Posted by Kevin in Rehoboth on Sunday, September 09, 2007 at 20:09:07 :
Its been 8 months since I picked up the 57 PGPW from Chris Casey in PA. I'm happy to report shes back on solid ground after spending most of that time up on jack stands.
I stripped the frame and treated it with Eastwoods Rust Converter and Encasulator. I had used POR in the past and decided to give this product a shot. Its a 3 step process but without the nasty smell.
Next to be replaced were the springs and shock, new tie rod ends, wheel bearings and seals. The worn steering box was rebuilt by "Steer and Gear" in Ohio. The braking system is all new, shoes, lines, MC, wheel cyl, etc..
The 315 V8 ran well with out problems so decided to pull it and do a minor overhaul, new gaskets, freeze plugs, clutch, t.o bearing etc. and treated her to a new coat of "Hemi Orange"....yeah, I know its not the original color but ya gotta have some fun...right?
The truck came standard with 16 " split ring rims but I like the look of the larger 17.5's. As luck would have it Dennis Sherman had 5 with the correct "57" date code to boot which he reluctantly parted with....Thanks Dennis. They are finished off with a new set of STA Super Traxion 8 x 17.5's.
I'd like to think this is about the half way point in the restoration but am just happy my "parts to be refinished" pile is going down and that she's starting to look like a truck again. Kevin
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