Rear suspension finished (almost)

Yesterday was another hot one but decided that while the rear differential was apart, and much lighter, I would finish up the rear suspension. I reapplied the springs and mounted the rearend housing in place and marked where the shock mount bar was going. Then I flipped the frame over with the gantry crane (it's getting heavier) so the drilling of the holes would be easier. Got everything together including the rear sway bar. Thats when I found out I have the wrong bolts for the top shock mounts. Will get some to fit next week. The sway bar in the picture is still covered with bubble wrap as it is chromed.
I have one more cross piece to install yet and that is the transmission mount. I have to get a gutted 700R4 transmission case and an old small block Chevy engine to mock that in place. Then I think I will take it all apart and paint the frame.
Also been working on one of the front fender mounting pieces that had one end partially rusted away. Welded it up and ground it down. Still more to do on it, but it's good practice for me.
Only have two weeks left before we leave for Europe for five weeks.

New Drums

Mother of Pearl, new brake drums. Ordered them from NAPA yesterday and picked them up this morning. Checked the fit and then took them over to Lynn Perry for redrilling. Should have them back next week. Now I have to get all the innerds. All the shoes, cylinders, springs etc. to rebuild the backing plates. You just have to find the right place for the right stuff.

Rear end housing blasted

Well, second set of brake drums came in yesterday and again the wrong ones. On a better note, Lynn Perry called me and he had the axles drilled and new bearings installed. Very nice job. He suggested that if I was going to sandblast the housing that the new seals should be put in after that. I picked all the stuff up from him and came home and blasted the housing. Then I washed it good with my power washer and blew it dry with compressed air. I let it set in the sun for a while to make sure it was dry and then shot it with some Eastwood chassis black primer. The housing is a bit pitted so will ask the experts if I could or should use some Evercoat filler to smooth out the surface before I finish painting it. I may have to remove the primer I just put on to do that but I need it now to finish mocking up the rear suspension.
Think I will work on the drums with a different parts dealer. We both have spent a lot of time trying to get the right ones. Maybe NAPA will become my new best friend.

Heat and Rain, Heat and Rain

A lot more heat and rain this last week, but since I think it's only my mom that reads this stuff, I procrastinated till today to add anything. I did some sandblasting of parts early in the week but could only go till noon. It was 97 degrees one day with a heat index of 110. I stayed out too long that day and haven't blasted since. Besides, got kids and grandkids here now.
I did order brake drums for the 9 inch rear end and they arrived Saturday. Wrong ones. Took them back this morning and should have new ones on Wednesday. This is the fun part of Hotrodding. The hunt.

New Floor Pans

The new floor pans arrived yesterday. I researched the internet to find the best ones and found out that BOTP (Blue Oval Truck Parts) were in the ball park as all the other manufacturers, except they are made in the good old USA. I like that and they even engraved USA in the pan. It will be a while before I start installing them as I have to put the cab back on the frame and bolt it down so it doesn't get tweeked out of shape with the cutting and welding. Meanwhile. I cleaned up the pumpkin and it's ready to be reinstalled in the rear end housing when I get it back. Still searching for rear brake parts. Hope I don't have to go to disk brakes although thats not bad, just more expensive. Sandblasted four more parts this morning encluding the radiator mounting frame, front fender mounts and front gravel pan.

Waiting

While I'm waiting for the axles to be drilled and new bearings and seals installed, plus brake parts, I decided to order new floor pans for the truck cab. I did a little research on the Internet and found out most of the places selling the floor pan/pans get them from China. I took a chance on the forum stating the web site "Blue Oval truck Parts" was the best place to get them. The pan will come in two pieces but should be pressed here in the good old US of A. This will be my first attempt at repairing sheet metal on the truck. Street Rodder magazine says this is the best place for a novice like me to start metal repairs as it is all going to be covered up anyway. I like that way of putting it. Should be here by next week.