Alllllmost back on the Road!

[B_Hix]

Project #1 will be bolted back together after 7 long years this weekend, good Lord willing

Finally got the front fenders and hood sprayed and buffed out. Got a couple buddies coming over this weekend to help me get the hood back on - this will be much easier due to the help and advice I have received here.

So question - what do you guys think - do I go with the (original style) chrome grille, or should I black it out - I'm undecided right now...

It's been a loooong road, but I can finally see the light !!!

If you find yourself losing patience with your project take a break, walk away - it come comes and goes, but it'll sure be worth it if you hang in there!

[lt155ruck]

Wow great work, looks killer. Is the grill going to painted or chrome?

[Kim57]

Very nice looking.
I think which ever way you choose to go will look just fine.
Kim

[B_Hix]

Thanks for the kind words. I'm leaning towards putting the chrome grille back on and painting the frame and 'black bars' the same red so it'll be chrome/red/chrome.

Can't wait to get this beast done

[hopped up]

congrats. i say chrome grille all the way!!
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[rollenhard]

Looking Good Love The Color Scheme

[_Ogre]

Nice looking truck
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[Mackula02]

I think Chrome to match the door handles and your rims!
Looking Good.

[B_Hix]

^^ Thanks for the input everyone - I was leaning toward the chrome grille, but I blacked out the windshield center strip and the door trim, so I was uncertain if the chrome grille would be a bit overwhelming, so I put it to you guys to help me out

I have the cowl taped up, all bolts and washers laid out and am waiting for tomorrow for my helpers. Hope to post a pic of a whole truck tomorrow (minus bumper)

@ RollenHard - I 'bout pulled my hair out trying to decide on colors and scheme - some say red and black are overdone - I decided they are timeless hot rod colors that will never go outta style, so I'd use both =)

[67swb72klb]

good job colors look perfect

[MyDream55]

Sweet truck man.. I say Chrome grill.. Will make it stand out..

[_Ogre]

i'm not a chrome fan but a chrome grill looks good on anything
the only chrome on truk is the grill and front bumber

[Rude Dude]

Chrome grille stands out plus you need something to use a tooth brush on besides ones teeth

[youngrodder]

I also blacked out my window trim and my front windshield has been v-butted so that chrome is also gone. Here are a few pics. I think chrome would look better than black. Is your bumper chrome?

Nice work on your progress....

Marc

[55Cameo]

^^^^^^^^^^
Your truck looks sooooo nice youngrodder. Great choice on the colors and scheme.

I agree with the rest a chrome grill and bumper will set it off nice to a nice looking truck you have B_Hix

[B_Hix]

Always enjoy seeing pics of your truck young rodder - very nice rig you have!

I haven't decided on using a bumper just yet - I have the fiberglass peice that is used basically from fender to fender rather than the bumper - not sure that is the way I will ultimatley go though - figured I'd get the skins on the front and think on the bumper for a bit

We DID get the hood on yesterday, but as you all know, simple (looking) things aren't always that simple =) Got a nice seam between the cowl and the hood, but once the hood springs are connected I'm getting a gap about 3/4" between the cowl and the center (back) of the hood. Had my buddies pressing it down tight like they are supposed to, got it snugged up, then raised the hood, attached the springs and then saw it gaping up badly in the center when we lowered it back down. - I could handle 1/4", but 3/4" is just way off - No go there....,

Ran outta time to keep messting with that - these are all new hinges and springs (made in Tiawan) >.< So I'm not sure if they are bad repops or I can do enough tweaking so the hood isn't pinching up in the middle like it is.

Had hoped to have the fenders, hood and grille on yesterday - Instead I have a loosely bolted up hood and a sore spot from scratching my head =)

Almost got frustrated to the point I took the springs off and ordered a prop rod, but I'll give the hood adjustment a couple evenings this week to see if I can get it.

Any input is welcome.

[youngrodder]

B_hix

Thanks for the kind words.

The problem that you are describing is very common. The prop rod is a solution that other people have used. We used a different approach on mine but it would not help you since yours is painted. We removed the under hood support when we fit the hood then re attached the support. Over the years the hood get all out of whack.

I was at this same stage last summer myself.

Keep trying you will get it. You will be a week down the raod and forget all of the joy fitting your hood brought you...JK

Good luck
Marc

[britnjc]

how about just adding some gas struts to replace the springs. I had the same problem and finally got it close. But if I were to do it again I think I would remove the springs and go with a gas strut. I was reading a thread were someone was replacing their slides on their rear barn dorm on their suburban and replaced with the struts and works like a charm. here is the link
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...64#post5175364

[B_Hix]

I got my hood aligned much, much better today - was pleased enough with it that I loosely attached my front fenders with 3 out of 4 bolts finger tight.

Found out that I'm going to have to shim my radiator support a bit to get a good hood to fender line - hoping that changing that doesnt mean I have to go back and realign the hood - oh well, trial and error right? =D

Another positive note - the UPS man dropped off my RodDoorz door panels today - glad to finally see them!

[Mackula02]

Looking Good!

[B_Hix]

If you are a professional body man, or even someone that deals with body panels alot....well, hats off to you. I had no appreciation for the fine art that getting everything lined back up actually is.

I got my hood set in nice, good gap at the cowl and a respectable gap on the sides (for a '49).......then I put my fenders on *sigh*

I have had them on and off 3 times now - got a decent (pass-able) gap on the passenger side, but the hood-to-fender gap on the driver side is not acceptable - I can stand to the side and see daylight through the gap, so I'm working on it...

If you're good at this stuff - you are both patient and skilled, lol - I, on the other hand am in the 1st semester at the school of hard knocks. No doubt I will get it - hopefully before I go mad