Just posting a pic
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 1,244
Likes: 12
Thanks!
Yes, I think the wheels look really good on it. I was on the fence about getting something fancier, but I think wheels that look sort of stock are best.
Next stop is Hellwig sway bars in front and back whenever they get here.
Yes, I think the wheels look really good on it. I was on the fence about getting something fancier, but I think wheels that look sort of stock are best.
Next stop is Hellwig sway bars in front and back whenever they get here.
Grumpy goat
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 3,058
Likes: 594
I wouldn't change them. The wheels are perfect for the truck. In my eyes, new swanky wheels on a patina'd truck, just draw attention to every flaw on the body. I like looking at the truck, not it's accessories. But hell, I'm old and irrelevant now.
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 1,244
Likes: 12
After I get the sway bars installed I'm going to take on trying to rebuild an engine for the first time. I just need to find an FE block in my area that's not in terrible shape.
Grumpy goat
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 3,058
Likes: 594
Are you sure your block needs replacing? If it's running now, surely it's worth tearing down and taking to a machine shop. Just tell them to inspect it thoroughly before machining.
FE's have a lot of unique features. One feature that gets folks during tear down is the "ears" on the cylinder heads where the exhaust manifolds bolt up. They break easily. When I stripped a T-Bird 390, I sprayed every bolt, especially the exhaust bolts, several times before disassembly. Two bolts were still stubborn, so instead of risking breaking the head, I cut through the exhaust manifold. Then I drilled out the bolt and used a bolt extractor. I planned to use helicoils if I had to drill it out completely, but didn't have to.
FE's have a lot of unique features. One feature that gets folks during tear down is the "ears" on the cylinder heads where the exhaust manifolds bolt up. They break easily. When I stripped a T-Bird 390, I sprayed every bolt, especially the exhaust bolts, several times before disassembly. Two bolts were still stubborn, so instead of risking breaking the head, I cut through the exhaust manifold. Then I drilled out the bolt and used a bolt extractor. I planned to use helicoils if I had to drill it out completely, but didn't have to.
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 1,244
Likes: 12
I love my 390 and it runs pretty good. I want to have another block to tear down in the garage while I keep running with this one. Probably a long term project as I don't have any experience with rebuilding a bottom end, but it will be a good learning experience for me.
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Grumpy goat
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 3,058
Likes: 594
I love my 390 and it runs pretty good. I want to have another block to tear down in the garage while I keep running with this one. Probably a long term project as I don't have any experience with rebuilding a bottom end, but it will be a good learning experience for me.
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 1,244
Likes: 12
Ahhh, sound reasoning. Engine leap frog. I've got a 400 block on a pallet, that I'll start building in about a year. It will replace then engine in my '79. And if the truck's current engine is in good shape, it'll get it machined, wrap it up, and place it on the same pallet.
Grumpy goat
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 3,058
Likes: 594
You're gonna have so much fun building your first engine. It's also very satisfying. And building one without a deadline is even more satisfying, because you can take your time and science out the components you want. And you don't have to settle for cheap parts in order to meet a deadline. I've got a build just like that going right now. I had a late model 302 roller block machined last year, and it's been sitting untouched on the stand. I've had the entire rotating assembly sitting next to it for months. I'm gonna start assembling the short block this week. And hopefully make a choice between 3 camshafts, and order it this week. I don't even have a vehicle to put this engine in! It'll probably go in a Jeep TJ or YJ.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 1,207
Likes: 60
From: S.E. Louisiana;so far USA
Here you can see the final configuration on the front bar at the I beam with the replacement U bolts.
Hellwig front stabilizer bar attachment to I-beam