47-55.1 55 years ago I was given this USAF 54 3100

[joedoh]

great progress! probably runs a little better now

[vintovka]

Originally Posted by joedoh

great progress! probably runs a little better now

Thanks. Actually happy its a "resto-modification" and can use all new up to date running gear. After decades of dealing with obsolete tech a purist restoration would not provide the reliability i need nowadays. I had all new fuel system put in (Tank, sender, lines and pump). The original system would frequently clog with rust. All the rubber, and interior parts are stacked up ready for install after paint. I chose to have the unseen portions of the cab like floor, jams, running boards, lower cab etc. covered in bed liner. Still debating inside bed walls. Leaning toward synthetic decking for bed due to high rust in this salt air. If anyone has spare bench seat parts would like to hear from them. Goal of being in 2017 Brookings Memorial day parade with my 92 year old AF vet neighbor is still on

[28TudorAZ]

Looks nice.

[vintovka]

Originally Posted by 28TudorAZ

Looks nice.

Thanks. Nice comments soften the continual onslaught of costs and repairs (and re-repairs).

The trans shop fixed the bad leak at the np208 output shaft by using a heavy duty seal. Apparently the seal kit they used in the rebuild did not have real good ones in it. Seal has a bright red outer ring (instead of green) and much thicker. Hope it works. Pan is still leaking and think its the same deal on seal quality. Going back this week to hopefully get leaks fixed. Another 150 mile round trip and $40 in gas.

[vintovka]

Well the trans leak appears to be finally fixed. They had to pull it pound it straight where it had been over tightened and replace the seal that got split. Only another grueling 150 mile round trip in driving coastal rain with partially operable wipers.

Added "U.S. AIR FORCE" to side emblems and another over the crap paint spot on the tailgate. Sadly too many folks flat did not recognize the old USAAC emblem and did not understand what it meant. Apologies to vets and purists but necessary.

Same shop that did the body/paint work messed up a number of mechanical items. I fixed Loose header and carb bolts and about 100 other things. Truck now drives well but still needs front end work. That will be done soon.

[MiraclePieCo]

I think we can all relate. Keep plugging away, it'll be worth it Great truck!

[Rob C]

Very nice...Awesome stance on that 4x4...love it. Color looks sweet!!

[vintovka]

One more, Bed floor will have to wait for pension check replenishment. May need to find sponsors.

[dsraven]

when looking for synthetic decking material check out trex. it is sold plastic all the way through with a wood grain embossed in. it cuts fine,like wood, and you can easily router it as well. my deck is going on year 10 in Calgary's hot/cold/chinook weather and it is still going strong. wouldn't break the bank either for how much you need. comes in 20ft length, at least it used to.

nice looking unit. have fun and do it your way. like said earlier, don't look at it like an investment, if you do you won't drive it in case it gets scratched. all that money tied up and you don't drive it.

[vintovka]

Originally Posted by dsraven

when looking for synthetic decking material check out trex. it is sold plastic all the way through with a wood grain embossed in. it cuts fine,like wood, and you can easily router it as well. my deck is going on year 10 in Calgary's hot/cold/chinook weather and it is still going strong. wouldn't break the bank either for how much you need. comes in 20ft length, at least it used to.

Thanks. I agree and decided on synthetic with SS rails long before i started. The bed you see is 20 years old and is made of marine grade plywood. I can push a finger thru the front where leaves and water collected. Thats after 2 decades in a dry climate. Only synthetic would survive here in OR on the beach. Heck even cedar doesn't last.

[dsraven]

you could also look into purpleheart wood, peltogyne, but it is pricey from what I hear. tough as nails though and guys use it for docks and the like so probably would be good decking.

[jcramsey]

Truck looks great! Keeping the same wheels and tires on it?

I love these trucks on some old steelies with some tall skinny tires!

[vintovka]

Originally Posted by jcramsey

Truck looks great! Keeping the same wheels and tires on it?

I love these trucks on some old steelies with some tall skinny tires!

The $$ issue means same wheels and tires.

