Builds HDJ80 LHD #snlcbuilt Ute (pickup) (5 Viewers)

[mudgudgeon]

I like it.

Keen to see it painted

 

[SNLC]

Started on the other side.

Played with panhard a bunch.

Everything works and clears using stock parts at full lock and max stuff/droop, except this radius arm bolt is causing us drama. Got to be able to remove and install it.

Very few options or solutions without getting drastic or compromising things a lot. I think the final decision is simply to run a GM 1-ton offset tre on the passenger side of the drag link. That solves all the issues since it offsets the tre 1” forward which in turn allows us to space the panhard mount forward enough to clear the radius arm bolt. Means I will have a custom made drag link but that doesn’t bother me.

Cheers

 

[SNLC]

Mostly done here now, few small things left. I like that the majority of it is OEM parts.

Got a few parts in I needed for my engine.

Cheers

 

[SNLC]

Steering box all done and mounted up.

We used 3/4” dom to sleeve the frame for the mounting bolts. Super strong up here now, 3/16’s plate on outside rail, 1/8” on inside giving around a 1/2” thick outer rail and a 1/4” thick inner. Left the original four sleeves for the steering box in the frame so now it has eight in this area.

Going to weld on frame side panhard mount next and probably beef it up a little as well.

I need to check it again but it has right around 4* caster at my desired ride height, I may take that to 5-6* because the time to do it is definitely now.

Steering stops still needed on the axle housing and some brake line tabs too. Otherwise we are really getting there on this front axle and the suspension.

Cheers

 

[SNLC]

This solves my rotten firewall inner fender mounts.

Nice and rust free

It also mostly solves the huge gaping hole in my trans tunnel, besides the different shifter patter and boot nuts. Have a plan for that too, the OEM for a manual 80-series is long since NLA.

Cheers

 

[Broski]

Nice work as usual !

 

[SNLC]

All done with the panhard mount frame side. Added a gusset that wraps around and ties into the 3/16’s outer plate. Gusset is made from 3/16’s as well. Notched the mount around one of the steering’s box bolts too, boxed back in with some 1/4 wall dom.

Cheers

 

[SNLC]

Front axle is out again and ready for final welding. Checked caster again and it’s 4.5* LHS and 5* RHS at ride height so not turning the knuckle balls for one degree.

Steering stops made from 3/16s plate. Still need to box the bottom on the panhard mount but will do that now that it is on jack stands. Panhard mount is made from 1/4” by the way.

Cheers

 

[SNLC]

Welded out and cleaned up a bit.

Contemplating a knuckle ball gusset on the bottom of the housing. Doubt it’s needed, the housing is 5/16” thick axle tubes from my measurements. Still, time is-would be now.

More or less what is planned to box in the bottom of the panhard mount.

Cheers

 

[SNLC]

Went ahead and did knuckle ball gussets to the bottom of the housing, a chunk on 3/8’s.

Cheers

 

[SNLC]

Getting ready to spray some 2k epoxy primer on it.

Cheers

 

[SNLC]

Last pics of a bare front housing!

It’s funny how things always look more “ass” in bare metal. Ya know it looks like grinder marks are everywhere or whatever. Well, I spent a lot of time today getting all the splatter off and making it butter smooth. Even with just some primer I think it shows.

There is three things left to do to the housing which would have been best before paint. I am running out of time though on this Cruiser occupying a bay in the shop. That means it is going to get pushed outside soon. I got three choices, leave it raw and let it get rusty this fall/winter. I can leave it in just the primer but I will have to scuff every square inch of the housing later if I do. Or I can paint it now during the epoxy primer flash off time. For the remaining work I can just touch it up at that time. Sounds better to me than hand scuffing this whole housing later! So it’s getting top coat this evening!

Cheers

 

[SNLC]

Literally “burning the midnight oil” this Saturday. I got to be patient between primer and top coats. Three rounds of top coats down though.

Still wet! The paint is an industrial two part polyurethane enamel. Nice to have that done,

Cheers

 

[Ronin344]

Something that will help lessen the amount of spatter / BB's is to spray the areas around the weld area with Pam (the cooking spray). Only downside is the odor of semi burnt cookies afterwards ...lol

 

[mudgudgeon]

Something that will help lessen the amount of spatter / BB's is to spray the areas around the weld area with Pam (the cooking spray). Only downside is the odor of semi burnt cookies afterwards ...lol

Used to use canola oil spray with MIG. Definitely smells like a tasty snack is on the way!

 

[SNLC]

Went down to the shop this morning and did this.

Still in the flash time on the top coat and a bit to glossy for me so I did this.

Cheers

 

[SNLC]

Notched the shock tower for the steering column, extended the column, put a couple of big holes in the outer rail for cleaning it and put 2k epoxy primer down.

Cheers

 

[SNLC]

Cheers

 

[geo5]

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Cheers

You’ve got a roller!

 

[SNLC]

Gives a good view of tire in the wheel well.

It was a lot of work but I am happy with how it turned out and happy I pushed it all forward.

Cheers