[chevyrestoguy]

I was able to get a lot done this weekend even though it was over 105 with some humidity thrown in. Brad picked up the rear end from Rob's shop and another buddy who's a certified welder took care of welding up the perches. I made two of the brake clips that weld to the axle tube and welded them on. For some reason, both of the clips were missing on the driver's side axle tube. I cleaned and blasted the rear inspection cover, primered the housing, and shot it all in chassis black. It turned out good.

A few months ago, I was able to make a deal (more parts trading!) on a complete exhaust system from a friend who was going from small block to big block on his '65 longbed. The exhaust was relatively new, with Sanderson shorty headers, aluminized pipe (2.5") and stainless Magnaflows. He removed it from the truck but cutting it out in sections, and although it might sound like it would be easy to reassemble it into my truck, it wasn't as simple as it sounds. The hardest part was trying to get it back under the truck and supported with jackstands, and with tailpipes that go all the way to the rear corners of the bed, that was fun. I also changed the style of pipe hangers from the ones with the pipe clamps and rubber straps to the better ones with the L-brackets and sandwiched biscuit mounts. I don't care for the look of exhaust tips, so we were able to adjust the tailpipes where they dump in the back corners but are 100% hidden. After the system was tacked back together, it came back out to be fully welded and sprayed with VHT exhaust paint. It turned out nice, especially for what I have into it ($200). And a big thanks to Brad, who helped tackle this beast!

I was moving at such a fast pace trying to get as much done as possible that I forgot to take pictures. I'll get some as soon as I can.

Next step: Mount the rear axle, install the Super Track Bar kit, install the shocks, install the axles and backing plates, rebuild the rear brakes, and make rear brake lines. I really want to get the rear suspension completed so I can move to the front and finish it up the last few items.