73-87chevytrucks.com
73-87 Chevy _ GMC Trucks => Members Rides => Topic started by: jumbowolfe on May 12, 2015, 08:33:33 AM
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Thought I would start this to show the progression of things. I'll try to post pics of where I am so far and as it keeps going in the future. I think this is the right area for this.
Here it is, I've posted pics before, but here's some Photoshoppin' to show where it is and where its going....
As she sits now (with some edits for show off)
(http://www.vintagekramer.com/temp/truck/yel-col1.jpeg)
And where it will be (but better when done) when she's solid yellow
(http://www.vintagekramer.com/temp/truck/yel-col2.jpeg)
Current issues I'm working on:
1. Kinked Hood - Have a hood I've been working on and removing cancer (pics to follow soon) to replace this one.
2. Shoot the front clip - will post pics as I body work up and paint.
3. Interior - Was really bad when I got it, its slightly better, but will be fully restored this year.
4. Bed - I have a bad passengers side bed panel, looking to find one to replace.
5. Frame fracture - passengers side near shock, will weld and reinforce it
6. Shoot entire truck.
7. Replace windshield.
8. Brakes - want to convert the back to discs and run new lines, new master cylinder.
I should note mechanically its 100% sound at the moment, which is the best part of the truck. I bought it with a 3 year old engine, no main seal, transfer case, or other leaks present at the moment. Hardly any rust on this puppy, I scored when I bought her last year.
As I've discussed in other threads, this has been a 20 year journey to get back a truck exactly like Yeller1. It's hard going to sleep at night knowing that I have so much to do, but cannot wait to see it done.
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Truck looks good either way. I love the 70's two tone trucks. I'm guessing the interior is brown? If only changing the color on your truck was as easy as clicking a button. Keep up the good work.
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Thanks. I would keep it two tone if not for trying to reproduce my original 78 I had as a kid.
Here's some before and after on the interior, which is still a work in progress.
(http://www.vintagekramer.com/temp/truck/interior1.jpeg) (http://www.vintagekramer.com/temp/truck/interior2.jpeg)
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Here's my hood project. I'm on a budget these days to keep the wife in check, so as to not spend too much money and set off any red flags.
Bought it for $40, not an actual 78 hood, but for $40, who can complain. I ended up using Marine Tex/Dolphin Glaze for the cancer removal spots. Not the perfect welded in solution, but it will work.
(http://www.vintagekramer.com/temp/truck/hoodrust.jpeg)
(http://www.vintagekramer.com/temp/truck/hoodstages.jpeg)
(http://www.vintagekramer.com/temp/truck/hoodblocked.jpeg)
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Very nice work so far! I'm impressed with the outcome of the hood repair and interior refresh. Looks alot better!
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I'd be lifting up that carpet. You'll either be super stoked or super sad.
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Oh I already did. This was a California truck, minimal rust. The floorboard and tar sound barrier were still very much intact.
Got lucky on this one. The hood rust was a part off another truck.
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Everything looks real good. Excellent work.
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that yellow is my favorite. I am staying tuned in
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Nice truck. Looks like mine, but less restoration.
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That interior looks great, what a transformation. Where did you get most of the parts ford it??
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Thanks!
Most of the interior pieces came from flebay but some from the usual online suspects. I'm not done with it yet though, eventually the whole interior will be "new".
Here some update shots. Got the passengers fender removed, so that I can start doing body work (temporary crappy fender installed to protect the engine bay until I'm done painting). Now I have a complete front clip (other fender not shown in photo) including the grill valence. Plan is to shoot all front clip parts, and leave whats on there until I'm ready to install the painted pieces. I'm going to paint the portion of the cab by the fenders, install new hinges, align the doors, then install the entire front clip. After that, move to the back, remove the bed, fix a frame issue, paint bed, back of cab, reinstall bed, then paint doors and cab. Its a long drawn out process, but I think I have a flow in my head of how things are going to get done a section at a time. Gotta construct a makeshift paint booth too, once it cools down here in Texas.
BTW - Red Wasps really like embedding themselves in my truck this Summer.
Anyway, new photos.
(http://www.vintagekramer.com/temp/truck/clip1.jpeg)
(http://www.vintagekramer.com/temp/truck/clip2.jpeg)
(http://www.vintagekramer.com/temp/truck/clip3.jpeg)
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Thought I'd add too a real quick story, once I complete the truck I'll give a detailed account....
