I finally got enough money together to start this build thread. Going to be sending the radiator support, inner fenders, air cleaner, and stove pipe pieces to the powder coater. Also swapping out my leaking power steering gear with a new redhead variable unit along with new high and low pressure lines.

But wait there is more :) Also decided to get a tilt column. I have already gotten the intermediate shaft. Bought a new drivers side fender. For inside the cab I got a new under dash wiring harness, headlight switch, heater harness, and heater control panel.

Parts should be arriving here next week. Since I am off work tomorrow I am going to get started on removing the radiator support bumper, fenders, etc.
This should be fun :)

:cool: Time for some pics!:D

:cool: Time for some pics!:D

YES IT IS!!!!

yea :wop: :)

cant wait for the pics

yea :wop: :)

YUP, I agree
:wop:

:wop: :wop: :wop: :wop:

Here things as they are. I have not torn into anything yet gotta eat breakfast first :) Then the fun begins. :crazy: There will be more as I tear it all apart.

http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o236/skokie23/Rebuild/Truck.jpg

http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o236/skokie23/Rebuild/Passsideinnerfender2.jpg

http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o236/skokie23/Rebuild/Passsideinnerfender.jpg

http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o236/skokie23/Rebuild/PassSide.jpg

http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o236/skokie23/Rebuild/Frontviewofengine.jpg

http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o236/skokie23/Rebuild/Front.jpg

http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o236/skokie23/Rebuild/Driverssideofengine.jpg

http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o236/skokie23/Rebuild/DriversSideInnerFender2.jpg

And one more..

http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o236/skokie23/Rebuild/DriversSideInnerFender.jpg

Looks like a great start! Keep us posted!!!!!

Josh

It took me 5 hours but I did it. Core support, inner fenders and a whole lot of other stuff has been dropped off at the powder coaters. Drivers side fender is off. Here are the pics.

http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o236/skokie23/Rebuild/100_5375.jpg

http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o236/skokie23/Rebuild/100_5374.jpg

http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o236/skokie23/Rebuild/100_5373.jpg

http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o236/skokie23/Rebuild/100_5372.jpg

After looking at that last pic It makes me want to pull the engine and clean up the firewall. Please dont say vintage air surefit kit or my wife will kill me :)

Always great to see one get a makeover

UPDATE: I dropped off a ton of stuff to the powder coater. Rad support, air cleaner, hood latches and a lot more I am sure I am forgetting :)

Looking good. I start taking mine apart this weekend.

vintage air surefit kit, sorry couldnt resist, looking good though, what are your plans for it???


-steven:crazy:

I am replacing the driver side fender and door hinges. Rad support, pullies,air cleaner assembly, stove pipe assembly & the hood latches are all getting powder coated. New power steering gear is going in along with a tilt column and intermediate shaft. New headlight switch, new under dash wiring harness, new heater controls, heater harness, vacuum guage and I think that is it. :) I really really want that surefit system but there is not enough $$$$ for it unless I want to push off the 700r4 for another year. and I dont :)

I took off the front bumper and the power steering pump along with its brackets. Frame is dirty but not bad at all.


http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o236/skokie23/Rebuild/Frame1.jpg

http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o236/skokie23/Rebuild/Frame2.jpg

http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o236/skokie23/Rebuild/Nobumperorpowersteeringcloseup.jpg

http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o236/skokie23/Rebuild/Nobumperorpwrsteering.jpg

http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o236/skokie23/Rebuild/Nobumperorpwrsteering2.jpg

http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o236/skokie23/Rebuild/RadiatorSuppportMountdriver.jpg

http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o236/skokie23/Rebuild/RadiatorSuppportMountpassenger.jpg

I got my parts back from the powder coater today.
Here's a few pics.

http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o236/skokie23/Rebuild/Parts.jpg

http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o236/skokie23/Rebuild/HoodLatch.jpg

http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o236/skokie23/Rebuild/Fan.jpg

http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o236/skokie23/Rebuild/AirCleanerAssembly.jpg

UPDATE:
Im waiting for some parts to come in for the radiator core support. I still need to take off the exhaust manifolds and get them blasted and possibly jet coated.

