I finished the frame welds!!

 

What welder do you have? If it's a wire welder, is it gas, or flux core?

 

That post was just a joke. I ran a metal fabrication shop for 24 years, and certified four of my welders for aerospace work. I use a Lincoln 180hd Weld Pac MIG welder. 80/20 argon/CO2 shield gas. .025" ER70S solid wire. I am really happy with it. The welder I lost in the fire was a Millermatic 175 MIG welder, but it was 25 years old. The inverter technology has improved greatly since then. Once I start welding on the frame, you will see my real stuff.

 

OK, I see how ya are. I seem to remember your welds looking a LOT better than that........

 

I speak three languages... English, sarcasm, and sailor. My father and oldest brother were Navy men.

 

I received the suspension parts today, so I set about getting the front end assembled. Getting the driver's side spring in place was a bit difficult requiring two strong people. The passenger side spring went in easier. The shocks will be another day. My hands are worn out!

 

The rack and pinion are getting some love. New bellows, fresh paint, and new outer tie rod ends.

 

Power rack and pinion? Coolness. Was wondering about that.

 

My neighbor found this while he was on a road trip. He picked it up for the new shop. I have the coolest neighbors!!

 

I finally got the shocks in. It took grinding the hole larger on the lower arms (just enough to tap them through). The next item up I need some helpful suggestions. I bought new upper bump stops. The problem is the originals are completely rotted, and crumble against any force. The new ones have a smooth hole, which tells me these may be glued onto a smooth shaft from the factory. The cups welded to the frame also have some indentations that look like the help keep them in place as well. I have a feeling it will take multiple fresh box knife blades to just cut them out piece by piece.