The story of this truck is, I've been chasing it for 25 years. My original Yeller, as seen in the pics, was my Dad's truck that he bought new in 1978. We took a cross country trip in it, from Dallas to LA in 1980, which involved camping, seeing the great southwest. He gave me the truck when I first got my driver's license, that old truck had so many stories that it would take a book to document them all. Between Dad and I, we had good times with it. The day I sold it, to get a more reliable car for my 45 minute drive to Denton, Texas I regretted it, and haven't stopped regretting it since 1989.
I lost Dad in June, suddenly and unexpected. That being said, when he saw the new version of Yeller earlier this year, I couldn't do anything but shed a small tear when he first got sight of it, and said "Geezus Michael, you got our truck back!".
This restoration is not just a mission for me anymore, its for Dad too. Trucks are special, they create a bond between Dad/Son. Yeller is special to me, Yeller 2 is even more special now that he's gone. This one is for you Pop!
(http://www.vintagekramer.com/temp/truck/meanddad.jpeg)
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Right in the feels.
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Thought I'd add too a real quick story, once I complete the truck I'll give a detailed account....
The story of this truck is, I've been chasing it for 25 years. My original Yeller, as seen in the pics, was my Dad's truck that he bought new in 1978. We took a cross country trip in it, from Dallas to LA in 1980, which involved camping, seeing the great southwest. He gave me the truck when I first got my driver's license, that old truck had so many stories that it would take a book to document them all. Between Dad and I, we had good times with it. The day I sold it, to get a more reliable car for my 45 minute drive to Denton, Texas I regretted it, and haven't stopped regretting it since 1989.
I lost Dad in June, suddenly and unexpected. That being said, when he saw the new version of Yeller earlier this year, I couldn't do anything but shed a small tear when he first got sight of it, and said "Geezus Michael, you got our truck back!".
This restoration is not just a mission for me anymore, its for Dad too. Trucks are special, they create a bond between Dad/Son. Yeller is special to me, Yeller 2 is even more special now that he's gone. This one is for you Pop!
(http://www.vintagekramer.com/temp/truck/meanddad.jpeg)
What a great story J wolfe. The whole reason I bought my 79 Chevy Big-10 just 4 weeks ago was because of my father too. When i was maybe 8 or 9 he had a very similar truck.
My wife was in an accident and totaled her car. She's fine, someone else hit her. After the crash we started looking for a truck to cart around dogs, motorcycles and horses. Popped on the ol' Craigslist the 1979 Chevy popped up! Not the same color or much that is the same to my fathers. But I couldn't resist because of the family memories I had of my brothers and my dad bouncing around on the bench seat together. Long story short, I dropped the 2k for the truck and started dumping money into it to get it running better. Feels good to know I am doing something my father did when he was my age, and although i don't want any yet, I hope to be able to share this truck with my kids someday. Makes the bond strong with the truck. Just how it should be.
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You guys are exactly right. I bought my 79 in 1984. I have kept it all of these years. I dated my future wife in this truck. My son is now 16 and he wants to drive this truck badly. We are working on restoring it. It is all about building memories.
I have repeatedly told him the he will have so much fun it the truck when it is finished. I told him that I had fun with it back in the day when it looked really good. I have told him about me drag racing it. He found my old manila envelope that was stuffed with receipts. He couldn't believe how much I spent on it. I told him that he will have more fun than I did because these trucks aren't as common as they were back in the day. He thinks he going to go easy on the truck. Right. He doesn't want to "hurt" it. Are you kidding me? He also knows that I have no problem cranking it up or getting it muddy.
Anyways good stories guys. Keep up the good work.
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Thanks guys and great stories on your parts too, this thing is definitely a labor of love for me, and I'm glad its an ole' Chevy box because at least it doesn't cost a small fortune to restore these.
More pics coming soon!
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Cool Story, thanks for sharing! My father owning a 1975 Silverado and my grandfather a 1973 Cheyenne Super got me started on these, My bother had a cool 4x4 also...
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Update, engine noises....
So I had a noisy lifter, rod or something making the usual lifter clicking noise. I had read many articles, and talked to other people who all said "its a long shot but try the seafoam in the oil trick." Additives have never worked in the past for me on things like this. The problem was, it started getting louder and almost sounded like a rod bearing was starting to go, or something worse as a loud knocking noise was kicking in.
I ended up draining a little oil out, put in 3/4 can of seafoam, and ran it for about 2 minutes. Drained that, changed oil, new filter, along with quart of Lucas Oil Stabilizer and 1/4 can of Seafoam (along with the oil as well). Ran that for about 3 minutes, rev'ed it a few times.
