Builds 86 Xtra Cab Build (4Wheelunderground 3 link front, 4 link rear and 3.4 swap) (2 Viewers)

[aztoyman]

Ok, time for an update. I finished all the welding that needed to be done for now. I'm sure I'll be adding brackets and various items to the frame as needed later.

I managed to move the frame out of the garage, down the scary sloped driveway and under my tree so I could degrease, scrub and pressure wash the heck out of it.

I managed to get it back up into the garage with a floor jack, engine crane and my 52 Ford.

I hit the frame with a DA sander, 1/4 sheet palm sander, and whatever air sanding tools I had to get rid of the mill scale, surface rust and old paint.

Welded any links that were still just tacked and prepped them for paint as well.

 

[aztoyman]

I have a very short window to paint in these temps. "Supposed" to be under 90 degrees but it's been 93 in the morning in my garage. After I mix in the hardener things happen fast and I'm painting with a brush. I could only mix up 4 oz at a time and do it twice before it was just too hot.

That let me get the bottom painted and all the nooks and crannies of the link brackets and such.

Flipped it over a couple days later and did most of the top side. Ran out of paint. I ordered more because I couldn't find any in town. Was supposed to be here next day but got lost in shipping.

Anyway, finished the frame today. I still need to paint the links. Hopefully tomorrow.

 

[aztoyman]

I know...........you guys are thinking, WTF?!?! I don't want a black frame like every other truck out there. I like it.

 

[Mudder]

I like the frame colour. Good luck with shipping. It’s been a complete s*** show lately, hopefully it gets found!

 

[Broski]

I know...........you guys are thinking, WTF?!?! I don't want a black frame like every other truck out there. I like it.

I get it, That's why my armor is almond !!
It's the texture the caught me off guard. what kind of paint is it.
Just to rub it in it's midday and 67 degrees here.

 

[gnob]

looking good.

 

[aztoyman]

It's Rust-oleum Hammered Gray. Its just lumpy looking if you spray it on. But it looks like galvanized when you brush it on. Same stuff I used on my axle.

67!! I'd have to put on my hoodie. I actually had my hoodie on in 115 degrees because my arms were getting sunburned from welding in my T-shirt.

The texture isn't as rough as it looks. It's pretty smooth and glossy. It should be pretty easy to clean off.

 

[aztoyman]

Broski, I'll stay at the back of the pack if you're too embarrassed to wheel with me when it's done.

 

[Broski]

It's Rust-oleum Hammered Gray. Its just lumpy looking if you spray it on. But it looks like galvanized when you brush it on. Same stuff I used on my axle.

67!! I'd have to put on my hoodie. I actually had my hoodie on in 115 degrees because my arms were getting sunburned from welding in my T-shirt.

Hammered Rust-oleum, that's what I thought good stuff !! I have used it before and garden furniture in the green variety.

Broski, I'll stay at the back of the pack if you're too embarrassed to wheel with me when it's done.

To the contrary, I would be honored to come out just to wheel with you and have you show me your local trails !!

And when your ready to come out and run the Rubicon or any of the Sierra mountain trails I would be more then happy to share my local knowledge !!

 

[ntsqd]

It's right there in frame color with my Bronco pick-up. It's frame was hot dip galvanized by the PO:

 

[aztoyman]

Well I was actually able to paint the entire afternoon because there's clouds and the temp stayed in the 90's. Got it DONE. I'll give it a couple days to harden up and start putting it back together. Yes I actually painted something black. The steering shaft.

 

[bkg]

It's Rust-oleum Hammered Gray. Its just lumpy looking if you spray it on. But it looks like galvanized when you brush it on. Same stuff I used on my axle.

67!! I'd have to put on my hoodie. I actually had my hoodie on in 115 degrees because my arms were getting sunburned from welding in my T-shirt.

The texture isn't as rough as it looks. It's pretty smooth and glossy. It should be pretty easy to clean off.

Polarizing choice of color, but I dig it. What color for the body?

 

[aztoyman]

033 White

 

[ntsqd]

Is that a Toyota color code? My go-to for white auto paint is 817A, the white that is so white it almost has a blue cast to it that GM painted their trucks with in the late 70's.

 

[aztoyman]

That's the code on my 88. Blue interior.... mostly. Has gray headliner.

 

[aztoyman]

@Broski, I want to wheel the Rubicon, Fordyce and whatever else you guys have out there. I'd love to make it to SAS one of these times. I want to get back to Sand Hollow and Moab for some of the harder trails.

There's only really two decent local trails that I know of near Tucson. Pretty fun day trips. Charouleau Gap and Chiva Falls.

Out in Florence AZ there are some pretty good trails and I was always with a group that knows the way. Table Mesa somewhere near Phoenix is supposed to have pretty tough trails.

So in reality, I'm still kind of a newbie to the really tough trails I see you guys doing on youtube. I have been on some trails with the Jeep club that scared the heck out of me. And my 88 made obstacles that some of the high dollar rigs had to winch on. I'm hoping this truck is even better.

 

[aztoyman]

Sitting pretty tall with no weight on it. Shocks are fully extended. Good height for me to maybe run lines and such. Exhaust is easy access right now.

Tomorrow I'm hoping to get the engine, trans and T- cases set in.

I need to take the steering box apart so I can drill a port in a better location for the power assist. Maybe if all goes well I can install it.

Here's a couple pics. That's not rust on the front section of the frame. Setting sun hitting it.

 

[aztoyman]

Got it all in. Gave it a quick bath with some orange citrus degreaser and the hose. Had a lot of grunge from oil spilled on it and Arizona dust.

The grandkids are coming over to swim so I doubt I get to the steering box today.

 

[Broski]

Looking GOOD

 

[aztoyman]

Thanks Broski. It feels like progress at least. It's also nice to get some room back in the garage.