Page Last Updated 05 June 2005
Here is the frame before sandblasting and then after. Hesston Concrete is where I sandblasted it and they returned the frame. I had no idea they would bring it via a high loader, but whatever works! This whole sandblasting thing was a serious education all in itself! The sandblaster used a huge, heavy firehose and a big diesel engine to power the compressor. After 4 55-gallon drums of sand and 4 hours of blasting, I felt the job was over. Not easy, but worth every bit of the headache! Every small nook and cranny is now free from rust. There is simply no better way!
This after papering the floor and prepping the garage for a makeshift painting booth. Time to remove the front and rear assemblies!
Here is the bare frame, sandblasted and waiting for paint. At this point I have learned about reactionary tactics and am planning each step carefully. After sandblasting, the frame has a rough texture, so I will apply 3 coats of Sherwin Williams 980 Etching Primer/Filler to the frame first. It's a MIL-Spec item, so it's green. This is my very first attempt to use a spray gun attached to an air compressor. It went very well and although I had lots of sanding to do, I got a very smooth and incredibly fine result. This is in no small part thanks to the guys on the OleTrucks list for providing insight on how to paint with a spray gun.
This is the frame after 3 coats of Epoxy primer (above the etchant primer applied earlier.) The Epoxy Primer is again Sherwin Williams 4601. A safety note: Be very careful propping up the frame in this manner. It fell on me and I am lucky to be alive since it crushed me under it! No broken bones, but it conked me on the head pretty good, so be careful!
This is after 3 coats of Urethane Top Coat. I AM getting the hang of that paint sprayer! Use a respirator and plenty of ventilation, especially on the Urethane. The Urethane is Sherwin Williams 1738 Ultra.
My bead blast cabinet is essential in this project. Many hours spent here and worth every minute. Small to medium sized parts are cleaned to factory original. This process is essential to getting the primer to stick well and allows you to inspect each part for wear.
Here are some results before and after painting. The manifolds got new studs and will be painted soon. The front end parts as all the rest are etchant primed and then painted with acrylic enamel.
To break up the monotony, I decided to refurbish the Fram Oil Filter canister. I will show the pics of the done deal later, but with the decals and the clear coat, WOW!!! Meanwhile, the rear end is back from the mechanic and ready for a good cleaning and then primer/paint.
Here is the completed frame up against the wall out of the way so I can assemble the front end and prepare to paint the rear end. Things are looking up! Each leaf was primed and painted separately and a piece of teflon strip inserted between each one.
Here are a few shots of the completed rear end assembly. I am awaiting new U-Bolts and as soon as they are in, I will ready the front and rear ends for the frame. Should be up on wheels soon!
Here is my new acquisition... a 1949 3/4 ton. It has already proven really helpful in running around for parts for this project... and that's it for now, folks! More pics to come. I will let everyone know when the next batch comes in, but this is pretty much where I am in this project to date (02 February 2000.)
These are shots of the repaired cab. It isn't finished being dressed yet, but an amazing difference from the heavy damage that was there before. Seems the AD's had door hinge problems (the springs broke easily) allowing the wind to take the door and bend the cab structure pretty badly. You see this sort of damage a lot. Good news is, I have replaced the door hinge pivot pins and springs with new reproduction stock so at least for a while, this won't be a problem.
These are parts of the donor cab left over from the cab sheet metal project. Looks like good stock to play with in my quest to learn how to weld. As I stated earlier, the welding thus far has been done by Gene Swartzendruber. After noticing all of the welding that is in my future on this project, I decided to purchase a MIG welder and do the work myself under Gene's supervision (at least for awhile). Meanwhile, back to the task at hand... assembling the chassis. This shot is of the completed rear end (brakes and all.)
Another shot of the rear end. We are getting close to having this frame on wheels! The front end is getting it's finishing touches. Both front and rear ends sport all new rubber, new wheel cylinders, springs, and new brake shoes.
In these two shots, the frame is sitting on sawhorses and the floor jack. I am working on aligning the running gear to the frame. This really wasn't all that difficult, but with all new rubber and spring bushings, I wanted to take care to do it right.
