MY 78 s/w project

[Grover 1]

I keep adding little projects.  I decided to relocate the gas tank between the frame as long as the bed was off for paint, that got done just this week.  I got rid of the marker lights in the front fenders two weeks ago, i really like the shaved look on that, by the way.  Even though its just a daily driver I decided to POR the frame at least up to the back of the cab.  I'm going to give the body one last wet sand and then hope to have it sprayed and body panels back on before the end of the month.  Hey Vile, if you're itchin to add another to the stable, can I make a suggestion?  SEE BELOW

[VileZambonie]

Why what's up with that?

[Grover 1]

Well, it's been a while but the 78 is finally going in the right direction - together.  Frame and firewall were sandblasted this week, frame painted today.  Waiting on a shipment from ARP for bolts for the crossmember and suspension, should be here Friday or Monday.  Hopefully I'll have lots of new pics in the next couple of weeks.

[beastie_3]

great progress!

[VileZambonie]

Looks great! Are you keeping the AC?

[Grover 1]

Yes, I'm going to go to a serpentine system from a 4.3.  The A/C compressor is on the passenger side ( no hoses running across the engine) so it will be a neater/cleaner look.  I also can use the "new" smaller Harrison compressor.  I have found several serpentine systems for $200-$250 complete at the wrecking yards.  I'll have the brackets and pulleys powder coated, probably throw a new water pump on and should be set to go. I'm going to try to have the front suspension back together this week, then back to the body shop.  I talked to the painter today and asked him if he would paint my Kenworth in the same Hugger Orange/Cream combination!!  I'll get a quote from him next week - stay tuned - haven't touched my bass in over a monthjavascript:void(0);

[Grover 1]

Got the crossmember in this week, crack in frame was vee'd welded and plated, control arms, new ball joints, brakes, steering assembly, new heater core, cab mounts and steering column.  Back to the body shop tomorrow for firewall smoothing and paint.  I'll be freshening the engine at the same time.

[Grover 1]

Well it's taken long enough but the firewall is finally painted in Hugger Orange.  The underneath is done in a light undercoat in black.  Sorry it took so long, but I just kept finding things, you know, as long as it's down this far, might as well...  Going to work on installing the engine and trans this week.

[Grover 1]

Wow, after reducing the size the orange came out really grotty in the picture - it's actually quite nice.

[Grover 1]

Well it's taken long enough but the firewall is finally painted in Hugger Orange.  The underneath is done in a light undercoat in black.  Sorry it took so long, but I just kept finding things, you know, as long as it's down this far, might as well...  Going to work on installing the engine and trans this week.

[VileZambonie]

Looks great! I still have quite a bit of work to do to mine -

[Swims350]

wow very nice looking.

[team39763]

That looks great. Nice work.

[bake74]

   That does look great, how many hours would you guess you have into the firewall job ?  Just curious....Tom

[Grover 1]

Not really a lot.  There was two small areas of rust that got patches, the rest was cleaning up the pinch welds with dura-glass.  Just in the prep probably 5-6 hours.  Painting was about 1-1/2 minutes lol.  I got the engine and trans in yesterday - pics coming soon...