Result - Fixed. I now have a quiet, smooth running, smooth starting 350. I was really concerned I was going to have to stop on the body work, and go back to the engine. Hopefully I can nurse this thing along, long enough to get the paint work completed. Whoever had this thing before me, I don't think they ever changed the oil, and its only a 4 year old crate 350. I'm on oil change number 3, I've barely driven it other than a few miles, and I'm still getting nasty sludgy oil out. Going to drain and repeat again this weekend to hopefully get this thing flushed out.
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May I suggest one thing that I know I have seen work multiple times.
The next time you change your oil, make sure the engine is good and hot. Then change your oil. When you are refilling your oil, fill it 1 quart short of what it needs. Then add 1 quart of GM Dex 6 automatic transmission fluid. When your running the engine, let it get up to operating temp, then let it run for 15 min or so and drive it for about 15 min. You can let the idling for 15 min be included in getting up to op temp. Just don't let it run for to much longer that 30-40 min. Then change the oil again. When your done changing the oil multiple times to flush it out, the regular oil you use should be good quality detergent oil.
Automatic transmission fluid is a high detergent fluid, very much like heavy duty dish soap. It cuts thru that nasty stuff pretty freaking good.
Here at work. We have done this a number of times with engines that have had coolant into the oil contamination. I did it to a friend's truck just last week for the same reason, coolant in the oil. He found it right after it happened, I fixed it and the trans fluid helped clean all that nasty coolant out.
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Awesome. I've heard before to use tranny fluid to help noisy lifters, but never to actually help cleanse it. Great stuff, I'll give it a whirl!!
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It works.
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Thanks for the tip LTZ. I will remember that one.
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No problemo
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Great story.
My story is similar.
I think Dad would be proud.
I have a '75 K10 short bed project and like you, a Mustang in the background.
(http://www.vintagekramer.com/temp/truck/clip1.jpeg)
(http://www.bnkk.net/k10/IMG_3046-2.JPG)
(http://bnkk.net/2014gt/2014gt_1.jpg)
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Hey BBM3, just curious, is that your car with your house in the background or is it just a representative image of your car?
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Hey BBM3, just curious, is that your car with your house in the background or is it just a representative image of your car?
@LTZ
That is my car in our driveway.
(My Son's car looks better in the reflection on the Mustang than on it's own.)
Sorry for the thread jack jumbowolfe.
More info about your Mustang please.
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I ask because I really like the look of what piece of the house I can see.
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No reason to be sorry on the hijack, I can talk Mustangs all day long just like truck talk!!
Nice shortbed too, your paint looks amazing, wish I was further along on my truck's body work.
(http://www.vintagekramer.com/temp/mustang/blue-waxed2.jpeg)
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Hang in there.
You are doing your prep work the right way and it will pay off when the time comes for color.
Your truck will look way better than the Earl Scheib special on mine.
What year is your Mustang?
Kona Blue?
I can't figure out the combination of color, 5.0 badge, hood, wheels, and tail lamps.
My Mustang has defective tires or maybe I have a defective right foot. 8000 miles and they are finished. :)
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My Mustang has defective tires or maybe I have a defective right foot. 8000 miles and they are finished. :)
You could fix that with just one egg! ;D
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It's a 2012 GT Premium Kona, Group 4 package that had the scoop, side scoops, and side window louvers from the factory. I installed the roush rear and side splitters, the GT500 rear valence, and Borla sType Mufflers. I got a pretty good deal, bought it with 40k miles about 18 months ago. High mileage for the year, so I ended up tagging it for $21k. Beats paying $35k plus!!
It is quite funny driving that car, everyone wants to play on the freeway. Most don't know the newer 5.0's push 380HP at the rear wheels, and 415 at the drivetrain. Like you, I can't keep my foot out of it, its just too fun to drive. The poor man's race car!
I guess I'm Ford/Chevy conflicted, however, don't get a Dodge anywhere near me.
"Hang in there.
You are doing your prep work the right way and it will pay off when the time comes for color.
Your truck will look way better than the Earl Scheib special on mine.
What year is your Mustang?
Kona Blue?
I can't figure out the combination of color, 5.0 badge, hood, wheels, and tail lamps.
My Mustang has defective tires or maybe I have a defective right foot. 8000 miles and they are finished. :)"
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It is quite funny driving that car, everyone wants to play on the freeway. Most don't know the newer 5.0's push 380HP at the rear wheels, and 415 at the drivetrain. Like you, I can't keep my foot out of it, its just too fun to drive. The poor man's race car!
I guess I'm Ford/Chevy conflicted, however, don't get a Dodge anywhere near me.
