Author Topic: My '77 K-30/V3500 Monster Truck Build  (Read 252313 times)

Offline ehjorten

  • Senior Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 1198
Re: My '77 K-30/V3500 Monster Truck Build
« Reply #390 on: January 08, 2018, 08:59:23 AM »
Engineer...I use Google Photos and have no trouble posting full size images!  What I do is: open the full-size image...right-click on the image and select...Copy Image Address.  Use that to paste in-between bulletin board image formatting.
-Erik-
1991 V3500 - Gen V TBI 454, 4L80E, NP205, 14 bolt FF, D60, 8" Lift on 35s
1977 K20 Silverado - 350, THM350, NP203, 14 bolt FF, D44, Stock Lift on 31s
1969 Chevelle Malibu Sport Coupe - EFI350, THM350
1968 Chevrolet Step-side Pickup - 300HP L6

Offline Engineer

  • Senior Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 1402
« Last Edit: January 10, 2018, 05:20:35 PM by Engineer »
2002 Chevy 2500HD 4x4 8.1/ZF6sp RC/LB
2001 Chevy 2500HD 4x4 6.0/4L85E EC/SB
1997 Chevy Blazer 4x4
1994 Chevy K-2500 4x4 C6P 5.7/4L80E
1979 Chevy K-30 4x4 4sp 4.10
1977 Chevy K-30 4x4 4sp 4.10 454

Dad of an Eagle Scout, and a Life Scout

Offline Engineer

  • Senior Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 1402
Re: My '77 K-30/V3500 Monster Truck Build
« Reply #392 on: January 09, 2018, 07:45:06 PM »
I think I finally figured it out, You HAVE to be logged into Google Chrome.

I have been using Internet Explorer. Scheiße. All this time I assume that is the problem.














How does this look? I have wasted too much time tonight so the promised update will have to wait for another night. Sorry guys.
« Last Edit: January 09, 2018, 08:02:36 PM by Engineer »
2002 Chevy 2500HD 4x4 8.1/ZF6sp RC/LB
2001 Chevy 2500HD 4x4 6.0/4L85E EC/SB
1997 Chevy Blazer 4x4
1994 Chevy K-2500 4x4 C6P 5.7/4L80E
1979 Chevy K-30 4x4 4sp 4.10
1977 Chevy K-30 4x4 4sp 4.10 454

Dad of an Eagle Scout, and a Life Scout

Offline bd

  • Global Moderator
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 6438
Re: My '77 K-30/V3500 Monster Truck Build
« Reply #393 on: January 09, 2018, 08:01:50 PM »
Now THAT'S a truck!
Rich
It's difficult to know just how much you don't know until you know it.
In other words... if people learn by making mistakes, by now I should know just about everything!!!
87 R10 Silverado Fleetside 355 MPFI 700R4 3.42 Locker (aka Rusty, aka Mater)

Offline Engineer

  • Senior Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 1402
2002 Chevy 2500HD 4x4 8.1/ZF6sp RC/LB
2001 Chevy 2500HD 4x4 6.0/4L85E EC/SB
1997 Chevy Blazer 4x4
1994 Chevy K-2500 4x4 C6P 5.7/4L80E
1979 Chevy K-30 4x4 4sp 4.10
1977 Chevy K-30 4x4 4sp 4.10 454

Dad of an Eagle Scout, and a Life Scout

Offline Engineer

  • Senior Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 1402
Re: My '77 K-30/V3500 Monster Truck Build
« Reply #395 on: January 16, 2018, 08:37:52 PM »
I was going to update this thread earlier but chose to hold off until today. There is a reason for this. Today marks the 30th anniversary of my buying my '77 K-10, er , um, my 1991 V3500, er, um, monster truck.

Yup, the truck that started this thread, and this sickness, was bought by me 30 years ago this very day. January 16, 1988. So you can see the significance, and why I decided to wait out for this day for the latest update. Originally I intended on holding off for this day for the monster truck reveal but I was too anxious to share the build. ;)

One thing I might add before continuing is to ask if everyone is aware of the Maiden America Monster Truck facebook page? There will be some content on the facebook page that doesn't make into this forum, and there will be the usual content in this thread that may not make it to the facebook page so continue to follow both for the full story. :)

So here is the latest on the build.

Here are a few more pictures from the tires day:









Using parts of the old wheels I built some ramp stands that I can use with my trailer ramps to drive the truck up on. At this point I can then just use a bottle jack to lift the truck to change the tires.





The next pictures I have to beg that you not judge my work. I only installed a temporary interior with a rudimentary dash and no trim. The reason I am sharing this part is because I wanted you guys to see how the seats turned out. These are from an S-10 Blazer. I think they are awesome. They fit me well, and the cool thing is they set on the fuel tank hump perfectly for height placement without any lift modifications. One other awesome result is that their seat backs aren't as thick as the typical square body bench seat. Even with the high back you can still recline the seat to be comfortable, AND you end up with as much, if not more leg room than my GMT-400 trucks or my GMT-800 trucks.









