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73-87 Chevy _ GMC Trucks => Members Rides => Topic started by: thirsty on April 21, 2009, 09:46:58 PM

Title: Ground up 86 4x4
Post by: thirsty on April 21, 2009, 09:46:58 PM
Great site! Really glad I found it just can't believe I never came across it before.
I'm in the middle of building an 86 swb 4x4. Probably won't be a show stopper but should be a tough reliable truck when it's done. It always was in the past and this will be it's second major rebuild.
Title: Re: Ground up 86 4x4
Post by: thirsty on April 22, 2009, 03:12:48 PM
I got a few pics on our garage website of what we are doing now and the whole project when I broke the frame years ago.

This is where I'm at currently
http://www.suitorsgarage.com/projects/86chevy4x4/86chevyphase3a.html

This is from 2002
http://www.suitorsgarage.com/projects/frameproject/trkhtml/projectsredtrk1.html

Last night we pulled the motor, tranny, and transfer.
Title: Re: Ground up 86 4x4
Post by: thirsty on April 22, 2009, 06:10:55 PM
Thanks everyone for the welcome.
Fitz I found out that letting your rig sit and wait for a body job is probably worse than driving it in the salt.
After I replaced the frame I ran the truck for a few years then bought a temporary truck to drive while I finished the bodywork. Seems like everytime I started work on it something came up (bought a home, kid's knee, jeep cj project for someone went bad....ect) and it got rolled out of the garage. Next thing you know my cab had disolved and was junk. Now that I am on my third temporary beater truck I really need to get my old chevy back! Could use the space of all the parts I got collected also. Best part is my wife really wants it also! That means late nites are ok
Title: Re: Ground up 86 4x4
Post by: thirsty on April 29, 2009, 03:56:54 PM
New plan for the 86. My frame needed some repair and got worse than I expected. I was ok with that and had planned on taking my chassis to work and sandblasting it, then lugging it home and doing some work to it. I got a call from a friend that I always get rid of anything 73-87 I don't want. He tells me to come over and take anything I want cause he was getting rid of it all. I have plenty of stuff collected after 4 years of waiting to do this truck. I went anyway and came home with a nice 2wd swb frame (gotta laugh cause it was out of a truck I gave him) and a 4wd lwb frame. New plan is taking all the stuff I need off the lwb and making a 4wd out of the swb. Lot of work but I will have nicer frame in the end. 4wd frames are real hard to find in northern NH. They get run to death in the heavily salted roads and most are junked. Thank you everybody for saying welcome.
Title: Frame painted
Post by: thirsty on September 27, 2009, 08:05:47 PM
Finally got some serious work done on my 86' stepside. My new frame is finally done.

(http://www.suitorsgarage.com/jsuitor/092609(34zz).jpg)

(http://www.suitorsgarage.com/jsuitor/09260945zz.jpg)

This is the 79' 2wd frame that I converted to 4wd.

 Friday night when I went to the garage it was a rolling chassis,when I left a 2:00am it was ready to load up and take it to where I work for sandblasting, primer, and paint. Saturday I got the frame done. Sunday I did the rear end and a second coat of paint on the frame.
Title: Re: Frame painted
Post by: thirsty on September 27, 2009, 09:35:13 PM
Some more pics of the weekend.

Friday night tearing it down.

(http://www.suitorsgarage.com/jsuitor/0925092.jpg)

(http://www.suitorsgarage.com/jsuitor/09250936.jpg)

Saturday morning loading it up

(http://www.suitorsgarage.com/jsuitor/0926095.jpg)

(http://www.suitorsgarage.com/jsuitor/09260912.jpg)

(http://www.suitorsgarage.com/jsuitor/09260946.JPG)

Sunday

(http://www.suitorsgarage.com/jsuitor/0927095.jpg)

(http://www.suitorsgarage.com/jsuitor/09270914.jpg)
Title: Re: Frame painted
Post by: hotrod24 on September 28, 2009, 01:54:28 PM
I am at the point you are at just got to get the engine out and out of the way

nice work
Title: Re: Frame painted
Post by: thirsty on September 28, 2009, 03:50:19 PM
Today I went to work early and got the final coat of paint on my rear differential, also had to move my frame out of the building. What I got left is the front end and a bunch more brackets. Can't wait to assemble it one last time for good. It's been a slow process converting the frame an hour or two at a time. Hopefully I can work the other parts in during the week and have everything to paint for the weekend.

In the garage this week while the chassis is gone is a 72' Alfa Romeo Spider I got to get running, but the most inportant project is to make the wife happy again...guess I forgot to mention to her that I was going to be gone for the whole weekend doing up my chassis.

Hotrod24-thanks for the compliment.
Title: Re: Ground up 86 4x4
Post by: murraygmc on October 01, 2009, 11:33:59 AM
keer up with the good picks man 8)
Title: Re: Ground up 86 4x4
Post by: thirsty on October 01, 2009, 03:49:46 PM
Pics aren't a problem lately. Should have plenty more coming this weekend. I also plan on putting something
together for the 2x4 to 4x4 conversion if there is any interest. I made a few jigs and would like to share that with anybody that wants to convert a frame.
I got to admit that the pics are great...big brother is a photographer.
Title: Re: Ground up 86 4x4
Post by: Engineer on October 01, 2009, 07:25:08 PM
Looks good.

Now, when can you sandblast mine?  :)
Title: Re: Ground up 86 4x4
Post by: velojym on October 01, 2009, 10:18:58 PM
When I saw the subject title, I was thinking "cool, truck burgers!"

 ;D
Title: Re: Ground up 86 4x4
Post by: SGarage on October 02, 2009, 09:54:47 AM

When I saw the subject title, I was thinking "cool, truck burgers!"

I stopped by last night and the old frame was getting "burgered" up into easy to carry pieces.

(http://www.suitorsgarage.com/jsuitor/1001096z.jpg)

(http://www.suitorsgarage.com/jsuitor/10010922z.jpg)

(http://www.suitorsgarage.com/jsuitor/10010933z.jpg)

Title: Re: Ground up 86 4x4
Post by: 79K20 on October 02, 2009, 12:27:17 PM
That is sad.. Pieces of a Chevy being hauled off in a Ford, of all things.
Title: Re: Ground up 86 4x4
Post by: thirsty on October 02, 2009, 03:18:51 PM
Engineer...If anybody from this site was close enough to me I would gladly blast anything for them. Only problem is that the blaster that I use at work is rough on the steel and you got to do alot of sanding after it is blasted. My frame was hand sanded before primer and paint. Good thing is though it cost me nothing to blast or prime and I didn't have the mess around our shop either.

79K20...Hope you realize I am pretty embarrest to be driving a f150 around while I build a real truck, but for $500 it goes to the dump and to work ok. Notice the pic of it was at night?? Nobody saw us haul a chevy frame in it I promise you.
Title: Re: Ground up 86 4x4
Post by: murraygmc on October 02, 2009, 03:25:38 PM
whell thats a good thig i guess lol
Title: Re: Ground up 86 4x4
Post by: Engineer on October 02, 2009, 04:27:19 PM
I was just kidding about you sandblasting my frame. MO to NH is a LONG way to drive. Well, maybe not. I am always looking for a reason to drive my Chevys.  :)

A guy at my church has said that I could borrow his sandblaster. I wish he hadn't. I almost had my wife convinced that I had to buy one because nobody had one I could borrow. LOL!

Anyhow, why do you think the sand is etching your frame? Are you using coarse sand? I am planning on using fine, or possibly medium silica. I used coarse once on a different project, and it seemed that the airflow was having a difficult time picking up, or flowing the sand fast enough to cleanly blast the piece I was working on.

In the pics it looks as though your blaster nozzle is huge compared to anything I have used.
Title: Re: Ground up 86 4x4
Post by: thirsty on October 02, 2009, 04:42:53 PM
We use a medium grit media to sandblast large propane tanks and the blaster is a 300# capacity Clemco fed by a sullair tag behind compressor. It's a pretty evil tool. It can't be used on anything light duty. It took less than an hour to do my frame with it. It cost me nothing to do so I could handle some hand sanding to smooth it up.
Title: Re: Ground up 86 4x4
Post by: thirsty on October 03, 2009, 07:56:32 PM
Made some more progress today (Saturday). Last night after a hard week of work I got the front end in the garage and prepped it for blasting. This morning I loaded it up to take to work. I had to work till about lunch time before I could get started on my truck parts. I managed to get all the small chassis parts and the front end blasted, primed, and painted. Next thing is to bring it all home and assemble it. Can't wait for that! Pics of this weekend coming next.
Title: Re: Ground up 86 4x4
Post by: SGarage on October 03, 2009, 09:35:44 PM

I'll let John explain the weekend, but here's what I learned:

Gorilla tape is wicked good protection when applying angry/evil sandblasting power!

(http://www.suitorsgarage.com/jsuitor/100309(23z).jpg)


And, a boom truck is way easier than anything you could imagine when moving this kind of stuff around.

(http://www.suitorsgarage.com/jsuitor/100309(6z).jpg)
Title: Re: Ground up 86 4x4
Post by: thirsty on October 04, 2009, 12:31:18 AM
Got some more parts recently.

Here is the interior I got from a friends scrapyard.
(http://www.suitorsgarage.com/jsuitor/091309.jpg)

This is the cab that was brought from CT.
(http://www.suitorsgarage.com/jsuitor/0913099.jpg)

The motor that's going in. It may be greasy but it's strong. Pulled that out of a parts rig I had.
(http://www.suitorsgarage.com/jsuitor/09250924.jpg)
Title: Re: Ground up 86 4x4
Post by: thirsty on October 24, 2009, 12:42:33 PM
Everything is home and the chassis is just about finished now.

Here's the front end in the blast room.
(http://www.suitorsgarage.com/jsuitor/frontbefore.JPG)

Front end and all the small parts blasted and primed.
(http://www.suitorsgarage.com/jsuitor/primedparts.JPG)

The last of the parts loaded up for the ride home.
(http://www.suitorsgarage.com/jsuitor/frameontrailer.jpg)

Chassis together.
(http://www.suitorsgarage.com/jsuitor/frameplumbed.JPG)

Transmission cleaned up.
(http://www.suitorsgarage.com/jsuitor/transpainted.JPG)

Motor, tranny, and transfer case installed.
(http://www.suitorsgarage.com/jsuitor/motorin.JPG)
Title: Re: Ground up 86 4x4
Post by: 79K20 on October 26, 2009, 10:20:39 AM
That is looking sharp! Keep up the good work!
Title: Re: Ground up 86 4x4
Post by: thirsty on October 26, 2009, 06:54:11 PM
Here is a better pic of the chassis.

(http://www.suitorsgarage.com/jsuitor/frameoutside.jpg)
Title: Re: Ground up 86 4x4
Post by: Captkaos on October 26, 2009, 09:13:38 PM
great progress, but I have to say I love that gas pump!
Title: Re: Ground up 86 4x4
Post by: thirsty on October 27, 2009, 04:27:22 PM
Thanks 79K20.

Capt... The pump is a 1951 MS80. We restored it in 2002, we had alot of fun doing it. Here is a link to the project.
http://www.suitorsgarage.com/localnettom/gaspump/projectsgaspump1.html
As far as the truck build goes, next step is to get the donor cab off and get going on that.
Title: Re: Ground up 86 4x4
Post by: thirsty on November 02, 2009, 09:43:24 PM
Got my donor cab delivered last night. It's a 87' 3/4 ton 4 speed. Not much else I need except the cab off it. The truck has frame issues so no need to shed any tears about hacking it up.

(http://www.suitorsgarage.com/jsuitor/aaronwrecker.jpg)
Title: Re: Ground up 86 4x4
Post by: velojym on November 20, 2009, 09:42:20 PM
Here is a better pic of the chassis.