The Coyote 5.0 is a great engine. This is my first overhead cam V8 in a long line of all aluminum LS's and iron block push rod V8's.
Mine is a base '14 with Track Pack, Recaro's, and Ford Racing Trackey. The Trackey adds HP, Torque, Launch Control, and a bunch of other changes to the PCM. I never use the stock ignition key anymore.
I don't think of Mustangs as "Poor Man's" rather "Smart Man's". Amazing bang for the buck.
I don't feel conflicted with Ford vs. GM vs. Chrysler. They all make cars and trucks I would own.
Okay if Chrysler, it would have to be a Challenger Hellcat.
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Awesome. I wish I had the Recaros, I keep hoping I'll run into some via craigslist or a wrecked Mustang. My buddy has a 2014 Supersnake, which is absolutely insane, but the Recaros seal the deal since they suck you into the seat so good.
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Finally slung some primer today on the front clip, after lots of body work. Still need to block out more and do more glazing, but I'm closer.
Also found my bed panel for the side that's been damaged since I bought it. Talk about hard to find, found a new one through a contact in the body panel business for $200. Couldn't beat that. Everyone else was sitting at around $500 shipped IF you could find one in stock. Finding a round hole, short bed panel ain't easy.
(http://www.vintagekramer.com/temp/truck/fendersb4primer.jpeg)
(http://www.vintagekramer.com/temp/truck/hoodb4primer.jpeg)
(http://www.vintagekramer.com/temp/truck/grillvalence.jpeg)
(http://www.vintagekramer.com/temp/truck/fendersprimered.jpeg)
(http://www.vintagekramer.com/temp/truck/hoodprimered.jpeg)
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Great find on that bed panel. Gettin' closer to done. Lookin' good!
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Great find on that bed panel. Gettin' closer to done. Lookin' good!
Panels looking good and its about time, I was about to request a moderator to get rid of some of those 'F' words...they were making me sick!!!
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On new doors - do the repro doors have the same fitment issues as the repro hoods and front panels? I'm considering just going new on both, to prevent a mass amount of additional body work.
Thanks.
Here she sits with her temporary skin on....
(http://www.vintagekramer.com/temp/truck/tempskin.jpeg)
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Thread resurrection....
Found my paint guy and the last of the parts have been purchased. Truck should be in the shop within a few weeks with a fresh coat of paint.
Should have pics within the next couple of weeks!!
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Progress pics - At the paint shop and doing some work with the bed taken off.
Here are some progress pics - in case anyone is still interested:
Truck Disassembled
(http://www.vintagekramer.com/temp/truck/truckinpeices.jpeg)
Bed
(http://www.vintagekramer.com/temp/truck/bed.jpeg)
Frame Before - Thank God for California vehicles that have sat in the desert
(http://www.vintagekramer.com/temp/truck/frame-before.jpeg)
Frame After - POR 15
(http://www.vintagekramer.com/temp/truck/frame-after.jpeg)
Frame Crack at the Shock Mount (big surprise-right)
(http://www.vintagekramer.com/temp/truck/crack.jpeg)
Tailgate Band Polishing and Cleanup
(http://www.vintagekramer.com/temp/truck/tailgateband.jpeg)
Misc. Trim Re-Blackening and polishing
(http://www.vintagekramer.com/temp/truck/trim.jpeg)
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Looks great. I had no idea those trim pieces could look so good. More pics please....
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I'll have more pics over the next several weeks, we've had hail storms in Texas so the paint shop is backed up on other priority work over the truck.
Here's one of the newer emblems I just bought off ebay, they look to be restored or NOS.
(http://www.vintagekramer.com/temp/truck/silveradologo.jpeg)
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Buffed out the Bezels with a Powerball and blue magic over the weekend, and painted the bezel "cups" with metallic Rustoleum.
(http://www.vintagekramer.com/temp/truck/bezels.jpeg)
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More progress, bed side has been attached and new doors along with hinges installed.
(http://www.vintagekramer.com/temp/truck/sidewithdoor.jpeg)
(http://www.vintagekramer.com/temp/truck/passdoor.jpeg)
(http://www.vintagekramer.com/temp/truck/bedside.jpeg)
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Nice work, those headlight bezels cleaned up nice.
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Thanks. I would keep it two tone if not for trying to reproduce my original 78 I had as a kid.
Here's some before and after on the interior, which is still a work in progress.
(http://www.vintagekramer.com/temp/truck/interior1.jpeg) (http://www.vintagekramer.com/temp/truck/interior2.jpeg)
Looks great!
Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk
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Great job!
Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk