Truck overhaul! Week #4
The dash, steering wheel, ignition, etc installed with some difficulty, as some of the wiring plugs were not aligned
with the dash openings... Eventually, all was well. The glovebox is still out, as I will need to access the engine's computer which is sitting just visible as that shiny flat box.
The red wires, etc, will be hidden later, but I still need access to those as well. The dash install took up most of Monday.
Tuesday was engine day. A long day, but only a few things to do: remove the frame's engine supports made 6 years ago, weld them into the
gold truck, and then install the engine. Sounds easy, no? No. A lot of cutting and grinding, because the welds were located close
to other suspension parts that blocked access by the angle grinder. Then a lot of grinding to remove the excess
steel at the old welds, and then proper positioning in the gold truck. Lots of measuring, but to be sure I just tacked the first support in and then fitted the second
support while it was attached to the engine. So the engine was in to check fit, then out for welds, then in to check next side, then out for welding, then in to stay! And, yes, I did all of this on my own.
Finally! Looks nice to see the engine in its new home!
Wednesday was radiator day, as well as other welding like the trailer hitch receiver. The radiator is supported from below
by 2 supports that I had made 6 years ago, and after cutting them out of the silver truck, I then cut them into a smaller, snugger shape. Then welded in place in the gold truck, and
test fit the radiator. Worked perfectly, however the radiator it turns out is warped! Oh well, it still fits! Then with the radiator out again, I rust-painted the supports, and silicone-sealed a few stray cuts from the grinder (oops!).
Thursday was a bit of odds and ends day, most important project being to fabricate an upper bracket to hold the radiator in place.
I decided to cut a shape out of some stainless steel (left over heat shielding that I made 6 years ago). I like the look! The throttle
cable was re-attached (blue cable), and the main alternator wire (pinkish heavy wire) were done as well. A number of smaller tasks were cleared up, and then it was
obvious that the time had come to finish removing anything else I wanted from the silver truck's underside, and then get it off the hoist so that the gold truck could
take its place.
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