Well - my hemtt restoration is finally getting some traction in the last few weeks.
I've got the new transmission in place and connected with a newly shortened and balanced driveshaft that is a whopping 1.5 foot long... For those of you that don't remember, the transmission I removed was the stock HT740D Allison 4 speed auto, but the new trans is a HT750CRD 5-speed which is slightly longer. The additional length is in the extension visible at the tail, and take note of the custom fabricated adjustable rear support preloaded at 200 lbs. to support the rear of the tranny. I've also got all new Morse cables for the trans and transfercase and a new Morse Maxx shifter so I can take advantage of all 5 ranges instead of the old 4 position shifter.
The new radiator is almost done being constructed, and is just waiting on the powdercoating shop to finish coating the tanks and fan shroud. I am also having all the engine's coolant hard-pipes and thermostat housings, radiator fan, etc sandblasted and powdercoated.
I've got all new hoses w/stainless t-bolt clamps, thermostats, gaskets, engine belts, filters, etc. for the engine that we will put on at the same time as we install the new radiator. Finishing it all off with a fresh coat of Detroit Diesel Green. I just got done pressure washing the bejesus out of the engine in preparation for painting it on Monday.
I've also decided to have Jet hot coatings ceramic coat the inside and outside of the entire exhaust system, as it is pretty heavily rusted. They are amazingly inexpensive, and I've had them do stuff for me before and there quality is the best out there.
Last week we removed the cab so I can have some minor dents and dings worked out of it before I strip it down to the bare metal and sandblast and powdercoat/rhinoline the interior and epoxy-primer and paint the exterior. It should be ready to head off to sandblasting on Tuesday of next week.
The cab support structure on the front of the frame is obviously in need of some attention, so that will get removed and sandblasted and powdercoated too at the same time.
This project has taken a while to really get moving, as I had to do some pretty major earth moving at my house just to get a garage up to house this truck while I paint it and begin enjoying it. THe best thing I've done is find a shop I really trust to start doing the heavy lifting, so I can focus on the parts that I really enjoy - the electrical and detail work. I'll post pics as I go along over the next couple weeks. If it starts to bore you or hog up too much bandwidth just let me know and I'll skip to the finished product!
My plan is to convoy this truck down to Portland Oregon for the MVPA national convention in August. I hope see all you guys there!
The Following 2 Users Say Thank You to dma251 For This Useful Post:
I am thoroughly impressed, looks like you have this project by the tail!
__________________
Jonathan
Secretary/Newsletter Editor, M.V.C.C. Denver, Colorado www.mvcconline.org
M.V.P.A. #32113
U.S. ARMY 01/74-12/79
Proud Member of the Patriot Guard Riders
A Veteran - Whether Active Duty, Retired, National Guard or Reserve - is someone who, at one point in their life, wrote a check made payable to "The United States of America", for an amount of "up to and including my life". That is honor, and there are way too many people in this country who no longer understand that."
Awesome! Think you'll have it ready by August for the convention?
Nice seats...
__________________
Dan Martin
1988 M35A2C (USAF)
1945 M29C Weasel
Hillsboro, OR.
MVPA# 31124
MVCCO# 828
We shall not cease from exploration
and the end of all our exploring
will be to arrive where we started
and know the place for the first time
- T.S. Eliot
Awesome! Think you'll have it ready by August for the convention?
Nice seats...
Oh yeah... I don't want to jinx it, ,but August shouldn't be a problem. According to the schedule and budget as of right now - barring any more MAJOR issues, I should b e driving it again in about 2 - 3 months, and spend most of spring and summer fine tuning it...
I think you guys are gonna really like some of the unique plans I have for it. I'm not gonna be deviating from it's original mission or appearance, but I am putting some "updated" electronics on board. Pretty much how they are set up currently...
updated pics of my hemtt restoration
