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Thanks. The website has three pages dedicated to the history of the truck, from the first owner, to every encounter I had with the truck starting in the 1980's to the present. The website still has a lot of work until complete. Once finished, it should be the most comprehensive information site for the 1957-1960 Ford trucks. Between the massive amount of flying and a Master's course, progress on the site is slow.
Great work, I admire the efforts to make it original. I have a very nice 60, but not completely original, I have done other all original and I know the effort required.
As a matter of interest, what's the cost difference between acid dipping and media blasting? I don't want to flat out ask how much you paid, as that would be a little rude, but is it considerably more expensive than media blasting? I would assume so?
I don't mind at all you asking. I don't have the receipt with me right now, but I seem to recall it was right around $300. If you elect to go the powdercoating route, the cost normally includes media blasting. I decided to have the frame acid dipped so no surface was left unstripped, even the surfaces between the riveted parts. Once the frame went to the powdercoater, he also media blasted the frame to remove the flash rust and prepare the surface for powdercoat adhesion. Since the frame was already stripped, I had them use a very fine media so all factory press/score marks and stamped part numbers on the frame retained their detail. The difference between acid dipping and media blasting is night and day. Media blasting only removes surface rust/debris, but can't strip between riveted surfaces, reach inside enclosed areas, and penetrate into the pores of the frame that may be very rusty.
Unfortunately, most acid dipping companies are long gone. Those who aren't out of business yet are under harsh pressure by the EPA, since the chemicals are highly toxic. Like me, you may have to drive several hours to find your nearest acid dipping company.
The only pictures I have are on page 1 and 2 of this blog. Once I complete the website, all pictures, including the deconstruction, will be present (just under 300 so far).
I'm back in the U.S. and making progress. You asked for pictures, and shall you receive. Today I moved the frame outside for a complete washing, removing all the thick layer of dust from the powdercoat shop, transporting, and my garage. Afterward, the powdercoated brake lines, powdercoated front shackles with NOS bushings, and the reproduction wire harness were installed. Below are the updated pictures.
Frame cleaned and ready for assembly:
The reproduction brake lines next to the originals. The reproduction lines were close, but required several hours of "tweaking" to match the originals 100%. Afterward, the lines were powdercoated.
The new lines installed:
The original frame-mounted taillight wire harness was sent to YnZ's Yesterday's Parts for replication. What came back was nothing short of spectacular.
The old harness:
And the new:
The parking brake cable brackets, rear brake hose brackets, generator water shield, and NOS tie rod ends are headed out for powdercoat in the following weeks. I've also located two NOS front springs, and am in the process of closing the deal. More pictures will be posted as progress is made. Enjoy.
You should have a very nice truck when you are finished. I'm sure it will consume a lot of your time which is to be expected in a build like this. Documenting, posting pics, keeping all us up to date on your project is not a requirement of the build but just as time consuming. That's a selfless act and much appreciated. Good luck.
Dustin,that really is impressive,looking forward to following this thread.You would be doing us a favor,if you wouldn't mind, if you would list all the vendors you used,the tasks they performed,and their fees.Perhaps give the names of the contacts you dealt with,and your opinions of them.It's looking great.
You should have a very nice truck when you are finished. I'm sure it will consume a lot of your time which is to be expected in a build like this. Documenting, posting pics, keeping all us up to date on your project is not a requirement of the build but just as time consuming. That's a selfless act and much appreciated. Good luck.
I wish I had more for everyone at this time. I mentioned I'm constructing a website just for the 1957-1960 trucks. Website construction has stopped at this time, however once my current Master's course is complete next month I'll resume construction. The website will have every singe photo I have taken (over 300), broken into sections (i.e. frame, brakes, suspension, etc.). Within each section will be a copy of all my deconstruction notes and documentation. Also features within the site are lengthy lists/links of all parts sources, services, etc. for such a restoration. Construction of such a site is slow and tedious, but I hope to launch the site this year. A very long term goal includes printing all this information into a book.
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