Featured Projects Nothing to see here - Just another boring Merc build

Do they make roll pins that big?

 

Buy some 5/16" round rod and bore it out.

 

I didn't think it was necessary, but I think it would stop me from over-tightening the bolts. The clamps were in good shape, but the 5/16" bolts and spacers were rusted and/or broken. I looked for roll pins and tubing locally and didn't find anything that would work. I found some cheap ($5) stainless tubing w/ 8.1mm ID on Amazon. I'm going to try that. Should be fine. I'm probably doing a lot of overkill on this whole project, but I'd like to do it once and never have to redo anything later.
Finished up the frame painting and I'm ready to start bolting things on it. But it's pretty cold here today and I'm not wanting to heat the shop. I'll get back at it in a couple days.

 

@1pickup They are in no way structural. Meant to keep from over tightening and are not necessary. If you use a Nyloc they will not loosen up.

 

Many years ago, I asked Rick at Oregon Spring why they are even there. His answer was to keep the leaves in alignment while being handled. If one gets dropped in handling the leaves can fan out like a hand of cards and we don't want that. Once installed with the U-Bolts in place the only way the leaves can slid sideways is if they brake at the center bolt. I took that as a solid answer and never have worried about them since.

 

never heard eaves trough for gutter before-but sure remember those spacers on ogee 'eavestrough'

 

I'm using some rubber roofing material for anti-squeak gaskets on the fuel tank hanger, and tank when I get that far.

Fitting the adapter onto the power steering box. Supposed to be a direct bolt on. Had to get the rat tail file out to make it bolt on. Typical.
Now I'm trying to make the 3 bolts go through the frame and thread into the bracket. It's never an easy bolt on.

 

That looks like the 60's up F-100 steering gear package.

 

@Pist-n-Broke 2000 Grand Cherokee

 

Nothing bolts on til' you make it fit

 

GREAT START--LOOKING GOOD-- CAN YOU USE A 1999-2001 EXPLORER REAR WITH DISC BRAKES--ALL KIND OF GEAR SELECTION AND CHEAP--- GO WITH A FORD 5 SPEED TRANS AND A FORD ENGINE 302--351 W --NOT GM--FORD IN A FORD
MUSTANG II FRONT SUSPENSION WITH POWER RACK---

GOOD LUCK

 

Already have a 9" from an Econoline. It's 1/4" wider than the OG rear. If I was gonna keep it Ford powered, the flathead and 3speed OD would have stayed. It's getting a '63 Buick 401 Nailhead. It's already built & waiting. Now, WHY ARE YOU YELLING AT ME?

 

Did 1953-55 F-100 guy forget what sight he's on or is he just checking to see if anyone is paying attention?

 

I THOUGHT YOU WERE HARD OF HEARING DAVE MAYBE THATS WHY HES YELLING

 

@cshades Too many years of being on stage has taken its toll on my hearing, but he doesn't know that.

Unnecessary, yes. But this looks more finished to me. $5 worth of stainless tubing from Amazon and about 20 minutes of cutting and deburring gets you this:

 

Progress. Should be sitting on 4 wheels sometime next week. Gonna be too cold to be in the shop this weekend.

 

So, I ordered off of eBay, a pair of upper A-arm bump stops. The listing said it fits Merc. But they are made for a shoebox Ford and are too small for the hole in the frame. Gluing it in seemed like a bad idea, but it's what the seller suggested after I emailed them. I ***ume if it ever did hit the stop, it would fall off and be rolling down the road. I'll be returning those, and he agreed to change his listing to reflect the facts. So, my new plan is this:

Smaller washer (3/8") was trimmed on the bench grinder to fit in the hole in the frame and then welded to the larger washer (1/2"). Pushed into the hole in the frame from the bottom side, the large washer keeps it from pulling through, and the smaller one keeps it in place. I'll just bolt a Fox body Mustang bumper onto it. It's my go-to for bump stops. I used them on my old '63 Chevy wagon project and on the lower A-arms on this one.
Welded & painted:

I don't have a lathe for things like this, so expect function over form. It will work.