New build thread

[Gary Lewis]

So, how far is it home?  How far do you have to go to get the things you forgot to take?

I ask because I considered a shop some distance from our house, and have often wondered how that would have worked out.

[mat in tn]

I have a little land in salisbury nc. Planning a home build there to be near family. My family in nashville has thinned out i guess you could say.  So my brother and nephew have a metal/ welding and auto custom shop. That is where i am doing the f100 along with a 67 mustang coupe, the coupe is stalled since covid so i picked up this. I built a custom mini bronco during the 2020 season and now close to done with my 86 xlt in tn.

[Gary Lewis]

Sounds like a good group of people to be close to.  

[mat in tn]

Got back to the shop this week.spent most of today stripping down the front half of the frame and wire brushing it downfor cleaning and surface prep before the por 15 coating.

[Gary Lewis]

That's a lot of work, but it will be worth it in the end.  I have some places on Big Blue's frame that I've POR'd and it looks good.

[mat in tn]

[mat in tn]

was not able to finish the axle assembly as I had hoped. silly me. I forgot that the axle mount on the passenger side for the pivot of the driver side needed to be cleaned and restored independently. it's in the box of parts I brought home to do now. I plan to have all ready for assembly when I return in a couple weeks. and ready to start the rear half if possible. I really want to place the engine and trans asap. so lines can be run, and measurements can be taken etc.

[Gary Lewis]

Looking good, Matt!  

[mat in tn]

headed back to the shop in nc today, truck loaded down with finished parts for lefty. we will see how far I get this trip. lots to do. I would like to get the back half stripped if I have time.

[Gary Lewis]

Good luck, and stay safe.

[mat in tn]

Today i got the front suspension assembled, engine perches installed and engine/aod installed. Rear suspension stripped out to be reconned.

[mat in tn]

n

[Gary Lewis]

Looking good!  When are you going to fire it up?

[mat in tn]

Not this trip. Ive proven the engine already. I had it in my flareside for about 5k miles before i built the current 5.0 thats in it. This one was built for tq and hopefully better mpg . Always trying something new. I did get 15 before with an aod and 3.73 efi. This one is going aod,3.31 and edelbrock. Totally analog vehicle.

[mat in tn]

the core support was removed as a whole assembly for me to carry home to restore and repair

[mat in tn]

[mat in tn]

[mat in tn]

Its been slow work as life keeps happening. Now contemplating a move to be closer to family. So focusing on house search, travel season is busy again and getting as much shop time as possible. Chassis is now complete sans the shocks being installed and the cab is now on a rolling cart awaiting metal work then primer. Trying to have a new paint room by the time i need one. The metal shop is far too dusty. It drives me crazy to be honest. But working with my brother and nephew is priceless.  So i sweep!🤪

[Rembrant]

mat in tn wrote

Its been slow work as life keeps happening. Now contemplating a move to be closer to family.

Back to New England?...craving some fresh lobster??...ha!

My project has been moving really slow, and I hate it. Covid and new ownership at work have brought some significant changes to my life this past year that have had a big effect on my project(s). Less time, less money, and less space. It's not all bad news though, the silver lining is that some things have improved, so you sometimes have to roll with the punches.

[mat in tn]

no, I'm looking at central NC. but it is time to go see dad!