55 239 Y-Block Restoration Thread
#796
I made some progress this weekend. I dug into the wiring a bit to start to finish it up. I've been really close for a while, but busy or unmotivated.
So, I got the headlight in and all hooked up with the headlight relay and dimmer switch.
The only problem I have is that the right side blinkers aren't working. When I turn on the blinker, the rear lights up solid and the front does not light up. I must have a ground issue somewhere. The blinkers work find for the left side....Or maybe something not plugged in correctly.
I also decided to start up the engine. It hasn't been started for months. Once the fuel pump got gas up there it started fine. Now there is a drawback from having the exhaust dumping out not far behind the cab....the garage was filled with exhaust even though I had the garage door open. So, I didn't run it long and have a fan blowing out the garage.
So, I got the headlight in and all hooked up with the headlight relay and dimmer switch.
The only problem I have is that the right side blinkers aren't working. When I turn on the blinker, the rear lights up solid and the front does not light up. I must have a ground issue somewhere. The blinkers work find for the left side....Or maybe something not plugged in correctly.
I also decided to start up the engine. It hasn't been started for months. Once the fuel pump got gas up there it started fine. Now there is a drawback from having the exhaust dumping out not far behind the cab....the garage was filled with exhaust even though I had the garage door open. So, I didn't run it long and have a fan blowing out the garage.
#797
Glad your back on the ole truck. I've seen a lot of old cars, trucks and hot rods out lately. Really makes me wanna get out and cruise. I changed my 56 to a C4 and am still trying to figure out a steering column. Also installed some mono front springs and can't seem to find shocks for them.
Exhaust in the house.
I thought we had the directional working when I left last time.
Pretty sure we had problems with grounds. I'd bet that's your problem again.
Exhaust in the house.
I thought we had the directional working when I left last time.
Pretty sure we had problems with grounds. I'd bet that's your problem again.
#798
#799
Good grief!!!! I was talking to my dad about the work I did this weekend and walked out to the garage as I was talking. I mentioned grounds and the fact that my left rear taillight had the wires unplugged earlier today.
As I was talking I peeked in the cab and looked at my wires. Lo and behold, there was a wire unplugged. I plug it in and everything works. Good deal!!!
Now to clean up the wires in the cab, put on the steering wheel, throw in a seat and I'm street legal. Now all I need is a free weekend or evening for that matter.
Time to look for insurance and get it licensed.
As I was talking I peeked in the cab and looked at my wires. Lo and behold, there was a wire unplugged. I plug it in and everything works. Good deal!!!
Now to clean up the wires in the cab, put on the steering wheel, throw in a seat and I'm street legal. Now all I need is a free weekend or evening for that matter.
Time to look for insurance and get it licensed.
#800
Good grief!!!! I was talking to my dad about the work I did this weekend and walked out to the garage as I was talking. I mentioned grounds and the fact that my left rear taillight had the wires unplugged earlier today.
As I was talking I peeked in the cab and looked at my wires. Lo and behold, there was a wire unplugged. I plug it in and everything works. Good deal!!!
Now to clean up the wires in the cab, put on the steering wheel, throw in a seat and I'm street legal. Now all I need is a free weekend or evening for that matter.
Time to look for insurance and get it licensed.
As I was talking I peeked in the cab and looked at my wires. Lo and behold, there was a wire unplugged. I plug it in and everything works. Good deal!!!
Now to clean up the wires in the cab, put on the steering wheel, throw in a seat and I'm street legal. Now all I need is a free weekend or evening for that matter.
Time to look for insurance and get it licensed.
What shape is your seat in? I don't remember you showing pics of your seat.
#801
My seat is just a frame at the moment. I've been afraid to start to tackle that job yet. It is not comfortable with a sheet over the springs. I can get some cushions and throw them in for a little extra padding until I get it repaired.
As for the exhaust. I was smart (I've been yelled only a few hundred times, so I'm starting to learn) I made sure the door from the garage to the house was closed. Then as soon as I realized there was so much exhaust, I turned the fan on and didn't run the truck too long. I then proceeded to go out the garage door and in the front to prevent getting the exhaust in the house. Gwen was out while I was doing this. When she returned, she didn't comment, so I think I did alright.
#802
I found a 55 plate and checked with the DMV and it was free. So I got it in, got me some insurance and decided to get my truck licensed.
Well, I go to the license office in town and they say I have to do that in Jeff City. No, problem I work in Jeff. So, I go to the license office in Jeff at lunch on Monday. I have to go to the main office downtown....grrrrr..... I get there and they are on #9 I grab #20 grrrr.... I decide to wait since I'm here. It goes pretty smooth and I get my truck registered.
First time my truck has been registered to drive since 1972!!!
Tonight I put the tail light lenses on. (I have waited to do that to reduce the chance of someone hitting and cracking them.)
Of course I took pictures.
My son has a baseball tournament, so I won't be home much unless it gets rained out. WE have 100% chance of rain on Saturday, so Friday might be his only games. But if it is raining, I won't be getting it out to drive. We will see...
