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Decided to get one more thing off my workbench and re-installed the spare tire hoist this morning. I also finished re-installing the gas tank, vapor tank and all the related plumbing. Blew out all the lines to make sure they were free of obstructions. Hoping tomorrow to run the motor off the tank, and then on to finishing the rear brake job.

It lives! Was able to get truck running off the fuel tank this morning. Pretty loud with just an open header so I'm off to look for parts to fabricate an exhaust system for it.

Congrats, Randy!

Thanks Stephen. I also got one more thing off the garage floor and re-installed today. I've shampooed the bench seat at least 6-8 times, and still get dirty water in the reservoir every time. Decided enough was enough for now. The bench seat will be exchanged at some point for buckets, but not before Williams. I also received a used steering wheel I bought off eBay today. I bought it primarily for the horn pad, which my truck did not have. Hoping to take the best parts from the two wheels and cobble something useable together. The first two pics are where I started from

Busy, busy, busy!!! I've got to step up the pace with Williams right around the corner. Worked 12 hours today on the truck. Dropped off the under bed spare at Discount Tire to have them dismount the tire so I can clean and paint the rim in preparation for mounting a new tire tomorrow. I also replaced the clutch slave cylinder today, restored the used steering wheel horn pad I bought off eBay (buttons now work), mounted a flex pipe to my header so I could begin fabbing up the exhaust system. Bought a 10 ft. stick of 2 1/2 inch exhaust tubing and a new muffler off Amazon, which will be here tomorrow. Ron, thank you for your thoughts and guidance on the exhaust earlier today. You inspired me to do it myself rather than turn the task over to Performance Muffler. Getting pretty close to a test run in the neighborhood.

Wow, lot's done, very cool! Good idea on the exhaust, should be a less costly option!

looks good

Yesterday I finished fabricating the exhaust system. I added a resonator with the Dynomax Turbo muffler I bought off Amazon. I expected the engine sound to be a little bit quieter, but I think for a truck it sounds great. I was able to dial in the tune fairly well. The engine idles smoothly at about 850 RPM and once warmed up and off choke it accelerates smoothly. Once I get it on the road I'll do some fine tuning. I discovered a small water leak where the thermostat housing bolts to the motor, so I'll need to take that off and re-seal it. Last night I noticed quite a bit of play in the steering so I tightened the steering box lash a bit and all the play is gone with no binding from making it too tight.

Having a real problem re-assembling my rear brake components. The new Rock Auto shoes don't seem to have the correct holes for mounting the top spring. I'm also not sure how the pull-off spring (not shown) is attached for the emergency brake lever. Any help/advice would be appreciated.

Always take a before photo!

Off hand it looks like the springs are 180 degrees rotated.