I started it, I'll finish it --someday

[Lostinwisc]

Hi Macv, that plate would be probabiy for a fifth wheel plate(AG style) a 2 3/8 ball --usually see them on p/us--first time I'ver seen one on a Elky ya got A HEAVY HAULER THERE !!
When I saw your first photo I had to do a double take=== thought you'd came & got my 87 Elky --but mines got tu / tone mldgs otherewise they'd be twins !! looking good hang in there..

[oldtinsmith]

Larry, you did say it would be done for Coleman this year, right?

Doug

[MACV]

Oh sure!!!

[MACV]

Originally Posted by El Diablo

macv it could be the photo or the shadows, your photo of the rear axle assembly (amazing hitch plate btw) the upper left rear control arm and bushing seems bent .

Yes, it does look funny in the pic but I just went under the cruck with a light and a straightedge and everything is fine, no humps, bumps or pinches. Thanks for looking closely at the pic and bringing it to my attention. I have been known to "miss the forest for the trees" more than once.

[MACV]

Originally Posted by Lostinwisc

Hi Macv, that plate would be probabiy for a fifth wheel plate(AG style) a 2 3/8 ball --usually see them on p/us--first time I'ver seen one on a Elky ya got A HEAVY HAULER THERE !!
When I saw your first photo I had to do a double take=== thought you'd came & got my 87 Elky --but mines got tu / tone mldgs otherewise they'd be twins !! looking good hang in there..

HEAVY HAULER is right, but no more. I was able to cut the welds between the plate and the towers without damaging the towers. However it took two of us to lift and move the plate. It was HEAVY! The hole in the bed is also gone.

Unfortunately the ring, pinion and axle shafts were all badly worn and pitted. So, now the '79 project has the entire rear end from my '78 donor and the axle shafts from my '84 donor in it. That means I have English lug nuts for the front wheels and metric for the rear! Got to try to remember that.

[El Diablo]

Happy you checked. And all is well.

[MACV]

How far can your pet beetle swim before he dies or the urethane cures? Mine made it about 17 centimeters as the crow flies, more as the beetle swims. It took him about 7 minutes to go that far. I have three beetle tracks on each quarter and one on the tailgate. None anywhere else, mainly because the rear end was shot in the driveway, the rest shot indoors. So much for the DIY mentality. So, in the Spring of '13 the rear end will be sanded and reshot inside with all doors covered with screen and the barn debugged. Hope the pics show the beetle track.

http://i1041.photobucket.com/albums/...p/100_0447.jpg

http://i1041.photobucket.com/albums/...t/100_0443.jpg

[the ghoul]

You have a magical barn my friend!
Can't wait to come visit!!!
Really considering making a mini gooseneck and make a mount much like the one you removed..
Yes it's overkill for such a light duty car, but would definetly help the lack of traction!
Wonder if I can haul my 2001 sierria with it (ya know, for shnits and giggles)

[MACV]

Why do these projects seem to have periods of "one step forward, two steps back"? I'm dressing my engine for a startup/breakin step before I mount fenders, hood, etc. just in case, well I don't want to think about the "just in case". Yesterday I ran fuel, transmission cooler and vacuum lines. Then heater hoses, lower radiator hose, upper radiat---- DANG! Why did GM decrease the upper radiator connection diameter from 1.5 inches to 1.25 in about 1980 without telling me? Today I had to take my '79 upper hose back and order a post '80 hose to fit the '84 radiator I had just installed. The newer hose is 1.5 inches at the thermostat housing and 1.25 inches at the radiator. Undoubtedly everyone knew that but me. Oh well, Monday starts another week,(That's when my new hose arrives).

[the ghoul]

Man you've got some self controle.
I would have fallen back on the old proverb
"when all else fails clamp the heck out of it!"

[MACV]

Originally Posted by the ghoul

Man you've got some self controle.
I would have fallen back on the old proverb
"when all else fails clamp the heck out of it!"

Now you tell me!!

[the ghoul]

and theeeeen?

[MACV]

Originally Posted by the ghoul

and theeeeen?

Well, then I was able to exchange the big hose for a little one. Great local parts guys. Got it installed. Theeeeeen, the weather got colder than my heater or bones wanted to tolerate. So, I'm waiting for some temps above 30 something so I can get back at it in comfort. I'm kind of a candy a**! I'll get there---someday.

[Keyser Sose]

Hey MACV, if it was easy, anybody could do it.

Funny part is, within 6-12 mos after you get this one finished, you'll want another project to take up all that extra time you'll have.

[MACV]

Oh no!! Wife has that future gap filled already!!