I decided to wait untill I had the frame under the tub before I installed the aluminum pannels. I didnt want to put a screw where I couldent get it out because the frame is in the way. So I put it back on the frame with new bushings. Its hard to belive but I did this all by my self with nothing but an engine hoist. Need to measure and cut some aluminum next and then I can start stripping the top side. More to come!
Since I'm avoiding cutting the aluminum sheet right now (its loud), even with my ear muffs on so I worked on opening up the rad support. I origanly was going to make one from 1" square stock, but that was the old tub that didnt have any inner fenders or rad support. Since this one has one I opened it up, may cut some more tomorrow. I will need to notch the old battery mount ribs. They are too tall to fit my trans coolers and fans. Still undecided if I will use the fans I have (the ones in the pic) or go back to the 10" pullers I used originaly. The ones in the pic are pushers and are 3/4" thicker which makes fitting them in harder. The pro to these is I have a bunch (8 to be exact) and they were free.
I will need to fab all new mounts for the coolers and the radiator since this was a 6cyl tub. Of course once all the coolers, radiator and fans are mounted I may need to fill in some gaps between things to maximize air flow.
After a few months of not working on my own stuff I am back at it again. Spent some time rebuilding a Tcase for a customer and a friend has me working on a chevy truck for his wife (been sitting for 10 years).
Now I am back to the tear down of Pe'pe, If there were any question of how bad it needs a new body and frame. Look at the pic of the inner rear fender. The only thing holding it on is the cage.
The one thing I have done lately is score some more toys for my collection.
More to come!
Well after a very long time I'm starting the tear down of Pe'pe. Some of the parts on this truck I put on over 18 years ago.
The rust has realy taken its toll on the tub, the rockers are nearly gone. Cutting out the wiring is like trimming a bush, just cut and pull. It was first built with some parts only set up as a test to see if I liked them, but there still that way. All that will change now that I like how it all works. The gas tank and rear axle are next, Just got a truss for the 9".
:beer:
If you cut out all the wires, where are the rats going to live? I think you and I are in the same boat. I am to the point where I have installed a bunch of test circuits and stuff but never made them permanent and proper. The result is a mess just like yours. Feel free to drive down and fix my wiring mess too!
BTW- I leave for URE in 9 days. Last chance to change your mind!!!!!!
'77 351w- Explorer EFI, 4R70W, 4-link, lockers, 4.56, 35" MT/Rs with a severe rock addiction.mokin:
Roads? Where we're going, we don't need roads.
Your progress report is great. The pictures make it look like your project is in your basement, I realize your not, but when I was a kid on Lake Erie, a neighbor built a sailboat in his basement and had to disassemble part of it to get it out. Please keep us updated.
[SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]
VIN# makes it a 1985, the engine block# is an 1989, and the front end is from a 1987. I call it Broncenstein.