I call it the Bruise..........

[Canonman67]

Haven't made a lot of progress the last couple weeks, got frustrated and took a couple weekends off. Visited the wetlands and did a bit of wildlife photography. Checked in at the shop today to drop off a few parts and fitted the power steering cooler.

I still need to attatch this to the frame but it's nice to see how it fits.

Painted the last two pulleys and I'll get them on next weekend. Other than putting the connecting the two seat locks with a coat hanger I didn't accomplish a lot.

[tnab1970]

Where did the adapter for the NV4500 to the 390 bell housing come from ?

[Canonman67]

I got it here. http://www.advanceadapters.com/categori ... /0/33/2/0/
Here's the article that got me started. http://www.ford-trucks.com/articles/ins ... nsmission/
I used the GM version simply because it was easier to find at a price I was willing to pay even with the cost of changing the input shaft to the Dodge version. One thing though, if you're planning to use the in frame gas tank I don't believe it will fit with the long Dodge tail housing.

[tnab1970]

thanks, That's quite an article

[Canonman67]

So I got frustrated with all the little snafus and took a vacation from the truck for awhile. Got back to it this Sunday and started by putting the distributor in. Unfortunately that involved removing and resetting the intake manifold since it was too far back on the block and didn't allow the distributor to sit properly.

I'll clean up the excess sealant next week when it's set and easier to remove. Once the distributor was in the rockers were next.

And then the valve covers and carb.



The points were the next item on the agenda.

I decided to go with the Pertronics Ignitor III.

[Canonman67]

I had thought to run the ac lines under the inner fender so I bolted things up this weekend to see what I was doing. Good thing too since it raises more questions than it answers.
I played with the grille since it wasn't on the truck when I bought it and it's nice to see the bling even if I'm just holding it up.


I need to bolt the stone guard and upper valance on so I can see how and where I can mount the horns and ac drier.


Here's the problem area, I don't want to run the lines under the heater where you can see them inside, the article that I got the idea from ran them through the cowl vent which I don't want to do if I can avoid it.

[Canonman67]

Managed to get some work done today. I hung the under dash evaporater and the radiator.

I'll leave the plastic on until I'm ready to drive it.

I choose the one that runs under the column. I still need to work on the fit.


I wanted to run the lines under the inner fender with a shield to protect them from road debris. I was worried it wouldn't work, but it turns out that's pretty much where they fall.


Since my truck came to me with the wrong grille etc I wanted to get a preview of the right parts in place.

Obviously I still need to clean everything up before I bolt everything down for the final time.

[Canonman67]

It's been a busy couple of months. The club has moved to new digs so work has been slowed a bit but I have made a bit of progress. Mostly in the area of the gauge cluster. I wanted something different and also needed to have an electronic speedometer for the NV4500.

There's the layout after cutting the aluminum that was used as a floor patch. The high beam indicator is an Empi branded part and the turn signal indicators are NOS International Harvester. Yes the tach and speedo are different brands, the Marshall electronic is about two thirds the price of an Autometer.

I didn't want to spend another $50 on tools so I used this which I found at the local Ace on a closeout for $10.

It kinda felt like Christmas in April with all the boxes and bags getting opened.

I found a six inch by eight foot roll of walnut on Ebay for $10 shipped so I have plenty if I decide to change something.

I taped the veneer to the face to keep it flat while I sprayed it with urethane. I still need to sand and respray after scratching it cutting the holes.



Here it is mocked up. I did the veneer at home so I'll put the gauges in and finish the wiring at the shop this weekend. I had planned to use chrome screws but at almost three dollars a piece they're a bit spendy right now. Also scrapped is the plan to wrap the bezel with chrome vinyl, I'm going to try polishing it first since to be honest I liked the bare aluminum and steel look when I was laying things out.

[SeapineF37]

looking great! working on a similar dash gauge setup right now. nice work

[Canonman67]

So here's the initial assembly of the gauge cluster.

After finishing the wiring I disassembled it so I could clean up a couple of scratches in the veneer and polish the bezel.

I've never attempted polishing metal before so it's going to be a new experience.

[poke em]

Awesome work, the panel looks great.

[Canonman67]

Thanks Poke em and Seapine, it's nice to finally see the bling instead of the mechanicals. Seapine post some pics in the interior forum when you get your dash done.

[sargentrs]

Great job on the dash panel!

[JWW]

I'm really enjoying this project. Great pictures. Looks like you are doing a great job.

[Canonman67]

Thank you gentleman. The compliments and attention are greatly appreciated especially when enthusiasm for the project gets low.