37 IHC Build

[Tyster36]

I've got a bunch of different hood hinges/latches/shocks at the shop. I'll have to start eying them to build my cover. It'd be cool to use a hood release cable to release the cover from inside the cab. Thanks for the ideas. Keep the work going, soon you'll be on a relaxing drive.

 

[RAT IHC]

I've got a bunch of different hood hinges/latches/shocks at the shop. I'll have to start eying them to build my cover. It'd be cool to use a hood release cable to release the cover from inside the cab. Thanks for the ideas. Keep the work going, soon you'll be on a relaxing drive.

Funny you should mention that...I got my latch assembly from an Caravan at the junkyard. I'm not going to run the cable into the cab...instead I'm going to use an RV style locking latch on the side of the bed. Only thing I need to do is rig the secondary release so that it is accessible from the back of the bed. I wasn't going to post these picture until I got it all done, but figured it might help you out. I have another Caravan latch...let me know if you want it.

Also took a couple of pictures of the engine...finally put the heads on this weekend...going to fire it up and break in the cam next week.

-Troy

 

[RAT IHC]

I took my engine to a friend that has an engine test stand / homemade dyno to break in the motor. It sounds really good and the break in went well. Good oil pressure and compression.

I finished fabbing the tonneau cover and put the release latch in place. Still need to cleanup the wood and seal it on both side...got some marine quality wood sealer coming for the top and going to seal the bottom with a rubberized undercoating. I need to figure out a way to attach the release cable to the latch. I was thinking of some kind of cable retainer like used with a manual choke cable on a carb. Anyone have any ideas for me?

 

[Mike S.]

Troy, I am amazed at how fast you are cruising on your truck! Do you ever sleep? You're making me look bad.

Regarding your cable, could you use a pinch bolt like they use on bicycle brakes? Also, they make little cable barrels that have an allen set screw in them. Could you drill a slightly oversized hole in the handle release arm, thread the cable through then cinch the barrel on the end to terminate it? Just a thought. The handle/release is a great idea btw.

It looks great man, keep after it!

 

[RAT IHC]

Troy, I am amazed at how fast you are cruising on your truck! Do you ever sleep? You're making me look bad.

Regarding your cable, could you use a pinch bolt like they use on bicycle brakes? Also, they make little cable barrels that have an allen set screw in them. Could you drill a slightly oversized hole in the handle release arm, thread the cable through then cinch the barrel on the end to terminate it? Just a thought. The handle/release is a great idea btw.

It looks great man, keep after it!

Thanks for the kind words Mike! I like the idea of a pinch bolt and it got me thinking about using an electrical lug like the one in the picture. Thanks for the suggestion! [cl[cl[cl

-Troy

 

[RAT IHC]

Not too much to report. Got the bed off and did a bunch of finish welding on it today. Should be able to finish that up tomorrow. Then I got some warping to hammer out. I also tacked on the bed rails. I think they turned out good. My friend came over to the shop today to help out with finishing the wood on the cover. I suck at wood work, but he's an ace at it so I put him to work. First coat of sealer went on great. Two or three more coats should do it. I'm using a marine quality coating. This stuff has water and UV protection built into it. I figure if it's good enough to for a boat it should do the trick for my cover. Pulling the cab off tomorrow or monday then I'll start finishing the frame.

-Troy

 

[rex1927]

Good Choice

Good idea going with marine grade varnish.Polyurethane would peel after a little while in the sun.
Marine varnish should last a long time.
We have always used Interlux schooner 96,but it is getting expensive.
Where did you find your varnish?
Nice project!
Thanks.

 

[RAT IHC]

Thanks Rex! I did a little research on how to seal exterior wood...got a lot of recommendations for deck sealer, but then it struck me to look around for what people use when building wooden boats. This stuff seemed to be a standard for a lot of people. It wasn't cheap, but I was informed that it would last a long time. Plus the truck will not be stored in the sun so I think this will be a one time application...at least i hope so!

-Troy

 

[Tyster36]

I was wondering what size tubing did you use for your cover. I have some 1" square left over, but i thought it was to heavy maybe.

 

[RAT IHC]

I used 1x1x1/8. Worked well and the struts that used are plenty strong...matter of fact I had to add some extra metal to counter balance some if it.

-Troy

 

[Tyster36]

Got mine started tonight. Need to figure out what i want to cover the frame with. Thinking of some old tin that was used on a shed once.

 

[RAT IHC]

Separation In The St. Pete Garage

So there's a little separation going on in the garage. I have a feeling that they will get back together very soon!

With everything apart there is blood in the water and I'm going to attack this thing full force over that next few weeks...updates to follow...lots of them!

-Troy

 

[Tyster36]

I'll be following Troy. The finished product is going to be awesome.

 

[RAT IHC]

Thanks Ty! And congrats on your sell.

I've been working on finishing up the frame. Put some fish plates on and some other finishing welding and painting it. I'm very happy with the finish. I used a roller to apply it. Drys very nice and I can tell the paint is quality from the feel of it. Got about 2-3 hours of work on it before I can put the suspension back on and start final assembly.

-Troy

 

[Tyster36]

Looks great!

 

[Tim...Ok]

looking really good..what are you using for paint, is that the rustoleum hammer tone stuff? Where did you get your bend to make your exhaust turnouts..

keep it up and you'll be cruisin in no time..[cl

 

[RAT IHC]

Looks great!

Thanks Ty! Starting the brake and fuel lines tonight. Frame is done and suspension will be back on this weekend.

looking really good..what are you using for paint, is that the rustoleum hammer tone stuff? Where did you get your bend to make your exhaust turnouts..

keep it up and you'll be cruisin in no time..[cl

Thanks Tim! Yes it is the Rustoleum Hammer Metal finish. Two coats with a roller...I "tried" to chip some off after it dried, but this stuff is like glue! Also had to sand some away because I missed a weld...that turned out to be a chore as well! I really like this stuff.

I got the turn outs from Summit...link below. I cut off the expanded section that is made to slide over a 3" pipe and welded in the flange. Worked out really good.

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/DOU-H3813/

More updates tonight!

-Troy

 

[sgtpontiac]

Frame looks great!!

Hard to believe you rolled it...nice job....[cl

 

[RAT IHC]

Hard to believe you rolled it...nice job....[cl

Thanks Sarge! There are a couple of spots that you can tell a roller was used, but that's ok...I'm happy with it.

I haven't been in the garage near as much as I'd like. I tore something in my knee...has a long name that I can't spell. Anyway it hurts to walk on so working in the garage isn't very fun at the time.

I did manage to spend the day working on it today. Working on the brake, fuel and air lines. Also getting it ready to set back down on the suspension. Might try to do some more work tomorrow...the knee is a real set back right now.

-Troy

 

[Dirtyrat]

You are making a lot of progress, its looking really good, I like the frame color too.