73-87chevytrucks.com
73-87 Chevy _ GMC Trucks => Members Rides => Topic started by: NLPed on July 08, 2019, 08:34:59 AM
-
The first few posts are a recap of what has already happened since I got the truck 2 month's ago...
Quick intro and explanation of the name... Belushi, after John who was a Blues Brother, is a blue (shocker) ‘87 R10 2wd swb Fleetside truck I found on the List of Craig on Friday. It read like a super deal and after talking with the owner, I decided to make the 3 hour drive to hopefully close the deal.
Here’s a picture of the add...
-
It was even better than the seller said. Totally rust free, great running 383 TBI with 700r4, p/w, p/l, p/s, p/b and A/C (this is a big deal in the muggy south). I drove it the 160 miles home without issue, running 75 mph down the interstate without a hiccup. Got it home and on the lift to give it a quick once over and all looks great.
-
By day 3, I had gotten the stock spindles & springs removed. Front end parts appear to all be in good shape, so I’m going to throw a set of 1” drop springs, CPP 2.5” drop spindles and new shocks. Then a flip kit in the rear and shocks, then align it.
Edit: I decided that I just couldn’t put it back together without at least replacing the upper & lower ball joints, so I got Moogs ordered up. I’ll get them replaced this weekend when I install the new suspension.
-
After a week...
I got everything together on the Suspension minus the front shocks, they haven’t arrived yet. But I like the stance, and I’m sure the front will come down a touch more once everything settles...
A before & after
-
After some guidance and eventually some help from a buddy of mine, we got started on trying to refresh the sad paint.
No pictures of the whole truck, but check out these progressive pics of the roof...
-
After suspension and such came the interior. It was in dire need of a redo!
-
So, after assessing what I felt need to happen next, some parts got ordered...
Cheyenne Truck Parts dash pad...A+ quality!!
USA1 seat cover and door trim pieces...also A+ quality, but SLoW delivery time
ACC carpet and lower door carpet...Great fit and just up the road from me :)
Comfort Grip steering wheel...cause it's purty
Pioneer bluetooth headunit and speakers...previous radio didn't work :'(
-
While I was actually waiting on the seat cover, I decided to get some other projects done so Belushi would be ready to drive once the seat was back in...
I snatched the bed liner out to see how the bed was actually holding up. Other than some extraneous debris, It was flawless!!! Whoop Whoop. I vacuumed up all the debris and then I actually cut, buffed and waxed the bed...just to put the liner back in, because this is a truck and shall be used as such!
-
I also did away with the giant step bumper and put on a sport bumper, because I just didn't like the step bumper on a lowered truck...
-
Three of the four headlights had water in them, so I replaced all 4 with new Phillips Crystal Vision sealed beam fixtures and while I had the grille out, I replaced the broken bowtie with one I found on a shelf in my workshop.
-
The new trim pieces for the door panels showed up about a week before the seat cover, so I got them thrown on too. This included the door pull and chrome covers, the brushed upper door insert, the velour insert and related hardware. My wife replaced the elastic in the map pockets and I cleaned and scrubbed the stock door panels to get them where they are now. I also replaced the lower door carpet pieces.
-
That's just a quick overview of what has happened over the past 2 months. Here's how he sits right now... Sorry for cell phone pictures in bad light.
-
Didn't see this before I posted earlier.
Nice work man, how long did this take?
And lowering; did you bag the suspension or change shackles?
I'm working over a '80 and am just about to put the rebuilt front end back together.
Now's the time to move if I lower it.
-
Didn't see this before I posted earlier.
Nice work man, how long did this take?
And lowering; did you bag the suspension or change shackles?
I'm working over a '80 and am just about to put the rebuilt front end back together.
Now's the time to move if I lower it.
I’ve had the truck for 2 months & 3 days total. But about 3 of those weeks was just waiting for the new seat cover.
I did spindles & springs in the front and just a “spring under” flip kit in the rear. New shocks, upper & lower ball joints, & relocating the swaybar mounting points for better geometry.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
-
You work fast!
Spindles and springs seems like a less complicated move. Where did you source the parts?
Not clear on the “spring under” flip kit in the rear". Did you have to notch the frame as I have seen some guys do?
Thanks for your help!
-
I got the CPP springs and spindles off eBay since it’s free shipping and no tax. The flip kit just moves the rearend housing from under the leaf springs to on top of them. Pretty simple to do that part, and 5” of drop.
