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73-87 Chevy _ GMC Trucks => Members Rides => Topic started by: jeremy.farlow on February 11, 2020, 11:10:18 PM

Title: Hello all.
Post by: jeremy.farlow on February 11, 2020, 11:10:18 PM
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200212/d2cec7be8c059c72d00fd22921e792d2.jpg)

Howdy, I’m Jeremy and I’m looking forward to being a productive member here. This is the first pic I took of my Suburban on its drive home. I wanted something that could accept a piece of plywood, but also something I could stretch out in the back of. I’m 6’4”, so that’s out of the question in most vehicles. I started looking at suburbans and I’ve always liked the square body look. I did a bit of research and really zoned in on the 90-91 2500. Honestly, I wanted barn doors, as I think that’s the iconic suburban look. Didn’t matter, after missing a couple other trucks, I found this one.
eBay find. I got it with fees for exactly $3k. In California, which I thought was better than its turned out to be. Fortunately the seller promised it ran well enough to load on a multi car hauler.
Well... it’s not a rust-free as one would hope from a Cali car. Not as rust-free as I’d believed it would be. The underside is fine, but above both front doors it’s rusted through the roof and there’s rust around the rear quarter windows and a couple other places. So, good news: it ain’t Midwest rust, but where there is rust it’s most of the way eaten through.
I also didn’t think about that there were still 49-state cars and California cars. Ultimately this isn’t as big an issue as it could have been. I’m in Georgia and the truck is out of emissions compliance. And it’s real unlikely that I’m gonna get a visual inspection... EVER. So $800 in shipping and the truck comes home.
I did typical tuneup stuff. Oil, plugs, cap, rotor, etc. Drove through a couple tanks:
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200212/312d2fedc03d468f09bce37a0c179ed7.jpg)
Ouch. I went through the front end, brakes shocks. Right now I’m just focusing on drive ability, but I’ve got plans and for the first time in my life, I’ve got a budget...
About me. Again, I’m Jeremy. I’ve been fortunate in a lot of ways. I’ve got my own fab shop. It can’t hold a candle to a nascar shop, but it’s mine and plenty have done more with less. My day job is doing special effects for the movie biz. Turns out I’m pretty good at it and Georgia is “Yallywood” these days. I put roll cages and cannons in cars, blow stuff up and generally do all the stuff my momma told me not to. And they pay me pretty well. Unfortunately I also lost my grandmother after 103 years last fall. She lived a good long life, I’ll miss her forever and she left me a few bucks.
I’m taking the next couple of weeks off work. The suburban is my project. I’ve got a Dakota Digital dash on the way, I’ll take a look here and decide if documenting mine is worth sharing. I’m gonna go ahead and remove and repair the dash as well as STEREO!!!! while I’m doing it.
Because I’m a crazy person, but have a vision. I’m actually converting the truck to full manual, windows and doors, for everything but the tailgate, like I said, I wanted barn doors, but got what I got.
After a bit of convincing I’ve convinced myself that the tail gate is better. I’ve got manual window regulators at the shop. While I’m doing speakers I’m also planning on fabricating aluminum door cards, swapping regulators and removing wiring, actuators and motors from the doors.
If I can get the interior cleaned up, the dash and stereo and windows are probably what I can do in phase one.
Ultimately the goal is a long-travel/prerunner set up. Yeah. I know I’m in Georgia, but prerunners are too cool and Atlanta is fond of their speed bumps and other “traffic calming measures”... I want to put a full roll cage in, back half the frame with a four-link and longer A-arms in front. We’ll see how far I get there.
Drivetrain-wise... initially the plan was LS1. Maybe turbos. After settling on the 2500 C/K chassis I decided to think about keeping the big block. Still mostly thinking that’s what I’ll do. The truck has the 4L80 now, but I really like shifting. I’m on the hunt for a 5-speed. I’ve also got a deposit on a .050 over rat motor at a local machine shop.
I want to go to multiport injection. I’m fully aware a Chevrolet big block will never be ECONOMICAL, so I want to build the most EFFICIENT motor I can. I’m still debating over stroking or not the motor. Likely going package Edlebrock at this time with their multiport injection setup. I know it’s gonna use gasoline, but I want to make certain I’m using that gas the best I can. I want to stick to natural aspiration, but I’m open to future turbos.

The best laid plans of mice and men.

Anyhow the point is to be active on this forum to learn from others and teach what I learn.
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200212/8114e52c1a07812b4d32ad3ae98ecbc2.jpg)
I replaced the rear windows
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200212/f40577fd414383ce52d842461b9333be.jpg)

I put some seats in because my girl wouldn’t even ride on the originals. Unfortunately, it seems this was originally a bench seat car, so only the outside mounts were threaded for seat mount bolts. I hate asking for help, but I had to enlist a friend to get the seats mounted. I used the factory sliders, so I’ve got front to rear adjustment, no tilt.

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200212/2be73326fdd8670fcdd686f088caef5a.jpg)

Jeremy
Title: Re: Hello all.
Post by: Irish_Alley on February 12, 2020, 12:01:47 AM
welcome from maryland. i have a 91 v3500 crew cab, the 350 tbi was getting 12 mpgs and i swapped it for a 1st gen cummins and she gets 16. with bigger displacement you'll need more fuel to feed it, the cummins has power really low and i believe thats where i save fuel because the engine doesnt have to push as hard to get her up to speed. just something else to think about
Title: Re: Hello all.
Post by: jeremy.farlow on February 12, 2020, 06:40:42 AM
I appreciate the advice, but I am not a diesel guy. One of the things I’ve appreciated the most about my suburban ownership is that there’s nothing I can’t do on it. Legally and mechanically speaking. That being said, I don’t know diesels well enough to take on such a project. Lastly, the goal of this project, no matter how it ultimately turns out, is for me to build the baddest truck I can. I fully expect it to be my last gas-powered vehicle. I’m actively seeking socially irresponsible and nothing says THAT like a big block gas motor.



Jeremy
Title: Re: Hello all.
Post by: Shifty on February 12, 2020, 08:31:40 AM
Rotten mileage is something Man-Squares just have to live with.  Personally, I'd rather the cruddy mileage, and have the simplicity and safety that a Square has to offer. 

Love the 'Burb BTW, and welcome from Tucson, AZ!  8)
Title: Re: Hello all.
Post by: JohnnyPopper on February 12, 2020, 01:20:29 PM
I'm with the Shifty one, I'll trade bad mileage for simplicity, safety, and STYLE!

Welcome from So Cal!

Now please give that girl a BATH...
Title: Re: Hello all.
Post by: jeremy.farlow on February 12, 2020, 04:38:42 PM
That’s as clean as the current paint is gonna get. Dead ain’t the word. Cremated and ashes spread is a better description. It’s on the list. I like white trucks, so it’ll stay white. I’m planning on as much fiberglass as I can.

Today’s big update!!!

I SCORED a Tremec. It’ll be delivered for >$1000, still a lot of work to make it work, but I’m on the way! Honestly, I was looking for a 5-speed. I figure the torque spread of the big block shouldn’t need the 6th gear. But, when it comes across your plate you take it.




Jeremy
Title: Re: Hello all.
Post by: Irish_Alley on February 12, 2020, 04:58:11 PM
think most people see diesels and think about how complicated they're. but mine being a first gen only needs 3 wires (one fore starter one fore ground and one for the fuel shut off) its pretty simple swap and and theres no spark to worry about. if the injection pump ever screws up you can rebuild it yourself or pay 600 for one done. but i do understand some people not liking diesels and the smell gets them sick so yeah its not for everyone and the power band falls off around 2200 rpms. she can haul a trailer nice and thats what i was after.
Title: Re: Hello all.
Post by: jeremy.farlow on February 12, 2020, 09:20:50 PM
I get the appeal of diesels. Trust me. My girl has a horse and desires more. She found a 97 F350 with the 7.3L and I had no issues lending her the money to buy it. It doesn’t change the fact that I don’t fundamentally understand diesels, nor do I have the tools to work on them. That fundamental misunderstanding when it came to fixing the first problem on the super duty. Glow Plug Relay. GPR in the parlance. My understanding of glow plugs WAS that they functioned like a choke for a diesel. I never imagined they functioned continuously.
In any case, I feel like I’m biting off MORE than enough with the scope of this project as I see it. Manual transmission swap, cage, long travel, etc. I don’t see the gains in swapping out the entire fuel system as well. Especially when part of the purpose is to build an irresponsible GAS motor. As it stands, no matter how much torque the Ford 7.3L makes and how junky the 200k mile 454, peanut port, low compression clapped out ANCHOR is, the suburban walks on the Ford. Badly. All the Ford does is make noise for the first few hundred RPM. Meanwhile the Chevy is moving as soon as my foot comes off the pedal.
I appreciate the input, but it’s gonna be a 9mpg gas motor, not an 8mpg diesel in my suburban.
Title: Re: Hello all.
Post by: JAH on February 12, 2020, 11:06:45 PM
Nice Sub, Jeremy.  I've always had a soft spot in my heart for the eight-luggers.


If I may throw-in my $0.02...

Maybe think about stepping-away from a big block flat tappet motor and towards a big block roller motor.  Although not stellar, I think there are some MPG gains to be had.

I believe the GM crate 454 HO is a roller, as well as the HT502 and 502 HO.  I also believe they'll run on 87 octane...which is a huge plus when your MPG is in the single digits.
Title: Hello all.
Post by: jeremy.farlow on February 13, 2020, 12:07:32 AM
I’m definitely planning on a roller cam. Absolutely. I’ve got another block, decked, align-bored and cylinders bored 0.060” over.  That’s a 4.310” bore. Still working out some top end stuff so I can get the right dish pistons. I’m shooting for mid-10 compression. I may have to run premium in the summer or hauling, but I think that should be safe compression range with EFI. The plan is to have the machine shop do the short block and I’ll build the top end. I’ve built a handful of motorcycle engines, one was a championship “Battle of the Twins” winner. I feel confident in my skills, assisted by youtube and forums like this. Ideally I’ll break the motor in in a dyno cell, tune it, get the tremec as figured out as I can out of the truck and hopefully install it all over a three-day weekend.
That’s likely several months away. In the meantime I’m gonna do the dash and put in a stereo over the next week.
Title: Re: Hello all.
Post by: JohnnyPopper on February 13, 2020, 01:09:55 PM
Sounds like you have a good game plan.

Nothing like a BB to twist your wicket!

My fav was a 425 in a '66 Toronado, major blast and FWD to boot.

I meant the interior BTW...

SC Johnson 'scrubbing bubbles' works wonders!
Title: Re: Hello all.
Post by: jeremy.farlow on February 13, 2020, 05:03:10 PM
Yeah... the interior is definitely gnarly. Most of it just hasn’t been ripped out yet. My girlfriend, who wouldn’t even sit in the original front seat calls it “rat-chewed, mildewed and utterly disgusting”... Again, most of it won’t stay. I’m a big fan of things that get clean with a hose or pressure washer. It works well with my aesthetic. Kinda thinking of making all the upholstery go away and rhino lining or similar the whole interior.

Here was today’s work:
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200213/1af073e05940efce898e71fe98374c23.jpg)
The vice grips are temporary, but I got both rear doors swapped over to manual crank. I pulled out the power lock actuators as well.

Them GM engineers weren’t slackers. I was surprised to learn that the door stampings were the same for manual or automatic windows. Even more surprised that the crank lines up perfectly with the hole where the window switch once lived.

Jeremy
Title: Re: Hello all.
Post by: jeremy.farlow on February 14, 2020, 03:46:15 PM
I got a few hours at the shop today. I continued yesterday’s “rip and tear”...
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200214/7c2989d119168f5d68c7aebec8605ad3.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200214/bd98bd9fff478b38202bf7ef7b932f36.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200214/8aa6bb5d8c77ed056cb54708c73a4039.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200214/107ed2cef0d4d1c5a7c69525396e17d3.jpg)
Decided that 1990’s “finest auto protection” is gonna have to go.
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200214/5a5dad9fb9db5e0ac00cdb7f89ed17b1.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200214/033b32492e39f804ed50b7147fc2d990.jpg)
I really don’t want to be THAT guy...

Next week is gonna be gauges and stereo. I’m gonna try my hand at dash-pad repair as well. I got a jump start on some stereo related parts.
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200214/4d746718e9dcaa8509f1269d3fc11509.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200214/32abe81d3d8269a54c4be56921536b8d.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200214/b113442d6ee5cfef20c537f0c23e81b4.jpg)
I’m thinking I’m also gonna replace the velour inserts with aluminum. Hoping I’ll be able to just clean up the factory panels to my liking.
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200214/c3f0ffcff7c0b8c63012a507c7b75266.jpg)
If anyone has suggestions for a coating or way to clean up the dash or door panels I am all ears. I’d love something like plastidip, I haven’t found it to be durable enough though.

Happy Valentine’s Day


Jeremy
Title: Hello all.
Post by: jeremy.farlow on February 14, 2020, 04:11:58 PM
Since I’m also using this as my introduction I’m gonna share some non-suburban stuff. Like I said earlier. I do special effects stuff for the movie business. Here’s a couple cars we built last year:
08 (I think) BMW 750, full cage and powder cannon.
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200214/209c2f2c632f1bdef6f369559d485156.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200214/488b649b3e53a2764c6986762eec8cd1.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200214/7ed8cfb826806d7272bea5c8ecf68812.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200214/ed2f9593de9cfdffd116430cfa4d6d53.jpg)
17(?) Dodge Charger full cage, originally was a cannon car, changed to “sidewinder” four days before it was to shoot:
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200214/0ede2edba50eaf12cde8180cf2ee6efc.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200214/bcdc58773800424fd105a5a8170b4ae5.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200214/ac4ab15470c7fcf1b9f723b198941c29.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200214/a74083bf8f75a6ce553a1be2e073c91c.jpg)

Retrieving the cannon from the beemer:
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200214/3f9b39e6c1c27bfce27481c16c45cec3.jpg)

Lastly, this is my shop, home away from home, keeper of my most prized possessions and sometimes bane of my existence:
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200214/c4d9104772f287ca330c5cf6ad1b4a50.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200214/9e4890dbd838d114f1dc0df0d414621a.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200214/5dcf9faafd0fd4dbfe62346943288503.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200214/246b0c42b745386a97149015f7b43d4c.jpg)

Jeremy
Title: Re: Hello all.
Post by: JAH on February 14, 2020, 06:51:23 PM
Two great posts, Jeremy.  That last post is just OFF-THE-CHARTS cool!

I'm crazy-jealous of your shop.
Title: Re: Hello all.
Post by: jeremy.farlow on February 14, 2020, 11:35:31 PM
Thank you.
I started off saying I know how fortunate I am. The movie stuff makes for awesome pictures. I enjoy joking with my girl about how great the pic of cutting the cannon out would work on Tinder... At days end, it’s a job. It pays well and the work can be fun, but the bosses also expect to get their money’s worth. I think we got 11 days from the BMW getting dropped off to cutting the cannon out. I think 6 or 7 days before we shipped the Charger off for paint. I remember I was off the clock when I loaded it on a Saturday morning. Can’t forget the call Sunday evening telling me the car was coming back... followed by another car... TBD... and SUV... we think. Should all be there by midday Wednesday at the latest. Still shoots Friday, rain or shine.
I’m mostly fortunate for the shop as well. I’ll REALLY be thankful when I don’t have to work outside on my hands and knees like an animal. When the movie company foots the bill I can call a rollback to stick a car INSIDE. On my on stuff I have to check the weather. It rained a lot last week...
Again, thanks all for the kind words. I hope to continue keeping everyone entertained... or at least amused. If there’s anyone in the Atlanta area that wants to come by, shoot me a line. The beers always cold and plentiful if you like High Life.



Jeremy
Title: Re: Hello all.
Post by: JAH on February 15, 2020, 01:11:41 AM
Jeremy, your shop could keep my mind and hands occupied 24/7...and I don't know how to use 90% of the stuff in it. (*I have the mechanical aptitude of a turnip.  Heck, I feel like Joe Martin every time I successfully change the oil, or a fuel filter, on one of the trucks.  :o)

If I lived near Atlanta, I'd get your permission to spend my days there, and have you share all your knowledge with me. :)


I'd happily serve as your lackey, just for the pleasure of learning.
Title: Re: Hello all.
Post by: jeremy.farlow on February 15, 2020, 06:32:13 AM
I’m my own proud lackey. But if you can operate a broom you are more than welcome.
Happy day after Valentine’s Day.  Missus and I got into it. Stupid Ford. I opted to wear my shoulder and bead roller out instead of her.

I made a die...
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200215/34bb2f01545ee96fd5adf72bd4a907b5.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200215/c6debfdda6b8034750535e8464bbf9f1.jpg)
I did actually wear out both my shoulder and the bead roller...
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200215/c2f2595788c35846c54cc6e7c2b2ebf7.jpg)
And I came up with these:
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200215/38392c91680dcb1ca933a113cb308ac2.jpg)

Aluminum circles... we got em’...
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200215/1247aebed94f6780f5d1fb58854a6efd.jpg)

Things are happening


Jeremy
Title: Re: Hello all.
Post by: Shifty on February 15, 2020, 09:04:17 AM
dang....nice shop brother.  8)
Title: Re: Hello all.
Post by: rayjos_1 on February 15, 2020, 07:51:12 PM
"I’m actively seeking socially irresponsible and nothing says THAT like a big block gas motor."



Jeremy
[/quote]

I love that! Im going to make a bumper sticker out of that and plaster it on my back window!

Sent from my SM-G960U using Tapatalk

Title: Re: Hello all.
Post by: jeremy.farlow on February 16, 2020, 06:08:21 PM
Finished off the lower door pieces. (https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200216/01ae34cd1bceb5c4a2053327d71c3e34.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200216/4a3d9cb9d514ca8ba2ae9199d260b9de.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200216/8d0f73fc0c368fef88b61b6c6f5e7917.jpg)

Mounted the speakers and crossovers.
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200216/2376802b7ac52e520bea7833a1c2a00b.jpg)

I’m gonna need some more aluminum.
New inserts for the rear doors:
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200216/71a69206419e4ae2d47abc7e8585ffc0.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200216/d89a4fa7a40865d74ccdf18d844846c5.jpg)
If the weather holds tomorrow I hope to have stereo and amp in and tested. Regardless of weather I’ll place an order for another sheet or two of 0.090” aluminum. I’ve got an eBay instrument bezel on the way. My original was cracked and holy. Not Pope-holy, but full of holes. All the stuff is in the dumpster, but my truck got the “RV” treatment around some point. Yeah... that consisted of 1/2” slabs of some kind of wood, self-tapping screwed THROUGH the bezel, dash inserts and both front door panels. As if the laminate “wood-grain” wasn’t haggard enough. After nearly 30 years the wood had split and looked as bad as the rest of the interior.

I mentioned earlier, I’m very much a spray it out with a hose kind of guy. I’m at a loss for the rear seats. I really don’t want to incur the cost of re-upholstering them. That may be the best solution. I have a kid... he’s still in a car seat for another couple years, the race buckets up front are fine and I could put race seats in the rear as well eventually, but the fold down bench just works. Race buckets aren’t gonna fold up so nicely. One of my favorite things about this truck is with the rear seat folded I can put 4’x8’ sheet goods in the rear.

If anyone out there has a seat in grey ideally, or black vinyl, I’m all ears!! I’m also on the hunt for a vinyl floor mat. I’m new to this truck, but I’m guessing a K5 Blazer or crew cab truck floor mat would likely work as well. Again, if anyone has a rubber floor that’ll fit my truck, again, I’m all ears.

Jeremy
Title: Re: Hello all.
Post by: jeremy.farlow on February 25, 2020, 05:17:18 PM
I’ve gone a bit crazy with what I’d normally see as restoration pieces... but every piece of sealing rubber is gonna be new.  Also got the dash repaired and painted:
Well... I’d love to show you all but apparently I’ve reached my monthly cap on image uploads.

Anyone out there do Tapatalk pro? Is it worth it?


Jeremy
Title: Re: Hello all.
Post by: roundhouse on February 29, 2020, 09:22:30 AM
Welcome

I’m in Marietta GA

I’m guessing you’re on the south side with the movie biz?
   Maybe near Pinewood ?

Nice fab work with the cars !
Nice fab work with the door panels !

You could Probabaly sell some of those .
Title: Re: Hello all.
Post by: jeremy.farlow on February 29, 2020, 06:43:25 PM
I’m actually right in the shadow of turner field. I try and avoid Pinewood like the plague. Concentration camp prisoners were under less security than Pinewood studio employees.
Thanks for the compliments. The parts photographed well, they’re not nice enough to sell for the time I have in them.



Jeremy
Title: Re: Hello all.
Post by: roundhouse on March 07, 2020, 08:57:10 PM
I’m actually right in the shadow of turner field. I try and avoid Pinewood like the plague. Concentration camp prisoners were under less security than Pinewood studio employees.
Thanks for the compliments. The parts photographed well, they’re not nice enough to sell for the time I have in them.



Jeremy
Used to be a Pretty sketchy neighborhood around turner field

I went to a game once there
Never went back

Dodging homeless bums and praying not to get mugged between the car and the front gate.
Title: Re: Hello all.
Post by: jeremy.farlow on March 09, 2020, 06:17:22 PM
Too funny. I remember trying to avoid parking for a Braves game at a public park up Georgia Ave. from Turner Field. An APD cruiser approached and told us that if we parked there we shouldn’t expect the car to be there after the game. Or at least not there in the way that we’d left it.
Honestly, my partner and I have owned the building for 8 years now. I’ve had to replace a couple car windows, but the locals haven’t ever given me trouble. The worst thing I’ve had happen was the recently paroled con who tried to sell me a Jeep Liberty for $200... Unfortunately doing the movie car stuff led a few neighbors to believe I might be interested in buying an obviously stolen car. I sent him packing... finally. Took more work than I’d like to admit though.
The building is up for sale currently and when/if it sells I’ll miss the neighborhood and location more than anything else. I’m BLOCKS from both 75/85 and 20 and just laugh as I’m headed against traffic in every direction. The time not spent commuting nearly offsets the cost of city taxes.



Jeremy
Title: Re: Hello all.
Post by: jeremy.farlow on March 09, 2020, 06:23:29 PM
So this project has ballooned like crazy. Currently the truck interior is stripped to sheet metal, I’m about to pull the rear windows and windshield, as well as the doors and tailgate. I’ve decided to either paint the truck or possibly raptor line the whole thing. There’s enough rust that I think painting or otherwise sealing the whole can will be the only way to stop the spread. It’s still so weird where the rust is... it’s all up high, above the doors and around the rear quarter windows. Ive got all new rubber seals for pretty much everything, so while I REALLY didn’t want to paint the truck it seems like the least work-intensive time to do it. After this I’m gonna kill this thread and put the remaining posts in their respective areas. Hopefully I’ll be able to post the finished product photos here in a couple weeks and then I’ll be done with my introductory...


Jeremy
Title: Re: Hello all.
Post by: chevn-up on March 10, 2020, 03:49:52 AM
Greetings from Covington Ga.
Title: Re: Hello all.
Post by: jeremy.farlow on March 25, 2020, 03:17:37 PM
To anyone watching this thread, I’ve moved the progress on the body to the bodywork section... I’ll be starting an engine post soon enough and then hopefully will post a few pictures of the finished product back here.




