73-87chevytrucks.com
73-87 Chevy _ GMC Trucks => Members Rides => Topic started by: VileZambonie on February 05, 2008, 08:29:03 PM
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I will add more pix in the next few days but today I took it out despite the rain and snapped a pic as it sits right now. I'll add tech specs later too...
* Editing due to Photobucket pictures failing
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NICE ;D
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I like it!
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Real Trucks and Cars are meant to be driven in the Rain or Sun(No Snow, cause too many idiots! >:() ;) Sure rain drops can lead to water spots, but the look is just Menacing when the drops are running off! 8)
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heck Yes!!!! 454.................
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very nice...that has a mean stance
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Very Nice, now were are the videos? :D
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still planning on a shortbed conversion or has it already been done?
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Very nice. I like the hood and the heck with the rain I leave mine in the garage under cover even a driving in a little rain means a whole wash job from road grime spray mine usally take a whole stink'in day cause I'am picky and have to clean the whole underneath.
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Thanks :) Today I took off the BFG drag radials and put on these http://store.summitracing.com/partdetail.asp?autofilter=1&part=MTT%2D6654&N=700+400206+4294921520+4294819042+115&autoview=sku
(http://static.summitracing.com/global/images/prod/large/mtt-6626_lf_w.jpg)
Yes this is the truck going through the conversion. I have to still readjust the valves, do the alignment, put the wheel wells back and then off comes the bed. As far as videos go as soon as the crappy weather breaks you will see some cool vids. ;D
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I just saw those tires on TRUCKS on sunday for a truck they are building to give away they look bad as heck with the wheels they had they'll look sweet all tucked under your truck.
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Where did you buy those headlight covers? Those are sweatt
78 355 big ten
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They are GTS but to be honest with you they fit like crap. I don't know why it's so hard for them to perfectly contour the bezel but I had a plate glass company cut me a pair a few years ago and the fit perfectly. Some guy was selling ones he made on Ebay a few years back that fit much nicer.
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what do you have for a drop in this? Can we see it without the blackouts?
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I flipped the axle, took out the drop shackles and put stock ones back in. I have drop spindles and coils in the front. So it's around a 5" drop.
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do you have interior pics i am going to paint my truck black
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Messing around with door panel ideas. I'll take more pix tomorrow.
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now there is a truck do you have restoring pics
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I have the same lifts in my auto shop in high school. There pretty decent.
And dang, where can I get a GMC emblem that big? I want one for my tail gate.
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Oh yeah I have lotsa pix even when it was baby blue! The emblems i got new on Ebay a while back.
The lift is a 10,000 lb asymetric. They're the most versatile for the $. If you get a drive on you have to buy dual air jacks to get your wheels off the ground ($10k plus) You can get these lifts for $2500
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are those the custom door panels like from this site just recovered?
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Yes they are custom but not from this site.
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Looks really good VILE !!!
Are the panels covered in tweed?
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Thanks! Yes, they are tweed dyed black. This truck is like Darth Vader, BLACK
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Coooool! 8)
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ville, my kids had some crap screen saver on my computer, so i went searching for a truck to put on . couldent find one any nicer than yours so it my new one. good job !, nice truck.
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Sweet! Thanks! I'm gonna go work on her now and hopefully finish at a decent time!
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Very nice the more pics I see the better it looks everything is clean sure don't look like a hack job you sure take pride in your work.
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Thanks! I bust my butt on it. I just went to change the steering box come to find out they sent me the wrong one >:( apparently there are 2 different size worm gears so the steering shaft wouldn't slide on. Tomorrow's another day :P
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What's wrong with your current box?
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The sector shaft was leaking which I could have fixed but the bearings were shot in the worm housing and you could feel it. Just not worth wasting the time with when I can get a reman for $95 bucks.
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Where did you get a reman box for 95? I havn't seen them that cheap. How much is the core?
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Very nice. Black on black...so sweet. Is that an aftermarket hood? Or did you go to town on a factory style cowl?
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Thanks! The hood is made by reflexxion dual cowl with the ram air scoops.
I got the steering box from my autoparts vendor. Anything for me he adjusts the price down to as low as he can. It's a price override he can do to price match :D He ended up just giving ti to me anyway since I do so much business with them :D Score
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Vile, you lucky dog :D :D
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I Fully expect to see a post under member project on this one! :D I can't believe you are going to do it. Whoo Hooo! (http://www.914club.com/bbs2/style_emoticons/default/sawzall-smiley.gif) (http://www.914club.com/bbs2/style_emoticons/default/welder.gif)
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you going for a short bed you go VileZambonie
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I think ur truck will look alot better as a swb :D Be sure to post alot of pics on this i wouldnt mind seeing it done
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Man! I wish I knew you could convert long beds to shorts.. I coulda gotten a BRAND NEW bed from a friends wrecked truck for $100. And it had the paint job I was gonna do to my truck and everything..
Oh well it's a 4x4, kinda meant to be a long bed anyhow.
And it's funny, this WHOLE time I thought your truck was already a short bed. :P
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Hey, good luck with the conversion. I have a 75 LWB that I am starting to want to convert to a Short bed. I'll have to keep watching this thread to see how it goes. I will definitely be asking you some questions about how it went later.
Have fun with your new short bed,
Jared
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Dude, where did you find that 454 emblem? That thing is sweet!!!
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Vile,
couple of questions, 1st are you planning on marrying this g/f you got?If so you scored there again, and do you work at a machine sho[?Cause you definately know alot bout motors.If you plan on doing the frame section i dont know if you seen the thing on trucks where they took a 66 LWB and cut it into a swb and didnt have a section of the frame used to support the cut like 1 in a link here on the site.
thanks
pat
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The 454 emblems I had a guy make but I think I'm gonna ditch them when I repaint the truck.
Marriage? You never know... The girl that lands this hunk a burnin love is gonna be one lucky chick! ;D
I don't work at a machine shop but I have alot of engine building equipment including valve grinding equipment. Anything like boring, or resurfacing I take to the machine shop I deal with. I didn't see the episode but I've got a few tricks up my sleeve and the frame will be very strong and look nice when I'm done. I'm going to pop the cab off and replace the bushings since a few of em are splitting.
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Marriage? You never know... The girl that lands this hunk a burnin love is gonna be one lucky chick! ;D
:D :D :D
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I kinda like the 454 symbols if it was my truck id have a load speaker on there screaming that i got a 454 big block :D lol
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Good luck on the build. The other truck I have we sectioned the frame and extended it I personally have been really considering shortening it back to normal just so I could use it on a daily basis its just not practical to use everyday dad bought it new in 88' and it don't even have a 100,000 miles on it so it would be nice just to drive.
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It's weird, sometimes it does look like a shortbed from the right angle.
I know what you mean. I guess I never paid that close attention before, but I just said to myself as I was reading through this page, "Oh, Vile's '74 is a long bed?!?"
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I don't know about anybody else..but I get stuck on the pics of that door panel and interior!
Man, I have dreams about that! (Although mine look like crap!!)
Where the heck did you get them from and how much! (Door panels)
Sorry, but I look at this truck everyday!!
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Vile posted that he built those door panels.
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I have a REALLY good detailed book on building auto interiors. If you like I can post a picture when I get home.
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Whats the name of that book? Sounds like somthing I'd really like to get my hands on.
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I have it at home - I'll post it tonight. It's a really good, detailed book on how to do Auto interior. Which materials to use, how to customize etc..... From doing dash's, door panels, headliner, seats....... Easy to use instructions and a source page. ;D
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Here it is (sorry this was late, my Dell computer is giving me fits):
(http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o317/jjsabol/Book2.jpg)
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This is how it looked before I painted it black...
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Man, to tell you the truth, I like that color blue on older trucks. But that black you got on there looks MEAN. I think I'm gonna paint mine primer jet black for now and spray on WW2 plane markings like the U.S. Star and some nose art. 8)
Anyways, how much was your hood? $300-$400?
You can also see how it kinda looks like a SWB from that angle. :P
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Well I'm back to working on the inside of the truck. Today I got a snow day off from work ;D so I decided to rebuild and repaint the steering column. I also ripped out the gauges and dash. I'm going to repaint everything and install the digital gauges my ex girlfriend bought me.
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pics please ;)
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Just read this thread awesome truck 8) I really like those door panels they look great!
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Thanks. Here's a cell phone pic. I should have more pix tonight when I unload my digital camera.
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Overall your truck is comming along or should i say trucks? :D .Keep the pics comming as i am interested in the dash gauges your gonna put in as i may go that route for my truck as well..
thanks
pat
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Ok update* don't wanna talk about exgirlfriends in here* Trying to keep this a positive thing.
I decided to pull the dash pad as I found an NOS dash pad and had my tach mounted on the dash. Now it will be in the gauges.
(https://drive.google.com/uc?id=0B8yVwIOnwzXXMnd4LVRWR2NOYWc)
(https://drive.google.com/uc?id=0B8yVwIOnwzXXbHEtOTNMWWNrcEU)
(https://drive.google.com/uc?id=0B8yVwIOnwzXXM0Q3SU1kdXU0bmM)
(https://drive.google.com/uc?id=0B8yVwIOnwzXXdWVpT0VrUjJheEU)
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SWEET, where did you find the dashpad. Those are few and far between...
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eBay. That's why I jumped on it. My other one is mint, just has the hole where the tach is mounted. I'll save it for another project I guess.
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man I love that engine looks awsome and bet it sounds great to!!!!!!
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Thanks! Yes, they are tweed dyed black. This truck is like Darth Vader, BLACK
And like Vader, with attitude! ;D That is one sweet ride, Vile!
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Thank you! I ordered a bunch of obscure parts for it last night.
Chris, can you shoot me a price on the prindle gauge set-up for the dakota gauges?
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yep.
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I have done a ton of stuff to it recently and just bought a new digital camera. As soon as I get a memory card for it I'll take some more pics and post them.
The front and rear glass and interior cab is nude minus the steering column. I am considering one piece door windows now for it too. I am having my door panels custom covered to match the seats and redoing the headliner. I'm psyched the way everything is turning out this time around. When I last restored it, I didn't go through everything 100% as you will see with a few pics. The truck was originally baby blue with white. When I removed the windshield (without breaking it I might ad lol) you can see the baby blue and white still. I'll try to get pix up soon.
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Very nice truck there Vile, you do some amazing work!
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Thank you! I hate doing finish body work though. ie sanding and bondo. I don't mind metal fab, and painting but that middle part I hate and having 3 going at the same time is burning me out.
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Thank you! I hate doing finish body work though. ie sanding and bondo. I don't mind metal fab, and painting but that middle part I hate and having 3 going at the same time is burning me out.
Well work on 1 and take a break on the other 2 then when you feel ambitious get on one of the other and then take a break on the 74.Remember rome wasnt built in a day and a great show truck wasnt built in a week either. ::)
thanks
pat
p.s. look at me i got the stepside and the dodge and the cougar.I havent touched the stepside in almost 5 months now.i been so busy with work, getting the cougar done and tonight i just sanded the entire inside of my bed and hand sanded all the edges of the ribs and featheredged the sides of the bed where the paint was down to the basecoat. I`m gonna use the dupli color bed coating and on the sides where i sanded.I am not spending 600.00 on a bed coating where i can fo it for 50.00 ya know? 8)
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Remember rome wasnt built in a day and a great show truck wasnt built in a week either.
you havent met my idol... chip foose and overhaulin'
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I`m gonna use the dupli color bed coating and on the sides where i sanded.I am not spending 600.00 on a bed coating where i can fo it for 50.00 ya know? 8)
I've never had good luck with that stuff holding up. You might want to reconsider and do something else
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I did,
i went with the herculiner coating instead.I brought back the kit and got the herculiner coating.
thanks
pat
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sweet truck. Now when this weather breaks, I have motivation to work on mine!
