69 Dudes-- Just the beginning

[Eck]

That looks great, nicely done! Are you happy with the 2x5?

Yes for sure. I think the 2x6 would stick out too much and not look as "smooth" with the flares. If you are looking for more of a step, then I suppose it would work ok... plus my understanding is the 2x6 was quite a bit more expensive. I got the two pieces cut to size at DenCol for $97 total. Add on a 4 foot piece of 3/16" scrap for $15 and my rockers cost $110. Not too bad.

[plumbdoctor]

Missed you today at the swap meet, skis are looking good!

[Eck]

Missed you today at the swap meet, skis are looking good!

Were you there? I thought you had said you couldn't make it...

[plumbdoctor]

Didnt get there till about 9, was parked west end, couldnt stay long either

[Jesus_man]

That is exactly how we did it (floor jack), but I did say we, so it was a bit easier with another set of hands. Nice work!

[Eck]

Big thanks to Kinder, dropped it off with Plumbdoctor this morning for its fresh new look. Now to sit tight and watch paint dry...

[Jesus_man]

Well if there was anything I want to sit and watch the paint dry, an EB is it!

[Eck]

So after quite a few days of running into alignment issues, chasing electrical gremlins, installing power steering, and fighting May snow storms to try and paint, Orenthal James made his first drive around the block. A few more minor things to get done but should be trail ready in no time!

[Justin]

That's awesome! Looks great!

[Colorado75bronc]

Nice looks good!

[Kinder]

We need some daylight shots to show off the hood stripe.

[Eck]

Unfortunately, no new pics yet-- I ran into a few issues last night...

So I went to drive it home yesterday and was having a few issues. The engine was not getting much power when climbing any sort of incline and anytime I gave it a substantial amount of gas, it would sputter and skip. The other thing is that we have had a female K9 of a time bleeding the newly installed power steering. It is still noisy and chirping and does not turn the wheel real smooth. My first guess with the power is that the carb is gummed up and needs a refresh-- but I am wondering if maybe one could have something to do with the other. It feels like as soon as you try to open it up, it is choking out. I am still not sure why we can't get the PS to bleed out though.

Thoughts?

[akaFrankCastle]

PS systems can take a bit of time to bleed, especially if you install hydroboost. It's recommended, or so I've read, that to bleed the system you should:
Put the front axle on jack stands
Ensure PS pump is full
Start engine
Slowly turn steering wheel from lock to lock 3-4 time or so
Turn engine off
Check PS fluid level, top off as necessary
Start engine and repeat
Never pull wheel hard to lock as this can damage the worm gears if you've got a significant air bubble in there

All in all, it can take a bit of driving after doing this before the system is completely bled, but this will at least get you most of the way done.

As to the lack of power issue, how much vacuum are you pulling at idle?

[Eck]

We definitely did not have the front end up when bleeding-- in fact, we had the front end sloping down on the driveway when we first attempted bleeding the system. Also, not real sure on the vacuum pressure-- how do you check that? It does start up and idle fairly well. It smells a little rich and reaks of gas after left on for a while...

[akaFrankCastle]

What carb are you running? I'll snap a quick pic.
You'll need a vacuum gauge. Not too expensive and always handy to have around.

[akaFrankCastle]

If its Edelbrock, you'll want to hook that vacuum gauge up to the port on the right (capped one).

[Eck]

It is a holley and I am not sure I have an extra port to check. I used the last one for the Power Brake Booster. The brakes work fine so I am guessing that it is something with the carb itself and maybe the pump for the power steering. I am going to have the carb rebuilt tomorrow and see how that does.

[Jesus_man]

In my limited experience, Holley's can be great carbs, but are very picky about how they are adjusted. Seems they have to be dead nuts on (whatever that means) to run right, but when they do....

[Eck]

FrankCastle-- thanks for the responese.. Rebuilt Carb today and the choke had been stuck on closed... now runs much better! Bought a new steering pump and having PlumbDoctor install that while I am out of town to see if we can get the steering to tighten up. Some better pics to show off the new paint, rockers, flares, mirrors-- basically new exterior...


Very close to an official unveiling!!

[Jesus_man]

Steering pump to tighten the steering? Not sure I follow you there unless you are still trying to get bubbles out of the system?

[Eck]

Steering pump to tighten the steering? Not sure I follow you there unless you are still trying to get bubbles out of the system?

Yes- still feels like it may have some air. Poor choice of adjective, sorry.

[Jesus_man]

OK, I follow you. Just didn't want you setup for disappointment. But air in the system will make it feel loose. I remember probably running the steering wheel back and fourth 100 times after Hydro Assist.

[hockeydad4-22]

looks really good. you guys have made a lot of progress in just the couple of weeks since I put in the new windshield. Awesome job!

[Eck]

looks really good. you guys have made a lot of progress in just the couple of weeks since I put in the new windshield. Awesome job!

We have-- and thanks for getting the windshield in. Big shout out to Keith aka PlumbDoctor-- I have spent many hours in his driveway the last few weeks (sometimes without him there)-- getting everything back together. He has done a great job on paint as well as helping troubleshoot some of the issues. We have run into some unexpected issues (but with a 44 year old vehicle is probably expected). The light at the end of the tunnel is visible and the fact that I had it on I-70 driving it 65-70 MPH back to Keith's from getting the carb fixed, provides a level of encouragement I did not have for a couple weeks. Looking forward to getting it home, taking the top off, and hitting some trails!

[Gunnibronco]

Good looking paint. I have a similar stripe around the raised section of the hood, mine is white on blue (on yellow, on rust). I don't think I've seen many that way.

Great news on the carb issue.

[Eck]

Was able to get the old purple tint removed and got the Bronco re-tinted on Friday. As soon as the bikini top arrives from Tom's, I will be ready to go topless! Planning on installing the rear seat this week. I also have a 23 gallon tank to swap in for the stock tank-- anyone have any advice on how to do it or is it pretty straight forward?

[Kinder]

Tank install is pretty straight fwd, what type of mounting does it use, track or bolt?

[Eck]

Tank install is pretty straight fwd, what type of mounting does it use, track or bolt?

I actually looked up the install directions on TBP site and found it-- looks very straightforward-- the hardest things is probably going to be draining the current tank first. it also said to "clean out" the new tank for any welding debris left behind-- just use water and then maybe set it out in the sun for a few hours in this heat to evaporate any water left behind?

[Kinder]

I'd use something besides water, maybe acetone.

[landshark]

x2 acetone will work I used that and then stuck my hand in the tank and wiped out what I could reach after sloshing acetone around for a bit.. used brake cleaner to do a final wipe.. amazing how much crap is in those new tanks..