May 2, 2004
I've got a few more things accomplished since I last wrote...
Headliner - the headliner from American Classic Truck parts came in and it is a beauty. It does not have the original waffle pattern, but the color was a perfect match for the seat and visors.
Deluxe Heater - Golden State Pickup Parts sales refurbished cores, so I took the bait. I'm not very impressed with it - it looks the same as mine, with a fresh coat of ugly brown paint and some JB-Weld, but I guess it will do. I also picked up a new fan cage from Classic Truck Parts and it fit perfect. At this point, I have the heater reassembled and installed in the truck.
Oil Pan - I cleaned the existing one and repainted. Enjoy the picture of the sludge that was in there. There was no oil filter on Rusty, but I have ordered a replica filter setup from Bowtie Bits. Still waiting on this part to come in.
Steering Column - I received the rebuilt column from Bowtie Bits and it looks great. I painted it to match the dash and have it partially installed. It still needs to have the clamp mounted and then be connected to the steering mechanicals. Also, I purchased a rebuilt shifter from American Classic trucks and have it mounted. Again, I'm waiting for a couple of parts before I can completely assemble it.
Windshield Wipers - I have ordered all the components to hook up the wipers using a new electric motor. However, I was missing some of the original bracket so I'm waiting for a replacement to come in so I can hook it all up.
The theme lately has been "back order". I've been able to take baby steps, but continue to get frustrated when I can't complete a task due to waiting on parts.... I still haven't received all the parts I ordered back in February!
May 24, 2004
Since the last update I have received in the oil filter canister, filter and hoses from Bowtie Bits. Once again, I like their stuff. It has all looked good and the price is right. While waiting for the other parts to come in, I have been ordering the necessary parts to complete the front suspension and steering. I have received the leaf springs and shocks from LMC Truck and the rest of it (tie rod, tie rod ends, drag link, u-bolts, king pin set and shackles) is coming from Chevy Duty today. I've also got the oil pump coming in and the smaller items for the brakes. If you can tell, I'm working on assembling the interior and at the same time, putting the front end back together.
Windshield Wipers - I have the motor, switch and the transmission arms installed. I was messing around with the motor last week and discovered that I could easily install it if I removed the original mounting bracket. I called Chevy Duty to inquire about the bracket and they said that it is now built-in the motor. No wonder it was so easy...
Deluxe Heater - I finished mounting the switch housing, wiring, duct hoses and vent cables. Not much to this one.
Ignition Switch - I think I have this thing wired correctly. The new harness doesn't exactly match the original spec and the new switch doesn't seem to have the same layout. Also, the little plastic indicator that goes with it didn't fit, but a little whittling fixed 'er up.
Bench Seat - I have the base installed into the cab now. I'm not expecting to have to do too much more under the dash, so I figured it was time to get it off the dirty garage floor. I took the back off to make it easier to install and have decided to leave it off until I finish getting the headliner installed - I can easily rotate my body around in the cab with out the back rest. However, I did finish mounting the seatbelt retractor unit.
Headliner - I have it glued into place and started installing the rubber trim. This now makes 3 things I have hated doing on Rusty. 1) front windshield install - still not complete 2) running the wire for the dome lamp - still not routed down the door post, and 3) the stupid headliner retaining rubber. After about an hour, I got a fourth of it done. Now I know why people use Duct Tape!
So, while I try and convince Sarah that she should install the headliner retaining rubber, let's move onto the next entry
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