Powerwagon Project
Mopar Lover
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 11,036
Likes: 948
From: Monrovia SO-CAL (USA)
I'm Laughing, But it is really not funny !!!! This State has truly gone Friggen Nut and to the Chit house.http://www.aqmd.gov/docs/default-sou.../rule-1127.pdf
Check out Sec.b / 4 / D.... lol
http://www.aqmd.gov/docs/default-sou.../rule-1140.pdf
The fine for dry blast... $10K...
Anyway, Back to Leem's build...
We can chat more about this crap on my Good Morning B.S. Page...
Last edited by RacerHog; Jan 5, 2018 at 05:44 PM.
Thread Starter
Mopar Fanatic
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 447
Likes: 40
From: Quesnel, BC, Canada
Originally we were going to have the shop remove two leafs on each spring and re-arc them. But after dropping them off the other day we got word back that they were in pretty poor shape. So, we will be having new springs. They have some front ones in stock, but we are waiting for them to round up some rears. Basically, we are looking at going to a half ton spring to get a softer ride. We believe the truck will have a lower GVW than the original 90 donor truck. And it will certainly be lower than the original Powerwagon GVW which was around 7800 pounds. But the original Powerwagon came on a one ton frame. We're pretty sure the half ton springs on the 90 frame will give us what we want. The 90 is a3/4 ton frame, but it has been shortened and we still think when all is said and done, the finished product will be lighter than the original PW and the 90. So, just waiting on a call to pick up the springs and driveshaft, then we can move the frame outside for sandblasting. I think the cab was going outside for sandblasting yesterday afternoon, but I'll check on that come Monday. Always little delays. They were finishing off some small welds on the interior of the cab Friday morning. We're getting there...lol
Marty
Marty
Thread Starter
Mopar Fanatic
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 447
Likes: 40
From: Quesnel, BC, Canada
it's been a real learning experience for the shop I am dealing with too. They have done lots of work on less complicated restorations, but always as sort of a sideline to their main business. It's a small town and word gets around and now they are getting more and more requests to do projects. There just aren't any shops in town that want to take the work on. The guy I am dealing with just recently purchased the building he was renting as he didn't want to move. He now has plans to open up the rest of the building to be able to take on the types of projects the other shops won't touch. The biggest problem for him is finding the qualified staff needed to expand. But the market is there.
So...yeah...it's been quite an experience. I'm certainly no expert, but I do have some advice for people that want to do something like this. Patience is the most important thing. Good stuff takes time. The more complicated the project is the more delays you will encounter. And money...lol....count on going over budget if you want quality. You can take shortcuts but you won't be happy in the end. And if you have to import parts the exchange rate just adds to the cost. It also adds to the time factor, especially if the parts are rare or have to be made.
Even with the negatives you encounter along the way, always keep in mind the vision of your finished product. It is always worth it in the end.
Thread Starter
Mopar Fanatic
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 447
Likes: 40
From: Quesnel, BC, Canada
No problem with spring bushings on front springs, but rear were hooped. Try finding that part...lol. Once again, customization came into play, albeit on a small scale. Shop modified some Chevy shackles.
Marty
Marty
Thread Starter
Mopar Fanatic
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 447
Likes: 40
From: Quesnel, BC, Canada
Frame all sandblasted. The sandblasting revealed some very rusty sections on one of the cross-members. That's being replaced...steel being picked up as I type. Should be ready for the paint booth Wednesday or Thursday.
Marty
Marty
Thread Starter
Mopar Fanatic
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 447
Likes: 40
From: Quesnel, BC, Canada
Marty
Thread Starter
Mopar Fanatic
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 447
Likes: 40
From: Quesnel, BC, Canada
Inching closer. Just a couple of more steps and box sides and running boards will be all prepped for paint. Probably won't be painted until all work is complete on cab, fenders and hood.
Marty
Marty
Thread Starter
Mopar Fanatic
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 447
Likes: 40
From: Quesnel, BC, Canada
it really is. Hit another snag this afternoon. The tailgate requires way too many hours to get straightened out along the top rail, let alone all the sanding and priming to get ready for paint. So...cheaper to order a new tailgate when all is said and done. New one has same design but does not include the stamped lettering. We have a solution though. One of the shop regulars can make lettering which will attach like the lettering on the hood and rad cowl.
Marty
Marty
