Re: Crusty Rusty Leaky Squeaky 67 Step
 

Thank you!

Re: Crusty Rusty Leaky Squeaky 67 Step
 

I have that same respirator Vic. I was very happy with mine when shooting any primer or paint. I'm sure you already know, but I bought peel away covers for mine, so I can keep the face clean.
I think it's a great idea for grinding too.

Re: Crusty Rusty Leaky Squeaky 67 Step
 

Thanks, Mike, it's always good to get confirmation that a tool works in the real world. The mask did come with a complimentary protective cover and an advertisement for more in English, French, Spanish and Portuguese. Even though I mainly speak redneck, I was able to find them on eBay and order a pack. ;)

Re: Crusty Rusty Leaky Squeaky 67 Step
 

I forged ahead and stripped all the AccuAir parts out of the frame. Reinstalled the Schrader valves I'd used when mocking up the bags so the suspension would have "springs". I located and marked the area that was wrinkled originally where Leroy's hammered it down. You can see the tool marks in it. Hopefully it will stretch back out during the pull. It's ready to go to a frame shop once I decide where. I'm going to stop by the Midway Ford Truck Center down by Worlds of Fun and see if I can get an estimate on time and $$$ to pull the front third of the frame back into alignment. Their website says they work on all sizes of trucks from 18 wheelers down to pickups. If that doesn't pan out, I'm headed to Sedalia to have it done there by a guy my brother knows. Will keep you posted.

Re: Crusty Rusty Leaky Squeaky 67 Step
 

Well, Midway Truck wasn't interested at all in this kind of work. Guess they're mainly focused on the bigger and newer stuff. However, I finally landed at B&H Automotive. Their Gladstone shop (4 miles from my house) is dedicated to restorations and very close to the place I get my paint and body supplies. They're busy right now, but have penciled me in for 10 hours on the frame machine starting June 27. I've got a few things I can do between now and then, plus we'll be gone for a little over a week on Power Tour. So the intervening time won't be wasted. The person I spoke with sounded very professional and welcoming. Looking forward to getting this settled once and for all.

Re: Crusty Rusty Leaky Squeaky 67 Step
 

For all the time and craftsmanship you've put in this truck I hope they can get it dialed in for you. Really, I'm just ready to see this Ls swap happen!!!!!

Re: Crusty Rusty Leaky Squeaky 67 Step
 

Thanks, Jason, I hope so too! Having that LS3 just sitting on the engine stand is killin' me.

Today I prepped the posi unit for installation. Pressed on the carrier and pinion bearings and installed the 3.73 ring gear. The notches in the carrier case work great to hold the unit while torqueing the bolts to 55 ft/lbs. I set up a couple of pieces of 5/8" square stock in the vise and used them as stops. Next step is to remove the existing carrier and pinion from the rear end and mock up the new posi and see how close the pinion depth is. Probably wait until the frame is fixed for that. Besides, I'm still waiting on CPP to ship the 5 lug axles and brakes, etc.

Re: Crusty Rusty Leaky Squeaky 67 Step
 

We're rooting for you on the frame work Vic. Also anxious to see you set this final up as I'll be facing that one day myself. Have fun on the Tour!

Re: Crusty Rusty Leaky Squeaky 67 Step
 

Good luck with the frame shop!

Re: Crusty Rusty Leaky Squeaky 67 Step
 

Thanks, John & Chip, I think these guys should be able to get me "squared away". ;)

The places in the firewall that I clearance'd for the valve covers and HEI on the Gen I engine had to go, so I cut them out and patched in new metal. I've been using the new full facemask for the grinding and it's great. Took a few tries to get the glasses positioned where they work best. Going from a no-line bifocal to a standard is a trip back in time, but I can see well enough to keep from grinding off any of my fingers.

CPP shipped all my 5 lug, big brake hardware and it should be here tomorrow. Christmas in June!!

Re: Crusty Rusty Leaky Squeaky 67 Step
 

Looks good Vic, glad your new protective equipment is working out for you.

Re: Crusty Rusty Leaky Squeaky 67 Step
 

Can't wait to see the eye candy. Nice work on the patches, clean as a whistle!

Re: Crusty Rusty Leaky Squeaky 67 Step
 

Rock On Vic... looks great... Can't wait to see this start coming together...

Re: Crusty Rusty Leaky Squeaky 67 Step
 

Looks good! I need me one of those face shields.

Re: Crusty Rusty Leaky Squeaky 67 Step
 

Very nice work on the rear diff and cab.

Re: Crusty Rusty Leaky Squeaky 67 Step
 

Just started following this build last night, there was a lot to catch up on and just as many things to learn. Looking forward to following you in Vic1947.

Re: Crusty Rusty Leaky Squeaky 67 Step
 

Hey Im pretty sure I figured out what the top of your hood came off of... but I forgot now (sigh).... racking my brain right now and I smell smoke!

Re: Crusty Rusty Leaky Squeaky 67 Step
 

Hey Vic, looks like you're still making headway. I hope the frame gets straightened out for you. Have fun on Power Tour!

Re: Crusty Rusty Leaky Squeaky 67 Step
 

Brief update...

After returning from Power Tour, I went down to the "resto" shop where I had an appointment next week to straighten the frame. They looked a lot more like a regular body shop than the website portrayed. After speaking with one of the counter guys and showing him the pictures of the frame, he went to the back and spoke with their frame tech. The frame tech said he didn't want to mess with it since someone else had already worked on it and, get this... he didn't want to have to push it up onto the rack since it has no engine. Later I got to thinking, what happens when they have a vehicle that's been involved in a front end collision? 9 times out of 10 the car isn't running and needs the frame fixed before the mechanical work can be done. I reckon it was just their way of saying they have more lucrative stuff to work on.

So, I took a chance and called Leroy's back. He was very congenial and said he would try to get it in the shop next week. He will call me a day or two ahead of time so I can arrange for a trailer to haul it to him. Meanwhile, I've been searching online for a SWB frame just in case, and missed two by less than 24 hours. If the deal with Leroy falls thru, I'll have to resume my search. It's been an uphill climb getting this fixed, but it ain't over till the fat lady sings. ;)

Re: Crusty Rusty Leaky Squeaky 67 Step
 

Vic, I have you covered on the truck and trailer just let me know when and I'm there.

Re: Crusty Rusty Leaky Squeaky 67 Step
 

I'm counting on it, Scott. Thanks!

Re: Crusty Rusty Leaky Squeaky 67 Step
 

Glad you're back Vic. It seems like it shouldn't be such a big deal with it being a naked, rolling chassis and all. I sure hope you can get it fixed and not have to take those steps back. On the other hand, a never wrecked chassis might be the most peaceful route too. Either way, I'm watching!

Re: Crusty Rusty Leaky Squeaky 67 Step
 

Well, if he doesn't pan out, I may have another place. All they do is rebuild totals. Kinda hard to catch, but they probably would'nt bat an eye.

Re: Crusty Rusty Leaky Squeaky 67 Step
 

Thanks, Chip. If he doesn't contact me next week, I'll give you a call.

Re: Crusty Rusty Leaky Squeaky 67 Step
 

You gotta love body/frame/mechanical shops... they really have a different outlook on things..