Jeremy

http://forum.73-87chevytrucks.com/smforum/index.php?topic=38006.msg317635#msg317635
Title: Re: Hello all.
Post by: Mike81K10 on March 25, 2020, 09:30:16 PM
Nice Shop and awesome pics of work your shop has done, I am next door in Alabama.
Title: Re: Hello all.
Post by: jeremy.farlow on March 25, 2020, 09:32:37 PM
Thanks
Title: Re: Hello all.
Post by: roundhouse on March 27, 2020, 10:31:50 PM
Too funny. I remember trying to avoid parking for a Braves game at a public park up Georgia Ave. from Turner Field. An APD cruiser approached and told us that if we parked there we shouldn’t expect the car to be there after the game. Or at least not there in the way that we’d left it.
Honestly, my partner and I have owned the building for 8 years now. I’ve had to replace a couple car windows, but the locals haven’t ever given me trouble. The worst thing I’ve had happen was the recently paroled con who tried to sell me a Jeep Liberty for $200... Unfortunately doing the movie car stuff led a few neighbors to believe I might be interested in buying an obviously stolen car. I sent him packing... finally. Took more work than I’d like to admit though.
The building is up for sale currently and when/if it sells I’ll miss the neighborhood and location more than anything else. I’m BLOCKS from both 75/85 and 20 and just laugh as I’m headed against traffic in every direction. The time not spent commuting nearly offsets the cost of city taxes.



Jeremy
We moved out of the city of Atlanta to Smyrna years ago.

     Same price Got a house 2x bigger , lot and yard was 10x larger, taxes were 1/4 , and schools don’t have metal detectors at the entrances .
Title: Re: Hello all.
Post by: jeremy.farlow on April 08, 2020, 10:59:23 PM
To each their own. I like in town living... I’m always “home by now”...


The truck project has been moving along.  I finally defined the scope of the project:

Phase I:
Interior
Paint
Gauges

Phase II
Brakes

Phase III
Motor

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200409/8b6e53003fa7105e2874a24ad8853293.jpg)

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200409/83e372fa8fcf7357f47bfa21bfc82168.jpg)

Phase I is ALMOST as checked off as it can be.

I’ve got 3/4 of what I need for Phase II

About the same for Phase III



Jeremy 
Title: Re: Hello all.
Post by: jeremy.farlow on April 30, 2020, 06:45:18 PM
Sorry... honestly I’m mostly getting my money’s worth out of my lifetime membership. Ostensibly putting the best parts of the build in this post as well.

Relocated the battery(s):
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200430/be7b6e435549282188aa772df3d5ea6b.jpg)
Made a remote charge/jump point under the hood:
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200430/480d8a62166e33544640d38c574707d3.jpg)

I put some big Wilwood brakes on it:
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200430/492b7a6a0cf4247a8c49b6ad5239b648.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200430/23c7b387e4b52c6242cc0841b71639f8.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200430/7615b39fa91d62c06d3318dba9c6ae85.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200430/d627ad6fc1a592cb20397dd00f90c3fc.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200430/3a27e9d93da7412c0e17e70a9513e958.jpg)

Last big part of this puzzle is the engine.
At this point it’s looking like a “best laid plans...” kinda thing. I have 85-90% of it in hand:
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200430/3f23c8c6ee068deb21fab0ca619c5e5b.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200430/a679f601f3ce9ccb29ee56ed27e39c9c.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200430/5d11f79cfe428ccf02c9be0579c7a8a0.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200430/b41d7342eda5bc4f42e32d6f507879f0.jpg)
I’ve paid for a set of AFR heads... it’s been awhile... and they’re not responding currently. Heads are the WAY biggest missing puzzle piece. I’m sure I’ll need bits and pieces, but really hoping to beat the virus.






Jeremy
Title: Re: Hello all.
Post by: Shifty on May 01, 2020, 03:45:16 PM
Loves me some Air Search and Re-flow heads.... ;D
Title: Re: Hello all.
Post by: jeremy.farlow on May 01, 2020, 04:03:05 PM
I hope to love them just as much... provided I ever see them. COVID-19 has more money than I’d like, or can afford to have, in the ether. It’s even more irritating as I’m reaching the point of NEEDING these parts.


Healthy and safe, y’all know the drill.


Jeremy
Title: Re: Hello all.
Post by: bd on May 02, 2020, 04:18:46 PM
For your encouragement, I run AFR 1041 cylinder heads on my 355 MPFI engine.  I couldn't be happier.  They replaced the Edelbrock Performer heads that IMHO were substandard.  Another potential contender is Trick Flow Specialties.
Title: Re: Hello all.
Post by: jeremy.farlow on May 02, 2020, 05:09:01 PM
I’m sure they’ll be awesome... I just need to get them.




Jeremy
Title: Re: Hello all.
Post by: jeremy.farlow on May 06, 2020, 01:30:37 PM
AFR update... called yesterday. Like all of us, they’re having issues with supply and delivery. Apparently their spring supplier didn’t get an order to them. That’s all understandable... what’s not understandable is me writing emails and then having to follow up with a call to get that info. The fellow I spoke to says they expect springs to arrive this week and to have the heads shipped early next. Good enough to go ahead and do this:
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200506/5a1cd8f505ae64dff48ff4485d811e7f.jpg)
Dad came over to help and pulling the motor went as smooth as possibly. Thankfully.

So now it’s back to waiting on parts. So many items are 3/4 done or better, but to a point where other unfinished projects are holding up their completion.

I’ll polish the transmission up... it’s pretty gnarly... again, the previous owner of this truck seems to have kept it well-lubricated. Plenty of grease or oil where it was supposed to be... or where it landed once expelled from its original place.

I’m doing a stand-alone TCI transmission controller, the Edelbrock EFI and Dakota Digital gauges. As I’m redoing the front brakes I’m thinking I’ll also run new rear lines and delete the rear wheel ABS. I’m doing that mostly cause A) I don’t know if it currently works and really don’t know how it will work without the outputs from the factory computers B) it’s not a pickup... there’s sheet metal and carpet and other stuff and C) cause I can. That’s the answer to so much of the Mickey Mouse stuff I do.

The trans is dirty, but it shifted well before and I’m not gonna fix what isn’t broken as I’m running out of my budget. (https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200506/ba439cf03bf3280b74184973578913c6.jpg)
Grubby but serviceable.


I’ll update as I’m able.





Jeremy
Title: Hello all.
Post by: jeremy.farlow on June 22, 2020, 10:47:09 PM
Sorry guys... it’s been a while.

Engine got built:
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200623/e925d801251c73c80a50db75c5f74af6.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200623/6a669c45e3a7407c794ad00b5342a681.jpg)

The world exploded:
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200623/367f82b308ba5363a50a218c542aca0f.jpg)

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200623/cb3ffad34f72b8f2cfebbf58d764efd7.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200623/c8290a15a83e666546d52d41c22b8a3d.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200623/026e67aab74fad8131ab44ccbf0d096c.jpg)

That’s all just Atlanta. I was only present for the GSP MRAP’s or APC’s or whatever you wanna call them.

I couldn’t get my phone out quick enough, but last Friday I saw the wildest convoy I’ve ever seen. I’m guessing it was Georgia National Guard, but it was seriously the pneumatic tired variant of an armored support group. Rubber-tired recovery vehicle, mobile bridge(?!?) and a Fire engine(?!?):
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200623/106efd266bae5a2319eba44e886ad1df.jpg)

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200623/fa4a5625ddd68cf44cb63c5887e0faa9.jpg)
All six vehicles were OD green.

For the first time my proximity to the Georgia capital and all the fun stuff downtown is rather a detriment. The constant helicopters make it feel like the intro to Apocalypse Now.

Without taking a stand, politically speaking I hope, the cops in Minneapolis should have known better. They were on film and should have had the situational awareness; what with pandemic lockdowns and general unrest, to get the guy off the street before standing on his neck.

My hometown cops should’ve been better than in Minnesota as far as I’m concerned.
It’s a little personal as the now incinerated Wendy’s was the closest 24/hour food to my shop as well:
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200623/5681e1d34c6aa106c580841f7c2a23bc.jpg)

All things equal, I’m not surprised at someone falling asleep on line there... the service was horrid.

By my current count I’ve stuck engine and transmission in three times. Hoping the third time is a charm?!? The headers I bought didn’t fit real well. I still have more expendables, material, time and wherewithal than money, so I cut my frame, reinforced it, smashed the headers and tried to cover as much ugliness as possible with header wrap:
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200623/41963e3d61e36b07e1fd353a7a13cef9.jpg)
Awww... it looks great! Fits perfect! Except the headers aren’t on. And there was no contortion that was gonna change that. Bring out the gas-ax. 

Go ahead and wheel the wire-feeder over as well.
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200623/eb75394fd6088e6d5aab79dd1d0fb3c3.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200623/aff6c9a4e3be8c6e3ef7cea7d10abc43.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200623/fd8d5992b313aff16d9d8497956f3003.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200623/f274e5363ed44a6f751b65bdfb7c888f.jpg)
And the rosebud.
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200623/fc97c9f80996e6da26209676fcac6603.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200623/81a19ef1d13c31daa53cf6efcde5a4fb.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200623/a6f084d3fb1edff2fbe3de0433945b0c.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200623/a76841764ca801adc05bb7a86cd47128.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200623/ab0e734a0c50be1788e0ee6bc35c8bab.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200623/55a02cb4076a4658d254a14c304a8e70.jpg)
Brake lines are gonna need some revisiting... they’re way too close to exhaust heat currently.

And now, ostensibly, all I have left is to plug everything together and hope for the best?!?

I’ve got tubing and bends on the way for the exhaust.

And lots of plumbing and wiring still to go:
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200623/e82a9aac6d26096a648f87cbab7cb7d0.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200623/d029a227f7aa8ed3ea064dd6829c0f9c.jpg)

This thing is taking way longer than I thought it would. Thankfully I’m mostly still on budget... but crap!!! I should’ve been DONE by now. Way back when I started this thread I was sure I’d bee driving this thing by now.





It was supposed to be EASY!




Jeremy
Title: Re: Hello all.
Post by: Shifty on June 23, 2020, 09:59:57 AM
As someone who has enjoyed the thrills of burn-through brake line experience at high speed, I can see how you'd want to address that. 
Title: Re: Hello all.
Post by: jeremy.farlow on June 23, 2020, 10:57:04 AM
The lines are all steel, doubtful the header heat would be enough to melt them, but more than enough to boil the fluid in the lines causing the same lack of braking action. Oh well... I had to do SOMETHING while waiting for the engine parts to come in. It looks like I’ll be REdoing brake lines in the coming week.



Jeremy
Title: Re: Hello all.
Post by: Shifty on June 23, 2020, 02:56:00 PM
You may be surprised Jeremy....my tan interior was redesigned with a darker brown racing stripe on the drivers seat. 
Title: Re: Hello all.
Post by: jeremy.farlow on June 23, 2020, 04:29:13 PM
That wouldn’t happen if you’d give up on the mesh-jockey shorts.

Point taken all the same. The brake lines will move soon enough. They’ll likely sport some sort of sleeve to dissipate heat as well. A new radiator came in my latest Jegs order. I’m not sold on it yet, it’s aluminum, which should transfer heat better than the factory brass, but it’s also only a two-row core, versus the four rows... i believe, of the factory radiator. In any case, the Jegs kit was cheap enough, especially with an electric fan, relays, catch can and hardware. I’m also debating an electric water pump. It doesn’t look like there’ll be enough traffic this summer, even if I get the suburban done before the dog days, but Atlanta traffic ain’t no joke and I need to be able to sit with the engine NEARLY as cool as the cab.

This stuff also came in today’s Jegs order:
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200623/e838c2cdc299db465599c95527c2baeb.jpg)
 

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200623/b3e99c2125c311dbc9682a8c7153ffd3.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200623/9c0b7a5ea56e0d92281fc8c1d37bda1e.jpg)
I’m hoping 8’ of straight tubing per side will be enough. Plan is to build the crossover pipe as a unit and use the V-bands to allow straight sections w/mufflers to unhook.

Plan is to send the exhaust out in front of rear wheels.

I’m also SERIOUSLY considering plumbing a glow plug, 12v solenoid and propane line to each tailpipe.

You know, cause the only thing better than burnouts are burnouts WITH flames!!! If I have stainless weld-in bungs it’ll be a done deal. I know I have the solenoids and fittings and glow-plugs.



Best laid plans, ya know...


Jeremy
Title: Hello all.
Post by: jeremy.farlow on June 24, 2020, 06:19:09 PM
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200624/9541430672fd22000c9c47f8c647d6fa.jpg)
I did some rearranging to keep my steps down. The welder and welding table are about half the distance to the vertical bandsaw, so I cut the shop by 1/3 from the normal configuration. There’s gonna be LOTS of trips to the saw...
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200624/38dab7cc365630599eb4efc669daf79b.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200624/020d3eba762680be410578e97bbe217c.jpg)
Like LEGOs... just keep building...
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200624/f2eebdc9500abe794085444c6b4422ca.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200624/e46a2dfec06851d1c68c2a1f04a4416c.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200624/58d0046ea9d9ac35aa1e5850893d3c55.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200624/9b4873383c0a4808f0106b8fa73db912.jpg)

I’m a sadist. I really don’t think I truly needed a Y-pipe, X-pipe or crossover... whatever you want to call it. My concern is the Edelbrock system only has provisions for one O2 sensor. Not like one banks exhaust fumes will travel upstream to impart any info on the O2 sensor, but... I have the means.
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200624/304fab652bf356369aaff9a3ca08e49c.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200624/c4b30c822c28795172e0c3d670e16df3.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200624/64fde179ba6dd1e050f30ef4c0792fee.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200624/8e53e54f6eae6f043f4dcfe57ad2a7b7.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200624/1c48519e7dc2fcbad94a6e64a6d71a08.jpg)
It’s a little long from the collectors... and I’ve got stainless flexible couplers that’ll weld in, but the rigid pipes are WAY easier at this stage of the game.




Jeremy
Title: Re: Hello all.
Post by: jeremy.farlow on June 25, 2020, 09:14:45 PM
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200626/c6943209a7dfa3dbda51e313f4b7b704.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200626/9ad594ef2933b4e517fe84007ff3b08d.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200626/7d15c95f69d9279acd0d8078c3174e08.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200626/b9af94e99d8b9fad6beec2764376f6e3.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200626/3c9e97882d82caebd9443b903191dc2e.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200626/5db19760c16fe4c685eacbc53e376bc6.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200626/6fe26f326831e3e3fbc9317e867f2c84.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200626/8516c541c1dea196b434b489cb5507ca.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200626/06e47170e322d1ab4e7ea798851b9a9e.jpg)
Title: Re: Hello all.
Post by: JAH on June 25, 2020, 10:51:21 PM
Gorgeous.


When I grow-up, Jeremy, I wanna' be you.
Title: Re: Hello all.
Post by: Shifty on June 26, 2020, 09:41:00 AM
Looks great brother!
Title: Hello all.
Post by: jeremy.farlow on June 27, 2020, 10:04:47 PM
Group Survey:
How many horsepowers is this pile worth?:
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200628/3d1caa7adbd72c7f88709134050fbb00.jpg)

I’m thinking AT LEAST 75. Depending on tasteful placement obviously.

Ain’t NONE of them going on my truck. There just isn’t any contingency money for 6500# vehicles.

But cool stickers definitely soup up toolboxes.
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200628/835e7d4e21034ab655888f192730f0f9.jpg)

Be safe. Stay healthy.



Jeremy
Title: Re: Hello all.
Post by: JohnnyPopper on June 28, 2020, 02:58:52 PM
Moderators?
Title: Re: Hello all.
Post by: jeremy.farlow on June 29, 2020, 12:13:40 PM
Back to less offensive posts... :
Factory valve covers getting restored:
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200629/7e58eae2bda226dec1ae2c030397a1d9.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200629/00003e0afdd46d7939b853ea62ae1c5d.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200629/76f49ec51431b59454bd794e429c245f.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200629/d8c21bd57f529f80e5ef233d541330e1.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200629/b2d2000510e5898ab11d4d8487de7ab1.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200629/240645a7087d03610d4631911f241a15.jpg)
Once the paint cures I’ll sand down and polish the ribs.

These are the first alternate to the factory items. Unfortunately they require the brake booster to move to install, but they’re WAY cool:
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200629/719754a523c1665b5832f6c40e6c7a5e.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200629/26ffaa573273afe0b084f976afb46d69.jpg)
Same VHT wrinkle paint. For some reason it wrinkled way more on one than the other. Same plan on these, sand the raised fins, once cured.




Jeremy
Title: Re: Hello all.
Post by: jeremy.farlow on June 29, 2020, 05:10:44 PM
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200629/8f1b27a9551438fb86f304ea1d8f369d.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200629/dc472c12261de4323df74160c63dfd70.jpg)

Decisions, decisions...:
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200629/a3a28ff29a29db884473b57b8ee537aa.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200629/4be6ba520c2e348c91ad460ecc772f04.jpg)

Currently the factory valve covers are getting the nod. I’m certain they’ll seal better and the clear the brake booster.
M/T covers will require loosening the booster at the very least.

Got my Tonawanda stickers for the factory pair:
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200629/4ab24a23d18256fc0b42abf953d677b0.jpg)

I made up my spark plug and coil wires today. Staying with an upgraded, factory style coil... blue fire or some such. That’s an easy enough change to make down the road... if ever it needs it?!?

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200629/4410cfc740d794be4fb5e128d2c8c7f5.jpg)


MSD CDI box came in today as well. Initially I had thought I should mount ALL the computery stuff under the dash... but I’m starting to think maybe only the Dakota Digital controller will. I keep staring at the passenger inner fender, right where the coolant overflow currently sits and thinking I bet those three computery things would fit GREAT right there.

Computery things, as it stands are the Edelbrock ECU, F.A.S.T. TCU and MSD CDI box. All are potted and sealed and advertised as weatherproof and heat resistant. Theoretically all should be be safe enough mounted in the engine compartment. But, theoretically all will be safer buried under the dash and should all be set and forget, in the case of the MSD, or accessed by a Bluetooth remotely, a la Edelbrock... or via easily hidden com link with the FAST.

Decisions, decisions...

I’ve gotten the front drive mostly figured. There’s still some fabrication to secure the tensioner and alternator back to the intake.
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200629/d39752ec9c5bdb03ea925945031122d9.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200629/fdfdca846312c3f715391c1c51310d48.jpg)

And lastly wiring everything up and figuring out what I can eliminate from the engine wiring harness. The factory harness that is.

I have to drop the tank...

I’ll probably wind up doing a new sending unit while I’m in there. Dakota recommends running new wires... may as well start with an “in-spec” sender. Maybe I’ll upgrade the fuel pump as well.

Tidy up exhaust, finish wiring, redo fuel lines, all fluids, this thing SHOULD run in mid July.






Jeremy
Title: Re: Hello all.
Post by: Mike81K10 on June 29, 2020, 09:49:05 PM
Very nice! Look forward to the finish pictures.
Title: Re: Hello all.
Post by: Shifty on June 30, 2020, 09:27:45 AM
Sticking with the R4 compressor, eh?
Title: Re: Hello all.
Post by: jeremy.farlow on June 30, 2020, 09:43:18 AM
Right now I just need SOMETHING. I do like the idea of sticking to factory stuff wherever possible... makes runs to NAPA easier.

I’m open to suggestions.
Title: Re: Hello all.
Post by: JohnnyPopper on June 30, 2020, 12:23:52 PM
Since the early days of Air, GM used oversized compressors, like my 6 cyl Frigidaire, which literally will 'freeze' me out of my K10.

I realize I can down size to a more efficient unit and save on fuel, just haven't done so.

You have a lot of volume to cool, so I would run it to see if it's sufficient.

 
Title: Hello all.
Post by: jeremy.farlow on June 30, 2020, 01:21:21 PM
My thoughts exactly. GM seemed to really overdrive A/C compressors and power-steering pumps. With *hopefully* around 500 crank horses I can’t see either “bogging” this engine down.
Doubtful I’ll be able to get anyone to refill the A/C system with R12... but I’m really not certain of the legalities with that stuff anymore. I know there was a time during the late ‘90s/early ‘00s when dad was hoarding R12 for his older project cars. I believe it’s been relaxed a bit these days... but in any case, I’m not qualified to fill or service air conditioning, so the plan once the beast is running to take it to an alignment shop and A/C shop and let them handle it.

Hopefully I’m not setting myself up for failure, but I mounted the ECU, TCU and CDI box under the dash today. The CDI is the only thing likely to introduce “noise”... that it’s isn’t enough to interfere with the ECU or TCU.

Mounting panel:
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200630/67a0585a797623bd79d4f087d49efdca.jpg)

Computery things mounted:

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200630/de9e12f4ed8e95ee99db760c46e7f2bd.jpg)

The Edelbrock ECU comes rubber mounted. I’ve got the other two boxes held by a flange-screw with a rubber washer on each side of the housing. The panel itself is also rubber mounted.

In place... for what it’s worth, I’m fully aware it’s difficult to know what you’re looking at:

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200630/e0130708473a6c8baee9bc2d4136e66c.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200630/ab647d4cfcf2cd2cc92230ab35f4baea.jpg)
I should be able to access the relay and fuse through the glove-box door... anything more will require the dash-pad and climate ductwork to move.

Ductwork and dash-pad will go in right before the front seats and AFTER everything tests out. Wish me luck.

If I didn’t intend this to be a driver I’d really prefer the LOOK of a carbureted engine... I’m trying my best to keep things sanitary, but it’s definitely one of those 20 gallons of sh*t in a 10 gallon hat affairs...:
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200630/2fb6e83e778e94497ab8fe6933a83a02.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200630/8e20df9faf67ec3bddf21086fe7eeddf.jpg)
I’m not sure WHAT to do about those two MONSTER multi-connectors. The Edelbrock splits into two separate harnesses and those are the connectors. At this point I’m thinking a plate off the valve cover to hold the connectors and spark plug wires on passenger side and a match to just hold plug wires on the drivers.

I’ve been putting off doing the wiring as it appeared DAUNTING at first, but it’s gotta get done... no time like the present. The Edelbrock is super-simple. Literally stands alone. Mount the computer, plug everything in... nothing shares a connector. After that it’s just 12v power from the battery and a switched 12v. They even sent a handful of zip ties because they didn’t know who they were dealing with. I have a zip tie DRAWER

Just that and theoretically the Edelbrock runs. The only “expansion” they offer are three trigger outputs: Fan 1, Fan 2, and tach.

F.A.S.T./TCI TCU is a little more tricky... for a couple reasons...
First, for those who don’t remember, I’m doing Dakota digital gauges, so I need to get: vehicle speed signal from the TCU. Additionally the TCU needs RPM input as well as throttle position. TCI is proud of sending the kit with a GM-style weather proof connector to the factory TPS.

I’m thinking I’ll make sure I’ve got earbuds tomorrow and plan on calling Dakota Digital, Edelbrock and F.A.S.T. and get a bit more clarity.


Be safe and stay healthy



Jeremy
Title: Re: Hello all.
Post by: Shifty on June 30, 2020, 05:16:47 PM
Still running the R4 myself, though it's a noisy so-and-so, and it still works.  If/when it calls it quits though, I'll go the Vintage Air Sanden conversion. 
Title: Re: Hello all.
Post by: jeremy.farlow on June 30, 2020, 05:50:38 PM
I’m hoping my starting point is good enough to not even consider going the vintage air route. The rear A/C unit scares me a bit and I never have had the A/C working in this truck. Heat worked, but the vacuum line to the climate control controls was leaking enough it was difficult to say if the bi-level aspects work. Visually the hose to the rear looks good... the blower worked. But I don’t recall any pressurized contents leaving when I cracked the A/C lines.

In EPA speak, I carefully evacuated the A/C system, under vacuum and catalogued the contents for proper, licensed disposal.

