I've been pretty busy with work recently so not got a lot done. However the missus is 6 and a half months up the spout so I need to get this finished pretty soon before my time gets eaten up with kids!
I've bought a set of Rocky Mountain springs and shocks this time - I'm not unhappy with the GBSprings that I've got on the other truck - just wanted to give the RM ones a go - also they come with all the bits included so I thought it would be easier....I thought it would but my stupid torque wrench made me ruin one set of u-bolts by over-tightening and bending them..
.I've got a new torque wrench and some new u-bolts, though they came in a blue packet and look decidedly weedy compared to the RM ones, so I might get some replacement ones from RM...
I've also fitted a set of new swivels, these are the Britpart kit ones - I got a set of them for the other truck and they seem to have lasted ok so I gave them a go again. After a lot of cocking around setting the preload I got them fitted this weekend.
Also, I've been doing a bit of fixing up of body parts. First up is the radiator panel to get my eye in before doing the bulkhead.
I took the rad panel down to the local powder coaters to get it blasted and it came back with most of the bottom missing as expected.
I replaced the bottom rail with some 3mm angle stock and then filled in the bigger gaps with some 2mm plate off cuts. The smaller holes and more fiddly bits I spent a long while building up with weld. It looks ok from the front but is a bit of a pigs from the back! I've given everything a good coat of
Rustoleum Hard Hat Zinc I probably could of got it hot galv dipped but not sure its worth it for the rad panel.
I'll probably tidy up the few pock marks and welding scars with some filler before painting with brush and roller.
I'm sure a proper welder would be horrified with my work but its strong enough where it matters and looks not too bad from the front!