(http://www.suitorsgarage.com/jsuitor/frameoutside.jpg)

Aw, heck. Just hook everything up, slap on a couple seats...
 ;D
Title: Re: Ground up 86 4x4
Post by: thirsty on March 30, 2010, 05:28:00 PM
Thought I would let everyone know that I didn't give up on my truck. My wallet however is not cooperating with me lately.
The truck just sits in the way (unless I push it out then push it back in) waiting for some money to be thrown at it. I do talk to my painter regularly just can't seem to commit to the money for the rest of my parts.

I hung a few parts on it so I had more incentive to get it done.
(http://www.suitorsgarage.com/jsuitor/truck310.jpg)
Title: Re: Ground up 86 4x4
Post by: three8six on March 31, 2010, 03:36:15 PM
put a flatbed on it man call it good
Title: Re: Ground up 86 4x4
Post by: thirsty on April 03, 2010, 08:15:40 AM
We decided to move forward and do some of the bodywork ourselves to keep some progress going.
Title: Re: Ground up 86 4x4
Post by: thirsty on July 02, 2011, 01:30:15 PM
It's been a long time since I updated this project. It got put on hold again for another year but now I got it in the garage and some work has been done.

This is where I decided to start.
(http://www.suitorsgarage.com/projects/86chevy4x4/images/04151130.jpg)

Cutting it up and looking for a stopping point.
(http://www.suitorsgarage.com/jsuitor/cuttingfloor1.jpg)

Digging at a previous cab corner repair.
(http://www.suitorsgarage.com/jsuitor/cabcorner1.jpg)

New inner rocker.
(http://www.suitorsgarage.com/projects/86chevy4x4/images/04221192.jpg)

Floor cut to fit.
(http://www.suitorsgarage.com/projects/86chevy4x4/images/04221191.jpg)

I got more comming...
Title: Re: Ground up 86 4x4
Post by: big bear on July 02, 2011, 01:38:20 PM
great progress
Title: Re: Ground up 86 4x4
Post by: thirsty on July 02, 2011, 03:47:01 PM
Here's some more pics.

New inner cab corner and outer cab corner on.
(http://www.suitorsgarage.com/jsuitor/cabcorner2.jpg)

Drivers side almost ready for paint. All the metal work is done.
(http://www.suitorsgarage.com/jsuitor/cabcorner3.jpg)

Passengers side is getting some new metal too.
(http://www.suitorsgarage.com/jsuitor/cabcorner4.jpg)

Traded a transmission for some new steellies
(http://www.suitorsgarage.com/jsuitor/blackwheels.jpg)

Then I brought this home changing my mind about the stepside I have been wanting for years.
(http://www.suitorsgarage.com/jsuitor/inmazda22.JPG)

Last night I got some friends around (and I bought the beer of course) and took the bed out of my mazda and set it on the 86. We had a good time working on the beer, staring at the truck, telling lies...It was a good garage night.
(http://www.suitorsgarage.com/jsuitor/bed1z.jpg)

I always liked seeing trucks in the garage from this angle.
(http://www.suitorsgarage.com/jsuitor/backview.jpg)



Title: Re: Ground up 86 4x4
Post by: big bear on July 02, 2011, 05:17:11 PM
that is a sweet pic
Title: Re: Ground up 86 4x4
Post by: thirsty on July 02, 2011, 05:29:52 PM
Thanks big bear.
Title: Re: Ground up 86 4x4
Post by: big bear on July 02, 2011, 06:46:31 PM
no prob man... i am digging the gas pump sitting in the front.  i always have liked that . so, what exact lift do you have on the truck ?  i read back through the build and i dont think you said.  if you did, my bad haha
Title: Re: Ground up 86 4x4
Post by: WilliamBos on July 02, 2011, 07:27:07 PM
Nice job thirsty.  Threads like this make me miss my 82&86 more and more each day.

Keep up the great work.  :)
Title: Re: Ground up 86 4x4
Post by: thirsty on July 02, 2011, 09:38:26 PM
@ WilliamBos. I miss my 86 too. haha. It's taken way to long for this to get done.

@ big bear That gas pump is one of my favorite things. My dad and grandfather had an Amoco station so when I got the pump I did it up Amoco. It's not correct being black but I like it that way.
The truck has a 4" lift with add-a-leafs in the rear and 33" tires. No body lift. That's as high as I can go and still get it in the garage. I like a slight rake on lifted trucks that's why the back looks so high for a 4" lift. I know most people don't like the raked look but I always thought these trucks looked like they sag in the back when they get older.
Title: Re: Ground up 86 4x4
Post by: big bear on July 02, 2011, 09:50:15 PM
nice little history behind the pump.  i love that stuff.  i think it looks sweet black.  and thanks for the info man.   has a great stance
Title: Re: Ground up 86 4x4
Post by: beastie_3 on July 03, 2011, 12:03:01 AM
that looks way higher than 4/33s
Title: Re: Ground up 86 4x4
Post by: daytonagp4 on July 03, 2011, 08:07:26 AM
Nice job!!! Keep it up! It always made me happy to see it with the body on. It's like you can step back and finally look and see that your making progress!!!
Title: Re: Ground up 86 4x4
Post by: hotrod24 on July 03, 2011, 02:56:55 PM
Looking good...
Title: Re: Ground up 86 4x4
Post by: thirsty on July 03, 2011, 05:19:00 PM
Nice job!!! Keep it up! It always made me happy to see it with the body on. It's like you can step back and finally look and see that your making progress!!!

I just put the body on because I haven't seen it as a fleetside since 2002 and it made a great conversation piece while we were throwing some cold ones back that night. I did step back and see a light at the end of the tunnel though with a rear body on it.

I have to take it back off and finish the metal work on the passengers side of the cab. When that is done I will be taking the cab off, sealing the underneath back up, painting the bottom, doing some minor firewall repairs, painting the firewall, then the cab will go back on and I'll finish the body work.

My short term goal is to get the underneath of the cab dealt with, the interior painted, wiring pedals etc so I can start it and move it under it's own power instead of push it.

@ beastie_3 That's the truth 4"/33's/with an add-a-leaf.

And to everybody thanks for the comments. It feels good to finally be able to post something about this truck again.
Title: Re: Ground up 86 4x4
Post by: thirsty on August 02, 2011, 09:01:31 PM
I got some of the passenger's side metal work done.

The only rust I had to deal with on the passenger's side floor was right at the floor supports. It looked pretty nasty but it was only at the plate that joins the supports together. Once I got the floor cut away there was nothing left of the plate but the supports were good. I got the supports all sandblasted.
(http://www.suitorsgarage.com/jsuitor/floorsupportsblasted.jpg)

Then painted them with SEM Rust Sheild
(http://www.suitorsgarage.com/jsuitor/supportspainted.jpg)

Made a new plate
(http://www.suitorsgarage.com/jsuitor/supportplate.jpg)

Finished cutting the floor to fit my new patch
(http://www.suitorsgarage.com/jsuitor/floorpatchcut.jpg)

Took the cab corner off from a previous repair that someone made
(http://www.suitorsgarage.com/jsuitor/oldcabcorner.jpg)

Luckily the rust stopped just above where I cut the cab corner off and my new cab corner was larger than the one I took off. The bottom of the inner cab corner and some of the rocker panel was no good.
(http://www.suitorsgarage.com/jsuitor/innercornerrust.jpg)

New inner cab corner.
(http://www.suitorsgarage.com/jsuitor/newinnercorner.jpg)

Since I took these pictures I got the floor patch welded in, a piece of the rocker panel in the rear welded in, painted everything that is under the cab corner, and the cab corner is tacked in place.
Title: Re: Ground up 86 4x4
Post by: SGarage on August 02, 2011, 09:22:29 PM
Holy shoot! You did all that without me?
Title: Re: Ground up 86 4x4
Post by: thirsty on August 02, 2011, 09:29:07 PM
I even did the pictures without you there SGarage. All I had was my phone camera though. lol
Title: Re: Ground up 86 4x4
Post by: SGarage on August 02, 2011, 09:30:59 PM

Missed you on Sunday on the way to the Speedway. Will your rig be able to fly?

(http://www.suitorsgarage.com/dpreviewforums/07311186.jpg)

Sure hope so!

Title: Re: Ground up 86 4x4
Post by: thirsty on August 02, 2011, 09:40:56 PM
Friday night is a truck/garage night. Oren is coming to get the stepside bed. You should be there. Saturday we are planning on going to a track just not sure which track yet.
Title: Re: Ground up 86 4x4
Post by: SGarage on August 02, 2011, 09:48:10 PM

Perfect. We'll be able to add some depth to the rebuild threat with a story and some photos
Title: Re: Ground up 86 4x4
Post by: thirsty on August 07, 2011, 03:47:56 PM

Missed you on Sunday on the way to the Speedway. Will your rig be able to fly?
(http://www.suitorsgarage.com/dpreviewforums/07311186.jpg)
Sure hope so!


@SGarage I just realized that the track had a monster truck show that weekend and that is one of your pictures! Nice job on it. Glad it didn't squash you.

As far as mine flying...those days are probably over for me. This being the third frame and second body on this truck I'm finding it hard to find the parts, money, and time this time around. I really want to keep this truck around so I don't think it will see any hard wheeling like we used to do.
Title: Re: Ground up 86 4x4
Post by: thirsty on August 07, 2011, 04:07:50 PM
The passengers side of the cab is taking shape now.

Welded in the floor patch.
(http://www.suitorsgarage.com/jsuitor/floorpatchwelded.jpg)

Got the inner cab corner, outer cab corner, and the rocker panel patch welded.
(http://www.suitorsgarage.com/jsuitor/insiderocker.jpg)

Still got some grinding to do. I had a harder time welding this cab corner on. I think they ground into the sheetmetal too much when they put the other cab corner on this cab. Then I took all their filler off so I'm sure I took a little off too. It made the existing metal thin and I had to go over my weld again and fill holes that I blew into it. I wish I had lap welded this corner on but it is good now, just looked like I had never welded anything before. Not that I am a professional welder but I can usually do better.
(http://www.suitorsgarage.com/jsuitor/rockerpatch.jpg)
Title: Re: Ground up 86 4x4
Post by: thirsty on August 17, 2011, 07:44:08 AM
(http://www.suitorsgarage.com/jsuitor/rtcabcornerfiller.jpg)

(http://www.suitorsgarage.com/jsuitor/bondodust.jpg)
Title: Re: Ground up 86 4x4
Post by: 70fastback on August 18, 2011, 10:22:54 AM
love the last photo, but I don't hate body work.  Kind of like it actually...kind of therapeutic in a sense [if you can believe that]...the beer does help tho, LOL.  Great job on the truck!!!
Title: Re: Ground up 86 4x4
Post by: thirsty on August 18, 2011, 04:30:13 PM
the beer does help tho, LOL.
Yes it does
Title: Re: Ground up 86 4x4
Post by: Bitzer! on August 18, 2011, 04:53:57 PM
love the last photo, but I don't hate body work.  Kind of like it actually...kind of therapeutic in a sense

I have to agree with the body work & the satisfaction when it looks good!


The trucks coming along nicely bud, little and often  ;)
Title: Re: Ground up 86 4x4
Post by: 1979C20 on August 19, 2011, 04:29:06 AM
I think body work is nice too, as I have OCD and it satisfies me need for perfection. It is a lot of hard work though. Im just happy I have an arizona truck and the only rust I have is on my passenger wheel well from the condensation off the AC. The truck looks great. I just began body work on mine and im going to do a custom paint job. This kind of stuff inspires me to finish my truck.
Title: Re: Ground up 86 4x4
Post by: thirsty on August 19, 2011, 08:10:47 AM
I definitely enjoy the reward of having it done. If I had the tools to do body work better and more efficiently I would enjoy it more, I'm sure. I can get everything up to 90% easily, it's just that last 10% of perfection that messes with me. A mig, grinder, DA, and a sanding block doesn't make a very good body shop. haha,
Another thing is that I usually only have an hour or so here and there to work on the truck so if I am having a tough time with it I walk away. Other times though, when things are going good and I'm into it I hate to stop when I am on a roll. Therapy to me is just being in the garage getting to work on my truck with no distractions. On the nights when things aren't going well instead of making more work for myself I usually grab a lawn chair and a cold beer and stare at it (self prescribed therapy session).

