My New Project

[2FAST4U]

After building and selling two FFR Cobras and an RCR GT40, I have moved into the old Truck genre. I purchased a 1954 Chevy 1/2 ton 5 window truck. My plan is to build it into a nice daily driver resto mod. Here is my current build plan subject to change

-Blueprint Engine 400 CI SBC rated at 508 HP
-700R4 automatic
-TCI custom chassis with IFS, power R&P, Wilwood 12” cross drilled rotors and 4-piston calipers at all corners, Curie 9” rear with 3.90 gears, 2” dropped spindles, adjustable coilovers front and rear, 4-link rear suspension, power brakes, power steering
-Vintage Air AC
-U.S. wheels smoothies (15x8 front, 15x10 rear)
-Keeping original patina of the paint
-Cleaned up original interior with new seats and gauges
-245/60-15 and 295/50-15 wide whitewall tires

https://thumbs2.imgbox.com/81/77/SGkNjNp3_t.jpeg (http://imgbox.com/SGkNjNp3)

https://thumbs2.imgbox.com/88/c3/Qrk5VGbO_t.jpeg (http://imgbox.com/Qrk5VGbO)

https://thumbs2.imgbox.com/cf/a1/Zl9lrkiM_t.jpeg (http://imgbox.com/Zl9lrkiM)

https://thumbs2.imgbox.com/f3/99/rqQPYPy0_t.jpeg (http://imgbox.com/rqQPYPy0)


Bill D

[2FAST4U]

My neighbor and his 15 yo son helped me disassemble the front end. Eventually we will remove the cab and bed
https://thumbs2.imgbox.com/84/2e/XGiQFVaM_t.jpeg (http://imgbox.com/XGiQFVaM)

https://thumbs2.imgbox.com/64/a0/5hMI8BkQ_t.jpeg (http://imgbox.com/5hMI8BkQ)

https://thumbs2.imgbox.com/6d/4a/ryZvaNgm_t.jpeg (http://imgbox.com/ryZvaNgm)

https://thumbs2.imgbox.com/40/00/fSUqGfxY_t.jpeg (http://imgbox.com/fSUqGfxY)

Bill D

[2FAST4U]

I plan on taking the truck down to a hot rod fabricator in Chico, CA to have them fix the dash where the previous owner hacked out the dash. Since no one makes a patch panel or a complete replacement dash for a ‘54 Chevy truck, I have no choice. I will have him make it look like the other picture and will add a vintage looking clock in the middle

https://thumbs2.imgbox.com/40/58/e6EtO1Yf_t.jpeg (http://imgbox.com/e6EtO1Yf)

https://thumbs2.imgbox.com/22/73/JIobtwzZ_t.jpeg (http://imgbox.com/JIobtwzZ)

Bill D

[2FAST4U]

Classic Instruments makes upgraded direct fit gauges for the car

https://thumbs2.imgbox.com/d1/00/OUdjkNwE_t.jpeg (https://imgbox.com/OUdjkNwE)

[JohnK]

That is so cool! I love old trucks and have seriously considered a Dynacorn 52-54 Chevy truck cab on a roadster shop chassis as a next project. Are you going to post a build thread somewhere? I'd love to follow along with what you do.

As an aside, what happened to your 289 build thread?

[2FAST4U]

Once the fabricator repairs the dash, I will trailer the cab to Ken Pike in Yuba City to repaint the inside of the cab. The colors for the dash will be gloss black and medium gray with a red stripe as in the picture. A local Redding interior shop will make door panels and upholster the bench seat like in the pictures but with black leather with medium grey suede inserts with red stitching. Carpet will be black

The steering column will be a paintable Ididit model with column shifter and reproduction original steering wheel

https://thumbs2.imgbox.com/ae/6e/BpuBrU0s_t.jpeg (http://imgbox.com/BpuBrU0s)

https://thumbs2.imgbox.com/1f/79/pc7KfXuZ_t.jpeg (http://imgbox.com/pc7KfXuZ)

https://thumbs2.imgbox.com/a9/20/LmGrk3F7_t.jpeg (http://imgbox.com/LmGrk3F7)

bill D

[Geoff H]

Awesome project! Cool you could include your neighbors too! Did you sell your 289?

