Thanks for all the positive comments.

I do feel you pain in finding a shop to perform the acid dipping. The shop I used for acid dipping is one of only two in the entire state of California. The chemicals are downright hazardous. If you have the choice, definitely opt for acid dipping. Media blasting will erase many of the original metal press and score marks (if a concern in your restoration), not to mention the media can't remove rust between the riveted parts. Acid dipping will clean in between the riveted parts and enter every single crevice.

For anyone performing a frame-off restoration of this magnitude, I wouldn't recommend anything other than powder coat unless a custom color is desired and not available in powder form. When performed by a highly experience shop, such as the one I used, you'll never tell the difference between powder coat and epoxy. The durability of the powder coat is far superior than any epoxy on the market...even Eastwood's ceramic chassis black epoxy, not to mention the price is cheaper than an epoxy paint job.

The original, numbers matching 292 will be re-used. This will be the first rebuild the engine rebuild the engine has ever seen since Ford assembled it in 1960. The engine will be rebuilt to stock specs, even with an NOS camshaft. I also plan to acid dip and powder coat the block, heads, intake, etc. for durability and stain resistance. I will continue to update this posting. The website will have many additional photos (over 300 so far) and will feature a lot of technical data detailing the original finishes of each part, original assembly sequence, etc. I plan to involve Mr4speedford with the site and hope to include much of his documentation. Ideally, I wish to create the most comprehensive and documented source of information regarding the 57-60 trucks for future restorers/owners/enthusiasts to reference.

 

...and some more.

Old left shackle:

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Old right shackle:

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New NOS shackles and NOS bushings after powder coating:

[IMG][/IMG]

 

Dude, you have, like, carpet on the floor of your garage. And it's clean. What kind of a sick freak are you?!? Seriously, my hat's off to you. The vast majority of these old trucks get customized and modified to some degree - including mine. A truly accurate restoration is a monumental undertaking that I only wish I had the patience for. It's not for the faint of heart. I'm looking forward to watching your progress.

 

I wouldn't say it's "A truly accurate restoration" as Ford never powder coated anything I know of. And I am sure there is and will be other things. What we have here is a better than original build is all. And a damn fine job of it. It's not really any different than converting a "50" to 12V negative ground with power brakes and steering using all Ford OEM parts. It's more of a challenge than an MII front, modern drive train and like that. I love what he is doing for sure. But in the end it won't be original factory as it left the dealer lot at all. The minute he started rebuilding it than that option was gone forever.

 

Yeah, the carpet was sort of an insurance policy I purchased a section of indoor/outdoor carpet to place under the frame in the event I dropped a painted part, to prevent any damage or paint blemishes.

True, the powder coat finish is not original, however the job was so well done unless I said it was powder coat most would never know. The hardest part is replicating the original assembly process while working with powder coat. Ford originally painted the frame black, installed all the brake lines, fuel lines, and suspension components, then applied a second coat of black over everything. To replicate this, every bolt head, nut, brake line, fuel line, parking brake cable, and suspension component requires individual powder coating. Once installed, the entire chassis will look like it was painted fully assemble just as Ford did in 1960.

 

It's looking great. I admire you efforts. Be sure to keep the updates coming.

 

Wow this is going to be a museum piece, your patience and **** attention to detail is kinda scary LOL. I admire your effort and look forward to the web site. It will be a great source for us "fridge" owners. Keep a grip on your sanity. Thanks for sharing!

 

I really, really hate that description!

 

Great to see another Firdge with family history. (Share more of it on the website?)
Looking forward to seeing your build and when you get the website up let us know!

 

I figure I would provide some update, as it's been quite some time. I've been deployed to an undisclosed location in the southwest Asia (aka...the desert), so progress has been at a standstill for a couple months until next week.

Before departing, the brake lines were completed. The reproduction brake lines, made by Inline Tube, were close, but not exact to the originals. Several, several hours were dedicated to adding, deleting, and adjusting all the bends until the lines were 100% exact copies of the originals. Following adjustment, the lines were powdercoated in the exact same color as the frame. The lines are awaiting installation upon my return.

In addition, prior to my departure, the frame-mounted taillight wiring harness was sent to YnZ's Yesterday's Parts for replication. The original harness was weather worn and dry-rotted. The reproduction harness was made to the exact specifications as the original, complete with factory-correct molded ends and correct taping. The harness is also awaiting installation upon my return.

During my non-flying days of this deployment, I've had some time to construct the website. Though it will be several months until complete and published, I have made great progress. The site features vintage ads (1957-1960), parts resource links, VIN decoding data, a fully documented restoration of my 1960 with technical data, and more.

The restoration will resume upon my return to the U.S. next week. Every single bolt, nut, and washer from all the frame-mounted parts will be cleaned, documented, bagged, and sent to a plating company in Sacramento for re-plating in the original finish. Following plating, the bolt heads, nut, and washer visible surfaces will be powdercoated. In addition, the NOS axle bumpers and NOS front brake hoses will be installed. A pair of NOS leaf springs have been located, and will be purchased in the following weeks, where the too will be powdercoated and fitted with already acquired NOS bushings and NOS anti-squeak pads.

I'll be sure to include some more pictures in the following few weeks.

 

Yes more pic's. You are gonna have quite the trailer queen when she is done.

 

This brings up a good question. Are you going to drive this beauty around or will it be just for shows?
And I'm definitely looking forward to more pictures.

 

Once complete, there will be no trailer under this truck. The first year, once complete, will be dedicated to car shows and cruises, driving the truck to every event. After the first year, it's back to normal duties. I have a couple other vehicles for daily driving, which are easier on gas, so Old Blue won't be used as a daily driver any further, however several road trips/vacations are on its agenda. Long-term plans include the purchase of a single axle vintage, or modern retro, travel trailer to pull behind the truck on vacations. A reproduction window swamp cooler will aid in keeping the family cool during the warm seasons.

 

Awesome, I think these beauties need to be out on the road. There is nothing like driving down the road and seeing one come at you. I can't wait until mine is back together.

 

very nice buildup, cant wait to see more of your build and history of the truck