Here are some photos of changes to our 1960 GMC since the last update:
The 15x5 front wheels were replaced with 15x7’s, and the Gaylord bed cover was reinstalled. The bed rails were remounted on top of the cover:
[IMG]http://img707.imageshack.us/img707/7/0001ll.jpg[/IMG][IMG]http://img810.imageshack.us/img810/8449/0002vs.jpg[/IMG]GM topknot emblems were added to the fog lights, and they were moved forward on the bumper with new brackets:
[IMG]http://img196.imageshack.us/img196/6995/0003eq.jpg[/IMG][IMG]http://img705.imageshack.us/img705/7276/0004iqy.jpg[/IMG]The majority of the inner fenders were removed for hot rod styling and ease of access. Raptor bed liner was then sprayed on what was left of the inner fenders and firewall. Here’s a shot before I finished up the wiring on the driver’s side:
[IMG]http://img577.imageshack.us/img577/3230/0005jo.jpg[/IMG]And here’s after the hood hinges and springs were reinstalled:
[IMG]http://img10.imageshack.us/img10/9364/0005atk.jpg[/IMG]Inside a 1962-63 era Moon style externally lighted gauge panel was acquired and installed below the center of the dash. The undersize rim on the VDO vacuum gauge looked puny when mounted next to the Autometer gauges, so a new Autometer vacuum gauge was purchased and installed. I haven’t decided whether to connect the external lights or not. They never worked very well, mainly causing glare on the glass. But I really wanted a panel that carried the lights because I always liked the way they looked.
[IMG]http://img51.imageshack.us/img51/5935/0007ab.jpg[/IMG][IMG]http://img34.imageshack.us/img34/6416/0008zy.jpg[/IMG][IMG]http://img600.imageshack.us/img600/6687/0009m.jpg[/IMG]Pulling the vintage Covico steering wheel to work on the instrument panel, I discovered it had plenty of nicks, scratches and gouges after nearly half a century of use. I spent four and a half hours restoring the vinyl rim. All the defects were wet sanded out with 400, 600, 1000, and 1500 grit paper. This was followed by 3 polishing steps with Semi-Chrome, and the final finish was brought back to original with 3 additional applications of Mothers Mag Wheel polish. It’s hard to photograph a shine, but I’m amazed how nice it turned out.
[IMG]http://img836.imageshack.us/img836/7394/0010rs.jpg[/IMG]Retractable lap belts are on the way, along with an Autometer 160 mph speedometer to match the rest of the gauges. Those will be installed within the next week or so, hopefully before the Spokane Goodguys show.
