You will never get a better chance to paint it then now! and did you list your extra parts in our "for sale" thread?

 

I thought about that too, I'm just on the fence. If I don't paint this weekend, I can start putting my '65 stuff onto the new frame and possibly get her going! Of course, if something is worth doing, it's worth doing right.....
As I sit at my desk and wait for the weekend I thought of another question. I'm wondering if my driveline is going to fit? The '78 had two, my '65 is one solid piece.
BTW, I have now posted in the "for sale" thread. I'll probably put an add on Craigslist once I have some pictures.

 

Well, despite the rain, I did get a few things accomplished this weekend. The donor truck had a bunch of crap (garbage, rims, tires, plastic) in the bed so I managed to get this stuff to the dump. There were about 300 soda cans too, so upon recycling she'll start to pay for herself! I also discovered that underneath it all was a 5th wheel hitch (ball type). Which is sorta nice, but also meant that I had 6 more bolts through the frame! Those bolts that hold on the bed are a major PITA! What's the best way to get them out? The first two (closest to the cab) proved to be the hardest. I put a 3/4" ratchet on the first one and it wouldn't budge, so I but my feet on the cross member and pulled and snapped the bolt? The other one just spun in the hole, we tried to chisel the top in the bed to hold in and that didn't work and eventually went with a sawzall and cut the bolt between the bed and frame. The other bolts were just difficult to get too, we finally got some senses and hauled the air compressor and gun up to the truck to get the rest of them...although we had to use a wobbly socket on them all. There was also a very heavy duty hitch on the back we had to get off to get at the back bolts. Also while crawling around under there, I found that the truck has some sort of air adjustable suspension..bonus! I hope they work!
Now that the donor truck was down to the frame, we got to pressure wash and wire brush it. I didn't want to paint it because I knew it would rain. I didn't ever see a VIN on the frame though...where is it located exactly?
We finnally started pulling parts on my '65 and got the front clip off(man power) and cab and doors off(backhoe power). It sure will be nice not having a tank behind the seat now! We pressure washed the 390 and I don't think it had ever been cleaned since it left the production line. The weather was starting to turn but I figured we had plenty of time to put the engine on the donor frame, I mean we only have 3 bolts holding it on there! So we grab the backhoe again and chain up the engine, after no small amount of struggling (mostly due to leaving the headers on) we finally get the engine into its new home, but she's not settling on the mounts? She's sitting on the oil pan! ARGH! Now its raining! So we take her out set her on a tire and cover her with a tarp...and there she sits....in the darn rain....waiting for me to come back on another weekend....shoot!

My baby is due any day, so I won't be working on my truck for at least 2 more weekends and probably more like 4....

Research time.
1) Will my driveline fit? I haven't measured yet.
2) Why didn't the 390 fit? I'm thinking engine mounts. I think I can use the engine mounts from the '65 and put them on the '78. My ignorance assumed the mounts for the 302 would be the same.
3) The cab mount bushings on the '78 are taller. Will these mean a plusher ride....or that holes will not match up?
4) The tranny cross member didn't fit either as it's a toploader 4spd. I'll have to measure, drill and relocate the cross member.

Sorry for the HUGE post, it's a slow day at work today.
I'll try and get some pictures of the process in my gallery tonight.

 

The "saddles" that hold the motor mounts for the FE are different than the ones used for a six or 302.

I have the same problem, in reverse. My 390 mounts are not correct for the 300 six I am putting in its place. If it can be done quickly I will swap you, but I need the mounts this week.

 

I was thinking the "saddles" I already have for the 390 in my '65 would bolt right into the '78 chassis and the block would fit. I still have the issue of moving the x-member. If not, then I'm sure I could make a run up the hill to get my saddles and swap you. You're in Modesto right? I could meet you in Stockton somewhere.

 

I had not thought of that - yes your saddles from your 65 are as likely to fit the new frame as mine - they are from a 72. I will see if I can get some locally for my project.

 

Update--- I did a search on the inline 6 forum and found two posters that have done a 390 to 300 switch. Both claim that the frame mounts for the engine are the same, you just slide them forward to the next set of holes drilled in your crossmember.

I will try that; you, of course, would need to move yours backwards for the 390.

 

I'll have to take a look when I'm back up there, but that will be in a few weeks I think. I posted some pictures of the work in progress in a new gallery. Let me know what you think and observe!

 

Any front disc in that list?

I used POR15 on my frame and it came out smooth. I have noticed that the parts of the frame that get sunlight exposer are starting to fade like they said it would if you didn't coat it.

 

I found the VIN number on my 72 - it was stamped on the top of the right frame rail a couple of inches to the cab side of where the core support bolted to the frame.

I was looking for it and did not find it as I scraped and wire brushed the frame - it only showed up when I scrubed the area with gas. Once it dried I again have problems spotting it.

 

Sorry JD, what list do you mean?

I read about that POR15 stuff too, seems like a good product and lots of others had good things to say about it. When I went onto their site though I got confused. They have a ton of products and I'm not sure which one is best. I don't have the $$ to spend on that kind of application but it would be nice one day!

 

Sounds pretty sneaky! I kept on wire brushing because I was bound and determined to find that stamp and never did. I'll try some gas when I get back up there, thanks for the tip.

From what I can tell the tranny that came with the '78 is a T-18. Check out the picture in my new gallery.

 

Well, I've finally made it back online and back to my truck. Ruby Gene was born on May 29th at 4:02am 21.5" long and 7lbs10oz. My dad put the engine and trans in for me as a little surprise, which was nice. Right off the bat I had a few questions:
1. The shift linkage isn't lining up, the ball on the frame and the ball on the bellhousing are about 4 inches apart. There is a hole in the mount on the frame that I think I'll be able to make work. I'll just need to utlize my bud's machine shop. Anyone tried before?
2. The power steering pump won't connect because the oil filter is in the way of the hoses to the pump. Can I flip the oil filter mount upside down so that the filter is below the inlet to the block as uposed to above? My only concern is oil flow and that little valve type thing by the filter.

Thanks guys, I look forward to chatting with everyone again! (and catching up)]

Craig

 

Congatulations on the new arrival. You will be spending less time on your project now, as it is a lot more fun watching your children grow.

My youngest is 19 now and I still try to spend time with all of them.

Don't know anything about swapping conversions. My truck is all original and my plans are to keep it that way.

Good luck

Jon

 

Ruby Gene? Does she have red hair? It is a good name. Congrats - that is even better than a new truck!