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My buddy came over today and this week we're going to remove the bed and do the final prep work on the bed. Once the bed is done it's onto the cab. I'm hoping to have the truck ready for paint in about a month or so.
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(http://MUlWNWc)
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Hey Vile, what size wheels(front and rear) are on your truck? I really like the jelly bean mags, slots, U.S. Indy's or whatever they're called. :)
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15x10 rear with 26" mickey thompsons and 15x8.5 front with 265/50R15 Cooper Cobras on the front. I love these wheels. I always called them aluminum slots but they do have many names and apparently MANY manufacturers. These wheels were even a dealer option once upon a time.
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Man, get it done already its not like you got anything else to work on. Geesh already ya been milking that foot long enough, what is taking so long? I'm just kidding with ya, it's looking great. And you proably want it done worse than any one. I had the same kinda wheels on my first car and they came off a 74 chevy truck my dad had when I was a kid, guess thats when I fell in love with trucks. I've tried to find some old pics of it but no luck.
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lol, I'm prolly gonna puke bondo dust tonight because I'm gonna drink a case of beer at this rtate. I've got a rash on my right arm from arc welding today and then a chemical burn, now fiberglass dust and bondo. Let's see if I live long enough to get this truck done. :P
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15x10 rear with 26" mickey thompsons and 15x8.5 front with 265/50R15 Cooper Cobras on the front. I love these wheels. I always called them aluminum slots but they do have many names and apparently MANY manufacturers. These wheels were even a factory option once upon a time.
Yeah I love those wheels too. I have a set off of a Camaro. I think they're 15x8's and 14x5 or 6's. I would love to put them on a recently accuired 85 lwb but not sure if the bolt pattern is the same and I think I would need 15's for the front. Anyway your stepside is coming along and lookin great!
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Debating now. Should I shave or keep the drip rails? ???
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Debating now. Should I shave or keep the drip rails? ???
Shave em
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CLEAN AND SHAVEN IS HOW I LIKE 'EM........ TAKE THEM OFF!
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Shave 'em off I think it will look slick 8)
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Mine are shaved. If you want to see a pic let me know. Never mind I just looked at my calender and noticed the Pink truck has shaved also.
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Shave em, i am doing that to mine .Just think if you dont like it you can always redrill em and put them back on. ;D
thanks
pat
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They're gone.
I just got back my door panels and headliner from the upholsterer. I'll post pix later
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The pix are dark but I had black tweed before and now they're soft as a babies coolie.
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Looks nice Vile! What kind of material is that?
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It's a soft black plush material.
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nice.
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Those look great! Did you make those panels? If so I would love to see some pics of how you did it.
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It's molded plastic and was covered in tweed. After I peeled the skin off my knuckles a few times I decided to ditch the tweed.
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Are these the one piece door panels you sell ? I picked up some Sloted Mags today they are 15x12s paid 100 buck. Now i need some fronts By the way nice work
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No, these are not the door panels Chris sells. 15X12"s for $100 bucks sounds good. I could use a set of those.
Update, roll pan is welded in, right rear quarter and tailgate are almost done. The cab light and seam are gone. I'll post pix soon.
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Well it's been a while since I updated but rest assured I have not been slacking by any means. In fact I've been skipping the gym to work on my truck and drinking beer and my pants are getting tight! Here's some pix... The cab light, drip rails, cab seam and every other unecessary hole is filled. The bed is ridiculous with the amount of work I've had to do to make it look right.
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nice body work vile hey is your exhaust stock?
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Dusty i don't think 3 inch exhaust was stock in 74 :D..
thanks
pat
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No, not stock lol. In the swb thread I have you can get a better shot of my exhaust. Once everything is done I am going to have the whole exhaust system coated.
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oops my bad guys it looked like stock because it comes out behind the tires
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Looks great Vile!
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Looks great! I really like the tailgate and the shaved cab seam.
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I was going to fill my seam in but i figured i`ll leave mine. Where the cab met up with the roof it was like at least a 1/8th inch off .I had to fill it all to mate it up the roof and while the filler was setting, i took my spreader and grooved the line so i can take my 80 grit and sand it out. But looking good vile, keep it up man.Are you going back to black? Should look great once your done.
thanks
pat
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Thanks, Yes it's gonna be black again. ;D
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Looks great, and the tailgate is sweet I did mine and really like the way it looks. Its a little hard to open though, I have to stand on the tip of my toes to reach the handle. Lol.
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Looks Great Ville ;D ;D
Keep up the great work
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The work never stops eh? Awesome :) You drive the pepto pinkmobile much though?
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Not really it's been sitting mostly. I think last time I drove it was to the car show.
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I picked up an 87 tailgate I found on craigslist for $40 bucks. I stripped it, flipped it and put the louvered skin on it. Now I'll have two gates, one smooth one louvered. I should have the gate finished this week. Here it is right now
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Cool! Why not run louvers all the way across? Just a matter of personal preference?
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Because it matches my roll pan and I didn't want it to look like a cheese grater.
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Its looking good. Keep up the good work.
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Thanks JR
Here's my progress as of tonight...
...and my body man
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Wow, my 74 only wishes it could look that good! Amazing truck! ;D
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It's going to be wicked!
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OK now you've done it. I've been toying with the idea of a second tailgate also but since I already have the smooth one I want to take the section out of a Chevy Avalanche the tailgate has the letters CHEVROLET stamped out all the way across I think that would look different but subtle. What do ya think?
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looks good Vile!
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Have someone photoshop it for you. Sounds like a cool idea. I bet the avalanche gate will cost more than you'd wanna spend though lol
Thanks for the compliments guys.
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I think the Avalanche gate is poly/glass/plastic or something. Could still use a panel bonding adhesive tho
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you have a lift in the garage...I hate you!!!
Tight lookin truck - no doubt...
I dig the heck outta the pink one too!
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Thanks,
I've spent a ridiculous amount of time making the body lines on this truck right but man is it gonna be worth it. My buddy and I were looking at the tailgate and decided to come up with a better method of keeping the tailgate from rattling and we've solved the problem :) I'll post pix of what we did later.
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That tailgate looks sweet, especially with that rollpan. 8)
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Nice work Man!!!
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Wow it's been this long?! Well here's an update, tomorrow I am starting on this puppy again so hopefully you'll see some quick progressions. Pix to follow
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Awesome, can't wait.
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My buddy and I were looking at the tailgate and decided to come up with a better method of keeping the tailgate from rattling and we've solved the problem :) I'll post pix of what we did later.
Vile, how did you resolve that? Quick Q, how did you rig up your shaded lights? I have a set, and they just don't wanna work....
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http://forum.73-87chevytrucks.com/smforum/index.php?topic=14147.0
What do you mean the headlight covers?
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On page 1. Mine have like 1/2 long clear velcro things. I was hoping maybe you had some pics on the install or some sort of instructions with them. My blinker ones don't even fit and I think I have to take off the chrome bezels or something.
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What kind did you get?
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I got them from before I found this place. Sorry, Chris.
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Update: Well I'm STILL working on the bed. I must have 8,000 hours into the bed. Every line is coming out crisp and straight. Every spot weld inside the bed has been filed and smoothed. My plan is to have this the straightest 74 you've ever seen so it's a lot of work but coming out great. I'm hoping to have the bed ready for primer within the next week or so. No cutting corners. Stay tuned
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I've got a 73 lwb and I always wanted it to be a short bed.Now I'm taking action.Grate looking truck.That bed looks sweet.
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Well I cut out the foot wells, inner and outer rockers, inner and outer cab corners. They weren't that bad but I want this to be the last time I ever do it on this truck so it's almost done. Hopefully I will have some new pix soon. It's too nice this weekend though to do body work so I'll post pix next week. PS I got the sheetmetal from Chris and it was fast shipping as well as great quality. Thanks Chris
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Thank you Vile!
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Update:
I've removed the radiator support and stripped it down and now the engine is going to come back out. I'm going to shave the firewall and make the engine bay look more like a hot rod which was my original intent. Why I didn't just do it in the first place? I really just wanted to get the engine running and dialed in. So this time everything will be just the way I want it. Pics to come soon.
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You got my symptoms. I am trying to plan out the 4x4 to 4x2 conversion to get everything in place and I really just rather get it converted and running first..
Looking forward to pics.
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Well it was raining out today so I decided to pull the engine. Now I can really get that firewall and the front end the way I want it. I got the new radiator and upper control arms in the other day and they look nice. Once I get rolling and make some progress I'll post better pix
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Vile
your that far into the project why not take it a step further.Yank the bed off,and cab, take it to a bare frame, powder coat it all and paint or powdercoat all your suspension parts and while your cab is off the frame you can work on the front of the firewall w/o having to drape all over the front of the frame.Just a idea and i know you got alot of time invested in your vicious rig here .As stacey david says"its all in the details"..
thanks
pat
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The bed is off, it's just sitting on the frame now. I already did the frame over from the front of the cab back, I just didn't do a wonderful job up front as I was kind of in a hurry to get the engine back in and set up. I'm not going to get the frame powder coated as it is coated in chassis saver and top coated in body schutz and you're right, it is the details, that's why I ripped it all apart again. I want every nut and bolt on this thing to be like new.
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Does this mean the "Mutt" is taking a back seat for a while? Kinda wanted to see that one painted - if you're taking requests...
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The mutt is at my shop at work and the 74 is on the garage at my house so I'll still keep plugging away at both. I also started rippipng apart the M1008 and am building the engine for the 84 short bed. I'm multi-tasking :P
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I dont know how you do it vile.I mean bounce all over the rigs You got to have hit the lottery to do all this to your rigs.Here i am struggling to build just 1.But hope to see the mutt in full paint soon..
thanks
pat
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I'm single lol, that's how I do it... I still party like a rock star but I have no kids, and I'm the guy that would've built rome in a day if I could... Back then I could be fanned and fed my grapes at the end of the night Well...I guess nothings changed :P /endcocky attitude
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Im the same way man, single, no kids and i still coulnt keep up lol....
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lol, I'll take pics tomorrow everything is gutted and I'm excited! ;D
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hahaha, single is the way to do work! What front sway bar is that? ive been looking into them lately, the fronts are easier to come by but a rear one may have to be custom made for me. would you go harder or softer or do you like the front the way it is. They are definitely a huge key factor in handling
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It's the factory sway bar with Energy suspension bushings. You definitely need a sway bar if you don't have one.
I just got done stripping everything down for the night. I was gunna take pix but I'm too greasy and tired. More tomorrow!
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Well I took a few more crappy cell phone pix while in the garage...
(https://drive.google.com/uc?id=0B8yVwIOnwzXXMWE0WnV1UVFKTjQ)
(https://drive.google.com/uc?id=0B8yVwIOnwzXXT2FveUd3WUE2bUk)
(https://drive.google.com/uc?id=0B8yVwIOnwzXXZE5zZWtPMTZvejA)
Blingy!
(https://drive.google.com/uc?id=0B8yVwIOnwzXXeFp4WFZCWHA0c00)
(https://drive.google.com/uc?id=0B8yVwIOnwzXXWVF5OVFjcEFSSjg)
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Started stripping the frame
(https://drive.google.com/uc?id=0B8yVwIOnwzXXMFhHcWZuSjZSSzA)
I just noticed one of my LCA's has a steering stop and the other doesn't. I forgot I replaced one once.
