from beginning to end!"Project: Big Nell"(11/1/07)

[RebelRider]

[dcbullet]

thanks for the update, I enjoy following your progress.

[layedout72]

well, i got the steering box out, got it all cleaned up (thank god for wire wheels) and actually started painting it this morning. I got some "rust tough" silver metallic or something of the sort. So pictures are below, let me know what you think.

[gonzalo medina]

Well buddy I hate to see poeple call it quits but your heart is in the right place. As a college student I completly understand the upcoming stress and complications you'll be faced with but projects should be fun and time consuming. My truck went under a full "keith" style frame off that will be done this summer. I have had the truck four long years and I am happy to say it will finnaly be driver. The point here is I think you wanted to much to fast from your truck which has led to your break down. I am not trying to tell you what to do by any means but you seen something in that truck when you first got it. The best things in life are the ones you wait for. Good luck on whatever you decide to do. Wish I was closer

[layedout72]

welp, thanks to 390Nut, i was able to do my FIRST clutch job. Not too bad, but not something I want to do a lot. It helps to have a motor lift and the engine OUT of the truck for sure. Here is a pic of everything bolted up, awaiting the tranny.

[layedout72]

[customcrewcab]

well hurry up you could have that thing fired off today! just make sure it out of gear if the driveshaft in. then that will get you really excited to the sheet metal back on.

[layedout72]

I really wish I could get it going enough for the show down on the coast next month. I don't think I will be able to though. MAYBE....if I work quick enough.

[rjewkes]

some shows are happy to see WIP's (Works In Progress) they have awards at some for partialy restoreds. just get her runnin and the front sheet on and she'll be good for the show.

[layedout72]

thats the plan. its not a hotrod/resto show, but more of a minitruck show. either way, it will hopefully be AT LEAST on the coast, not necessarily in the show.

[layedout72]

time to stop! well, time to make the truck stop anyways. Got 4 brand spankin new wheel cylinders, and rear shoes. They had to order the front ones. Should be here by the end of the week. They said they would call me. Tomorrow (depending on homework, and me understanding calculus) I will get to gettin, and hopefully have all this stuff on the truck.

[RebelRider]

You're gettin there! Keep up the good work!
And thanks for keepin the pics goin!

[layedout72]

well, i have set a goal for this weekend. get the headers cleaned/painted/installed, and get the inner fenders painted and installed. I have 2.5 weeks to get it running and driving. Oh, also this weekend, the brakes WILL be done. One way or another. So, a full Friday afternoon, and Saturday should be able to get that done. Once that is done, I will get started on patching the wiring back together.

[layedout72]

thing tend to not go as planned, but we all know that it can make for fun times. i didnt get the truck running yet, but so be it. i dont feel like rushing or even busting my butt on it right now. I will get it done though. I hope to have it sitting on all 4 this week, at least.

I went to the truck show, and had an absolute blast. I went to another one this past month, couple weeks ago i think, and it was about the best time i have had in my time yet. It was pure insanity all weekend. Just how I like it. booze, trucks, girls, draggin, and more girls.

that being said, i am still working on the brakes, no big deal as i said, im in no real rush. I have a cruise in the beginning of august, so my money is tied up for the most part. i will have pics soon as possible of what is done. the inner fenders are painted, cleaned the exhaust manifolds up a bit, didnt do much though. They are on as well though. I need to redo the front brake I have already done, he rigged it to work with what he had, just like many other areas with this truck.

I plan to get some steel tomorrow and have it cut how i need it. Where should I look to have it cut, and do people even do this? I don't know what to use to cut 1/4 inch material, but I do know I don't have it haha. Thinking a band saw is needed. Either way, that should be done monday, as well as getting atleast the hubs and lugs pressed in to the drum. I still need to figure the bearings and all.

Can you do them without a press? More worried about the rear bearing/seal combo. I think it's the race bearing? Can I do that myself? The wheel bearing shouldn't be a big deal, least I hope not.

[customcrewcab]

this is what shops use http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/d ... mber=93507

i am guessing your talking about your new frame. your also going to need smaller bracing so you hold it straight. it will move alot when you start burning it in. also on you pic where you have the crossmember sunk into the frame. your best bet is a large upright bandsaw or on a mill. a end mill will keep the angles straight and clean. bigger gaps there more it and moved and be off. i would mark it out on the floor on the garage with marker and weld it up there. if i where you i would just has a waterjet cut the holes and angles in the crossmember. should not cost that much.