73-87chevytrucks.com
73-87 Chevy _ GMC Trucks => Members Rides => Topic started by: melloyello on March 23, 2020, 11:34:58 AM
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Well, here goes another build thread. Just what everyone wants to see right? I bought this truck about 3 years ago because it was solid mechanically and the asking price was only $1900. It was originally a 305 truck but someone swapped in a late 70s 350. It has AC (not working), cruise control (not working), a 700r4, rear locker, dual fuel tanks and factory quad shocks.
I’ve driven it off and on and put a 2” lift on it last year because it cost more to put oem shocks and leafs on it than to put a lift on it. I also replaced the old sealed beams with some more modern headlamps and added the upgraded headlight harness.
This project actually started as a paint job and once I got started I decided if I was going to have to spend this much on bodywork and paint why not just rebuild the whole truck.
(https://i.imgur.com/Ni8Fxze.jpg)
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I use Imgur
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I am new and just learning. However, I found that when you do a post click on the Attachments and other options, below the text block. Make sure the pictures you add (load) are less than 500kb and when attaching more than one the combined size cannot be more than 3000kb. If you save the pictures as a JPEG the photo will be shown in your post. If you save as a PDF, the picture will have a link you have to click on to view it. Click on modify and you can add a picture to a previous post or reply.
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Welcome Mello, Looks like you got a nice truck to start out with, Hope ya figure out the pic thing, I'd like to follow along.
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Before I started rebuilding I added these aftermarket headlamps and a 2" lift.
(https://i.imgur.com/PZoRzNj.jpg)
At this point I was just planning on paint.
(https://i.imgur.com/sU3sW7h.jpg)
And all of a sudden my scrap pile starting getting bigger
(https://i.imgur.com/JR1wgee.jpg)
Then I started finding little hidden gems like these
(https://i.imgur.com/qfYTiLA.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/BDdEr9W.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/6dSPacg.jpg)
So, my parts pile started growing.
(https://i.imgur.com/xuBo8HZ.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/2w1KidH.jpg)
Next thing I know, this happened. (yes, I am a Nissan guy)
(https://i.imgur.com/ZVa9det.jpg)
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And I found some decent rust on the chassis
(https://i.imgur.com/vDyo5Cl.jpg)
Hard to see it under the dirt but it's pitted pretty good
(https://i.imgur.com/4F5kbyB.jpg)
And the little octopus drowning in a sea of rust
(https://i.imgur.com/tYsCfc4.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/p0rIFWZ.jpg)
So, I gave her a bath and got busy removing rust and put on some chassis saver
(https://i.imgur.com/2jzMuma.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/eRX0sxB.jpg)
Rear axle before
(https://i.imgur.com/HK5r6FH.jpg)
Rear axle after
(https://i.imgur.com/ZslqZ6h.jpg)
And mounted back under the chassis. Waiting on a new cover
(https://i.imgur.com/qhhRr0G.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/gDVFuXo.jpg)
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At this time the front axle is completely disassembled in the shop (a before shot or 2)
(https://i.imgur.com/aZPsJzM.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/5YdWkVd.jpg)
This is the time consuming stuff. All the disassembly and prep work is just tiresome and slow
(https://i.imgur.com/Ts85jgi.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/rlWAVFx.jpg)
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Random dirty tranny shot
(https://i.imgur.com/XUXg4i0.jpg)
Whenever in doubt just add more washers right?
(https://i.imgur.com/pr0ncDG.jpg)
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I use Imgur
Thanks for the suggestion. Figured it out.
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Got a good start going. Look forward to seeing the progress.
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Got a good start going. Look forward to seeing the progress.
X2!!
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Nice work, I was getting pretty cringy as the rust pics flooded the screen!
You have your work cut out, look forward to the final product.
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Front axle ready to go, minus a new cover and brake hoses that are on the way
(https://i.imgur.com/evRO1mz.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/DT5PFYY.jpg)
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Got the front axle and sway bar back in after work today.
If you see the spots on the chassis, it's pollen. It's in full effect around here.
(https://i.imgur.com/DqkpFUl.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/DqUglOs.jpg)
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Front diff cover came in the mail today
(https://i.imgur.com/Z1VFuxb.jpg)
Got the shocks on with new boots
(https://i.imgur.com/1aToyvl.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/aNMBFOl.jpg)
And worked on the worst part. Cleaning and painting hardware
(https://i.imgur.com/ccYEtB6.jpg)
And ole Squidward got some new hoses and clamps. Need a few larger clamps for the 3/8” hose
(https://i.imgur.com/H12REzQ.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/IcMQgx6.jpg)
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Put new brake hoses on the front and tore down the fuel tanks and cleaned everything up only to find a pin hole in the passenger side tank. I think the rust was keeping it from leaking. There goes another $100.