(https://drive.google.com/uc?id=0B8yVwIOnwzXXMmM0bEt1c19FbEk)
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Cut the center of the firewall out and started making the new piece
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nice progress, crappy pic!
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Someone borrowed my camera and I haven't gotten it back yet!
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I'm lovin the work vile. Is this one staying black?
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Vile,
when i come up in september to RI i`m gonna have to take a trip to your shop and check out your rigs.Get the booze ready lol.... Your doing a sweet job man.Keep this up im gonna have to look for another truck and do major mods like this 1 here...
thanks
pat
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Let me know when you're up! I'll stock up on beers! Yes this is going to be black. I'm finally getting rid of all evidence this thing was ever blue. With that lip removed and the firewall tunnel even it should look pretty slick. Hopefully I'll have some good progress by the weekend.
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As always...Awsome work Vile!
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Thank you.
I dropped the crossmember tonight and worked more on stripping the frame. I'm gunna drop the trans tomorrow so I can finish stripping the frame and get it painted.
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Vile I wish my 74 is half as clean as yours is becoming. Maybe some day. Keep these up, I wanna see them all wrap up so new endeavor's can be undertaken.
D
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Wait til you guys see the slick plan I have for the firewall ;D I'm pulling the bed back off this weekend and am just going to pop the cab off so I can get the frame lookin mint even though I plan to build a new chassis down the road. I have so many other projects I just don't have the time to site there and massage this frame around body parts so it only makes sense. This truck is going to be so cool! :P
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Since when do you have a truck that isn't cool???
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Vile,
the brake booster you got from summit, can you supply a part number for me? I like that n like to buy 1 for the project .
thanks
pat
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Copy cat! :P It does look sweet though
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/TFF-2132NA/?rtype=10
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I wont be copying you on that 1 lol... Thanks for the info i think ill buy a replacement, paint it jet gloss black and somehow find a billett one and somehow see if i can get it in black..
thanks
pat
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There aren't a lot of options that I was impressed with. I had mine black but I need some contrast with all of the black. I was just joking about the copycat thing btw. That booster looks really nice.
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See your firewall n engine compartment is going to be off the hook w/ all the chrome.Mine is just the motor and the firewall and most of the other parts on it are black.So i think a billett master cylinder unit with all the rest of the parts would throw off the contrast.So it being blue w/ black accents be much better.But i can see your going all out on the truck now.Its going to be the nastiest 74 454 shortbed i ever seen...
thanks
pat
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I hope so. There's a point where you say someone did all this work and it looks cheesy and I'm avoiding that by keeping it basic, unique and powerful.
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I just made the template for the firewall since I just about finished up the understructure.
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(https://drive.google.com/uc?id=0B8yVwIOnwzXXcGY4SGNpZVB6WVE)
(https://drive.google.com/uc?id=0B8yVwIOnwzXXNkE0VkhCNDZ3Wms)
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Looks good vile,
are you planning on doing the center in like 3 pieces or doing 1 piece and rolliing it to make it a curved piece? Ok i gotta ask I hate to look it up but how goes the MUTT project?
thanks
pat
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The Mutt I had to replace the heater core last week b/c it was leaking everywhere. I'm building a 509 for someone right now too so that's taken me away from MR Mutt.
For the center section I am making a piece so the tunnel is more rounded without that factory ledge there. It's going to look so much better than the ugly that was there.
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I can't wait to see what that firewall looks like. How thick is that plate you're making the new one from--1/4"? Looks nice and heavy!
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That's just the wooden template I cut. I'm going to take my plasma cutter and trace it in a few minutes when I go out in my garage.
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Progress
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Too sweet Vile. I can't wait to see it done.
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Me either!
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Looks good
take your time man no need to rush this beast .Keep this up i may have to go look for another truck... :P
thanks
pat
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Ya know this thing is coming along sweet as heck. And not to add to your already long list of things to do... But while your at it I know you said you was gonna have the frame powder coated and just for curosity reasons how many of the wholes in the frame could be filled and then box in some of it ya know since ya don't have any thing better to do. I always thought someday (blah blah) that I would like to take another frame, smooth it and transfer my truck to it. Yeah like that day will ever come. Nice dream though. Anyway your trucks is looking awesome keep up the momentum it will get there soon.
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Trust me I'm stressin over this because I have so many other projects going. I was just offered a promotion at work which would take me out of teaching which would also take a LOT of time away from me being able to play in the shop. I have to answer them by Monday with my decision and I think I'm going to go stick my finger down my throat just to get it over with. I was actually going to go look at another truck this weekend too to grab just for the frame. I figured maybe I'd just start with another frame all together. OK yack time
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If you really like teaching and you don't want to do whatever is associated with the promotion, don't do it. Especially if you enjoy what you are doing... Money cannot replace happiness.
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^ And if it also takes away time from what you love doing (working on your trucks) then it may not be worth it either. More money to buy more trucks and stuff like that isn't any fun if the time isn't there to work on them!
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Vile, just go with your heart. Only you know whats best for you...
My moto: I work to live, not live to work!!!!
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Well I took the promotion. I don't actually start in the new position for 2 more weeks but I think I made the right choice.
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Congrats on the promotion, Vile. Even if you aren't teaching anymore, it would be a shame to keep that wisdom and experience to yourself. Best of luck!
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Thanks!
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That is one Bad GMC man. I hope I get my chevy swb even close to that nice someday! Keep it up its a beauty!
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Ok vile any updated pics of the ace of spades ? lol..
thanks
pat
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I should have some pix later today. I'm taking my bike out so I'm just hoping not to get caught in the rain!
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Ok vile we need a update on this ACE you got.. Any pics on the progress???
thanks
pat
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wow nice work, shaved stake pockets holes, love it, smooth tailgate and pan love em, louvered, love those too, caddys' ahhh, chrome MC and booster, love it. Smooth firewall, awesome work, love that, smooth frame is great too, love the door panels in it too. What's the plan on the door panels they staying as is or changing? also what about the nicely detailed big block? Any changes?
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Since we got blasted with a heat wave here and I started my new position at work the only thing I've done in the last two weeks is a little bit of welding. I'm trying to get the stuff done I have lingering at the shop at work caught up first. As much as I want to get this thing done it's moving VERY slowly right now. As soon as I have any worthwhile updates I'll post more. Glad you like it.
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I hear ya man, been trying to change transmissions in the 84 and have to do it outside in the yard, and if it aint triple digits with high humidity it's poury, I know what you mean, plus home imporovment repairs too lol.
like it? heck no
LOVE IT man.
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Got my lower control arms back from the powder coater and they finally got the color match right. I pressed in the new bushings and will put in the ball joints tomorrow. I'll post some pix as well but they look sweet
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Nice. You have a captive audience with this crowd. Can't wait to see the finished product ;D
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Nice!
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Wow!! That is really different, What is it??
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Pretty sure its a LCA, but then again, I have a 4wd...
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looks like the hammer tone finish or speckle whichever you'd want to call it, or even spatter paint like for trunks.
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They're powder coated. The shaft's and washers are powder black. The control arms are matched to the DJM uppers
(https://drive.google.com/uc?id=0B8yVwIOnwzXXWVF5OVFjcEFSSjg)
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The industry calls that special effects powder a spice color, which includes hammertones, multi-color and river textures. They did a nice job matching the uppers for sure.
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That is a sweet looking truck.
The first pic reminds me of my brother's first '73. It, too was a black long bed, aluminum slots, same stance, except he had a mustang hood scoop turned around instead of a cowl inducted hood, 1990 "454 SS" on the bedsides instead of 454 on the fenders and a Lund cab spoiler.
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latching on to this one great build man! :)
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Well it's been a while but I made some slick progress. First I cleaned my garage. It was such a disaster area I couldn't even walk in there. After I did that I moved the frame back away from the lift so I can finish working on the cab without the lift that was in my way. The firewall is about 75% done with the fabrication. I got the drivers door back on and aligned with the new rocker and cab corner which makes me ;D
I'll have some pix soon.
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Always love to see your update pics, Vile
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Teaser pic, Firewall should be done this weekend. I'll provide details later
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wow very nice, all clean and shaved, chrome mc and booster, man love it.
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quick pic as of tonight
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This is going to be glorious.
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That looks great man, look how nice and clean and smooth that firewall is, and it aint even painted yet, that's gonna be fantastic!!!! I love it man can't wait for more, is that the bed I see in the pic as well stripped down?
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That thing is lookin' smooth. Nice work Vile.
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Nice!
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Sweet!
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Thanks guys. If you notice the lip along the bottom is gone. I cut the whole tunnel section out and made a new one to remove that annoying lip. The whole firewall is smooth now and I just have to block it, dial in around the booster, poke a few small holes (throttle cable, parking brake bracket) Other than that it was a lot of work but will be worth it. I think the factory firewall clutter just made the whole engine compartment ugly. I am debating on smoothing the inside of the fenders as well. Has anyone seen anyone do this to one of our trucks?
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good point I had missed the bottom lip around there, but yea I've seen pics online of the smooth inner fenders, very worth it IMO, I think it looks great just like the firewall does. I can't remember right off but I thought on here maybe on 67-72chevytrucks is where I saw the smooth inner fenders. I know it looked like they just coverd over the whole thing with metal, then I guess metal worked the edges and called it quits. if I can find the link to the pics I'll post it for you.
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Yeah I'd like to see some pics. I smoothed the "inner fenders" already just considering the inside of the fenders...
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Ken, N2TRUX did this on his 82 Blazer that he sold. I think I may have some pics here somewhere. Don't think he would mind since he sold it...
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I'm not lookin to steal anyone's thunder, just something I've been tossing around in my head.
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I know, he doesn't have it anymore so...
You are talking about filling the hole above the inner liner right?
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yea that's what I meant by inner fenders, the backside of the main fender, not the tubs.
I found some pics but not the ones I was thinking of...
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/showthread.php?t=422173&highlight=smooth+fender
reply 20 on this one..
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/showthread.php?t=350119&highlight=shaved+firewall+fender
reply 4
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/showthread.php?p=3648394
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The second link, post #20 is N2TRUX. His blazer was simular, but I forgot to find the pics last night.
Reply 8 on third link was N2TRUX 82 blazer.
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LOL so I found pics for him, but in the process found that exact pics you were talking about or looking for huh cap, sounds good lol two birds with one stone almost.
I wished I could find the ones I know I saw, one I think welded squares in the square holes, and made them flush, the other plated over the whole area with polished aluminum I think, it was shiney metal for sure.
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Awesome, lemme check em out thanks
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Vile, I must say that is one nice truck! I instantly fell in love with it as soon as i saw it. ;D
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Thanks! Firewall is almost done. Finishing up passenger side rocker/cab corner. Going to flip the cab on it's back and make the underside look just as good as the topside ;D
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gonna be a shame to cover that up with the engine and brake booster, not to mention the hood. Nice!
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Yeah til you pop the hood then pop a wood! lol
So today this weekend I got the firewall and pass side rocker/cab corner dialed in. Then I spent the rest of the day (after I did leaves) cleaning and re-organizing the garage. I actually have room to pull pinky back in there. So tomorrow I'm going to take the cab off the frame and finish all my mods on the frame. I'm doing a 4 link and rear disc brakes then I'll powder everything, put the drivetrain/suspension back in with the cab and bed in place. I'm at the half way mark!