Now I have moved onto getting the inside of the cab ready for paint before I take the cab off to do the underneath. I used to be opposed to cutting dashes for stereos but I want to have a din head unit in it, so I need to get that done and deal with the areas that weren't prepped good enough for the repaint that was done. Some small areas their paint didn't adhere and I don't want that when I do my paint.
Title: Re: Ground up 86 4x4
Post by: 1979C20 on August 19, 2011, 10:45:20 AM
Those are the same tools im using! But I am using just a vibrating electric palm sander, not a DA. Good luck woth geyting everything done. I hate going out to work on my truck and knowing.its only a one hour job, then something stupid goes wrong and it takes 3 hours to fix.
Title: Re: Ground up 86 4x4
Post by: thirsty on August 19, 2011, 08:24:39 PM
Well I did something fun tonight. I cut the dash for a din head unit. It was really simple with the cab being gutted.

(http://www.suitorsgarage.com/jsuitor/dash1.jpg)

(http://www.suitorsgarage.com/jsuitor/dash3.jpg)

(http://www.suitorsgarage.com/jsuitor/dash2.jpg)

(http://www.suitorsgarage.com/jsuitor/dash4.jpg)
Title: Re: Ground up 86 4x4
Post by: big bear on August 19, 2011, 09:25:01 PM
nice!!
Title: Re: Ground up 86 4x4
Post by: thirsty on September 28, 2011, 07:20:27 PM
The other day I decided to take my cab off with my engine crane. Probably won't do that again by myself!
It's off though so now I can get the bottom sealed up and painted.

(http://www.suitorsgarage.com/jsuitor/cabwithcrane.jpg)
Title: Re: Ground up 86 4x4
Post by: SGarage on September 28, 2011, 07:39:30 PM

Can't believe you did that by yourself without any collateral damage. Can't wait to hear the details.
Title: Re: Ground up 86 4x4
Post by: VileZambonie on September 28, 2011, 07:44:46 PM
(http://www.suitorsgarage.com/jsuitor/bondodust.jpg)

HAHA! I love it!
Title: Re: Ground up 86 4x4
Post by: thirsty on September 28, 2011, 08:28:24 PM
For starters I didn't use chains. I wanted to try something soft so that if it worked well I might be able to put it back on that way. I tried ratchet straps... :-\ They stretch. As soon as I moved the crane the weight shifted. Then I was at the point of no turning back now. Went up some more it got worse. I got the front corner to rest on the transmission so I felt comfortable about it hanging for the moment. Got some more ratchet straps, gave it a lift/shove to get it closer to the right weight distribution, strapped it to the crane.
Then the neighbor drives into his driveway...so I grabbed a couple of beers out of the fridge for bait and lured him over. I felt better about having an extra set of hands on it to steady it. It stayed straight coming the rest of the way. I rolled the chassis out and got it down on jack stands without wasting any time.
When it goes back on I will use the old four man lift.
Title: Re: Ground up 86 4x4
Post by: thirsty on November 18, 2011, 10:12:19 AM
A few things have gotten done. I doesn't look that much different but some small necessary tasks were worked on.

I cleaned the firewall up. I'm glad that is done, it took a long time doing it a little here and there.
This pic is from when I was close to being done.
(http://www.suitorsgarage.com/jsuitor/firewallcleaned.jpg)

Had to make two small patches. One where the e-brake bolts thru and the other by the blower motor.
(http://www.suitorsgarage.com/jsuitor/fwpatch1.jpg)

(http://www.suitorsgarage.com/jsuitor/fwpatch2.jpg)

Got the cab flipped over and did a lot of cleaning. The wax type undercoating that was on it came off easier than the black stuff on the firewall but there was a lot more of it to do. I wish now that I would have pressure washed the whole cab to get the bulk of everything off before I started any body work.

I saved a small rocker panel patch to do while I had it flipped on it's back. The bottom lip of the new rocker was a different height so I straightened it and made a new bend after I got it welded in. You can see that in this pic.
(http://www.suitorsgarage.com/jsuitor/smrockerpatch.jpg)

Then I had to fix this.
(http://www.suitorsgarage.com/jsuitor/lfofcab.jpg)

I cut the rot out and used leftover scraps from the rocker panel. It would have come out better if I didn't just hack pieces of the rocker with a cutoff wheel when I was fitting it. Glad I saved the scraps in a box in case I needed a small piece. Even though I had to stitch them back together it was easier than making something from scratch. I'll like it better once I smooth the welds up. I hope  ;D
(http://www.suitorsgarage.com/jsuitor/lfofcab2.jpg)
Title: Re: Ground up 86 4x4
Post by: bake74 on November 18, 2011, 11:37:34 AM
     You know, the good thing about metal is, as long as you don't apply too much heat, you can cover a whole lot of mistakes, and done right nobody will know the difference (unless they cut it apart). 
     The truck is looking great, I bet you will enjoy it more when you are done for the amount of work and pride of work you have put into it.
Title: Re: Ground up 86 4x4
Post by: Engineer on November 18, 2011, 03:30:36 PM
I love threads like this one.

Watching what everybody is doing is so cool.
Title: Re: Ground up 86 4x4
Post by: firefighter on November 19, 2011, 01:18:55 AM
Great job thirsty !!
I keep pieces of scrap left over panels too. I've used them for many repair jobs.
I like the way you stitched things together. By the time you grind and paint, it'll look just great.
Keep up the good work and keep the pics coming.
Title: Re: Ground up 86 4x4
Post by: Bitzer! on November 19, 2011, 04:16:09 PM
Little and often is the key  :)

Good work dude, I agree more hands make light work but too many cooks spoil the broth.

I've managed 99% of the work on my own, only used additional help for lifting, holding etc.

I've lo got the satisfaction that "I've done that!"

The build is coming on lovely, can't wait to see more!
Title: Re: Ground up 86 4x4
Post by: thirsty on November 22, 2011, 12:22:42 PM
Finally got the bottom of the cab fully cleaned and the prep work done on it. I put seam sealer on the repairs that I made and also on any other seams. Hand painted the seam sealer and the parts that I sandblasted to make sure the SEM Rust-Shield paint I used was thick enough then sprayed the rest.

(http://www.suitorsgarage.com/jsuitor/bottomsealed.jpg)

(http://www.suitorsgarage.com/jsuitor/bottomsprayed.jpg)

(http://www.suitorsgarage.com/jsuitor/bottomcloseup.jpg)

I was happy with the way the Rust-Shield sprayed. Now I hope that it holds up good.
Title: Re: Ground up 86 4x4
Post by: SGarage on December 10, 2011, 01:23:09 PM
I stopped by the garage yesterday and found Thirsty hard at work on the cab.

(http://www.suitorsgarage.com/jsuitor/1209118z.jpg)


Oscar was supervising.

(http://www.suitorsgarage.com/jsuitor/12091115z.jpg)


Later in the evening the cab turned into a pretty good handle.

(http://www.suitorsgarage.com/jsuitor/12091130z.jpg)



Title: Re: Ground up 86 4x4
Post by: thirsty on December 10, 2011, 03:50:43 PM
It's getting dangerously close to primer time! Just got to do some small stuff to it first and make sure I didn't forget anything. It should have some primer on it by next weekend.
Title: Re: Ground up 86 4x4
Post by: bake74 on December 11, 2011, 07:26:08 AM
     Man thirsty, you are doing a great job.  It should be sweet when you are done.  I just wish I had the time to work on mine.  I actually have to take a day off lately just to be able to.  ( guess I shouldn't complain that I am busy when some don't have a job )
Title: Re: Ground up 86 4x4
Post by: rustymitchell on December 11, 2011, 12:57:41 PM
Great job thirsty!  Your thread makes me want to go out and get some work done on mine! 
Title: Re: Ground up 86 4x4
Post by: thirsty on December 12, 2011, 11:06:58 AM
So this post might not make me popular with some.

My truck has been apart for so long that parts have been stored all over the place. When it went away for the failed body work on the cab it had parts on it and in it also. When I brought the truck back it was taken apart so I had a truck load of loose parts taking up space again. At that point I decided to get everything out of storage and make room at the garage. One thing I couldn't find was the visor that was on my truck originally. I kept thinking that I would come across it in the sheds or overhead in the garage. Well I never did. I assumed it was stolen and had wrote it off. I wasn't going to buy one to put on my new cab but I was going to put my old one on it. After all I was rebuilding my truck and the truck always had a visor before. I liked it and was used to the way it looked.

Out of the blue my visor showed up at the garage the other day. I was happy that it was returned. By now though I am just about ready to start priming my cab and I have to decide what to do with it before I go any further.
(http://www.suitorsgarage.com/jsuitor/visorreturned.jpg)
I set it up on there and looked it over hard while having a few beers. I looked at older pictures of my truck. Talked to the family about it, the only person unsure was me.

I realized the biggest thing that was holding me back was holes in the roof. After I had it all marked out I grabbed a beer just to think this thru one more time before I drilled the holes. During the beer I concluded that I liked the visor before I took it off, if I can build a truck then I can put this on without flubbing it all up, I can and will find a sealant that will work on the final install.
(http://www.suitorsgarage.com/jsuitor/visoron.jpg)
After 4 days of thinking about it I made my decision and installed it yesterday afternoon.

Then I went out to the shed and found the grab handles that I took off my old cab and finished the look of my old cab.
(http://www.suitorsgarage.com/jsuitor/grabhandles.jpg)
Title: Re: Ground up 86 4x4
Post by: VileZambonie on December 12, 2011, 08:08:48 PM
 :-\
Title: Re: Ground up 86 4x4
Post by: fitz on December 12, 2011, 09:14:46 PM
Did Vile have the visor the whole time?
Title: Re: Ground up 86 4x4
Post by: VileZambonie on December 12, 2011, 09:16:19 PM
I guess I didn't hide it good enough  :P
Title: Re: Ground up 86 4x4
Post by: thirsty on December 15, 2011, 08:04:18 PM
:-\
I knew this was coming... ;D


Did Vile have the visor the whole time?
This could be a possibility. I do have a friend that lives close to Vile. He could have picked it up for Vile and dropped it off to him. >:(


I guess I didn't hide it good enough  :P
This I know isn't true because it was in one piece still.  ;D
Title: Re: Ground up 86 4x4
Post by: thirsty on December 16, 2011, 08:21:03 PM
Well I got a small update with no pics,

Tonight I got the cab in epoxy primer inside and out.
I love it!!
Can't wait to put some color on it next. Just sat and stared at it for 2 hours. It felt good to have the bodywork on the cab behind me. Best part was the last hour when my daughter came and stared at it with me for the last hour (she grew up in old chevy's).
Title: Re: Ground up 86 4x4
Post by: firefighter on December 16, 2011, 10:42:03 PM
Tonight I got the cab in epoxy primer inside and out.

I'm at close to the same point. I just picked up my primer and paint yesterday.
This is my first time painting so may I ask a few questions?
Do you have a makeshift paintbooth in your shop?
Did you prime the inside and outside all at the same time?
How many coats of primer?
You have to sand the primer before painting, right?

Please post pics of your cab when you have time. I cannot wait for this same milestone!!
Title: Re: Ground up 86 4x4
Post by: thirsty on December 17, 2011, 06:20:09 PM
This is my first time painting so may I ask a few questions?
I'm not a pro painter by any means. I painted a lot where I used to work but never any cars. But there are are some awesome body guys in this forum that can help more than me. But if I can help I certainly will.

