The Phoenix is awakening / B3B Rises from the Ashes

[pflaming]

Plymouthy and I had a thorough visit on the status of my truck. The conclusion hands down is that it must be painted. Before the fire the surface was protected by the original paint but that in several major places is GONE. Thus the dog house will have to come off and the surfaces will have to be cleaned and protected from both sides.

So it's not a matter of preferences, it's a matter of necessity. and I am in for a lot of work. I have the time, the mechanicals on the truck are solid, and even though it's a lot of work, it's work I've learned to enjoy. I do have a very nice shop which is slowly getting organized so there goes winter. Exterior color has not been determined, Maybe original blue with orange flames on the front. LOL

My knees and hips are fine, and the Zucor damaged muscles in my legs are getting stronger. I can now walk a mile and do squats which I could not do four weeks ago. The fire and the consequent clean up took a bit of a toll on this old body, but it like the truck is coming back.

Thanks again to all for your support and encouragement. It has been quite an experience which continues.

[Desotodav]

Are you still giving the 'Phoenix' to your daughter PP? I recall you talking of color suggestions from her a while back. I reckon that 2-tone black and silver would look great!

I really look forward to following your progress again.

[pflaming]

Little things take a lot of time: Remove, bead blast, sand, primer, paint.  Today did all that and added a few finishing touches to the dash.

 

[pflaming]

The Phoenix will get an overdrive. Surfing CL on Friday evening I found a 53 Ply Surb for sale and parts. I made contact and bought an overdrive and tyranny for a reasonable price. He then said he had some extra parts in the back, we took a look and I got a full set of caps, three fresh air heater boxes, two motors, one distributor, and a nice oil bath air cleaner .

I like the hub caps. They are larger and flatter than my Dodge caps and they fit very nicely on my rims. If you look closely, they have a line around the edge. Anyone know the year these came out?

Edited August 26, 2014 by pflaming

[MBF]

Nice score Paul!

[pflaming]

Just do one thing at a time, and eventually. . .( I must have moved my camera a bit, shucks)

 

 

I like the top cap, may use it. It is larger and fills the wheel more than one realizes. What year did the top cap appear? 

 

[JerseyHarold]

The top cap looks like 2nd-series '49 and early 1950 Plymouth

[Young Ed]

PP why not find a 10" car cap that says dodge?

[pflaming]

I have caps for the truck, I like these for the Suburban. I have a set of four, the one in the pic is the best one and it doesn't shine up. 50's plymouth is correct, I had a 50 ply but did not recall caps like these. The set of four were free, so can hardly lose on them. I'm going to bead blast them and see how they 'clean;'

up.

Edited August 27, 2014 by pflaming

[TrampSteer]

I've got the lower caps on my '53. Of course, I now know that mine's a bit of a Frankenstein.

Edited August 27, 2014 by TrampSteer

[pflaming]

Doug Johnson and his friend, Larry, came down to help me start the truck. Because of his diagnostic skill he determined a probable problem in the distributor. He disassembled it and discovered it was assembled incorrectly. Returned to the engine and it started on the second try. HOWEVER, my new electronic fuel pump crapped out and . . . It was mid afternoon and they had to leave so I will fix the pump problem and all should be well.

I was bummed, because Doug was ready to give it a fine tune with timeing lights and all.

Whatever, THANK YOU DOUG and LARRY. I would never have found that problem.

[Drifter99]

Paul, glad you got it started I grab a used electric fuel pump out of my parts box and it lasted about 30 minutes. I guessing if the dry out they don't last. Congrats

[pflaming]

Update, the dash and doors are PAINTED, I really like the two tone, it shows off the formed metal nicely as it wraps around to the doors. now the window frame, wish  could find my windshield garnishes and center piece.

 

 Eureka! I found the garnishings (windshield frames), I had placed them behind the seat. Everything is the same non-shiny color so very difficult to see.

 

The engine runs but I had to order a fuel pump.  It just takes a lot of time, but I will get there, maybe by BBQ weekend!

 

 

Edited August 31, 2014 by pflaming

[pflaming]

Got side tracked today yet did get the windshield frames bead blasted, primered, and painted. Sure would like some chrome screws to install it. Any suggestions who has such? Maybe it's time to learn e-bay shopping.

[ggdad1951]

the windshield frame screws are oddball IMO.  ESPECIALLY the ones that go in the center division bar, those are flattened at the end so they don't just poke thru the outer bar (don't ask me how I know).

 

I did just get some SS screws from Fastenal and they work ok, the new heads are not quite the same, but they work.  Remember, my "ok" is most likely "perfect" for 95% of the rest of the population!  

[Young Ed]

Do the trucks use Jackson head screws like the cars? If so I've found them at the hardware store but the longer you need the harder they are to find.

[Plymouthy Adams]

I need them for a long time Ed...going to install them on my car...

[ggdad1951]

Do the trucks use Jackson head screws like the cars? If so I've found them at the hardware store but the longer you need the harder they are to find.

 

yes they do, but the heads are SLIGHTLY different than modern versions.  Modern versions are slightly smaller, but only I'd worry about .020"...

[Don Coatney]

The Hillman Group

 

http://wedo.hillmangroup.com/viewitems/steel-sheet-metal-screws/jackson-head-trim-screws-black-chrome?

[Young Ed]

The Hillman Group

 

http://wedo.hillmangroup.com/viewitems/steel-sheet-metal-screws/jackson-head-trim-screws-black-chrome?

That would be the same company that supplies all the hardware to the store I shop at!

[pflaming]

Working in the cab today. Whatever fire was in he cab was fast. I had bubble wrap for sound deadening and it must have flash burned. The surface is dirty but not fire scorched.  But it's a dirty job. Will finish the first level of cleaning tomorrow then take a 2nd look. Won't paint in here only a good coat of primer is my current thinking. I cannot stop now, but sometimes I wonder. . . 

 

Pic 1 is as found

 

 

Pic 2 is top 'cleaned'

 

 

Pic 3 top half of cab back is 'cleaned"

 

[MBF]

Looking good Paul.  I think I'd paint the interior with some type of topcoat (especially the exposed areas).  That will prevent corrosion from condensation, and the exposed areas will be easier to keep clean as they won't be as porous.  Just my thoughts.  Mike

[Young Ed]

Agreed and the hidden areas could be done with a roller or brush

[Jeff Balazs]

Yep. I agree all exposed areas should be painted.

You could brush on rustoleum to all the hidden areas......and then use a brush on rubberized bed liner material as the first stage of a good sound deadening job. It is a bit messy to work with but it helps eliminate some of the squeaks, wind noise, etc. in the cab structure. Once it has cured products like Hushmat stick to it just fine.

 

Jeff

[TodFitch]

...Won't paint in here only a good coat of primer is my current thinking...

 

I gave up trying to do paint on appearance items decades ago and only do chassis and mechanical stuff now so I am not current on the primer products that are available now. But...

 

"Back in the day" that I took some auto body classes I learned that primers were porous and that they would not protect the metal against moisture. Based on that antique knowledge I'd recommend following the other poster's advise to use something like rustoleum.

 

I like Jeff's idea about using bed liner. Seems like that could help create a quieter ride as well as protect the metal.