I think you can go both ways, but I brushed my stuff. Lays down well if you use a fine brush. Did the calipers with their caliper paint to handle the heat. Por 15 satin color matched the powder coat satin real close. Did the exhaust system in black satin ceramic coating, which matched the other coatings also. It will be pretty boring under there, but it should hold up will when I am off roading.

it's nice to see progress is being made ! but one thing jumps out at me concerning your trailer hitch. in using what amounts to be an open channel, it seems that opens up a good opportunity for a twisting, or a collapse of the drop due to insufficient gusseting, even though it appears to be made of thick enough [1/4" ?] material. and even if the trailer is a light loaded deal, i have seen similar setups twist up like a pretzel during my brothers stint as a "gofer" for the local u-haul dealer in his younger years. you have done excellent work so far, so please don't take this as a slam. i sure would hate to see anything happen when you are done, then have to go back and re do the hitch.

Thanks for the hitch input. Had to drop the receiver down that far to clear the rear roll pan. Yes, 1/4" plate for mount. Empty trailer weight ( fiberglass box on a simple square frame ) is approx. 350 lbs ( tires and all ). Can't see it over 1000 lbs. gross. For and aft won't be a problem, but might consider "boxing in" the down section to address your twisting concerns. Thanks again for the input.

Looks awesome !!!!!

Rickster

Re: trailer hitch

1. Needs to be boxed for sideways loads. Even pulling the trailer around a curve will cause it to deflect sideways and probably twist.

2. Rear crossmember appears to be a C-channel, which is very weak in torsion. Meaning the trailer hitch is going to cause it to twist. I'd suggest boxing it for at least 3/4 of the total length, boxing centered in the middle. In other words you could leave 6" or so open on each side to allow wiring, etc to be run inside the box. The box doesn't need to be real thick, but 3/16" would be good is my SWAG.

It all looks so clean, makes me wish for a garage.....

R.

10-4 on #1. Rear cross member is 3/16" square tubing. Same as rest of frame. No problem there. Body will be coming back off in 2-3 weeks for paint. I will box in the hitch mount then. Appreciate the input from everyone. It's one reason why I post pictures.

After a little over 1 year of work, it went off to paint and interior today.

you,sir, shall be congratulated for making excellent progress on a fine,fun ride. i wish i lived closer so i could talk you into giving me a ride when it emerges all shiny and comfortable ! can't wait until the final results !

Thank you. I hope you are right and I won't have to send it back to the manufacturer for too many recalls.

Well, the Chassis is loaded and ready to go when ever the body comes back from paint and interior. Peace a cake putting stuff on the chassis without the body in place. Relocating the alternator low and left has just about made reading the timing marks impossible, so I'm thinking of relocating them to the passenger side ( side the hood will open up on anyway). Boxed in the trailer hitch receiver. Receiver will also hold license plate when I am not towing - have yet to fab up. I'm thinking the exhaust system might be a little loud with straight through Borla's. Might change later. Light at the end of the tunnel is now a night light size.

few more pics

looks good john. i wish i was about 1/4 as much along as you are on my humpback ! keep after it. you should be running by early next year ?

Thanks Moparx! Ya, shootin for about mid summer to get it on the road - if all works out.

Getting closer. Body is in paint and interior is coming together.

i didn't realize what color your were going with. i like that choice a lot !

Thanks, it's a Dodge truck color - Western brown pearl.

in paint.

A few more

Looks Awesome...Love the color...Hurry UP....LOL

Rickster

WOW ! stunning to say the least ! excellent color choice; you shouldn't see too many at the cruise like that ! sure wish i lived closer to see it in person.