Do you have a makeshift paintbooth in your shop?
I didn't for the primer. For the color and the clear I will cover everything I can and use the whole shop for a booth. It's all I can do.

Did you prime the inside and outside all at the same time?
Yes I did.

How many coats of primer?
I put 2 coats of epoxy on for now. One light and one normal.

You have to sand the primer before painting, right?
I am.

Please post pics of your cab when you have time.
(http://www.suitorsgarage.com/projects/86chevy4x4/images/12161135b.jpg)
Title: Re: Ground up 86 4x4
Post by: VileZambonie on December 17, 2011, 06:37:06 PM
Looks great! Especially without the visor on it  :P
Title: Re: Ground up 86 4x4
Post by: 87454westernhauler on December 18, 2011, 12:19:37 AM
nice build!
Title: Re: Ground up 86 4x4
Post by: tpull123 on December 18, 2011, 06:49:40 AM
These brings back memories of my build, had too do all the same and its kinda fun just watching this time!!   Looks good.
Title: Re: Ground up 86 4x4
Post by: 1MCP7.3/87GMC on December 18, 2011, 11:51:42 AM
I think I may like the visor any pictures of the cab with the visor on it in primer yet?
Title: Re: Ground up 86 4x4
Post by: thirsty on December 18, 2011, 05:07:51 PM
Today I got a coat of base on it. Should be done tomorrow and cleared. I changed my mind about the color recently. It's hard to see it in the pic with only one coat of base and florescent lights right above it but it will be sunburst orange.

(http://www.suitorsgarage.com/jsuitor/coatofbase.jpg)
Title: Re: Ground up 86 4x4
Post by: thirsty on December 18, 2011, 05:11:12 PM
I think I may like the visor any pictures of the cab with the visor on it in primer yet?

The visor won't be going on it again until the glass goes in.
Title: Re: Ground up 86 4x4
Post by: bake74 on December 18, 2011, 06:27:28 PM
     Thirsty, I have to give you props.  It takes a lot to tear your truck apart and go completely through it, and you have done it pretty quick and it is looking great.  Keep up the great work, and love the pics of your progress.
Title: Re: Ground up 86 4x4
Post by: firefighter on December 18, 2011, 09:45:53 PM
Man, that is awesome.
As mentioned, I'm at the same stage. Cab is ready for primer and paint.
I've never had much experience with primer or paint and after doing a test on an old hood the other night. I had major orangepeel. I'm working out the details as to why.
Your cab is looking great and I look forward to more progress as you have time. Great job sir.
Title: Re: Ground up 86 4x4
Post by: Bitzer! on December 19, 2011, 04:41:05 AM
Just for info, orange peel is usually using too high spray pressure, too close or paint too think not allowin it to flow.
Andy
Title: Re: Ground up 86 4x4
Post by: thirsty on December 19, 2011, 02:46:51 PM
This morning I went to the garage and finished the base coat.

(http://www.suitorsgarage.com/jsuitor/basedone1.jpg)

(http://www.suitorsgarage.com/jsuitor/basedone2.jpg)

(http://www.suitorsgarage.com/jsuitor/basedone3.jpg)

Then this afternoon I put on a few coats of clear.

(http://www.suitorsgarage.com/jsuitor/cabcleared1.jpg)

(http://www.suitorsgarage.com/jsuitor/cabcleared2.jpg)

(http://www.suitorsgarage.com/jsuitor/cabcleared3.jpg)

(http://www.suitorsgarage.com/jsuitor/cabcleared4.jpg)


This is just one of those random pictures that was on my phone that tells it like it was after I got done priming friday night. The wife sent me a text asking how it was going/how long I was going to be. This was my response to her.  ;D

(http://www.suitorsgarage.com/jsuitor/budlightprimer.jpg)
Title: Re: Ground up 86 4x4
Post by: Bitzer! on December 19, 2011, 05:14:05 PM

Coming along nicely and soooooo much room!!
Title: Re: Ground up 86 4x4
Post by: bake74 on December 19, 2011, 10:25:07 PM
      :D A picture is worth a thousand words.  ;D
Title: Re: Ground up 86 4x4
Post by: heavychevy91 on December 20, 2011, 03:18:38 PM
Looking great! I love following this build. You do some nice work.
Title: Re: Ground up 86 4x4
Post by: thirsty on December 20, 2011, 04:35:26 PM
Thanks everyone for the compliments. It means a lot to me coming from this forum.

It's not perfect it has some orange peel in the clear (kinda fitting though considering the color that I chose) but overall I am happy with it. I really struggled with the inside of the roof and used a different gun for the clear. Live and learn I guess. I will probably redo what shows when I paint the rest of the truck if it bothers me. I never intended to build a show truck anyhow. And I am thrilled to accomplish what I have so far. Body work is not one of my strong points. I don't have the tools or the shop for it really, so I did most of it by hand. Then my paint booth...haha.

At least I can stop saying "I have got to finish that cab!".
Title: Re: Ground up 86 4x4
Post by: thirsty on December 23, 2011, 07:30:38 PM
Here is the update for today.
When I built the frame there were 8 bolts that needed to be changed out to longer ones at the rear of the front springs. They weren't long enough. I never ordered the right length metric bolts so today I drill them out to accept a 7/16" bolt and installed some grade 8 bolts. I should have just done that long ago. Then I sand blasted my body mount hardware and got it all painted with rust shield. Then we made some phone calls and got some guys and girls around and set the cab for the last time on my chassis. Of course then somebody mentioned beer and my wife (I love her) went right out to the beer store for us. And you know what happened to the rest of the evening...It didn't matter to me though, I was happy to have the cab back on and be able to throw some cold ones back with the guys that dropped everything to set the cab with me.

(http://www.suitorsgarage.com/jsuitor/cab12-23-11-1.jpg)

(http://www.suitorsgarage.com/jsuitor/cab12-23-11-2.jpg)

(http://www.suitorsgarage.com/jsuitor/cab12-23-11-3.jpg)
Title: Re: Ground up 86 4x4
Post by: thirsty on December 23, 2011, 07:51:25 PM
I also want to add that SGarage was there tonight. Like usual when push comes to shove and something needs to get done he is there. Without his input and help this truck would not be this far along. Not only is he my brother, he is the one that takes the good pictures that I post here. Most are just off my phone like tonight's pictures but when he is there he breaks out the camera gear that is worth more than my truck and subjects it to a real harsh environment and usually some drunk people too. Just as good as working on this truck with him is discussing 73-87's with him over a beer next to the woodstove on a stormy december night. I had a blast tonight!!!
Title: Re: Ground up 86 4x4
Post by: firefighter on December 23, 2011, 07:57:43 PM
Well look at you. The cab is back in place.
Man, that has to be a great feeling!! Congrats!!
I hope to be at the same place..... well..... soon.

Question, after you primed the cab, of course you have to sand before paint. Did you sand everything, or just the outside? I mean, did you sand the area inside the cab behind the seat? Did you sand the the inner side of the roof? I'm just wondering how far people take the sanding before paint.

So yes, tonight is a time of celebration for you. The truck looks great !!
Title: Re: Ground up 86 4x4
Post by: thirsty on December 23, 2011, 08:11:21 PM
Thanks firefighter!
I sanded the the outside the interior roof, the dash area, but not behind the seat.
How about yours? Weren't you supposed to be slinging some primer today?
Title: Re: Ground up 86 4x4
Post by: firefighter on December 23, 2011, 08:27:24 PM
How about yours? Weren't you supposed to be slinging some primer today?

Just getting ready to update my thread.   :)
Title: Re: Ground up 86 4x4
Post by: Project86 on December 23, 2011, 08:39:54 PM
Looking good! Like your color choice. Wish I had the space and equipment (skill/experience also) to do my own paint.
Title: Re: Ground up 86 4x4
Post by: thirsty on December 23, 2011, 09:08:39 PM
I am really happy with the paint choice. It is a hard color to take a picture of that shows how it really looks. Tonight's pictures are pretty accurate though. Changing colors at the last minute did not come without a price. I had gotten some nice burgundy interior pieces to replace mine that was pretty rough, usable but already well used...lol Well I knew it might not look too good with the new color but hoped for the best. I was wrong. The new color makes my new interior look more purple than burgundy. So my interior will be temporary until I can find another color for it. First choice is black, then brown, then tan, then gray.
Title: Re: Ground up 86 4x4
Post by: bake74 on December 24, 2011, 03:49:52 AM
It,s going to be great to see it all back together.  Make sure the pics keep coming, it is an inspiration to everyone else to work on their trucks.
Title: Re: Ground up 86 4x4
Post by: SGarage on December 24, 2011, 08:24:43 AM
And you know what happened to the rest of the evening...It didn't matter to me though, I was happy to have the cab back on and be able to throw some cold ones back with the guys that dropped everything to set the cab with me.

(http://www.suitorsgarage.com/dpreviewforums/12231130truck.jpg)


Title: Re: Ground up 86 4x4
Post by: Bitzer! on December 24, 2011, 09:20:32 AM

Now thats what I call an Xmas present!
Title: Re: Ground up 86 4x4
Post by: SGarage on December 25, 2011, 03:53:16 PM
We were all out hanging around the garage today and talking about the history of that Chevy 4X4. The first rebuild project on it started in 2002.  Good projects take a long time to mature.

John's daughter Amber in September of 2002:

(http://www.suitorsgarage.com/dpreviewforums/amber1.jpg)

(http://www.suitorsgarage.com/dpreviewforums/amber2.jpg)


Amber today:

(http://www.suitorsgarage.com/dpreviewforums/amber3.jpg)

Merry Christmas everyone!

Title: Re: Ground up 86 4x4
Post by: thirsty on December 25, 2011, 04:39:21 PM
Yeah...that seems like it was forever ago when we rebuilt the truck then. She was just a little garage brat then. haha She still loves Daddy's truck though!

I can remember after that rebuild saying "I'm gonna drive it like that for a while then paint it". I didn't lie, just didn't think I was going to drive it for years then do a frame off, then decide to replace everything except the axles and transmission.
Title: Re: Ground up 86 4x4
Post by: thirsty on December 28, 2011, 11:09:03 PM
It has been like Christmas in the garage (if you like used Chevy parts  :D )
I had a whole shed full of parts so I lugged a bunch in and had to go through the boxes to find all the parts I need to put the cab together and wire it. I took my original cab apart years ago and have had a few parts rigs since too. So that shed was full of stuff, some real good stuff and some not so good stuff too. I got a lot of truck junk I'm realizing!

I had the garage all cleaned up over the holiday but this is what it looks like now. About half of the stuff isn't shown in the pic. This is actually sorted.
(http://www.suitorsgarage.com/jsuitor/wiringmess.jpg)

I put my known good harness in the cab along with the heater stuff and pedals. My harness had quite a memory to it from being coiled in a box for a years so I had to just let it hang in the truck for a day before putting it right exactly where it needed to go. The mice never found it in the shed so I was excited about that.

(http://www.suitorsgarage.com/jsuitor/wiringstarted.jpg)

The wiring is almost complete now.



Title: Re: Ground up 86 4x4
Post by: bake74 on December 29, 2011, 12:44:35 AM
     Will be exciting when it starts looking like a truck cab again, soon you will have the dash back in and then on to windows and doors.  Never knew it was a stick, I prefer sticks myself.
Title: Re: Ground up 86 4x4
Post by: thirsty on December 29, 2011, 06:55:21 AM
I also have an issue now with the interior. Since I changed the color of the truck my interior color doesn't look good at all. So my interior is now temporary until I can find another one in a color that matches. I was excited to have a nice interior for this. I have got my interior sold to someone as soon as I can find another. I want black but with the lack of these trucks around here that might be a hard find. Second choice is brown, then tan, then gray. Last option is painting mine.