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Always enjoy your pics, Ville.
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Wow...thats all I can say :o
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Working on the underside of the cab to make it look pretty. You won't be able to tell any body work was done under there and I will be spraying the underside of the cab with that sound deadening crap http://www.secondskinaudio.com/sound-deadener/spectrum.php Watch the video, this guy thinks he's Billy Mays
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Thats funny
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http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/showpost.php?p=4293295&postcount=3
found some pics on that link of more what I was thinking on the smoothed backside of the fenders.
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That looks pretty sweet!
I found my trucks birthday last night lol
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cool, built on tax day!
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lol
that's what someone else just said at work
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Make sure you celebrate and pay your taxes on that day... ;D
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I am fabbing up my home made disc brake system for the rear. I should finish having the LH side mocked up tonight. Just gotta do a little more grinding
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Gonna have some pics?
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Just finished up for the night... I got the left side mocked up and started playing around with rear disc conversion
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Looks good! Like it grew there :)
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that's a big spring pack.
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I needed them but they're coming off even though they don't even have 60 miles on them... Too bad because I just bought them. Notice the bondo dust EVERYWHERE! Even with the exhaust fan on I have to blow my shop out daily. Hate that
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I have to clean up a few more small spots and I will be applying the sound deadener to the underside of the cab tonight so this weekend I will be able to upright the cab and get it out of my way. Then onto the rear suspension and finishing up the rear disc brake conversion. Once I have everything mocked up and in place I can finish the rest of the frame and start putting the chassis back together. I'll post pics later
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Is this a kit or a custom job? If custom where did the rotors come from?
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No Kit, custom.... I drilled the rotors to 5x5 for mock up
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Here's some pics of the underside after applying the sound deadening skin....
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Incredible, Was that a New England truck since new?
I see 5 year old trucks around here that aren't that clean underneath.
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sound deadening and looks good too! What is that stuff, Vile?
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Look at the link from the previous page...
Working on the underside of the cab to make it look pretty. You won't be able to tell any body work was done under there and I will be spraying the underside of the cab with that sound deadening crap http://www.secondskinaudio.com/sound-deadener/spectrum.php Watch the video, this guy thinks he's Billy Mays
This stuff is pretty nice. This morning I went out in my garage and it was nice and dry looking good. I'm going to do the inside of the firewall and floor with it as well. I bought two containers of it. There's another product called lizardskin which is the same thing but more expensive. I also have dynamat going down as well once this is dry.
The truck has been in New England since the late 80's I believe. The original owner was from Arizona, then it made it's way to CT where some kid I went to high school with's father owned it. He sold it to another guy and then I bought it. I've owned it since I was about 18 and I never drove it in the winter. I spent a lot of time making it look better than OEM and wanted someone to be able to look underneath it with a mirror and see nicey nice. I was going to paint the underside but then I have to worry about chips and eventually it will look like turd where this stuff is like a truck bedliner. It looks good, it's durable and has sound deadening qualities. I need to get a few guys over to help me lift the cab off of the frame and move my bed...
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That looks awesome, or as Billy Mays would say, "KABOOM!!"
Hopefully it doesn't hold dust too bad like alot of bedliner materials do.
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We'll see because I've got plenty of sanding to do still!
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Vile,
looks good man,looks real good :o .Question, you plan on getting the frame into a rolling chassis once powdercoated to set the cab back on? This is 1 truck i think that will be a cut above the rest....
thanks
pat
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Thanks Pat. Yeah I need to move the cab off of the frame to finish setting up the rear suspension and brakes. Then after it's coated I'm going to put the chassis and drivetrain back together. From there I'll get the cab back on and start reassembly. The final paint will be done in my buddies booth. I've still got a long way to go but with work and all the other projects I have going...... it's tough!
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Oh i can imagine , with the other projects and the workload you must got going on ,finding the time must be intense there.But in due time your collection of square bodies will be a collection people will dream of having.Heck i know i`m 1 of them lol... But its looking great vile truck has come a long way since the rebuild of the motor and shortening of the frame...
Pat
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Its looking great vile and i will second that pat, I am trying to make my carport close to what you guys have and trying to get my number two square body lol...
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Thanks guys. I went out there tonight and have no ambission to work on anything right now lol. I'll be back on it tomorrow and hopefully have the inside of the cab done by the end of the weekend.
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Hey vile - that sure is awesome work!
Quick question, did you cut and replace the firewall or did the template go over the original?
cheers bud
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I cut pretty much everything up but the original structure is partially there as a skeleton. The rest of it is fabricated. There's pics a few pages back
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::)
typicsl me - didn't look back far enough!
Cheers Vile, it's guys like you that give us all inspiration
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http://forum.73-87chevytrucks.com/smforum/index.php?topic=7175.150
So much work but so much fun lol
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floor
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Hello me, it's me again.......
I should have the whole cab done in primer and blocked this weekend.
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Hello me, it's me again.......
If that's a 'sweating bullets' reference I'm even more impressed. ;D
The before pictures are so awesome I can't imagine what the after pictures are going to look like.
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Great song lol
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Haha yes it was a Megadeth reference.
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Excellent song! On a side note imma happy camper now that megadeath and metallica buried the hatchet
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When did that happen?
Here's a quick pic. Cab is all in primer again ready to be blocked. I've got a few spots on the dash I'm going to weld up and smooth out then I should have the cab ready to be edged out. :D
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Within the last 6 months or year. There was a mini tour with megadeath Metallica static x and slayer. That had to be amazing!
She's looking great Vile, you planning on pounding pavement with her this summer?
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Oh yeah! Can't wait to put this sucker together
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Sweet ride nothing like a sleeper and the dude you just have loud exhaust till they mess with ya,lol,lol.
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???
Thanks, I think?
Still fine tuning the cab. Blocked it fixing a few spots and making sure all of the factory spot welds are no longer visible. Should have it completed by Sunday. Last night I took the rear end and suspension out so I can start on the 4 link
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WOW! I just read this whole thread, and have to say great job. I can't wait to see the finished product.
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Thanks me too! lol
Going to hopefully re-prime the cab today and be done with that part!
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Got the cab re-primed, the doors the ash tray, hinges etc. Tomorrow I plan on finishing the cab!
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Finishing? You mean blocked out and ready for paint or more than that? Either way its exciting to get your baby back in tip top shape, eh?
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As in the prep work all done. I nit picked every single little detail on the cab. No visible spot welds etc. It's looking good!
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Vile, that sure is some slick work :)
have you got a heated workshop or is it not chilly in yr parts?
It's been -8 here and snow/ice etc so my progress is on hold, I'm watching this to keep me motivated!
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I just came in from my garage. It was about 75° in there. I have a wicked heating system and it's insulated. Oh and it's about 20° here right now
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< Jealousy >:(
;D
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I just came in from my garage. It was about 75° in there. I have a wicked heating system and it's insulated. Oh and it's about 20° here right now
I am sure Vile earned it, jealous no, envious maybe... Someday I will have a nice shop with a lift, got the land, plans and money saved. I just am not 100% sure I want to stay in NW Indiana when I retire. I would love to get relocated back to Texas and then set up for retirement...
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Well I have about 260 hours into the cab since September and it will be ready for paint Wednesday. I just have to spot prime a few areas and she'll be done. FINALLY!
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My fatbar system showed up yesterday and a bunch of parts were missing til I figured out they sent me an air ride setup! >:( So now I've got to wait for them to fix the screw up. Another set back...
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My fatbar system showed up yesterday and a bunch of parts were missing til I figured out they sent me an air ride setup! >:( So now I've got to wait for them to fix the screw up. Another set back...
Just play along and bag it! ;D
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Nah, No bags on this rig. This truck is all motor - all mechanical... My stepside will be another story.
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Pinky is gonna be bagged???? I'm excited!
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Pinky isn't going to be pinky anymore. It's getting a twin turbo & air ride but that's not for a while yet.
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That will be another epic build.
The 74 is going to be black again, right?
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Yes sir!
I base coated the cab just to get an idea of what the final product was gonna look like but I wasn't happy with the factory ripples behind the cab above the bed. So tomorrow I'm going to get that straight then the cab will be done!
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OK I've been so busy and all of this snow on top of work and everything else is killing me. Regardless I got the cab painted and it looks dang good! I took these pix with my phone so forgive the quality. More to come later....
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Black is beautiful Vile!
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WoW :o very nice vile the cab looks great....
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:o That is one clean firewall.
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You are upholding your reputation with this one Vile! Looks awesome.
One quick question. What was the 80 grit sandpaper used for at this stage of the process?
(https://drive.google.com/uc?id=0B8yVwIOnwzXXeGhoSnZPcDdVTTA)
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Nice!
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I'm speechless. Very nice!!
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Thanks all... I have a bazillion hours into going over everything multiple times since it's black and good enough isn't good enough.
80 grit, probably to scratch my back... :P I think it was just a few pieces I saved and threw in there. I don't like to waste.
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I will hopefully be on to the bed to do the finish work next week. The doors came out nice and straight. Don't mind the disaster area
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nice!!!
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So to paint your cab you kept it on the frame but just flipped it back to do the bottom and then put it back up to do the rest? i need to do mine but right now it is completely off the truck, it seems like that would be less likely to scratch it. btw your truck is amazing!!
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Yes, I had the cab on it's back to make the underside purty and to sound deaden it. When I finished that I sat it back up to finish the cab work. The cab is getting moved this weekend and I will hopefully have the chassis all set up in the next few weeks so I can start reassembling stuff. Glad you all like it.
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LOVE this TRUCK!! i just read the whole thread, and it is amazing. i hope my truck turns out that nice. seeing this makes me want to get back on my truck
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Simply gorgeous. Man, all that hard work is really gonna pay off for ya. It's going to stand out in a crowd for sure.
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Thanks,
I started mocking up the rear suspension last night finally. It's going to be a while before this baby is done but I'm going to keep at it! I was thinking I might sell off some of my other projects now since I'm just too busy.
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Vile, if you're selling a project, I'd be interested distance not withstanding.
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I just might because I'm falling way too far behind and my career is taking a direction I never anticipated but that's a whole different story.
So the bed is nearly 100% - couple little nit picky things and It'll be ready for paint. I worked on my bike, my truck and my hot tub today, then I looked at my yard now that the snow melted and boy o boy.... I need a clone! My mother just called and has a pipe leaking in her basement so now I have to go play plumber. I should have some new pix soon.
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Here's a quick pic of the bed which will be completely done next week. I need to finish the chassis and start reassembling that.
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I'd be curious as to how many man hours you think you will have when the truck is all done ?
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1 Billion
I'm definitely not enjoying it all that much right now. It's taking up my whole garage, it's made a huge mess, cost me a lot of $ and I have other things I want to finish up but I need this thing out of the way first. My knee is in bad shape and preventing me from doing half of the things I need to finish.
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Its looking good though!
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Don't give up now! I took mine out to do other projects thinking that it is mine and I will get it right back in and never do. Besides we need updates for inspiration.
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love the headlight covers looks really clean 8)
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Haven't had a chance to update and don't have any great pix but I'll post what I have from my phone.
I'm just finishing up welding everything and stripping the frame. I'm hoping to have the frame done by next weekend.
The bed came out nice and straight just like I had anticipated.
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What's up with all those brackets you welded on?
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I am assuming its for 4-link?
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Speechless!!
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Speechless!!
What he said.
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That things come a long way! Looking real good man! 8)
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such a sweet project
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Got the frame nearly done. Going to flip it over and give it one last top coat then I can start putting the chassis together and yes those brackets are for the link suspension.