Wink, wink. Nod, nod.

But I figure I can verify heat works and that the ductwork is tight enough before putting stuff back together. As I’ve said, I plan to let licensed professionals actually make the a/c work.

I have to get the truck running... then driving... and I’ll worry with A/C at that point.

Right now I’m thinking my goal for this week is to get wiring done. I ordered an electric water pump today. I’m gonna make a more detailed post elsewhere, but I’m thinking run the thing “total loss” at first. I’m certain I can get that done this week. I’ll just leave the battery tender hooked up and leave the accessories off. I can test all of my circuitry that way... verify everything is working right before moving forward.

Depending on when the water pump makes it here maybe I can have the thing started early next week. Provided it doesn’t knock immediately... or wipe out a cam lobe shortly after, I can break in the cam and dump the oil and water, clear up the front of the engine to reinstall the accessory drive.

To that end, here’s what things looked like leaving the shop today:
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200630/e7070ccfb967c960940870d58cfb5071.jpg)

After the core support was in I just HAD to throw the grill inserts in to have a look:
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200630/684fd2441c8151dffa7aca73e2a94ebc.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200630/16429257d55579e2b1f8897a9d645461.jpg)
It’s starting to look like something.


Be safe and stay healthy.



Jeremy
Title: Re: Hello all.
Post by: jeremy.farlow on July 03, 2020, 10:17:24 AM
Exhaust flex couplers came in yesterday.
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200703/f1d3bab7978d426e4f4ed86ec5031fa9.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200703/be9b9301f966605c8c60f56daf474327.jpg)

Hopefully these will help keep some of the torque out of the exhaust and keep the collector-back portions from cracking. I’m gonna get a couple hangers on the exhaust now that it’s in it’s final shape/length.

Be safe and stay healthy



Jeremy
Title: Re: Hello all.
Post by: JohnnyPopper on July 03, 2020, 11:57:11 AM
Good call, with that beast you're going to need them!
Title: Re: Hello all.
Post by: jeremy.farlow on July 04, 2020, 06:56:10 AM
I’m at the shop today to reinstall the gas tank, with the most expensive fuel pump I’ve ever purchased:
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200704/b77bbd2905f75bedcead5ad21d315f19.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200704/4bce45c07b654458967012527599fd3d.jpg)
Aeromotive “Stealth” 340 LPH drop in unit.

Got wiring to do for the electric water pump as well:
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200704/c7c58aaa01ae2168e58c6e40de279708.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200704/e3e2f4b4777909e4dc063c48116c363f.jpg)

Hopefully I’ll get the oil and transmission dipsticks in place today as well.

After that I’m getting SCARY close to making this thing run. I’m excited... and terrified.


Wish me luck.

Please.





Be safe and stay healthy.



Jeremy
Title: Re: Hello all.
Post by: JohnnyPopper on July 05, 2020, 05:26:03 AM
breath... 8)
Title: Re: Hello all.
Post by: jeremy.farlow on July 05, 2020, 10:06:26 AM
I’m breathing. But wiring is neither my forte, nor something I particularly enjoy doing.

I’m working from the cowl connector into the engine bay:
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200705/88fce7c5e685525955f8425f9cc6ffd7.jpg)
I know I’ll NEED all of this stuff... alternator, coil, starter, charging power.

I’m fairly certain MOST of this pile will be headed to the scrap bin...

Factory engine and transmission management wiring:
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200705/6893e6e9aad2c3b60c4396be508ee2a8.jpg)

Thankfully I downloaded AND printed the factory wiring diagrams for this model and year:
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200705/0224eadeca14866b72edc5c2dc61ed4a.jpg)

Absolute godsend... but this group of wires is still flummoxing me:
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200705/5fd81fdbc88b8aceeecd1ac2b9a3abf3.jpg)

I’ll get there... unfortunately I can’t put this wiring off any longer.


Be safe, stay healthy


Jeremy
Title: Re: Hello all.
Post by: frotosride on July 05, 2020, 05:32:02 PM
Progress is awesome, shop sparks a little envy to be honest... Oh a lathe, mill, drill press and brake,  :'(

Title: Hello all.
Post by: jeremy.farlow on July 05, 2020, 06:47:25 PM
Thanks for saying... it’s a blessing and a curse. I love having the equipment... don’t like paying the tax bill on the space... don’t like having to constantly maintain all the equipment. Can’t imagine life without a lathe ever again.

Honestly, I’ve spent the last ten years working towards the shop I have and the suburban is the most all-encompassing project I’ve had the gumption to attempt. I’m really glad I didn’t pursue the chassis work I’d ultimately like to. There’s a big difference between building the future trash of movie stuff and something I WANT to drive and engage with for the foreseeable future.



Sorry all... today was bittersweet at best... I had some great breakthroughs with the truck, but 2020 as a whole can eat... something horrid. This fourth as well.

My family had to put down the family dog today. Mickey was supposed to be my dog... but 12-hour days and periodic on-the-road work isn’t conducive to dog ownership, so I introduced my parents to Mickey and they took him.

No one is certain what happened exactly. He went from apparent perfect health to near total paralysis in an instant. Best guess was either a stroke or embolism. Initially the prognosis was hopeful as the dogs vitals were good, despite his diminished capacity. Unfortunately he took a severe downward turn overnight and the most compassionate thing was to put Mickey to sleep. His chances for recovery were slim and this wasn’t the sort of dog that could live life paralyzed. He trended mostly towards a bully dog, but *HOLY MOSES* what the dog would do for a ball. Definitely a mitigating factor in the shoulder troubles I’ve had this year.

He’ll be sorely missed, but I’m certain there’ll be someone to toss him a tennis ball at the big farm in the sky.



I made good progress on truck wiring. I got the gas tank reinstalled. Fuel pump and level sender are wired. I’m pretty sure I have everything BUT a/c figured in the engine bay. Gauges SHOULD be dialed, excepting speed.

I’m gonna spend some time on the phone with technical support at F.A.S.T. tomorrow. Their instructions are good, but I’m missing something.

I was in the process of getting the truck off the jack-stands when my mom called about the dog. Today’s productivity ended with that phone call.

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200705/26fae992dc07e151bb7b73818a5df347.jpg)


RIP Mickey

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200705/e90d0307edd85552e8002a4a60a9211d.jpg)




Hug your loved ones... even if it’s the dog.


Stay safe and healthy.




Jeremy
Title: Re: Hello all.
Post by: JohnnyPopper on July 05, 2020, 10:28:46 PM
Wow Jeremy, so sorry.

Reminds me of my son, John, losing his dog, Chaos, to some silly thing: he got caught under his house, (regular hang out) and somehow broke his back. Paralyzed from the waist down.

I was able to  say goodbye, hard to lose a good friend like that. 
Title: Re: Hello all.
Post by: Shifty on July 06, 2020, 10:55:11 AM
Sorry about your buddy Jeremy.
Title: Re: Hello all.
Post by: jeremy.farlow on July 06, 2020, 08:21:32 PM
Me too. He was a good boy and will be missed. I’m not looking forward to having “the talk” with my son about it. He handled the death of my grandmother well, but was significantly closer with the dog... by all metrics.

On the truck front, I’m dangerously close to getting the beast started. I just picked up a handful of 30A, 12V relays for fans and water pump. The batteries are charged and ready. The Android tablet for the Edelbrock is charging. I’m not planning on even attempting to fire the truck until probably Friday, but things are progressing steadily.

I got the truck “back on all four” for the first time in months:

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200706/c573dca92553bbb46315eaef0f39f4e9.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200706/ee75d772d5730d127a1bee6a218044a7.jpg)

One issue with the aeromotive fuel pump is that the vent is like 1/4” ID hose. No more GM, 5/8” ID vent-hose. I splashed gas all over the truck and myself filling from gas cans, through a funnel today. I’m hoping this doesn’t wind up being a disaster at the actual gas station pump.

I didn’t get the wiring done today. I did get 14 gallons of gas in the truck, and the balance of the fifteenth on myself, the truck and the floor. Raptor-liner was apparently unaffected.

Tomorrow will be finishing wiring. I promise. Plus probably ANYTHING else that I can think of prior to wiring.

Be safe, stay healthy


Jeremy
Title: Re: Hello all.
Post by: jeremy.farlow on July 07, 2020, 08:37:31 PM
Panel for relays and auxiliary fuse box:
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200708/e4327ad3d8600415260d25370c47fc07.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200708/a8904e2a57e9fa8800211280af686652.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200708/aeb114ed4d7b8cb3b341acacf8318178.jpg)
Crazy how fast the space starts filling up.

Primary electric is hooked up... batteries are in and charging:
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200708/aae6aabb275b54cca32edce26e30070b.jpg)

The starter is hooked up. 2/0 the whole way.

*Theoretically* I hook up all of these wires:
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200708/aae48e6f9bd96765151d5ad14d645492.jpg)
And everything works great, no issues.



I don’t have a fuel filter in place... or a radiator. An alternator. Without a fuel filter I can’t power ANYTHING up.

But I’m thinking, provided a fuel filter shows up, I can start this thing maybe Friday.

*Stream of consciousness mental checklist*

FUEL FILTER

power up, check gauges...
prime oil pump and verify oil pressure.

Water pump

Verify fans work

Mount MAF sensor

“ air filter



Hopefully engine starts immediately.

*Check for leaks*


I’m thinking I’m gonna try for the first start “total-loss”... no accessory drive, running wholly off the batteries.

We are MOMENTS away.


Be safe and stay healthy






Jeremy
Title: Re: Hello all.
Post by: JohnnyPopper on July 08, 2020, 02:28:54 PM
Looks good, I think some of us share your anxiety in a good way.

I've never built a roller cam motor; I assume it doesn't have the need for 2500 RPM for 20 mins, but will you do that to wear in the rings?

Seems like a dumb question, but someday I hope to build a beast similar to yours.
Title: Re: Hello all.
Post by: jeremy.farlow on July 08, 2020, 06:52:15 PM
Whelp... I’ve never built a roller cam motor either. Actually, I’ve never built anything that didn’t have the cams on top of the valves.

As to engine break in, here’s my thoughts:

I still haven’t installed the distributor. I want to pull the valve covers, verify oil pressure, as well as complete top-end oiling using the priming rod a friend lent me.

Install distributor.

The Edelbrock instructions are pretty clear on their start up procedure. The Edelbrock EFI uses the distributor for crank position, so that’s another item on the pre-flight checklist.

Hopefully it starts and runs well enough to do some form of static cam/ring break in.

Provided it runs and idles and will hold RPM my plan is for an abbreviated cam run in.

I plan to vary engine speeds between 2-3k rpm for run-in. Not the full 30 minutes, but a couple minutes at a couple different throttle/RPM settings. Enough to get things hot.

One of the checks I want to make in this period is for proper climate function.

After running it I’m gonna kill the engine, drain the oil, cut the filter and inspect it. I’ve got several rare-earth magnets on both the filter and oil pan that are hopefully strong enough to keep any ferrous stuff from circulating.

The truck is likely to sit for a while after that while I get it drivable.

Sorry it’s so long-winded, but I don’t want to run the engine very much without being able to really load it up. Theoretically rings will start to bite at 2500 RPM, but I’m gonna do the “Pops” Yoshimura plan. Fast break-in makes fast motors.

Basically the plan is to get the truck on the road and really hammer it. Hold it in gear and go up the steepest hill I can find. Really build cylinder pressures to force the rings against the cylinders.

After a couple hundred miles I’ll drain the break-in oil, cut another filter for inspection and hopefully have a good running truck to enjoy.




Jeremy
Title: Re: Hello all.
Post by: jeremy.farlow on July 10, 2020, 08:31:24 AM
Today (HOPEFULLY!!!) is the big day. My dads gonna come help... I’m hoping that the engine starts and runs well enough.

Ironically enough, after railing about stickers and how “ain’t none of them going on MY truck”, my girlfriend blessed me with this one yesterday:
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200710/4e3b808924959bcf2c44cf39dceeb3a6.jpg)
As was discussed in one of my posts, I’m not really one for naming vehicles. I think I said then, “you name children and pets, things you don’t sell...”
Typically speaking, that’s the gospel for me. But Megan, my girl, doesn’t agree at all. She’s held fast to calling the suburban “Moby” or “The Whale”... and had these decals made up for me. This one is just a test. It’s a little bit big still. She’s gonna have them resized down, and mirrored, and I’ll sport one one each rear window.
I think having them mirrored will look great. Imagine this guy, 20% smaller:
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200710/07343b4eb254db204ec16f3d3bbc1161.jpg)

It’s a cool little detail and I’m thinking of it as a good luck charm for today.



Be safe and stay healthy




Jeremy
Title: Re: Hello all.
Post by: Shifty on July 10, 2020, 10:15:14 AM
I love it...
Title: Re: Hello all.
Post by: VileZambonie on July 10, 2020, 10:43:12 AM
Sorry to hear about your dog :(
Title: Re: Hello all.
Post by: jeremy.farlow on July 10, 2020, 11:07:08 AM
Thank you. He’ll be missed.

Whelp... running down the checklist. I’ve got fuel pressure...
Got spark

I don’t have a running engine...

Yet



Be safe and stay healthy


Jeremy
Title: Re: Hello all.
Post by: jeremy.farlow on July 10, 2020, 02:04:35 PM
Still no luck. Going on an hour on hold with Edelbrock which is just about piss-poor as well. It will be hard not letting show how upset I am whenever it finally is that they pick up the phone.



Jeremy
Title: Re: Hello all.
Post by: bd on July 10, 2020, 03:56:07 PM
I was never impressed with Edelbrock tech support either.  Did you verify power, ground and tach signal to the ECM?
Title: Re: Hello all.
Post by: jeremy.farlow on July 10, 2020, 05:49:37 PM
Yeah... I spent over an hour on hold with Edelbrock. Never did get through. Obviously Edelbrock tech support isn’t something to count on in a pinch.

Thankfully I didn’t ultimately have to talk to them. Thankfully dad came through and helped me cover all my bases.

As complex as some of this stuff seems... engines are relatively simple creatures.
They need:

Spark
Fuel
COMPRESSION!!!

Guess which one I was missing?!?

Guess WHY?!?

The inductive timing light showed I had spark.
Pulling an injector showed I had fuel... SPECTACULARLY!!!
A compression test on cyl. #1 showed...


Nothing.

I pulled the plug on #2...


Same.

One dead cylinder on a fresh engine ain’t the end of the world. Two dead cylinders indicates something REALLY BAD... or some stupid mistake a mediocre mechanic made.

As a stated a couple of posts ago... I’ve never built an OHV engine before.

I’ve done plenty of SOHC 750 Hondas. A handful of DOHC Yamahas. A couple desmodromic Ducatis. In cars I’m pretty comfortable with the 3.0L Mercedes in-line 6’s.

All the motorcycle stuff is purely mechanical. Either shim-under-bucket or mechanical tappet. Setup a go/no-go situation with feeler gauges and adjust a cold engine to factory spec. The car stuff all has hydraulic adjusters of some sort. But even pulling the head off a few of those cars the valve clearance takes care of itself once it’s all back together.

I adjusted the lash on this Chevrolet engine without the lifters “pumped-up”... Thank God not so much that I found the piston with a valve. But enough so there was NO WAY this engine would EVER have compression.

I thought it turned over too easily. I mean, come on, this is a BIG, high-compression motor. It should take a twelve-foot breaker bar...

And it does now.

It’s a brick wall on every compression stroke.


AND IT RUNS!!!

Not well.

It was rich enough to run me out of the shop ultimately. But IT RUNS!!!

Relatively well, no less. There’s still a lot of tuning to do and the timing isn’t even close yet...

BUT. IT. RUNS!



Be safe and stay healthy



Jeremy
Title: Re: Hello all.
Post by: JohnnyPopper on July 10, 2020, 08:21:10 PM
Bravo Jeremy! ;)
Title: Re: Hello all.
Post by: VileZambonie on July 11, 2020, 07:05:08 AM
The lifters do not need to be "pumped up" to set the lash correctly. It sounds like you may have adjusted them on the opposite stroke which is a common mistake. A lot of guys do this by assuming the timing marks are lined up so that they are #1 TDCC when in fact it is on #6.

Good luck with the tune. You'll get it, set that timing first.
Title: Re: Hello all.
Post by: jeremy.farlow on July 11, 2020, 10:51:44 AM
That was the way I read everything:

Lifters not pumped up...
Valve train on cam base circle
I went cylinder by cylinder, watch intake start to open and adjust exhaust and vice versa

It’s not super-scientific. But there’s no overlap on the camshaft so that procedure should work fine.

I think where I mostly went wrong was achieving “zero-lash”...

Most guys say spin the pushrod until you feel drag and then tighten the adjust 1/2 or 3/4 turn.

I’ve got vice-grip fingers.

I can still spin a pushrod... in the open lifter valley, practically until the valve is opening.

It’s a little harder with the intake in place...

Anyhow, I’ve got valves fully sorted. This time I went until I felt drag on the pushrod and just added 1/2 turn on the adjuster nut.

I figure A) the valve seats will likely tighten up, as well as B) if the valvetrain is noisy, I can always tighten the adjusters up.





Be safe and stay healthy


Jeremy
Title: Re: Hello all.
Post by: bd on July 11, 2020, 01:34:41 PM
For future reference, rather than spinning the pushrod (a dubious method due to its high degree of subjectiveness) gently move it up-and-down along its axis, end-to-end, with the adjuster backed off.  You will easily feel the endplay and looseness.  Tighten the adjustment until pushrod endplay is just eliminated, then perform the preload adjustment.
Title: Re: Hello all.
Post by: jeremy.farlow on July 11, 2020, 06:47:26 PM
Yeah... that’s where I wound up yesterday. Realizing that I’d obviously gone way too far on my lash adjustments. Additionally, I can hardly get my big, clumsy fingers on the intake pushrod with the intake manifold in place.

I love the modern era... the world is at my fingertips, literally... but there’s only so much one can learn watching a YouTube video. There’s no substitute for experience and this is my very first time with the OHV architecture.

It also belies my fundamental lack of understanding of HOW hydraulic lifters truly work. Mechanical tappets make sense. Adjust cold, with the understanding that when things warm up the tolerances get tighter. I really don’t understand how hydraulic lifters and valve adjustment works.

It’s a google search for this evening.



Be safe and stay healthy



Jeremy
Title: Re: Hello all.
Post by: jeremy.farlow on July 15, 2020, 09:42:35 AM
Well... despite my best intentions I didn’t learn much meaningful about hydraulic lash adjusters over the weekend. Best answer seems to be: “they just work”...

Mine are now. I’m still not entirely sure what I did wrong initially. Fortunately the fix was just resetting lash, not pulling the heads to repair valves.

I pulled all the plugs and ran a compression test on every cylinder but #8... no way of getting the adapter past the header there. As a matter of fact I had to severely modify a plug wrench to be able to tighten the plug on this cylinder:
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200715/cc43d0abd4853e01564c6764b57a5f10.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200715/3ee8e93af38045cfcb90424d74eee87f.jpg)
Did I mention I don’t know WHAT I’d do without a lathe?!? And a mill for this one, but I really cannot imagine not having a lathe in the future.

As the truck is running pretty well... but leaking like a sieve from a bad heater hose coupling and a crushed oil filter. (Dad and I were a little “heavy-handed” with the engine getting it in place the last time.) I’m waiting for new hoses and vacuum lines before I go any farther running the engine. Hopefully everything will be in by the end of the week and I can really start putting things back together next week.

I did get the center portion of the grill back in place, for reals this time, and the bumper and wings are mocked up just to see how they look:
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200715/bb7e1ed0f96d1165259d397822b6e41d.jpg)

I’m also pretty happy with how my bow tie came out:
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200715/1776e4da7ae09749c0945009c305c095.jpg)

Anyhow... I’m about to go drain the radiator and likely spill a bunch of water on the floor.


Be safe and stay healthy




Jeremy
Title: Re: Hello all.
Post by: jeremy.farlow on July 16, 2020, 04:40:12 PM
In some ways I’m so close to driving this thing I can TASTE it!!! This week has been mostly focused on other stuff and waiting for parts.
Silicone heater lines and vacuum lines were supposed to arrive today... hopefully I’ll get them tomorrow.
The work I’ve done on the suburban has mostly focused on modifying the factory accessory drive to work with the realities of my motor. The alternator/power-steering side was relatively simple. Cut and rework the top mount to work with the Edelbrock intake:
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200716/06243ea23524a719b937867802eec848.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200716/25130ae9012068fc77ad029d09c20858.jpg)

The A/C compressor side of things is proving... not as simple. Despite the electric water pump appearing similar in size and shape to the mechanical one, as well as the stock radiator hose fitting, as Newton taught us: two objects cannot exist in the same place at the same time.. and the factory compressor mount doesn’t clear the radiator hose.
I still have some more clearancing to do, but here’s where I’m at right now. My part:
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200716/1b7cf27b4ce0994e307558e4a2334c30.jpg)

And with the factory bracket attached:
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200716/da4f9e75e53bc9dcc65ad0ca1d15208a.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200716/fa0df0b9ffb29d08c14ca98a38e4c417.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200716/987c862ee2fb8ee93a1cde5b257ff5d8.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200716/bebdd9b1575249fccda50a4bf3fec33c.jpg)
Hopefully it’s stiff enough that I won’t be slinging belts.
Speaking of, I didn’t measure, but when I mocked up the accessory drive sans E-water pump it looks like I can just use a shorter belt and not worry about wrapping the mechanical fan and water pump.
thats still the case when I get everything back on for reals.
Otherwise I’ll be adding an idler pulley somewhere.

And I’ve had a bit of a set back with the Pro Flo4 system. I sprung for the higher horsepower option... biggest difference is injector size...  my kit came with 60lb/hr injectors. I ordered the recommended fuel pressure regulator, set for 58 psi.
When I follow the Edelbrock systems prompts, engine size... cam profile... etc. the only option for injector size is 39 lb/hr.

I’ve got the engine running but it’s WAY RICH! Of course it is... it’s pulsing the injectors as if they’re 40% smaller than they actually are... hopefully not enough to wash the rings, but definitely rich enough it smokes like CRAZY:
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200716/86d681cba3ab553615a8ab8acb37af20.jpg)
A portion of the smoke is assembly stuff burning off. The exhaust wrap, the freshly painted valve covers smoked like crazy as well, but there’s A LOT of unburned hydrocarbons as well. Edelbrock tech support suggests going to the smaller/lower psi fuel pressure regulator. That’s a lot cheaper than a new compliment of smaller injectors.
Edelbrock tech also says: “lie to the computer... tell the computer you’ve got a big old cam to unlock the larger injector setting”. That’s all fine and good, but I sized the camshaft to the vacuum specs Edelbrock recommends.
I know it’s a learning curve, but if anyone is thinking about this system... don’t make my mistake and think you’re “leaving some in reserve...”. Pick the system that best matches the actual power your motor is making.
And of course, that advice is not listed anywhere in the Pro-Flo literature. Maybe it’s just me, but they’re sold as “Up to ______ horsepower”. I read that as anything UP TO.


Anyhow, I’m a little bit frustrated... even more so when tech support guys says: “have you put gas through the injectors? If you haven’t it’s just a $100 swap fee”. Yeah, buddy... I ran it... that’s how I know it’s running way rich.



Be safe and stay healthy




Jeremy
Title: Hello all.
Post by: jeremy.farlow on July 17, 2020, 11:16:32 PM
Yeah... the hits just keep coming.


Of the years I’ve seen... 1983-2020...


This one takes the cake.


Far and away.




Rest In Peace John Lewis... the world isn’t better without you in it.

