Well, having decided on front and rear suspension, I finally got to start working on the frame, removing the stuff it won't be needing.
I have used a Rotocut bit, grinders and even an "All-Wrench", but these old rusty rivets are a PAIN to get out. It took almost 2 days to get the front spring perches and the other things riveted to the frame off, and I'm only back to the crossmember behind the rear cab mounts.
I was going to leave the tranny crossmember until I get the new IFS installed, and then take it out.
IMG_1485 by
Robert Moorman, on Flickr
That's the complaining portion of this post.
The good news is that I only have a few more rivets to get out, and the rear spring perches are included in that, and it'll be ready to get blasted or dipped. I'm going to talk to the shop that dips cars and see what they say about doing frames, and talk to another guy who media blasts frames to see which way I want to go. If anyone has some experience with this, please let me know.