As I stated a couple of posts back I wanted to make my own custom idler bracket for the blower belt. I think the snout swing arm, and the blower mount bracket look hokey. The only one I really like are the water pump mount type. Ironically these don't allow you to use them with a water pump. So, using plans I drew up I had a local company laser out these brackets:



I still have some finish work to do but this should give a good indication of what we will have. As always I'll mock everything up as I am preparing it for the final install and I will share the process.





So why the name Maiden America?



I came up with the name as a tribute, and it has multiple meanings.

First of all I love the Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress. There is no angle that you can photograph a B-17 that it doesn't look like an angel in flight. Graceful, beautiful, angelic. It would be hard to disagree.















So I chose the name "Maiden America" because it is a play on the words "Made in America". I am proud to report, and can verify that my truck only has a handful of parts not made in the U.S. of A.

The nose art portrayed on the Maiden America B-17 was also chosen because it represents the most common type of WWII aircraft nose art, the female form. It was also chosen as such because the female form was in good taste and "family friendly". Otherwise there is no particular connection between the Maiden America B-17 and the Maiden America monster truck. However in spite of the fact that there is no particular connection, the Maiden America B-17 is a respect worthy example. But don't be confused, this is not to state that there were any B-17s not deserving the respect of an adoring nation and her people.

A little more info on the Maiden America B-17:

Model 299-O, B-17G-95-BO.   Army Air Force s/n: 43-38736

Built by Boeing Aircraft Company, Seattle Washington, USA.

Assigned to 548th Bomb Squadron, 385th Bombardment Group (square G), 934th Combat Bomb Wing, 3rd Air Division, 8th Air Force. Aircraft letter GX-P

History:

Delivered: 12th Heavy Bombardment Processing Headquarters. Lincoln AAF Lincoln, Neb. 14-9-1944.

Transferred: North Atlantic Division, Air Transport Command (ATC) Grenier AAF Manchester, NH 27-9-1944.

Assigned: 385BG Great Ashfield, Suffolk, England. 1-10-1945.

Returned Zone of the Interior: Bradley Field, Windsor Locks, Conn 24-6-1945.

Transferred: Base Unit, South Plains Tex. 26-6-1945.

Sold for Disposal: RFC, Kingman, Ariz. 28-11-1945.



The Maiden America monster truck isn't so much a tribute to any one particular B-17 but a tribute to all 12,731 of the B-17s that were built by Boeing, Douglas and Lockheed/Vega to safeguard a nation and its people. It is also a tribute to all of the people and airmen who designed, built, flew, maintained, and filled support roles relating to the strategic bombing campaign.

Thousands of B-17s were lost in the campaign, and tens of thousands of aircrew were lost.
« Last Edit: January 16, 2018, 08:50:23 PM by Engineer »
2002 Chevy 2500HD 4x4 8.1/ZF6sp RC/LB
2001 Chevy 2500HD 4x4 6.0/4L85E EC/SB
1997 Chevy Blazer 4x4
1994 Chevy K-2500 4x4 C6P 5.7/4L80E
1979 Chevy K-30 4x4 4sp 4.10
1977 Chevy K-30 4x4 4sp 4.10 454

Dad of an Eagle Scout, and a Life Scout

Offline bd

  • Global Moderator
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 6438
Re: My '77 K-30/V3500 Monster Truck Build
« Reply #396 on: January 16, 2018, 10:54:28 PM »
Well, that narrative ushered a reticent upwelling.  One of my favorite uncles, RHS, was a B-17 bombardier over Europe.  Another flew B-24s out of North Africa and survived to serve as a test pilot of early jet fighters.  A third perished on the beach during the D-Day invasion of Normandy.  Recently, I've been reading about the Marines in the Pacific theatre - Guadalcanal, Tarawa, Guam, Tinian, Peleliu, Iwo Jima.  It was a terrible business for everyone.... 

I agree the Flying Fortress was/is magnificent.  So was the Consolidated B-24 Liberator, in its own right.  So were the North American P-51 Mustang, Lockheed P-38 Lightning, Northrup P-61 Black Widow, Vought F4U Corsair, Grumman F6F Hellcat, Grumman F8F Bearcat, and Hawker Sea Fury.  Very little raises your pulse more than the sound of a piston driven warbird... save for maybe an SR-71.  Oh well, I digress too far.

Maiden America is a great name for your Monster Truck!

