While I really appreciate the kind words, I have to point out that I am NOT someone who knows what they're doing. Like you, I just do what I can, and learn as I go. Hell, even this morning I learned that I was trying to install the inner splash shields incorrectly, which would explain why they weren't behaving for me. This is my first restoration/customization job, and it's been a huge learning curve for me. I suppose it helps that I have some degree of obsessive/compulsive issue, but Buford started out only as a paintjob on an old truck. I had no idea my sickness was going to be this profound, but I do like the results thus far.

Anyway, again, thanks for the compliments, but should you ever see my build thread in a psychology text book as a case study for OCD, don't be too surpised....lol

 

Congrats mate, well done on getting it this far! Forget the front panels for now, at least take it for a drive around the block! When I got my MG running, after a similar ground up total rebuild, I drove it around the block sitting on the floor, with no interior and no front end panels installed at all! It was a huge motivator.

 

Tim, that truck looks amazing. Can't wait to see some pictures of it completed. Great job!

 

I want to say that this truck looks really really good and you've done a great job. Isn't firing up a new engine the best.

Can't wait to hear how your GV works out. I need one really bad.

 

How are those seats for height and comfort? Also did you buy the seat adapters from the manufacturer?

 

Thanks guys....I'm glad you like the truck, as I'm getting close to finally enjoying it myself. Right now, i'm trying to wire up the front end, and get it buttoned up, but alignment has been a huge hassle. I'll get some pictures once I get my work done this weekend. There is a slight chance that I'll be putting the hood on by Sunday night, so we'll see.

The seats fit me just about perfect, but they're almost too tall. I got the adapter frame from the manufacturer as well. I made a set of 2" spacers to raise the seats, so I could put the stereo amps under them, but it rose the seat too much and the steering wheel (which is smaller than stock) ended up pushing into my legs....not good. So, I eliminated the spacers, and just used the frame. The stereo amps, crossovers, capacitor, and subs are all in the one enclosure underneath the rear seat, and are nearly invisible, which is what I had in mind from the start.

Hope that answers your questions. Thanks again guys for the thumbs up!

 

Got a bit of an update.......once I got the engine running, and chased down a few leaks, I started, to put the front end together. I ran into a little surprise when I opened the box for the front bumper. I had completely forgotten that I had ordered one of those aftermarket bumpers with the integrated fog/driving lights. That meant I had to tear some of the wiring apart so as to integrate the new features into the harness so they couldn't be detected. I managed to get it done, but doing wiring in 100 degree heat sucks major monkey muffins.

Anyway, once I got that done, I added lenses, trim, grille insert, and tried to line everything up and get it situated into place. This is where I'm at now, and I've got my buddy and a cousin coming over this afternoon to help install the hood. Looks like Buford is getting pretty close to his debut! He will, however, need a major bath and a wax job before that happens, but it's getting closer!

Took a quick shot for you guys....enjoy!

 

Its a head turner,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,sooooooooooooo cooool on a hot summers night!

 

Not a huge update, but not exactly a tiny one either.... with the help of my cousin and my buddy, we managed to get Buford's hood on and actually lined up pretty well! Granted, we had to do a lot of tweaking, and at one point had to simply shove the whole thing, hinges and all, to one side a little bit, but in the end it looks pretty straight.

Next step is to get the inner splash shields and front mud flaps installed, and then I might actually be able to pull it out of the garage for a shake down trip around the block.

On a more administrative front, my new insurance policy from Haggerty is supposed to be active on Monday, so there's a real possibility that I'll be able to take Buford out to get some supplemental work done next week!

Anyway, only had one update photo for today....

 

You have one nice looking truck! Keep up the great work.

 

Vroom....Vroom,Vroom.

 

Well, I know I've been kinda quiet for the last few weeks, but I've been cleaning, polishing, and waxing like a lunatic. I've still got some items to contend with before I'd call Buford "done", but he's running, licensed, and just needs insurance before I take him out for a spin. So, these photos don't mean that Buford is quite done yet, but he's just about there! Enjoy!

 

Pictures not working.

Edit: Now they are working for me. Stupid computer.

 

Pics work fine for me.... Nice looking truck! Hard work has paid off!!!

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Truck looks great....congrats