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Glorious Vile!! You gonna have it done in time to get some miles on it before the snow?
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Maybe, depends how much I play on my bike ;D
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This thread is always an inspirational read. What paint did you use on the frame?
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I was going to powder coat it like I did the crossmember but I decided to use chassis saver satin black.
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Hey Man nice work that turned out Sweet
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How did you apply the chassis saver
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I used my primer gun. I need to update this. I have the rear suspension in and am working on the front but I put it on pause to put my bike back together. Pix soon
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4-Link
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WoW it is really all coming togather very nice vile...
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sure is
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Looks awesome vile.You planning on having it done by next spring?
thanks
pat
p.s. not to threadjack here but how goes the mutt project and the 83 SWB 4x4?
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I was wondering about those projects too!!
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Me too, but I'm still in awe of how purty this one is turning out. Besides, 74's are where its at ;D
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Thanks Guys,
As of tonight (despite massive hangover) I put upper control arms, ball joints and shims in. Primed the front fenders and have them ready for paint. I'm just going to plug away at it but before you know it it'll start comingt together quickly.
The Mutt - New knuckle joints, ball joints, and repacked the hubs. Gotta run the new permanent brake lines and then finish body work/paint. Then put all the goodies back in.
The 83 SWB 4x4 - well that's collecting dust for the most part. Ran the new tranny cooler lines but have to hook up the floor shifter, fuel pump and small odds and ends.
The 75 K5 is also collecting lots of dust.
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How thick are those upper coil spring brackets? They don't hardly look stout enough to support much weight... look more like a shock bracket than a load-carrying spring bracket.
I'm curious, what's the logic behind the angled coil spring setup? Are they designed that way or what? I'm just curious.
Truck is soo nice though. Congrats!
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They're designed that way and the brackets are just as thick as the stock spring hanger brackets.
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cool, I can see em better on my computer... I was on my phone. Looks sick dude! Cool build.
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I haven't been updating this so I'll throw a few pics I had on my phone on. Right now all 4 wheels are on it sitting on the ground. I may drop the the engine and trans back in this weekend.
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Looks good vile REAL GOOD.
thanks
pat
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looking awesome
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Making progress despite working 80 hours a week.
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motor is so clean looking
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Your truck is a work of art. But, honestly, I'm having impure thoughts about your shop more than anything. Also, the pictures of your dog make this thread a masterpiece.
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LOL - My shop is such a friggin disaster area. You used to be able to lick the floor but this project has turned the place upside down!
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But it`ll be well worth it once its done though, then you got 1 nasty ride that you can be proud of once you take it on the road.I`m sure soon you`ll get out there like 1 day and say i think its time i clean this up.You`ll have your ride done before i will with mine lol..
thanks
Pat
p.s. looks fantastic
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Looks great!! Cant wait to see the finished product.
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Sorry for the lack of updates here but my life has been so different from when I started all of these projects.
The tailgate should be all done tomorrow if I get in the garage. We'll see. I'm heading to Wyoming Thursday for work so that should be interesting and hopefully fun.
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Vile,
you are a busy man, im sure its taking longer then you want BUT im sure its looking better then you have invisioned it.We (im sure everyone agrees)Get a stiffy seeing your work and your rides in pics you show us.Look forward to seeing more.BTW are you going to start unloading a few more projects?? Im sure that 1975 green blazer and possibly the 83 SWB 4x4 correct??
thanks
pat
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I really would love to keep the green Blazer so I've done very little with that. The engine is just sitting there growing dust and the Blazer is sitting there out of gas. I hate to sell it but ya never know. The 83 will probably get a for sale sign when I'm done.
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Driveline is all in and I put the clear meatball cover on. I wasn't sure if I'd like it but it's cool. Tomorrow I plan on running the fuel lines and brake lines. Exhaust is coated and ready to hang. I have to put the sway bar on and then I can plop the bed and cab back on. Can't wait to have it not hogging my entire garage!
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sweet !!! looking killer
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Nice enough to give most trucks an inferiority complex. Great to see it moving along so well.
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Don't know how long it will stay clear, but I like the cover! Put some led's in there so it lights up!
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I had clear top valve covers on my 84 K5 and being exposed to the extreme temp changes as well as combustion they held up nicely so I'm not too concerned about it. I could illuminate it but that's going a bit far showing off my rear end don't ya think? ;D
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Update:
Mocking up the battery box, switch and cables. Once I finish building the basic wiring harness and get the exhaust situated I'm going to start plopping the body back on
:D
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Looking great man!
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Forgot to mention, I'm using a remote jump start B+ terminal stealth just in case the batt goes dead. I'm using a drop out box for the battery but that would be a PITA to lay on the ground to have to jump start.
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Whose headers are you using?
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http://www.jegs.com/i/Hedman/500/69136/10002/-1
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Looking good!!
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Got any clearance shots for frame and ground on the headers?
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I can
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Where did the rear suspension setup and coilovers come from?
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http://www.nolimitparts.com/
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Thanks for the info, great looking project!
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Some updates:
Exhaust is on, rear suspension is together. Got the drop out battery box and kill switch mocked up. Going to get the initial harness built.
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Header clearance pics for you
Got any clearance shots for frame and ground on the headers?
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That's pretty incredible right there. Great work
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looking killer man. great work. so very clean.
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Got the drop out box in and mocked up the Battery harness. I started building the wiring harness tonight too. I also spilled my beer on the frame and now have a clean spot. ;D
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Great build!!! I can't wait to see the finished product... 8)
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Thanks, me too!
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Is that a dumbell traction aid sitting on the back?
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lol no I set it there to get it out of my way.
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Got the cab and the bed back on yesterday and spent the rest of the day/night cleaning my garage. What a mess! I can walk through there now without bumping into some part of my truck! A spot on the firewall got nicked ;( so I have to do a spot repair which royally sucks because it looked perfect. Oh well -I also decided what I am going to do with the final paint scheme so I'm pretty excited about that.
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Looks great! Keep up the good work!
Are you going to give any details or hints about the final paint scheme, or leave us hangin??
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That part I'm going to leave a mystery until it's unveiling
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Looks great! I'm looking forward to seeing the firewall mod when it is all put together. That took some guts to do that mod on a cab that nice.
Is that a painless kit sitting in the truck?
A spot on the firewall got nicked ;(
That sucks, but at least it was minor.
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Your project is looking really great VileZambonie !!
You are putting lots of attention to detail.
I haven't read through your whole thread completely but the stage you are at now is incredible. Will you be taking the truck to car shows?
Are you doing all the paint work yourself? It looks super nice.
Keep up the great work and I look forward to more pictures as you complete projects.
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Yes, It's a painless wiring harness which I must say I am not very impressed with. It's very universal/generic from what I was expecting but I would have had to cut it up quite a bit regardless since nothing is where it used to be in regards to the wiring harness.
I could have touched up that spot on the firewall because it's behind the booster anyway but I know it's there and my goal is to have a smooth slick looking engine bay and I'd like to keep it that way.
I am doing all of the paint work in my shop. Yes it uses a lot more material and time this way but I wanted to be certain that it would look the way I wanted when complete. I'm not a car show junkie but I'm sure it'll make its way into a few ;)
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Amazing work!! Truck is coming together nice!
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Made a little progress today
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gonna be done by the summer? if mine is we should go for a cruise
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I hope so! I decided today to get healthier so I'm going to work out every night instead of working in my garage and drinking beer all the time. lol Who knows, maybe that'll speed up process!
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^^ sounds like a good idea, i mean, is the gym in the garage? that could help! i stock my shop fridge with water only.. even soda is horrible to keep around.
Good luck, its looking amazing, if my collaboration ends up even being half as clean and shiny as your truck i will be happy.
The Right Stuff Master and Booster? that was going to be my purchase hadnt i decided against stock pedals
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Vile, when you posted in another thread about your drop down battery box http://forum.73-87chevytrucks.com/smforum/index.php/topic,10766.msg191781.html#msg191781 (http://forum.73-87chevytrucks.com/smforum/index.php/topic,10766.msg191781.html#msg191781) I went back and looked at yours.
What did you use too protect your B+ cable from chafing where you went through the frame with it? Was it just a rubber bushing or was it something unique? Just wondering if there was something better that you found to use. Also where do you plan on mounting the remote jump start terminals?
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thirsty,
The cable has a very thick jacket on it, nevertheless I used that really thick shrink tubing in the pass throughs to protect from rubbing/vibration chafing. The holes are also chamfered and deburred and have a rubber grommet. The remote terminals will be stealth and pretty slick -don't really want to reveal all those details yet ;)
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I knew you didn't just run it through the hole. Not you and especially not on the 74!
The remote terminals will be stealth and pretty slick -don't really want to reveal all those details yet ;)
Figures...haha
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Found some pics cleaning out my desk and putting in my new desk. I'll post more as I have time.
Here's the 74 when it was baby blue
Here's my 84 K5 -Loved that truck
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The 74 GMC has come a long way, does not even look close to that any more.
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I know - Finished up the rear end. Don't mind the exhaust, it's just mocked up so I can take it apart again to send to get coated.
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What are you getting the exhaust coated with ?
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Just like the headers -hi temp
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drooooooooooollllllll
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I just got done reading 27 pages.....and Wow that truck is gonna be Sick when u get it done.
Very nice build.
Makes me wanna jump into my 84 swb.........
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wow!! hey whats the story on the pink chevy next to the 74?
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The pink truck is an 84 GMC C1500 stepside
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Thanks for the props. I dropped a bunch of parts off to the chromer and tomorrow I'm dropping off the wheels to be reconditioned. Tonight I got the rest of the exhaust mocked up so I can drop that off for coating.
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Beautiful exhaust, even without the coating. I wish you were closer, I'd like to go to the school of VileZambonie!
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That is one sweet ride Vile, and you are inspirational with a capital I.
I'm sure we all understand the hours and $ that you've put in and it's worth every cent.
Will you trailer it to shows or actually drive it? I'd be sh*t scared a mosqueto would poop on it!!
Keep it going and us updated - can't be long now!!
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I will NEVER trailer it unless I'm going to Lebanon Valley. I'm building a weekend warrior that I plan to have til I croak.
I dropped the wheels off today to someone else because the guy I was going to use was all about the $ and I didn't like his cocky attitude. Quite frankly I thought he was a swear word so I told him never mind, left his business card on the ground and drove away. I drove in the opposite direction to someone else who was awesome to deal with, less expensive and will do twice the work. I decided I'm going to powder coat the wheels. I'm sick of dealing with bare aluminum so this should be interesting. I hope they turn out the way I want.
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I dropped the wheels off today to someone else because the guy I was going to use was all about the $ and I didn't like his cocky attitude.
I wish more people would get treated like this, then maybe customer service would come back like it was in the 50's and 60's. I am in that field for work and I hate it when people act like you (the customer) should be bringing things to them, instead of them (the service side of the equation) should be giving out excellent service so they can earn more business.
All I have to say is good for you Vile.
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It's all in how you treat people. I go out of my way to be fair and good business up front creates more business down the road. No better way to advertise than by referrals and some people just don't get that.
So I chose the Johnny 5 Silver and was so tempted to go with a metallic but I think it might be too blingy for the look I want. It'll be hard to tell until they're actually mounted back on the truck but fingers crossed.
**PS as I am updating this I figured I'd mention that guy is out of business now most likely because he was a chooch
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Johnny 5's ALIVE!