If all goes well tomorrow night I will get the column taken out and the old power steering gearbox taken off and the new redhead put in. Here is some before pics of the bumper and the headlight bezels from tonight. Tomorrow they are headed to the power coater.

http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o236/skokie23/Rebuild/FrontBumper1.jpg

http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o236/skokie23/Rebuild/FrontBumper2.jpg

http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o236/skokie23/Rebuild/HeadlightBezelsandPwrSteeringBracke.jpg

In the back are the power steering brackets. I decided not to powder coat the power steering pump. I have it cleaned. I need to mask off all of the holes and wire wheel it. After that I will paint it.

looking good and just take your time to get it done right the first time. i know how much we all want to see it all done. im shocked the the city has not said nothing because your truck is all apart like that, here they are on my ass all the time.well enough of that good luck.

Chaps7931 I got some good neighbors and I keep it covered to boot. Plus I have done so much computer work around this area that they kinda owe me :) Plus its in my driveway facing the garage.

So its not "an eyesore" Hate that damn word :( Here is the latest. I took out the original column and while I was looking I noticed some rust near the brake booster brackets so I took out the brake booster. I ran out of time before I could get the steering gear and its shaft off so I will finish that off tomorrow. Cant wait to get that tilt column in there :)

sounds good and i would like pict of that install, and i am followings your build. makes me glad to see someone from san jose with a full build thread

Ok here is the latest. I wasnt feeling to good last night so I took the night off and now I am back at it. However that power steering gear is getting the best of me. Here is a pic of the pain in the $#$#$ :crazy: Also when I pulled off the brake booster I noticed some slight surface rust on the brackets and also on the firewall. I hate rust!! Its like that energizer bunny just keeps going and going and going. So I got out the 3.8 drill and a wire wheel and went to town. Only took 10 minutes. I have it primered right now. Letting it dry. Going to shoot it with some black and clear coat it. At least the rust will be stopped until I can get the cab to the blasters next year.

http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o236/skokie23/Rebuild/PowerSteeringgear4.jpg

Before

http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o236/skokie23/Rebuild/Firewall2.jpg

Primered

http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o236/skokie23/Rebuild/FirewallPrimered3.jpg

Painted

http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o236/skokie23/Rebuild/FirewallPainted.jpg

first off where did your get your parts powder coated and was it expensive? i looked arouund and found very few people and they were $$$. 2nd why dont your just cut and weld a new peace where the rust is?

The place I use is spray technology in Santa Clara. Ask for Bill and when you talk to him be specific about what you are bringing. They do a lot of blasting on cars for the body shops in the area. For all of what I had done it was $225 and that included inner fenders. I didnt cut it out and weld another piece for 2 reasons. 1. It was surface rust. Nothing that I wirewheel wont take care of 2. I dont have a welder :)

Whats messed up is now that I see that pic it makes me want to rip out the motor, get my grinder, slap a wire wheel on it and go to town on that firewall. Who knows that may just happen. :) I have a bad motor mount on the drivers side that needs to be replaced. The wife is gonna be pissed :)

Looking good! Ain't it funny how these things just snowball?:lol: :lol:

hey skokie mightest well do it since you are taking it apart, im also from san jose and if you need a welder just let me know, i began shaving my firewall this summer but did not get to finish because of time. in my opinion i think these trucks are best done a full restoration, just to get it all done the first time. just my opinion. always glad to hel just let me know.

Thanks for the offer. I appreciate that. Ok now for the update :) I got the old power steering gear off. It looks like the seal at the top is blown out because that is where it was leaking. Also noticed a very small amount of surface rust where it was sitting.

So I broke out the wirewheel and in 2 minutes I had it cleaned up. I have some eastwoods rust encapsulator on its way so for the meantime I just gave it 2 coats of rattle can primer to hold it.
Here are the pics.

Before

http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o236/skokie23/Rebuild/Powersteeringsetupbefore.jpg

http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o236/skokie23/Rebuild/Powersteeringsetupbefore2.jpg


After

http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o236/skokie23/Rebuild/Powersteeringframerailafter.jpg

http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o236/skokie23/Rebuild/Powersteeringframerailafter2.jpg

Ok I got the new power steering gear in. Its a red head with a variable from Wes at Classic Heartbeat. That pitman arm nut was a pain to get back on. Once I had the old one off I wire wheeled the crap out of the frame , cleaned it up with some brake cleaner,dried it & and gave it 2 coats of primer, 2 coats of semi gloss black, & a coat of clear just for good measure.
Also here is a pic of the truck cover.
Here are the pics

http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o236/skokie23/Rebuild/TruckCover.jpg

http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o236/skokie23/Rebuild/RedheadGearbox2.jpg

http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o236/skokie23/Rebuild/RedheadGearbox.jpg

Update time. I got some more parts in today. The new battery tray, fan shroud, heater harness, & new heater controls. Still waiting for the under dash harness and a few more little things to come in.

