Re: 1983 garage build
 

I was looking at 2 different ones with I6s, a 76 step and my 81 step. I opted for the 81 because it had factory air and better shape/paint.

Re: 1983 garage build
 

:metal::metal:

Re: 1983 garage build
 

Lenox blade cut though the frame like Butta!!

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...e4b4219d_b.jpg

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...a94b1abe_b.jpg


Need to wack a few more rivets off, but we're close!

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...51a714a4_b.jpg

Re: 1983 garage build
 

Cool build..I picked up a not so pretty 6 banger long bed with air. Thinking about cutting her down to size, but space is a problem...Too many trucks.

Re: 1983 garage build
 

thank you! I'm not a huge fan of a longbed on a lowered truck but they look right at home on a raised truck. I'm kinda in the same boat, 2 project trucks in a 3 car garage doesn't leave much room. Ideally I would only have one truck in the garage/shop at a time!

Edit: Interested to see what you do with your project!

Re: 1983 garage build
 

removed 8 more rivets; thought I had it licked....realized I still have two more to go!:Own:

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Re: 1983 garage build
 

I used to fight with rivets forever! If you don't have to worry about the top piece I have found a large impact hammer will sheer the heads off and push them through is seconds.

When I need to save the part though I am still pretty quick with using a step drill for most of it then a flap disk to take the rest of it off and it falls out.

How do you like that kit? Brooks make some nice stuff.

Re: 1983 garage build
 

Thanks for the tips! So far so good, the kit seems to work rather well; just finished the drivers side; heading over to the passenger side in a few:metal::metal:

Re: 1983 garage build
 

lots of metal shavings later, drivers side mostly done!

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...a95d5b4a_b.jpg

Re: 1983 garage build
 

made my own drill jig using the rear frame rails; worked out pretty good if I do say so myself/also used the "Tapfree" cutting fluid for all drilling; seemed to help quite a bit...drill bits lasted the entire project.

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...42ed4876_b.jpg

Re: 1983 garage build
 

inner plates and welding will happen a little further down the road, however, this keeps it in a roller status for now.

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...f8108109_b.jpg

Re: 1983 garage build
 

You're doing good work! I use a torch on the old rivits, if its near the gas tank I use an air chisel.

Re: 1983 garage build
 

Thank you! I've never been accused of moving quickly when it comes to these types of projects:flag:

Re: 1983 garage build
 

scored some .030 Perfect Circle NOS piston rings circa 1978; from what I can tell by the ink stamp anyway. These are for the NOS TRW .030 forged pistons:

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...1094c312_b.jpg