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LOL - I'm going to call them tomorrow and see how they are coming out. I'm still looking for center caps which are tough to find for these wheels.
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I dropped the wheels off today to someone else because the guy I was going to use was all about the $ and I didn't like his cocky attitude.
I had the same issue with a guy i bartered some work with at Paint and Powder Works in New britain, he told me yeah yeah we will blast your truck etc.. i did my end and he blew me off when he had to do his end, needless to say i gave him negative reviews to many industrial accounts i deal with at work. and he had the audacity to ask me for a favor again...
glad to hear you arnt afraid to drive it
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I just painted the tailgate. I'll clear coat it tomorrow...get the cheese!
(https://drive.google.com/uc?id=0B8yVwIOnwzXXWHBqaUlMYXl5b0k)
(https://drive.google.com/uc?id=0B8yVwIOnwzXXUG5tbWZ5cV9hZVE)
(https://drive.google.com/uc?id=0B8yVwIOnwzXXWHBqaUlMYXl5b0k)
(https://drive.google.com/uc?id=0B8yVwIOnwzXXTnQ1NlZLemU5YjA)
(https://drive.google.com/uc?id=0B8yVwIOnwzXXWlZ3MTJLNlB1MFE)
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Got my wheels back from the powder coater today. I love em! I couldn't be happier, my old school wheels with a calssic look but a brandy new finish. There couldn't be a better fit for this truck and I'm so happy they look the way they do. :D I'll post pix tomorrow. Not going back in the garage tonight.
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I dropped the wheels off today to someone else because the guy I was going to use was all about the $ and I didn't like his cocky attitude. Quite frankly I thought he was a swear word so I told him never mind, left his business card on the ground and drove away. I drove in the opposite direction to someone else who was awesome to deal with, less expensive and will do twice the work. I decided I'm going to powder coat the wheels. I'm sick of dealing with bare aluminum so this should be interesting. I hope they turn out the way I want.
I've been having this problem lately and i Don't like it. this is way too common around here. LAst time I dealt with it was with Line-x. I want a color matched bedliner, PERIOD. no room for negotiation. Black isn't gonna happen, PERIOD. so these guys want $1800 for a color matched bedliner, because they made it plain they don't want to goto the trouble to do it. one even said he wouldn't warranty it. so I can't get my bedliner around here because everybody who sells what I want wants to halfass it. i know its possible warrantied and easily available, but they want to halfass it, so i can't get what i want.
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You can do it yourself easily. The gun is cheap and you can buy it, shoot it, save a lot of money.
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(https://drive.google.com/uc?id=0B8yVwIOnwzXXNG9vQjNJXzk5eXM)
(https://drive.google.com/uc?id=0B8yVwIOnwzXXNGVJV3ZrbHFFd1k)
(https://drive.google.com/uc?id=0B8yVwIOnwzXXWVhhZjR1ZmFHM0k)
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Dude your wheels look killer! Will the 15x10 fit on the front of a stock hight c10?
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They'd fit but they'd stick out in the front. 8.5" in the front is good 10" in the rear is a good fit.
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Thanks! Man those look sweet. I had a set a while back and wish I had not gotten rid of them now
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Cleared the gate tonight. Had to pluck a few mosquitos out in between coats. Hate those suckers!
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You know, I'm generally not a big fan of louvres - but those are nice. And, they're perfect !
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I don't think I'll ever do louvers again. They were a major PITA to make look right and flat ESPECIALLY with black. The only reason I did was to stay true to the truck which had louvers on the gate before I tore it down. Glad you like it
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I dropped the wheels off today to someone else because the guy I was going to use was all about the $ and I didn't like his cocky attitude. Quite frankly I thought he was a swear word so I told him never mind, left his business card on the ground and drove away. I drove in the opposite direction to someone else who was awesome to deal with, less expensive and will do twice the work. I decided I'm going to powder coat the wheels. I'm sick of dealing with bare aluminum so this should be interesting. I hope they turn out the way I want.
I've been having this problem lately and i Don't like it. this is way too common around here. LAst time I dealt with it was with Line-x. I want a color matched bedliner, PERIOD. no room for negotiation. Black isn't gonna happen, PERIOD. so these guys want $1800 for a color matched bedliner, because they made it plain they don't want to goto the trouble to do it. one even said he wouldn't warranty it. so I can't get my bedliner around here because everybody who sells what I want wants to halfass it. i know its possible warrantied and easily available, but they want to halfass it, so i can't get what i want.
Where do you live? I run the accessories division at a Chevy dealership in Salem, Or. We do quite a bit of business through Line-x. I can get what you want done, no problem. It's actually called line-x x-trend. They spray down an additional layer reinforced with Kevlar and with factory pigment in it to match the color you want. If you're anywhere near, I'd be happy to help you out. If not, I might be able to get my district rep to call and raise heck for you. You shouldn't be paying more than $900 for and over the rail long bed x-trend.
Vile, yeah you can get the stuff and spray it yourself. It doesn't last as long and is very susceptible to UV fading. With the uv additives as well as be a "hot" application, you'll outlast anything else on the market. I've seen both hot and cold applications, DIY and pro for each, over the last 10 years and line-x has always come out better. Just my opinion probably though. :-)
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I agree, if it's going to see major usage you can't beat the Line-X, Rhino Liner market. If it's a weekend warrior with nothing going in the bed and you just want a textured coating as opposed to a painted surface there's nothing wrong with a DIY spray in.
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Unreal build Vile, its guys like you that motivate eager truck enthusiasts to build their dream rig.
After reading this entire thread so far i was excited to see the finished project, but i understand that patience is key in a build like this, and very time consuming, especially when you have multiple rigs on the go.
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Where has the time gone? I've spent some time getting back on my 74 and have dedicated many hours this week to working on this baby. couple of cell phone pix after doing a little wet sanding and buffing
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Coming along superbly! It's gonna be a show stopper!
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Vile, I've been in love with this truck since before you started the tear down. I can't wait to see it back on the road!
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Me too! lol
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I finished helping my buddy with his heater today and then he helped me finish bleeding the brakes. Onto the steering column rebuild.
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fantastic build thread! Thanks for all the great info! Getting ready to start a build myself (1973 C20)
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So I made some good progress this week. I made the gas pedal bracket and got that installed. Then I made a throttle cable and got everything working good. After I did a bunch of other odds and ends including finishing up the steering column I started on the wiring harness. The location of the fuse block has been playing in my head for a while now so today I decided to pull the trigger. I made a bracket out of some stainless I had laying around and it fit's nicely.
Here's what I started with
and here's how it ended up
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Nice work Vile.
How did you cut it?
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I had to use the die grinder sice it was too thick for shears and my plasma cutter is on the way to it's grave.
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It didn't look like you used a plasma cutter that's why I asked. I used some stainless flat sheet stock like that before and was wishing I had a plasma cutter.
Superb craftsmanship doing that by hand. :o
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So where is it going?
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Under the dash. I'll take pix when I install it. Maybe today once I warm up!
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Based on the cutouts I have an idea, just curious.
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So I finished installing the fatmat, installed the fuse panel & bulkhead assembly, wired up the Dakota Gauges that I've had sitting in the box since 2006? lol I wish I waited now because I like the VHX gauges better but these are still cool. I think I'm going to build a front roll pan for this truck as well.
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Tested the gauges and related wiring with my jump box.
(https://drive.google.com/uc?id=0B8yVwIOnwzXXNW9qRjA3cVhYa1E)
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That blue is going to look killer with your black interior.
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I had to make up turn signals in blue to match since the cluster doesn't come with signal indicator lamps for the factory location.
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Looks good!
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IT'S ALIVE!!! Picked up some CAM2, put 5 gallons in, filled the fluids, turned the key Vroom! I forgot how sick this thing sounds :D I'd have to look back to see when the last time it ran was... How time flies
Lots of work to do still but knowing that the wiring harness came out perfect, nothing is leaking, and everything works put a smile on my face tonight. By this weekend I will finally be able to pull it in and out of the shop and off of the lift if I need it.
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Just looked back and it was May 2010 when I pulled the engine so it's not taken a breath in nearly 3 years!!!! Holy cow! That was how many girlfriends ago? lol
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Wow, almost 3 years! Where is the Video!
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Life's little milestones have their rewards. It's got to feel good! :D
What's next?
How about a sound bite of that motor? 8)
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Sound bite won't do it justice but I will try. I've still got a lot of work to do but getting to this point while working 12+ hour days has been a challenge. I've got to finish wiring up some stuff this weekend and will take pics.
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Dropped my exhaust off for coating today. I'm having the exhaust high temp coated to match the headers. Hopefully in a week or two I'll have it back on the truck. Gotta bleed the brakes again since I had to replace the master. I went to pressure bleed it and the seal blew out.
My buddy is making me a new cooling fan shroud for the E-fan to fit the new radiator. I could have made the old one work but I'll just use it on the Blazer instead.
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So second one of these: http://www.summitracing.com/parts/tff-2132na
and still same issue. Pedal goes right to the floor although they claim it's perfect for disc disc setups. I decided to try a master from a 2002 Silverado and it's perfect although nowhere near as pretty. I'm going to keep searching but in the meantime this will allow me to stop at least!
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The 4 link setup and shaving the firewall looks sweet. Keep up with the good work.
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Thanks,
Picked up my exhaust from getting coated. Came out nice and matches the headers now.
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Details make all the difference. It's lookin' SHARP!!
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Thanks Rich. Here's some updates... swapped out the rear calipers to 78 Cadillac style.
Got the exhaust back on after having it coated.
Then I polished out the valve covers since they looked dull. I did the ones for the green machine too but I'll post those pics in that thread.
Amongst many other things I got done this weekend. Slowly but surely... Need to get a different alternator and upper bracket as well still.
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3 letters: wow. If that doesn't make a magazine article when you are ready to debut it, I don't know what will! Dig the reflection of the vc's in the firewall. What kind of rear shocks are those?
Over 50,000 views in this thread!
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I'm hoping it has the wow factor when it's done. Not looking for anything too silly in this build just attention to detail and uniqueness in a streetable powerhouse. It's getting there! These are the shocks with the 4 link http://www.romicmfg.com/products/products.html
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Put the new alternator in and finishing up some minor engine detailing then back on to finish the interior
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dat engine... so... beautiful... ;D
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Wow sweet truck vile. Whole thing is just awesome! Cant wait to see it done
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Sorry to bump this, but did you ever get that fuseblock mounted, Vile? I read something about "under the dash", but I'm just curious if you have a picture of the final placement.
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I did get it all installed and wired up. I used the bracket I made to mount the bulkhead connector and fuse panel inside. I don't have a pic right now but will take one next time I'm out in the shop. It is literally just forward (toward the driver) of where it would mount in the factory location. Worked out perfect. I also mounted the Dakota stuff to the left of it. If it stops raining I'll take pix tonight.
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Have a new helper!
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It has been awhile since you posted anything on your truck. Maybe your new helper can get ya rolling again. ;D
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Been super busy, between having my first kid, to major projects around the house and other pressing matters etc. Once I realized it wouldn't be done this Summer I figured I'd just wait until Summer is over to get back on it.
I am putting a new roof on my house as we speak and just wrapped up a complete new boiler redesign. My old boiler was 30 years old and this gave me weeks to methodically work on it and plan the retrofit vs in the dead of winter slapping a new one in the place of the old one. Had to rebuild my chimney and install a stainless steel liner for this unit which is in a confined space.
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Do you have radiant floor heating in your house ? Is that why there is so many pipes.
