Stopped by the shop yesterday to check up on progress. The guys there are doing some amazing work. The truck has been completely disassembled down to every nut and bolt! All parts have been sand or media blasted down to the bare metal, so we can see what was really under there. Pretty happy with what was found. Definitely some rust here and there, but overall very solid. The frame was in especially good shape - no structural rust, straight, true, and solid all the way around.
Right now, they are working on getting all the body panels rehabilitated. Rust repair where necessary, and fixing any dings or dents. The guys at the shop do amazing work. We may use an aftermarket patch panel in a couple of places, but they are mostly just fabbing their own patch panels from scratch - true craftsmen, and it is incredible to watch them do the work.
Next week the work on the body panels will continue, and also will start boxing the frame and getting it ready for the suspension work. Think I'll be ordering a Scott's IFS, and the guys at the shop are going to fab up a custom 4-link with a 9-inch Ford for the rear. Will be very cool to watch that process as it develops.
Here are some pictures -
Passenger side rear and drivers front fenders ready for the body shop:
Passenger front fender getting the expert treatment:
Frame sitting upside down on the jig, but looking good:
Cab was solid, but still some trouble spots to take care of:
