When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
I don't know about parts availability. As far as money goes, spending it was a lot harder when I first started this "hobby". It's getting easier as the years roll by. At 74, the finish line is coming into view. LOL. My race is almost run, and from the looks of things, a little money spent here and there on the truck isn't going to matter much--and I've been enjoying the ride. Everyone is different of course, and you must make decisions that are right for your particular situation. All your virtual friends are looking forward to seeing you and your truck back on the road.
As far as money goes, spending it was a lot harder when I first started this "hobby". It's getting easier as the years roll by. At 74, the finish line is coming into view. LOL.
Jim
I hear that Jim . At 72 I seem to take longer to get things done. That said in 2 days I had the body parts off and removed the motor and trans. Today I finished with mounting my cab on it's "new" chassis. I am now 3" higher in ride height.
My goal was to transfer both cabs over to their respective "new" homes. Mission accomplished. I may start on installing new motor mounts and trans crossmember, if the weather stays warm.
Great progress, Tom--Meeting goals, keeping to a schedule--these are hallmarks of a successful person. We can't help getting old, but we do control our attitude about it and what we think we can and can't still do. Good luck with your decision about the drivetrain.
I hauled my nephew's cab and chassis to him this weekend past. I hauled my truck home today, for winter storage.
i looked into 239 flathead motors on the weekend, $300;-800 depending on froze or turning. Going to ruminate on that over the winter. I have 400 miles on my rebuilt 5.0L so may sell it for a flathead build.
In the spirit of restoration I have decided to open up the Dana 44 diff to check the gear ratio, and its condition. To keep costs down I would leave it open carrier. I can always have the 9" rebuilt down the road.
Parts for front suspension are on order.
I removed the engine mounts yesterday from my frame. The PO had welded across the top of rails so I have some concerns about the effect on the structural integrity.
I may have to plug weld some flat bar inside the top of the rail before I box the sides. I also will have work around the shock mounts and steering box. I'll clean up the old welds first then start plumbing the fuel and brake lines.
The weather was 2 C today so was able to get out in the garage and start cutting off rivets and a rear hitch the PO had welded in. This will facilitate moving the rear cross member to the back of the rear frame rails.There is more repair required in this area too. Going to pick up the metal for reinforcement and boxing this week.
Edit:
I started repairing and boxing the front section of the frame today. Plug weilded a fish plate on the inside of the top rail. Will then box that section to reinforce the area.
I have the front fish plate installed both sides of the front frame and welded nuts on the inner frame for shock towers, battery tray, etc. I also repaired the driver rear where the PO had "grafted" a tow hitch.
I am going to make templates for both sides to box a 3 ft section from front crossmember to cab. I'm going to cut a "triangular" shape access for the steering box then start plumbing fuel and brake lines. Once that is done I'll clamp the plates in place and locate bolt on motor mounts.We are still having above freezing days so some progress being made.
Still warm enough to work in the garage so completing small projects on the truck. I welded on some nuts to the inner frame. I also made templates to box the front rails.
i am working through what rear axle I will install as I found a crack in the case of the original Dana 44.
i have decided on disc brakes for the front but need to wait to confirm rear axle before ordering parts.
i may be going on a parts run tomorrow for another 9 inch and 16" rims.
You're going to go nuts once the freeze sets in, aren't you? How about one of those jet heaters? When I was a field service mechanic I used them whenever I could. Usually at the mines.
Those jet heaters kicked a$$ but, we were in an open shop. Well a roof and a couple walls. Diesel fuel was hot but kinda stinky. Kerosene burned cleaner. I never priced them. Expensive I'd imagine. Fuel is too. I can't sit still or be without my shop all winter. I'd have to figure something out. Good luck buddy.
I see you have one of those radiant overhead heaters. I bought two at a discount surplus store a couple of years ago. I like them. But for really cold days I use a floor model electric heater also.
Heates are helpful these days to keep the chill off but eventually at -15C or lower some sort of forced air is required. I will keep pecking away until it is no longer comfortable. The previous owner did not rough in for gas or electric so limited resources.
We had a light skiff of snow overnight. Winter is coming. Time for ordering parts.
Yes, winter is coming. We had our first measurable snow over night. This morning was like a winter wonderland with the gently falling snow sticking to the trees. We got about 3 inches and temps stayed below freezing, so our early season snow is all pretty much still here. It's bound to warm up though. I still need to get my winter tires and rims on. I don't want my "good" summer rims exposed to the salt and abuse of a WI winter.
I've been following your progress Tom--and remain impressed with your determination. I should be inspired to, "Go and do likewise", but so far inertia has been holding me down--and I have a nice cozy heated garage.
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Slideshow: Called the Fortress, the 850-horsepower pickup combines Raptor underpinnings with military-inspired features, survival equipment, and a starting price of $285,000.