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Radiant baseboard. The piping is like that for ease of service and control. It's basically well thought out and yes overkill but if I need to make a repair or add a future zone it will be a piece of cake.
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How did you get the grill chrome like that?
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73-74 GMC grilles came painted argent or argent and chrome. I also have access to a 3d printer now too.
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MAJOR score today including this brand new in the box 73-74 GMC Chrome Grille. Super hard to find let alone NEW!!! So excited
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I picked up some spare parts too including this 80 GMC Diesel tailgate and 76-80 Chevrolet tailgate
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MAJOR score today including this brand new in the box 73-74 GMC Chrome Grille. Super hard to find let alone NEW!!! So excited
Congratulations on the awesome find! I have a bit of envy going on now...
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Nice find! Need to find out who can work on mine. Needs some freshening up.
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Nice grille! That's just like when I scored my new chevy grille.
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10 min up the road, i'm on my way over to take a look.
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:)
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10 min up the road, i'm on my way over to take a look.
That's good stuff right there. You will have to keep an eye out for each other's trucks.
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Yeah, one of these saturdays we'll hook up.
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Have had my eyes peeled for a set of NOS fender emblems for years now and never quite find the exact match. I will eventually get around to restoring the originals but in the interim check out this coolness. A talented and ambitious student helped me with recreating replica's of the originals. He did an awesome job especially considering the lettering is not a font. He had to draw each and every character to match. The HUNDRED needs to be a little fatter but otherwise it's spot on. He also did the dash emblem and the cab trim emblems. See first test print results below:
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Very nice job on the replica.
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That's really cool! I hope you find new ones also.
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My friend said it looks like a chocolate bar. If they sold these in chocolate bars I would eat it! 8)
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If they sold coco bars like that, I'd be the same curb weight as my truck. Super cool tho, you going to start reproducing all of the square body emblems.
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Maybe when I retire ;)
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Now is good too.
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Well, i just finished going through this whole long post, took me over an hour. Man, i feel I built that 74 for cryin out loud. Vile, i'm comin over to see this gmc. I dont want to, i GOT to!! Lol.
Let me know when your tinkering around the shop one of these saturdays, i'll bring D&D!
Lol....when AREN'T you tinkering around the shop!!
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Sounds good. I'm always working! Heading out there now
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When i come by can we (i mean you) do this to my engine? Lol
(https://drive.google.com/uc?id=0B8yVwIOnwzXXdEVXYkh4TlhDS2c)
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Ya i agree, what an ugly engine, very sloppy. Lol
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Who's pink stepside?
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Who's pink stepside?
I've been waiting a long time to see updates on the pink stesides.
I'm guessing Vile's daughters will be fighting it out to see who gets that truck for a high school ride.
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Well on that note, last week I decided to build the engine for pinky and just took it out for it's maiden voyage. I did a burn out and some old lady was waving her fist in the air at me. LMAO!
I'll post an updated thread on that unit soon and although my plans were to paint it a tangerine/yellow I will leave it pink for now. I live in house with all girls! Tomorrow the lady is going to take it out and I'm sure she will have fun with it.
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I know i would have fun with pinky. Wish i saw that fist waiving. Lol,,when our seniors wave fists, they mean business.
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Vile, what did you do for a fuel tank? I was told by rob at no limit stock tank wouldn't work with the fat bar.
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The stock tank still fits but I have a custom fabbed tank ready to go in.
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I think I'm going to go with a porter built setup instead. My truck has been at the paint shop for 6 months now so I've got some time to wait!
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Are you looking for a coilover setup or airbag?
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It's been suggested to me once I still want to use my truck for loads and towing every once in a while to go airbag for the load leveling.
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Its been a while, any updates?
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Another I've been bad at updating. I finally scored some NOS badges to replace the factor ones. I've been spending so much time outside and trying to spend more time with the kids that I have not documented enough of my progress. I'll post updates soon :)
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NOS is the way to go. Dont want fake badges. Lol
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I still have the originals and a spare set but they do not compare to these
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and here I thought my build was taking forever. :-\
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When you take on as much as I have in the last 10 years, do everything yourself and are the sole provider for your family you re-prioritize. I had to put this one on pause while I finish the orange truck.
For me I enjoy the build as much as I enjoy the drive...
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Now that the remainder of the work on the orange truck will wait for Spring and I changed the lifters on pinky, I started back on the 74. I installed the fenders and radiator support to set the body lines and then stripped down the radiator support to finish the metal work. I dropped it off yesterday at the powder coater so I should get it back in about a week or two. Hoping to get this one done this Summer finally! Then it's on to the 75 K5 project
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Awesome you have a Full Vert.
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Yes the green machine...
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I lost a bunch of pictures I took so I'll take some more this weekend. Made up some gussets and got the parts back from powder coating. The radiator support looks mint, glad I didn't waste time with it stripping it forever. Kinda nice to hand someone a part and get it back nice :) I used my camber caster gauge and trammel to do the alignment, put some chrome hardware on the control arms and made brake hose brackets that came out good. I rerouted some of my electrical in a different type of conduit and ran the power cable for the power distribution block that I'm hiding under the hood. There will be a remote charge terminal and pdc for accessories like the fan relay and such. Hoping to get the radiator support and fenders back on this weekend.
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Core support powder coated along with the top panel and all of the accessories
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Looks to be a color called mirror black 3?
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I'm glad I had it powder coated, came out nice. I think it's just gloss black, but I didn't ask him. I got the fenders aligned to the doors and put the radiator support in. Made good progress, I also welded in the gussets for the 4-link and started preparing the wiring for the front lights.
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Awesome Vile. I love your builds, this one especially!
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looking flawless!
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Looks Fantastic.
74 GMC come with the clear park lenses and silver head light trim accent or is that your choice.?
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Argent and chrome or painted depending on your options. 73-74 were amber lenses. I have both clear and amber for the front and side markers so in the end I'll probably run whatever I think looks the best. I also have a brand new nos grille (chrome) that is going on after it's all said and done. Thanks for the kind words, it keeps me motivated.
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An impeccable product, Vile! All of your vehicles are head turners! It's workmanship like yours that helps motivate the rest of us. Thanks! 8)
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Thanks, I appreciate that
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Got a lot done, ran the front wiring harness including the lighting, horns, fan circuit and auxiliary battery terminals. I had to redo the link bars for the 4-link to get the correct pinion angle but that's all set now and dead nuts. I ended up having to order bars 2" longer to get it perfectly the way I wanted. I finished making the fan shroud and fan. Made it out of aluminum and tig welded the seams for rigidity. I seam sealed all of the edges and cut some u-molding for the sides to protect the radiator from fan vibration. I mocked everything up and tested the fan. All works great, took it back apart, did the finish trimming and clear coated it. Hopefully i'll get that all wrapped up tomorrow.
(https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1422NhPIdnr9Yh4NJdnPHRM-giMZpQ0m1)
(https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1fd57aRpo3un0RM51OTv60k2H9NFZeszX)
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Finished mocking up and test fitting the fan. Works mint, I'll probably get it permanently mounted tonight.
After this I went through the old harness and pulled some of the pigtails to finally wire up the front lighting. I ran most of the wiring needed for the e-fan controls and just about everything else. Still lot's of fab work ahead
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Got most of my front wiring done today. I drew up a little diagram for the fan control. I do have an adjustable relay as well but decided just to wire it up like this and see how it performs.
(https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1Gdc5lifMSdbkI8DAFEwobXdMpKe_RjHX)
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I have made a lot of progress, just finished test running my hidden wipers. It took a while to get all of this tucked into the cowl without interference. Lot's of trial and error but I am happy.
Okay so clearly the youtube function still doesn't work. Click Here for video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uTfke6NYbMg&feature=youtu.be)
I also finished wiring up the remote terminals and am fabbing up a compartment door for that too. I took some other pics and videos. I'll have to upload them later.
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Nicely done! Photos of aforementioned hidden wipers?
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Thanks. Only the video at the moment but I'm sure I'll be posting more updates after Summer. I'm having too much fun working on other projects!
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More info on the hidden wipers..
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Finished building the wiper wiring harness and making it work with the factory style dash switch however I couldn't use the 73-74 wiper switch. I had to modify the dash a little and used a 78 NOS wiper switch I had in stock which worked great. The 73-74 switch is case grounded and doesn't isolate low and high speed positions so that wouldn't work with this motor without mutilating the switch. With the large cowl I wish they would have done this from the factory instead of the big giant monster on the firewall. Nevertheless, I am happy to have this part done so I can move onto other items. My goal is to be back on the road this Summer with this truck. I think I've said that before.....Now that I'm in a different job after 16 years, I anticipate making some good progress again. PS having the Delphi Metri-Pack and Weather-Pack kits makes building a smart custom harness easy and nice. GM style connectors for everything which makes removal and installation nice and easy.
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I've been bad about posting updates and pics but I've been busy to say the least. Already burned through 3/4 tank of oil since it got cold out there. I reinstalled the AM radio and added an aux input. I did take pics as I couldn't find where anyone had done the mod to the AM radio so when I have time I'll post a how to. According to my spid label the truck came with AM only despite having every other option which is ...cool? lol Found some correct knobs to go with it and built a custom speaker out of the frame of the factory center speaker.
Finished building a custom heater box tucked under the dash with a 3 speed blower using the factory control panel. Ran all of the wiring for the audio system and I will have more pics of that later. Repainted the ash tray and glove box because they got trashed from sitting around so long. Overspray, scratches etc. Even though I have new hinges on the hood they are already starting to spring. This drives me insane enough to spend the $700 bucks on billet hinges despite wasting the money powder coating and chroming these ones. Oh well
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Nice job, as always.
Not trying to rush you, but keep in mind, the sooner you finish this 1, the sooner you get to start on the 75 K5 with the slotted rims.
Too many projects, never enough time...
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Nice Build VZ!
Where did you source your fan?
Nice touch spacing it away from your radiator, max volume through entire surface.
Thinking of dumping the boat anchor hanging off my water pump...
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Nice job, as always.
Not trying to rush you, but keep in mind, the sooner you finish this 1, the sooner you get to start on the 75 K5 with the slotted rims.
Too many projects, never enough time...
I changed jobs after 16 years and will have more time to get caught up on everything. Having kids, night classes, the homestead, the endless responsibilities, I'm surprised I get anything done. I'm also building a few engines and transmissions right now as well. When I win the lottery and can quit my job, I'll get all of these things done 8)
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Nice Build VZ!
Where did you source your fan?
Nice touch spacing it away from your radiator, max volume through entire surface.
Thinking of dumping the boat anchor hanging off my water pump...
Thanks, the fan, I don't even remember, Summit I think? I made a prototype out of sheet metal and then replicated it in aluminum after I got it dialed in. Had to play around with temp switches to get it to come on and off exactly where I wanted it to but it works mint. I believe I settled on 170° on and 155° off screwed into the radiator petcock.
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Thanks for that, I'll check them out.
I'm impressed that a single fan can cool that beast 454, prob a combo of your shroud and its CFM.
So you found a temp probe to fit in that opening- I'll see if I can find that too.
I don't have the skill set to TIG weld, but there are some fabricators near my office.
I'll find someone to build one for me.
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cool truck! looking forward to more pics
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Nice job, as always.
Not trying to rush you, but keep in mind, the sooner you finish this 1, the sooner you get to start on the 75 K5 with the slotted rims.
Too many projects, never enough time...
