So it’s easier to remove the box from the column on the bench?

 

I would think so. Manyal says to pull it as a unit.

 

That is some serious progress. Nice place to work as well. Is that a big generator in the back side of the bldg?

 

Deconstruction continued today. Rear spring hanger rivets didn’t stand much of a chance against the plasma. Oddly the bed gave me the most resistance. The bed still had dirt in it, so I looked underneath for the bolt locations. Mid bed was easy enough, but the ones under the rear of the tailgate made me work for it. It was a little tight for the plasma to get to the bolts. The very front ones were sneaky, because they were out boarded. All the others were nicely lined up on the inside of the c channel. Once they were discovered, the plasma took care of the topside and they all but fell out.
Here’s the pile for today.
Is there any value to the old front axle and suspension? I ask because I could kick my younger self for what I threw away from my FJ40!!!

So here’s the rough placement of the CV front end. I found my center of the wheel well and marked the frame before removing the front clip. I’m open to all ideas and or criticism on this.
The Mustang IRS pretty much slipped into place. Just sitting without any upper coil bucket, makes the drip rail over the door sit almost level. Everything is simply clamped in place, which means it’ll likely change some what. I do want the truck to sit basically level, I’m not fond of the stink bug look.
So this where I made is to today. I like the stance and height. Everything is subject to change right now though, it’s just clamped in place.

Well I didn’t get to the steering box, but that’ll be useful when I do.

 

Yep, I work at a water treatment plant. That one is Cat power plant that’d be big in a semi. Roars to life every Friday for a routine test run. We had a week long power outage couple years ago, it never even came off idle running the whole plant.

As to the progress, it felt good to do some real work on it for once. I wish I could say progress is all going to be this fast, but once I get the cab off things are going to slow down. We just ordered a plasma table for work and I’m hoping yo do the frame plates on it. Unfortunately, it says it’ll be 4-6 weeks- which means 3-4 months.

 

I personally like stock stuff, but I have to admit that thing sets there pretty nice.

I thought I recognized the generator exhaust. I used to work for a pharmaceutical plant that had a similar back up power plan. Our weekly test included hooking it up to some huge heat coils to put it under load. Oh well, that was another life!

 

I too appreciate stock as well, although I’m not good at keeping the toys that way. The condition this one was in when I got it relieved any that guilt I had.







As for new look- I thought it looked ok in the shop, but when I got it back in the daylight I felt some magic. Now I just need figure out how to make it all work out.

 

Some folks including me set the front axle 1" or so forward of the stock location to better center the tire in the opening.

Good luck with the project.

 

I bolted on a

fender and centered it that way.

 

My plan is to put the bed and front end back on before I mod the frame. Then I can pull those and the cab off, at that point I’ll be able effectively clean the frame. After that I’ll be able to box the frame end to end.

 

I like stock stuff but also like the modded trucks IF they are done right, no 24" rims and a rubber band tire and not slammed so far you cant drive over a pebble without scraping. i have a 1960 f250 i'm going to be building soon and i kinda want it to look like this

the truck i'm going to build is not good for anything else but parts and I've taken most of the good ones off for my 1 ton

 

That pic is approximately the look I want at ride height. Additionally, I’m hoping to be able to tow light to medium loads with it so I’m thinking airbag for the flexibility. (This is the beginning of the rabbit hole). Once one starts saying they want adaptable suspension, then eventually you end up saying if I might as well set it up to go low as well… So it goes in my head. I’m not positive it’s all doable,but I’m game to try.

 

I'm going to build mine to corner well, look good and be user friendly enough to be a daily driver in the summer and be able to go on hotrod power tour. The powerplant is going to be a supercharged sbf with a tremec 5 speed

 

that’s where I’m hoping to head with a nice level stance. I’m jealous you’re set on your power plant. I can’t see that deep into the rabbit hole yet ;-). Anything could happen really. Only thing I know for sure it’ll be a modern transplant. Since my ten year old is helping(hopefully), electric is a possibility. The cost of the batteries is pretty scary tho.

 

I wouldn't go electric, stick with a good ol easy to find American engine. maybe a 4.6 out of a crown vic? They are everywhere, have pretty decent power and look pretty good in a fridge, I don't like the complexity of fuel injection, rather have a carb but everyone's different