(https://i.imgur.com/nKGX1jD.jpg)
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Reminds me of a '64 Porsche 356 gas tank, sat in a wet insulation condition that caused multiple pin holes.
I cleaned up the rust and brazed the holes closed. Never leaked again!
All the brass puddles were on the bottom so out of sight/mind 8)
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Reminds me of a '64 Porsche 356 gas tank, sat in a wet insulation condition that caused multiple pin holes.
I cleaned up the rust and brazed the holes closed. Never leaked again!
All the brass puddles were on the bottom so out of sight/mind 8)
The brackets on the driver's side tank were heavily rusted. They aren't designed with a way to let water out. Add the plastic guard that surrounds about 60% of the tank with no drain and it's a recipe for rust. I have drilled a couple of holes in the bottom of the brackets and will probably do the same for the plastic guards also. I'm tempted to just leave the plastic guards off the tanks.
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Got the passenger side tank installed today. The new driver’s side tank came in today but won’t have the new brackets til the end of the week. Also, disassembled the transfer case today. No pics of that though.
(https://i.imgur.com/IBRoUb8.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/BA8Tw7o.jpg)
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Replaced the transmission filter, painted new tank and put sending unit in it.
Got the transfer case sealed up and put a coat of paint on it
(https://i.imgur.com/WjkU04h.jpg)
Got the new tank straps. Didn't know that they don’t come with nuts welded on them. All I have here to weld with is a lil 90amp harbor freight flux core wire welder. It gets the job done but spews slag everywhere.
(https://i.imgur.com/SY8DliX.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/cb6Yy2a.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/tje45h9.jpg)
Picked up a set of 906 Vortec heads today for only $200. That should help free up some power.
(https://i.imgur.com/bMuRmXF.jpg)
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Got both tanks mounted up, installed the transfer case and installed rear driveshaft. Front driveshaft needs to be lengthened about 2”. Someone must have swapped this shaft at some point.
(https://i.imgur.com/KyulDAn.jpg)
Straightened my bumper and got a coat of Chassis Saver on the backside of the bumper, the bumper pad and the brackets.
(https://i.imgur.com/tN5bFob.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/8O8cYkh.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/ItgLyoP.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/TURm0Xg.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/CSZn77T.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/r5BLqGB.jpg)
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That was one butt-ugly bumper!
Was the front and top chromed before?
I have the same, but used wheel silver paint
What is Chassis Saver?
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That was one butt-ugly bumper!
Was the front and top chromed before?
I have the same, but used wheel silver paint
What is Chassis Saver?
The top and rear of the bumper was originally chrome. I’m pretty sure the front side of the rear bumper wasn’t chrome. Then again, I’ve never seen a brand new one. I do need to know what I should use to fill the gap/seam around the diamond plate. I don’t know if was originally black, beige, clear or white.
Chassis saver: https://www.magnetpaints.com/underbody.asp
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Not much to report. Had some doors to put up in the house and had some stumps ground down so had to move some dirt around in the yard.
I did manage to get the underside of the bed cleaned up and took a few dings out of it. Got her on stands so I can paint the underside. Going to have to order a patch panel to get rid of some Swiss cheese.
(https://i.imgur.com/1ytIKD9.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/iEmA9eg.jpg)
Got the hood hinges and some other small bits cleaned up and put a fresh coat of paint on them.
(https://i.imgur.com/wONLBss.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/IJ2qEFY.jpg)
Can anyone tell me where I can get these bedside braces for less than $20 each? That's ridiculous. I'll make my own before I pay that for them. Everywhere I look seems to show "stepside" braces.
(https://i.imgur.com/v1Fiwsp.jpg)
My dog's so cool she needs shades on a cloudy day I guess
(https://i.imgur.com/SbZ4Mao.jpg)
And a pic of my lil helpers
(https://i.imgur.com/kkOfu0z.jpg)
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I've never been a paint/body guy so I'm doing some practice on small pieces with bondo, primer and sandpaper.
(https://i.imgur.com/wUhrStU.jpg)
Trying to save some money by reusing as much hardware as I can. These little grille fasteners cost $2-3 each. One was missing so I had to modify one similar to these to fit.
(https://i.imgur.com/qc9mC0u.jpg)
Let me just say that I am disappointed in Chevy here. I never knew this center strip was polished under the paint. Why did they paint them? Grille is assembled and ready to install.
(https://i.imgur.com/Ck4zI8Y.jpg)
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Coming along nicely!
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Coming along nicely!
