68 custom in NM: Build Thread *** Lot's O' Photos***

[lonesouth]

i have no idea how I've missed your build...all I can say is WOW, you've got some great innovation and attention to detail! That console is gorgeous! Great place to put the sub too!

Really inspiring. Thanks for documenting for the rest of us!!!!

 

[GraficO]

ThanX LoneSouth... I appreciate the kudos. I figure that I got a ton from looking at everybody else's builds and innovations that I should contribute in return!

As soon as I get some more time on this thing I'll post more... I still have some tricks up my sleeve Keep yer eyes peeled

 

[blazinchuck]

awseome build! top notch work there!Chuck

 

[lonesouth]

Got any pics of the Squirrle installed? Curious how you sealed it to prevent water sitting inside.

 

[GraficO]

not yet... I'm waiting to put it back on until after the new engine is in. the hood has to come off again so I just don't think it's wise to chance dinking the paint.

 

[GraficO]

OMG... a tow truck came and took my Bronco away!!!!!

 

[22213evl]

to which shop?

 

[GraficO]

couldn't fool you Tom... SOFTA in Corrales... the 289 is out of it and I need to dress the engine compartment so the 302 can go in

 

[NicksTrix]

the repo man?

 

[GraficO]

recent photos....

 

[NicksTrix]

looking good there

 

[GraficO]

just got off the phone with Chuck & Deb at BCs a little while ago. Can't say enough good things about that bunch at BC Bronco's!

The A/C system is on it's way!!!

 

[NicksTrix]

i sense a cool breeze is going to be coming from the west here in a bit..

 

[GraficO]

Made some progress yesterday...
-The engine compartment is ready to be dressed and painted
-Cable twin-stick bracket is almost figured out
-T-Case and tranny are out and cleaned and ready for paint
-BC's A/C system arrived yesterday
-Flywheel is on it's way
- Axles power washed - frame has been "ratted out"... there was an old nest in there
- PS unit removed, cleaned and lubed... ready for paint.


Pics shortly... I wouldn't wanna leave you high and dry now would i?

 

[GraficO]

Was looking at Steve's post

and thought I'd throw some digital ink down.... I'm really jazzed about Steve's idea because I really like the original chrome bumpers and am dragging my feet to get rid of them... but I need a spare tire and the original won't hold that muthah!

The only thing I'm not sure about is the hinge for the swing away. Anyone have a suggestion on how to do it and do it with as little flex as possible and keep a smooth action?

I wanted to make something that was a little more compact. Steve's idea was a great starting point and brilliant... but I don't think you need as much steel in there.

 

[phred]

Yeah, I liked Steve's idea too and it got me thinking about a bumper for a friend of mine. I built a bumper for my truck and copied a protofab design and I get a bit of sag when I swing the tire out. I think your idea about keeping the tube behind the bumper short is sound. My biggest concern is the moment arm created with a 35" tire cantilevered off that tube. Have done no structural design in over 20 years and I usually resort to trial and error.

 

[GraficO]

update with pics:
Well The last order of parts has been made and they are set to arrive in the next week or so. Other than heim steering from BC, a new radiator and mufflers... we are set for the final run on getting everything installed.

Looks like RMR in CO (July) and the NM M&G (June) are well within my sights this year!

The March full serpentine pulley set was a biggie. But man that is going to look great on this engine.

The engine compartment is ready to receive...

 

[phred]

Man that's looking sweet.
What is the capacity of the overflow tank you have in the picture? Reason I ask is I tried one that was only a stainless one like that and it didn't hold enough coolant. I think mine was about 1 qt and it would puke coolant continously. (ask NGA bronco about he puddle under my truck last summer) I ended up using a stock overflow relocated to the drivers side fender.

 

[GraficO]

overflow tank is 3" x10"... 34OZ (1qt)... so hopefully that should be enough. I may add some extra line between that and the radiator for a little extra capacity if needed.

The A/C box and bulkhead go in tomorrow... so that's really the last thing before the major assembly items... like the dash/AC... power brakes...engine

 

[phred]

yep that's a bigger tank than I had. Should be ok.