what steps come first

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Dec 9, 2013 | 12:18 PM

SuperDuty93

Thread Starter

Fleet Mechanic

Joined: Jun 2011

Posts: 1,804

Likes: 5

From: Southern California

what steps come first

So for my 59 f100, I'm trying to figure out what step is first. Is completely gutted, the frame is all freshly painted and the cab and bed are back on as well as the radiator support and inner fenders. So what's the first step I should do. Im thinking I want to start with the interior. So was thinking new wiring then all the ***** and stuff for the dash then seats and carpet then gauges and interior lights. Then once I get the interior mocked up id move to building thr engine and tranny then wire the engine bay. After that I'd mark everything with labels and then paints in sections. Pull the bed off and paint it. Then spray the cab (after gutting everything but wiring harness again). That way I know everything fits properly and this would prevent thr paint from being scratched vs painting then installing everything. Ill also probably wana drive it this summer once I finally get it together before paint

Now after all that, what do you all think my first step should be? Sorry for any typos.darn smart phones. Lol

Dec 9, 2013 | 02:40 PM

metalhead140

Junior User

Joined: Jul 2011

Posts: 67

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From: NSW, Australia

IMO, Interior should always be last (after mechanicals). Otherwise you're guaranteed to get it dirty at some point, and greatly increase the likelihood of stains/tears/other damage while sorting out the mechanical bits. Other than that your order sounds good - I would concentrate on getting the wiring, brake and clutch lines etc in first, then engine/box/suspension, and finally interior trim.

Dec 9, 2013 | 02:55 PM

SuperDuty93

Thread Starter

Fleet Mechanic

Joined: Jun 2011

Posts: 1,804

Likes: 5

From: Southern California

Quote:

Originally Posted by metalhead140

Good point. Sounds right. I'll have to make mounts for the seats I'd like to use to so that's another way to screw up the interior. Lol

Dec 9, 2013 | 07:10 PM

egg collector

Junior User

Joined: Apr 2013

Posts: 51

Likes: 1

After saying a prayer or two, I would do the painting before putting it all together. Because why put it together then take it apart or have to do a lot of taping. I would pull the all glass before painting then replace all rubber with new. Do not rush. It will be less expensive especially if you hire someone else to paint. They will charge you to take it apart again. Just a thought. I just painted my frame after removing bed, doors, hood and all the wheels. I will put the wheels and new breaks and lines, shocks and bearings. When I can roll it again it will be off to paint and I will let them reassemble and paint the interior as well.
Good luck
ec

Dec 9, 2013 | 11:05 PM

dman2008

Posting Guru

Joined: Oct 2008

Posts: 1,038

Likes: 11

From: Southern AB

I would do the body work and get ready for paint, while that is being done do the frame and engine and trans then set paint inners and then set everything one and spray the outside. Then do wiring and interior.

I ended up getting some much dust and over spray all over my frame after it paint it that I had to touch up alot of places with a spray bomb which kind sucked.

D

Dec 13, 2013 | 07:27 PM

Walston

Cargo Master

Joined: Aug 2004

Posts: 2,575

Likes: 36

From: Greenville, SC

I would start lower, get a great rolling chassis.

Replace King Pins and any steering components that shows wear, I ended up replacing all the joints (tie rod ends, drag link, etc). Don't want drunk monkey steering.
Then I would go to the brakes. Disc front if you have the cash. Refresh the rear drums and add a booster. Also check wheel bearings, replace seals, grease everything
If the spring bushing are shot, now is the time to replace them.
Shocks
What do you plan for the steering? Keep original? Toyota power conversion? Now is the time to decide that.
If the engine was removed, install it and then Radiator support.
Install Cab and do enough wiring to get things running and you can likely test drive.
From a work stand point the Cab is clearly the most work, everything goes through the cab. If it is off and ready for paint, I would do that first and not have to remove the cab later, but this is just an opinion.
Assemble the rest of the body, I assembled and dis-assembled my truck a few times to make sure everything fit. I had parts from like 4 different trucks and finding out things don't fit after painting is really expensive.
Replacing wiring and the interior is last.

This is really general, I left out many steps. May want to read through Earl's world. Unfortunately George the owner ended up having health issues and had to sell the truck, but what he did do is documented quite well and helpful for the chassis and engine. Link below.

http://earl.clubfte.com/index.html

I hope you find this at least somewhat helpful.
Good luck