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73-87 Chevy _ GMC Trucks => Members Rides => Topic started by: FeRO on April 18, 2020, 10:19:34 AM

Title: "Henry's" Build Thread
Post by: FeRO on April 18, 2020, 10:19:34 AM

I've always wanted a project vehicle and boy did I finally get one. Affectionately named "Henry" after Henry McKenna (my favorite bourbon) this hunk cost me a whopping $1100, and I was even able to limp it the 20 miles home.

I bought the rig from its original owner who lately had been using it solely for dump runs. With nearly 190k on the odo and a stench that would choke a donkey, I fell in love. The real reason I picked it up was not what it had, but what it didn't have, and that was rust. Lots if these old square bodies have more rust and Bondo than you'd like to see. This one was in darn good shape as it's been a central Oregon vehicle all it's life.  No salt, not too much snow, and not a lot of rain make for some nicely preserved vehicles.

The long term plan is to make a cool family camping rig.  Something that can easily tow a boat and all the kids stuff and also explore some forest service roads to find fun camping spots.  Eventually it will get a new engine, manual transmission, interior, 1 ton axles and some other things like a winch and roof rack. 

The first order of business was to remove the interior as the smell of rotten meat and cabbages was not going to impress the ladies.

(https://i.imgur.com/sEXV9yr.jpg)

Title: Re: "Henry's" Build Thread
Post by: FlatBlack77 on April 18, 2020, 02:58:32 PM

Welcome to the forum.
Looks like a good base for a project vehicle. Keep us updated!

Title: Re: "Henry's" Build Thread
Post by: FeRO on April 19, 2020, 02:27:29 PM

Starting at the back.  This is where most of the stench originates.  Dear Lord it smells bad.
(https://imgur.com/HqsE7Le)

(https://i.imgur.com/HqsE7Le.jpg)

Title: Re: "Henry's" Build Thread
Post by: FeRO on April 19, 2020, 02:36:59 PM

There was a little bit of paint bubbling and rust, but nothing major.  Hit it with a wire wheel and sprayed a coat of epoxy primer.
(https://i.imgur.com/jpo2z07.jpg)

Working on the first layer of insulation
(https://i.imgur.com/zwmSKqN.jpg)

Title: Re: "Henry's" Build Thread
Post by: chewy92 on April 21, 2020, 09:38:37 PM

That looks like a fun project, nice find!

Title: Re: "Henry's" Build Thread
Post by: Shifty on April 22, 2020, 10:11:07 AM

Enjoy the project!

Title: Re: "Henry's" Build Thread
Post by: Mike81K10 on April 22, 2020, 02:29:45 PM

Will make for a good project. Nice not having much rust to deal with and will be enjoyable when completed.

Title: Re: "Henry's" Build Thread
Post by: JohnnyPopper on April 22, 2020, 04:09:47 PM

Welcome From So Cal!

Nice find, look forward to more progress  ;)

Title: Re: "Henry's" Build Thread
Post by: FeRO on April 29, 2020, 10:25:59 AM

Got more insulation installed.  First layer is kilmat 50mil and then adding noico green over that.  Hopefully it will quiet up the ride a bit.

(https://i.imgur.com/QfQMVOn.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/y6gai3N.jpg)

Title: Re: "Henry's" Build Thread
Post by: FeRO on April 29, 2020, 10:30:53 AM

The brakes were squeaking real bad so I went ahead and serviced the drums. 

(https://i.imgur.com/UERccz0.jpg)

Also got new wheels and tires installed.  I went with 32s but I'm wishing I had gone with the 33s.  There's definitely room for them.

(https://i.imgur.com/n58j7jE.jpg)