"Gunny Highway" Build IT DRIVES!!!!

Smokeater11 · Jan 11, 2009

I have seen many build threads of other guys and I knew the day would come when I would be able to start my own. That day is today. I brought my Bronco home on Oct. 1st 2005. It is a '66 and after researching the vin # I discovered that this truck was actually built in the very first month of production for the Bronco. August of 1965. It was most likely within one of the first 500 ever built by Ford. The PO hacked the frame so badly that it had to be replaced so that lead to the frame off build I am still working on. But for 3 years now everything has been removal and repair. But very soon the ratchet will be switched to the on position and the resurrection will begin.

I'm sure you are wondering about the name of the truck "Gunny Highway". Well that is the character that Clint Eastwood played in the old Marine Corp movie Heartbreak Ridge. He has a line in the movie that states "They improvised, they adapted, they overcame" and that line has been part of my life since the first time I saw the movie. Very early in my build I made the decision that my rig would be very basic, with no chrome, no frills, no heat, no BS. The truck is going to be flat olive green and flat black.

I have 3 years worth of pics to put out for everyone and I'll try to do it in chronological order to the best of my ability to show where I started with the truck and where I am today. I am going to order my first batch of parts this week and with those I'll have a rolling chassis again. As always with these build threads I'll update you as I progress. Any and all comments are welcome.

Smokeater11 · Jan 11, 2009

More pics

Smokeater11 · Jan 11, 2009

more pics

Smokeater11 · Jan 11, 2009

And this is where I stand today, body is still on the rotisserre, frame has been top coated black and is on saw horses. 9 inch is ready to install, D44 gets the gears changed in it soon and the disc brake conversion is layed out and ready to install. I am ordering my front and rear springs and bushing kits this week and then it all starts to go back together. I don't have pics of them but the doors, hood, tailgate, dash, and windshield frame are all also completely stripped and coated with POR 15 and nestled in the rafters of my shop waiting to be installed. I am going to take some more pics today of what I have been working on this weekend and I'll have them up this evening. Now that everyone is up to speed, what do you think?????

Smokeater11 · Jan 11, 2009

I forgot to tell ya'll what the plans are for it. 302 roller rocker motor with cam, shorty headers with custom exhaust, NP 435/D20 with homemade gear banger shifter. 4.5" lift up front, 3.5" lift in back, custom dash with aftermarket guages, all normal knobed fixtures will be on toggle switches, push button start, removable steering wheel, aftermarket seats, full family cage, and custom made soft top with removable side panels. That's the highlights....

Smokeater11 · Jan 12, 2009

I edited my thread, now it is not a novel. Sorry, I got a lot wordy last night.

Tom Dummer · Jan 12, 2009

Why the mismatch with the suspension?
Why not go with one complete system?

Smokeater11 · Jan 12, 2009

The PO was building it to be a mud truck running 44s but got half way through it and quit. Basically redneck engineering. It had 8 inch blocks under the rear springs if that gives you an idea. The block was welded to the spring perch...

Edit: I thought you were talking about the leaf springs on the original frame. The reason for the 4.5'' front springs is so the truck will ride level and not nose down. I hate that.

66ALRIDE · Jan 12, 2009

I remember when mine was torn down like that. Right in the middle of another frame off. Looks good and keep at. Like a buddy of mine told me "one bolt a day is closer then you were yesterday."

BroncoJAK · Jan 12, 2009

Take your time and do it right, but hurry every chance you get.;D Looking good.

Smokeater11 · Jan 12, 2009

Here is what I have been working on this weekend. Got the D44 ready for the new gears, and got almost all of the chrome parts blacked out. The glove box door is the color that the body of the truck will be, ultra flat olive green. Also got most of the disc brake stuff cleaned and ready for assembly once the gears are in.

deltarat · Jan 12, 2009

Smokeater11 said:
Here is what I have been working on this weekend. Got the D44 ready for the new gears, and got almost all of the chrome parts blacked out. The glove box door is the color that the body of the truck will be, ultra flat olive green. Also got most of the disc brake stuff cleaned and ready for assembly once the gears are in.

What did you do to the chrome parts? I like the look. Did you remove the chrome and paint?

Smokeater11 · Jan 12, 2009

I explored the idea of removing the chrome but I eventually just took a roll loc pad on a die grinder and just scuffed it up real good. On the hubs the chrome was starting to peel so I used a razor blade and it peeled right off. On the back of the mirror I used a maroon scotch brite pad and rubbed it until it looked like brushed aluminum. I don't know if the paint will stick long term but if I doesn't I'll just take it off and spray it again. It's just flat black spray paint.

NC-Fordguy · Jan 12, 2009

Awesome!!!

1owner66 · Jan 13, 2009

Take measurement of everything!!!

sprdv1 · Jan 14, 2009

Coming along nicely brother...

brian72 · Jan 14, 2009

about time....get that thing running

Smokeater11 · Jan 14, 2009

Take measurement of everything!!!

What do you mean by this? Are you looking for something inparticular?

On a different note, I just got off the phone from ordering my front and rear springs and c- bushings. They should be here Monday of next week. I'm so excited I can hardly contain myself. FINALLY I'm going to get to do something substantial in the rebuilding process. Is it Monday yet????

1owner66 · Jan 14, 2009

Perhaps later down the line I might. Last night when I saw this I didn't have time to read it and see how far along you were. I just saw a 66 build up. When I disassembled (tore) mine apart years ago I didn't know about this site and the vendors so i figured oh what the hell. If I ever get to it I'm sure I will regret that later. But now I have CB so I'm sure I can get help here.

greatguy57078 · Jan 14, 2009

I like it! Couple questions for you. What did you paint the frame with? Did you bend your own floor pans and what guage sheet metal?? Keep going!

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