Well, I go to the license office in town and they say I have to do that in Jeff City. No, problem I work in Jeff. So, I go to the license office in Jeff at lunch on Monday. I have to go to the main office downtown....grrrrr..... I get there and they are on #9 I grab #20 grrrr.... I decide to wait since I'm here. It goes pretty smooth and I get my truck registered.
First time my truck has been registered to drive since 1972!!!
Tonight I put the tail light lenses on. (I have waited to do that to reduce the chance of someone hitting and cracking them.)
Of course I took pictures.
My son has a baseball tournament, so I won't be home much unless it gets rained out. WE have 100% chance of rain on Saturday, so Friday might be his only games. But if it is raining, I won't be getting it out to drive. We will see...
#804
Over the weekend I started working on the bench seat.
I cleaned and painted the back and did some work on the base as well.
The drivers side has some broken spring. Here is an old picture. I took lots of pictures but nothing that shows the broken springs as a whole.
Since the springs need fixing, I decided to take it to an upholstery shop and see about having them fix them. Well, after talking I decided to have him do the whole seat. As we were talking he asked if I new a guy. Well that guys nephew is dating my daughter. As we were talking he drove up. He is working on a Chevelle and putting a 527 in it. Come to find out, this guy also had my mother in law as a kindergarten teacher. Small world. Well this upholstery guy knows cars. I know I will get it done right and he says it will be between $400 and $500. More than I want to spend, but it will be done right.
I need to get him pictures of the original seat cover. He wanted a piece of it, but that is long gone. He took the time to ask me what I wanted to use the truck for and we discussed cloth vs vinyl. I will be going with a cloth for more comfort, but try to keep it looking stock.
I cleaned and painted the back and did some work on the base as well.
The drivers side has some broken spring. Here is an old picture. I took lots of pictures but nothing that shows the broken springs as a whole.
Since the springs need fixing, I decided to take it to an upholstery shop and see about having them fix them. Well, after talking I decided to have him do the whole seat. As we were talking he asked if I new a guy. Well that guys nephew is dating my daughter. As we were talking he drove up. He is working on a Chevelle and putting a 527 in it. Come to find out, this guy also had my mother in law as a kindergarten teacher. Small world. Well this upholstery guy knows cars. I know I will get it done right and he says it will be between $400 and $500. More than I want to spend, but it will be done right.
I need to get him pictures of the original seat cover. He wanted a piece of it, but that is long gone. He took the time to ask me what I wanted to use the truck for and we discussed cloth vs vinyl. I will be going with a cloth for more comfort, but try to keep it looking stock.
#807
Yeah, I can't wait to see how it turns out. I was talking to my wife about picking colors and she said they sat on old burlap feed bags, the seat was pretty worn out by 1970.
It seems the seat had been repaired at some point in it's life. There were a couple of spots that once pointed out to be were obvious repairs. I guess it was used hard during it's life.
Gwen's grandpa was only about 5'4" and not much weight. So it wasn't size that wore it out.
It seems the seat had been repaired at some point in it's life. There were a couple of spots that once pointed out to be were obvious repairs. I guess it was used hard during it's life.
Gwen's grandpa was only about 5'4" and not much weight. So it wasn't size that wore it out.
#808
Way to go Joe! Great job on the plate and the registration. Love the shield taillights.
What is that rear cross piece at the back of your frame?
About the seat, you could probably fix the springs yourself. I did. And if I did anyone can. But maybe it's a matter of time. Tip: use the thinnest seat foam you can get. I got 2" foam and I think I am sitting too high.
Come one! Buy the original NOS stuff. I can give you the number of the place I got mine. It is woven vinyl and it breathes and is easy to clean. No more sticking to the seat on hot days. Sounds like I got that from the Ford Dealer catalog!
What is that rear cross piece at the back of your frame?
About the seat, you could probably fix the springs yourself. I did. And if I did anyone can. But maybe it's a matter of time. Tip: use the thinnest seat foam you can get. I got 2" foam and I think I am sitting too high.
Come one! Buy the original NOS stuff. I can give you the number of the place I got mine. It is woven vinyl and it breathes and is easy to clean. No more sticking to the seat on hot days. Sounds like I got that from the Ford Dealer catalog!
#809
Abe, when I put the shields on I was surprised at how good they looked.
The rear cross piece is the "bumper". The triangle piece has holes for a trailer hitch ball and safety chains.
After looking at the repairs needed and my available time, I decided it was best to have someone who knows what they are doing fix it up. My time and skills are lacking, so I figured why not on this one thing. As for the material, NOS scares me for something like the seat. I will talk with the guy about the thickness of the seat foam. Good suggestions.
The rear cross piece is the "bumper". The triangle piece has holes for a trailer hitch ball and safety chains.
After looking at the repairs needed and my available time, I decided it was best to have someone who knows what they are doing fix it up. My time and skills are lacking, so I figured why not on this one thing. As for the material, NOS scares me for something like the seat. I will talk with the guy about the thickness of the seat foam. Good suggestions.
#810