Project - '69 4x4 named "Patches"

[msgross]

I'm doing a straight fill neck with cap that "shouldn't" need a vent since it won't be going through a long hose.

I am going to add a bung to vent the outgoing fuel so it doesn't create a vacuum when the engine is drinking the fuel.

[sdailey]

Originally Posted by Jtrux

Build sounds awesome, I was wondering about the welding too. Nice job. I can't hold a candle to that, if it can't be MIG or stick welded I can't do it.

J,

Thanks. I only welded the bottom plate back on. I didn't weld the entire tank up. Back when I welded for a living, I primarily tig weld with a little mig every once in a while. I used to weld stainless all the time and aluminum is like a treat for me. I'd rather weld it than stainless.

[sdailey]

I'm still here working on the '69 here and there in between this crazy Georgia weather. We just had snow and tornado warnings in the same week.

Anyway, I found another good deal on Craigslist here locally for a new repop unstamped Chevy tailgate for $100. The guy was restoring a '69 and lost interest in it. I'm not sure if I'll keep it or sell/trade it for a stamped gate. Many thanks to Alan's Classic for forwarding the Craigslist link to me.




I also took on the task of rebuilding my steering gear box. Advanced Auto wanted $190 for a remaned one with $65-$75 core charge or $45 for a rebuild kit. So being that I had 2 gear boxes I figured I could rebuild one and if that went south I at least had one to use as a core still.

This shot was after I degreased everything and shot some etch primer on the housing.



Here's the part number for the rebuild kit from Advanced Auto.




Here's an article from 4-Wheeler magazine that I used for the rebuild. I didn't take pictures of every step in my rebuild because this article has some good ones already.

http://www.fourwheeler.com/techartic...ild/index.html

Here's a shot after final assembly.



Poor Man's paint booth



Of course, there was a honey-do list since I was painting already.



Then here it is installed.



It's small progress but progress nonetheless. At least that's what I keep telling myself.

Stay tuned.