Bitten by diesel bug

[laguna80]

I didn't find it anywhere else, so I'd thought I put in that the leak may be coming from the valve cover gasket. I changed out my oil pan gasket and the rear main seal I did twice before I finally checked out the rear of the engine. One thing I've seen is that if there's a fan of oil spray on the back of the flywheel, then it's probably a rear main seal leak, otherwise if the camshaft cover bolts (I think that's what they're called) have oil on them, then it's probably one of the engine gaskets.
EDIT: anyone please feel free to chime in and let me know if I'm wrong.

 

[Levron]

it's been a while since I've posted an update here. Now it is time in a project when you put tons of hours in but have almost nothing to show for it.

Anyhow, first of all body is back on the frame. After somebody complained to the city that you are not allowed to have garbage in front of the house - reffering to the frame.

I still can't get use to how low body is, compare to the height it has been on

You can't really see it here, but I've used good old Canadian Hockey pucks for body mounts. Worked great and cheap

 

[Levron]

Quickly tested to make sure my doors still fit

 

[Levron]

Turned my attention to the front clip now:

Replaced completely rusted rad support:

Here it is primed and installed:

 

[Levron]

a little before and after picture:

 

[Levron]

Right fender is the very rusted but what can you do, I am not in a mood spending 300$ for a new one.

Here is a work in progress:

 

[Levron]

I didn't find it anywhere else, so I'd thought I put in that the leak may be coming from the valve cover gasket. I changed out my oil pan gasket and the rear main seal I did twice before I finally checked out the rear of the engine. One thing I've seen is that if there's a fan of oil spray on the back of the flywheel, then it's probably a rear main seal leak, otherwise if the camshaft cover bolts (I think that's what they're called) have oil on them, then it's probably one of the engine gaskets.
EDIT: anyone please feel free to chime in and let me know if I'm wrong.

I've ended up replacing a main seal (looked ok, but...anyhow) and cover gusket on the passenger side. Will do the oil pan later on though.

But I think that is the last place that it was leaking from

 

[cody c]

Hey Nice work, there are a few of us in the RMLCA who may have some parts or panels for you.
I might even have a front quarter around, I cant remember at the moment.

I know I do have a hood and a roof at my place at the moment, and Richard's got a near complete parts rig.

Post up anythijng you are looking for in your thread, maybe we will have something.

Cody.

 

[Levron]

Hey Nice work, there are a few of us in the RMLCA who may have some parts or panels for you.
I might even have a front quarter around, I cant remember at the moment.

I know I do have a hood and a roof at my place at the moment, and Richard's got a near complete parts rig.

Post up anythijng you are looking for in your thread, maybe we will have something.

Cody.

Hey Cody,
Thanks, I promised myself I am not going to show up for a meeting to RMLCA untill I fixed this or have it running. Hate listening to you guys talk about crazy wheeling you do, while I can't do anything

I think I am good on front clip and a hood, but wouldn't mind sourcing or seeing what is available for doors and rear gate.

Thanks

 

[77cruiser77]

This looks like a great project.

Where are you located I might be able to help.

I have a rolled HJ61 so everything high was damaged but low is in rust free like new shape. Willing to cut out body sections for you. I've got rear quarters, rust free tail gate and all the doors too. The doors took damage but from the glass down they are all unharmed. Perfect for joining your two together. Shoot me a PM if you're interested or perhaps in any other kinds of parts I may have.

 

[cody c]

Hey Cody,
Thanks, I promised myself I am not going to show up for a meeting to RMLCA untill I fixed this or have it running. Hate listening to you guys talk about crazy wheeling you do, while I can't do anything

I think I am good on front clip and a hood, but wouldn't mind sourcing or seeing what is available for doors and rear gate.

Thanks

Ya I got ya, As far as crazy wheeling goes, most of the members with near stock vehicles get out on the trails more than us with bigger lifts and tires. My 80 seems to spend more time getting fixed than on the pavement, and my 60 hasnt been driven in like a year.

I think we turfed all the doors, they were all rusted badly.

There is a mailing list for the RMLCA, you can check out the site and post parts wanted messages on there if you cant find something your looking for.

There are a couple guys in the club that have cruisers in pieces that cant be driven at the moment that still show up for a beer. Check out kevin (AWL-TEQ's) stuff in the merchandise storefront for example.

 

[StevoJonesFJ60]

Not to hijack too bad, but Cody C, do you happen to have any build threads on your cummins swaps? I am getting a first gen 6BT ready for a swap into a 60 and just wanted to get some info.

 

[haryv]

Levron,

If you had the money, could have purchaced a shrinker streatcher to do the curve in that inner wheel well to side wall patch.

I thought my truck was bad, wow, you have it much worse Good luck and remember make it look good.

 

[Levron]

Levron,

If you had the money, could have purchaced a shrinker streatcher to do the curve in that inner wheel well to side wall patch.

I thought my truck was bad, wow, you have it much worse Good luck and remember make it look good.

I want to learn these skills but sure I could have bought a clean body from CA but wth

I'll do my best, fender is almost done now - starting on quoters shortly

 

[Levron]

Couldn't wait and started on dog legs. It is painfully slow but coming. Right side is way worse then left for some reason.

Here is a work in progress:

Any tips on welding upside down?

 

[StevoJonesFJ60]

Best tip I can give for welding upside down is a be watchful of drips, be sure to wear a lot of cover.

Take it slow and you should be fine.

 

[jamesart86]

I really hate to tell you, but all those overlapping seams are going to hold moisture and rust out FAST. Looks like you could have cut the inner and outer as a big "c" shape? I agree even a cheapo shrinker/stretcher and you could have made those panels in one piece. I just hate to see a bunch of work ruined by one or two winters worth of moisture. Also, someone asked if any of it is galvanized. Please, do NOT use anything galvanized. Steel is cheap, your lungs arent. If you must use galvanized, grind off the coating first wearing a mask. The dust bad, but the fumes are deadly. And drink lots of milk afterwards.

 

[Levron]

Thanks guys. I am taking it easy with galvanized stuff - I only had one piece of it and it is all done now (except for inner wells).

Also, I am planning to replace oil pan gasket this weekend. Does any body knows what the torque needs to be on those bolts? Also since the gasket is cord do I need to put any sealant in there? Any other tips would be appreceiated

 

[Levron]

Ok, finished off welding at the front and getting ready to paint inner wells

Also I've replaced the oil pan gasket, I must say what a pain

We've also been busy on the rear quoters. So far it is coming out ok, but will see the final result.

 

[Levron]

Last few weeks were just too busy so didn't get much done. Rear quotes are done and dealt with. I am a muster of welding upside down these days. If I were to do it again I would buy or fabricate rear inner fenders from a single sheet.

I've started to remove some old ugly black undercoating paint, which exposes original red. Man, that will take a bit longer then I though.

Regardless, started to work on the doors. So far front right is done. Lot's of sheet metal work before you can weld everything up.