Marvin 2....1970 SWB Resto

[elgemcdlf]

Good to hear you are still at it. Was starting to worry.

[marvin2]

I re-worked my driver's side motor perch, as it was about 1/8" taller than the passenger side. This was causing the motor mounts not to sit flush and the motor to tilt toward the passenger side, out of level.

I shaved 1/8" off and mocked everything back up. It all fits much better now! I still need to weld the bottom plate back on and drill the holes for a through bolt to connect it to the suspension. Overall, I am very happy with how it came out.

Before:




After:

[marvin2]

Made some good progress this weekend. Finished the motor mounts (now they bolt to the crossmember), fab'd up and installed the trailing arm brackets, and stripped paint off the hood. I am trying to figure out which direction I head next. I think I'll start working on the cab.

Photos:

[jp2005]

Keep up the good work!

[marvin2]

Frustrating day in the garage today.

I knew the cab for my 70 was rough (floor pans, cab mounts, cab corners), but I discovered a substantial amount of rust along the roof line today. To my knowledge, I have not seen panels for these areas. I was prepared to dive in and do the floor boards, but I think the roof may be out of my league. I am starting to think that I would be better off with a replacement cab.

I posted earlier this summer that I had bought a 68 F100 locally with the initial intent of it being a parts truck. Since owning it, I have grown partial to it and more or less decided that it is a project of its own. Given my recent discovery, I am considering breaking it down again.

It probably makes the most sense to combine the best parts of both trucks to make one really good truck. I would have enough parts and pieces left over to justify a separate project later, or even swap or sell with someone on craigslist for a different project.

Here are some pics of the 70 cab. What are everyone's thoughts?...Thanks!

[sargentrs]

Ouch! That's outta my league for sure. However, I've seen numerous threads on here with cabs in that bad of shape and worse but they salvaged 'em. Also drip rail removal surgery has a fair resemblance to that kind of repair and it's fairly common.

[marvin2]

Thanks for the words of encouragement sargentrs

I did a search and found where Nataliesbump had done this exact repair. He noted that it was difficult with the metal working tools he had (shrinker, spreader, etc)...I don't have anything like this, so achieving curvature for roof pieces is going to be very difficult.

I hate the idea of tearing down an original truck, but the 68 is a much much better platform. I can swap the 70 body onto the 68 frame and go for a low buck knock around truck project. Then I could use bondo as generously as needed and rattle can paint it. Maybe even sell it to help fund the real project.

I don't want to lose focus of the fact that I am trying to build a quality truck that I can take to shows and keep forever. The best approach to this is to use the best parts available, even if I have to tear down a good truck.

Any other thoughts?...or guys been in the same scenario?

[marvin2]

I made the decision to hunt down a replacement cab. Had it delivered today and set in the rails for some visual progress.

Tell me what you guys think....






It also has a dash pad in good shape...

[sargentrs]

Excellent! The dash pad alone makes it worth whatever you had to give for it.

[tybob81]

In my opinion if you can find a rust free cab for these trucks it's better to use it than the original. I have patched up enough old cabs ford and chevy and no matter how nice you fix them you have the rust come back or in a few years you can see where it was patched.

[marvin2]

Spent some time in the garage and mocked up the mustang gas tank my wife bought me for Christmas. I got the rear frame brace relocated, tank frame built, and everything laid in place...just need to fasten it all down now.

Photos from today:

[BobbyFord]

Nice work!

[marvin2]

Nice work!

Thanks Bobby!...I appreciate all the info you included in your write-up, it was a big help.

[Rooster]

This really looks great!

[marvin2]

Had a frustrating day in the garage today, so I ended it on a high note and went for some visual progress. Judging by the wheel well gap, I think I will lower the front by about another inch or so.