Disassembly Blues

[bm52]

We're still in the disassembly stage of our project. So far we've removed:

Bed and rear bumper
All brake drums, shoes, parking brake cables and brake lines
Rear axle, shocks and leaf springs
Both drive shafts
Seat (what was left of it) and floormat
Both front fenders and the cab mount plates
Most of the wiring outside the cab
Headlights, Grill and the really rusted piece between the front bumper and radiator support.

You really don't know what kind of shape things are in until you start taking them apart, and it can be kinda discouraging. Our socket set, big hammer and cutting torch have all been plenty busy, but the number one life saver during this part of the project is::::

PB Blaster!

We look forward to the day when we can work on the truck, and not leave a layer of rust and dirt on the driveway.......

[FORDification]

Yeah, I totally agree with you that the disassembly and cleanup is the grunt work that really sucks. You just have to keep the vision in your mind of what it's going to look like when you're done to keep you going. It took me over a year to get over the hump, and now the remaining tasks aren't quite as bad....so it DOES get easier.

[bm52]

Well, we keep looking at the pic of the truck on the back of the t-shirts, ours someday will look very similar to that. Good thing is, the truck starts and runs very well. Sure looks funny though, running while it is "half naked".

[flyboy2610]

I know what you mean. I've got Frankie down to the point I'm pullng the front suspension off, but so many thing keep coming up that need to be doen to the Taurus or Topaz that I sometimes wonder if I'll EVER get the truck running!
But I have this picture in my head of a 1968 Ranger XLT (Yes, I know they never made one, but hey it's MY truck!) that is silver with a red interior.
The vision keeps me going!
Proverbs 29:18 ¶Where there is no vision, the people perish:

[trukcrazy]

This is a great place to get some motivation and encouragement when you really need it. Keith's truck is a good example to use as a guide. Not only for the ideas and methods, but just as proof that there is life after disassembly and that it will become a running, driving member of the family again. I will be needing alot of motivation once I get started on mine and here and one or two groups is where I will look to get it when needed. As everyone posts the progress of their trucks, there will be that much more for all of us. And Flyboy, I like the idea of adding trim packages to trucks that didn't have them originally. Keep the faith bm.

[bm52]

It helps stay motivated when you are receiving stuff for the truck in the mail each week, kinda like Christmas. Just received a nice dash pad and an armrest yesterday, thru Ebay. The kids are jealous though, they want to start buying stuff on Ebay so they will get presents in the mail too....

I wrote up a total scope of work for the truck project, including part numbers, suppliers, prices and contingency. This really brought us down to earth - the estimate is right around $7,500. I think it's time we hit the salvage yards!

[flyboy2610]

Yea, that's pretty close to my estimate, too.
I figure it'll take a minimum of two years.

[4x4x4crewcab]

This is a great place to get some motivation and encouragement when you really need it

I agree the down time really sucks