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200718/50df332e624ddfc7e3c420eec1e81550.jpg)





Be safe, stay healthy



Jeremy.
Title: Re: Hello all.
Post by: jeremy.farlow on July 23, 2020, 06:29:08 PM
Yeah, well... remember that thing I said about a smaller belt and calling it done???

No so much.

I would’ve barely gotten 1/4 wrap on either the crank pulley or power steering pulley. No way I could expect the tensioner to manage enough tension do actually spin any of the accessories.

So I tried once... and failed MISERABLY.

I literally spent two days making trash.

I got really frustrated. Hot’lanta has been earning the name this week. The last couple days just weren’t going my way.

Ultimately I cut everything I added off the factory mount and started fresh today.

It went a lot better:

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200723/670cda6d14ec6a8ff021ed83e064ce94.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200723/ee1f5cc6fb7b740f6d10472249aef67a.jpg)


The factory accessory stamping is a work of art. None of the surfaces are truly parallel to the pulleys and nothing is coplanar.

I took a lot more time mocking the thing up both on the bench and in the engine bay:

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200723/8bde7520a7e366de8f5eb4599be0be45.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200723/a66b90d22656d0f7b6824e6616e5d3bd.jpg)

Here’s the layout when I left tonight:

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200723/d7a74bafee799dfaeae12d1c27cb89aa.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200723/d1dcebfd955d372d03a1ae7760519647.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200723/a94a2733253d6a80332151dd6d34f95c.jpg)

I do want to try and get these pulleys for the two idlers:

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200723/228b9b5c6727508247b0605a8e1d6793.jpg)


Tomorrow I’ll cut the tape and see how long IT is. I’m thinking I’ll round whatever the tape measures and subtract two inches from that as a starting point. Hopefully I can get the condenser and radiator back in tomorrow.

Maybe Edelbrock tech support will call me back tomorrow. I don’t want to run the truck as rich as it is. I have a couple more issues to talk through with Edelbrock, but it looks like I’ll be buying a set of injectors...

Plans right now are to keep putting things together while I wait for injectors.



Be safe and stay healthy




Jeremy
Title: Re: Hello all.
Post by: jeremy.farlow on July 24, 2020, 07:08:33 PM
It looks pretty good with a belt on:
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200724/5f0f2f19859e42756556d8bfb627acf8.jpg)

Radiator went back in today. I reworked some electrical stuff. Got the TCI trans controller flashed and speedometer reading from it.

I went away from my previous kill switch idea as well. The big relay I had planned to use really didn’t like being constantly on and got REALLY hot.

Now I’m just killing the CDI box. No spark, no run. Hopefully it doesn’t incite would-be thieves to settle on mere vandalism.

If fuel injectors get here by the end of next week I’ll be about ready to drive the week after.




Be safe and stay healthy



Jeremy
Title: Re: Hello all.
Post by: JohnnyPopper on July 24, 2020, 07:38:53 PM
Nice work man! Love when a plan comes together  8)
Title: Re: Hello all.
Post by: Mike81K10 on July 24, 2020, 09:29:13 PM
As with JP, very nice! Keep an extra belt in the truck, just in case.
Title: Re: Hello all.
Post by: jeremy.farlow on July 25, 2020, 10:52:17 PM
I will say... this forum, the practical machinist forum and my IMDB.com page are the extents of my internet presence. I don’t Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.

These are tough times we’re all going through and the community here, as much as any other, has kept me as sane as possible.


Thank you all!

The words of support and advice are taken gladly.

This project, as asinine as it may be, has kept me going these last six months. You’ve all contributed and I am truly grateful.

I’m looking down the barrel at scratching a fairly big one off of my “bucket list”. I’ve always wanted to build a car to be totally mine. This suburban isn’t the wildest thing I’ve done... yet... but I can say, honestly, that I’ve touched nearly every part and piece of it by the time I’m done.

More than anything the project has given me a reason to get up and put big boy pants on in the morning. To go farther than the couch and remote. And I’m thankful for it.


I wish all of you the best and hope I can deliver in the next couple weeks, a project we can all be proud of.




Be safe and stay healthy




Jeremy
Title: Re: Hello all.
Post by: frotosride on July 26, 2020, 03:13:32 PM
That's awesome and if anyone here shares any pride in this it most definitely is thanks to Chris for providing a place and moderating (with some help) to keep these forums running and a pleasure to be apart of. I am a member of a lot of forums even a few that share the love of square bodies but none of them match the skill and respectful nature of the people found here.

Your project is coming along great and it is nice to see someone's desires come to life by their own hands.
Title: Re: Hello all.
Post by: jeremy.farlow on July 27, 2020, 06:07:48 PM
I decided today that the plan is to roll the suburban out of the shop next Friday afternoon.

I ordered injectors today, we’ll see if I get them this week.

I made this guy today:
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200727/6b027c2562948bba1e7b67afc86fdd08.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200727/e709a26569434a5274deb980de4c5683.jpg)


Guesses as to what it is?

...

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200727/c18b4a5127596d0800b9e0b79351a3bb.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200727/742d4968a457d1aeb62217935b3d5e91.jpg)

Coil and cable mount...

DUH!

It’s not the prettiest thing I’ve ever done, but it works and fits:
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200727/51e47e3bbb810677013c1d86bcdbf9fd.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200727/b4a8f7746661465c82a7441216e2f35c.jpg)

There’s still tons of clean-up stuff, but I think getting it outside next weekend is both realistic and doable. It’s a project... there’ll ALWAYS likely be something I WANT to do, but I think it can safely drive the beast then.


The new white whale stickers came in over the weekend. I dig em:

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200727/f7fe0ab3b95b4d986740687c9b779a90.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200727/ec605cc035d751c29bf1db6aafda1128.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200727/80dfdb4b2dc5c4b3eea7af256e68467c.jpg)

Still hoping to get some pinstripes done at some point.

Everyone out there get ready for interior pics for the rest of the week.





Be safe and stay healthy




Jeremy
Title: Re: Hello all.
Post by: frotosride on July 27, 2020, 06:15:41 PM
Interior pics...looked awesome to me. I'd add a 5gallon bucket for the driver and give her a good rip!
Title: Re: Hello all.
Post by: JohnnyPopper on July 27, 2020, 08:03:19 PM
Looks like the missus got her way with the moniker 'white whale'  ;D

Looks really good Jeremy!
Title: Re: Hello all.
Post by: Mike81K10 on July 27, 2020, 11:33:15 PM
Really good job on that Carb & Accelerator cable bracket.
Title: Re: Hello all.
Post by: jeremy.farlow on July 28, 2020, 04:30:27 PM
I plugged away again today. Dash, gauges, gauge bezel and head unit are in:
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200728/557d36a17e52a1f66294f122c781ce9d.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200728/bdfe1ffe90de1c07f00b9b7688f624b8.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200728/c633e0334be55d3dd5f5908faabfce4b.jpg)

The inside is probably as clean as it’s been in at least 20 years... probably the cleanest it’s likely to be from here on out as well:
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200728/6868f305ee88bbfe5685d00f9ae19996.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200728/7273cae0f83956fcd160965f6c366de4.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200728/43331c67980fd2f114e9deb137576271.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200728/2ff357c2a441e52a185950044b6adf30.jpg)

Tomorrow I’m gonna make something to hold the amplifier in the center console. I tested the amp/stereo months ago... this is a mental reminder to do so again before I make anything mostly permanent.

I’ve got a couple “honey-do’s” to work on for the rest of the week, so the truck probably won’t have much to show until next week.


There’s really not a lot left to do... seats. I had the driveshaft rebuilt, that needs to go back in and I have a new set of rear shocks that also need to be installed. That’s the big stuff. Provided everything still works as expected...

I was hoping to get to appreciate the REALLY cheap gas of two-three months ago, but oh well.



Be safe and stay healthy




Jeremy
Title: Re: Hello all.
Post by: Mike81K10 on July 28, 2020, 05:49:21 PM
Looks nice.
Title: Re: Hello all.
Post by: jeremy.farlow on July 29, 2020, 05:33:08 PM
Another “whattizzit”:
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200729/f057dfff772a37e92f3d7946a5803e37.jpg)

What the heck is THAT?!?

It’s the mount for my amplifier, of course:
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200729/0ac7626023af56e88958b8b4a8ad0ada.jpg)

It goes in the center console:
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200729/7b03a02874434a7955435f53f3d2e78d.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200729/52e43009283e248ed4a85edde54ab2f1.jpg)

And I had the best helper ever today:
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200729/14545e9fb64ee9ffe3c0a19e5fc19b36.jpg)

So far everything works.



Be safe and stay healthy



Jeremy
Title: Re: Hello all.
Post by: VileZambonie on July 29, 2020, 06:44:49 PM
Looking good. Do you like that steering wheel?
Title: Re: Hello all.
Post by: jeremy.farlow on July 29, 2020, 06:56:49 PM
I like that it’s on the car and works... at one point I had contemplated a Nardi wheel, but I can’t justify the cost currently.
The size is good and it’s held up far better than the rubber overmolds typically used in Japanese trucks. The rubber on my frontier steering wheel has come loose in several spots and a good friend with a Toyota Tundra has peeled almost all of the rubber off of his wheel when it started doing the same.

What I really DON’T like is the single-DIN stereo slot in these trucks.

NOBODY makes a decent single-DIN head unit anymore and the pioneer unit I’m using is a cheesy as it gets.

Anyhow...




Be safe and stay healthy




Jeremy
Title: Re: Hello all.
Post by: frotosride on July 29, 2020, 09:35:59 PM

What I really DON’T like is the single-DIN stereo slot in these trucks.

NOBODY makes a decent single-DIN head unit anymore and the pioneer unit I’m using is a cheesy as it gets.

Jeremy
Well remember that you have a huge transmission hump and from what we've seen you ain't no stranger to a little metal fab. I have a small one that I made years ago from my trans tunnel but it was for a single den. Besides that you're center console will be right in behind/in front of it so wiring to the amp will be a breeze.
Title: Re: Hello all.
Post by: jeremy.farlow on July 30, 2020, 11:10:25 AM
I know... and I thought about just mounting a double-DIN in the console, but then I’d have to figure out something to fill in the factory radio slot. At this point the head unit is in an functioning, but that may be something to change in the future.




Jeremy
Title: Re: Hello all.
Post by: VileZambonie on July 30, 2020, 11:49:22 AM
Who needs an in dash unit anymore? Leave the factory radio in and run a bluetooth amplifier. Your phone or iPad or whatever becomes the head unit.
Title: Re: Hello all.
Post by: jeremy.farlow on July 30, 2020, 07:09:51 PM
I got the new injectors today. I haven’t installed them and cannot say if my overrich situation will be cured by them.

I can say, these things cost me $375+ shipping:
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200731/1dd02a87768a5462aa245c071208609c.jpg)
For that price, they ought not look like something sold at 7-11. Seriously.

Put them in a box, maybe with a bit of packaging to keep them from banging against each other.

This package doesn’t look in any way to be valued at the price Edelbrock sells them at.



Jeremy
Title: Re: Hello all.
Post by: JohnnyPopper on July 30, 2020, 09:02:46 PM
I'm with VZ, it can be a figure head of period correctness...is that a word? Periodic correctness? What evvs...

But by all means, get the knobs right! I haven't seen a radio on this site yet that was correct.

Music note goes on the left.

Image depicting the tuning of amplitude modulation waves to sympathetic components dedicated to isolating electrons that are converted into mechanical energy go on the Right. 
Title: Re: Hello all.
Post by: jeremy.farlow on August 05, 2020, 11:29:09 PM
Honestly... this radio would have been seriously trick when this truck was relatively new... at least that’s what I’m telling myself.

It works... it’s paid for... just cheesy as all get out.

The Amp I’m using is “period-correct” as well. It’s a beast. I think I bought it at a pawn shop in 1999-2000 and it wasn’t new then. It still works great though. Somewhere I’ve got a multi-knob equalizer... maybe I go totally period correct, save VZ’s suggestion of a hidden Bluetooth receiver running through the eq and into the period amp.

The illusion of being period correct won’t last long when the hood is up though.

I’m pretty sure even the GM engineers of 1991 would be in awe of what’s under the hood.

A lump which seems to be running phenomenally, despite not actually having driven it yet.

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200806/67b84bab7bb7a9755c5189c3829d3270.jpg)

The interior is back in, in toto:
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200806/384b486666b8900cedf28f05070fd7f4.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200806/f7ba2b3bb4c957d4c41dc90f377ad263.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200806/6a516bc1c3992415d51eee2f11affba9.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200806/931d8587237193ce55afaa97720c0cf6.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200806/b840036c5b5d7e95afaad4a677b436f7.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200806/93f8ae5988e34e12de5c10aa99c190af.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200806/017809a22490a8f8d97fbb001c4996f8.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200806/6783a305aec76509aa2375eb6a37c1a4.jpg)
The rear seats are the only (semi) original part of the interior. I say *semi* because I’m fairly certain they aren’t what GM sent out the factory doors.

This thing was a RV shop in Calabasas, CA fulfillment. It was definitely originally a bench front seat. I cut the lap belt ends off when I replaced the seatbelts this week. I also had to weld in weld nuts for the inner seat mounts on both sides. I’ve got the Beard seats bolted into to what I assume are GM sliders?!?

I don’t guess projects like this ever TRULY end. But right now it’s dang near driveable and I intend to sit back and enjoy the fruits of my labors.

Here’s as the truck sits, right now:

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200806/9a779b4582408179b87577843e48c5aa.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200806/df9d4b25866e9012b3bb888e02882c19.jpg)

The interior is in. All wiring checks out for function. Transmission controller is happy. Again, I haven’t driven it yet, but mechanically it shifts into all gears, from detent feel. Neutral is neutral and Park is Park.

There’s one last hurdle...

I have the smallest air filter anyone recommends for an engine of this displacement. It’s a 4” x 13” K&N. Raised base, the lift needed to clear throttle linkage.

It won’t clear the stock hood.

It’s not far off, but close only counts, you know, horseshoes, hand grenades and ICBMs.

So I’ve got a couple of choices and I’m open to commentary.

I can:

Get a cowl hood, paint it, install it.

Or,

Cut the stock hood.

If I cut the stock hood I could:

Just have a hole.

Or,

Make my own cowl.

Or,

Think about something REALLY cool like a shaker hood.

I had really hoped (maybe deluded, more aptly) to just be able to use the factory hood and be totally fine with a sleeper.

If I have to have a cowl hood, or a hole of any sort in the hood, it may as well be radical. Some sort of shaker fits the bill. I’m still mulling. I don’t have enough material to make anything. But I don’t exactly have money to buy a hood either.

Decisions, decisions.




Be safe and stay healthy



Jeremy
Title: Re: Hello all.
Post by: RossVE on August 06, 2020, 12:01:26 PM
Would something like this work to clear your linkage? Although one is definitely more friendly on the wallet than the other. (https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200806/29265966a594ef029fcdf49b68f4d84b.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200806/81711d8a41ea60d519cf69b002f7d744.jpg)

Sent from my ONEPLUS A6003 using Tapatalk

Title: Re: Hello all.
Post by: frotosride on August 06, 2020, 02:58:29 PM
Shaker style hood would be the cheapest and likely easiest with the exception of design. You could always design the hole in the hood for the breather you want to be in there, weld in a flange for fit and finish...then eventually buy the breather/carb hat you wanted to fill the void. Oh and don't forget clearance for the shaking....
Title: Hello all.
Post by: jeremy.farlow on August 07, 2020, 07:48:56 AM
In this case I think I’m gonna “roll my own”...

Or at least have a go at it. I can design and build the shaker air box before even looking at the hood.

To those ends I’m starting at the bottom and working up. First will be the carb/throttle-body flange:
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200807/bd90ab47acc86b81f1767d8f92200ecd.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200807/9d981938adf54bc0681cdc2380fece0b.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200807/39c6b7875e59d80e6e213d8866fa058f.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200807/a9ef1725365fb6f61c5415c40a3a5401.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200807/796400c641d1625c6b57d9d1c9f7e6ac.jpg)

I’ve got some form-tool work this morning to radius the outside edge. I’m trying to use up materials hence the two 3/4” pieces married.
The plan right now is to attach another aluminum ring and a drain pan to this part. The ring will stiffen everything up and support the air filter. The pan will drain rain away from the engine and electronics and function as the bottom of the air box.

At least that’s what I’m thinking right now.






Be safe and stay healthy




Jeremy
Title: Re: Hello all.
Post by: Shifty on August 07, 2020, 09:33:40 AM
Oh Em Gee! Jeremy, you're a fabbin' beast!  8)
Title: Hello all.
Post by: jeremy.farlow on August 07, 2020, 05:55:47 PM
Thanks shifty!

So guys... the last two days have been... rough.

As of a couple hours ago the shop I’ve shown you guys in this thread is sold. I’ve got 90 days to vacate.

Because I’m a completely rational human being I spent al day today fretting the sale and building this:
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200807/a2c45a567de96210ad627593ecc30a69.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200807/2f4af15c1370d6b7b89c8817a59f442f.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200807/2c43a0b42d80206b42d45b7d79a4a390.jpg)

Sketchiest lathe setup I’ve ever done. I kept waiting to catch one of these 1-2-3 blocks somewhere:
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200807/d1cf8a5d185a183451ca34a55b34aa5b.jpg)

Fortunately they kept the thing supported and kept the chatter down, but centrifugal force, ya know.

It’s not done, but here’s what I had when I left the shop today:
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200807/9cd8c009680503239e7f1ebd6ed0de98.jpg)

It’s gonna need some relief to clear the trans dipstick. Thankfully I screwed up that corner anyhow.

I’m thinking just a round hole to start and a slightly taller air-filter.

Not a true shaker hood, but it’s easier to cut more... when I figure out how to cut less, after cutting too much, my ship will well and truly be in!!!

I didn’t get a picture, but the current air filter fits nicely on top of what’s there in the picture. Taller air filter only amplifies the effect of something poking through the hood. I’m out of material at this point, and as of this afternoon, OUT OF TIME!!! I need to drive this thing. At the very least it needs to make it 8 miles to the new shop. Ideally with a trailer, loaded with equipment and material behind it...

Several handfuls of times.




Be safe and stay healthy




Jeremy
Title: Re: Hello all.
Post by: JohnnyPopper on August 07, 2020, 06:15:42 PM
There's my cookie sheet!!! ;)

Nice innovation!

I feel you on moving-stress level is right up there with death and divorce.
Title: Re: Hello all.
Post by: jeremy.farlow on August 07, 2020, 06:52:51 PM
Heard.

And I’m moving tonnage. Figure a ton-plus each for the lathe and mill. Probably two tons in tool boxes. Maybe another ton in material. And then comes the smaller tools.

The funny thing is... moving is rather a divorce in this case.

We were never married, but my business partner in the shop venture is also my ex and baby-momma. Save the kid the shop was our last point of connection. I guess the only true divorce would be something happening to Saxon, God forbid. I don’t want to invest time in that hypothetical.

In any case, she has the same 90 days we’re officially split.

I didn’t do bad at all on the sale, but moving will be bittersweet no matter. I’ve got a lot of hours and a lot of sweat in that building.




Hopefully I’ll post a link of video of the truck driving. Hopefully with a trailer with something heavy on it behind the suburban.

In any case, I’ve got bigger irons in hotter fires coming up.






Be safe and stay healthy





Jeremy
Title: Re: Hello all.
Post by: Mike81K10 on August 07, 2020, 11:48:23 PM
Very nice work JF! Best wishes on your move!
Title: Re: Hello all.
Post by: Shifty on August 10, 2020, 10:35:37 AM
Good luck on the move Jeremy!
Title: Re: Hello all.
Post by: jeremy.farlow on August 17, 2020, 11:03:25 AM
Thanks guys!

So the smoke has cleared from the building sale. I’m starting to pack stuff up. I’ve got some time, so I’m trying not to totally hamstring the shop and any potential for income while I’m transitioning.

Because, if you hadn’t realized already, I’m SUPER-extra, cardboard boxes just wouldn’t cut it. I splurged on a bunch more U-line containers and lids:
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200817/5cd0ec1ed1022938482075c5527b2686.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200817/bc15f4478612f29ec6eea1766486d354.jpg)
As I’m not totally sure how long it will take to move and unpack I’m labeling EVERYTHING!!!:
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200817/1eafba2c5d153ae5172064582f56761b.jpg)
I’m working through the third pallet this week, but two are loaded and ready to go. It did dawn on me that I really shouldn’t shrink-wrap them until right before I load them on the truck:
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200817/ca8b3d2fbc77b7cc1c67a84c716b75ff.jpg)
I’ve cleaned up and broken down all the “big” equipment for transport:
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200817/d4db1066da651831c6c3905c8efc318b.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200817/8eeb26efa1282c6dbb93bb473a3e3685.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200817/37a5b4a0dc56232aa92a0c93119d693f.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200817/de9775a9d39e562ec2b4a4038d4ab6ef.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200817/0896f99177f03443bbffc11af4ada490.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200817/2383de6d33099147dca10edccd792cad.jpg)
The amount of chips I cleaned out from under and around and in the nooks and crannies of the machines was unbelievable. I pride myself on keeping the place clean and didn’t expect the level of debris I found.

If anyone is interested, these are the two products I like for stuff like this:(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200817/307fe49030a6fce73a734603d68410fe.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200817/a9152dd02107b9defa9375151200e456.jpg)
The CLP is what I use as a cleaner. It foams and clings a bit. It’s great, in my estimation, for stuff like the lathe and mill bed.
The BoeShield is like cosmoline lite... it actually builds a waterproof surface... it’s great protection for the open, cast-iron or uncoated steel surfaces. Obviously I’m not gonna leave my equipment out in the rain, but this should help manage temperature shifts and any water that may get in/on the machines. Same as the boxes, I plan to shrink-wrap the machines, but again, only right before they get loaded up.

I’m still working out the details of the new shop. As well as the current occupant has yet to do anything more than move stuff AROUND the lot. The new shop will be significantly smaller than what I’ve grown to appreciate, so I’m gonna need a strategy to make sure I can still use the tools and work, etc... That said, overall I think the layout will work for me and will make stuff like working on cars FAR EASIER!!! The building comes with 2 10k car lifts as well as an *eccentric* built in apartment. I hope I’m not jinxing anything:
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200817/e40ab607a2a137ba926cfe7842b9994b.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200817/ae2257c996ba3be53e3ba67774d7f7d3.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200817/b021a844f69dbfddfa8a5d946fbadd9a.jpg)
As it stands, I should have some money left over to make a few immediate changes.
I want to put a new roof on... with skylights... and extend the roofline shown above to the fence line.
The concrete pad of the building extends 20-25’ at the back of the building and I want to extend the roofline to cover it as well. Currently there’s an awning, but it’s low.

It cost me $15k to do this roof and replace all the purlins on the addition at my current shop:
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200817/f0f6f9361d6ebca73749843c7a6a72d3.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200817/c7292fc720e186c4f42f0cc3ed2653eb.jpg)

The other improvement I view as immediately necessary will be to upgrade the electric service. The building does have 3-phase power, but only 200 amps. I’m not gonna go as big as I did at the current shop (600 amp service) but I’m thinking 400 amps. Also thinking, given the space constraints, that I need to do as much rewiring as I can before I start moving stuff in. Unfortunately, what you see in the photos is the very same inside the building. Out back there’s 12 or so cars... another 8-10 along the side, including this beaut that may or may not belong to the rapper T.I.:
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200817/edb35deee6d018a10372c438651d3bcd.jpg)

On the truck front, I had it running pretty well. Well enough to notice that I did not do a good job sealing the intake.