I changed jobs after 16 years and will have more time to get caught up on everything. Having kids, night classes, the homestead, the endless responsibilities, I'm surprised I get anything done. I'm also building a few engines and transmissions right now as well. When I win the lottery and can quit my job, I'll get all of these things done 8)
Changed jobs??!!! So your no longer at "that place"? What are you doing now?
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Yep, I had enough of the corporate greed. Was in the process of opening my own business when another job presented itself that I couldn't say no to. So I put the business plan on hold to give the new job a whirl. Let's just say I'm looking forward to having the entire Summer off :) I've altered the business plan to be a consulting model for now so that I can retain the business license.
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You joined a School district?
My shop teacher in HS said that was the only reason he chose to teach.
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I definitely did not get into education for Summer's off but I am looking forward to it, not gonna lie about that! the last 16 years, we taught all year and did not get Summer breaks. I've not had a Summer off since I was 14 so I am looking forward to it.
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Sounds like a good plan VZ. Guess you'll be hanging around the pool a lot with the little ones. Just go easy on the projects! What are you consulting in?
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Automotive consulting
Yeah, I plan to get plenty of time in with the kids. Going to try and enjoy as much as i can while I'm on this side of the soil.
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Good plan, time is precious. I wish we could buy more saturdays!
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What's stopping you?
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Oh, about 10 years. Then i retire from my federal job. Then again, retirement is not an age- it's a financial number.
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Got derailed once again with two 3 credit classes on top of the day job and restoring a 79 stepside for someone. I'll have to post pics this weekend. I've been on that one for a few months now.
Picked up a center console and redid it. Ordered leather bucket seats and tracks, excited to get those in. Ordered a new slider, and side glass, another new rug because this one has a bald spot for some reason. I'm sure I can repurpose it. I've got the hood all dialed in nice and am ditching the caddy tail lights, going back to stock tail lights.
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looks nice. what did you use to paint it?
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I used trunk spatter paint on the cup holder and on the inside. I used valspar vinyl/plastic paint on the exterior
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Nice work VZ, did you use the OE trim ring? If so it really cleaned up well.
Aluminum I suppose. Did you clear coat it?
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Yes, took a while to get the rust off. The chrome trim is available now again too
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Looks great.
I have a red one that needs to be tan.
Been looking for a decent tan one but they are hard to find and precious.
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Good Bye caddy tails, going back to the stock look. Have all new interior pieces ready, custom made leather high backs, all new glass just moved it into my storage. Going to finish redoing the body (again) to get this thing looking the way I truly want. My eternal build ;D
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Yes, took a while to get the rust off. The chrome trim is available now again too
From a member on this site who restored some slotted mags, I Found some Flitz Metal Pre Clean, can't believe how much elbow grease I save with things like rust and such. Unreal! It just melts off!
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Acid works great but you have to be careful.
This weekends progress....
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Waaaay better w/o those caddy tails! Who altered those tail lenses anyway???
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I did in one of the iterations of my builds and while they were cool at the time, they aged out on me. So rather than live with it, I'm doing something about it before I repaint it. In other news, I also considered making it into a stepside and that is still a possibility in one of my redesign drafts that I absolutely am in love with....
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A step side would be fine. Also looks good as is...
"Scrap the caddy Clyde"
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200108/6f12879afd0fd74231c8327ec66bf45e.jpg)
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Finished building the seat bases this weekend and test fit the seats. I'll post better pics later. I'm painting the bases now.
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Finished the brackets and bolted the seats in. They fit perfectly, slide back and forth, recline, plenty of legroom, and it was like 70° out today! I cleaned the garage and gave some of the trucks a bath. Did I mention that I HATE winter?
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Can you sell me that one on the far right,,the non pickup? I'll be over saturday with a pile o' cash!
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The 75 K5? I had a guy stop by and offer me $16K last year. I said no ;)
At the moment, none of them are for sale.
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This guy is asking $22k and it appears clean. Although not for sale (yours), would you be in that neighborhood?
https://classics.autotrader.com/classic-cars/1978/chevrolet/blazer/101200590
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73-75 K5's are full tops and the most desirable years. I'd be asking way more than that and that thing looks like a macco special.
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Agreed, I noticed the many flaws too. I jumped the gun a little.
Well then, i guess i'll need a suitcase full of cash! Guess I won't be by saturday. lol
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I'm hanging onto these bad boys as long as I can.
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This weekend's progress, installed-drilled-fit the cab side trim molding and wheel well moldings. Fit the factory style tailgate in place.
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dang, that's foxy! 8)
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Been working on the 74 a lot in between my other bazillion things and will post pics of the painstaking restoration of this battered tailgate but here's a little ripass in my driveway ( can't wait to have some more asphalt to play with ). Will add more later. Gotta go clean up my disaster area.
(https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1v-mqeK3FfmpRjJvvRSc2W5oc12RIpFHT)
A few quick vids:
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1z3MWpf1rUYNqjm9p5bbcouFO0S3fWwCJ
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1SZ6pCdP5ykg_5emkK3Bd4LdHMWluv8nN
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1SUcx6HYneqEMjES-_fKkpV3bvqtkvLyj
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Not that it matters a whole lot about what I think... I am sure glad you ditched the caddy lights and louvered tailgates. That sure sounds awesome Vile!!! Thanks for sharing
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I agree with zieg85, it looks much better and sounds great. Attention getter!
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At the end of the vid, looks like you missed a stump, jus saying...
Nice ride, What exhaust did you use? Just curious.
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Not that it matters a whole lot about what I think... I am sure glad you ditched the caddy lights and louvered tailgates. That sure sounds awesome Vile!!! Thanks for sharing
Yeah, they looked cool at the time, but I kept looking at them over the years and saying to myself, "Why did I do that?" lol I challenged myself to do something unique but it just didn't stick with me. The tailgate looked cool but I'll save it for another rainy day project.
This truck does have a pretty awesome sound I must say 8) Thanks
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At the end of the vid, looks like you missed a stump, jus saying...
Nice ride, What exhaust did you use? Just curious.
3" Dual Exhaust, custom built with flowmasters and ceramic coated. You can see it better here http://forum.73-87chevytrucks.com/smforum/index.php?topic=7175.360
I took down a few hundred trees so my yard and driveway is a mess. Wasn't close to any stumps though ;)
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Right turn Clyde!!
Nice! Sounds like it has a little "cam" to it...
I'm coming by one of these Saturdays, gotta see whats goin on over there...(after the covid of course) lol
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Just a tad ;)
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Debating on what gauges to put in this. I'm taking the Dakota Digital Blue ones out and putting them in my blue truck where they belong. I want analog style gauges and am leaning on these http://store.73-87chevytrucks.com/merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=7&Product_Code=RTX-79C-PU&Category_Code=7G as of right now. I know these are 79 up style but they just look better than the others if you ask me. I've seen some other interesting stuff but haven't made up my mind. Anyone running anything similar?
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I picked up a set of the 1979 series gauges from New Vintage last summer and I love them.
Never mind, I just checked their website to send you the link and they are sold out. But they do have several other styles in stock. I think they're a little more labor intensive to install than the Dakota digital but that's the trade off for them being a little cheaper to buy. As I said, I'm happy with mine and have had no problems with them if you are looking for something a little different.
Sent from my ONEPLUS A6003 using Tapatalk
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Definitely closer to 'period correct' than their other offerings. I would vote yes, and may do the same on my '80.
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Ross VE, post pix.
Here's a better pic of the ones at the top of the list so far.
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I am going to be running those in the 89 K5 I am working on. Every 73-87 I own will probably end up with a set of these.
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I see they stylized them more for the year ranges like the early ones but they look too plain jane. Which version do you think looks the best?
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They took the fonts for each series run and matched the layout of the factory and implemented them on the HDX series. They are all the same Kit just the faces are different. I like the 76 and 79 versions the most.
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For reference:
73-75 then 76-78 and then 79 up are the options for those of you who haven't seen them.
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Sorry, I'm not technically advanced enough to get the pictures to load through my phone. The best I can do is post the link to their website.
https://newvintageusallc.mybigcommerce.com/gm-truck-73-87/
Sent from my ONEPLUS A6003 using Tapatalk
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VZ I thing the 76-78 are the best pick, color banding, ranges, just strike me as closer to period correctness, except now I want to go look at my '78!
I guess I'm just nostalgic.
Thanks RossVE, but they just don't do it for me. Please forgive... ;)
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Very nice!
What's a little rain. I live on a gravel road.
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I made a decision on the cluster. I almost put the stock cluster back in but I like the 76 cluster better and this one is mint. 76-77 cluster is almost identical with the exception of 77 having a choke light and the brake warning lamp being in the speedo on the 76. I like the blue lines vs no lines and white lines.
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The factory lens was near mint, with one small blemish so I used a repro lens and polished out the other for the cluster on my 75.
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Back on the 74 again. (I realize none of my prior pictures are showing up again thanks to a security add on google did to google photos. Can't win. I'll restore them when I have nothing better to do.)
I decided to just build another bed and use this one to become an organ donor for the Jimmy since rear quarters are no longer available and I no longer want a roll pan. I already have another new floor, front panel, and bedsides so I'm just going to start over and reuse the tailgate and wheel wells.
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Test fit the NOS dash pad and headliner, window gaskets etc. I'm also going to raise the front, this thing is way too low to the ground.
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Beautiful!!
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I have been very bad about updating my projects lately but I have been working relentlessly on them. I replaced the front springs and brought the front end up 2", reinstalled dual tanks, new plumbing, switching valve, wiring etc. I welded up all of the driver's side door inner panel provisions for the larger door panel and made it period correct for the short door panels. It was a GM door but 77 up style. I dialed in the body lines better and moved the battery back to the oe location. I should have everything ready for paint for the front half before the end of April then on to the bed. I'll get pix uploaded this weekend.
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looking forward to pics!
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Got sucked into a kitchen remodel. New granite counters, painting, etc. Took the top off the Blazer and got to enjoy this weather as well. Here are some pics, I installed dual tanks and everything is functional. One of the things I did was installed EFI tanks and you have to modify the float to clear the baffle. I did this because I plan on doing a sniper setup later on. Finished the cab and the doors. Have to do a few things to the upper radiator support and then onto the bed. I reworked the wiring harness and moved things around. Lots to do still...
Okay not sure what the deal is but my file is too large even when I've shrunk it down to squinting size. I'll try again later.
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Trying again
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How many square bodies do you see?
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Very Nice!
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Ergo "back splash" comment...
Looks good!!
Where are the kids??? 8)
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Wow, I don't even know how to pickup on this thread where I left off. I've done so much work on this thing... I have all of the panels prepped for paint, blocked in primer. I built the new bed and am about to finish priming it now. The tailgate was a banana with 50 years worth of dents. I made a straightening jig and spent way too many hours on it but trying to preserve a 2 year only gate that was never reproduced comes with a price. Anyway, here are some pix
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More pix
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More
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Oh and this guy showed up while I was taking the bed back off today....
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Bears like squares too.... :D
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A Square Bear? 8)
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So VZ,
was the tape flanking the seams used to keep it in a track, with the upshot of a clean line when removed?
Did you flatten the bead to tape level? Very clever method!
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I'm not a fan of seam sealer bathtub caulking jobs or extreme brush outs so masking the area allows for a nice way to reduce the spread out when you peel the tape. Everything was buried in high build primer and blocked. I spent way too many hours inside that bed and I wasn't sleeping.
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Ahh got it...nice touch
AND 'know the feeling'
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Man, you put the work in on that bed.
It looks killer. 8)