Thanks. Little bit at the time. Started playing with my welder a little late yesterday with some thin scrap panels. Haven’t welded anything that thin with it before. All I have is a little 90 amp harbor freight flux core welder but looks like it’s going to work for what I need.
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Did the first of my body panel projects today. I have never done any panel replacement so go easy on my work. I figured I would give it a try since I was quoted $1200 just to replace my cab corners and rocker panels. Not saying that that's too high but it's too rich for my blood if I can learn how to do this stuff on my own.
Let me say first that changing from the Harbor Freight flux core wire to Lincoln flux core wire made a huge difference in my little 90amp HF welder. It arcs easier and has less spatter now. With that said, today's project was getting rid of the rust on the left bed rail.
This was a result of a toolbox or possibly multiple toolboxes that had been bolted down through the bed rails. I counted a total of 8 holes drilled in this small section. Needless to say it looked like swiss cheese.
(https://i.imgur.com/vb4D0kv.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/q5FMGMg.jpg)
First came the removal of the rusty section of skin. This one section had 6 spot welds.
(https://i.imgur.com/kO8Erti.jpg)
What was left of the skin
(https://i.imgur.com/wqbhfpU.jpg)
My homemade panel. Made with a body hammer, dead blow hammer, a couple of clamps and the 90° angle of my wood shop table. Use what you got.
(https://i.imgur.com/32zCnRe.jpg)
New panel fitted
(https://i.imgur.com/BtN5Crc.jpg)
Nasty flux core welding
(https://i.imgur.com/fYo9sAn.jpg)
I figured since they had 6 spot welds I would do the same
(https://i.imgur.com/UvuX3EY.jpg)
Time for some bondo and on to the other side tomorrow I hope.
(https://i.imgur.com/BKXLrld.jpg)
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You did good on the patch panel. If you can use Flux or MIG with your Lincoln, like my Hobart welder. I would recommend getting gas and doing MIG to get much less spatter.
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You did good on the patch panel. If you can use Flux or MIG with your Lincoln, like my Hobart welder. I would recommend getting gas and doing MIG to get much less spatter.
I bought this welder originally just to do odd jobs here at home. Mainly if I needed to repair my exhaust or something like that. This welder doesn't have any provisions for adding gas. And what's worse is it's an AC output welder. A DC output welder would be better for flux core as I could reverse the polarity. If I was to get the HF 170amp welder offers DC output and I could add gas but that welder requires 240volt and I'm not setup for that. I am going to stick with this one for this project so I don't have to spend $500+ on a new welder along with all the other money I'm having to spend to do this restore. Thanks for the info though. I was actually looking into adding gas a couple days ago until I found out I couldn't.
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Just for information! My Hobart 140 and the Lincoln 144 (?) has the ability to use Flux or MIG. I can only weld up to 1/4" steel. However, they work off of 120V. Your doing good and look forward to seeing the progress on your truck.
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Had time to tackle the passenger side of the bed today. This section had 7 holes drilled in it and 6 spot welds holding it to the bottom skin. Judging by the bolt patterns, I would say there may have been 3 toolboxes used on this truck at different times. I don't ever want to see a drill bit near this bed again.
(https://i.imgur.com/bZIMDzV.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/Pwfnc1Z.jpg)
Patch panel in progress. It ain't fancy but it got the job done.
(https://i.imgur.com/HqeX4WV.jpg)
Panel fitted. Need to drill holes for spot welds. FYI: If you spot weld the top, it will draw your panel down when it cools and you will have to tap it back out.
(https://i.imgur.com/6H8Gt0L.jpg)
And finished minus a little filler.
(https://i.imgur.com/XgWmI8q.jpg)
There were also 8 holes on this side from previously mounted bed rails
(https://i.imgur.com/qCLQDCF.jpg)
Couldn't get the whole side to show up but it's all filled in. Hopefully I'll have time to fill in the 7 bed rail holes on the other side tomorrow.
(https://i.imgur.com/geHzZaN.jpg)
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You did really well, nice work.
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You did really well, nice work.
Thank you. I'm working on a budget and part of this budget is "not spending all my money on body repairs by someone else". Plus, I get to learn as I go. I'm not a welder and definitely not a body guy. I can weld a little with a stick, mig or tig. But never have I attempted to weld such thin metal with an AC flux core welder.
Been spending some time on the bed sides the last couple of days.
Replaced a section in front of the drivers wheel opening
(https://i.imgur.com/XpLAwGs.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/dOiGIVO.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/bPXkVM5.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/7hnMiOB.jpg)
Someone's kid must have used this bed for target practice at some point.
(https://i.imgur.com/u8QKTeC.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/3ad5l2m.jpg)
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Nice, clean, and straight. You are making good progress!