One of those *things* that dad always tried to hammer home when he was teaching me my wrenching basics was that RTV DOES NOT GO WHERE OIL GOES!!!!!!!!!!

So my guess is that I just wasn’t liberal enough with the sealant I used for the intake to block surfaces. Live and learn. Hopefully it only takes two times to find the charm.

I got the hood cut and think it will work. Always easier to cut more than less if not:
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200817/3cfe8d6a17e685642fb5c5a100e4e9c5.jpg)

And I’m really happy with how my shaker pan came out:
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200817/a61e0ddfe8deda555a9c9ab8da4ff9bc.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200817/4997d53c7ff7e88d85907dceb6c1e67a.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200817/314f70ad740f2c1e0d05fdeaa508c1c3.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200817/c0752fba2d8ab5cc1ecc3f27ecda8aa2.jpg)
All I need is a 3/4” NPT to -8 JIC/AN fitting so I can eliminate the pipe bushing. I even sacrificed a -8AN hose-end and length of hose to drain the pan.

And now, back to intake removal.


Be safe and stay healthy




Jeremy
Title: Re: Hello all.
Post by: jeremy.farlow on August 27, 2020, 07:30:21 AM
Third time was a charm to get the intake sealed. Everything is happy now and oil stays where it’s supposed to.

I’ve got a new Griffin radiator on the way. It seems EVERYONE wanted to give me flak about replacing nearly everything in the engine bay except the radiator. So I caved. Soon enough there’ll be a nice, new aluminum, dual-fan radiator sitting in front of the engine.

I’m also waiting for a TCI remote TPS sensor. The Edelbrock EFI and FAST TCU weren’t playing nice together... I attempted to split the TPS signal to both computers and there was enough “back-bleed” to corrupt the signal to the Edelbrock system. Part of why I was having so much trouble with idle. Both FAST and Edelbrock said the only solution was to mount another TPS to send signal to the transmission controller.

So I’m waiting on parts again...

In the meantime I’ve got the engine bay cleaned up to my liking:
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200827/27a5a95420013104cb47f6a8625b02d9.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200827/db2ba7055b3356b5117eea07a6ec54ae.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200827/6f8b41268855adca87d48185bca5fe36.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200827/6da337979e79b567b39a4fc64ed3e55c.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200827/62e7dbc07e099178c76fc9ed57ab251f.jpg)

A/C works... in theory... it passes all the factory diagnostic checks, but as it’s totally dry I don’t want to actually see if the compressor and clutch work. Everything else checks out... waiting on three things to drive now, remote TPS, radiator and a rollback.


Be safe and stay healthy



Jeremy
Title: Re: Hello all.
Post by: Shifty on August 27, 2020, 09:26:16 AM
Looking good bud.  :D
Title: Re: Hello all.
Post by: jeremy.farlow on August 28, 2020, 08:45:35 AM
Radiator came in yesterday. It’s BEAUTIFUL!!!:
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200828/bf46177e3b0ded5efe12337b99d01361.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200828/98843383d2bdcea03b396f8ebd89aac0.jpg)
I also got my TCI remote TPS sensor... so I know what my weekend looks like now.

UPS delivered late yesterday and didn’t give me a lot of time to look at the thing before I had to leave for dinner. Factory radiator mounts definitely won’t work. I’ve got options, but don’t have a full plan yet.



Be safe and stay healthy




Jeremy
Title: Re: Hello all.
Post by: Shifty on August 28, 2020, 10:41:00 AM
That is indeed a pretty radiator!  8)
Title: Re: Hello all.
Post by: jeremy.farlow on August 28, 2020, 02:26:47 PM
Griffin radiators in S. Carolina. I’ll snap a picture next I’m at the shop. They even stamp their own caps!
Title: Re: Hello all.
Post by: Mike81K10 on August 31, 2020, 09:19:47 PM
Very nice radiator! One of the best I have seen! Will have to fab mounts for it and with your talent, that is not going to be a problem.
Title: Re: Hello all.
Post by: jeremy.farlow on August 31, 2020, 09:56:44 PM
Supposedly this was a kit for our trucks... it seems maybe the mounting brackets didn’t make it into the box or maybe they were extra. In any case I did indeed have to whip up some mounts:
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200901/844e5e1ad43f3e5998d5884d9a1fd87e.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200901/964af285dfb15b4bbe3c240adc75d438.jpg)
I didn’t get a picture of the lower mount, but it’s more of the same. I used some double stick foam I’ve had lying around both top and bottom, so the radiator is rubber mounted.
I’m sure the mechanism of the cap is “off-the-rack” and Griffin just stamps their logo, but it’s a cool touch all the same:
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200901/b6ce61845ca03ece1dfb0775147cb9f2.jpg)
Hopefully I’ll get the TCI remote TPS finished tomorrow, along with wiring in the new fans tomorrow or Wednesday. After that I shouldn’t have too many excuses for not *finally* taking that maiden voyage.


Stay tuned...



Be safe and stay healthy



Jeremy
Title: Re: Hello all.
Post by: jeremy.farlow on August 31, 2020, 10:51:00 PM
Supposedly this was a kit for our trucks... it seems maybe the mounting brackets didn’t make it into the box or maybe they were extra. In any case I did indeed have to whip up some mounts:
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200901/844e5e1ad43f3e5998d5884d9a1fd87e.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200901/964af285dfb15b4bbe3c240adc75d438.jpg)
I didn’t get a picture of the lower mount, but it’s more of the same. I used some double stick foam I’ve had lying around both top and bottom, so the radiator is rubber mounted.
I’m sure the mechanism of the cap is “off-the-rack” and Griffin just stamps their logo, but it’s a cool touch all the same:
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200901/b6ce61845ca03ece1dfb0775147cb9f2.jpg)
Hopefully I’ll get the TCI remote TPS finished tomorrow, along with wiring in the new fans tomorrow or Wednesday. After that I shouldn’t have too many excuses for not *finally* taking that maiden voyage.


Stay tuned...



Be safe and stay healthy



Jeremy
Title: Re: Hello all.
Post by: JohnnyPopper on September 01, 2020, 05:54:39 AM
Very nice Jeremy, now stop milking it and show us a video of it burning rubber... 8)
Title: Re: Hello all.
Post by: jeremy.farlow on September 01, 2020, 04:54:54 PM
Nah... I’ve decided I’m just gonna keep working on this thing... FOREVER!

And you’ll have to settle for stills... I don’t believe these forums support video.



Be safe and stay healthy



Jeremy
Title: Re: Hello all.
Post by: JohnnyPopper on September 01, 2020, 08:21:21 PM
Just thought of a moniker for your white whale "MILKEY MILKERTON"

I think you're right, you might have to post video somewhere else and give us link. Can't wait to see that monster in action!
Title: Hello all.
Post by: jeremy.farlow on September 01, 2020, 09:21:16 PM
Me neither. It’s slow going, but the milk comes out of the tailpipe. You’ve got to get in there before things heat up too much and you can’t hold on anymore.

If the truck hasn’t moved by October, I propose Milkey McMilkington, in honor of a portion of my Western European heritage
Title: Re: Hello all.
Post by: JohnnyPopper on September 02, 2020, 12:35:10 PM
Hear hear!!!

Or for some 'here here!!
Title: Re: Hello all.
Post by: Mike81K10 on September 02, 2020, 02:54:00 PM
They should set up video capability on this forum.
Title: Re: Hello all.
Post by: jeremy.farlow on September 26, 2020, 08:51:04 PM
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200927/3fa06f2f13d4540744cf8edb8b6a784c.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200927/8c035531638e674c61e125312382e176.jpg)

I took my first drive in the suburban today.

The pictures are from Thursday when I finally got it out of the shop. I’m headed back to work Monday, so it was just time... despite the weather.

The truck wouldn’t crank when the wrecker showed up, so I had to have it dragged on with the winch. And then it wouldn’t crank yesterday either. WTH?!?!!!!!

Yeah, the MSD CDI took a sh*t. No idea why, but she dead. It’s got power, but does not send a signal. Red light doesn’t light up when the box is tripped... she dead. I need to see what MSD’s warrantee is. Thankfully the CDI isn’t really necessary for a lazy motor like mine.

The first drive went about as expected. Everything works, but not much works as well as it should. Except the brakes! They work REALLY well. So I drove it home tonight.

I’m back to work next week... and moving... I’m not sure how much time I’ll be able to devote to cleaning up the last of the issues, but at least the truck will move itself across town. Not real sure it’ll be sound enough to pull a trailer. It’ll also gonna need to drive itself to an alignment shop straight away as well.



I’ll update as I can.


Be safe and stay healthy





Jeremy
Title: Re: Hello all.
Post by: Mike81K10 on September 27, 2020, 12:03:45 AM
You did an outstanding job on your truck and I am sure you will have little trouble cleaning up the bugs.
Title: Re: Hello all.
Post by: jeremy.farlow on September 27, 2020, 01:41:19 PM
Thank you for the kind words!

Nothing is insurmountable. And I’ve gone WAY too far to turn back now.

Biggest issue is the transmission is VERY NOT HAPPY. I know less than nothing about automatic transmissions, but I have this gut feeling that my torque converter isn’t doing what it’s supposed to. Unfortunately I’ve run out of time to play around with this thing and it’s the weekend, so no ones answering the phones on any tech support...

A short cruise across town gets the transmission VERY HOT. I’ve gotten the over-temperature warning both times I’ve gone more than 10-15 miles. Beyond that anything more than the slightest application of throttle kicks the transmission into a much lower gear than required. I got on the interstate for less than a mile and had to get off as I think I was stuck in second gear. I can feel the shifts to higher gears once I’m off the gas, but the slightest amount of throttle brings a downshift... like nothing. I literally cannot accelerate in at least third or overdrive and as I can’t keep it in OD, I also cannot say if the torque converter is locking or not.

The tranny is the stock 4L80e, stock converter, using the F.A.S.T. transmission controller. Hopefully a call to them tomorrow will yield some solutions. As this transmission had almost 200k, I had planned on likely needing to rebuild or replace it, but I was hoping to get a few miles on the truck before doing so.

Any suggestions are appreciated.

Despite really having to baby the thing along, I did drive it home last night:
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200927/03c0976ba298f326c7ccc25c92ebd6f8.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200927/88e87aa72398dcccf24d71d0e68e004e.jpg)

The Ford and the Volkswagen are my girlfriends. We joke that this is the antisocial or scumbag corner. The suburban hasn’t been parked there since January, but when it and the Ford were there earlier this year it was hysterical to see the neighbors avoid this corner like the PLAGUE

If we leave both trucks idling long enough we can probably burn a hole in the ozone directly over the complex. The condo is Megan’s, and it’s in Decatur, GA, or dick-hater in the parlance. Subaru’s and Prius’ are very well represented with our neighbors and I got some really dirty looks driving in yesterday.

The transmission and it’s issues will keep me from driving the truck too much, but other stuff to resolve:

Oil pressure gauge is... erratic. Dakota Digital gauge-pack and their sender... I’m thinking the sender is flaky. They’ll get a call this week as well.

On the subject of the Dakota Digital, I also haven’t gotten the speedo calibration right.

I need an alignment really badly. The truck tracks true, but doesn’t steer like I think it should, plus even visually you can tell the camber is different from wheel to wheel. Caster is likely wrong as well. I’ve never aligned a car before, so I’m weighing learning to do so or paying someone.

A/C is bone dry. Thankfully the temperature has dropped, even here in Georgia, so it’s doubtful I’ll NEED A/C this year, but that’s definitely one I’ll use a pro for.

And the combination of new door seals and strikers means you have to close the doors like you HATE them... so much so I either broke or slammed loose, the rod from the exterior, drivers side door button. Easy enough fix, but I’ll have to remove the door panel.

Oh! And most of all, a hood scoop!!! Thank God I was having ignition problems Friday! I’m pretty sure that not having spark SAVED my engine. I went to start the engine and “DUNK”. Locked up hard. Yeah... the hole in the hood and the shaker pan I made just funneled water into the intake, past any partially open valves and into the cylinders. I pulled the plugs and water RAN out of several cylinders.

I *think* I dodged the bullet here. No funny noises, and good oil pressure when the gauge stabilizes. (Back to the oil pressure sender, I think my engine makes more pressure than the sender can read, throwing it off) Cold and under acceleration sends the gauge off the scale to the high side and then drops off to the low side. Cruising and light-throttle application it reads 30-45 psi.

In some ways the engine I built is a prime candidate to bend a rod from the hydrolock... high-torque starter, longer rods, high compression and barely any valve overlap. But it’s also a forged crank and rods. Again, THANK God I didn’t have spark to try and push those waterlogged cylinders THROUGH the water. Thank God I wasn’t stubborn and realized the problem quickly. I’m certain it’s possible to bend a rod on the starter, but I’m fairly confident I dodged the bullet this time. Time will tell...

I’m sure there’ll be other issues that will rear their heads, but overall I’m pretty happy. The issues I have, aside from the transmission, aren’t major and should be easy to fix. The truck does turn heads... and has already picked up two offers for stoplight drags... one from a friend and the second from some guy driving an Infiniti yesterday.


Be safe and stay healthy



Jeremy
Title: Re: Hello all.
Post by: JohnnyPopper on September 27, 2020, 02:12:28 PM
Dejavu, hydro'd a 454 just as we were taking off for a desert trip.

I had a water injector that was the bomb back in the day, I used to 'mix' up stuff like rubbing alcohol, peroxide.

I primed the delivery tube, then got distracted and sure enough, siphoned a big gulp right into Number 8, bent rod, no trip for that truck.

Good thing my buddy had a 1 ton to borrow.
Title: Re: Hello all.
Post by: jeremy.farlow on September 27, 2020, 03:26:41 PM
I’m really thinking the universe gave me a pass this time. I definitely will not and cannot claim to be an engine builder by any stretch. Any credit for the two BIG mistakes I’ve made not immediately grenadine the engine have to go to dumb luck or the guy that built the short block. In addition to Friday’s hydrolock fun I also ran a paper towel completely through the engine. Unintentionally, obviously. I’d used the blue, paper “shop towels” to block off the intake ports; head and intake, and apparently didn’t get one out before I put the intake back on.

I fired the engine up and: “Oh Crap!!!” Little bits of charred shot out of both tailpipes... I guess serendipity shines on the stupid. No immediate or obvious damage from that bit of foolishness either, but it won’t surprise me at all if this engine doesn’t last the longest. Oh well... in needs more cam anyway.


Be safe and stay healthy



Jeremy
Title: Re: Hello all.
Post by: jeremy.farlow on October 12, 2020, 10:54:26 PM
I’m pretty sure I’ve figured out the transmission issues... but I haven’t had time yet to make the needed parts to rectify the situation.

I’m 2/3 of the way there:
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20201013/7ba1196e40cecd3f74bdb144fc572230.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20201013/779982f3e1a01f57c0adb12c330c3bb9.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20201013/645a7ac2c3640556466e3f68c40d2628.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20201013/591ce11b11e1141b8a851cd7d3f32c5b.jpg)

That’s the new throttle cable, remote-TPS sender, coil bracket. 


It’s not done yet...

but it’s really nice.


Turns out my transmission issues are most likely resultant from me running the remote TPS 180• out. The TCI TPS instructions ain’t comprehensive... to say the least. I picked the wrong option of two. Their product works as advertised... the fix is simple enough... in theory. The unit delivers a 0-5V signal via a cable-actuated rheostat. Pull the cable out and the reading changes within that scale. It just happens that if you’re 180• out, off idle and partial throttle reads the opposite. And vice versa.

The very-nicely-packaged-remote-TPS-unit should work as advertised when it’s retracted-by-spring state represents full-open-throttle.

If I didn’t do irreparable harm to the transmission already. Especially seeing as it’s the 200k-mile original tranny.

I definitely didn’t do it any favors.

Time will tell.

It is rather funny now... imagine a backwards TV cable on a non-computer automatic transmission. Barely any throttle holds the current gear... HARD. And no throttle forces up shifts no matter what the engine is asking for.

After what I’ve done already it’s nothing. I just have to make the parts... then make them work... then start fixing the other stuff.



And to think I thought I’d be driving MONTHS ago.





Be safe and stay healthy







Jeremy
Title: Re: Hello all.
Post by: jeremy.farlow on October 23, 2020, 02:57:25 PM
I finally finished my cable bracket:
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20201023/bec323c35ed0faaf18eb99ef9e29b722.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20201023/b605c9aa17387fa3eb83a4d6d27c1d15.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20201023/782f7617c9699fe755eff0860080eb5e.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20201023/8c3ee7503bc1df6beb3edfd641f0cd74.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20201023/df057988ed9a6f8fe8ff28aa06409180.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20201023/c9a00e62c852c72a35bf0a938fa29976.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20201023/bdcbc86207165018c631d7c5a98b2f5e.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20201023/b38dc1408a585d29d699991f2794f38b.jpg)
The forecast called for rain tomorrow, but Sunday is supposed to be nice. Hopefully I can make the time to get these parts installed and take another drive.




Be safe and stay healthy





Jeremy
Title: Re: Hello all.
Post by: Shifty on October 23, 2020, 04:51:54 PM
Now THAT"S over-engineering!   ;D
Title: Re: Hello all.
Post by: jeremy.farlow on November 06, 2020, 08:04:04 AM
I don’t guess projects of this scope are ever truly “done”... That said, I’m pretty sure I’m rounding the bend on the first three phases of this project. I may still have a transmission in my future, even with a large cooler installed the trans oil temps are higher than I’d like, but otherwise most things are working well. Some small “punch-list” items remain, but the truck runs like a scalded cat and turns lots of heads. I’ve hopped in and driven to work the last couple days with absolutely no concerns:
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20201106/6bc199c1b17e4e30005102c0b032580b.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20201106/b032eb92cb315e2c72e5f68d4e237745.jpg)






Be safe and stay healthy





Jeremy
Title: Re: Hello all.
Post by: Shifty on November 06, 2020, 08:25:41 AM
Thanks for taking us on this journey Jeremy!
Title: Re: Hello all.
Post by: jeremy.farlow on November 06, 2020, 09:25:31 AM
Thanks to all for coming along! I hope I made it worth your whiles.




Be safe and stay healthy



Jeremy
Title: Re: Hello all.
Post by: JohnnyPopper on November 07, 2020, 02:39:54 AM
What a ride! Thanks man!
Title: Re: Hello all.
Post by: jeremy.farlow on May 08, 2021, 09:56:10 AM
Nothing to report on the suburban. All the same, I hope everyone is doing as well as possible, I’ve missed the community here and without any updates to the Chevy...

Now for something completely different, but also kind of the same while being diametrically and philosophical opposites.

Oil and water...

Chevy and Ford...

“A Tale of Three 8-Lug Trucks”

Three years ago I couldn’t imagine buying AN 8-Lug, medium duty truck. Now I own two. I’ve bought THREE! Two of them are FORDS?!? and somehow I’m okay with all of it???

Remember the white diesel F350?!? The one I hate??? Primarily because I begrudgingly respect it while having no need for such a thing?

I was at the wheel this day:
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210508/047f860275d939c5279d8a882c313af3.jpg)

In the truest since of the word, that tiny shitbox Hyundai TOTALED that massive white truck! The Ford running gear weighs more than the entire Hyundai, yet she couldn’t have hit the Ford in a worse spot. No sense even bothering with insurance... the Ford is valued at $908.

To add insult to injury I got the ticket... “improper turning”.

I think the cop “read the room”. Georgia state law doesn’t allow for a “no-fault” accident on a public motorway. He HAD to write a ticket and chose the path of least resistance. He had the very distraught young lady, in the very new, financed and fully insured Hyundai and the calm and collected dude in the old and paid-for (and barely insured) truck. She screamed at him just because, while I picked up the leftover Hyundai pieces. No matter what, he was stuck at the scene with this frantic woman until her inoperable car left the scene or she did.

I took the ticket, climbed in through the passenger side, and was able to drive off.

The Ford needs a new cab and while it isn’t gonna get any prettier, it was already a FrankenTruck and it’s worth fixing. I have the means and wherewithal to find another cab and swap it. I’ll spend another grand or two on a truck I didn’t own and don’t want because it’s the absolute best value decision.

In the interim, my girlfriend still desires a vehicle with the capacity of pulling her horsey trailer. After the last year that’s something I can’t take from her... even if she doesn’t use it. Her world has shrunk far more than mine this last year and she needs what the stupid big smelly Ford represents... even if it’s just walking the dog past the parked truck.


In one of those rare, serendipitous moments, this truck became available the day before the accident:
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210508/6975f2c963d4f8b33737590ad18c6d51.jpg)

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210508/ac0d7dc4fef306e7ba713b07c81cdbc0.jpg)

The previous and original owner was the farmer that boards my girlfriends horse. That’s her trailer beyond the front of the truck. The fact that it’s a Ford makes me want to vomit... but otherwise I got a really good deal on a really nice, all original and complete, very capable 3/4-ton truck. 90% is as it left the Ford plant. The only things that aren’t OEM or direct replacement are the shifter knob and lever and the factory AM/FM/TAPE radio.

It’s so complete I have to original warrantee cards AND the Ford-factory trailer adapter.

I choked back my Ford-induced desire to vomit, handed the old man 35 hundred dollar bills and made both of us happy with the transaction.

Despite being a vehicle I absolutely never saw myself wanting, needing or being happy with, I’m gonna keep it even after I get the other Ford fixed. Weirder still, I’m not gonna change or modify it beyond the barest minimum.

I have to cut the bed for a gooseneck hitch. I’m putting that off as long as I can, possibly indefinitely, if I can fix the white truck quickly enough. I’m gonna swap the automatic locking hubs for a set of Warn manual lockers. And then I’m gonna leave it alone, do the barest of maintenance and fix or “fix” it only IF and when it needs it.

Ironically enough, the same week the brown truck came up for sale and I crashed the white one, a Ford dually axle fell into my lap... almost literally:
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210508/b6d4c9c88d39d2a8cf504a7554d19d75.jpg)

We used a couple of E450 school buses at work and I could put the axle in the scrap bin or truck bed for the same amount of effort.

Version 2.1 of the diesel 350 will be a dually flatbed... if the title was in my name I might put an engine-driven welder on that flatbed, just because. Thankfully it’s not mine, so I can save that expense.

I’ll do my best to not add too much Ford-garbage to this forum dedicated to far-superior vehicles, but I hope I can conclude both of these projects before 2022...




Be safe.





Jeremy
Title: Re: Hello all.
Post by: frotosride on May 11, 2021, 07:49:15 PM
"We used a couple of E450 school buses at work and I could put the axle in the scrap bin or truck bed for the same amount of effort."

Most interesting part to me..based on what you so for work I'm now curious of what the word "used" pertains to. Hhhmmm ::)
Title: Re: Hello all.
Post by: jeremy.farlow on May 12, 2021, 12:58:22 PM
One got a cage and a powder cannon installed:
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210512/1d61d35785b7f9938969cd37294f6795.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210512/8477934811377e5ac95ead6dd6575f68.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210512/d44a9aaa122cfe46998803c5644c2b61.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210512/2a16219b86f5a9368f73c6d72cc349a3.jpg)

The big thing at the bottom of the third pic is the powder cannon. The smaller guys are sand mortars. They throw a wad of wet sand to blow the windows out.

The cage wasn’t really necessary here. It’s really hard to get any vehicle to go over long-ways and we weren’t even trying for it here, so there was little chance of it happening.

