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Progress, however slow... but isn't it about the JOURNEY?
- Thread starter 52wasp
- Start date
52wasp
Member
Weekly progress update
Good morning all, here is my weekly photo upload. Good progress this past week. I punched a hole in the rear bed crossmember for spare tire-hoist access. The small rectangular cover (currently bare black plastic- to be painted to match bed) and the hoist are from a 99-07 full-size GM truck. The old "mockup" hoist is visible here. I have a new one in-hand, it just needs some modification (like the old one got). I also drilled the access thru-hole in the spare tire crossmember. Everything lines up nicely. The part behind the cover required some slicing and dicing with the band saw, followed by some plastic-welding to put it back together to fit.
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I also punched the bedside to accept the original AD (cab mounted) filler neck. It will require a 45-degree bent piece of filler-neck hose to make the connection.
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I have also (finally) drilled ALL of the mounting holes for the AD conversion kit mounting, and have fastened all the cab and bed mounts with Grade 8 hardware. Running board brackets are next. I also had a lightbulb moment where I figured out how I was going to attach the rear-bumper "bracketry" to the frame. Pictures of that to follow as it comes together.
Mike
Good morning all, here is my weekly photo upload. Good progress this past week. I punched a hole in the rear bed crossmember for spare tire-hoist access. The small rectangular cover (currently bare black plastic- to be painted to match bed) and the hoist are from a 99-07 full-size GM truck. The old "mockup" hoist is visible here. I have a new one in-hand, it just needs some modification (like the old one got). I also drilled the access thru-hole in the spare tire crossmember. Everything lines up nicely. The part behind the cover required some slicing and dicing with the band saw, followed by some plastic-welding to put it back together to fit.
I also punched the bedside to accept the original AD (cab mounted) filler neck. It will require a 45-degree bent piece of filler-neck hose to make the connection.
I have also (finally) drilled ALL of the mounting holes for the AD conversion kit mounting, and have fastened all the cab and bed mounts with Grade 8 hardware. Running board brackets are next. I also had a lightbulb moment where I figured out how I was going to attach the rear-bumper "bracketry" to the frame. Pictures of that to follow as it comes together.
Mike
52wasp
Member
More pictures... an image shot thru the access.
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And the part, revamped and plastic welded.
Here is the complete Hoist system, dry fitted. The new hoist has had its top flanges cut off, to suit this application. L-brackets (sitting on crossmember) to be fitted and welded.
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And the part, revamped and plastic welded.
Here is the complete Hoist system, dry fitted. The new hoist has had its top flanges cut off, to suit this application. L-brackets (sitting on crossmember) to be fitted and welded.
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Last edited:
52wasp
Member
Wednesday Progress.
I mocked up the (repop of the original) fuel filler neck (see previous post) and realized it was going to need surgery. I cut the bend out of it on the band saw, and welded the straight portion back on. Took measurements. I did some internet sleuthing, and came up with a Fuel Filler Hose which was long enough, had a 45 degree bend, and was 2" ID at one end and 1-7/8" ID at the other. Perfect for what I needed. I sliced some length off of both ends with the trusty band saw. I then trimmed the (repop) AD fuel filler neck hose down to size, and slid it over the neck. The 1-7/8" end of the new hose fit nicely over it. Then I installed the whole mess, and slipped the 2" end over the spud on the gas tank. Done! I also cut a piece of the repop AD vent hose, and slipped it over the (shortened since the picture was taken) vent tube. I'll need to buy some 3/4" diameter vent hose to connect to the tank.
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I stopped by my local junkyard (5 minutes away) and picked up a 99-07 full-sized-pickup jack and tools. Welded the tabs on the new hoist, and she's done. (tools shown installed for clarity)
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These are two items I have been longing to cross off of the list. I also dropped the 4L60E transmission off at a recommended shop, for upgrades to handle the (estimated) 400 ft/lbs of torque the engine will produce. Stock 4L60E's are rated for 360 ft/lbs. I figured it was safe insurance to upgrade NOW, and not after the tranny puked its guts out in an intersection.
I mocked up the (repop of the original) fuel filler neck (see previous post) and realized it was going to need surgery. I cut the bend out of it on the band saw, and welded the straight portion back on. Took measurements. I did some internet sleuthing, and came up with a Fuel Filler Hose which was long enough, had a 45 degree bend, and was 2" ID at one end and 1-7/8" ID at the other. Perfect for what I needed. I sliced some length off of both ends with the trusty band saw. I then trimmed the (repop) AD fuel filler neck hose down to size, and slid it over the neck. The 1-7/8" end of the new hose fit nicely over it. Then I installed the whole mess, and slipped the 2" end over the spud on the gas tank. Done! I also cut a piece of the repop AD vent hose, and slipped it over the (shortened since the picture was taken) vent tube. I'll need to buy some 3/4" diameter vent hose to connect to the tank.
.
I stopped by my local junkyard (5 minutes away) and picked up a 99-07 full-sized-pickup jack and tools. Welded the tabs on the new hoist, and she's done. (tools shown installed for clarity)
.
These are two items I have been longing to cross off of the list. I also dropped the 4L60E transmission off at a recommended shop, for upgrades to handle the (estimated) 400 ft/lbs of torque the engine will produce. Stock 4L60E's are rated for 360 ft/lbs. I figured it was safe insurance to upgrade NOW, and not after the tranny puked its guts out in an intersection.