And I didn’t have to notch the frame. I did have to remove the factory rear bump stops though...that’s just a matter of removal of a few body rivets and they come off.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
-
Makes sense on the rear. I guess guys notch the frame when they want to slam it. More than I want to do.
Spindles I've seen vary in drop- what did you choose? It looks pretty flat.
Is there a difference if you just lop off a ring of existing springs?
-
I used the 2-1/2” CPP drop spindles and a 1” drop spring. If you’re going to cut a coil, you’d be well advised to cut new springs rather than old used ones. I’ve tried cutting used springs and even though I cut the exact same amount, they dropped different amounts. Doing the spring install more than once... SUX’s.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
-
Thanks brother, that's good advice!
-
Thanks brother, that's good advice!
You’re welcome!!
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
-
Oh, and since you asked... here’s a picture of my ‘77 that I sold this Spring. I kick myself for selling it.
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190709/4449c8132402a5373a76943089230c41.jpg)
I’d done some suspension upgrades and a full billet serpentine conversion with all new a/c parts/pieces.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
-
Nice truck, got those same wheels for the '80.
Do they make a kit for serpentine replacement? and did you use a different compressor?
-
I used the CVF Racing setup with a Sandin 508 compressor. It’s a nice setup, price is really good,but I did have to make custom lines for the compressor.
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190709/7eab7039379cb25878f36e31c2663f02.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190709/662c3ad309243914535561a1f9befcef.jpg)
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
-
Thanks again for the lead, I'll check them out.
I notice you are using the mechanical fan.
I had to change my water pump and decided it was time to go with an electric.
It feels like I picked up 15-20 Horsepower, no joke!
Even my wife says it's definitely more peppy.
I put the question out if anyone knows how much hp the fans use, no response. Yet...
-
I installed a new front bumper air deflector last night. I just didn’t like it without it. In my opinion it Hides some of the ugly suspension and makes it look a little lower too.
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190711/179845acb4929c5f16905520372f9660.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190711/b932f4ad641eb5e15bf3a0ba5fb5ea9b.jpg)
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
-
I finally got around to replacing the belts (4 D@mn belts) tonight. What a PITA!!! Whoever came up with the serpentine setup should get a Nobel prize!!! Only the p/s pump belt looked bad...but it’s the most inboard belt!!! So I replaced them all.
.(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190713/09c1e557347d44b793bfdafcb11d76bc.jpg)
I’m also going to try my hand at replacing the headliner material tomorrow. Not real excited about doing this.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
-
I finally got around to removing & repairing the old headliner board... here’s before repairs
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190720/54767243eaa0b012829de727baa0433d.jpg)
Then I cleaned and detailed all the oe trim, recovered the board and got it all back in today. Now the inside of this truck is dang near like new.
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190720/de7f79aa9cb41264ccb0fc3952be5af4.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190720/84763c2f25f3c613271af3c4bb1ff842.jpg)
Sorry for the cell phone pics, but you get the jist.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
-
Nice looking truck!!
-
Thanks Dan!
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
-
I decided the 15” wheels just did nothing for me, so I decided to put an old set of Boss 338’s I had stored on a shelf on it. Had to do some machine work on the HD rotors as these are 1st gen 338’s. But I’m much happier with the look now.
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190725/5ea06494494d19c5d49768056f250724.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190725/137658e55f50a3bcf65a52750110bfca.jpg)
I also added a picture just to show the 383 can bake a Tire.
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190725/63002484a7a000570079a460a7e37f10.jpg)
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
-
Dude, you are having TOO much fun!
I like the wheels, nice touch~
-
Dude, you are having TOO much fun!
I like the wheels, nice touch~
Thanks man! I appreciate that.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
-
Now that it’s ‘done’, I’m thinking about selling so I can finally build my dream CCSB square body. :)
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
-
Usually good with acronyms, but CCSB?
-
Usually good with acronyms, but CCSB?
Crew Cab Short Bed. I want to start with a 3/4 ton 2wd crewcab, cut down the frame, swap the longbed for a short Fleetside and all the heavy duty suspension for 1/2 ton air ride stuff.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
-
something like this?
https://sandiego.craigslist.org/csd/rvs/d/santee-lance-cab-over-camper-1988/6946837110.html
-
No, something like this minus the ragtop. (https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190801/27aaf233170d1d49482a0d65e09ad53e.jpg)
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
-
Ah man, sent you the wrong Link/Pics!
