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My first major question on this fantastic forum, here's the frame to my 54/56 build. I am stripping it, pressure washing it and painting it in my favorite Rustoleum Tractor Enamel this week. But before I do that, I have a question for you all - what would you do once the frame is clean and painted? Replace stuff? For example, the shackles. Add reinforcement? Extra braces? I'm interested in what you guys think. Thanks loads! Gary.
I would recommend shackle pins and bushings while you have everything off. It is so much easier with nothing in the way. As FortyNiner said, regarding bracing and such, it all depends. If it is needed, now is the time.
R&R warn out parts like the fuel line, brake lines and the shackle pins and bushings (Harrier mention). Check the axle bearings, front axle & steering parts for wear. Also look at master cylinder, brake cylinder, & fuel cell for leaks or wear.
Replace entire brake system, lines, hoses, cylinders. As mentioned, all suspension wear items should be replaced. This will make a lot of driving enjoyment when the time comes. Steering box is never easier to R&R. Unless you plan on ultra high HP any additional bracing is not required.
If you are doing a true "restoration", do not paint the frame any gloss black. I am not convinced the frames had much detail to paint when new. If they did it was very little and not high gloss.
Before I did anything I'd decide what year Truck I was building. If it's a 54( that's what I think this frame is) then I'd do everything Ray and Moe said above. If you are planning on building a 56 then the first thing I'd do is go back and get the correct frame
Agree with everyone above.
Frames, data plates, and titles are a pain if they don't match. State registration varies so much it's better to have a good title in hand before performing any extensive work.
You can clean and paint the frame BEFORE you run new fuel & Brake lines but you need to at least look at your shackles. If there's wear (aka loosenes) replace what's worn. Sometimes pins aren't the only part that's worn. If the frame shackles are worn it's easier to cut the rivets out before you paint.
There are lots of opinions about painting springs it's your call. The nay sayers claim paint will make them stick togeather and not allow them to work properly.
Axle bearings, kingpins, master and wheel cylinders should all be replaced (all are too cheap to risk it) but can be done after the frame is cleaned and painted.
Enjoy the ride!
The first thing I would do when frame is stripped is check it is square. Then inspect all the flanges for buckling and webs for cracking around holes. No point in doing any work till you know if it's a good base.
I agree with all of the above. One strong suggestion I have which I wish I had done when I tore my truck apart 30+ years ago. Since you'll be working on a nice clean frame without any sheet metal to get into your way replace any part like you have the sheet metal on. I replace every wearable part on my truck without sheet metal. 25-30 later when it came time to service some of the parts I found they were fairly difficult to work on because there was sheet metal on the way. One was the lower radiator hose. When I installed it I must have been stand upright on the side of the frame and tightened the hose clamp. When I went to replace the hose I had a fun time trying to get to the adjustment screw. I found a few other parts I did something like this.
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