles as my original axle was bent pretty bad. The only thing I am keeping are the spindles and steering arms. Everything else is getting rebuilt or replaced. I found a good used axle for $50 and decided to spend more time than was probably necessary cleaning it up and smoothing out the casting marks that run along the top and bottom of the axle.
I am kicking myself for not taking a picture when it was in primer because it looked smooth as glass...I almost went with a gloss black to highlight my grinder work, but I used the same hammer tone copper paint that I used on the rear axle. The downfall is that the hammer tone almost makes it look like I just painted over a rusty, pitted axle- but at least I know the truth of what lies beneath (and now you do too!)

 

Looks too nice to use! Unusual color choice, what color is the truck going to be?

 

Tracy david used that same color on his knukle buster project and looked pretty sweet. Im sure everyone has seen the TV show "Gears". If not your missing out! lol

 

Clay,

frame looks great as do the two axles.... love that copper color against the black... and you were right about how nicely it flowed out.... keep those boys involved... they will keep you motivated wanting to work on the truck

\john

 

Wow! That looks awesome Clay! Nice work. The copper was a great choice. Gotta love all the little helpers! Congratulations on #7?!

 

It changes quite a bit, but I am leaning heavy towards black suede finish. I also toyed with suede copper or a two tone copper/black.

-nordvik72, I didn't see the part on the knuckle buster where he used that color, but I do like stacey david and gears. I'll have to check it out.

- john n., thanks those compliments mean a lot from you...I am just glad to be getting to the suspension stage where you have been (even if you have been there more than once! lol)

- Phoenixson, Thanks- yep, number 7 was born on 11/12. He was a big 10lb 2 oz baby boy. We named him Cuyler...hopefully he will be out in the garage soon! Maybe he will get to see the project finished someday...

 

Did you install the crossmember? what kind of engine was sitting on it or will be? Im about to install mine and am curious of measurements.

 

Are you referring to my engine crossmember?
If so, yes, it has been installed (by previous owner) I haven't moved it. It will hold a 351c engine. What measurements do you need and I will try to get them to you.

 

Yes I noticed since it looks like the crossmember I bought to put my engine in. I have a 351c with a C6 transmission coming out of a 73 Gran Torino I am going to install and wondered if anyone could save me some time with some measurements or insight. Most everyone I talk to says I will need to mock everything up before bolting the crossmember in. Oh by the way nice work so far. I look forward to working on cars with my son one day like you. We brought him home from the hospital about three weeks ago.