The axle came out of a second bus that got mounted in this rotisserie:
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210512/d72c3ce0c3b5a94c1b42410e6e1f20df.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210512/9fc4e79fc0ff093aa214840ec0bbdd30.jpg)

It allows safe filming of the interior of a barrel roll spin. We built this one for the Schwartzennegar film: “Sabotage”, almost a decade ago and have used it again for a number of projects. “Anchorman 2”, “American Made” and one of the recent Spider-Man films are some of them.

No big loss on the E-450’s. They were both 6.0L Powerstroke powered... the one that ran barely did so and the other one arrived without an engine. The maintenance notes under the hood indicated it had been a nightmare it’s entire life and I’m guessing the engine was blown we the production got it.



Be safe





Jeremy
Title: Re: Hello all.
Post by: JohnnyPopper on May 12, 2021, 01:22:51 PM
Bringing new meaning to the term "smoke and mirrors"  ;D
Title: Re: Hello all.
Post by: Mike81K10 on May 12, 2021, 08:25:09 PM
You have an exciting job/life there J.F! No wonder you're so good at metal work. You get a lot of experience from your job.
Title: Re: Hello all.
Post by: frotosride on May 14, 2021, 08:03:27 PM
How many chickens can I fit in that rotisserie...
Definitely impossible to"waste anything with a 6.0PS.
Title: Hello all.
Post by: jeremy.farlow on November 18, 2021, 08:29:08 AM
Suburban is STILL on the back burner, but we’re getting closer to getting back to it every day. The Powerstroke OBS is finally going BACK together. I’m hoping to send it to the paint shop before thanksgiving, realistically it’ll probably be after though.

Some fun progress pics:
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20211118/dc43c270c8845855446fdd03eafa87ef.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20211118/3accc560c89787e16dabb2624c8e318b.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20211118/71cc46909f773a1a2cdf32dcdddec15d.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20211118/3522d759c5aa7fd60dd479f1f673aab6.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20211118/23eb77c419d997f7a8868fac334cb141.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20211118/fa7a31df92d9a4630c36117498814915.jpg)

Every time I do anything on the Ford I’m even happier being a general man. I’m pretty sure Ford is in cahoots with the manufacturers of sockets and wrenches… you absolutely HAVE to have a full socket and wrench index… they make sure you use the sockets that no one else uses, 7mm, 11mm, 15mm… all of them.

Once the paintwork is complete it’ll be time to whip up a flatbed and swap the single rear axle for the dual one. I’m thinking both of those projects will be easier than doing bodywork… I HATE bodywork.



Be safe




Jeremy
Title: Re: Hello all.
Post by: frotosride on November 18, 2021, 12:11:03 PM
Amen to body work!! I mean who needs finger prints anyway.

The truck is looking good.
Title: Re: Hello all.
Post by: Mike81K10 on November 18, 2021, 05:09:19 PM
You do great work and I love your Suburban.
Title: Re: Hello all.
Post by: JohnnyPopper on November 18, 2021, 05:23:25 PM
Why aren't you blowing stuff up? And a FORD??  ;D

Is this the one you almost killed that poor screemie meemie bimbo in?
Title: Re: Hello all.
Post by: jeremy.farlow on November 18, 2021, 08:40:01 PM
One and the same. I’m still dealing with the legal stuff as well… traffic court has been rescheduled three times. After six months they drop the charges… they didn’t reschedule my court date the last time, DAYS before the six month mark.

I’m confident I’ll beat the case. I got cited, I’m fairly certain it was because my vehicle still ran and the cop knew he wasn’t gonna be stuck with me until the wrecker came. Georgia doesn’t do “no fault” accidents on the roadway either.

The cab swap was honestly a lot easier than I had expected. I’m dreading reinstalling the dashboard, but that’s the last big hurdle. It’s pretty obvious Ford pulled some cues from the general when they designed the OBS trucks. Stuff like the door stampings are nearly identical. The dash though… instead of having a nice piece of stamped steel to support the dash-pad… the climate control… the steering column, stereo, all that stuff, OBS Fords ductwork is effectively structural and there’s this massive casting, either aluminum or magnesium, that functions as the steering column support.

To date I have removed two OBS dashes… and broken parts of both. Thank God I had two… I still have no clue HOW the dash separates from the ducting?!? Theoretically the dash screws to the ductwork, but there’s one screw that comes in from behind the ductwork, so how does that work???!

Wish me luck. The sooner I get this *yuck* Ford out of my shop the sooner we can get back to trucks made by a proper manufacturer. I’m pretty sure I still owe the community a tires-roasting-off picture…






Be safe




Jeremy
Title: Re: Hello all.
Post by: 1980K20 on November 28, 2021, 01:00:41 AM
Nice work!

On my 1980, ducts attach to the dash molding, those nuts for plastic stud. If you can get to them, you can remove vents without removing the dash.

Sent from my SM-G965U using Tapatalk

Title: Re: Hello all.
Post by: jeremy.farlow on December 14, 2021, 07:54:38 PM
No matter what it seems I’ll take the whole year of 2021 away from the suburban, but if I can keep the rate I’ve been going at on the Ford, I’ll be wheeling the suburban into the shop no later than February.

The cab is swapped and as put back together as makes sense before it goes off for paint:
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20211215/91aca0b608534dfa6d42f5682c4df37f.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20211215/8df7fd9d12b40a6385751ef72497d738.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20211215/1f8b8c58038d40cbad8925ec3eecca94.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20211215/b16492bfdbf6c64099a95411b36e8a77.jpg)

In retrospect I really wish I had done similar sound damping on the suburban. My girl took my advice and found the KillMat… similar enough to dynamat, but a fraction of the price.

But wait! There’s more:
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20211215/3aa796e09ab44211b8e3b2afbc72c129.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20211215/1be882f4bed5c5f9bc22c00f6cdb62ad.jpg)

And even more!:
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20211215/54fafd802bd1af28018c80c32911f8ed.jpg)

I’ve hit my picture limit for the post… it’s hard to tell, but that is a dual-rear-wheel axle in the last picture. It’s no more than under the truck… but the hot-rod(???) gods are smiling on me. Despite FoMoCo seeming to like changing stuff for little more than the sake of changing stuff, the only thing that doesn’t drop-in are the spring perches on the axle. Shock mounts, sway-bar end-links, brake lines… even the “ABS” speed sensor uses the same connector.

Just like my suburban, this truck claims some rudimentary “Anti-Lock Brakes”… whether the system ever worked since the girl has owned the truck is unknown to me… I pulled all of that stuff out of my suburban… mostly because I couldn’t even figure out how it works. Obviously the system senses a speed differential between the axle and the transmission… but I’m neither system can I see any means of doing anything about it.


Anyhow, happy holidays to all out there. I’m looking forward to sharing General Motors updates as soon as I’m able…




Be safe





Jeremy
Title: Re: Hello all.
Post by: jeremy.farlow on December 14, 2021, 10:02:50 PM
Oh yeah! I beat the traffic case the week before last. It was mostly a matter of principle at that point. Neither the cop nor the other driver showed, so I didn’t even have to make a case. Which is too bad as I had taken the time to prepare evidence. I even had hot wheels cars and a scale aerial view of the street where the accident occurred.




Jeremy
Title: Re: Hello all.
Post by: 78 Chevyrado on December 14, 2021, 10:35:21 PM
Welcome to the fold homie!
Title: Re: Hello all.
Post by: frotosride on December 20, 2021, 10:10:11 PM
I even had hot wheels cars and a scale aerial view of the street where the accident occurred.
Jeremy
This surprises me not! I would be surprised if it wasn't all animated with explosions and a mini car flipper though.
Las time I had to be in court I was told I didn't have to show up by my lawyers so the kid without insurance that destroyed the left side of my body and totalled my motorcycle got off scottfree!
Title: Re: Hello all.
Post by: JohnnyPopper on December 21, 2021, 02:39:11 AM
too bad you didn't get to get to school them Jeremy! That would have been FUN!!
Title: Re: Hello all.
Post by: jeremy.farlow on December 21, 2021, 05:25:00 PM
Some more “mini-Freightliner” pictures:
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20211221/b855a26b27b020b5155233280272a76a.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20211221/3e0d78db5c2b2b6ab968212da2ddc914.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20211221/ebbf3022d56f357565240e49294faf8c.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20211221/871e3d4a35a43c8f615b141e7afd3396.jpg)



Be safe




Jeremy
Title: Re: Hello all.
Post by: Mike81K10 on December 21, 2021, 06:10:24 PM
Very nice! Love that custom work and I would love to have a shop like that to work in.
Title: Re: Hello all.
Post by: jeremy.farlow on February 18, 2022, 07:43:42 PM
The countdown to the resurrection of the resurrection of the suburban started tonight. The hole I’ve been waiting for opened up in my shop:
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220219/73d3b2a459842d29be31d48ec6f1b615.jpg)

I’ve still got final punch list stuff on the 1-ton Ford, but it WILL NOT be coming all the way back into the shop… hopefully ever.

Gratuitous pics of the final flatbed project:
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220219/bf49257a82e7779ff0a965853d4c5dc6.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220219/e283f52a8b3b981d4c3cb6baf394f235.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220219/24ebebcf9f874bd98c4d0e58624500ee.jpg)

The most important picture of all:
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220219/03ba81bfa68d308e1673d339b95f3662.jpg)
That is one happy missus with her big-girl truck back on the road.

I plan on using the Ford to haul the suburban over to the shop and I’ll resume this thread in earnest sooner than later.




Be safe


Jeremy
Title: Re: Hello all.
Post by: JohnnyPopper on February 19, 2022, 01:18:42 PM
Nice work Jeremy!

Great pics!

Will you use that to haul your tools of destruction?
Title: Re: Hello all.
Post by: jeremy.farlow on February 19, 2022, 02:52:17 PM
Totally honestly, once the flatbed is totally sussed out and roadworthy I don’t plan on ever driving it again… you have to understand the hierarchy in me and the missus’ relationship.

It goes:
HORSE
Truck
jeremy

If I had entered the relationship with a big-boy pickup I’d still only be capable of second place.

Honestly I’m cool with the whole arrangement. I get copious time to do with what I may. It’s also good that both of us have a different safe place away from the house. That alone seems to head most squabbles off at the pass and is surely nice when squabbles do start.

In any case, leading up to the accident in the Ford I had been having literal nightmares about a MUCH smaller accident. None of which came close to the reality that fixing her truck became. I had nightmares just telling her about a bent bumper…

Also, that blue oval in the grill… makes me want to vomit.

She was quite good about taking care of maintaining HER truck before I went and got in an accident in it. She’ll do the same from here on, once I get it to improved from how I got it state.

I’ve got a car-hauler borrow lined up, open-ended for the next couple weeks. I’m looking to fill that Ford hole in the shop with a GM product as soon as I can. I’m expecting to redo several things, I started rushing when the old shop sold and I’ve got too much into that suburban to cut any corners.



Be safe



Jeremy
Title: Re: Hello all.
Post by: Shifty on February 21, 2022, 08:14:33 AM
Thanks for the update Jeremy!
Title: Re: Hello all.
Post by: jeremy.farlow on July 01, 2022, 06:34:59 PM
Hi guys! Hopefully y’all haven’t completely forgotten me.

It’s been a while.

I’m wrapping up this work project:
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220701/5441878eea3ece095664e82a38a408b1.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220701/e096aed2b87d1ef0eccfffa8ee22a19a.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220701/38b2c6f590259ed667b3a6c94f0fb224.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220701/217f810328cb1d74f99b0ce83a9ed061.jpg)

As soon as this thing leaves the suburban is taking its spot.

I am very relieved to announce that I just pulled the front four spark plugs and didn’t find any trace of water. Oil is at level and oily.

It’s still most prudent to tow it to the new shop.

For those just joining the very first time my suburban went outside it rained… and the entire intake and every cylinder filled up with water. Apparently past Jeremy did a *much* better job on V2.0.
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220701/0f54884c9ccc0b2d7c03a5c8dc5bbffe.jpg)


(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220701/02816eaef0727a06482702fca0d0e0a3.jpg)
My drains seem to have worked pretty well. I scooped plenty of leaf crap out of the air cleaner pan, but no water.

I’ve been absolutely dreading finding a very expensive engine completely full of water.

One less excuse.

Stay tuned.




Jeremy
Title: Re: Hello all.
Post by: JohnnyPopper on July 01, 2022, 07:04:51 PM
Glad to see you're alive and well ;D

Almost tear'd up when I saw your power plant... :(

I hope things go well in resurrecting her to her former glory  ;)
Title: Re: Hello all.
Post by: jeremy.farlow on July 01, 2022, 07:30:10 PM
Oooohhhhh!!! I am getting excited!

The Good:
A lot of the work COVID Jeremy did seems to be holding up quite well:

The engine isn’t full of water and most of the stuff I made seems to have stood the test.

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220702/f90b5619416967e146a84460138d8bdb.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220702/357e94b594de4aa3265e8ea65614b72f.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220702/b28200a7efbfcec1c41ea61163d98349.jpg)

The Bad:
COVID Jeremy did a really crappy job on the dashboard:
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220702/9cde3d065af355a054f4302cd552e7eb.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220702/4f17dab995ed43dd38a7953d8130a609.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220702/80aa1f5aa14679bf467a694dd65f1f93.jpg)
COVID Jeremy also did not get the truck as weathertight as he had hoped to:
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220702/ca8cf66104b7137c35002fdd06551591.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220702/88a8377c648e0460276dee8d2c9fbf6e.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220702/393f7ddc8113cbd9280976ea2266d120.jpg)
COVID Jeremy did use enough scotch guard to make the water puddle in one place, but water is definitely still getting in. The storm earlier today was by no means “prolific”.

Thankfully I’m in the south, so I have a “water problem” not a rust problem.

The Ugly:
The thing needs a bath real bad:
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220702/1aa4e917fd12b30277da211ed872e84c.jpg)

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220702/5fc7eed6ebd47333efcf4db17ce26188.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220702/4f88a2a0d17939012047ada91cd3d88b.jpg)
Sitting again on “maypops”:
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220702/d5486c906207cfb8567e34114080c27f.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220702/1cf4bf0115d8fa30b4dd274aff809e9b.jpg)

I’m surprised any of those tires are still keeping air.

They’re what came on my Ford:
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220702/f9fa17b1d99852fd7d53027f13939d7e.jpg)
I’ve got six of the same American Racing wheel ready… just have to spring for tires.

Here’s me and the missus “fleet”:
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220702/4048efed797b23d708f1ffd2f50e24e1.jpg)
SOOOO socially irresponsible. There’s like 23 liters of displacement lined up there. Me and my 15.5 liters being the majority share. Thankfully neither of my trucks are intended to do long hauls. And as stupid expensive as gasoline currently is, diesel is even worse.

The bandaid has officially been ripped off…

The Whale:
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220702/76ec2eb23a1da968c1293b6ce16eb312.jpg)
Will ride again.

Be safe


Jeremy
Title: Re: Hello all.
Post by: Shifty on July 02, 2022, 01:39:10 PM
The whale is having a rough patch....  :-\
Title: Re: Hello all.
Post by: jeremy.farlow on July 02, 2022, 05:43:50 PM
Hi Shifty, long time.

I went back and read a lot of this thread last night after making my posts… it’s kind of eerie to see how quickly things changed…

Point being, we’ve ALL had kind of a rough time these last couple years.

In complete honesty, building this truck kept the COVID lockdowns from affecting me worse. The whale… it’s been sitting, but it could be A LOT!!! worse. I’ve been avoiding pulling those plugs because I was nearly sure the engine would be completely full of water. Nasty, rusty, crappy water and the first two steps on my list would be:

Remove engine

Rebuild engine

An hour or two with a pressure washer is gonna get me *almost* where I was… thank God, not fully two years ago.

My new shop is as ready as it will be to receive my project, the missus is happy with her flatbed ford… and aside from work, I’m in the headspace to do the project justice.

I won’t promise to be as prolific as I was during the COVID lockdowns portion of this thread, but it’s back on and soon!

I’m mostly happy with the decisions I made with the time I had… and I’ve had plenty of time to think about a suitable, strong finish.


Stay tuned!!!


Jeremy
Title: Re: Hello all.
Post by: Shifty on July 04, 2022, 10:42:22 AM
Looking forward to the "re-hab" pics and stories...
Title: Re: Hello all.
Post by: Mike81K10 on July 04, 2022, 08:57:41 PM
Always enjoyed see the White Wale's transformation from the beginning.
Title: Re: Hello all.
Post by: jeremy.farlow on July 22, 2022, 01:00:55 PM
This is happening:
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220722/77254cf99d255ae4945e65f2e5ed1b72.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220722/a3395f5f4f9d1b000d740722f7ea0f3a.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220722/d8ce975b12e3a2e4d5ece4cebc20dc4d.jpg)
Title: Hello all.
Post by: jeremy.farlow on May 03, 2023, 02:51:10 PM
Whelp. The Writers Guild of America has decided that I need some time off. I couldn't agree more. I've gotten really tired of looking at the dang suburban. I've been doing some small stuff here and there, but I was READY for the news of the strike hitting this week and went full in.

I undid some of the work I did back during the COVID lockdowns. While mounting the sensitive electronics under the dash *seemed* like a good idea at the time, I still haven't gotten the standalone transmission controller working as it should, so I went ahead and rerouted a bunch of wiring and put the ECU and TCU in a *MUCH* more accessible place under the hood:
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230503/005c7bc18b77b2d8e23869deb8fb3e8a.jpg)
I got the engine running for the first time since 2020 today. It took a set of plugs and draining the old fuel. With new high-test in the tank the beast started right up and settled into a decent idle straight away.
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230503/3b49eacf120d608870cff001b93cd460.jpg)
The Beard seats were another of those: "seemed like a good idea at the time" things... Turns out that race seats are meant to utilize a crash helmet. My head never touched the headrest. Plus, every now and again you want some recline in your life... not an option with the fixed race-buckets. These are OBS-Ford captains chairs:
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230503/77136ffe0f86b7f511a270afe7392631.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230503/20106df430a9d1535d2b0a072edcb09d.jpg)
WAY, WAY, WAY better!!!
I also finally got around to replacing the slap wore out rear seats. Found a really nice replacement set on eBay. I've had them kicking around for a while, but here they are mounted:
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230503/b604ec7cc5196ee58a9b69fee61c7118.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230503/a42f7e471323cb40c5ce3dd1a67aa4ea.jpg)
I'm gonna try for Navajo-blanket seat covers to disguise the front seats application.

There are still some transgressions from 2020 to be addressed and some things I hadn't gotten to yet. I haven't decided if I'm gonna try another attempt at repairing my original dash or just eat it and buy a new dash cover. I was really happy with my earlier repair... until the truck sat. It cracked twice as bad as it was initially. I may be able to fix it, but I'll take advice from the membership here.

Beyond that, I'm planning on taking a drive tomorrow and seeing what falls off. I think I'm just gonna bite the bullet and put a transmission in the truck. Even if the stock 4L80e isn't actually fried I have to imagine it won't last long with nearly double torque and HP. I'm also planning to spend tomorrow morning on the phone with TCI... assuming I'll be spending the TCU back to them.

Then there's "The List"...
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230503/eacfa449691a5b3579935e301b0b13c3.jpg)
Oops... drivers window crank needs scratched off.



Be safe




Jeremy
Title: Re: Hello all.
Post by: Shifty on May 03, 2023, 03:55:47 PM
Excellent to see you back at it Jeremy! 
Title: Re: Hello all.
Post by: jeremy.farlow on May 03, 2023, 04:58:14 PM
It's been WAAAAAAYYYYYY too long. Life does get in the way. I'm not sure how long the writers will be on strike, but I'm guessing work will be sparse for me for at least a month and likely two. I hope to be driving the burb to my first day of work back. Glad you're still around Shifty, and everyone else.

Someone help me figure out what to do about the dashboard.





Be safe



Jeremy
Title: Re: Hello all.
Post by: Shifty on May 03, 2023, 05:19:10 PM
If you're into a bit of fab, why not a more classic, all steel dash from a 50's maybe early 60's truck (have to widen, I'm sure)?  Way classier than our plastic/metal generic originals....
Title: Re: Hello all.
Post by: jeremy.farlow on May 03, 2023, 05:51:25 PM
I have considered building myself a dash. It would likely be aluminum, not steel. It isn't off the table, but I have enough other stuff that I'm not *really* wanting to take such a big bite right now.



Be safe



Jeremy
Title: Re: Hello all.
Post by: JohnnyPopper on May 03, 2023, 08:19:13 PM
Hey brother!

Glad to see you're still with us- How time flies!!!
Title: Hello all.
Post by: jeremy.farlow on May 11, 2023, 04:26:12 PM
I'm still here. Still hoping that the only time I'm not with you is a long time from now.

I'm still correcting my transgressions from 2020... and ideally not making too many new ones.

I had barely gotten the old exhaust installed before I wasn't happy with it. And I never made the final effort to put proper hangers on it. It had a weird "belly" in it that always bothered me, also touched down on a couple speed bumps apparently. I have a vague memory of the driveshaft being at the driveshaft shop and assume I was taking an (over)abundance of caution to avoid the shaft. In any event, I didn't like it, and I have a car lift at my new shop... we won't talk about how my father/tenant likes to disable vehicles on the lift and then walk away... anyhow, the lift should be free sometime tomorrow. I gave Jegs a shout and this started showing up Monday:
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230511/4b9db9f02f3a6f13f7a9a39c4bbeb8bd.jpg)
There's two long, straight pieces missing, but I had a few mandrel bends left over from last time, so that pile WILL become the new exhaust system.

Instead of overcomplicating things making my own x-over pipe I just bought one. Like last time it'll be a serviceable exhaust that splits to allow easier access and service.
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230511/49bb13bef245efe2eb2fb330e23236a7.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230511/51cf64fc9dfa54460fd4d2bf03ac2b39.jpg)
I haven't been welding that much lately.
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230511/31447cfb97417fc381656387460e875e.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230511/020f4c816c8ea182135e5e174b80ca95.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230511/7cfecfb8b494bfed967a663b0e4c9db2.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230511/455f1fd11864a18822291b810ed94e0c.jpg)
It ain't quite like riding a bike, but my hands seem to be getting a little steadier:
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230511/c1cf3b9faef4f902bd733c4255ffbeb9.jpg)

 (https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230511/353119b13bbfd3c4d935eb5a9968f1c7.jpg)


I'm hoping the straighter run and added length both work in my favor. I didn't mind the tone of the original exhaust system I built, but having the pipes exit in from of the rear tires seemed to throw the spent gases back in my face when the windows were down. Which is practically anytime I'm at the wheel. I'm definitely a windows-down and AC-cranked kinda guy.

I'll snap some pictures from underneath when I get there.





Be Safe



Jeremy.
Title: Re: Hello all.
Post by: ehjorten on May 12, 2023, 09:03:21 AM
Looking good! I am waiting to get my custom Left-bank header from GP Headers for my '91 V3500, then I can finish the exhaust!
Title: Re: Hello all.
Post by: Shifty on May 12, 2023, 09:26:36 AM
Cool Jeremy!  Now you can come do my exhaust.... ;)
Title: Re: Hello all.
Post by: jeremy.farlow on May 15, 2023, 06:29:21 PM
Sure thing... just send that blank check and I'll get started right away. Seriously. I promise... RIGHT away.

I hope it works pretty good, I got my exhaust done today:
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230515/3abf39032e121716b79232f37a371b93.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230515/f5280e3c55fee78be2ca8e4e2ea23a7d.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230515/d0f3727fc3862b30e8be0654226914f3.jpg)
This one is suspended by hangers at several points, instead of just hanging from itself and whatever frame members were sandwiching it. I still have no idea how the GM engineers managed to get a single pipe out the rear, I wasn't even gonna attempt dual, 2.5" rear outlets. I could've gotten two pipes out under the bumper, but I'm certain they would have been as walleyed as it gets. Discretion over valor here.