Will definitely follow this thread!
Geoff

[2FAST4U]

Yes, It’s gone

My neighbor’s 15 year old son is into cars. I asked his dad to ask him if he wanted to learn how to build one. His son said he would love to. That’s why I asked him to help me disassemble the truck. He has already told his GF and his HS buddies.

The plan for him is to assemble the chassis when I get it late May or early June. That means installing all the components (R&P, upper and lower control arms, spindles, brakes, rear, 4-link, gas tank, etc.). He will also be responsible for helping installing the cab, bed and fenders, lights, brake and fuel lines, etc. Everything! I told him he is free to invite his GF to come and provide moral support.

Should be a fun project

[Geoff H]

That is really cool - we need more kids to take on the art of cars! So great you opened it up to him. With your craftsmanship he is getting an opportunity of a lifetime!

[DanQ]

That is soooo cool! My project two vehicles ago was a 1953 Ford F100 pickup. After two years a farm truck turned into a real nice street cruiser. I sold it and bought a Jeep CJ7 for a body off frame restoration, and with that sale, I ordered my 33 FF Hot Rod, which should arrive in June. I am looking forward to this new build. It looks like we have done similar builds, but in different orders. 181480

[jts359]

Trucks are cool my wife has this 1964 Studebaker Champ . We semi restored it to our liking , Its powered by a Stude ohv 6 with a 3 0n the tree with o.d. 181484

[GoDadGo]

Cool!

[daberry]

I have 54, restored to stock. Pretty opposite my FFR roadster but still a nice ride.

[Mark Eaton]

Awesome project! I have a 1950 Merc on the back burner when I finish the 818C with Nick my son. Just over a year left with him before college.

[2FAST4U]

While I wait for the new chassis to be built, I’m cleaning up everything and getting parts powder coated. Just got back my front bumper brackets, radiator support, radiator cowl, inner fenders, and radiator cover panel.

https://thumbs2.imgbox.com/fa/02/ZCu3HW4b_t.jpeg (http://imgbox.com/ZCu3HW4b)

https://thumbs2.imgbox.com/f1/62/TqYkwheb_t.jpeg (http://imgbox.com/TqYkwheb)

https://thumbs2.imgbox.com/f5/d8/lMkQrndD_t.jpeg (http://imgbox.com/lMkQrndD)

https://thumbs2.imgbox.com/c3/e4/S3z9IPK6_t.jpeg (http://imgbox.com/S3z9IPK6)

https://thumbs2.imgbox.com/32/f4/yDNeBZh1_t.jpeg (http://imgbox.com/yDNeBZh1)

Bill D

[egchewy79]

Love it! I picked up a 1979 Ford F150 flareside short bed 4x4 to work on after I finished my MK4. Looks like you're doing more of a complete restoration than what I'm doing on mine. Mine was a mud truck, so there was years of caked on grease/mud to get through. The only good news is that there wasn't much rust on the frame underneath.

[2FAST4U]

Spent the last two days refurbishing the front bumper. Used my orbital sander with various grits of sandpaper from 60 to 320. Cleaned the inside with a wire wheel. Then applied three coats of gloss clear. Looks like new but aged 69 years.


The finished product
https://thumbs2.imgbox.com/da/d2/aldKHJfe_t.jpeg (https://imgbox.com/aldKHJfe)

https://thumbs2.imgbox.com/d3/00/QIaJ8Htu_t.jpeg (https://imgbox.com/QIaJ8Htu)

What I started with
https://thumbs2.imgbox.com/72/4b/h02zN1Md_t.jpeg (https://imgbox.com/h02zN1Md)

My wife doing a quality check ;)
https://thumbs2.imgbox.com/7e/f4/mepNSR6X_t.jpeg (https://imgbox.com/mepNSR6X)

Bill

[Skuzzy]

Nice work!

