51 B3B build thread - after all these years

[bkahler]

After figuring out the easiest way to install the brown trim push pins I finished the installation of the rear trim panel.  I'm not overly impressed with the panel quality so I'll probably look into the ones that DCM sells, but that's for another day.

 

Also finished up the side view mirrors. 

 

Next up for the interior is the headliner.  I'm not sure how I'm going to manhandle it by myself but I'll figure out something.

 

 

[bkahler]

Kick panels installed.

 

[ggdad1951]

Fenders off is easiest....and not hard to put on after.

[bkahler]

I got the GPS installed today

 

 

[bkahler]

Due to the USPS inability to deliver a package to me from DCM Classics I've been forced to work on other tasks while waiting for the bed parts.  Parts were supposed to be delivered Saturday, but for some strange reason the package has been sitting somewhere between Lexington and Richmond (30 miles) for 3+ days now.  I stopped at the local post office and asked if they could tell me what's happening, due to the holidays they are extremely backed up.  I assumed as much but what I found strange is they don't sort things based on first in, first out.  Instead it's apparently just random.  Frustrating to say the least.

 

So with no bed parts to work work with, I decided to wrap up a few details on the tail lights.  While doing some research on tail lights for these trucks I came across the following pictures.

 

 

 

To me they look like original tail light installations.  I decided to try and replicate the setup on my tail lights and came up with this.  Close enough for me

 

 

The day after I ordered the bed parts from DCM I ordered a roll of their rubber fender welting.  It arrived right on time.  Unfortunately it has a bead on it that wasn't in their description.  Their picture was to small to make out any detail so I figured it was probably correct.  I'm a little bummed out about it.  My first thought is to just use a straight edge and cut the bead off.  The rubber quality seems to be good so I might as well use it.

 

 

 

The last thing I started working on was the headliner.  I won't bore you with the details, but I now have a new interior kit with headliner on order from DCM.  Unbeknownst to me, the order of installation is supposed to be the headliner and then the rear panels around the windows.  That's not how I approached it.  The ABS interior kit wasn't cheap but I'd just as soon do it right and be done with it.

 

Pictures of the interior kit installation will be posted sometime in January.

 

Brad

 

 

[bkahler]

Several years ago we discussed the weight placards on these trucks.  At the time I only had this picture available. 

 

 

Yesterday, while looking through a bunch of picture albums I found about 50 pictures of my truck that I took as I was starting to dismantle it.  I found the following picture showing another weight placard or decal.

 

 

What I find interesting is the one on the front fender shows 6,000 Gross, yet this one shows UNDER 5000.  I'm now debating whether or not I should have my nephew recreate the UNDER 5000 decal and put it on the truck along with the 6000 Gross decal on the front fenders.  If nothing else it should make for some interesting conversations

 

 

[ggdad1951]

23 hours ago, bkahler said:

To me they look like original tail light installations.  I decided to try and replicate the setup on my tail lights and came up with this.  Close enough for me

 

 

 

The day after I ordered the bed parts from DCM I ordered a roll of their rubber fender welting.  It arrived right on time.  Unfortunately it has a bead on it that wasn't in their description.  Their picture was to small to make out any detail so I figured it was probably correct.  I'm a little bummed out about it.  My first thought is to just use a straight edge and cut the bead off.  The rubber quality seems to be good so I might as well use it.

 

 

Looks right for the tail light sheathing.

 

As for the rear fender welting, I just used body caulk.  Screwing around with a linear piece of rubber on curves...might prove challenging.   If you want to use that from DCM, cut off the lolli and go for it.

[Los_Control]

I'm sure from past conversations that you know more about the gross weight placement than I do.

 

This was added on by the owner and could be anywhere that can easily be seen .... for me it is on the lower front side of bed near the cab corners.

 

From what I know, that sticker or plate is to declare how much weight you paid for at the tax office when you renewed your registration. .... you can pay more 1 year and then less the next year .... I believe there was a minimum you had to pay .... then if you wanted to haul more weight you can pay more and then use a 6K gross weight instead of 5K

This is my understanding of how it use to work.

 

I'm not sure if they even have that system in play today. .... If they do have it, and you are using both .... I think the interesting conversation would be between you and the police while you show the registration to prove you paid for the higher weight limit posted on the truck.

 

Just saying, it makes sense to me why they had 2 different weights posted .... Not sure it even matters today.

I was once told I had to post a sign on a 1966 Elcamino ... I paid the weight tax, never posted the sign.

Today I think they just charge you what they want and no sign needed.

[JBNeal]

Maybe a magnetic decal could be applied when ya want to take the buggy to town 😁

 

That taillight looks good from my couch...let'r rip ⚡

[bkahler]

15 hours ago, ggdad1951 said:

 

Looks right for the tail light sheathing.

 

As for the rear fender welting, I just used body caulk.  Screwing around with a linear piece of rubber on curves...might prove challenging.   If you want to use that from DCM, cut off the lolli and go for it.

 

Is this the body caulk you're referring to?  If so, I have a box or two on  hand.  It would certainly be easier to use than the rubber strip.

[bkahler]

14 hours ago, Los_Control said:

I'm sure from past conversations that you know more about the gross weight placement than I do.

 

This was added on by the owner and could be anywhere that can easily be seen .... for me it is on the lower front side of bed near the cab corners.

 

From what I know, that sticker or plate is to declare how much weight you paid for at the tax office when you renewed your registration. .... you can pay more 1 year and then less the next year .... I believe there was a minimum you had to pay .... then if you wanted to haul more weight you can pay more and then use a 6K gross weight instead of 5K

This is my understanding of how it use to work.

 

I'm not sure if they even have that system in play today. .... If they do have it, and you are using both .... I think the interesting conversation would be between you and the police while you show the registration to prove you paid for the higher weight limit posted on the truck.

 

Just saying, it makes sense to me why they had 2 different weights posted .... Not sure it even matters today.

I was once told I had to post a sign on a 1966 Elcamino ... I paid the weight tax, never posted the sign.

Today I think they just charge you what they want and no sign needed.

 

My guess is each state had their on rules and regulations on what you can haul with a pickup.  My first thought when I saw the Under 5000 was maybe the bed was allowed 5000 lbs and the cab could hold two people weighing 500 lbs each 😄

 

 

[bkahler]

12 hours ago, JBNeal said:

Maybe a magnetic decal could be applied when ya want to take the buggy to town 😁

 

That taillight looks good from my couch...let'r rip ⚡

 

Interesting thought on the magnetic decal.  I'll have to check with my nephew to see if they can make magnetic decals.