Here is what I got for it a while back.
(http://www.suitorsgarage.com/jsuitor/091309.jpg)

And the blazer seats that I was going to put on my old Aris seat.
(http://www.suitorsgarage.com/projects/86chevy4x4/images/110709182.jpg)

The old seat brought in. It used to be nice but looks like garbage in the painted cab now.
(http://www.suitorsgarage.com/jsuitor/oldseat2.jpg)
Title: Re: Ground up 86 4x4
Post by: firefighter on December 29, 2011, 11:25:15 AM
Well lookie who has a manual transmission. I don't see those too often. My current (drive while I'm rebuilding my other) truck is a 76 2WD 4 speed (granny low) truck and I love it. It's great to teach the kids and wife how to drive a clutch vehicle. I think all kids need to learn how to drive with a clutch if possible.

You've been making some progress!!
Do you have AC?
Are you using any type of firewall / floor insulating blanket or noise dampening material?
Are your tires 33" tall?

Keep up the great work.
I have a 4 day weekend this weekend and I hope to get a few things done.
Title: Re: Ground up 86 4x4
Post by: 1979C20 on December 29, 2011, 11:35:42 AM
Those look bigger than 33's, I have 33's on my truck and they don't look nearly as big as those next to my girlfriend.
Title: Re: Ground up 86 4x4
Post by: VileZambonie on December 29, 2011, 12:38:34 PM
Looks awesome! I would be afraid to let my daughter (if I had one) around my buddy's lol I'm planning on putting my cab on today if everyone shows up!
Title: Re: Ground up 86 4x4
Post by: thirsty on December 29, 2011, 07:14:13 PM
Good guess on the tires, they are 33". Just the dash is A/C. the truck doesn't have it and where we live we don't really need it so to me it wasn't worth putting A/C in. Nice dash though. As far as the firewall I used my old insulation and floor will be painted with bed liner then maybe sound deadener under some insulation and hopefully a rubber mat. On the floor I only have the bed liner done around the edges. I wanted to get the interior in it first then do floor and let it sit for a while.

Those sm465 trannies are fun to drive. I have had so many stick trucks that I am sick of them now. Not this truck though  ;D Somehow I keep getting deals on sticks for work trucks so I buy them but like I always say the next one will be auto...haha

Looks awesome! I would be afraid to let my daughter (if I had one) around my buddy's lol I'm planning on putting my cab on today if everyone shows up!
When it comes to the daughter...it's not my buddies that I worry about, it's the young bucks that seem to show up whenever she is at the garage  :o

Don't forget to takes some pics Vile. We've all been waiting to see that 74 again.
Title: Re: Ground up 86 4x4
Post by: jdl71 on December 29, 2011, 07:40:57 PM
Love, love, love the color. Lookin good!
Title: Re: Ground up 86 4x4
Post by: firefighter on December 30, 2011, 06:58:07 AM
Thanks for the info. thirsty.
I'm going to use some sort of insulating / sound deadening material but haven't decided what yet. I've read quite a few posts from people here using many different products. I didn't really use anything when I rebuilt the truck the last time so using anything this time will be a bonus.

I'm really torn as to what I want to do. I have a 4" suspension lift and I know 33's would fit with NO modifications. 35's may fit with a little fender trimming. Just not sure if I really want to trim fenders and then what if I don't trim them enough and hit a nasty bump out in the timber and the tire catches the fender?
Will the 33's fill up the wheelwells enough to make it look proportionate?

I don't have AC either. A few days out of the year it would be nice, but all the added parts to have it don't offset what it would take to add it. Under the dash is way easier to work on without it.   ;D

Have a great weekend sir.
Title: Re: Ground up 86 4x4
Post by: thirsty on December 30, 2011, 06:35:46 PM
So today I didn't do a bunch of work on the truck. We did go to visit blazin though. I had talked to him about a windshield out of one of his parts rigs. It was about 70 miles away so SGarage and I loaded into his magnum and headed out. Talking squarebodies the whole way of course.

This is what we saw when we pulled in. Your typical NH plowtruck.
(http://www.suitorsgarage.com/jsuitor/plowrig.jpg)

He had it all cut out just sitting in the truck waiting for us to show.
(http://www.suitorsgarage.com/jsuitor/blazin1.jpg)

I got to tell you guys that I have dealt with blazin before, Genuine Nice Guy!
We talked about my truck and where I was at with the built and before long blazin offered to let go of some parts that I could use.
This is part of my new interior that I got off blazin. He even helped me out even though he said he didn't feel that well. Oh yeah forgot to mention is was about 15 degrees F. out this morning too.
(http://www.suitorsgarage.com/jsuitor/blazin2.jpg)

This is some of the stuff back at the garage. It's going to look much better than the burgundy stuff that I thought I was stuck with. Good thing we loaded the windshield first, I probably would have forgotten it after getting the interior pieces.
(http://www.suitorsgarage.com/jsuitor/grayparts.jpg)

Overall it was a great day. Drove down with SGarage, got to catch up with blazin, got the glass that I needed, and got some other great stuff for the truck.
Thanks again blazin!
Title: Re: Ground up 86 4x4
Post by: Blazin on December 30, 2011, 09:35:52 PM
Not a problem. It all would have gone into storage and not got used for years knowing me!!!
I'm kinda of a packrat!!
Title: Re: Ground up 86 4x4
Post by: VileZambonie on December 31, 2011, 10:21:57 AM
Awesome! I wish we all lived closer -we'd probably have a lot of that going on as well as bigger beer bellies! One of these days I'll get up your way Harold...
Title: Re: Ground up 86 4x4
Post by: Blazin on December 31, 2011, 11:19:22 AM
This coming summer, motorcycle week?
Title: Re: Ground up 86 4x4
Post by: thirsty on January 01, 2012, 10:32:10 AM
This coming summer, motorcycle week?
That would be a good time and place to have a 73-87 get together. Or if anybody that rides wants to Cruise up into the mountains 1 1/2 hrs. north of bike week (which a lot of bikes do) I would be more than happy to supply the destination and some lunch.
Title: Re: Ground up 86 4x4
Post by: VileZambonie on January 01, 2012, 11:42:20 AM
I'd have to put the cushy seat on my bike for that trip! Are there helmet laws up there?
Title: Re: Ground up 86 4x4
Post by: thirsty on January 01, 2012, 01:17:45 PM
Still no helmet or seat belt laws in NH.
Sometimes though in our garage depending on how much we drink helmets and seat belts are recommended........ha-ha Would hate to see somebody fall out of a lawn chair and hit their head!
Title: Re: Ground up 86 4x4
Post by: VileZambonie on January 01, 2012, 06:09:20 PM
I would love to see that! lol That reminds me of a chair my buddy had in his garage. It was one of those directors chairs and I pulled the dowels out that hold the seat in so when he sat in it he went right through the chair with his knees to his face as he was stuck helplessly is his chair he loved so much. LOL
Title: Re: Ground up 86 4x4
Post by: thirsty on January 02, 2012, 06:21:18 PM
Been working on the cab wiring lately. The biggest obstacle was the amount of time it has been since I took my wiring out of the original cab. Also along with the wiring goes all the duct work and such. I didn't plan on everything being boxed up and stored for this long so I had a lot of stuff to go thru plus I had plenty of spare parts to weed out to find the best ones. Had to do a few things more than once to get it right but it was rewarding assembling the interior knowing that it won't be going into boxes again.

It looked like this for a few evenings.
(http://www.suitorsgarage.com/jsuitor/cabwiring.jpg)

While I was working on it my helper decided he owned it. I have been building the truck longer than we have had him so he never got to ride in it but he does know how it is built he's been supervising my build his whole life.
(http://www.suitorsgarage.com/jsuitor/oscarseat.jpg)

Finally got the dash done except for a couple of connections at the fuse panel for accessories  that I want to put better fuse holders in.
(http://www.suitorsgarage.com/jsuitor/newdash1.jpg)

I really like the new look. Thanks to Blazin I won't have a red interior anymore!
(http://www.suitorsgarage.com/jsuitor/newdash2.jpg)

For the interior all I need is a different seat and seat belts. And I am leaning towards going back to crank windows after I gave away my nice regulators. When the seat comes out again the floor will get coated with bed liner. Future flooring will be sound deadener and a new rubber mat.
Title: Re: Ground up 86 4x4
Post by: thirsty on January 02, 2012, 06:41:59 PM
I would love to see that! lol That reminds me of a chair my buddy had in his garage. It was one of those directors chairs and I pulled the dowels out that hold the seat in so when he sat in it he went right through the chair with his knees to his face as he was stuck helplessly is his chair he loved so much. LOL
Best garage chair I have ever seen is at my buddy's. He has a wheelchair. We have a blast screwing around with that when we start drinking beer. Then if you drink too much you can get wheeled out and dumped into a passenger's seat and delivered home. That chair has been used with a helmet before! We really should at least put an outdated harness from one of the stock cars on it cause it has been in a few wrecks over the years. Safety first right?
Title: Re: Ground up 86 4x4
Post by: Blazin on January 02, 2012, 09:14:12 PM
Dash looks allot better in that than it did in what it came out of!!!
I put a 8 place auxiliary fuse panel in YELWSNO to run plow lights, stereo, the crane etc. I ran 4 gauge wire from the battery to a 60 amp circuit breaker, then inside to the fuse panel. Its mounted above and to the center of the fuel pedal.
Title: Re: Ground up 86 4x4
Post by: bake74 on January 02, 2012, 10:27:57 PM
     Thirsty, truck is looking great.  Can not wait till I can get that far, it will be awhile though.
Title: Re: Ground up 86 4x4
Post by: firefighter on January 03, 2012, 04:26:03 PM
You are making some great progress!!
You made short work of getting the interior wiring, heater box and trim panels in.
I can't tell from the engine compartment if you have your wiring complete there or not. Have you been able to test all your electrical like lights and blower etc... ?
Keep up the great work. You've got to be happy with how your project is moving along !!
Title: Re: Ground up 86 4x4
Post by: thirsty on January 03, 2012, 07:36:20 PM
     Thirsty, truck is looking great.  Can not wait till I can get that far, it will be awhile though.
I still got a long way to go. Right now I have time to work on it just no funds can be put towards it until work picks up so the rest of the body work is on hold. That's why I did the cab only, so I could work on it without spending a bunch this winter.

I can't tell from the engine compartment if you have your wiring complete there or not. Have you been able to test all your electrical like lights and blower etc... ?
I'm working on the firewall stuff now but the engine is wired just not connected to the cab yet. I have a ton of cleaning up of stuff to do before it all gets installed. Once the firewall is complete I planned on testing as much of it as I can before I move on to fuel and brakes. Then it will be all about engine and exhaust.