Because I'm getting my chance to monopolize the car lift I went ahead and inspected the rear end, wheel bearing and brakes. If anyone is interested, here's what the GM Gov-Loc looks like:
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230515/2555ddd0e2f31eb45b424cbe877b4e15.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230515/ee3c0041f36255516ab566af77df7197.jpg)
Drained and refilled with Lucas' version of GL5 80/90w. I can't find much on testing the Gov-Loc... but everything I've read seems like so long as there aren't bits and pieces laying in the third-member the thing *should* work as advertised. Wheel bearings looked good, brakes appear to have been serviced *quite* recently. Yeah... I really wish I hadn't taken the time to pull the axle all the way down to check the brakes.

The list got a little shorter today:
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230515/1a9b659a9319a865923973c535ef4018.jpg)




Be safe




Jeremy
Title: Re: Hello all.
Post by: Shifty on May 16, 2023, 09:42:19 AM
Interesting....all these years, and I've never seen a gov-lock.... :o
Title: Re: Hello all.
Post by: jeremy.farlow on May 16, 2023, 09:55:02 AM
I will be perfectly honest... as much as it pains me to say... Ford (Dana) made a far superior axle to the GM corporate. The Dana 80 that found its way under comparable Dodge and Ford 3/4-ton and 1-ton trucks is a much simpler setup. The Dana axle can have the brakes serviced without pulling apart the entire axle. On the GM Corporate full-floater the whole hub assembly has to come apart for any brake service. It's not a difficult job, but time consuming and effectively, the added level of work means that next time it comes apart I'll expect to have replace every service part inside: wheel bearings, drums, springs, retainers, EVERYTHING.

The Gov-Loc seems to be a love/hate thing. For serious work it isn't as strong as a spool, but outside of serious, rockcrawling 4WD work the GM corporate with its Gov-Loc seems to be perfectly fine. I do have a 4:11 geared Dana 80 that I could swap in, as I do not wish to even attempt rebuilding a GM axle.

I'm hoping I can get tires ordered today and start driving this silly thing this week.
Title: Re: Hello all.
Post by: jeremy.farlow on May 17, 2023, 04:19:27 PM
Straight up photo-dump.
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230517/215b8f31c2569a50c01e4b70a0257221.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230517/4b21f5d86b248f530d800d40cdfc7908.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230517/7ac3dcaaa0707954ed3548af5ce74715.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230517/e8a1d2f0f69125281594a73b79289f69.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230517/e5b85553729552dc7612bba6ea5acb9d.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230517/a08b168ad1a04d789a0ed108ad337894.jpg)
^^^ GoJacks are AWESOME!!! IF your surface is relatively smooth. My shop is tight enough that moving the whale from where it's been sitting to the lift bay really is best with a spotter...
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230517/ca35e76f6f401a626bf0544b74bbcd97.jpg)
or two guys pushing the truck on the GoJacks. Probably faster with the GoJacks...
Check out my boy:
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230517/b86cedcbd6262ab95414ebbc62fe4051.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230517/593a57a0188afdb0d2b1c16b910980f5.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230517/4787e0d907c4d69d35966cdb3b9bc221.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230517/4bb001abcbc7a1103e425b1495c58e04.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230517/f7e76c007b01e7c3d137e9a56b3b5873.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230517/2075a1e1ab00342904131e21f6710486.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230517/ada20aa4653491862f754c9043661964.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230517/957f80362c8441f2b86b2334f2c4afa5.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230517/5b130ee10c74ccce4af98180002a2901.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230517/d490c726024d3d10a08efc563f90a4e0.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230517/05c6ba148ade2c73f3bf65c98a25353a.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230517/d821cbead10f46e51075c1c79d6bf1ab.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230517/27b15216b43cac30e7cdcf6d4c74398b.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230517/71b91d3ef573836c92cd96008e34e617.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230517/367c6034517adef77b4d5020f16ae395.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230517/5e9ca79d2c931e3f54116bfa768e63d9.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230517/9dfd774012b75dcd6de49d7550f385b8.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230517/aa39654d6941c3d62f503ab6a20d5c70.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230517/6aa6ba026044e74a905ae538db076f2e.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230517/2aff6260e11444ea180ad9ea333d9b6d.jpg)




Be safe



Jeremy
Title: Re: Hello all.
Post by: Shifty on May 18, 2023, 10:20:38 AM
Awesome digs!  What is it that you are fabbing with the dimpled holes?
Title: Re: Hello all.
Post by: Mike81K10 on May 18, 2023, 01:19:10 PM
You have an awesome shop!
Title: Re: Hello all.
Post by: JohnnyPopper on May 18, 2023, 02:00:17 PM
Awesome digs!  What is it that you are fabbing with the dimpled holes?

Wall hangers, look at all his stuff hanging. :)
Title: Re: Hello all.
Post by: Shifty on May 18, 2023, 03:25:47 PM
Awesome digs!  What is it that you are fabbing with the dimpled holes?

Wall hangers, look at all his stuff hanging. :)
Doh!  I thought I was looking at something for the Whale!  :)
Title: Re: Hello all.
Post by: jeremy.farlow on May 19, 2023, 04:01:06 PM
Here's something for the whale:
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230519/ad1fea3d7e14a85d8014d3d031e9ce80.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230519/3392ec42e195c02354ba5580e596451c.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230519/8a09289992e6336c1d7b686adc6639da.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230519/debb5cf68150e0219737db6d73e61c12.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230519/2071b066d628f348c5c4146395dadc11.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230519/b2ae479e492a0ffe0ab746e0168497c2.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230519/06a1284e6594788c72f6f728e50cdebf.jpg)
Touchscreen, Navigation... my ride done been pimped.




Be safe



Jeremy
Title: Re: Hello all.
Post by: Shifty on May 20, 2023, 04:09:30 PM
That's far out!   8)
Title: Re: Hello all.
Post by: jeremy.farlow on May 21, 2023, 05:53:13 PM
It wasn't "extra" enough. So I did this:
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230521/b513a69a9bb9e378d828ac2232b6a228.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230521/65e61a52ccbf17617658037c89c42f9d.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230521/dc32c54f57761a9fc2e1d58a1faf4b08.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230521/3a43ff84e2ac91791c48851eb5a88149.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230521/1cf36dea639cba0b9e878361a3580316.jpg)
And then... after all of that... I decided that black is by far the most appropriate color to paint it in.

What did Mick say about the red door???

Before I do so I'll drill a hole and run an iPhone cord into one of those compartments and then there will be some well-trimmed and nicely-fitting neoprene rubber down at the bottom.

Maybe another, separate phone jack... for charging purposes.

None of which anyone will EVER see/notice...

After I paint the thing black.

See I have a lot black paint on hand... already paid for. Aesthetics are the primary consideration for painting this thing black, economics being an immediate second.

What I do not have... and do not want to pay for at this exact moment... are tires for this vehicle. And the tires I have settled on trend around $300/tire. Either BFG KO2's or Wrangler Dura-Trac's.

I need to generate some income before I buy tires...




Be Safe




Jeremy
Title: Re: Hello all.
Post by: JohnnyPopper on May 22, 2023, 11:37:46 AM
Nice work... ;D

BFG's all the way 8)
Title: Re: Hello all.
Post by: Shifty on May 22, 2023, 12:30:13 PM
Love me some Bee Eff Gees!  8)
Title: Hello all.
Post by: jeremy.farlow on May 22, 2023, 06:28:17 PM
It's been a long time since I've run the KO2's. But I know they seem to always get good marks. That said, I've been really happy with the Wranglers I've now put 30k miles on that were originally on the suburban and got transferred to the brown Ford when I bought it. They've worn extraordinarily well, still have plenty of life in them and have given me no issues. I reckon it'll be a pure dollars and cents question... when I come up with the money. Which set of Load E 265/75/r16 tires can I get faster and cheaper.

I saw a red door:(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230522/a47aa045b3db168da2c804644d4dbb11.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230522/111a9142c9615222023c83bd2928a663.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230522/3a46f285ef1851c654f257f3e36e69ca.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230522/db891d851cf1d7f0d5cc8be5f39211b3.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230522/77f42af4b2484e1d7c947458b7aa8523.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230522/4233440667209e1d4714b521530c26ad.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230522/8c489b6c9ac6cccf2ff1a29efde4f7a5.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230522/a615569ff7185eb66713feec085a5659.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230522/17f58909ee75bba843b21f69f45a113a.jpg)
I thought VHT "Wrinkle Plus" would give a nice accent and *maybe* mitigate some of the "black-hole effect"... but I forgot how spotty my success rate has been with said paint. It's so weird. Sometimes the stuff will wrinkle up beautifully and uniformly... this wasn't one of those times.

Ah well... it's aluminum. I'll probably be repainting it before long anyway.

Peak ostentatious:
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230523/616ead9c90c2e73301d7640f4006f1dc.jpg)

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230523/9cdae9285fbc52b0c760e03b655913d3.jpg)




Be safe



Jeremy
Title: Re: Hello all.
Post by: JohnnyPopper on May 22, 2023, 08:25:13 PM
Do you ever try heating up the rattle can? I use a blow dryer for up to ten minutes if weather is a challenge.

Smooth flow most of the time. Plus extra pressure.

Pop rivets are a nice touch!

What is the module in the tray?
Title: Hello all.
Post by: jeremy.farlow on May 22, 2023, 09:20:56 PM
This little guy?!?:
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230523/d0f8e2f9671be9bde13f956ba78b6d90.jpg)


That's the TCI trans controller unit. Works not at all in tandem with the Acer tablet controlling the Edelbrock ProFlo 4:
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230523/01afd02ec4067108e88eb123b78c9d90.jpg)
Funny you should ask about that thing. It may be the last hurdle I have.
I'm still running the same 4L80e the truck came with. It had obviously been opened up once before me, but the assumption is it is old and tired and not likely to last very long behind the motor I've put together.
The 4L80 is computer controlled. No vacuum kick-down, shifts controlled by solenoid as opposed to solely pressure.
That unit is the interface to the transmission controller. It prompts you for some values, tire size, axle gear ratio, max shift rpm, when to lock the torque converter, etc. Then the handheld unit flashes the actual TCU and *theoretically* you never need the handheld except to modify something.
It doesn't seem to be flashing the computer.
So I'm assuming that once I have tires on the truck and have taken a drive...

That I'll spend a day with the TCI tech support and there's a decent chance I'm sending the TCU unit back to them to check.

And then I plan on breaking the transmission... or trying to really hard.

Hopefully by that point the writers will have signed their contract and I'll be back to work.




Be Safe



Jeremy
Title: Hello all.
Post by: jeremy.farlow on May 23, 2023, 02:33:23 PM
Two steps forward, one step back... so often it seems.

Join me in mourning the apparent death of the amplifier I had *hoped* to keep using in the suburban.
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230523/686bf1ce8ab4d81682283a9c0f4895ac.jpg)
I bought that amplifier in like 1999-2000 and the suburban would've been the third vehicle I installed it in. Sherwood wasn't know for being the cleanest in its day, but what they sacrificed in clarity they more than made up for in raw power. It was probably overrated at 120 watts RMS/four channels, but when it last worked I don't remember it not being loud enough. It did work three years ago, but it isn't working now. The multimeter shows it's getting all the inputs it should, so my best guess is some bit of corrosion set in over the last three years and it's done. I still imagine I will hold onto it, if nothing more than for sentiments sake.

The new Pioneer head unit works as advertised:
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230523/e18b8f7f35e69c3ef269ec7fcec1c24b.jpg)
It powered right up and interfaced with my iPhone. Looks pretty bitchin too.

Anyhow, Crutchfield has a JL Audio 100 watt x 4-channel amp on the way to me.

In less-than-fortunate news, I made the call to TCI tech support that I've been putting off. I didn't read the fine print real good. They're *fairly* clear that the brainbox of the trans controller can be damaged if the unit isn't disconnected when using a battery charger... a fact I definitely did not pay proper attention to. It took a couple calls to isolate the issue being internal to the unit, but once I had "played the high notes" two different support techs immediately came to the same conclusion: "you had the car on a battery charger??" Yes. Yes I did. A number of times. Quite frankly the truck SAT on a charger at my old shop.

Well... now I know. Thankfully it seems like both a common and relatively easy fix for them. They said they can get it turned back around in 2-3 weeks, which gives me some time to hustle up some tire money. And finish going through the dash wiring. The only unfortunate part is that I don't want to put the dash back together until I'm certain of all the wiring, wiring from the trans controller to the Dakota Digital gauges being part of that wiring. Two steps forward, one step back.





Be safe




Jeremy
Title: Re: Hello all.
Post by: jeremy.farlow on May 23, 2023, 08:25:02 PM
I've been sitting on another gloat:
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230524/af6976614f4422c6e2c5dccd4a495ec9.jpg)
I can't *legally* install that stuff...

And it was expensive enough that I am not gonna waste it. I'll burn holes in the ozone layer directly above me all day... so long as it's cheap enough to do so. These 56 oz. of R12 cost considerably.

Hopefully there'll be enough left over to make it worth whoever I can find to take the remainder and not charge me as much to pressure-test and fill my system.

R12 just works better! Especially in systems that were designed for it. I have never had good luck with the retrofit systems and the fact will always remain that R12 takes ambient air colder than R134a ever possibly can. Like 10-15 Fahrenheit degrees colder if I'm not mistaken. And my 'burb has the rear ac blower, so I can get colder air coming from both directions.

The last time I played this game R12 wasn't nearly as hard to come by as it currently is. I remember my dad and other guys HOARDING it around the 2000's, but since then it's been still relatively available... if you knew the right people. I bought 32oz. of eBay two years ago for almost  nothing. But this time, those two pictures cans of refrigerant were about all I could afford for the job at hand. And there weren't any of the "top-off" cans I've found in the past to be had. When I bought my 3/4-ton OBS Ford the guy GAVE me two 12oz. cans of R12... "in case the ac stopped blowing so cold". 




Be safe




Jeremy
Title: Re: Hello all.
Post by: ehjorten on May 24, 2023, 08:49:43 AM
You can actually legally use R12. The use of R12 was never banned. It was the manufacture of new R12 that was banned.
Title: Re: Hello all.
Post by: Shifty on May 24, 2023, 09:22:01 AM
You can actually legally use R12. The use of R12 was never banned. It was the manufacture of new R12 that was banned.
What he said.  Nice score though, I miss the effectiveness of r12, and it was so much nicer to components like rattle-y old r4 compressors (that are less than great to start with, adding head pressure sure doesn't help).
Title: Re: Hello all.
Post by: JohnnyPopper on May 24, 2023, 10:19:33 AM
I think the world has moved on from the ozone layer being depleted.

It's still intact, as if God doesn't have the power to keep his planet alive.

Interesting factoid: what percentage of CO2 makes up the atmosphere?

Experts on 'climate change' will say that carbon emissions increase it by 49%. Probably true.

Answer: .04%
Title: Re: Hello all.
Post by: Shifty on May 24, 2023, 01:00:16 PM
Nay, Johnny...your gubmint wouldn't fib to ya...
Title: Re: Hello all.
Post by: ehjorten on May 24, 2023, 02:11:15 PM
Little factoid: All Commercial Buildings were still using R12 up until sometime in 2021! It hasn't been completely phased-out, but it is becoming harder and harder to find and more expensive.
Title: Re: Hello all.
Post by: VileZambonie on May 24, 2023, 05:34:28 PM
Little factoid: All Commercial Buildings were still using R12 up until sometime in 2021! It hasn't been completely phased-out, but it is becoming harder and harder to find and more expensive.

I think you mean R-22
Title: Hello all.
Post by: jeremy.farlow on May 24, 2023, 08:03:00 PM
I plan on being a good boy, as I said, it's more about my pocketbook than being some great steward of the planet. I'm gonna pay a guy to pressure test the system and verify efficacy BEFORE putting my expensive R12 into the system. I KNOW I had the system totally open in 2020 to pull the engine. I don't remember whether or not anything came out, but I do know that I used the R12 condenser and pressure switch and didn't use any of the green O-rings when I put stuff back together.

I know I can legally USE it. You can legally buy it, licensed guys can legally evacuate and recharge R12, but no one can produce any more of it and it seems those stocks of small recharge cans are all but gone. I bought this round of refrigerant, but the guy did need me to go "on record" that it was purchased for "resale" before he would sell it to me. That's his "CYA" and I fully intend to protect my investment by making sure the system is working properly before I fill it.

Trans controller went off to TCI today, hopefully I'll have an amplifier to play with tomorrow. After that I'm just waiting for the controller to come back and finding some tire money.





Be safe




Jeremy
Title: Re: Hello all.
Post by: Shifty on May 25, 2023, 09:50:10 AM
Thanks for the update!  Looking for more.... :D
Title: Re: Hello all.
Post by: Mr Diesel on May 25, 2023, 10:29:19 AM
[quote author=jeremy.farlow
In less-than-fortunate news, I made the call to TCI tech support that I've been putting off. I didn't read the fine print real good. They're *fairly* clear that the brainbox of the trans controller can be damaged if the unit isn't disconnected when using a battery charger... a fact I definitely did not pay proper attention to. It took a couple calls to isolate the issue being internal to the unit, but once I had "played the high notes" two different support techs immediately came to the same conclusion: "you had the car on a battery charger??" Yes. Yes I did. A number of times. Quite frankly the truck SAT on a charger at my old shop.
[/quote]

This right here is why I avoid adding electronics to these old vehicles, ESPECIALLY aftermarket stuff. What electronic engineer designs stuff so fragile that a common battery charger will damage it? Heck, how long will it survive the alternator charging it every time you drive it? They slap together some crap and hope it quits working after the very short warranty expires.
Title: Hello all.
Post by: jeremy.farlow on May 25, 2023, 09:31:31 PM
I been weighing that for better than three years.

I don't see any way around it.

I'm the rare one in this bunch that got a 4L80e installed as factory equipment.

I should pay to "upgrade" it to a 700R4??

I should pay to completely replace the already computer controlled engine that came factory equipped with something less computer controlled?!

The ship has long sailed, but I probably could've done an Edelbrock or Holley carb on an intake.

Awesome.

Something that runs *okay* most of the time.

Something you can tune to run *better* even less of the time.

Judging from your handle, you'd advocate a compression-combustion power plant.

I doubt you would advocate that hard for the Detroit a minuscule number of these trucks came with. Hot garbage. On par with an IDI Ford.

So put a Cummins in it...

Cool. 12v with sequential turbos and a big intercooler gets me power output similar to what I get on gas. At around the same price... the price before I spent a bunch of money on a computer controlled gasoline engine. And then it's still all in an architecture I am far less comfortable with. Why is it exactly that diesel pistons look like high-efficiency toilet bowls??

Surely any number of people will sell me a Cummins-to-Chevrolet adapter plate... standard Chevy bellhousing pattern... the one that was on ALL of them.

So that Cummins that costs about the same as what I currently have can run through the same nonfunctional 4L80e I currently have??

Doesn't matter how bitchin the 12v Cummins I put in front of it is. The absolute BEST transmission option that was fit in SOME of these trucks is the same transmission sitting in my truck... the one that requires a computer of some sort to function.

The standalone controller will come back to me soon enough. The problem appears to be one of my own creation.

Mental note: disconnect the battery before jumpstarting.

I'll still have an objectively good transmission, with overdrive and a lockup torque converter. Capable of handling the power output of the gas engine that I built. Or that of all but the hottest diesel you stick in front of it.

I've driven some hot-rod diesels.

After the valve clatter and injector ping settles in to a cacophony a diesel will start turning noise into forward progress. But even the hottest diesel I've ever driven doesn't exactly have what I call: "throttle response".

I've already litigated, in this thread, the many reasons i chose a computer controlled gasoline engine. With a computer controlled transmission.

I didn't expect the electronics to be "easy".

I definitely expected them to be a bit more robust, but I didn't follow the clearly printed instructions.

I've come far too far to turn back.
Title: Re: Hello all.
Post by: jeremy.farlow on May 25, 2023, 09:53:35 PM
I spent the day waiting on the new amplifier and playing with this piece:
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230526/6cbcd56d300b211f6b96edc6881f3caa.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230526/27c5153c37dc48c51ac0bc849b122bb2.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230526/7f9491a16c8cf4bf3aea29c27f5776ce.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230526/7ba228e46a20aa6869d0478f5e22f1c6.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230526/f528b3a68fa1babe8f0d32b9742ee3e5.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230526/5beb24e9f590ad85397fe57178f5f1c6.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230526/f78e877f8d65a306d02476cd6947c1bf.jpg)

The amplifier came in, so of course I had to stop everything:
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230526/43c123764c3a47ab6601e83807e56b09.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230526/b4bb34fbcd1118ba6ab3c7ac0c143150.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230526/e17b092e3aa1dff515bc0d688a355ea2.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230526/15de805364155d8f38282e66a75108df.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230526/5ef24844e7ab06f7c71286407d5a03f7.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230526/5f2de51fe08c79a78dc28c9afc01eaa3.jpg)

The blue light means it's working... real good.

REAL LOUD!!

There are a couple loose ends to chase in here:(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230526/529c17f7c0552b0f867f780b7381562d.jpg)

I know there are a few bulbs missing, I want verified full function of all the dash wiring before I put the ductwork back in. And then:
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230526/96005b2bc845eb5821362f82d22ddb86.jpg)

Once I know everything works I will cut the plastic on this new dash cover and install it.

File the next part under: "you cannot make this stuff up".

As I'm finishing up the wiring on my new amplifier I notice heavy activity across the parking lot from my shop:
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230526/e0a6c8961e1e47bae9dcedfab8c6db0b.jpg)

I can't have nuthin.

Here I am just trying to bask in the warming glow that comes with a successful mobile audio project getting completed...

And here these guys come with this:
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230526/521798f705d96d503761eb510d5b145a.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230526/ed3b5046c57b6cb4cfcd2b6c74abdf83.jpg)

Yes friends... it appears my neighbors are breaking out the worlds most insane ever mobile audio rig. It takes a 20kw generator and tractor trailer.

And now my little car audio project seems a lot littler.

Whatever man... I can't see their touchscreen. I bet they don't even have navigation.

Whatever man.
Title: Re: Hello all.
Post by: Shifty on May 26, 2023, 09:38:55 AM
Stick with the 4L80e, good, strong transmission....today's stand-alone controllers are decent.  Hard to believe that a battery maintainer took yours out though... :-\
Title: Re: Hello all.
Post by: jeremy.farlow on May 27, 2023, 01:17:43 PM
Not a battery maintainer... I'm sure I hit the system at least once with a fairly potent jumpstarter.

Agreed, it doesn't seem super reasonable to NOT be able to jumpstart or rapid-charge the vehicle with the TCU energized, but that's the world I will be living in.

As far as the 4L80e, yeah, it's a bulletproof, well-documented transmission with a lot of potential. It's a transmission people put in other stuff!! I toyed with the idea of a straight-shift... as I do like to "row my own". While surely a Jericho or Muncie four-speed would work and be fairly appropriate behind the engine, the Tremec I picked up early on didn't really didn't make sense. It has been sold on. The most sensible manual transmission option would the NV4500. They're out there, but with buying the trans, bellhousing, clutch and accoutrement, pedal assembly, driveshaft... plus whatever nickel and dime stuff comes up...

I'll be solidly in the realm of an upgraded rebuilt 4L80e.

And the NV4500, with its granny low gear, would effectively be a four-speed, so not much upgrade from an automatic with a lockup torque converter.

