Rockcod’s final ride, Morty the Forty (1 Viewer)

[rockcod]

Going to be pulling the trigger on a set of these, 17x8 1/2, 6 on 5.5, not sure what tire yet.

Autometer phantom gauges are on the way, I think I’m going to go with this gauge panel layout. Speedo, tach, oil, temp and volt gauges mounted in the panel, fuel and air tank pressure gauge mounted in the dash.

I am going to utilize the green factory blinker bezels and jewels and replace the red plastic jewel for amber in the 4 wheel drive light making it my MIL aka “check engine light”.

 

[whitey45]

Perfect, 8 lug!!

 

[whitey45]

They r nice, I am running these!!

 

[rockcod]

What size tire are you running?

 

[whitey45]

38x14.5x17 goodyear mtr

 

[rockcod]

All of my gauges have arrived, I had autometer phantom gauges in my last 40 and was very pleased with the look and more importantly my ability to read them (aging eyes) in both day and night conditions. I opted to go with a speedo, tach, oil pressure, volt meter, water temp, fuel and an air pressure gauge since I will be running an on board air compressor and 5 gallon tank.

As for the harness, I wasn’t sure which one I was going to use and finally settled on painless harness #10101 since I am using a keyed GM column. I have used both American auto wire and painless harnesses and was happy with both. Wiring and electrical are not in my wheelhouse, not sure anything is in my wheelhouse, but I like the fact everything is separated and labeled, and utilize GM factory plugs makes it nice.

Waiting for the billet aluminum dash panel to arrive, so I can install and wire the gauges.

 

[middlecalf]

160mph! Zoom zoom!

 

[rockcod]

The brown truck made another delivery, Marlin Crawler 25mm lower trunion caps, bearings, lock washers/nuts and Metal Tech tube fenders. Still waiting for the new steering arms.

 

[EWheeler]

The brown truck made another delivery, Marlin Crawler 25mm lower trunion caps, bearings, lock washers/nuts and Metal Tech tube fenders. Still waiting for the new steering arms.

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Damn, i was hoping for some FC187 tube porn. Metaltech is probably cheaper for sure. Looking forward to seeing some visual updates. Is he doing any tubework, or just setting up your drivetrain and suspension?

 

[rockcod]

He is doing my cage as well, this was my last 40 and the cage will be very similar. The fenders are easy enough to do myself with the help of metal tech of course!
Don said he wasn’t going to start on it until September, as he makes progress on it I will post photos.

 

[rockcod]

The last of my steering parts arrived. Ruff stuff provided me with 1 1/2”x.250 wall steering links, FJ80 rod ends and jam nuts, weld-in thread adaptors, and I went with Marlin Crawler Hi-steer arms. With the hydro assist steering and the heavier duty links and rod ends, the weak link is going be the 14mm knuckle studs.

Also scored a pair of Simpson, 3” lap belts with cam locks.

 

[rockcod]

More baby steps today.
Finally received the correct Speedo (120 mph instead of the 160 mph, wishful thinking), so time to test fit everything. With that being said, I was not too happy with the quality of this dash panel.

The larger 3 3/8” gauges fit just fine, the 2 1/16” gauges proved to be problematic as the holes were too small. Once I got the gauges to fit, I found out the oil pressure and Speedo gauges were too close and did not fit.

After a lot of grinding and filing I was able to get them to play nice together. Without having the vehicle here I’m hopeful the mounting holes are in the correct place, so counter sinking the holes and painting the panel with have to wait.

 

[whitey45]

Well I guess I will bump this with a funny package I received today! I finally got your hubcap!! @ClemsonCruiser sent it to me today! ( thanks JP, made me chuckle!) Tony, I figure your 40 is still at the mad scientist getting some perfect welds!! Look foward to an update!

 

[rockcod]

That is too funny, definitely a trip to remember, good times my friend and I’m happy you finally got one!

Well I guess I will bump this with a funny package I received today! I finally got your hubcap!! @ClemsonCruiser sent it to me today! ( thanks JP, made me chuckle!) Tony, I figure your 40 is still at the mad scientist getting some perfect welds!! Look foward to an update!

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[rockcod]

Funny you should ask about some progress pics, just got these today from the master!

 

[whitey45]

Looks like Don still knows how to weld!!! Looks amazing!!!

 

[Toyo_Judson]

BEEFY!

 

[EWheeler]

Funny you should ask about some progress pics, just got these today from the master!

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This picture is like a time machine back to the late 00's.....his work is un mistakable!

 

[rockcod]

I laugh how flimsy the frame looked prior being sleeved.

 

[rockcod]

The carnage of frame fodder.