Tonight I just painted some small stuff for the firewall and also the black part of my drip rails. There was red over spray on most of the firewall stuff and I can't bring myself to install it like that.
Title: Re: Ground up 86 4x4
Post by: Project86 on January 03, 2012, 08:46:18 PM
Are you going to put any type of a gasket between your drip rails and the cab? When I removed mine there was thin gasket stuck to the drip rail but it got pretty well destroyed in the process. I haven't figured out what I'm going to put in it's place yet.
Title: Re: Ground up 86 4x4
Post by: thirsty on January 03, 2012, 08:57:05 PM
Mine is good still. You can buy 1/2" trim adhesive that should work perfect. Any parts store should have it. Matter of fact I have seen it at Walmart I think.
Title: Re: Ground up 86 4x4
Post by: thirsty on January 08, 2012, 06:31:58 PM
Things are coming together. It doesn't look like much work has been done but there is a lot less grease on all the firewall stuff  :D Clutch hydraulics are in. Pretty much been going thru the parts boxes deciding on the better of the duplicate parts that I have then cleaning and painting stuff before I installed it. Not show truck quality but it sure is more fun putting clean parts on.
(http://www.suitorsgarage.com/jsuitor/firewallwired.jpg)

Putting drip rails on fresh paint alone is trickier than you would think. I had to get some help with those before I scratched the truck.
(http://www.suitorsgarage.com/jsuitor/driprail.jpg)

After I put my headlights in I hung my grill and headlight bezels just to make it look like a chevy.
One casualty of storage was a headlight bezel getting cracked.
(http://www.suitorsgarage.com/jsuitor/brokenbezel.jpg)
Title: Re: Ground up 86 4x4
Post by: bake74 on January 08, 2012, 08:09:14 PM
     You have got to be getting the jitters on getting it back together and on the road.
Title: Re: Ground up 86 4x4
Post by: Blazin on January 08, 2012, 09:21:48 PM
Looks good!!!
Title: Re: Ground up 86 4x4
Post by: thirsty on January 09, 2012, 10:32:18 PM
I put a 8 place auxiliary fuse panel in YELWSNO to run plow lights, stereo, the crane etc. I ran 4 gauge wire from the battery to a 60 amp circuit breaker, then inside to the fuse panel. Its mounted above and to the center of the fuel pedal.
When Blazin mentioned this before I didn't think I needed to go to that much trouble but I think I will look into my options for this. I forgot about wiring an electric fuel pump and then realized that I am going to have a few more pieces of spaghetti under the dash than I want and I might need better tunes in the future so another small fuse panel might be the best solution.


Tonight I was working on the fuel tank ground and decided that I needed to go get all the fuel stuff out of the shed and install tank. I had a fair tank with brackets that I blasted when I did my frame but acquired an almost new tank and brackets. There was just a small amount of fuel left in the tank, maybe a cup full. After I got that out I used a rag to soak up the rest...this is where it get funny. Had a fire going in the woodstove so I took the rag inside to burn it. Thinking that I may have a bit too much on that rag I threw it in anyway. The fire was down to coals and the rag landed right on some nice orange coals as I slammed the door shut...no poof. I waited a minute then looked and the rag only burned the parts that were dry. It looked like gas, smelled like gas, but burned like antifreeze. The tank was in a truck that was running last June. Must have been safety gas!

For fun stuff I removed the vinyl off the center of my grill. Stole the idea from one of Blazin's trucks. I never noticed it was vinyl, thought it was paint and planned on just repainting it until I told Blazin that I liked the grill on one of his trucks...he had to tell me it was stock with the vinyl removed! :o It was worth being an idiot for a minute because now that I have done it to mine I like it better than paint.

Before when it was red.
(http://www.suitorsgarage.com/jsuitor/brokenbezel.jpg)

After some elbow grease.
(http://www.suitorsgarage.com/jsuitor/chromegrill1.jpg)

(http://www.suitorsgarage.com/jsuitor/chromegrill2.jpg)
Title: Re: Ground up 86 4x4
Post by: firefighter on January 10, 2012, 06:59:29 AM
Oh yes, I like the grill a whole lot better that way !!
You mean the original grill had some kind of colored sticker on it? Hmmm..... I never would have guessed that.

Wow, it doesn't sound like the liquid that was still left in the gas tank was very flammable. Good thing you drained it.   ;D

Keep up the great progress buddy!!
Title: Re: Ground up 86 4x4
Post by: bake74 on January 10, 2012, 07:47:05 AM
     You know thirsty, if you threw a bumper on that truck it would almost look like you could drive it.   8)
Title: Re: Ground up 86 4x4
Post by: thirsty on January 10, 2012, 11:33:37 AM
     You know thirsty, if you threw a bumper on that truck it would almost look like you could drive it.   8)
It's getting pretty close to coming alive again!
Tonight I will work on the fuel system again. I had to paint a strap on the tank so I let it dry overnight. Then in a nutshell what will need to get done before I start it is wire stuff like tach, temp, fuel pump in the engine compartment, and test the wiring, coolant hoses, build a rear end, rebuild a carb, tune up parts, put some brakes on it...etc.
I can't do the exhaust yet because I am just redneck enough to want the first start to be with open headers  ;D
Title: Re: Ground up 86 4x4
Post by: jdl71 on January 10, 2012, 09:07:42 PM
You mean there's another way to do the first start?  ;D
Title: Re: Ground up 86 4x4
Post by: johnhood on January 12, 2012, 12:19:06 AM
Truck looks great im gonna have to find me an orginal grill so i can have a little chrome goin keep up the good work i look forward to seeing your next progress
Title: Re: Ground up 86 4x4
Post by: thirsty on January 13, 2012, 07:59:29 AM
The other day I was cleaning up and went to get rid of this box when I notice the date that was written on it. My gas tank started to leak so I pulled it out and decided to not run my truck on the road anymore until I fixed it up. I rigged up a gas can hook up for when I wanted to move my truck around the yard or in and out of the garage but that was the last time I actually drove my truck on the road. I didn't think it had been that long!
(http://www.suitorsgarage.com/jsuitor/boxsept06.jpg)


I recently learned that when you do a frame off build, and paint every single thing, grounds turn into quite a pain. There are quite a few  :o and it is something that I didn't want to mess with down the road so I have been making sure they are done right the first time without compromising any painted surface. I found a few places that I forgot about and didn't have bolts in to cover up the steel before paint like the horn and fuel gauge sending unit.
Anyway that is why I wanted to test everything while it was easiest. So far everything has worked except the wiper motor. I blamed it on the wiring of course but come to find out it was the motor that I used. I used a different one because mine had the random wipers would come on every once in a while issue. After wasting a bunch of time without finding a problem I plugged my old on in and it worked fine.

After deciding to do this build in 2006 it is pretty exciting to see things like the lights working again. Had to go get the wife and show her...LOOK! LOOK! she was happy to see it also.
So I thought I better share it here too.
(http://www.suitorsgarage.com/jsuitor/testinglights.jpg)
Title: Re: Ground up 86 4x4
Post by: SGarage on January 13, 2012, 08:11:57 AM
Kinda makes me feel like a deer!
Title: Re: Ground up 86 4x4
Post by: thirsty on January 13, 2012, 07:06:37 PM
Not much of an update for being in the garage all afternoon.
SGarage was here and helped me take the old seat out so I can coat the floor with bed liner. Then while there were two of us here we put the rear glass in. I was sick of having it laying around the garage taking up space. The rear glass is a piece of cake to install. Took all of 5-10 minutes. I spent more time cleaning it than we did putting it in.
The rest of the afternoon was spent talking to one of our auto parts vendors that stopped by with a box of cold ones that they figured was owed to SGarage for what he has done for them with their vintage race sled. It's not everyday that the owner's of a parts store stop by just to sit by the wood stove and talk shop over a beer so we had to oblige.

I went with a solid back window this time around.
(http://www.suitorsgarage.com/jsuitor/solidbackglass.jpg)
Title: Re: Ground up 86 4x4
Post by: Blazin on January 13, 2012, 08:09:51 PM
Looking good.
 Sorry I didn't reply to the text the other night, I was plowing. By the time I got home it was pushing midnight, and I crashed out!
Title: Re: Ground up 86 4x4
Post by: firefighter on January 13, 2012, 11:39:09 PM
Wow, that paint sure looks nice and shiny thirsty.
It's great to see the back window in too. One step at a time.
Did I see a fender on in one of the previous pictures? I have both my fenders mocked on right now but it seems like I'm gonna be fighting with them to fit to the doors. I've never aligned fenders to the doors before and I'm way scared it's gonna be ugly.

Could all of use followers of your thread please have a picture of this famous "wood stove"?  It sure gets brought up a lot.  ;D

Edit to add: My wish already came true, the famous wood stove is pictured in another thread. What a good lookin wood stove!!
I can now see why so many things are solved around this thing. I'd be honored to be there with some of you guys.
When is the next board meeting?
Title: Re: Ground up 86 4x4
Post by: thirsty on January 14, 2012, 07:35:50 AM
Could all of use followers of your thread please have a picture of this famous "wood stove"?  It sure gets brought up a lot.  ;D

Edit to add: My wish already came true, the famous wood stove is pictured in another thread. What a good lookin wood stove!!
I can now see why so many things are solved around this thing. I'd be honored to be there with some of you guys.
When is the next board meeting?

Here it is. Not the most efficient stove but it does the job. Doubles as the hot water heater too.
When it's cold outside that stove is the first place everybody goes to when they walk in (well maybe they might hit the fridge first but that is on the way to the stove!)
(http://www.suitorsgarage.com/jsuitor/woodstove.jpg)

Board meetings are unscheduled and impromtu and happen whenever wrenches aren't being turned. We do really enjoy sitting around the stove and welcome anybody to enjoy it with us. Oscar is a board member also. You can see how serious he is about listening to my buddy.
(http://www.suitorsgarage.com/jsuitor/oscarwoodstove2.jpg)
Title: Re: Ground up 86 4x4
Post by: VileZambonie on January 14, 2012, 12:47:54 PM
Thirsty,

The chrome head light bezels would look nice with that grille.
Title: Re: Ground up 86 4x4
Post by: thirsty on January 14, 2012, 01:06:00 PM
I was thinking that too Vile. I hadn't looked into if they were made for that vintage front end.
Title: Re: Ground up 86 4x4
Post by: VileZambonie on January 14, 2012, 01:09:17 PM
They are and they look real good
Title: Re: Ground up 86 4x4
Post by: thirsty on January 16, 2012, 04:09:35 PM
The other day I painted the floor. When I had a seat in it I decided that I wanted to see some of the color on the seat hump when the door was open. Seemed like a good idea when I had the seat in but when I took the masking off I really didn't like the look. The finished floor will have a rubber mat someday and with the seat in it hopefully it will look the way I wanted it to. If not I can always paint the rest or if I change my mind and use carpet it won't show anyway.

(http://www.suitorsgarage.com/projects/86chevy4x4/images/01141210.jpg)


Just about everything that I have for this truck is filthy! I spend a fair amount of time cleaning stuff before I can install it.

(http://www.suitorsgarage.com/projects/86chevy4x4/images/01141215.jpg)

(http://www.suitorsgarage.com/projects/86chevy4x4/images/01141218.jpg)



Did I see a fender on in one of the previous pictures? I have both my fenders mocked on right now but it seems like I'm gonna be fighting with them to fit to the doors. I've never aligned fenders to the doors before and I'm way scared it's gonna be ugly.
Yup I did have a fender on it. I had to move one the other day and while it was in my hands I couldn't resist walking into the garage with it and hanging it on there for a day or two. After I get it running and moving I'm going to assemble the rest of the body. Two reasons why, first is to align the whole body to the chassis so the cab is right where it needs to be, second is for making sure I have all the right bolts and shims in the right places like a trial fit so I don't struggle so much with fresh paint on everything.

Make sure you tape everything off when you align everything and it will less ugly for ya. ;D
Title: Re: Ground up 86 4x4
Post by: thirsty on January 23, 2012, 08:18:06 PM
Last Friday I worked on the motor some to get it closer to firing up. I needed to change some fittings on the engine to hook up my heater core. Then I started playing with carburetors deciding which I should use. Decided on the holley that has been sitting on the engine right along. It had an aftermarket throttle bracket on it that I didn't like so I dug out a gm one, cleaned it, painted it, installed it, then realized that it must have come off a car because it was too far back for my cable to work. The one that was on the motor that I took out of the truck was the wrong one too, cut and bent to make work, looked like crap and just had one bolt to hold it in place. So I put the aftermarket one back on. Something just seemed off with the pedal travel. I messed with it for a long time. I took that stuff apart in 2009. Knowing this is a simple thing I was getting frustrated. Went to the computer to do a search also knowing that nobody would have ever asked a question like this and didn't find anything. I needed a truck to look at but there aren't any squares around my area.