I'm selling the camper, but have pics of the truck it's on.
It's a '88 C-30, 3+3 long bed dually.
Send me your email and I will send pics.
-
Ah man, sent you the wrong Link/Pics!
I'm selling the camper, but have pics of the truck it's on.
It's a '88 C-30, 3+3 long bed dually.
Send me your email and I will send pics.
Pm’ed you my email address...
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
-
Wow
Nice work !
And fast work too
My square also has a Falcon for a little brother
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190802/655560c9c1f5ea49df18ed85de0fdccf.jpg)
-
Wow
Nice work !
And fast work too
My square also has a Falcon for a little brother
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190802/655560c9c1f5ea49df18ed85de0fdccf.jpg)
I really DIG the wagons man! Here’s a better pic of my ‘63-1/2 Falcon Futura...(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190802/a26b4e2adfebc3e0caed541c7fae8c87.jpg)
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
-
Wow
Nice work !
And fast work too
My square also has a Falcon for a little brother
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190802/655560c9c1f5ea49df18ed85de0fdccf.jpg)
I really DIG the wagons man! Here’s a better pic of my ‘63-1/2 Falcon Futura...(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190802/a26b4e2adfebc3e0caed541c7fae8c87.jpg)
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Wow
That falcon is a beauty !
And the transformation of the truck is amazing
I thought it looked good in the before pic
But the after pic looks fantastic
Here’s a full pic
It’s not as good as it looks
The paint is horrible
They sprayed over all the dings without repairing them
interior is toast
AC blows mostly cold
Starts and runs good though
Has a healthy 302 with a lumpy cam and a tight C4
Don’t know if you’re in GA
If you are ,you can now use a year Of Manufacture license plate up to 1989
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190802/1ded04341f4de9e6a275c3f14d12e7e3.jpg)
-
I love, LOVE, wagons!
My Falcon is still a work in progress. It does have a very healthy 347 and a 4r70w with an 8.8 rearend.
I’m in Alabama, and we do the tag thing here too. I have a 1963 tag on it that’s registered to it as a vintage tag.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
-
Here’s a quick video to give you an idea of what I mean when I say “healthy”. :D
https://youtu.be/J8ercnihfgQ
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
-
Here’s a quick video to give you an idea of what I mean when I say “healthy”. :D
https://youtu.be/J8ercnihfgQ
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Sounds good !
Got a video of mine
https://youtu.be/VKvrY_Q2AHc
-
Sounds good !
Got a video of mine
Thanks! And the wagon is awesome!!
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
-
Nothing really happening here anymore, but I did upgrade/repair my sliding back glass lock. The one in the truck when I got it was broken so I bought the standard plastic Dorman replacement part from the local parts store. Went on fine and seemed to fit the bill, but I was out driving the truck last Sunday and noticed in the rearview mirror that the window was slightly open. Somehow the POS Dorman piece had broken...I never touched it after I installed it and it broke. So, I went in search of a metal replacement. Didn’t take long and I found one. So here are some pics and it does seem to be a much better option.
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190816/cce4f7a53dbb7cb613918f359f47f969.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190816/4939700ab72bca14417ecdf0709d2e8a.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190816/440159e2d5ed8f175e1b9a80a0970288.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190816/a4bac9df608192266f975a70656b8ce5.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190816/74fb6eb36f4f55db436975fa84a82923.jpg)
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
-
I did add a few more pieces/parts this weekend. Underhood insulation and rear cab carpet kit. (https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190826/3fd18383d13909ff7c338ec6841a7578.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190826/b4c09574a974867e3208b9926b20e605.jpg)
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
-
I also ordered an Eaton posi and aluminum differential cover today. Hope to get that installed next weekend.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
-
Dude you're an animal!
Where did you find the hood insulation?
-
Dude you're an animal!
Where did you find the hood insulation?
LoL! Thanks, but I’m just trying to get it done so I can focus back on the Falcoon.
I got the insulation from Eckler. I had a coupon for free shipping so it was less than $40.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
-
Well, I got the rearend all torn down for the new posi just to find out that the seller shipped the wrong part #. I ordered an 8.5” diff, but they shipped an 8.2”... that won’t work :(. That’s going to tie up the lift for 4-5 more days.
