75 W200 Crew cab project

[Ron in Indiana]

I'm usually restoring Power Giants but got roped into do a 75 Crew cab for 74W300Utiline, a good friend of mine I might add. Go here to see the progress so far http://rides.webshots.com/album/579934306zzVCMt It was pretty hammered but I was able to save it. Part of the color went on today and hoping to get the rest tomorrow. Enjoy the pictures and captions.

[712edf]

Wow thats quite an undertaking & a transformation.

I always wanted a 70's 4x4 crew, but that short bed was the main turn off.

Bucky

[74w300uteline]

Dr Dent and his magic mallet

I cant believe the progress Ron has made with that $900 dollar turd from New Mexico. It was in rough shape when it arrived at the Vermont rally, and was the source of many laughs and goodnatured insults. Ron trailered it back to Indiana and started pounding dents, finding replacement parts, adding power steering, replacing rotors and bringing the old girl back to life. Originally I only wanted him to get her road worthy and semi presentable. Ron had a vision in his head about how she should be restored . now I can see where he was going and Im thrilled that he proceeded with his vision instead of mine.

[Ron in Indiana]

Two things gave me the inspiration to go on with this project. One being I love a challenge in bringing something like this back to life. The other were the guys at the Vermont rally who chided us about how hopeless this truck looked back then. We heard it all. Are you taking that to the scrap yard? Did you just come from a demolition derby? You're not REALLY thinking you can fix that are you? Who would buy a POS like that? Well I'm sure they'll change their tune once they see it when it's done. Yes it was a LOT of work. But having an idea of what it could be again kept me on point. It's Labor day so I need to labor and get this paint job finished up.

[W_A_Watson_II]

Ron, Man is that thing looking GREAT! What a transformation. when should I drop the YJ body off? Ha Ha. Keep up the progress!

Will

[Ron in Indiana]

Thanks Will, the line forms....well it's back there a ways by now. Next up pewter grey.

[Ron in Indiana]

It's painted...finally

Go to the Webshots link at the start of this thread to see updated pictures. It' not done yet. The pictures were taken right after I got the gun cleaned out. The bed is up to paint behind the cab.

[74w300uteline]

Wow

Wait until Chewie sees this crewcab.

[Hobcobble]

Nice work Ron!
John

[Ron in Indiana]

Thanks John it's been quite the project and I'm glad it's winding down.

[robblair]

Hey Hobcobble, any chance on making WV ?

Bring one of them fancy trucks down here to show us.

Rob

[Ron in Indiana]

Rob, you guys would just want to run a log through the radiator. We're reroofing my brother's house anyway. Have a good time, try to stay dry.

[Hobcobble]

Bring one of them fancy trucks down here to show us.

Rob

Hey Rob,
I think you're confusing me with someone who owns fancy trucks.
I have a few un-fancy Sweptlines though.....
John :)

[75Crew]

75 crew cab

Go to the Webshots link at the start of this thread to see updated pictures. It' not done yet. The pictures were taken right after I got the gun cleaned out. The bed is up to paint behind the cab.

Ron: You have done a fantastic job on that crew cab! I just viewed your Webshots link and in the last photo there, I believe I see a familiar front bumper... You had a lot more damage to repair than I had with my USAF 75 crew and you have really effected a magical transformation. Hopefully by now you have all the parts you need to complete the job, but if you need anything else, let me know because I might have some pieces you can use.

[Ron in Indiana]

Thanks for the compliment. The truck came out very well with a ton of hours to get it that way. The bumper goes great with the grill. Now to get a rear bumper. I think I have about everything short of carpet and recovering the seats. Did you get that parts truck torn apart and sold off yet?