Thanks for the memories.
« Last Edit: January 17, 2018, 09:48:19 AM by bd »
Rich
It's difficult to know just how much you don't know until you know it.
In other words... if people learn by making mistakes, by now I should know just about everything!!!
87 R10 Silverado Fleetside 355 MPFI 700R4 3.42 Locker (aka Rusty, aka Mater)

Offline Engineer

  • Senior Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 1402
Re: My '77 K-30/V3500 Monster Truck Build
« Reply #397 on: January 18, 2018, 07:04:08 AM »
Thanks, bd. 8)
2002 Chevy 2500HD 4x4 8.1/ZF6sp RC/LB
2001 Chevy 2500HD 4x4 6.0/4L85E EC/SB
1997 Chevy Blazer 4x4
1994 Chevy K-2500 4x4 C6P 5.7/4L80E
1979 Chevy K-30 4x4 4sp 4.10
1977 Chevy K-30 4x4 4sp 4.10 454

Dad of an Eagle Scout, and a Life Scout

Offline Irish_Alley

  • Tim
  • Global Moderator
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 13319
  • Family is not an important thing. It's everything.
Re: My '77 K-30/V3500 Monster Truck Build
« Reply #398 on: January 18, 2018, 03:27:01 PM »
i tell you i really wish i lived closer. my son and daughter along with me would really love to see this beast.
If you can’t tell yourself the truth, who can you tell it to?~Irish_Alley

When you have eliminated the impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth ~Sherlock Holmes

Offline Engineer

  • Senior Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 1402
Re: My '77 K-30/V3500 Monster Truck Build
« Reply #399 on: January 18, 2018, 06:13:58 PM »
I plan on having it on display. Right now I have 4 dates in 2018 for sure if I can make it.

One will be in Zieg’s backyard. (hint Carl)

The lady with Family Events that is in charge of The Street Machine Nationals and 4 Wheel Jamboree Nationals has invited me to her events. If I can swing buying the 18 wheeler I’ll probably head east (Indy, OH, PA) and south east. The setup I currently have for moving the truck around will be adequate for short hauls but not for overnighters.
« Last Edit: January 18, 2018, 06:16:04 PM by Engineer »
2002 Chevy 2500HD 4x4 8.1/ZF6sp RC/LB
2001 Chevy 2500HD 4x4 6.0/4L85E EC/SB
1997 Chevy Blazer 4x4
1994 Chevy K-2500 4x4 C6P 5.7/4L80E
1979 Chevy K-30 4x4 4sp 4.10
1977 Chevy K-30 4x4 4sp 4.10 454

Dad of an Eagle Scout, and a Life Scout

Offline zieg85

  • Global Moderator
  • Senior Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 7543
    • 73-87 GM squarebody extended cab and conversions up to 91 R/V series
Re: My '77 K-30/V3500 Monster Truck Build
« Reply #400 on: January 18, 2018, 07:51:35 PM »
I plan on having it on display. Right now I have 4 dates in 2018 for sure if I can make it.

One will be in Zieg’s backyard. (hint Carl)



Planning on it, just gotta know when and where.  Maybe I'll drive my extended cab there.  Really be cool to get a picture of both side by side for kicks...
« Last Edit: January 18, 2018, 08:00:50 PM by zieg85 »
Carl 
1985 C20 Scottsdale 7.4L 4 speed 3.21
1986 C10 under construction
https://www.facebook.com/groups/248658382003506/

Offline Engineer

  • Senior Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 1402
Re: My '77 K-30/V3500 Monster Truck Build
« Reply #401 on: January 19, 2018, 09:39:23 AM »
2002 Chevy 2500HD 4x4 8.1/ZF6sp RC/LB
2001 Chevy 2500HD 4x4 6.0/4L85E EC/SB
1997 Chevy Blazer 4x4
1994 Chevy K-2500 4x4 C6P 5.7/4L80E
1979 Chevy K-30 4x4 4sp 4.10
1977 Chevy K-30 4x4 4sp 4.10 454

Dad of an Eagle Scout, and a Life Scout

Offline VileZambonie

  • Global Moderator
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 18980
Re: My '77 K-30/V3500 Monster Truck Build
« Reply #402 on: January 20, 2018, 08:32:19 AM »
That thing is a beast! The body looks pin straight too! Awesome build
,                           ___ 
                         /  _ _ _\_
              ⌠¯¯¯¯¯'   [☼===☼]
              `()_);-;()_)--o--)_)

74 GMC, 75 K5, 84 GMC, 85 K20, 86 k20, 79 K10

Offline Captkaos

  • OWNER and Administrator
  • Administrator
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 18351
    • http://www.73-87chevytrucks.com
Re: My '77 K-30/V3500 Monster Truck Build
« Reply #403 on: January 21, 2018, 08:44:46 AM »
WOW!,  WOW! that is SWEET!

Offline Captain Swampy

  • Junior Member
  • ***
  • Posts: 504
  • Wisconsin
Re: My '77 K-30/V3500 Monster Truck Build
« Reply #404 on: January 22, 2018, 10:12:25 PM »
Looks awesome! Great build, thanks for sharing.
1987  350TBI 700R4  4X4  4.56 gears  33" BFG All Terrain


http://forum.73-87chevytrucks.com/smforum/index.php?topic=32209.0