I reached a milestone recently with all the body panels stripped of old paint and primed (most with an epoxy primer). I still have a fair amount of skim coat body filler to apply in select areas and need to decide my plan for the bed sides given they have a lot of "history" showing with dents all over but primarily in the top rolled tube area.
I'm in process of installing emergency brake cables (custom) using a J*** handle between the bucket seats. Unfortunately the cable from the handle to the plate that connects it to the axle brake cables is too long so I am waiting to hear back from the supplier about the best fix.
I'm also in process of confirming the electrical system. I have the battery in place and with it connected I have verified power to the starter, alternator, cooling fan, ignition (with switch on), fuel pump (ignition on), and the instrument controller (Dakota Digital). I was able to configure the fuel gauge and it appears to read correctly. I also set the tach configuration but did not confirm operation. I will need to create a cross reference for the fuse locations as I am using the power seat fuse for battery power to the instrument controller and the radio fuse for switch power to the instrument controller.
I am working toward my first engine start and camshaft breakin run but have a few steps still required before I am ready to fire it. It has been about 2 years since I built the engine so fingers crossed that I didn't screw anything up.