[Al_C]

Looks like you're back at it. Good for you!

[2FAST4U]

It took two days but Isiah and I stripped the cab of everything - gauges, switches, wiring, insulation, old heater core, etc. now moving onto refurbishing the bed Wed and Thursday.

https://thumbs2.imgbox.com/8b/3a/snLDXfPI_t.jpeg (http://imgbox.com/snLDXfPI)

https://thumbs2.imgbox.com/a4/69/NqFcabPZ_t.jpeg (http://imgbox.com/NqFcabPZ)

https://thumbs2.imgbox.com/e0/4d/2Kiu53d4_t.jpeg (http://imgbox.com/2Kiu53d4)

https://thumbs2.imgbox.com/f5/62/dT8R08w9_t.jpeg (http://imgbox.com/dT8R08w9)

He has incredible work ethic. Impressed.

https://thumbs2.imgbox.com/86/d9/Bi3a7eUo_t.jpeg (https://imgbox.com/Bi3a7eUo)

Bill

[EZ$]

Glad to see that you're feeling up to working on the project. It's also good to hear that you've got an assistant to help with the work. That bumper came out awesome. I'm looking forward to seeing what you do on the rest of the truck!

[2FAST4U]

We had the most productive day thus far. Five straight hours of hard work. My back and knees are killing me. But we got the old bent rear cross sill removed, a new one installed, installed the tailgate and taillights, and installed the roll pan

https://thumbs2.imgbox.com/c3/5d/j5DRYjIf_t.jpeg (http://imgbox.com/j5DRYjIf)

https://thumbs2.imgbox.com/da/3e/9Xh6AQWx_t.png (http://imgbox.com/9Xh6AQWx)

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https://thumbs2.imgbox.com/d6/d5/MmLzd4oV_t.jpeg (http://imgbox.com/MmLzd4oV)

Bill

[bil1024]

So cool!

[NiceGuyEddie]

183146183147

This is going to be a great thread to watch! You guys helped me with my "temporarily owned" '57 Ford and after getting it moved to the shop it's finally being worked on.

[2FAST4U]

Purchased a can of Rust-Oleum multicolor textured spray paint and apply three heavy coats to the heads of the truck bed’s new carriage bolts. Looks nice and old and rusty. Perfect!

https://thumbs2.imgbox.com/d0/c6/qHNIOqye_t.jpeg (http://imgbox.com/qHNIOqye)

Then went about applying different types of finishes to my pine shiplap boards. I’ve settle on “Oaked” aging wash. Looks old and aged.



https://thumbs2.imgbox.com/e7/c6/gnllLgbH_t.jpeg (http://imgbox.com/gnllLgbH)

Now to set about finishing up the truck bed

Bill D

[Nigel Allen]

G'day Bill,

Are you doing the Resto out on the street? Looks like it from the photos. Super cool if you are, great way to attract the neighbours and passing gearheads. Best kind of social media, I reckon.

Glad to see you are doing well. Thanks for the updates, has been fun to follow along.

Cheers, Nige

[2FAST4U]

Both on the street and in the garage. My neighbor’s 15 year old son want to learn how to build cars. So he’s helping me.

[2FAST4U]

All new truck bed wood sanded, stained with golden oak, then again with a weathering stain ready to install with new carriage bolts painted with the rust look spray paint from Rust-Oleum.

https://thumbs2.imgbox.com/d1/f0/ZDprM2df_t.jpeg (http://imgbox.com/ZDprM2df)

https://thumbs2.imgbox.com/78/db/yIMVWUVe_t.jpeg (http://imgbox.com/yIMVWUVe)

https://thumbs2.imgbox.com/d0/c6/qHNIOqye_t.jpeg (http://imgbox.com/qHNIOqye)

Bill

[2FAST4U]

Deleted

[2FAST4U]

Picking up my new chassis from TCI

https://thumbs2.imgbox.com/9d/88/NodofqzF_t.jpeg (http://imgbox.com/NodofqzF)

https://thumbs2.imgbox.com/05/db/Tg4MUVgu_t.jpeg (http://imgbox.com/Tg4MUVgu)

https://thumbs2.imgbox.com/8c/3f/5tJ5WndY_t.jpeg (http://imgbox.com/5tJ5WndY)

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[EZ$]

Bill, it looks like now the fun begins!