[vintovka]

Thanks for the encouragement. My timings been off and shoulda done this right back in 96. Poor old truck has had more lives than Dr Who. Now that i can see again i wish i had done more myself.

[vintovka]

Joy turned to disappointment this morning when i went to shop and pick it up. Drove it for first time since new engine and found the power brake unit took a dump. Booster and master cylinder sat for 17 years and didn't trust em anyway. Rest of system in new or refurbed already. Oh well maybe tomorrow (and another couple 100 $$$).

[dsraven]

well, not good news but better to find out now than to find out on the freeway or part way down the big hill.

[vintovka]

Well the brakes are fixed but the brand new GM performance 350 crate engine started leaking oil from around the harmonic balancer. Not sure whats next.

[vintovka]

Well the brakes wern't fixed by the new (and probably unnecessary) replacement power brake unit. The leak was due to the crappy chrome timing cover provided from GM performance parts ( they will hear about it soon). Now no leak.
The front brakes needed complete replacement with new calipers and ceramic pads. The poor thing sat for years and the caliper pistons were stuck.

Shop is still struggling with the new Edelbrock 4 barrel from Summit that makes engine run rough.

[vintovka]

Didn't get to pick it up last friday but Progress was made. My brand new Edelbrock 1406 Carb (from Summit) not only refused to be adjusted it caused a backfire so severe it blew the seals out of the new Edelbrock manifold and caused a big oil leak. No, it was not an ignition problem. The shop guys busted their butts, pulled and reinstalled the manifold and got a another new 1406 carb and put it in. This time it adjusted fine. Summit agreed to take it back, sent a call tag and did say they would consider some of the extra labor it cost me. Will report on that later. No sooner than it was running right the Alternator took a dump. Sheesh. Seems like all the replacement parts tody suffer from poor workmanship and qa/qc regardless of how much you pay. Defective parts have been a trend of late for us so heads up. Will be buying local from now on so returning defective S__T is quick and easy Maybe home soon.

[mongocanfly]

Headliner turned out great..

[VWNate1]

12.12.2019 (beautiful full moon out) .

I just discovered this thread and read it all, you're doing a great job and I thank you for sharing the ins and outs .

I'm curious what means "rebuilt eyeballs" as I to am old and not seeing as well as I used to along with endless chronic pain issues from being a Journyman mechanic it's hard to do even the smallest things these days .

Your labor of love is a wondrous thing to behold .

[vintovka]

Well been busy. I replaced the jerry rigged cab shackles (see pic) Raised and leveled the cab using 3 4"x4" squares of 1" thick synthetic decking between frame and cab. Used a 3/8" grade 8 thru bolt and 2" washers to spread force on cab floor. The material will never rot, rust, swell or wear down at the heel. I also squared the cab to the frame to 1/4" front to back and side to side. It was off 1 1/2". Added all new lights. Halogen headlights, amber turn and park lights, LED taillights. I like the back up lights. Added some seriously loud horns under the grill. Tomorrow work on inside begins with new instrument and gauges. Again this is NOT a show truck and am pushing 70.

[vintovka]

Oops you'll need to stand on your head to see the last two. Sorry (unless a mod can fix)

[vintovka]

A bit more

[vintovka]

Well work has gone sloooow. Its been as low as 28F in an unheated garage and tough for these old hands. So far Grab Handles, bullet fog lights, electric wipers in, Horns, some gauges, a giant heater and now a defroster. Had to add a 2" aluminum billet type air filter riser to clear distributor. Told plastic ones may melt. The after market heater required new holes in the firewall. FWIW Finding firewall heater hose grommets not easy around here so used valve cover inlet grommets with the baffle cut off. I found my fancy aftermarket defroster kit Would NOT WORK. The defroster vent interferes with the wiper arms . Used original vents. 2" hose an 1.5" abs/pvc fittings and zip ties as shown. Not pretty but very military utilitarian looking and works. Heater fan will blow you out of cab on high. Need to put instruments in add turn indicators. May either hire someone to paint emblem on or buy a decal.