The Bluebird build thread 66 F100 Camper Special

cnsmoore · Post by **cnsmoore** » December 11, 2011, 3:55 pm

First off, thanks slick members for the help thus far.
I am finally starting my build thread to give something back to the forum (WARNING! this will be PIC heavy).

My new "old" 1966 F100 Camper Special
FE390
Dana rear end with posi track
Caribbean turquoise/Wimbledon white paint

First pic already tucked away (CRAMMED) into my garage

cnsmoore · Post by **cnsmoore** » December 11, 2011, 4:07 pm

I did not enjoy taking any photos before I made this truck mine. Well, I can take some pics now.

My first mod complete.
Ditch the throw back drag wheels (no offense draggers) for a more traditional look.

Here it go's:
15x7 wheel vintique smoothies front
15x8 wheel vintique smoothies rear
Both with 4" BS

Next:
255 70R 15 3 1/2" WW Diamond Back III's rear
205 70R 15 2 3/4" WW Diamond Back III's front

Beauty rings and baby moons round out the package

cnsmoore · Post by **cnsmoore** » December 11, 2011, 4:20 pm

I talked Tom of Carolina Custom Powdercoat in Cary N.C. into letting me tag along for some powder action.

Let me first say that I had no idea that powder coating was so involved in order to achieve the right outcome.

Here's a pic of some phosphoric acid in action

Then after a quick rinse, it's off to the oven for some dry and heat.

And finally...some POWDER!!!

cnsmoore · Post by **cnsmoore** » December 11, 2011, 4:28 pm

This morning I visited a buddy up at Pep Boys to mount and balance all four tires (grand total of $45.00).

Before you see the pic remember, I want the wheel color to match the truck.

We went through several samples and none matched even close to my paint.
I decided to go with white and I can live with this until it warms up and I can spray these babies an exact match to my Caribbean Turqouise.

Here's Bluebird before:

And after:

cnsmoore · Post by **cnsmoore** » December 11, 2011, 4:33 pm

One more up close...THANKS Tom for allowing me to tag along. I was in the way more than I helped. The whole process probably took twice as long just because of me!

Alan Mclennan · Post by **Alan Mclennan** » December 11, 2011, 5:02 pm

I think the body colour will look better!, but it`s like a new pair of joggers!, they seem bright when you first put them on!

cnsmoore · Post by **cnsmoore** » December 11, 2011, 5:20 pm

Yeah, the traditional low rider down at the shop today said, "ESSAY, you don't need to paint those wheels.....thum beeches POP yo!"

I think that means he liked them.

ezernut9mm · Post by **ezernut9mm** » December 11, 2011, 9:01 pm

which trim rings are those?

fire truck · Post by **fire truck** » December 11, 2011, 9:09 pm

nice! gotta love wwws!!

cnsmoore · Post by **cnsmoore** » December 12, 2011, 10:29 am

Ezer, they are the smooth trim rings that fit the smoothie wheel from wheel vintiques. I can get you the part number when I get home if u need it

cnsmoore · Post by **cnsmoore** » December 18, 2011, 7:49 pm

It has been a busy couple of days. The relocation of the gas tank mod turned out to be a little more difficult than I imagined. Here she is:

No BALD jokes please!

Frame welded up

Ready for some hangers. Background 1970 Mustang 22gallon tank

Mounted up with some POR15 topcoat

Close up of the hanger

Sender and fuel line

cnsmoore · Post by **cnsmoore** » December 18, 2011, 7:51 pm

Heres a better shot underneath.

cnsmoore · Post by **cnsmoore** » December 18, 2011, 8:04 pm

Today I removed the old tank and cut a temporary access hole for the filler.
Before

After

cnsmoore · Post by **cnsmoore** » December 18, 2011, 8:07 pm

Oh, and the filler

Not to worry, there will be some WOOD in the near future...Will keep the flush mounted cap though.

cnsmoore · Post by **cnsmoore** » December 18, 2011, 8:08 pm

Garage ART

Alan Mclennan · Post by **Alan Mclennan** » December 19, 2011, 12:15 am

Don`t forget to seal the filler hole on the tank!, they can be very explosive!!

cnsmoore · Post by **cnsmoore** » December 21, 2011, 1:07 pm

Good catch Alan...got er sealed!

Don over at Sound Deadener Showdown just sent a box of goodies to keep me busy for a while. I will post a pic of the contents when it gets here.

TIME FOR THE BLUEBIRD TO QUIET DOWN A LITTLE....EXCEPT FOR THE TUNES (to be continued...)

BigMike · Post by **BigMike** » December 21, 2011, 1:59 pm

Nice work! I really like the tank relocation. I should consider that when I have the bed off in the Spring. I miss having the extra room behind the seat.

How is the tank attached to the frame that you made?

cnsmoore · Post by **cnsmoore** » December 21, 2011, 3:27 pm

BigMike wrote:Nice work! I really like the tank relocation. I should consider that when I have the bed off in the Spring. I miss having the extra room behind the seat.

How is the tank attached to the frame that you made?

Thanks BigMike, if you look closely at the pic of me welding the frame, you can see the tank lip on the right with pre drilled holes. I drilled some holes in the frame and used screws about 1/2" long.
It has been a few days now and everything is still solid. I did use some plastic spacers I between the hangers and the frame rail to eliminate any unwanted noise. OH, I HAVENT EVEN RUN OUT OF FUEL YET...22gallons YEAH!!!

qwertyd10n · Post by **qwertyd10n** » December 21, 2011, 4:33 pm

I'm thinking of doing a tank relocation this winter as well... I've ready Uncle Skip's instructions on his method, but yours seems a little different.

Here are some questions I've got for you:

You just bolted your tank frame to the bottom of the truck frame?

Did you have to move any of the frame cross-members?

Is that 1" square tubing you used?

What thickness of metal did you make the tabs/brackets out of?

Did you weld the heads of the bolts to the topside of the frame/cross-member so they wouldn't turn? Or were you able to figure out a way to get a wrench in on them?

What did you use and where did you get the hardware for the filler neck and cap?

Cheers,
Dion