Thinking about the build. Next Steps for Zeke (4 Viewers)

[samc2447]

Pretty sure 80s boxes are just sleeved through the frame, so you’d just be cutting a chunk. Box it, drill, & sleeve … will have to figure out the shock tower though.

Tucker

Tucker is correct. No bracket needed. Drill holes, insert DOM, weld the DOM in the hole. Done. I'd recommend putting a plate on the inside of the frame when you do this to add more strength if you wheel it a lot.

Do the steering before the body work. You'll need to trim the inner fender to clear steering lines once you put in an 80 box.

 

[Old Nick]

Pretty sure 80s boxes are just sleeved through the frame, so you’d just be cutting a chunk. Box it, drill, & sleeve … will have to figure out the shock tower though.

Tucker

Thank you for that. When it comes time, I’ll be seeking input from the gang here.

 

[Old Nick]

Tucker is correct. No bracket needed. Drill holes, insert DOM, weld the DOM in the hole. Done. I'd recommend putting a plate on the inside of the frame when you do this to add more strength if you wheel it a lot.

Do the steering before the body work. You'll need to trim the inner fender to clear steering lines once you put in an 80 box.

You’re making this sound easy… too easy…

The current steering setup is attached to the inner fender (I’m not joking). So, yes, it’s got to be addressed.

 

[J Mack]

You’re making this sound easy

It’s really an easy job because your choices are limited and it has to go where it fits, pitman arm has to clear throughout its and the suspension’s travel, drag or center link wants to be as parallel as reasonable, you’ll have a shock tower that needs to clear the steering shaft then like was mentioned sleeve and plate the frame.

Use some big’ish C-clamps like the “Forged Steel Bar Clamps” they sell on the Amazon to hold it in place while you experiment with placement then once you’re satisfied start poking holes and welding it up!!!

 

[bobm]

In DEEP now

 

[Old Nick]

In DEEP now

That’s what she said…

 

[Old Nick]

Things are looking up! Next week, taking a stripped down, but very good condition 80, to a dude I know. He gets the 80 and I get to bring along my saws and wrenches to take whatever the heck I want off of two Piggies! Feeling like I just won something big... lol.

I'll take pics on the day... just not sure which one it will be yet...

Here's to Monday.

 

[Old Nick]

It’s finally time to show you all something special…

It’s not \this/, so don’t get your hopes up…

 

[Old Nick]

@bobm hooked me up!

 

[Old Nick]

Yep. I bought’em.

The bare steel patch panels need an electrolysis dip (Kentucky flash rust sucks), but things are looking good!

 

[Old Nick]

I got big-time held up by an 80 that I resto-modded… but, I’ve been slowly acquiring panels and patches for the past year and a half+

Laying things out today and organizing my thoughts on the Zeke restoration.

 

[Old Nick]

Lots of other goodies that @120mm threw in with Zeke too. I’m going to get the old feller looking good.

 

[RUSH55]

 

[Old Nick]

View attachment 3947556

Heck yeah!

 

[Old Nick]

Zeke… as he sits (and runs and drives):

 

[Ol Yeller]

 

[Old Nick]

Work starts on Monday. I’ll get a few days in the shop and then wheeling camping from Friday through Sunday. Need to make the most of what’s left of the summer.

 

[120mm]

Zeke… as he sits (and runs and drives):

View attachment 3947560

Kinda miss him.

 

[Old Nick]

Kinda miss him.

Zeke is a great truck, brother. The fact that my bride and I just happened to go wheeling with you, and just happened to start chatting about your Pig... it was meant to be. I've been taking good care of the old feller.

 

[Old Nick]

I got completely derailed again.

My wife's twin brother passed away down in Honduras (Roatan more specifically; and thank goodness it wasn't on the mainland... mighty dangerous over there for gringos).

A Mud bud (former 3 letter) instructed me in what to do and who to get in contact with. So, we called the Embassy and then U.S. Citizen Services who directed us on the necessary steps. We took off the morning after the news came in. A frigging whirlwind. BIL's ashes are set to be sent back to our farm tomorrow. It's been a multi-week process. But, thanks to the good people of Mud (and the help of our Embassy, Citizen Services - and the funeral home that they put us in touch with), that's still a far shorter time than it would have been had I been shooting in the dark.