[2FAST4U]

The chassis is home. All the parts have been unboxed, inventoried, laid out, and ready to go. Just need to build a dolly and start assembly.

https://thumbs2.imgbox.com/f9/f4/X1gm6ww3_t.jpeg (https://imgbox.com/X1gm6ww3)

https://thumbs2.imgbox.com/1e/28/fyXJjmH8_t.jpeg (https://imgbox.com/fyXJjmH8)

https://thumbs2.imgbox.com/ac/bf/jIZ19iqw_t.jpeg (https://imgbox.com/jIZ19iqw)

[Skuzzy]

That is a good looking chassis!

[2FAST4U]

Started sanding, prepping and painting the suspension components. Lots more work than I envisioned

https://thumbs2.imgbox.com/c0/86/FGEMfga1_t.jpeg (https://imgbox.com/FGEMfga1)

https://thumbs2.imgbox.com/03/2a/Mjuom320_t.jpeg (https://imgbox.com/Mjuom320)

https://thumbs2.imgbox.com/2d/e6/LAyene1c_t.jpeg (https://imgbox.com/LAyene1c)

[2FAST4U]

Got the rear brake rotors and calipers installed today.

https://thumbs2.imgbox.com/2e/47/hSRYskNA_t.jpeg (http://imgbox.com/hSRYskNA)

https://thumbs2.imgbox.com/41/e7/MRNblUth_t.jpeg (http://imgbox.com/MRNblUth)

[EZ$]

Bill, glad to see you re back at it! I hope you're feeling good. I'm always impressed with the work you do.

[2FAST4U]

Painted the center section metallic silver and the housing gloss black POR-15

https://thumbs2.imgbox.com/12/0e/tBdywKOt_t.jpeg (https://imgbox.com/tBdywKOt)

https://thumbs2.imgbox.com/23/c1/K1ewn7Bc_t.jpeg (https://imgbox.com/K1ewn7Bc)

[2FAST4U]

Spent 3-1/2 hours starting at 4:30am this morning cleaning, etching and applying the first coat of gloss POR-15. After allowing it to dry for 3 hrs, I spent another hour applying the last coat. Now I’m ready to start installing the suspension components this weekend. All done!

https://thumbs2.imgbox.com/8a/ea/16dJcQXI_t.jpeg (https://imgbox.com/16dJcQXI)

https://thumbs2.imgbox.com/bf/80/WaxX3lY6_t.jpeg (https://imgbox.com/WaxX3lY6)

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Bill D

[Skuzzy]

Nice!

[2FAST4U]

Installed the front suspension onto the TCI frame for my 1954 Chevy truck resto mod.

Wilwood 12” brakes, dropped spindles, adjustable coilovers, power R&P, 4 piston calipers


https://thumbs2.imgbox.com/2b/10/4dn18p4W_t.jpeg (https://imgbox.com/4dn18p4W)

https://thumbs2.imgbox.com/be/22/fzaGiW13_t.jpeg (https://imgbox.com/fzaGiW13)


Bill D

[MPTech]

This is going to be a very cool Truck Project! Keep sharing pics.

