what do I have?

[Captkaos]

On the front edge of the hood there is either a pronounced area or not.  I can't tell from the small picture you posted.  I am thinking someone changed out the headlight bezels as the white turn lenses didn't go with the blacked out bezels.

[Bitzer!]

Is it easy ennough to swap the whole "clip" to the square lights (it looks like 4 rectangular)

Think it looks far sexier than what I have and back to the hood, guessing that any 73-80 one will bolt straight on?

Didnt get chance to crawl underneath over the weekend as guess what......... it rains in England a lot!

 

[Captkaos]

Not really easy.  You basically need everything from the doors forward, you will need to cut holes in the cowl to mount the 81-87 hinges, you will need to trim the bumper to fit the 81-87 bumper and you will need the donor wiring harness or modify you current harness.

Anything 73-80 will pretty much bolt directly onto what you have.  Hoods are the same from 73-78, and then 79-80.  Fenders are the same 73-80, inners are the same 73-80, core support is the same 73-80, bumpers are the same 73-80, headlamp bezels are 73-74, 75-78, 79-80.  Grilles are 73-74, 76-76, 77-79 and 80.   Hood latchs are 73-74 and 75-80.  Ask if you have any questions.

[Bitzer!]

  looks like it'll stay stock (ish!) If I fit a different year hood there's not that many people over here that can tell the difference   

I really appreciate all the help~ you can tell I need it!

Ordered some outer rocker panels today so should be here in a couple of weeks. The only downside is I've told myself I've got to finish the house before I start playing   

I need some help on the terminology again! I need to repair the door shut where the roof meets the "A" pillar. The "A" pillar is the slopey one that holds the windscreen! Do you guys have a term for "door shut or do you call it a "door shut"!!!!

ta muchly as always

[Blazin]

I call them A pillars, the second one back is a B pillar, third one is C and so on. I think what we call door jamb is what your referring to as a door shut?

[Bitzer!]

thanks again for the info- at least I can talk about "A" pillars and you guys wont scratch yr heads and go "EH? Mad Englishman" 

Any ideas if you can get replacement jambs or just a case of weld and grind!

[Captkaos]

If you are wanting to replace the A-pillar rust, it will have be be fabbed and welded.

[Bitzer!]

the rot is jus below the gutter onto A post curve so I guess I'll plate it and fill it! always looking for an easy fix   

[Bitzer!]

right here goes! This is my plan 

1) MOT- over here we have to have an annual vehicle test, not sure if you guys do- they dont in Australia! So I'll get that done.

2) Bodywork and some sexay paint. nothing too fancy or bright probably red/black scheme

3) air bag suspension to make it low at a push of a button

4) Interior- its not too bad but need freshening up!

5) Engine- looking to build the 7.4 thats in it with all the whistles and bells! Oh an a blower sitting on the top and a 4speed semi auto box plus. Aiming for the 1/4 mile in about 12's

I'll have to remove the inner wings and poss make the front a "flip" hinged at the bumper. Serious amount of work, serious money  and one heck of a truck at the end!

I'll try and get some pics posted on the thread when I get a decent camera!!

[Bitzer!]

well guys, I thought I'd bring this back to life! Two and a half years of owning the truck things haven't quite gone to plan!

I completed all the welding underneath and 90% of the bodywork. New fenders, hood, front bed panel and new tailgate fitted and things were rolling along nicely. A deal came up with a local bodyshop > they were going to finish the bodywork and paint it for me and do the work when their main work was quiet (called a stocking/time filler!) In return, I'd pay half money and have their name as a sponsor on the truck 'cos it's so unusual over here, a head turner. I quickly pulled the engine/trans and they picked it up.

They had it 18 months, I was happy as many other projects on the go so the room in the garage was a bonus and was not worrying about the paint.

Then out of the blue, I had a phone call from them saying the deal was off and I had to remove it from their workshop!! They had left it outside for what looks like 6months 
The work they had done was minimal and additional scratches etc had appeared- not impressed.

I pulled it outta there within the week as requested and popped it in a mates yard. It's coming "home" Friday.

On a positive note > the engine went away to another company and they've rebuilt it to standard for me. Cleaned the bores, rings, shells mains etc - the guy that done it assures me it was a low mileage engine (85k ish) and that ties in with the speedo 

Any way, I think the way forward will be hang all removable parts in garage and I'll spray them in there then roll the bare cab and bed with sides and struggle!
Pics to follow!
The reason for this post is to warn you all there'll be more (silly) questions arriving on a screen near you!!

love you all 

Bitzer

[Bitzer!]

Pics for ya!

[Layne]

That stinks man. keep us posted with pics.

[oldyeller]

Can't wait to see more pictures as you progress.  Sorry to hear about the deal going badly. 

[overthepond]

Looking better bud,thats the trouble over here,finding somewhere big enough to keep the soddin things..lol
I know what your going through on the bodyshop side of things,least its not your brother who's kicked it out of the shop like mine...

[Bitzer!]

Tell yr brother he's being rude!! Get it painted quick then flat and polish it next spring 
Hiding 24" of proper truck over here isn't the easiest thats for sure. When it's in my garage I have about a foot each end. It's at home now with eng/box removed and I can see he roof above the panel fence - neighbours love me lol