A little progress today.....
Fleet Owner
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 21,437
Likes: 76
From: Gilbert, PA
Was busy packing up and shipping stuff today and didn't have too much time to work on the Rat Rod, but I did get a chance to install the steering wheel and the XLS bezels that Mark (mds47588) <!-- BEGIN TEMPLATE: postbit_onlinestatus --> got for me a while back.
I think it's going to look real good once I paint all of the interior black (or find black trim panels). Now all I need is the horn pad that first today (unknown real name - he didn't post it in the mug shots sticky) is going to send me tomorrow.
I'm stoked about having the XLS bezels. I have never seen them in person until today. Very unique to say the least. Considering the truck is not so much a Rat Rod, I'm thinking about changing it's name.
How about Goth Rod? It'll be all black and crankin' some heavy tunes.....
Anyway, here is an updated pic:
I think it's going to look real good once I paint all of the interior black (or find black trim panels). Now all I need is the horn pad that first today (unknown real name - he didn't post it in the mug shots sticky) is going to send me tomorrow.
I'm stoked about having the XLS bezels. I have never seen them in person until today. Very unique to say the least. Considering the truck is not so much a Rat Rod, I'm thinking about changing it's name.
How about Goth Rod? It'll be all black and crankin' some heavy tunes.....
Anyway, here is an updated pic:
Postmaster
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 3,593
Likes: 2
From: Prairieville, La
Here is a quick picture of the wheel painted. The Tom Tom also matches the xls dash. It does not hide any gauges since it is in the dead spot where the tach goes.
Just use plain krylon cast aluminum paint.
Just use plain krylon cast aluminum paint.
Postmaster
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 3,593
Likes: 2
From: Prairieville, La
Yeah,I already peeled the woodgrain off and I was thinking I would paint the outer pinstripes back in black to match the dash. Then either airbrush a drawing or add hot rod pinstripes in the center. It would look like framed art without being tacky.
I really have not put much more thought into it. I have been trying to get focused back on to my 1979 short bed to finish. These 80's trucks can get addictive though.
I really have not put much more thought into it. I have been trying to get focused back on to my 1979 short bed to finish. These 80's trucks can get addictive though.
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Postmaster
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 2,658
Likes: 5
From: Out of here
Well, I finally got the center cap that Kyle sent me today in the mail and couldn't wait to get it installed. Thanks again for hooking me up!
The paint is a little worn on the cap, but nothing I can't touch up with an air brush. I know it's no big deal, but it looks SO much better with the cap on.
I also got the tailgate swapped out yesterday, and removed the modified (shortened) step bumper. I bought this one on eBay last year before I even had the truck for $100. It is really nice with no dents, dings or rust. There were some scratches on it through the paint, so I scuffed them up and shot some red oxide primer on until I can sand the whole thing down and repaint.
Now I have to figure out some kind of latching mechanism so I can get rid of the outside hooks and chains to clean up the back end. The plan is to run something internally so you can't see it.
The paint is a little worn on the cap, but nothing I can't touch up with an air brush. I know it's no big deal, but it looks SO much better with the cap on.
I also got the tailgate swapped out yesterday, and removed the modified (shortened) step bumper. I bought this one on eBay last year before I even had the truck for $100. It is really nice with no dents, dings or rust. There were some scratches on it through the paint, so I scuffed them up and shot some red oxide primer on until I can sand the whole thing down and repaint.
Now I have to figure out some kind of latching mechanism so I can get rid of the outside hooks and chains to clean up the back end. The plan is to run something internally so you can't see it.
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 438
Likes: 2
From: northern cali
i'll be so interested to see what you do about the latching mechanism...i hate the chains banging around on the back of my tailgate and that's WITHOUT any decent paint to worry about
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FTE Chapter Leader
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 33,913
Likes: 244
From: Johnstown, PA
I'll be interested as well, probably just because innovative crap like that just fascinates me. I've always liked the 80's flareside bodystyle but could never understand why Ford didn't come up with a better way to latch the bed in place without the chains. By the time I got a flareside body truck (my 99 Ranger), they were using the same type of latch from a full-size truck.
Postmaster
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 3,593
Likes: 2
From: Prairieville, La
They make a kit to get rid of the chains, but I am not sure how much they are. I have also seen some trucks use just the latches from seatbelts. When the tailgate is down they use the belts with clips to latch on. It seems to work pretty well.
When I had redone my flareside years ago, I wrapped pipe insulation wrap around the chains and had my mother stitch vinyl around them. It worked and kept the chain from scratching the gate.
When I had redone my flareside years ago, I wrapped pipe insulation wrap around the chains and had my mother stitch vinyl around them. It worked and kept the chain from scratching the gate.
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Postmaster
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 2,658
Likes: 5
From: Out of here
Wow. I just found a couple of nice and easy ways to accomplish this.
Check out: http://www.mar-k.com/tailgate_closure.html
I'm leaning towards the seat belt method because if would be free, convenient and very effective.
Check out: http://www.mar-k.com/tailgate_closure.html
I'm leaning towards the seat belt method because if would be free, convenient and very effective.