Then I had an idea after seeing what members where online so I did this.
(http://www.suitorsgarage.com/projects/86chevy4x4/images/01201215.jpg)
I had a feeling that Firefighter would be turning wrenches on his 76. Contacted him and he confirmed that I had it right and the pedal travel was the same as his. Sgarage took this picture of me while I was talking to Firefighter. We took right care of business with the measurements then had some great conversation about our trucks, Thanks again Firefighter!
Title: Re: Ground up 86 4x4
Post by: firefighter on January 23, 2012, 08:30:27 PM
I had a feeling that Firefighter would be turning wrenches on his 76. Contacted him and he confirmed that I had it right and the pedal travel was the same as his. Sgarage took this picture of me while I was talking to Firefighter. We took right care of business with the measurements then had some great conversation about our trucks, Thanks again Firefighter!

You are more than welcome friend. I'd be happy to help you any time.
It was great to chat with you on the phone about your question, your truck and a bit about you. If we lived closer, we'd share stories around the wood stove no doubt.
I'm sure we'll talk again and I look forward to it.
You've got a great truck for sure !!
Title: Re: Ground up 86 4x4
Post by: thirsty on January 23, 2012, 09:10:29 PM
Sunday we got the bed from out behind the garage before it was snowed in for the winter. They are heavy enough without a bunch of ice in the wheel wells. I had it upside down sitting on 4x4's. After we got in we stood it on end to melt all of the ice. Tonight I really wanted to move it but there was only two of us at the garage. I came up with a plan that worked pretty good. We got it moved under the access hole to the attic and I hooked a chain fall to a 4x4 then to the bed, and put the engine crane on the headboard. Picked up with the crane and lowered the chain fall at the same time.

Couldn't resist continuing so it ended up on the truck too. I wanted it on to align everything once before more paint anyway and takes up less room in the garage.
(http://www.suitorsgarage.com/jsuitor/withbedjan2012.jpg)

(http://www.suitorsgarage.com/jsuitor/2withbedjan2012.jpg)
Title: Re: Ground up 86 4x4
Post by: bake74 on January 24, 2012, 06:31:11 AM
     What do you know, it kinda looks like a truck.   ;D  I bet you are just itching to get it back together, it sure going to look great when it put back together.  Keep up the great work Thirsty.

                                               Tom
Title: Re: Ground up 86 4x4
Post by: thirsty on January 24, 2012, 07:23:08 AM
I just looked back through this thread and it has slowly started to turn into a truck again.

(http://www.suitorsgarage.com/jsuitor/frameontrailer.jpg)
I got to get it running soon it is starting to get real heavy again  ;D
Title: Re: Ground up 86 4x4
Post by: thirsty on January 26, 2012, 08:03:00 PM
I got a small update.
I never painted my door hinges when I did my cab. I was going to have a friend do it for me because he paints quite a few repair panels at his shop. I thought it would be easier if he had the stuff out already and he said "Sure I'll let you know next time I paint something". Well you know how that always works. It never got done and I wanted to put my doors on and start lining things up so I can move on to some more work. So tonight I got everything out and did it myself.

I know it's not much to show but it is what I did.  ;D

(http://www.suitorsgarage.com/jsuitor/hinge.jpg)

(http://www.suitorsgarage.com/jsuitor/hingebolts.jpg)
Title: Re: Ground up 86 4x4
Post by: Blazin on January 26, 2012, 08:39:43 PM
Cool. I have white door hinge bolts on YELOSNO!!!
Title: Re: Ground up 86 4x4
Post by: thirsty on January 26, 2012, 10:06:27 PM
That's funny Blazin...Mine were yellow before tonight.
Title: Re: Ground up 86 4x4
Post by: bake74 on January 27, 2012, 06:03:42 AM
     Hey Thirsty, got a question.  When you paint the hinges, do you have to let them dry and rotate the hinge to paint the part that did not get paint, or do they come apart so the whole thing get a coat the first time ? 
     I am just curious since they roll on the hinge part.
Title: Re: Ground up 86 4x4
Post by: Blazin on January 27, 2012, 06:10:11 AM
I wish you would have spoke up before you said somethin! I woulda traded ya!
Title: Re: Ground up 86 4x4
Post by: firefighter on January 27, 2012, 06:36:50 AM
Way to go thirsty !!

You say "I know it's not much to show" but anyone who's done a build knows each step is an absolute milestone.
The hinges look great and the cardboard holder is a great idea for painting the bolt heads. I'll have to end up going back with a small brush to touch up a few small detail things I didn't get when I was painting some of the bigger stuff.

Keep up the good work. I get excited for ya every time you post another accomplishment!!
Title: Re: Ground up 86 4x4
Post by: thirsty on January 27, 2012, 12:10:34 PM
@ bake74, I painted them together because my pins and bushings are still good. I did have to paint them and then move the hinges around and paint them again. It was a pain, would be much easier to paint them in pieces.

@ Blazin, that's why you need to stop by the garage. ;D I would have just given you them if I knew. Really didn't matter to me what color they were before I painted them, I just had the yellow ones handy. If I come across any more yellow body bolts while I am assembling the body I will set em' aside for you.

@ firefighter, not much to show but those 4 hinges and 22 bolts took a long time to clean, scuff, paint, and clear. The only reason that I took them off was to be able to get them clean enough for paint. They were covered in the wax type undercoating, over spray, and regular grease too.
Title: Re: Ground up 86 4x4
Post by: thirsty on January 27, 2012, 07:18:41 PM
Today I started on the fitting the doors. So far it wasn't too bad. I still need to do another side and the hood then make sure everything is square and lined up on the chassis correctly. After that I am sure there will be some more adjustments/tweaks to make.

The left side sheet metal is on.
(http://www.suitorsgarage.com/jsuitor/leftsidealignment.jpg)
Title: Re: Ground up 86 4x4
Post by: Jason S on January 27, 2012, 07:43:44 PM
So close...

It's not too late to remove the visor  ;D
Title: Re: Ground up 86 4x4
Post by: 87454westernhauler on January 27, 2012, 08:04:49 PM
i love the look of the visors!! ;D i just cant find one!! lol!
Title: Re: Ground up 86 4x4
Post by: yellowk20 on January 27, 2012, 08:15:25 PM
I'm with yo
i love the look of the visors!! ;D i just cant find one!! lol!


I'm with you the Visors look good on these trucks AND they are still available you just have to lool
Title: Re: Ground up 86 4x4
Post by: thirsty on January 27, 2012, 09:43:51 PM
i love the look of the visors!! ;D i just cant find one!! lol!
Did you look in Vile's dumpster?  ;D
Title: Re: Ground up 86 4x4
Post by: 87454westernhauler on January 27, 2012, 10:13:04 PM
i should!! ;D havent scored any at my local bone yard yet but still on the hunt! 8)
Title: Re: Ground up 86 4x4
Post by: 1979C20 on January 27, 2012, 11:10:25 PM
i love the look of the visors!! ;D i just cant find one!! lol!
Did you look in Vile's dumpster?  ;D

Vile doesnt throw them away, he destroys them so nobody can have it.
Title: Re: Ground up 86 4x4
Post by: 87454westernhauler on January 27, 2012, 11:27:59 PM
i love the look of the visors!! ;D i just cant find one!! lol!
Did you look in Vile's dumpster?  ;D

Vile doesnt throw them away, he destroys them so nobody can have it.
hey now! lol!
Title: Re: Ground up 86 4x4
Post by: VileZambonie on January 28, 2012, 08:35:02 AM
I think the visor robs it of it's beautiful body lines and contours. Some guys like when girls where baseball hats some guys hate it. Some guys like visors, some hate em. Different strokes for different folks. I won't disrespect anyone's build over it but I might try to persuade you into not using it lol
Title: Re: Ground up 86 4x4
Post by: thirsty on January 28, 2012, 08:42:02 AM
We just like picking on you Vile!
Title: Re: Ground up 86 4x4
Post by: Bitzer! on January 28, 2012, 09:02:20 AM
Great build, looks like you're flying now.

However, you seem to have left a bird perch over the windscreen??

Only jesting, each to their own but I'm with Vile on this!
Title: Re: Ground up 86 4x4
Post by: VileZambonie on January 28, 2012, 10:11:10 AM
Bird Perch lol  :D
Title: Re: Ground up 86 4x4
Post by: bd on January 28, 2012, 01:08:33 PM
That IS funny - a pigeon roost!  HA!!! HA!!! HA!!!! HA!!!!!   ;D
I'll shut up now.
Title: Re: Ground up 86 4x4
Post by: ModelKing on January 29, 2012, 01:18:28 AM
Personally, I like the look of those visors, I wish I could find one around here.  :P

Anyway, It's lookin' great! I hope my truck looks half as good as yours!
Title: Re: Ground up 86 4x4
Post by: thirsty on February 08, 2012, 08:08:44 PM
Got no real updates but I do have a picture of it outside getting some fresh air.
Doesn't look very sunburst orange with all those multi colored panels on it.
(http://www.suitorsgarage.com/jsuitor/outfrontfeb2012.jpg)
Title: Re: Ground up 86 4x4
Post by: Blazin on February 08, 2012, 08:35:14 PM
Sweet!!!
Title: Re: Ground up 86 4x4
Post by: bake74 on February 09, 2012, 06:18:32 AM
     Thirsty, now that looks like a truck.  ;D  I can't wait to see it together and all one color, I have my guesses on what it will look like with the orange, but I will hold off for photo proof.
Title: Re: Ground up 86 4x4
Post by: thirsty on February 11, 2012, 11:15:04 PM
Saturday night not a wrench got turned! We did however discuss wrenches, trucks, daughters, wives, and my build at the weekly Suitor's Garage board meeting.

This is the result.
(http://www.suitorsgarage.com/jsuitor/booardmeeting.jpg)
Title: Re: Ground up 86 4x4
Post by: firefighter on February 11, 2012, 11:22:42 PM
Saturday night not a wrench got turned! We did however discuss wrenches, trucks, daughters, wives, and my build at the weekly Suitor's Garage board meeting.

Ha Ha !!!!
Sometimes a guy just needs a break from skinning his knuckles to reflect on his progress.     :)
Title: Re: Ground up 86 4x4
Post by: thirsty on February 15, 2012, 01:57:01 PM
Tomorrow night (hopefully) we are building the rearend!
Title: Re: Ground up 86 4x4
Post by: firefighter on February 15, 2012, 02:31:16 PM
Tomorrow night (hopefully) we are building the rearend!

Talk to me Goose, I don't understand.

Every picture I've seen here recently shows a completed rearend, doesn't it?
What exactly are you doing?
Title: Re: Ground up 86 4x4
Post by: thirsty on February 15, 2012, 02:59:56 PM
While I was working on it years ago when it was still mobile I used to be able to drive it in and out of the shop. One Saturday me and my son worked on his truck all day and I was going to put it back in. Then the budweiser took hold and I ended up doing a brake stand in front of the garage. One too many brake stands I suppose. The spider gears took a crap. Then I found that the cage in the 10 bolt was deformed where the pin goes thru. I've had the parts for a couple of years just never fixed it. I don't have the tools to set it up but have a friend that does and it is easier to do it here than take it to his shop.

Then I can finish the brakes!

This has been sitting on my bench for 2 years... ;D
(http://www.suitorsgarage.com/jsuitor/carrier.jpg)
Title: Re: Ground up 86 4x4
Post by: firefighter on February 15, 2012, 04:01:50 PM
Quote from: thirsty
Then the budweiser took hold and I ended up doing a brake stand in front of the garage.

