Decision Time - Am I Ready For A Frame Off Restoration

[TCSTARK]

Back from the dead... I am trying to spend more time in the tech section than the classifieds this year. So far I am doing so-so..

I have read a few threads that motivated me to get back in the garage and start back on Big Blue. I started with finishing off the rear sill bodywork. I used some all-metal body filler to smooth out the welded rear quarters and some minor dings and dents. One more small coat in a few areas next week and then I will start on welding in the pitting holes in the bed.

I think the plan will be to monstraliner the inside of the 40 and then hand it over to my paint guy. He's an old friend that is restoring a Bronco and owns a body shop in Alpharetta. He's going to let one of his guys work on the side during the weekend to prep it for paint.

 

[Bluegrass40]

TCSTARK - I love the thread. I just got my first 40 a month ago ('78). I've been fixing what needs fixing to get it road worthy. Detailed threads like yours have been (and will continue to be) priceless. It is so exciting and encouraging to see what you have accomplished!

I, like you, also have a few extra small hands that are excited to wrench and wheel with their dad!



Cheers!

 

[n8v2tn]

TCSTARK, first off, what a great thread. I am glad that you changed your original plans. Your rig is too nice the way it is. Best of luck!

 

[TCSTARK]

Thanks for the positive words. I am already past the point of no return but refuse to do a full frame off so I can get it back on the road by next summer.

 

[TCSTARK]

Tackling the tub today. It had been sandblasted and now I have wire wheeled out all of the rust/pitting.

 

[jmdaniel]

Where did the seats go? I don't even see any holes!

 

[TCSTARK]

The seats are in the basement waiting on some fresh paint on the frame. The holes are in the picture below.

The pitting has been wire wheeled, filled with a small amount of all-metal and rough sanded. One more round of sanding will smooth it out nicely.

 

[69LC]

Lookin' good!

 

[jmdaniel]

The seats are in the basement waiting on some fresh paint on the frame. The holes are in the picture below.

The pitting has been wire wheeled, filled with a small amount of all-metal and rough sanded. One more round of sanding will smooth it out nicely.

Be strong! We're with ya!

 

[TCSTARK]

I am gearing up for a 'garage' work day tomorrow so I figured I would provide an update on my build's change of plan. It looks like I will be picking up another project 40 and using it as the foundation for my build. The 2nd 40 was a stalled project that had addressed a lot of the things I hadn't planned on getting to before final paint. Powder coated frame, knuckle rebuild, lockers front and rear, rebuilt Chevy 350 tbi, new transmission and a pristine tub. Let's not forget the boxes and boxes of parts.

So tomorrow I will be going through all of my parts and creating a list of the items I will be selling off. Fun times.

So what is a full tub going for these days?

 

[hisandher77fj]

I just read this for the first time. Makes me rethink my plans for my 40 when I get back in May or June. I got mine in August and deployed a week later so my wife has it back home. Great progress keep up the great work

 

[skully3]

new transmission and a pristine tub. Let's not forget the boxes and boxes of parts.

So tomorrow I will be going through all of my parts and creating a list of the items I will be selling off. Fun times.

So what is a full tub going for these days?

a tub in pristine condition will sell fast on the east coast. post up some pics. build looks good btw.

 

[TCSTARK]

Thanks Skully. I just listed the tub and added a ton of photos.

The garage clean out has begun. Parts have been hauled out and priced. Hopefully I am in the ballpark with the pricing.

 

[TCSTARK]

Anyone searching the classifieds probally already knows that the part out of 'Big Blue' is well under way. In fact it is going better than anticipated. Within the next few weeks the tub, engine/tranny, axles will be removed and delivered to their new owners. It is funny how long things took me to install yet took very little time to dismantle.

The parts stash is now getting depleted and yet the garage is more disorganized. My transport broker is now trying to get the rig to GA and hopefully it will coincide with the garage being emptied out. My daughter has already dubbed a nickname for the next 40...

"BIGGER BLUE'

The wife is happy that we are quickly approaching the breakeven point with the new purchase and part out. It is nice when a plan comes together. Happy wife happy life. Once I go through all the tiny bits I am sure the next round of parts will find their way to the classifieds.

So let's sum this up: powder coated frame, rebuilt chevy 350 tbi, new NV4500 manual transmission, lockers front and rear, rebuilt knuckles and axles, and prestine tub. This not only covers the things I didn't do on my 40 but it should speed up the build.

 

[TCSTARK]

Bigger Blue is on her way to Georgia as of this morning. I was told that there were some photos taken as she was loaded up. I will post them up when I get them.

 

[Pierps]

Congrats! Although part of me is sad that we'll never see the completion of Big Blue v1. :-(

 

[TCSTARK]

Here are a few pictures of Bigger Blue packed up and ready for the ride to GA.

 

[ElHefe]

Bigger Blue looks great! I'm glad the other parts are selling quickly.

 

[TCSTARK]

Yeah, I am glad they are selling quickly too because it is keeping the CFO off my a$$. I am pretty excited about the auxiliary fuel and the tbi set up.

 

[TCSTARK]

Busy night,.. Everything major has been pulled from the tub except the AC unit. I even got all of the body mounts out and the tranny cover removed. Tomorrow I will be going over the tub making sure the smaller stuff is removed.

Question - what is the best way to move the tub with say three people?