[wallace18]

Very nice work!:cool:

[2FAST4U]

Sway bar installed
https://thumbs2.imgbox.com/b3/99/ZnkFWAMG_t.jpeg (http://imgbox.com/ZnkFWAMG)

[2FAST4U]

Spent 4-1/2 hours today installing:

The rear end
The 4-link suspension
The pan hard bar
Rear sway bar
Rear coilovers
Rear brake calipers
Rear flex brake lines

https://thumbs2.imgbox.com/4c/80/rWRqCrsM_t.jpeg (https://imgbox.com/rWRqCrsM)

https://thumbs2.imgbox.com/22/c6/TWxAyGFA_t.jpeg (https://imgbox.com/TWxAyGFA)

[2FAST4U]

Received my 19 gl fuel tank and set about modifying it to fit the TCI chassis (it’s designed to fit an original chassis). I had to cut down the side mounting flanges, fabricated two side mounts and a rear mount. The side mounts are attached to the frame with 3/8” hex bolts. The rear mount is attached to the frame with 1/4-20 bolts. I welded the nuts to the three brackets so it will be easy to remove and install the tank. After making sure everything fit, I removed it all and painted it with gloss black POR-15.

https://thumbs2.imgbox.com/28/4c/bWaY9Zuz_t.jpeg (http://imgbox.com/bWaY9Zuz)

https://thumbs2.imgbox.com/d1/be/y2sSjlzf_t.jpeg (http://imgbox.com/y2sSjlzf)

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[Skuzzy]

Nicely done!

[2FAST4U]

Been slowly filling the holes in the firewall. Very slow process. About half done

Started by welding a backing plate over the holes from inside the cab. Then filling the hole with JB Weld epoxy. Sand and fill with body filler. Sand and fill again. Sand and primer

https://thumbs2.imgbox.com/b1/34/0bgKpwgh_t.jpeg (http://imgbox.com/0bgKpwgh)

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[2FAST4U]

New glass installed
https://thumbs2.imgbox.com/19/93/K4fRrigc_t.jpeg (https://imgbox.com/K4fRrigc)

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https://thumbs2.imgbox.com/66/68/VrjycJUA_t.jpeg (https://imgbox.com/VrjycJUA)

[2FAST4U]

Started installing sound insulation

https://thumbs2.imgbox.com/96/0d/gl0d5R3g_t.jpeg (https://imgbox.com/gl0d5R3g)

[2FAST4U]

Fabricated a behind-the-seat panel from 0.048 mild steel. Still need to do the corners but they’re a bit tricky because of their curved shape

https://thumbs2.imgbox.com/df/6c/gHKXt83d_t.jpeg (https://imgbox.com/gHKXt83d)

[2FAST4U]

Fabricated a patch panel and modified a hump back transmitting hole cover from Summit Racing to fit the gaping hole cut in the floor bynthe previous owner

https://thumbs2.imgbox.com/05/15/rQOaOQxq_t.jpeg (https://imgbox.com/rQOaOQxq)

https://thumbs2.imgbox.com/1a/47/tGIm7d1Q_t.jpeg (https://imgbox.com/tGIm7d1Q)

[2FAST4U]

Painted the inside of the cab with POR-15
https://thumbs2.imgbox.com/ac/73/cbGXDyqa_t.jpeg (https://imgbox.com/cbGXDyqa)

https://thumbs2.imgbox.com/6d/af/6VlOwGbZ_t.jpeg (https://imgbox.com/6VlOwGbZ)

[Skuzzy]

Looking good!

[2FAST4U]

Finished filling in the holes in the firewall. All done and painted satin black
https://thumbs2.imgbox.com/58/81/PUaVsNtk_t.jpeg (http://imgbox.com/PUaVsNtk)



Bill

[2FAST4U]

https://thumbs2.imgbox.com/7c/29/yKOOpoIx_t.jpeg (http://imgbox.com/yKOOpoIx)

https://thumbs2.imgbox.com/58/4b/ZqPsEfM0_t.jpeg (http://imgbox.com/ZqPsEfM0)

[Skuzzy]

Beautiful work.

