Attempting my first build 72 K5

[sockalaminski]

Originally Posted by 72K5CSTDarkOlive

That's a good idea. So I have a question... Has anyone ever used a Air Needle Scaler?

I'm going to be painting my axles using Master Series AG111. I want to get it to bare metal, but I don't have the option of using a sand blaster.

That's how I cleaned the underside of my '71. Also why I was jealous to see the result of steam cleaning. I spent a good 40 hours under the cab before I got it all off. The needles will leave little impressions if you use too much pressure but should give a good result.

[72K5CSTDarkOlive]

I'm really struggling to remove the rear drag link from the axle. I was able to remove the long steering rod (not sure if that's the correct name) with no problems.

Is there a special tool for removing this? I tried the BFH and the socket over the nut, but it wont budge.. I'm trying to remove each individual piece from axle so I can prep them for paint.

[72K5CSTDarkOlive]

ok, so I was able to remove the rear drag link from the pitman arm.. I went to Carquest and rented a Spindle Nut removal tool, for FREE! All you have to do is put a deposit down and when you return it they refund your money.. pretty cool, oh and I can use for up to 30 days..

So I removed everything on the axle except for the ball joint knuckles. I was kind of over removing ball joints at that point. It did make it a little more challenging for sanding but I think I was able to hand sand in and around those tight areas..

When I was at Carquest, I picked up about 7 different size steel wheel wires for an electric drill. It worked pretty good, but next time i will haul the axle somewhere and pay someone to sandblast it.. I think I spent a total of 16 hours prepping this axle.. It had a ton of grease, rust, corrosion.

Here's a pic before the first coat of primer and one with the first coat of primer. I'm going to put one more silver primer coat and then finish with a top coat of chassis black gloss.. I used MasterCoat .

[72K5CSTDarkOlive]

@Dutchmanz - haha.. I definitely lucked out on this K5. Before this one, I had a 70 K5 that was rusted from the back of the truck bed to front and also above the windshield. I had it in high school and then when I went off to college, my junior year, my younger brother just got his license and within 2 weeks of driving he totaled my blazer. He crashed into a light pole and pretty much destroyed the whole front chassis to where it was un-repairable.

I managed to get 8K from the insurance and the truck back for $300. I parted it out for another 4K. After I graduated, I wanted to get another K5 and I found this one.

[72K5CSTDarkOlive]

I dont know why my picture keeping posting sideways. I certainly didn't save them to my computer like that.

[72K5CSTDarkOlive]

So this weekend I stepped it up and used the angle grinder with a 6 in wire wheel and just went to town on the frame.. The got it down to bare medal as best I could. Then I used this Medal prep from Master Coatings which then leaves this zinc phosphate coating. I let that sit for a couple hours and then I did 2 coats of the silver rust preventive primer followed by 1 top coat of the gloss black. Pics are from before and after with each step.

[72K5CSTDarkOlive]

Hopefully these pics show right side up this time

[72K5CSTDarkOlive]

Doing an update here with lot's pictures.. I've been busy cleaning, sanding, and painting. The Master Coat series http://www.masterseriescoatings.com/index/
is a long process. After all the parts are cleaned you start with the metal prep that they provide in their kit.. you can wipe or brush it on. After you do a couple coats of that you let sit for 2-3 hours. This leaves a zinc phosphate coating and cleans the parts really well.

The next step is to apply the silver rust preventive primer..requires 2 coats with 3 hours minimum between each coat. The final coat is the gloss black top coat.. I used a brush for everything. I think if I had a spray gun it would be much faster and easier to apply, but I think the results came out pretty good. I'm satisfied with it.

[72K5CSTDarkOlive]

Updating with more pics

[sockalaminski]

You're making great progress. Keep up the steam, because once you slow down, it's hard to kick back into high gear. You'll be driving in no time.

[72blaz]

Following along.. really nice!!!

[72K5CSTDarkOlive]

Thanks guys! I appreciate the kind feedback

@sockalaminski - I seriously haven't took a day off. When I get home from work I try find something to do make progress. I want have this thing up and running by August.. It's a long shot but I think I have a chance.

[72K5CSTDarkOlive]

I might need some help here. I'm looking to replace the bearings and seals since they're already out.. Are axle shaft bearings and wheel bearings referred to as the same part?

I was going to order these from Rock Auto
http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/more...780&cc=1029259

http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/more...925&cc=1029259

And I also found these under Axle shaft bearing section.

http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/more...586&cc=1029259

Do I need both an axle shaft and wheel bearing if I'm replacing all the bearings?

I'm trying to place this order today so I can get them in this weekend, but i want to avoid ordering wrong or duplicate parts.