I was going to get started with the core support but I had to take one of the pieces that the fender attaches to to the powder coater. I left it on by mistake when I had the core support powder coated so its getting done again with the bumper.

I am planning on picking those parts up tomorrow. If all goes well then I maybe this weekend I will be able to rent a cherry picker to take out the motor and change out the flexplate. Then clean up the firewall some.

FUN FUN FUN :)

Got the bumper and the rest of the parts back from the powder coater. I will have some pics later.

your firewall can look like this, nice and clean. just my opinion

I like that firewall but dont have the $$$$ to go that far with it until maybe next year. I am 90% convinced that I want the surefit ac system for the truck just gotta wait until the next phase.

UPDATE: Well all of the powder coating is now done and I have picked up all of the pieces. Just waiting on a part for the steering column and a wiring harness to come in. In a couple of weekends I am planning to pull the motor to install a new flexplate and motor mounts. While it is out I will clean up and rattle can the engine bay. Should be fun :)

Got the under dash harness in today. Now all I am waiting for is the steering coupler for the rag joint and then it will be time to install some parts.

Sounds good what all you doing to your 68 and from what i have seen of the pics . I will be glad when i can start my build on my 68 but due time i guess... good luck and keep the pics and update coming.

Eric

not that much $$$ to make the firewall like that and vintage air sells a kit for areas like this, i know how much pressure i put on you on this topic but its yor truck and we all work on our budgets. im a new school kind of guy

No worries chaps7931.

UPDATE:

I got the new steering coupler installed. Pics to come later. I also started on the gunk removal off of the frame. So far a lot of dirt and very little rust. The grease must have protected it :)

Ok the instrument cluster is done :)

http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o236/skokie23/Dash/100_5751.jpg

Very nice cleanup project!
I must say, I would be proud to drive that truck exactly how it was before you started - I can't wait to see progress develop :cool:

Joe67 as far as the progress goes on the outside pieces I will have at a minimal the front fenders in dp90 or a sealant of some kind. Hoping to get the hood and cowl done as well. Money is getting tight on this one but I dont believe in shortcutting body work and will hold off until I get the $$$$ to get it done right.
Thanks for the compliments.

Nice work. I did a similar "clean-up" on a 64 when I lived in San Jose. Keep it up.

OK here is the latest. Engine is out and I pressure washed the engine bay and the firewall. Looks like I will be painting tomorrow and once its dry it will be time to put the engine in. Here are the pics.

http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o236/skokie23/Rebuild/100_5771.jpg

http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o236/skokie23/Rebuild/100_5772.jpg

http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o236/skokie23/Rebuild/100_5773.jpg

That new flexplate box came in handy :)

Two more

http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o236/skokie23/Rebuild/100_5775.jpg

http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o236/skokie23/Rebuild/100_5774.jpg

great build up.
always enjoy seeing these

Great work.

It all starts with "I am going to replace that screw by the headlight."

Great work.

It all starts with "I am going to replace that screw by the headlight."

Whats funny is that is kinda how this started :) LOL

Well it time for another update. I took out the 350 to change out the flexplate, rear main seal, and oil pan gasket. It took me 1 hr to get it out and into the garage. Another 4-5 to do the work and about 8 hrs to get the motor back in. This was my first time and I was doing it by myself. Note to self DONT EVER DO THIS AGAIN WITHOUT HELP!!! :)

Anyway all went pretty good. I did manage to break a brake line due to the motor swinging on me and it smacked the master cylinder so I gotta get another one of those. Replace a few bad nuts and bolts along the way as well.
Here are some pics.


http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o236/skokie23/Rebuild/100_5807.jpg

http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o236/skokie23/Rebuild/100_5806.jpg

http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o236/skokie23/Rebuild/100_5805.jpg

http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o236/skokie23/Rebuild/100_5804.jpg

http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o236/skokie23/Rebuild/100_5800.jpg

And here are a few more.

http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o236/skokie23/Rebuild/100_5801.jpg

http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o236/skokie23/Rebuild/100_5799.jpg

http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o236/skokie23/Rebuild/100_5798.jpg




The tac vac dash is done to.

http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o236/skokie23/Rebuild/100_5752.jpg

sippy cups rock! that is where I keep my moonshine as well.

