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Joined: Dec 2004
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Status Report
I've been finding myself lately in my garage, in sort of a transe. From the time I fire up the heaters to the time I shut the lights and compressors off for the night, it's like I'm in another world, where time speeds up, and progress is made.
I built a "cart" with wheels for my cab, out of 1 inch square tube, I cut my doors off because there was no way I'd ever get the philips head screws (Bolts?) out of the hinges, and drilled them out, Took the cab of the frame. Removed the steering wheel, steering box, etc. I cut the bed off the frame and after determining there wasn't a single salvageable piece from it, cut it apart again, for disposal.
Tonight I will remove the axles from the truck. The frame is going to the blaster's on Sunday.
The transmission is on it's way (i hope). It's a t56 6 speed, with the windsor bolt pattern.
Progress. It's what's for dinner.
Pics coming soon to my gallery.
I built a "cart" with wheels for my cab, out of 1 inch square tube, I cut my doors off because there was no way I'd ever get the philips head screws (Bolts?) out of the hinges, and drilled them out, Took the cab of the frame. Removed the steering wheel, steering box, etc. I cut the bed off the frame and after determining there wasn't a single salvageable piece from it, cut it apart again, for disposal.
Tonight I will remove the axles from the truck. The frame is going to the blaster's on Sunday.
The transmission is on it's way (i hope). It's a t56 6 speed, with the windsor bolt pattern.
Progress. It's what's for dinner.
Pics coming soon to my gallery.
Postmaster
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 4,190
Likes: 2
From: Riverside, So Cal
Jker -
I know the feeling. I do pretty much the same thing. I disappear into the garage on a Saturday morning and wouldn't eat except for the wife bugging me with food. Most other folks don't understand, but it's like I'm on a mission! It is very satisfying stuff.
The only drawback is that I think I'm coming down with the "Niolon flu" (where you do everything twice).
Congrats on your progress.
I know the feeling. I do pretty much the same thing. I disappear into the garage on a Saturday morning and wouldn't eat except for the wife bugging me with food. Most other folks don't understand, but it's like I'm on a mission! It is very satisfying stuff.
The only drawback is that I think I'm coming down with the "Niolon flu" (where you do everything twice).
Congrats on your progress.
Roast em' if you got 'em
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 22,014
Likes: 9,967
From: Rio Rancho, NM
Ah yea, I love it when it works that way!! I'm hoping for a day like that on saturday. I have recently started work on my bed and hope to take the old smoke wrench to it in spots to remove some of the previous owners mistakes/modifications.
The beauty of the darkside is that I dont have to spend the big bucks for all of the factory correct substructer parts that are rotted beyond rescue and I can fabricate it out of tubing.
Heres to a weekend of progress!! Not too mention a handful of the frosty beverages that have been suggested....
Bobby
The beauty of the darkside is that I dont have to spend the big bucks for all of the factory correct substructer parts that are rotted beyond rescue and I can fabricate it out of tubing.
Heres to a weekend of progress!! Not too mention a handful of the frosty beverages that have been suggested....
Bobby
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 15,882
Likes: 88
From: Durham NC
You're gonna LOVE that T-56! Mine has the 0.5 6th gear and with the 3.70 rear it gets great gas mileage yet gives "brisk" accelleration. 
. You may want to think about a short throw shifter, the stock throws are kinda long with a long enough shift lever, it was designed for a car with a very short shift lever in a tall console/ tranny hump.
. You may want to think about a short throw shifter, the stock throws are kinda long with a long enough shift lever, it was designed for a car with a very short shift lever in a tall console/ tranny hump.
I'll have the Roast Duck
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 9,622
Likes: 110
From: Northshore, MN
wondering the same thing. was looking to put one in my tbird. I've seen them new for $2300 to $2500 but was wondering about junkyard pricing or anywhere else cheaper.
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Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 15,882
Likes: 88
From: Durham NC
It came with the truck, but I believe it was a JYF, one of the main reasons I decided on that particular truck. Remember my engine is one of the "others" 400 SBC, and the tranny according to the model #s came out of a 93 LT1 Camaro. They were also (first) used in the Viper and Ford put them in some Mustangs and were in a few Firebirds as well. There are a some places I found when researching mine where you can get them used or rebuilt. I was outbid on one on ebay that I was going to buy as a spare went for just over 900.00
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Senior User
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 154
Likes: 0
I am lucky enough to work a compressed work week schedule, so I usually have 3 and 4 days off per week as long as I dont get called in on OT. I do get about two good days a week in the shop in between picking up the kids from school and making sure all my other choirs are done before the Mrs. comes out into the shop and gets on my case. I also find myself getting into the zone once I start on a particular thing on the 54. It is very therapeutic to be in the shop with my truck.
Matt
Matt
Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 3,337
Likes: 165
From: Harpswell Maine
I have enjoyed entering the "zone" since the mid 70's. The biggest difference between then and now is a much better workshop and I recently retired-more time less money. In the beginning it was a sears 3 hp air compressor (finally broke the crankshaft several months ago) a few air tools, hammer and dolies and an oxy acetylene set in part of a 2 car garage. Somehow I did the work without a fully equipted shop. I just have more toys in the toybox (barn) now but getting into the "zone" is the same all these years. So get out there and get into the zone!