I've been working on my crew cab for about 2 months now when I've had time. I've been meaning to start a build thread for a while so I'll get everything up to date today.
Here's how it sat when I picked it up. It had been sitting for around 7 years and the floor took a beating. After having a look at it I determined I'd only have to replace the front floor and i'd be on my way.
I got it home and gave it a good pressure wash
Started disassembling shortly after
Once the dash was removed I was able to have a closer look and realize the rust was worse than I thought. It had a bunch of pinholes along the front of the cab and also the cowls.
A couple days later I went back to the salvage yard and hammered off all the 4x4 parts I needed for the conversion. Took me 5 hours with a hammer and chisel (including breaks for whenever I mistook my hand for the chisel)
Next I got the cab removed so I could paint the floor and the frame. (just my dad and I got it removed.. I'll be asking for some more help when it goes back on)
that's how it is with these old vehicles...you always find more work than you figured on. you're doing such a fine job on your floor...wanna come down and do mine?
Great work so far! Just curious why you didn't box the frame in though? Not that it's absolutely necessary. But it isn't too late yet either. I know I would, especially seeing as you have everything apart.
Armchair quarterbacking your build what do you do for a living? Fine work there.
I've read a bit about boxing the frames on these old trucks but didn't think the benefits were needed for my use. Since they're designed to flex a bit and I'm not doing any extreme offroading I should be fine It's just going to be a work truck / daily driver.
I'm a tile installer so nothing to do with automotive work lol. This is all a learning experience for me since I have no background in the work I'm doing. Just taking my time and doing lots of researcharty018:
Great work so far! Just curious why you didn't box the frame in though? Not that it's absolutely necessary. But it isn't too late yet either. I know I would, especially seeing as you have everything apart.
Armchair quarterbacking your build what do you do for a living? Fine work there.
Wish I was going to be around locally to help you out when needed....but I'm only a text away man. You've done such a great job so far...very impressed!
You'll definitely be getting a few texts over the next couple of months I appreciate the help so far.
I have your cab mounts on the frame still if you wanna pick them up before you leave. Or I can keep them stored until the next time you're down. Let me know
Nice, I wish that I wouldn't have used Por15. Over priced crap. My master cylinder got a leak in it and it ran down on the frame, it ended up bubbling up the paint and peeling it off in some spots. Come to find out Por15's kryptonite is brake fluid. I'm glad to see that you went with something else. I'll research that product for future builds.
Got my order from LMC for window / door seals, engine mounts, cab mounts etc. Also picked up my carpet.
I had to fish a wire back to my cab roof light and noticed theres some kind of carpet underlayment between the roof panels? Is this normal? I thought it was just empty space in there.
Yeah Dan that is normal. There might even be a piece of cardboard like material in between those panels....nice insulation and sound deadening right.:wink2:
The build is looking great. My suggestion for paint would be to go to Canadian tire and check out their pre-mixed paints. They come already to spray....just mix them well, run them through a filter, and start spraying...no messing with hardeners, or reducers etc. They have 10-20 colours in stock.
Personally I think you should stay with a silver...solid or tu-tone.
Haven't been able to work on it much since family has been visiting for the past 3 weeks but I managed to get the leaf springs finished and pick up a set of seats from a 2008 Ram for $300
Best price I found and everything looks to be well made.
I can also link the pitman arm to use from a different site if you'd like. It should fit perfectly between the engine cross member with the tre hole drilled 6" from centre on the steering arm and using said pitman arm.
Hit me up with the pitman arm when you get a chance, thanks!
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