GM 1956 GMC gets an upgrade or two!

[Michael B]

Finally some picture worthy progress.

 

[bobm]

Ya Buddy

 

[Michael B]

I made a little progress this weekend. The upper and lower ball joint’s are installed. The u joints on the axel shafts are installed as well as the new rear brake lines.

I dropped the front axle off at the shop on Friday. He says about 2 weeks, hopefully that is an accurate quote.

When I was installing the u joints, I discovered that the “ears” on the inside right shaft are bent. Apparently I applied a little too much pressure during removal. Now one of the cir-clips can’t be installed. I’m reluctant to attempt to straighten it, as I think the metal integrity would be compromised. So a new one is on order.

 

[bobm]

Gittin closer, can't wait

 

[Michael B]

Gittin closer, can't wait

Indeed, one piece, one step, inch by inch.

 

[Michael B]

Well it’s one step forward and two steps back. Late last week my axle guy informed me that the housing has a hole in it. I was gob smacked honestly. He said something had come loose and was shoved through the housing after making a mess inside. The PO had epoxied the outside and RTV’d the inside. The epoxy had collected dirt and appeared to be a dirt clod until the pressure washer hit it.

So I have spent the weekend searching for a replacement. No luck so far, but I’m going to look at another one today.

 

[bobm]

That's ****ing crazy.

 

[Michael B]

That's ****ing crazy.

Indeed it is Bob. Never underestimate bubba!

 

[Michael B]

I ran a mission this weekend. I borrowed a mini skid on Saturday and this afternoon I retrieved the Dana 44 I found about 2 weeks ago but couldn’t get because of wet red clay.

The mission was a success. Nothing broken and nobody bleeding.

 

[bobm]

45 hauled that fine?

 

[Michael B]

45 hauled that fine?

Yes sir, the 12HT/H55 barely knew it was there.

 

[Michael B]

Dana 44 2.0 ready to go. The disassembly took significantly less time. I guess you can teach an old dog new tricks after all
My axel guy is ready to receive it next Monday.

 

[Michael B]

Last Sunday it was sunny and 77* as I loaded the axle for delivery on Monday. The picture says everything that needs to be said about Monday.

 

[Michael B]

While I’m waiting on the front axle, I decided to tackle the biggest sheet metal challenge on this project. I harvested the roof skin from a parts truck. Now I’m preparing the donor patch and getting ready to scalp the cab.

This wasn’t nearly as much fun as it would appear to be.

 

[ceylonfj40nut]

Measure 10 times cut once! Looks good!

 

[bobm]

Ya, Slo Mo on dat . Think b4 ya move. Too much heat and she buckles will be tough to get out

 

[Michael B]

The dirty deed is done. I drew my lines and started cutting.

The first cut was across the front. I almost had a heart attack when it literally started popping up as I was cutting through. I couldn’t imagine why there would be so much tension in the roof skin. Then I remembered why I was cutting it off to begin with.

I also broke in a new welding glove. After setting my Mechanics Wear glove on fire with cutting slag.

 

[Michael B]

I removed the rest of the roof skin from the front edge of the cab. Then I wire brushed the inner structure of the cab and applied a rust reformer product. I also finished prepping the replacement skin. None of the inside roof skin will be visible with head liner installed. But I want a sealed coat of paint on it anyway.

 

[J Mack]

Are you going to weld , bond or both?

 

[Michael B]

Are you going to weld , bond or both?

J right now I plan to weld it. I’m not familiar with the bonding process.