[2FAST4U]

Spent the break in storms (they return tomorrow) to work on the ‘54. Removed the rear fenders that were literally welded from decades of rust. Lots of PB Blaster, heat from a propane torch, and lots of muscle and they relinquished their hold. I cleaned everything up with a power washer, then applied a coat of POR-15 to the inside of the fenders and the area on the bed where the fenders attach. Tonight I applied Herculiner bedliner to the fenders and the area where the fenders attach to the bed. I also ordered new hardware and fender-to-bed seals.

https://thumbs2.imgbox.com/da/f9/QIVTWzXA_t.jpeg (https://imgbox.com/QIVTWzXA)

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https://thumbs2.imgbox.com/f2/27/GmkASwLO_t.jpeg (https://imgbox.com/GmkASwLO)

Bill





Progress baby!

[Skuzzy]

Looking good!

[Skuzzy]

Made the mistake of showing this to my better half. She has been wanting an old truck for a long time. Now,...I created a monster. She is on me to finish my car and get her project truck going.

[2FAST4U]

It was a great day with the ‘54. I assembled a crew of 4 people (me and 3 neighbors) to tackle the task of taking the bed off the old frame and placing it on the new frame. I made a dolly on which we lifted the bed off the old frame, moved it into the garage, used my overhead hoist to lift the bed, move the new frame under the bed, and then gently lower the bedmin place. Took a whole 36 minutes. Afterwards, I treated “The Crew” to lunch for a local BBQ place.

https://thumbs2.imgbox.com/63/dd/e4G93QI1_t.jpeg (https://imgbox.com/e4G93QI1)

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Bill D

[2FAST4U]

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https://thumbs2.imgbox.com/9c/5f/12Qr3A6J_t.jpeg (https://imgbox.com/12Qr3A6J)

Bill D

[Skuzzy]

Nicely done! I love my overhead hoist. It straddles my lift, which makes short work of heavy lifting and placement. My hoist is also on wheels.

[2FAST4U]

https://thumbs2.imgbox.com/ed/61/Nq8tqHT8_t.jpeg (https://imgbox.com/Nq8tqHT8)

Fabricated a rod style seat adjustment system. The ‘54s used a complex cable system that no one makes reproductions for. So I had to design my own using ‘55 seat adjusters, welded two rods together, cut the welded rod to length, then welded the rod to metal flats that are attached with screws and locknuts to the seat adjusters. Tested and works

[2FAST4U]

Laid out the boards for the truck bed. Going to look great
https://thumbs2.imgbox.com/91/e9/EALtUQmQ_t.jpeg (https://imgbox.com/EALtUQmQ)

[Skuzzy]

Is that kiln dried wood? If not you could be looking at loose knotholes in the near future.

[2FAST4U]

Kiln dried and stained. All pieces fitted today

https://thumbs2.imgbox.com/d5/8d/d0TgplGD_t.jpeg (https://imgbox.com/d0TgplGD)

[Skuzzy]

Looking sharp.

[2FAST4U]

It’s been a most productive week depsite the inclement weather. It cleared today so moved the Challenger outside, move the new frame over, and installed the fenders, wired the taillights and license plate light, added a fuel fill hose, finished staining the bed wood and installed it, and finished it off with a flush mount fill cap

https://thumbs2.imgbox.com/a0/6f/I1vjZwbp_t.jpeg (https://imgbox.com/I1vjZwbp)

https://thumbs2.imgbox.com/d6/74/NTrpSFwe_t.jpeg (https://imgbox.com/NTrpSFwe)

https://thumbs2.imgbox.com/d7/5c/Pt7KXPfa_t.jpeg (https://imgbox.com/Pt7KXPfa)

https://thumbs2.imgbox.com/ce/aa/YesSldEG_t.jpeg (https://imgbox.com/YesSldEG)

https://thumbs2.imgbox.com/76/05/5ltcxywz_t.jpeg (https://imgbox.com/5ltcxywz)

https://thumbs2.imgbox.com/fe/f3/TWL02PbE_t.jpeg (https://imgbox.com/TWL02PbE)

[Skuzzy]

Looking good! Nice choice on the wheels.