HAHHA thats my daughters. Dont mess with her sippy cup LOL

Well of course with me when I do 3-4 things right I usually break something. This must have happened when I was putting my engine back in. I am thinking that I slapped the master cylinder with the engine since it did sway on me. Snapped that brake line in half.

http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o236/skokie23/Rebuild/Brakeline2.jpg

http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o236/skokie23/Rebuild/BrakeLine.jpg

I called up Wes at Classic Heartbeat and ordered up a new set. They should be here in the next day or two. The good thing about this is that this is now a excuse :) to get out the grinder and some sanding discs and clean up that frame like I wanted to. :)

that how it is when you do it yourself the first time without help but you learn from your mistakes. overall it looks good so keep up the good work and with this great weather you should be able to get more done

Just saw this post for the first time. Nice project you have going on!

It is true about the neighbors, as long as they are cool with you they won't report any problems and the city/police only care if someone reports a problem.

If you need any help, let me know! (Disclaimer: I don't have a mechanical bone in my body, but can be used for "help me lift" "hold this" type work.)

I like those shields for the plugs..where does one get them...and what holds them on?

If this is a 68 and the heads have no accesory holes in them, then is the motor a 327, instead of a 350? Not a big deal, just currious? I like the work. Finish up what you have started before doing other stuff, otherwise you'll end up with a frame and sheetmetal scattered everywhere!! Can't wait to see it done!! I have spring break off, 3/17-3/25 and I intend to get like 1 or two of my projects done (at least running and driving!!) I'll take picts to show how hacked my 4X4 is/was.

Looks good, I started kinda like that, but as I removed parts I found more things needed cleaning, now it's a different chassis build up. I just didn't know when to say when.

Motor is a crate 350. I have a 327 in the garage. After I put in the 700r4 (hopefully next year) I will get to that part :)

Just saw this post for the first time. Nice project you have going on!

It is true about the neighbors, as long as they are cool with you they won't report any problems and the city/police only care if someone reports a problem.

If you need any help, let me know! (Disclaimer: I don't have a mechanical bone in my body, but can be used for "help me lift" "hold this" type work.)

I have a cover on it so nobody can see it also its pulled up right up to my garage door. I dont see any issues with neighbors since the guy across the street has a alcohol dragster (not kidding) in his shed in his backyard that he fires up in the summertime. The guy 4 houses down has a old ford (with a 350 in it ) coupe that he is always working on plus we have a garage band on the other side of the street. So I dont see a issue :)

I like those shields for the plugs..where does one get them...and what holds them on?

I got those off of ebay for 10 $. If you look at one of the pics of the shield you will see a 2 prong wire holder. There is a I think 5/16 (could be wrong there) bolt that holds in the shield and the wire retainer.

Oh btw ignore the grease on those valve covers. Next payday I am getting some of the black crinkle proform ones.

Ok plan for tonight is to get the core support installed and the coolant system plumbed up. Also need to put the starter back on and get the tilt column installed. Hoping I can get all that done tonight after the kiddies are in bed. :)

Ok the torque converter is now bolted to the flexplate. Little bit of threadlocker blue and 35 ft lbs of torque. Now its time to get the starter back on.

Well its 70 degrees out and guess what I am doing. LOL Well I got the master cylinder painted and mounted to the booster. I just took off the power brake pedal rod that goes from the booster to the brake pedal and gave it a nice coat of gloss black. I have already installed my new brake line for the one I snapped. Inline tube has some good quality stuff. I got both lines but I only need one so the other will go into storage until needed. Back to work I go.

Great work! Seems like everything you touch needs a detour for more clean/paint- it is worth it! Keep the work and the pics coming!

Do I see a radiator bottle on the left and a windshield bottle on the right?

Just picked those up so wondering about the factory locations...

Good job!

Ok got the booster/master cylinder installed. Hooked up the prop valve as well. Put on the new line that I got from inline tube. Now I got some bending to do to get the lines back where they are supposed to be. I slapped them with the engine by mistake. Here are the pics.

http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o236/skokie23/Rebuild/Brakes4.jpg

http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o236/skokie23/Rebuild/Brakes3.jpg

http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o236/skokie23/Rebuild/Brakes2.jpg

http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o236/skokie23/Rebuild/Brakes.jpg

A fresh orange engine sure looks good down in these trucks don't they. I think I wish I had painted mine orange now. Paint is easier and cheaper compared to billet and chrome. Looks good.

But it got dirty in the install process :) See all of those dirty hand marks hahahaha

Sweet build progress congrats..