The manual gearbox would likely have *SLIGHTLY* less in the way of parasitic losses. It's been fifteen years since I last regularly drove a vehicle with an automatic transmission. I'm sure I can remember how to. And I think an automatic fits with the daily cruised I've tried to build. A nice big motor that makes low-rpm power, pushing through an automatic trans and then finally out 3:73 rear end gears. I'm hoping I can cruise at 80-85 without a massive penalty to my fuel economy.

My other truck, an OBS F250 with 460, 5-speed and 4:11's gets to 70 real quick and will hold 70 up a vertical face... but anything above that comes with a steep increase in fuel usage. At 85 the speedometer needle and gas gauge needle synchronize in the opposite directions.

Thankfully whatever the speaker setup that was being built across the parking lot a couple days ago is NOT blasting music at me today at the shop. No idea where the truck and trailer went.

I'm trying to finish out the last stuff until the trans controller comes back and I can take a drive. I learned my lesson about buttoning up stuff before it's ready.

What I believe will be the last bit of interior fabrication is almost done and I'm quite happy with it:
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230527/9385486ec5c0f9d16fad2f4c4b7c9c0b.jpg)
 (https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230527/561eb3fab927675547b33ae9e95bf2a1.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230527/de32dc76c839c46efeb4c72381b48708.jpg)

Looks *almost* factory to me.

I'm not sure exactly how I'm gonna mount it yet.

In any event it'll make a good spot for sunglasses and gate remotes/garage door openers, etc.






Be Safe




Jeremy
Title: Hello all.
Post by: 1980K20 on May 28, 2023, 01:02:22 AM
Fwiw

GWP is Global Warming Potential.  The number is a measure of equivalent pounds of carbon for one pound of carbon off the chemical.  Highly stable chemicals stick around in the atmosphere for a long time and tend to have very high numbers.  The chemists at my last job taught me a lot about this.

R12 has GWP rating of 10,900.  The 56 ounces is equivalent to 58,900 pounds of carbon.

R1234a GWP is 1430.  56 ounces is 5,000 pounds.

R1234yf GWP is 4, 56 ounces is 14 pounds.  Too bad it’s flammable, which will release carbon in an accident, perhaps yours too.

A gallon of gasoline is about 4 pounds of carbon (according to a web search, fwiw also).  I was thinking our old trucks would be much worse.  At 12 mpg, that’s 3 miles per pound of carbon.  A bunch more carbon to manufacture.  That’s just under 20,000 miles to match the refrigerant.

It’s more carbon to replace the beasts than to keep them running.  Let’s keep ‘‘em on the road!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Title: Re: Hello all.
Post by: JohnnyPopper on May 28, 2023, 01:55:34 PM
That's fascinating science!

I was watching a hearing the other day with experts dealing with climate change.

They were asked by a committee member if they knew what percentage of CO2 make up our atmosphere.

Surprisingly they had to guess, and did so between 5 and 8%. A comment was made by one that emissions cause an increase of up to 49% and that was why they were assembled.

The member revealed that the actual number is .04%. He said that average is .03, and that when the level drops to .02, plant life suffers.

"We breath out 4%, and breath in .04%. WOW! Think about that for a few moments... :o
Title: Re: Hello all.
Post by: jeremy.farlow on May 29, 2023, 03:20:59 PM
Happy Memorial Day all. I spent most of my weekend under the wrong truck... the missus came to the shop with her flatbed dually and we swapped the slap wore-out E4OD with a built, stage-one item from Shift-Rite Transmissions in Illinois. We also swapped a broken and leaking steering box for a remanufactured one. Boy does being in all the nooks and crannies of a 25-year old Ford diesel make one appreciate the general even more.

The Ford engineers want to be sure you have a complete socket and wrench index... sometimes all on the same part!!! Meanwhile I'm pretty sure that a 7/16", 9/16" and 3/4" wrench and socket can disassemble 90% of the suburban.

Still, things ought to be good in my life... the missus went home to take a badly deserved shower and I'll follow her in the flatbed shortly for the same. She was grinning ear to ear after the steering box test drive and emphatic that I drove her truck to see how much better it was now. No matter what it'll still be a Ford... but happy (not yet) wife, happy life as they say.






Be Safe



Jeremy
Title: Re: Hello all.
Post by: JohnnyPopper on May 29, 2023, 07:18:09 PM
It's a blessed man that has a soon to be wife that wrenches with him. Take it to the Bank!!!

I taught my daughters to change their own oil and brakes. The oldest helped me change out an intake manifold gasket on her first Volvo 240GL.

My youngest was doing her breaks and was complaining that she couldn't break the lugs free. I said:" Imagine you're in the desert, it's getting dark and starting to rain"

SNAP!
Title: Re: Hello all.
Post by: Shifty on May 30, 2023, 09:34:52 AM
Jeremy, what about a manual-valve body 4l80e, without the "e"? 
Title: Re: Hello all.
Post by: jeremy.farlow on May 30, 2023, 11:03:38 AM
I'm not opposed to a fully manual automatic, right now I just want something that works. We will see what happens when TCI contacts me about the controller. At the moment I have at least a weeks worth of paying studio work, so I'm gonna concentrate on doing my best there and hopefully turning it into a couple of weeks. This weeks will buy tires and pay whatever the repair cost of the trans controller is. Another week should pay for the last of the suburban stuff and then one more week will put gas in it... for a week or so.



Be Safe



Jeremy
Title: Re: Hello all.
Post by: Shifty on May 30, 2023, 01:52:45 PM
Won't need a controller as a MVB, just sayin'..... ;)
Title: Re: Hello all.
Post by: jeremy.farlow on May 30, 2023, 02:07:12 PM
Manual valve body and a shifter more readily accessed than on the column... is another problem I see. I just ate up the best real estate for a ratchet shifter on the trans hump with my double-DIN stereo. It ain't a bad idea, but I really wanna actualize the money I've already spent before spending more. I'll DEFINITELY keep that idea in mind WHEN/if I blow up the existing transmission.




Be Safe



Jeremy
Title: Re: Hello all.
Post by: Shifty on May 30, 2023, 02:12:24 PM
True....I'd forgot about that.  When the trans in my 1998 was being rebuilt, I looked long and hard at doing the MVB, but the wife got ahold of my wallet, and gave it a squeeze.  I guess I should be happy that it works well. 
Title: Re: Hello all.
Post by: jeremy.farlow on May 31, 2023, 03:07:19 PM
Honestly, right now, because of the WGA and their strike, my best hope is I can keep the tired old stock 4L80e going along until some point... in the future.

Once the existing transmission is no longer capable of doing its job, THEN, I will consider different options.

The two options *MOST* appealing to me are a bulletproof 4L80e, as my existing controller should be working as advertised by then. OR!!! a 6L90... as Holley now offers a standalone controller for that transmission. The 6L90 is rated for 1000HP!!!!! from the factory and it is my understanding that the two additional gears effectively split the 4L80e's first gear and then add another overdrive ratio. They're supposed to be quite a good transmission with 3.55 final drive gears, so I imagine even better with 3.73's.

The case of the 6L90 is slightly wider. There's no definitive swap guide for it yet, but everything I've read indicates I can be into a new(ish) transmission, with billet converter and standalone controller for about the same money as a built 4L80. Decisions, decisions.



Be Safe




Jeremy
Title: Re: Hello all.
Post by: Shifty on May 31, 2023, 04:16:45 PM
Good towing/hauling trans, or a high-rpm burner that sees freeway duty....I could see it being a definite + for things like the Hot Rod Power Tour, or the like...
Title: Re: Hello all.
Post by: jeremy.farlow on June 21, 2023, 01:50:26 PM
Hello boys and girls, today we're gonna talk about that wonderful occasion in car owners lives:

NEW TIRE DAY!!!

A couple weeks on the fourth installment of the Bad Boys franchise juiced my bank account enough to pull the trigger on a set of four B.F. Goodrich KO2's in 285/75r16 load E.

Because I haven't updated, I have the replacement TCI TCU installed, I haven't flashed it yet, good thing as I went a little bigger on tire than I was originally thinking. The Goodyears that had been on the suburban, now on my 3/4-ton Ford are 265/75r16 load E. The guys at the closest Tire Discounters had the 285/75 aspect ratio in stock and sold them to me for the price of the 265/75's. I am planning on keeping the receipt to get the same deal when I replace the Wranglers later this year. I knew the Ford would fit the 285's, but it's raining, I didn't feel like changing two sets of wheels and tires and wanted the new, shiny ones on the suburban anyway. It looks like my front fenders may have an appointment with a cutoff disc, but the new tires fit well enough static I'm gonna drive first, THEN cut.

I started my morning picking up my tires and 3 of 4 of a set for my dad:
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230621/8ef27db2036f5d351ccb9f31d146c224.jpg)

Like so many things it's a: "because I can" not because I believe it's infinitely better but I always fill my tires with nitrogen:
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230621/68c12e102cc31bf4439784c8e1fcd85c.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230621/e7067a7520f37aee8873fb89484a8e03.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230621/d2be89c65816a79886fce558831b15da.jpg)

Philosophically I understand why nitrogen *ought* to be better to fill tires with... but if I didn't tend to keep a few tanks of it on hand, I definitely wouldn't pay the premium the tire shop charges. A full tank of nitrogen filled is what they wanted to charge me PER TIRE last I inquired. Not gonna do it.

On the truck, I'm STOKED:
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230621/dbb8d7047c61425a9f28aaf03d4dd388.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230621/e026df5eb45e949b7e13be5b2d14453d.jpg)

CHONKY!!!

The only place I foresee any issue is right here:
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230621/76009ddce9ef0543c3e0065fcac738d3.jpg)

Easily enough remedied with about 13 seconds and a zizz-wheel. Neither fender is factory anymore, so I'm not even gonna think before I cut. Unfortunately the forecast is for rain all week and I'm DEFINITELY the sort of dumbass that'll spend all of this time and money and then get a little heavy with my right-foot and find something stronger than the truck... so I *may* pussyfoot around this week, but aside from putting the dash back together, if the new trans controller does what it's supposed to it's time to actually drive this beast.


Look out, Ahab!!!


Be Safe




Jeremy
Title: Re: Hello all.
Post by: Shifty on June 21, 2023, 02:07:33 PM
I had to nip mine in the same place Jeremy...all good now though.  Matter of fact, I just put big Toyo's on my DD (98 C2500), and had to do the same.
Title: Re: Hello all.
Post by: jeremy.farlow on June 21, 2023, 02:27:51 PM
I ain't skeered. I've cut MUCH more from far more valuable sheetmetal. I just flashed the replacement trans controller. I'm sure I won't *really* know until I drive it, but the "something isn't right" indicators aren't blazing anymore. The light on the unit comes on with the ignition and turns off the same. But it's raining cats and dogs here, so no test drive today. It's my day to pick my little guy up from school(camp) and I'm gonna head that way shortly. He's got some sanding to do on his pinewood derby car:
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230621/01d265409ada49c1a51a90c7a1e0f68e.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230621/4e9d5745604c4038026599a5fa0fdcfe.jpg)
He's calling it "The Goldfish". I'm not looking forward to helping with THAT paint job.
Title: Re: Hello all.
Post by: Shifty on June 21, 2023, 02:50:48 PM
Raining like a dude here too....only it's sunbeams...too hot to do anything in except properly dispose of alcoholic beverages.
Title: Re: Hello all.
Post by: jeremy.farlow on June 21, 2023, 02:56:12 PM
In the most sane and logical fashion:(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230621/d8974ecd63efe91fceeca4d0b487404e.jpg)



Be Safe



Jeremy
Title: Re: Hello all.
Post by: JohnnyPopper on June 21, 2023, 08:47:24 PM
I love those days!!! NEW SNEAKERS!

They look great!

Do I count 7 tires in your bed?

Looks good I wouldn't cut them at all, you're never going to dip that far unless you are seriously offroading.

What? No BUD Lite?
Title: Re: Hello all.
Post by: jeremy.farlow on June 22, 2023, 10:04:13 PM
Yeah, I also picked up 3/4 of a tire order my dad had put in... skipped paying taxes as a result. He's a reseller...

I've been a Miller man since my wayward days... both for welders and alcoholic products.

And NEVER light beer!!!

I avoided bud light before it was a cool political move.
Title: Re: Hello all.
Post by: Shifty on June 23, 2023, 10:14:23 AM
I have an ex-girlfriend whose last name is Miller...when it was that time, she'd tell me that it's "Miller time".   ;)
Title: Re: Hello all.
Post by: JohnnyPopper on June 23, 2023, 12:40:51 PM
Shifty-at least there was no doubt!  ;D

For what ever reason, I haven't ever drank light beer of any type.

When I did drink beer, MGD was my go to after Olympia.

On to Martini, or as the wife and I call them, Martoonis. Named after Toonces the driving cat... 8)
Title: Re: Hello all.
Post by: Shifty on June 23, 2023, 01:35:30 PM
Bass or Guinness (or a mix therof) for me... 8)
Title: Re: Hello all.
Post by: jeremy.farlow on June 23, 2023, 09:40:58 PM
I can drink exactly ONE Guinness... and periodically at that. That is one HEAVY beverage.

I have embraced that I drink with equal parts purpose and lack of taste. Cheap domestics in easily recyclable packaging is my preferred.
Title: Re: Hello all.
Post by: VileZambonie on June 24, 2023, 07:42:45 PM
I can drink exactly ONE Guinness... and periodically at that. That is one HEAVY beverage.

I have embraced that I drink with equal parts purpose and lack of taste. Cheap domestics in easily recyclable packaging is my preferred.

Heineken light and Coors light have been my gotos because of my volumetric efficiency. Them thick beers make you thicker. I've also latched onto spiked seltzers so I can eat pizza and still breathe.
Title: Hello all.
Post by: philo_beddoe on June 25, 2023, 03:54:47 PM
So, has this entire forum gone full blown anti-bud light?

BTW, nice suburban, full of integrity.
Title: Re: Hello all.
Post by: Mr Diesel on June 25, 2023, 04:23:17 PM
This seems appropriate
Title: Re: Hello all.
Post by: JohnnyPopper on June 25, 2023, 05:06:19 PM
This seems appropriate

Very Clever!  ;D
Title: Re: Hello all.
Post by: philo_beddoe on June 25, 2023, 10:53:13 PM
LOL, I love it!!!!
Title: Hello all.
Post by: jeremy.farlow on June 30, 2023, 01:05:26 PM
So, new tires don't rub, not from what I've been able to tell so far. I'm still having some running issues... there's another set of injectors on their way to me from Edelbrock. that those straighten out the last of the running issues. Until they show up I'm getting ready for some July Fourth cruising hopefully. Interior is completely back in:
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230630/cad8580bc57fd8945c35937c15e3d3de.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230630/35e2bf9326261e87b882b85b6e7c3385.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230630/2127b1c43888f65cbd826c366a961c1e.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230630/d30576a35a7b832b0c7c0ff579a047f4.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230630/803161e9d2457d90f2b332903db864e2.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230630/f5edae37fed2b496139852619b85db34.jpg)
That black hole^^^ is just an insert to take up the space of the factory stereo. I'll put my garage door opener and smalls like that in there.

The whole thing has a date with Armorall for the inside:
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230630/684ccbd2748df217c8523fc15c87aa05.jpg)
And a serious scrubbing on the exterior... once I get the truck back outside. Hopefully Monday doesn't count as a holiday and my injectors will show up... otherwise it'll be after July Fourth cruising.


Be Safe, Happy Fourth





Jeremy
Title: Re: Hello all.
Post by: Shifty on June 30, 2023, 01:47:11 PM
It'll be good to see Moby back on the road!  8)
Title: Re: Hello all.
Post by: jeremy.farlow on June 30, 2023, 08:46:18 PM
**ALMOST**
I'm definitely gonna use a bunch of gasoline in the coming weeks.

I expect there will always be room for refinement:
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230630/4de2c6595370df624331211fad1acad9.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230630/0f0f0582277aefc811cdb9bc3b24f4c3.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230630/227f9faef02b73bb05581420b725b851.jpg)
A final bit for today.

Then I messed with my toolbox:
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230701/1fb46d3578ac4e93c76b9ee3ea9d6658.jpg)
New thing to hold the hangey stuff.





Be Safe





Jeremy
Title: Re: Hello all.
Post by: Shifty on July 01, 2023, 11:56:38 AM
Cool tools man!  ;)
Title: Hello all.
Post by: jeremy.farlow on July 06, 2023, 10:33:34 PM
Hi guys. Hope everyone had a safe fourth
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230707/e4bcd49e456c3ceb83a5fa231570ec69.jpg)
So I swapped injectors for a second time... and wound up with the ones I should've just bought the very first time...
Holy #%**#%#*+. Now the truck is running as I thought it should from the get-go. NOW it feels like a built big block.


And now I am even more concerned with the longevity of the stock 4L80e.
Unfortunately, I am NOT in a financial situation to even afford the fuel to go out and RRROOMMPP on the thing, so hopefully the transmission will hold on a little while longer.

For the second time in this thread I'm gonna say something about how projects like this are never really done... and simultaneously continue adding to the list while also making said stuff as ostentatious as I can.

To that end I have decided that I just cannot with the fuel HOSE I slapped on to get the truck running and out of the old shop.

Hard lines it is!!!
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230707/4d549337566abbf656a80ab12c31adee.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230707/fd8c17c442b77fa174fc3b8b7065b057.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230707/2a9868316d64b525716708770ab3b980.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230707/8989e753c648f2ebbd6643a36c49e083.jpg)
With completely custom, one-off, ain't nobody else got these clamps. I won't say the material was "scrap"... but it is all effectively free, having been already paid for, by someone who most often wasn't me. Hollywood producers have plenty deep pockets.
Once I get the clamp brackets done I I'm gonna put the truck on the lift. Apparently I need to drop the tank. The vent on the Aeromotive sending unit is TINY! 1/4" NPT to hose barb... the attached hose has also been eaten by something it appears.
The eaten line, coupled with ABYSMALLY slow fueling the other day leaves me with less than an 1/8 tank and even more reason to just bang out the v2.0 fuel system.
Hopefully I won't have to fully drop the tank, but I am thankful that it is the emptiest fuel tank I have ever had to drop. All THREE times in the past I have had to replace a fuel pump were after the shut-off from a full fuel-up.
I learned, in college, that gasoline and tarmac mix to form tar and rocks... in my hair as I struggled to spill as little of the 20-gallons I had JUST PUT IN THE TANK!!!
I have one more relatively big fabrication addition to the suburban after the fuel rails. Details to come soon. But then there'll ALWAYS be more "gussying" and "improving" that will strike me. This thing HAS to finally go in, for example: (https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230707/f51d21d04bf643d90249df7fac2118f6.jpg)
But it's running so good(the way I *SHOULD* have purchased the Edelbrock EFI in the first case), that after the fuel rails I plan to drive to fill up and then just enjoy. Cruise past the AC shop I can't afford to utilize in our sweltering Hotlanta humidity.




Be Safe





Jeremy
Title: Re: Hello all.
Post by: jeremy.farlow on July 11, 2023, 12:14:55 AM
Got ma fuel lines installed today. They're typical Jeremy overkill, so I'm super happy with them. The first couple of pictures kinda suck, sorry.
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230711/4b64468ce2e6aa8cd043139663c43e7c.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230711/27c3c2c6ae6e7e0798b8e6125f9bc91b.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230711/b73e8ae86f7aee77d9bc36c7fc9a79da.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230711/012fc5eed7aabe2860170a414cb420f5.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230711/297f057fa55bfb431ce3b3217d48a66f.jpg)
I haven't heard whether or not my UPS brothers have decided to strike or not, but if they don't I'm supposed to get the pieces for the last fabrication job I intend to do... at least at this stage... on the suburban.
 
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230711/600e2b925d046b63a1bc2d314f52e798.jpg)
The smaller one is .50 cal. the larger is for the older style night vision goggles. If UPS is making deliveries I have another NVG-can and two (maybe 20-mm?!?) cans supposed to be here tomorrow.
Some combination of them are gonna go on a tray here:
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230711/6dc415476403c660f8aab1e296f58830.jpg)
Something to both hide/protect the battery terminals as well as a place to keep all of the stuff that NEEDS to be in an old truck, but doesn't need to be loose and flying around in the back... you know, jumper cables and essential fluids, a couple of rags... brake clean. Whatever.
I made something similar for my 3/4-ton OBS Ford:
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230711/4444f11d5b53b3e7b7e77b7e18ed1c89.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230711/248703e2d0b31b5e9527197cfc519d5f.jpg)
I keep my ratchet straps and a couple lengths of rope in the sealed can. The open one has drain holes in the bottom.

Hopefully I'll get my plate in the mail soon enough as well. Then I can start actually driving the thing more than around the block. Seems the California DMV literally "killed" the trucks VIN when the previous owner sent them the title. It was SUPPOSED to go to the auction company, but someone's wires got crossed and the truck was listed as destroyed in California. Thankfully my car dealer father was able to do some sort of magic that theoretically has a plate and even new, clean & clear Georgia title coming. I had all but given up on having a plate, much less getting a title. Georgia doesn't seem to care if there's no title, so long as the VIN is clear, you can sell older than 25 years on a bill of sale. Even still it was "interesting" explaining to my insurance carrier that yes indeed, this vehicle does exist, I'm looking at it and I would like to insure it. USAA literally didn't have any record of the truck. I had to fill in all of the blanks with her, the VIN is not in their system. Hopefully none of this will be an issue should I ever get pulled over...

Finally, my cat, who's been around the suburban from the beginning, but who I cannot remember EVER giving it a moment, has now decided it's a good place for a nap:
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230711/36213125a9ec4a5b0c39c946c51d046a.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230711/5085a16c13e3faf9b74732ba87a21fcc.jpg)
Homie gets a little weird in the summertime. He just hung out on the tire the entire time I've been making this post.




Be Safe



Jeremy
Title: Re: Hello all.
Post by: Shifty on July 11, 2023, 10:40:23 AM
Lines/clamps are clean, clean work Jeremy!  ;)
Title: Re: Hello all.
Post by: jeremy.farlow on July 11, 2023, 10:58:09 AM
Thanks for saying. I was really happy, although far too late last night, with my work. I took a couple of romps this morning. Filled the tank, which is still abysmally slow to fill, and washed a lot more "shop dirt" off than I thought there was.

Now the truck is finally white again:
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230711/dc565347a5307beb3d63461ea15e7f32.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230711/4a42bef30880ba3aeb28f6a7d161d963.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230711/ec162a917346219fa33a1a90432203af.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230711/9598485e333684190f3d75f6d7a64e6f.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230711/fd800ce74d38a71f0b07cc5a0df043d3.jpg)
No UPS yet, and I've got to go take the little guy to the dentist. I'll update whenever my ammo cans come in.




Be Safe



Jeremy
Title: Re: Hello all.
Post by: Shifty on July 11, 2023, 01:21:08 PM
Long live the White Whale!  8)
Title: Re: Hello all.
Post by: JohnnyPopper on July 11, 2023, 03:43:35 PM
Here here!!!
Title: Re: Hello all.
Post by: jeremy.farlow on July 14, 2023, 02:50:37 PM
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230714/62a80f98e12610064088c5b9041e8f2a.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230714/a10ad30c68e22671b102cb72daa4acbd.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230714/fded7de23432a9f9761b276ec6f9695b.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230714/7c400b95819cf573461438f09a4f5075.jpg)
Boxes fit pretty good. Now the boxes thing holding me he boxes needs to not hit the batteries.v


Soon enough.




Be safe




Jeremy
Title: Re: Hello all.
Post by: Shifty on July 14, 2023, 03:00:13 PM
Looks great bro.  ;)