The Banana Rebuild, More pics.....

Well, I got bored this afternoon, and went out and unboxed the A460 block, bolted a timing cover on it, and put a borrowed set of A heads on it to make sure I have clearance between the passenger side valve cover, and the strut plate. (due to the factory offset). Looks as though I have plenty of room, plus if I don't make a custom set of headers, I can cut the flanges on a set of BBC chassis headers, and put them right in there. Here's a few pics:


Here's a top view of the passenger side strut plate/valve cover clearance.


Passenger side frame clearance.


Driver's side frame/steering shaft clearance.


This re-build is gonna take awhile, but I'll take even more pics than before, and keep you updated as I get something done. This thing's gonna get it done, when it's done.

Thanks again Justin. Now I got somethin' to keep me occupied.



Doug...

Oh your welcome Doug Looks good

not you

Thanks for the pics Doug, looking forward to watching this build develop

Lookin cool Doug.

I got a little time to finish most of the body work on my new hood. Nevermind the bondo on the hood, it's just a skim coat. Man, I wish I'd have stripped the hood "BEFORE" I got the scoop all bonded on. This thing must've been in a major hail storm, or close to a hammer happy kid. I got most of them out to the point of the skim coat. I set it on today to get it marked for the Dzus fasteners. I like this scoop better than the one I had on it. It's 2-1/2" shorter in the front, and it sits lower at the back too, so it will be a little better to see around. I have some other things to change around elsewhere on the truck, so as soon as the hood's ready for paint, I'll get started on those little to-do's.






I'm thinking of adding some painted graphics too. Here's some of the colors I'm lookin' at to go with the yellow. I may just stick with the flat balck too. Not sure yet. I don't have Photoshop, so I need to find someone that can do something with a picture of my truck and different types of graphics. Hey DILLIGASDAVE where are ya? What do you guys like best?

ok Doug , im lost here .... i thought you sold the truck ...but anyway cant wait to see her done

a Green strip on the side or scoop my look cool IMO

Something Candy Green or small metal flake.

bruno wrote:ok Doug , im lost here .... i thought you sold the truck ...but anyway cant wait to see her done

Boy Nick, you "are" lost. I did sell it back in Oct, but Justin (reeseracing23) decided to go another route, and gave me 1st dibs at getting it back. I look at it this way; at least I don't have to build another chassis. I just have some minor body work to do, (except the hood ) and since it probably won't see the track this year, I figured it'd be a good time to get it done.

dfree383 wrote:a Green strip on the side or scoop my look cool IMO

Something Candy Green or small metal flake.

The colors are candy colors Dave. They just don't look so brilliant under the lamp. I'll get some better pics outside today. I'm leaning toward the green's too. They're all Dupont Hot Hues colors. One of the blues (Neptune's Jewel) is the same blue on Randy Moore's Mustang. I need someone with Photohop around here, or on the forum ( e'hem DILLIGASDAVE e'hem) to do up some pics with the different colors so I know what looks better in at least a rough format of how I want the graphics on the truck.

I'll be anxiously watching this Doug!
Looks like yer steppin' it up a little eh
I like the scoop. I did have a hard time seeing around the other one.
I think you can make it in time for Mission this year

Ranch71460 wrote:I think you can make it in time for Mission this year

Sorry Ken, but that's not happenin'. Not unless my money tree starts sproutin' soon. I'm thinkin' if I'm lucky, I'll make Mission next year. We'll see.

I'm re-doing the front-end a llittle bit, and thought it would be easier to start with new skins. But here's a few pics I never post from the 1st go-'round.

These first 2 are what the typical '80-'86 front fender looks like complete. About 24 lbs. each:




This is what I took out:



This is the end result: 11 lbs. each:

That Trucks gonna be all Skin and Bones where your done with it !!! The F-150 Ethiopian Edition !!!

dfree383 wrote: The F-150 Ethiopian Edition !!!

That's a good one. I had it all skinned last time around too. But that's still funny.

reeseracing23 wrote:not you

I know he meant you, I was just kidding

Any more progress Doug?

Yeah Justin, I'm steadily progressing. Haven't had alot of time but should get the new hood done this coming week.

ThndrChkn wrote:Yeah Justin, I'm steadily progressing. Haven't had alot of time but should get the new hood done this coming week.

I can't wait to see this awesome new bullet you were talking about.

SSSHHHHHHH! That part's a secret...

ThndrChkn wrote:SSSHHHHHHH! That part's a secret...

That's why I can't wait to see what it is

bb429power wrote:

ThndrChkn wrote:SSSHHHHHHH! That part's a secret...

That's why I can't wait to see what it is

HHAAAAH! This thing's so secretive, even I don't know what's going on yet

ThndrChkn wrote:

bb429power wrote:

ThndrChkn wrote:SSSHHHHHHH! That part's a secret...

That's why I can't wait to see what it is

HHAAAAH! This thing's so secretive, even I don't know what's going on yet

Finally was able to get to work on my hood, and get the new scoop installed. Got it ready for primer/sealer, and then paint in a few weeks, after I get some other minor body work done. Slowly but surely.

How about flat black Doug? Maybe a krinkle finnish too?

Got the hood primed today. Still have to do the finish sanding to get it ready for the sealer. Then I can get to the rest of the small things that need fixing on the Banana itsself. Then it's off to the paint booth... Again...

Got a little more done on the Banana on and off the last couple of weeks. Actually, quite a bit. The new front clip is ready for sealer/paint, & I have one more thing to fix/replace and it's off to paint. Then it can sit and collect dust until I get the engine done... I'm waiting to hear back from a "prospective" sponsor, and if it goes well, I'll have most if not all the funds necessary to finish the engine up. If that happens, I may be able to make a few passes this year.