Builds "WY-REE-KA" A Ground Up 45LPB Restoration (1 Viewer)

[wngrog]

What’s the timeline on your engine rebuild being complete?

 

[ClemsonCruiser]

What’s the timeline on your engine rebuild being complete?

Machine shop is running behind, but as of yesterday it should be ready for pick up next week. Then I just have get with Trollhole and see when he can help me reassemble my bottom end. Being my first rebuild I want the watchful eye of a seasoned veteran watching over me with this much $$$ on the line hopefully mid March I’ll have the all new drivetrain sitting on the chassis

 

[wngrog]

Are you doing the transmission and tcase yourself?

 

[ClemsonCruiser]

That is the plan. I've done plenty of T-cases over the years but never really messed with the trans other than new seals and gaskets. So that one will be a learning experience but I don't for see it being too bad.

 

[wngrog]

All that linkage under there is spooky to me. I’ve pulled it out before but never reinstalled it. Lots going on.

 

[ClemsonCruiser]

No kidding, and mine was missing all the column shift stuff so I am having to borrow from one of my other cruisers. Luckily I have several cruisers still with the original linkages intact I can use for reference otherwise it could prove maddening to get it right.

 

[JackA]

I am pretty sure I have most of the linkage for the trans and tcase. I can make you a hell of a deal on it if you're interested.

 

[ClemsonCruiser]

Awesome Jack I’ll shoot you a PM

 

[ClemsonCruiser]

Fresh blasted parts is there anything better??
Was very happy no rust was revealed any where! This is by far the best cruiser body I’ve ever had the pleasure of dealing with. Thank you dry sunny California

 

[cppilot]

Looks really good JP. Now get some primer on it

 

[Pauciflora]

G'day CC, Looks superb. I'm envious of your rust freeness. Your blaster seems to have blasted some pretty big areas without any obvious warping. I reckon he's done well. Cheers Ben

 

[ClemsonCruiser]

Looks really good JP. Now get some primer on it

Done ......2 coats expoxy primer on everything. My new hammer and dolley set should be here tomorrow. So with a lot of time and a little luck I’ll have this old girl straight as an arrow and ready for some Horizontal Blue.

 

[cppilot]

Sweeeeet!

 

[Casey E]

Looks good. The washers are to keep from denting in the lip when tightened down.

 

[ClemsonCruiser]

Thanks Casey... that makes more sense than my theory!

 

[ClemsonCruiser]

Got my hammer and dolley set in last night. It’s my first real experience using these things for serious body work. I got to play around for a little while on the lumpy rear fender wells and was pleased with the results.

It may not look like much but they are much smoother after about 1hours work on each well and my forearms got a healthy work out too

Before

After

Passenger side... no before just after but it was in similar shape to the drive.

 

[wngrog]

Nice work man. That’s great.

 

[ClemsonCruiser]

Here is my next big challenge, it might not show well but there is a big dip between the rear most bed brace and the next one towards the cab.

This is after a couple hours of pounding with a big rubber mallet... got most of the large dip out but there but still a lot of fine tunning to do.

Also put in an order with Kevin for a new rear balance cause this one needs more time and effort than it is worth. Every tailgate hinge mounting point is fatigued and cracked and the valence itself is wavy.

 

[Casey E]

Cool info on Wheeler's Toyota Mark. If I can get a hold of the prior owner in Yreka maybe he can confirm where the 45 was originally sold. Mine had this cool Toyota license plate on the back that I haven't seen before. Anyone know if is period correct for a '65 or if it was a later Toyota slogan?

View attachment 1562304

This looks like an old Man-A-Free liscense frame.
They had a bunch of different ones like. Do it in my Toyota and Let's do it in the dirt.

 

[whitey45]

Since you have honed your skills, wanna fix mine!! 30 years of wood hauling!!!