Thanks

[72K5CSTDarkOlive]

I realized I asked a dumb question.. My real question is. When I dissembled the front axle, did I remove the axle shaft bearings? (the only thing I didn't take apart was the differential plate and ring & pinion)

[sockalaminski]

Originally Posted by 72K5CSTDarkOlive

I realized I asked a dumb question.. My real question is. When I dissembled the front axle, did I remove the axle shaft bearings? (the only thing I didn't take apart was the differential plate and ring & pinion)

You need the inner and outer bearings (the tapered ones) and the axle bearing,(needle bearing). The needle bearing is pressed into the spindle. When you look inside the spindle on the side where the bolt flange is, you will see that needle bearing

[DeadheadNM]

Great progress Mike!

[72K5CSTDarkOlive]

@Sockalaminski - Yup, you're right. I went home after work and thought, why don't I just look at the parts I took a part and see what they look like.. But it's funny because I'll be at work on my computer ordering all these parts, so a lot of times I go from memory.

@Pete - Thanks! I appreciate your insight on the bolts and nuts restoration part. My goal is to never see rust again, or at least for a very very long time so I want make sure I'm taking the right steps in my first phase of this restoration project

[72K5CSTDarkOlive]

So I received my engine from MotorWorks last Wednesday. I noticed they didn't do that great of job painting it.

When I ordered the engine I told them I wanted Chevy Orange as the color. If you check out the pics you can clearly see they didn't cover it very well or in some spots, not at all.

If your ordered an engine and were expecting it to come painted Chevy Orange, would you be pissed about what you see here?

I made the problem right, by fixing it myself (see after pics)

However, I don't feel that I should have had to make it right and that they should have done a much better job. I'd be curious to hear other opinions on this because it's something that I'm currently bringing to their attention.

[72K5CSTDarkOlive]

Here's the masking I did. Took about 2 hours to carefully mask around the water pump and pulleys.

[72K5CSTDarkOlive]

After pics. I applied 2 coats of Chevy Orange. I think there is a significant difference between the before and after

[sockalaminski]

Man, You've got a lot of patience. Attention to detail is what separates a good build from a great one. Yours looks great so far.

-Sock

[mx289]

You are right,motor looks much better properly painted !

As said,your attention to detail is what will make this truck great.Looking good.

(About riding,I only race mx nowadays.
I'am stuck on a 2st and i dont like YZ's so, KTM is my only option any more for a new bike i think. Or a Husky i guess,now they are owned by KTM. !
My herd of CR's need to be retired to the barn!
I have heard great things about them,hoping to ride one soon.)

[72K5CSTDarkOlive]

@Sockalminski - Thanks for the compliments. 5 years ago I didn't have the patience I have now. I've learned over time this through many mistakes haha.

@MX289 - You don't like the YZ 2 strokes? I know lot's of guys who love them. I will say they have one of the best suspensions out of the box. It's to bad the new YZ's are the same as the 2006 model with updated plastics. For 2 Strokes I think KTM is the way to go now. They continue to innovate this line while the other brands discontinued them.
If you were close by, I'd take one of those CR's off your hands.. That bike rips!

[mx289]

Originally Posted by 72K5CSTDarkOlive

@Sockalminski - Thanks for the compliments. 5 years ago I didn't have the patience I have now. I've learned over time this through many mistakes haha.

@MX289 - You don't like the YZ 2 strokes? I know lot's of guys who love them. I will say they have one of the best suspensions out of the box. It's to bad the new YZ's are the same as the 2006 model with updated plastics. For 2 Strokes I think KTM is the way to go now. They continue to innovate this line while the other brands discontinued them.
If you were close by, I'd take one of those CR's off your hands.. That bike rips!

Honestly,i bought a new 11' yz 250 and couldnt get comfortable on it.
Other,than the motor being mellow,and the suspension needing a revalve it was an ok bike.(Plus all that could be fixed with pesos.
I just didnt agree with the bike,i always felt like i was to tall for it.

So i sold it and back on my hondas i went.
I just cant sell them.I just buy more.

[72K5CSTDarkOlive]

This week I've been doing more cleaning, sanding, and painting. I finished the Transfer Case, axle shafts, hubs, AC compressor, Tie Rods and a few other little parts.

Here' some pics

I'm not really sure if I'm liking the gloss black. It's almost a little to glossy. Masterseries Coatings only offered gloss or satin. What I really was looking for was a semi-gloss, 50-60%. The parts I had powder coated are 60% gloss and I think those look great.. I'm already to invested with time and money with the gloss. If it bugs me that much down the road, I'll redo it when I start the phase 2 next winter when I go to have the body painted.