[2FAST4U]

My kids bought me a 24” slip roller for my birthday. I proceeded to make the curved corners for the cab. Another task complete

https://thumbs2.imgbox.com/0a/44/gBdQDjH0_t.jpeg (https://imgbox.com/gBdQDjH0)

https://thumbs2.imgbox.com/9f/86/euYhQ6YZ_t.jpeg (https://imgbox.com/euYhQ6YZ)

https://thumbs2.imgbox.com/a7/f3/4d5nDAm5_t.jpeg (https://imgbox.com/4d5nDAm5)

https://thumbs2.imgbox.com/58/72/GicNKkPW_t.jpeg (https://imgbox.com/GicNKkPW)

[2FAST4U]

Today some friends helped me remove the cab from the old frame. Now I can prep the cab to take to the painter to refurbish the interior

https://thumbs2.imgbox.com/9d/48/0WyyQ3fb_t.jpeg (https://imgbox.com/0WyyQ3fb)

https://thumbs2.imgbox.com/8d/d2/8ilKwkfb_t.jpeg (https://imgbox.com/8ilKwkfb)

https://thumbs2.imgbox.com/1d/1d/0wDfAdHC_t.jpeg (https://imgbox.com/0wDfAdHC)

https://thumbs2.imgbox.com/43/d7/LNIGbeOu_t.jpeg (https://imgbox.com/LNIGbeOu)

[2FAST4U]

Now have all four tires and rims. Looks so cool
https://thumbs2.imgbox.com/1a/71/1OC3uTyD_t.jpeg (http://imgbox.com/1OC3uTyD)��

[Skuzzy]

Dang it! My better half saw me looking at this,...She goes,..."I WANT ONE!".

[2FAST4U]

I started some work inside the cab over the weekend. I decided to cover the dash holes used to mount the original rear view mirror. First, I attached a piece of 0.040 mild steel to the underside of the dash with some JB Weld. I let it cure for 24 hours. Then I sanded the top side and filled the holes with body filler. Today I sanded the area with 220 grit sandpaper until smooth. Finally, I sprayed the area with automotive primer. Tomorrow I’ll sand the area first with 320 grit sandpaper, add more primer, and finish with 400 grit. It will eventually get finished by my painter

https://thumbs2.imgbox.com/23/94/YOTODnXZ_t.jpeg (https://imgbox.com/YOTODnXZ)

https://thumbs2.imgbox.com/bf/5c/HSXlNQM8_t.jpeg (https://imgbox.com/HSXlNQM8)

https://thumbs2.imgbox.com/1f/fb/GxEb5wPp_t.jpeg (https://imgbox.com/GxEb5wPp)

https://thumbs2.imgbox.com/5a/69/EkgosbzC_t.jpeg (https://imgbox.com/EkgosbzC)

[Skuzzy]

Nice.

[2FAST4U]

Installed my reproduction door mirrors today. Piece of cake

https://thumbs2.imgbox.com/d6/d4/HrABUkZC_t.jpeg (https://imgbox.com/HrABUkZC)

https://thumbs2.imgbox.com/6a/d2/S366JLpt_t.jpeg (https://imgbox.com/S366JLpt)

[2FAST4U]

Finished filling in the unneeded dash holes

https://thumbs2.imgbox.com/16/db/xGgMsvld_t.jpeg (http://imgbox.com/xGgMsvld)

https://thumbs2.imgbox.com/42/9b/W0Urbi25_t.jpeg (http://imgbox.com/W0Urbi25)

https://thumbs2.imgbox.com/03/54/FGKfJMqm_t.jpeg (http://imgbox.com/FGKfJMqm)

https://thumbs2.imgbox.com/10/83/hxGQeMN4_t.jpeg (http://imgbox.com/hxGQeMN4)

https://thumbs2.imgbox.com/67/06/ooA6r7nX_t.jpeg (http://imgbox.com/ooA6r7nX)

[2FAST4U]

https://thumbs2.imgbox.com/4e/90/jLlPNavL_t.jpeg (https://imgbox.com/jLlPNavL)

https://thumbs2.imgbox.com/6e/76/6YGQcRJK_t.jpeg (https://imgbox.com/6YGQcRJK)

After all fitting is complete I’ll take the cab to Ken Pike (aka Street Rod Painter) and he will finish everything inside like new

[Skuzzy]

Great progress!

[2FAST4U]

I’ve begun laying out how to repair the gaping hole cut in the dash by the previous owner. It consists of a piece of 0.040 steel plate welded into the space. Then add side pieces to close it off. Holes will be drilled for 2-1/8” engine gauges and one 2-5/8” hole for a clock

https://thumbs2.imgbox.com/97/6a/GRFIsPZP_t.jpeg (https://imgbox.com/GRFIsPZP)

https://thumbs2.imgbox.com/8e/90/Frozm0QV_t.jpeg (https://imgbox.com/Frozm0QV)

https://thumbs2.imgbox.com/2c/88/PuPlZTye_t.jpeg (https://imgbox.com/PuPlZTye)

https://thumbs2.imgbox.com/50/d6/hi4LMXGI_t.png (https://imgbox.com/hi4LMXGI)

[Skuzzy]

Fun stuff!

[Jim Wehr]

Great looking truck!

[AC Bill]

So now with all the shiny new parts, engine compartment, and frame, etc, do you plan on leaving the body with it's naturally aged patina, or will you be painting it?
I thought maybe the plan to make the wood bed in the box look aged, you'd keep the body patina as is.

[2FAST4U]

I’m going to leave the outside as is. And I’m rethinking of leaving the inside as is as well.

[2FAST4U]

I had to give up with the idea of putting the gauges in a flat panel in the gapping hole the previous owner hacked in the dash. The back of the gauges hit the wiper motor. Now I’m preparing to just cover up the hole with a steel patch panel curved to match the dash, then welding it in. Everything is on hold while I deal with this major hurdle.

I was able to temporarily fit and install a radio, switches, and repop knobs.

https://thumbs2.imgbox.com/2f/c5/4RXjmQGY_t.jpeg (https://imgbox.com/4RXjmQGY)

https://thumbs2.imgbox.com/f9/06/Qm3Swwyq_t.jpeg (https://imgbox.com/Qm3Swwyq)

Bill D

[Skuzzy]

Resto mods are fun that way. Sometimes you just have to shrug it off, sit back and rethink things. I have done 42 restomods and have yet to do one where I did not have to rethink something along the way. In the end, it is always worth it.

[2FAST4U]

Ordered some special fabric for the door panels, seat inserts, and headliner. It’s brick red cork from Portugal ($$$). Bought a pair of ABS plastic door panels in lieu of the OEM cardboard pieces, modern push pins, and chrome frames. Took everything to a local auto upholstery shop to have everything done professionally.

Original trucks had the push pins exposed. Fugly. Instead, I had the push pins installed first, then the cork glued to the panel. Much better.i just have to be careful when I install the panels to prevent the push pins dislodging or damaging the cork.

The cab interior will be painted beige

https://thumbs2.imgbox.com/bb/45/ZT4OMiMr_t.jpeg (https://imgbox.com/ZT4OMiMr)

https://thumbs2.imgbox.com/10/73/SijNpPaI_t.jpeg (https://imgbox.com/SijNpPaI)

[Skuzzy]

What is the texture like? Does it have any "cush"? Love the look of it!

[2FAST4U]

Cork is very subtle and has a backing that makes it a little cushy. You can add foam if you want it more plush. If you want I can send you a piece via mail. Just PM me your address and I’ll send you some.

Btw, I was born in Fort Worth and lived there 6 years

[Skuzzy]

PM sent. Celebrating my 45th year here. Was not born here.