I totally understood at this point.   ;D
Enuf said.
Hope you get it done!!
Title: Re: Ground up 86 4x4
Post by: 87454westernhauler on February 16, 2012, 08:29:59 PM
well i guess now is as good of time as any to rebuild the rear end!!!!
Title: Re: Ground up 86 4x4
Post by: thirsty on February 18, 2012, 01:34:11 PM
The other night we finally got together and set up the little 10 bolt.  :) I'm glad it's done finally. I hate having something hanging over my head that I can't do myself. Well I probably could have got it done without help but now I won't be wondering if I did it correctly. If I didn't mention it before, I got the carrier out of a 10 bolt front end. Same part numbers. Price was right too...Free.
(http://www.suitorsgarage.com/jsuitor/10bolt.jpg)

I never thought that I would forget how to put something together on this truck.  :o I had to really think about the rear brakes when I went to put them on. Ended up doing a dry run inside the drum to figure it out...haha
(http://www.suitorsgarage.com/jsuitor/brakedrum.jpg)
Title: Re: Ground up 86 4x4
Post by: VileZambonie on February 18, 2012, 01:52:17 PM
Maybe this will help  -It's the drivers side too btw
Title: Re: Ground up 86 4x4
Post by: thirsty on February 18, 2012, 02:36:48 PM
Appreciate it Vile. I did get it done the last night. It was not like I took it apart recently like I was changing brakes. I had the brakes all off it and in a box. Was thinking..."tonight I'm gonna put my rear brakes on. That will be easy." Got everything out and realized I didn't remember how all the springs went. It was easier to lay it out in the drum and figure out the puzzle. Normally it would take 5 or 10 minutes to assemble the brake components onto the backing plate. First one took me 30 minutes or so to get on there. Needless to say I was not the garage hero last night. In my defense though, I did figure it out.  ;D
Title: Re: Ground up 86 4x4
Post by: bake74 on February 19, 2012, 08:00:25 AM
      I feel your pain thirsty, when I did my front and rear end, I had everything apart for only 1 month.  I decided it was better if I went and looked up a diagram then have to take it apart again.
     I always say, if you have reference material use them, that is what they are there for.
Title: Re: Ground up 86 4x4
Post by: gto109 on February 19, 2012, 10:06:17 PM
Thirsty I  must say you have more patience then I do.  Mine isn't road legal yet and I already have it muddy.  I think this is the first time I've gone and read the whole thread as well.  Your trucks is coming along very nice.   I seen you have a broke headlight surround if you want I have a set I can send your way.
Title: Re: Ground up 86 4x4
Post by: thirsty on March 04, 2012, 03:31:42 PM
Yesterday we installed the windshield. I had Capt. get me a gasket. I had heard of so many people getting junk gaskets from about every company out there. When it comes to something like that I could not have a piece of junk so I left it in the hands of Capt. As usual he came through with a quality part. The gasket fit very well. That also made it a little hard to get it together. It was a lot more work than I had planned but wasn't too terrible either. I have changed a windshield in the past using the old gasket but never used a brand new gasket before. It makes it a little harder but it was worth it.

My nephew was in town to give me a hand with it. Started with the usual practice of cleaning.
(http://www.suitorsgarage.com/projects/86chevy4x4/images/030312.jpg)

Installed the gasket on the truck. This gasket was such a tight fit that we had to use a mallet to get it fully seated everywhere. I've heard too many times that the gaskets people bought were too big. Not the case with this gasket, it was the right size but you had to force it into the corners all the way.
(http://www.suitorsgarage.com/projects/86chevy4x4/images/0303129.jpg)

So far everything is going as planned.
(http://www.suitorsgarage.com/projects/86chevy4x4/images/03031232.jpg)

We got to this point before we really started to struggle.
(http://www.suitorsgarage.com/projects/86chevy4x4/images/03031243.jpg)

(http://www.suitorsgarage.com/projects/86chevy4x4/images/03031245.jpg)

Then right on cue one of our friends stopped by that just happens to be an old school body man.
(http://www.suitorsgarage.com/projects/86chevy4x4/images/03031247.jpg)

It just took a little more force than I was applying before to get it in. I had more confidence with Kevin there to help.
(http://www.suitorsgarage.com/projects/86chevy4x4/images/03031252.jpg)

Working in the self locking strip on the gasket was the most tedious part.
(http://www.suitorsgarage.com/projects/86chevy4x4/images/03031263.jpg)

After the locking strip was in all the way around it was time for a beer! I would be very surprised if this ever leaks. Let's hope, I wouldn't want to do it again.
Title: Re: Ground up 86 4x4
Post by: bake74 on March 04, 2012, 06:54:20 PM
      Lets hope it does not leak, or fall out going down the road either.  With neither of those happening, some time down the road if you ever have to replace it, the second time around it should be easier.
Title: Re: Ground up 86 4x4
Post by: thirsty on March 17, 2012, 05:32:46 PM
Well I had some issues with the start up but I managed to get it. The only video that came out acceptable was one with a fouled plug from all the mystery oil I put to it before starting it. It runs better now but here is proof that it did fire up. To bad it's a video of a 7 cylinder 350.
Title: Re: Ground up 86 4x4
Post by: bake74 on March 17, 2012, 08:43:57 PM
     So you got it to fire on all 8 ?  That has got to feel great and like you got a step in the right direction, I want to work on mine but with my job and house hunting it has been put on the back burner for now.  I guess I will have to live through everyone else right now.  Great job Thirsty, keep up the great work.
Title: Re: Ground up 86 4x4
Post by: thirsty on March 18, 2012, 09:34:15 AM
     So you got it to fire on all 8 ?
I planned on new plugs but not until after I fired it and blew what was left of the mystery oil out. The one plug that fouled was self inflicted. I had it all set to go then decided to connect my new temp sender wire. I pulled #1 wire so I could get to the sender easier. I found later that I didn't have it on all the way after I had started it once. Put another one in and it was an 8 cylinder again. I still need to rebuild the carb or at least try to adjust it some after I put some exhaust on it. It's way too loud to work on it with open headers. It ran rich when I got the motor and have not done anything about it yet.

This was definately a step in the right direction. I sometimes use our garage for some of my income and having an immobile lifted chevy in there all the time makes it hard. The more stuff that got installed on the truck, the harder it was to push back into the garage if I needed to take it out for any reason. Making it move under it's own power will be so much easier on me. And it might even make a little trip up and down the street just because it can!  ;D

I want to work on mine but with my job and house hunting it has been put on the back burner for now.  I guess I will have to live through everyone else right now.
Make sure your new house has a nice garage so we can see that 74 come together!
Title: Re: Ground up 86 4x4
Post by: bake74 on March 18, 2012, 09:16:27 PM
 
I want to work on mine but with my job and house hunting it has been put on the back burner for now.  I guess I will have to live through everyone else right now.
Make sure your new house has a nice garage so we can see that 74 come together!
[/quote]

     I have already been over this with my wife, it has to have a shop on it or I take over the garage.  (she hates to have her car parked outside, so I will win on this one  ;D).  We went and looked at some today, the one that I want is still for sale, got about 4 months before I can actually buy, but it looks promising, it has a shop separated from the house all set up already, nice and big.
     We shall see, then I will have to make sure I don't stay in the shop all the time, I know from experience that is not good.  :-\
Title: Re: Ground up 86 4x4
Post by: thirsty on March 27, 2012, 11:42:58 AM
I reached a milestone with my truck today! I drove it out of the garage under it's own power. Usually I push it out using wheel chocks to keep it from getting away from me before I crank the wheel and pull it out of the way with my daily driver. Then to put it back in I had to push it back, straighten the wheels and use chains and a come-a-long to get it back in the garage. Today though I just backed it out and parked it off to the side. Open headers still too. ;D

The other updates are small but significant. The brakes are all on and in working order. I screwed myself on the rear wheel cylinders. They were brand new when I took it apart. I never thought about moisture getting into them while in storage. They leaked terribly so I took them apart and tried to fix them. One just wouldn't stop leaking so I replaced them both. I should have known better.
The carburetor was a mess really. I stopped messing around with that too and bought a kit for it. Now all it needs is for the carb to be fine tuned and timed correctly.

Just being able to back it out of the garage so I could use that bay for some work today really made my day. Next is some temporary exhaust at least so I can tune it without all the neighbors within a quarter mile hearing it. :o
Title: Re: Ground up 86 4x4
Post by: firefighter on March 27, 2012, 03:39:09 PM
Now this is good news to sign on to. A milestone indeed thirsty !!!    8)

I know all too well how big of a step this is. I'm at the same point and it's so nice to know that I could walk in the shop 2 minutes from now and be backing the truck out.
After all the work we've both done, it's really cool that we both were able to drive our trucks out of the shop under their own power within 3 days of each other.

It's good to hear your motor is running good after the lock up problem and carb issue. You've got to be feeling good about that !!

Keep up the good work thirsty and I look forward to future updates.
Title: Re: Ground up 86 4x4
Post by: gto109 on March 27, 2012, 07:50:33 PM
Open headers on a good tuned motor sounds so good.  good to here your getting it almost finished.
Title: Re: Ground up 86 4x4
Post by: 87454westernhauler on June 28, 2012, 08:57:36 PM
hows the truck coming?
Title: Re: Ground up 86 4x4
Post by: thirsty on June 29, 2012, 09:40:40 AM
It's like a bottle of fine wine...I got it in the garage maturing before I open it up. ;D

Seriously though, It's waiting again until I can justify spending money on it. I didn't give up or forget about it. I'll post up the things that have been done and what's next soon.
Thanks for remembering the ole 86 87454westernhauler.
Title: Re: Ground up 86 4x4
Post by: bluecrew on July 04, 2012, 08:15:24 AM
Wow, one -_- build thread!  I'll be watching this one.  Just read the whole thing, impressive!
Title: Re: Ground up 86 4x4
Post by: thirsty on October 16, 2012, 11:19:14 PM
WOW! This guy needs to get going on that truck again and update this thread.

I just looked for some pictures I had in this thread for another member and realized how long it has been since I have done anything post-worthy to the truck.
Title: Re: Ground up 86 4x4
Post by: bake74 on October 17, 2012, 05:38:25 PM
WOW! This guy needs to get going on that truck again and update this thread.

I just looked for some pictures I had in this thread for another member and realized how long it has been since I have done anything post-worthy to the truck.

     If that is the case I must be in real trouble, I haven't been able to touch my truck since the begging of the year.   >:(
Title: Re: Ground up 86 4x4
Post by: gto109 on October 17, 2012, 06:31:12 PM
I am in trouble as well.  Mine has been sitting since March untouched other then minor issues.
Title: Re: Ground up 86 4x4
Post by: bd on October 17, 2012, 07:29:25 PM
Ditto!   :-[
Title: Re: Ground up 86 4x4
Post by: firefighter on December 27, 2012, 09:02:22 AM
Here is a voice from the past Mr. Thirsty.....

How ya been buddy?
Been making much progress on the truck this year?
I sure miss talkin to ya and hope you're doing well !!



Title: Re: Ground up 86 4x4
Post by: thirsty on December 27, 2012, 11:25:55 AM
Here is a voice from the past Mr. Thirsty.....
We thought you rode off into the sunset with Mrs. Firefighter in the new 76' :o

Only little things have been done to the truck this summer. That's about to change though. I plan to start working on the front sheet metal soon. Still haven't found the bed parts I need though. If I don't find what I need for it then I will have to fabricate some stuff and use patch panels on the sides. Not looking forward to that option.
Soon I hope to have some updates for the truck and life in the garage too. Just got to commit to starting on it.

Don't be a stranger around here firefighter! Or we will be forced to take back all the useless advise we gave you. ;D
Title: Re: Ground up 86 4x4
Post by: thirsty on April 11, 2014, 04:50:29 PM
I played with my truck some today. Here is some proof that it is still alive.

Title: Re: Ground up 86 4x4
Post by: Evolspecies on April 04, 2016, 09:53:56 AM
I know post is from a while ago but do you have anymore updates on your truck? 
Title: Re: Ground up 86 4x4
Post by: fitz on April 04, 2016, 12:05:36 PM
Thirsty hasn't posted on this site for a few years.
I hope he's doing well.
It would be interesting to see how the truck turned out.