truck

**dagen_1** · 10-09-2012, 09:17 AM

I copied this thread from FSC, so the time-line isn't accurate.[/B]

The truck was originally from Hickory, N.C. The original owner moved to Va. just before i bought the truck. The previous owner had installed a fifth-wheel hitch in the bed to pull his 4-banger race car to the local track leaving 8 bolt holes in the bed (which are gone later).

The tired 305 and 400 tranny got rebuilt just over 8k miles before i got the truck. The previous owner was wanting an NBS and decided to sell me the 89.

I used the truck as a work truck the first year i had it. After tinting the windows and installing a Kenwood deck, the Western Chassis 4/6 drop kit was the first real modification done to the truck. DT Nitro Slammers were installed at each corner.

this pic was taken at the shop that put on the 4/6. The tires were 235/75/15 at the time.

My health went downhill some last winter slowing my plans down due to a $17,000 hospital bill. During this time i changed jobs and the truck was no longer a work truck and my car became the new Daily Driver.

Next on the list were a GoodMark Cowl Hood, Street Scene mirriors, 90+ composite lights, clear markers, and clear park lights. I rattle canned the grille to freshen it up even though i had plans for a new grille. I bought a set of Pacer DragStar wheels dirt cheap and threw them on temporarily running 235/60/15 in front and 255/60/15 out back.

Being a tall guy at 6ft 4in, the non-tilt column was a pain. So installing the tilt unit from a 94 was my next move.

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**dagen_1** · 10-09-2012, 09:18 AM

Up next was redoing the Air Conditioning System. It's been retro-fitted for the new freon and works very well.

I began to get tired of the stiff DT shocks, and read on here that Impala rear shocks would fit so i gave them a try... the rear shocks are for a 67 impala and ride real smooth compared to the DT shocks.

**dagen_1** · 10-09-2012, 09:18 AM

A couple months ago i started to realize that my budget for getting the truck painted was almost in sight. I pulled the bed and did some cleaning and then got some POR-15 out and got it everywhere (mostly on me...)

while the bed was off, i flipped it and cleaned it real good, sanded it some and put some rattle can bed liner on the bottom side.

**dagen_1** · 10-09-2012, 09:19 AM

My painter told me he'd knock off $500 if i worked on the inside of the bed. I sanded and sanded blending some scratches on the sides, but stripped the floor and tailgate to the bare metal... and hit it with some self-etching primer.

before (with flip handle opening)

after:

if you look carefully, you'll see the row of holes that held one side of the fifth-wheel hitch. (they get filled later)

**dagen_1** · 10-09-2012, 09:19 AM

I had bought some mid-length headers a while back and wanted to get those on before any paint gets sprayed. The headers were from eBay... the same ones BanannaBrain bought... the gaskets are crap... i bought a set at napa and no leaks so far.

under the hood will get some attention later on...like spring of 2013.

**dagen_1** · 10-09-2012, 09:20 AM

i took the wiper cowl, mirrors, door handles, grille, and bumper off before taking it to the painter... to save on some labor.

here are some pics from Tuesday to today...

I'm getting a new front windshield installed and a solid rear glass too.

here's where we're at so far!

**dagen_1** · 10-09-2012, 09:25 AM

getting started on the front half...

all that's left to get ready for primer is the cowl hood (should go quick since it's new), the roof, and back of the cab. He said i should see some green parts next week.