Full body restoration...

[philo_beddoe]

Do we have a place near us that does that? Re-chrome?

[VileZambonie]

There are many places around that chrome and even spray chrome effect for other materials.

[philo_beddoe]

 VZ,  while the bed is off,  cleaning up the exhaust and painting black. I know you hate the white. (actually light gray). I think the black is much better.

[VileZambonie]

You must be excited to get it lookin good

[philo_beddoe]

Very exited! Good news is, after its painted i'll be putting ALL the parts back on myself. That way i can take my time, make sure everything goes on correcty, and in a nice big heated shop. Oh,  btw, all but one fender shim was used, maybe he didnt need one...being an aftermarket fender and all. Although it appears to be quality.

Question: have you heard of hoods starting to fold near where the hinge bracket bolts on? Mine has a small kink, but not that bad, how can i strengthen that? (Without hood replacement)

[VileZambonie]

They are designed to fold there. Google 73-80 hood brace and you will find kits to help stiffen up the hood.

[bd]

In addition, if the hinge pins are very worn, the additional pull required to close the hood can cause it to fold inboard of the hinges.  It is good practice to push the hood back toward the windshield while pulling down to help decrease stress on the hood.

[VileZambonie]

and if they do that I would replace the hinges. They are cheap enough

[bd]

Exactly

[Irish_Alley]

one thing i did after my mud truck bent was to close from the side of the hood right before the bend. once they bend theyll only keep bending till you brace it or replace it.

[philo_beddoe]

I guess i'll brace it AND close it carefully.

[bd]

Really?  After all that work you're going to blow off replacing a pair of hood hinges?   

[VileZambonie]

Not only that but do you really want to have to constantly walk around pressing each corner of the hood down? Definitely replace them if they're giving the issues because now is the time to do it!

[LTZ C20]

DO IT! DO IT! DO IT! hahaha

[philo_beddoe]

Ok, will do!!