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190901/e451a940e58cf4148f2554aec8409458.jpg)
So, I decided to just go ahead and install the new valve covers...& guess what!?! The gasket flange on one of them was broken out of the box, so I’m truly dead in the water for awhile. The supplier did already respond and is going to ship out a replacement on Tuesday.
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190901/ce490fd31809e52d943dbf8dbad365de.jpg)
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
-
Did confirm that it is a 3.73
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190904/45014b881ae92152908b5e2ad8815433.jpg)
And, how he’s hangin’ tonight... :(
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190904/73a8a08f566479eb816d0f0a0b5fca09.jpg)
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
-
I got the posi installed. #whoopwhoop#. I drove it about 25 miles last night and then to work today (another 125 miles). No noises, so I call that part a win. I’ll try another tire smokin’ tomorrow to verify functionality.
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190906/da296e7944b865afef9de1040debe731.jpg)
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
-
I didn’t do the burnout yet because I needed (wanted) to swap out the ugly oe valve covers for the new aluminum ones. I got them swapped, but the pvc grommets aren’t the same inside diameter. So, I’ll be doing some searching at a few local parts houses for grommets or pvc valves to remedy the problem.
I do like the look of the new valve covers, not to ‘dressy’.
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190908/7bfdec623ab1bec6903994735cbdd4a1.jpg)
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
-
I'm sure aluminum covers are lighter than steel...help with the burnout... ;D
They do look good, not to dressy!
PLEASE video the burnout and share.
So, I've never done a differential, only watched. I do recall that you have to dye the gears, turn the gears and examine wear patterns.
Did you have to do that on this, or did you just fit your ring gear to the posi and run it?
-
Thanks!
No, there is quite a bit of measuring, checking, rechecking & then rechecking again to get the gears to run out nice and quiet.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
-
I got the valve covers on last week, but I just didn’t like the idea of having to fill the oil through one of the small original holes. So, I snatched the passenger side valve cover back off and installed a cool little aluminum fill tube/cap. Marked my location, Bored a hole and drilled and tapped the 3 holes to hold the piece in place. I like it much better now.
Before pic for reference and one now...
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190915/b8d7b3a3a1148da723716d8f747f4c90.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190915/a2b5baf1e5b76ca7a5bce70308c4c5f3.jpg)
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
-
Just to show that the new posi is working...
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190916/95ccf2f7f95e541713edbc3dfe7072a0.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190916/b2b37d9fe001f9563d94d671c9a40d34.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190916/fd4358510f228c440471ea195d167903.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190916/3c755519c84fbe6e98525107fd6cda2e.jpg)
-
Proof POSItive! Nice work!
-
Well, got it all finished up. And...SOLD IT.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
-
Nice! Now that it's been sold are we going to see that CCSB build?
-
Yeah Belushi! You're dying to build it, right?
I have the candidate waiting for you in SoCal, she's ugly but clean as a whistle.
Soon as I get the cab over camper moved I think I may lift your idea and look into a short bed conversion to my 1988 3+3 Silverado. Slamm her while I'm at it.
What do you think a step side would look like? ( I can hear some members howling from here... 8))
-
Nice! Now that it's been sold are we going to see that CCSB build?
No, I'm going to wait awhile on the CCSB, as I have a 63-1/2 Falcon that I'm just about finished with, but need to get it moving along again. Then, I have a one owner, original 507 paint 1968 C10 swb Fleetside Custom that I have a complete Porterbuilt Chassis, BBC, Wilwoods etc, that I'm going to get running next. Then, I'll be looking for a good roundeye Crewcab to build.
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20191008/09008d34136c5e15cc052410025c2885.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20191008/9d50e55038b966f374fa206568c20a3b.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20191008/df6a14bfa85485a2bce1ba7b2f29b184.jpg)
Yeah Belushi! You're dying to build it, right?
I have the candidate waiting for you in SoCal, she's ugly but clean as a whistle.
Soon as I get the cab over camper moved I think I may lift your idea and look into a short bed conversion to my 1988 3+3 Silverado. Slamm her while I'm at it.
What do you think a step side would look like? ( I can hear some members howling from here... 8))
I'm not a stepside guy, but I've actually seen a 4x4 CCSB stepside just a few days ago that looked pretty RAD. If Stepsides are your thing, then GO FOR IT!!!
-
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20191008/df6a14bfa85485a2bce1ba7b2f29b184.jpg)
I can fap to this.... :P