73-87chevytrucks.com
73-87 Chevy _ GMC Trucks => Members Rides => Topic started by: BigHemi353 on February 15, 2009, 03:31:16 pm
-
Well, Since I'm finding some time to work on it again I thought I would start a thread. I bought this truck in mid December after my fall semester of college for $1300. In this pic it has the 31's mounted on 15in chrome wagon wheels. Going to sell the wagon wheels and get some nice 16in wheels.. I bought it as a mud toy at first but then soon wanted to redo it and make it a weekend cruiser/chick getter :). haha It sure would beat my S-10. Needs rockers, cab corners and some very minor work on the firewall as of now. Going to get another bed for it since the one on it has a half ton of bondo on it.
Right after I bought it
(http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z177/Bighemi353/1218081729.jpg)
Right after I made the mistake of playing in the mud with it....worth it thought ;D
(http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z177/Bighemi353/1224081428.jpg)
I just bought a sm465 and 205 for it last week in ohio. 350 should be out tonight and the 700r4 and 208 by next weekend. Hopefully tonight I'll making another trip to ohio to get the rest of the parts for the front end conversion(73-80) tonight. Should be nice, have all my Silverado features but have the great look of the 1973. Its also getting 6in of lift and 35's. Probably going to have it painted black and switch the interior to black too. I'm going to do this restoration right unlike alot of my friends. lol. Hoping to get this done by june for the county fair. Comments and suggestions are very welcome ;D Thanks for looking and I'll keep you guys updated. Andy
-
nice keep us updated
-
thats a nice truck man sounds like you have a good plan for it, keep us posted on the progress 8)
-
Kind of a bummer all ready.... Was buying a hydraulic bellhousing on ebay for my sm465 and I forgot about it selling tonight and went to a friends house. Lost it so now I got to find another one... :-[
-
Motor is out, Tranny coming out tonight...
(http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z177/Bighemi353/photodumpjoshuaandystruckruckusfoun.jpg)
-
thats cool your working on your truck, that sucks about your ebay find, i hate when i foreget that im bidding on something that i really need or want also im sure youll find another one, keep us posted on your progress 8)
-
Thanks, I love my truck and thats why I'm going the hard way putting it back together like it like it. A 4speed and 73 front end will make it worth it. Andy
update....Tranny is out :)
-
ya i was thinking of putting an older front clip on my 83 stepside as well, i realy like the round head lights alot but im not sure yet, because ive had my truck since i was 14 so im realy use to seeing it with the squrae headlights ya know, so i know how you feel bout your truck cuz mine has been in the family since 1993, my grandfather bought then gave it to my dad then my dad gave it to me, where i drove it for awhile all rusted and faded blue with a flat black hood, and a 250 straight six and 3 speed on the floor then last may i decided to tera it apart to the frame and now, just waiting on the weather to warm up and me go back to work so i can put it back together but keep us posted with pics and every thing and keep up the good work and take your time, 8)
-
Let us know how the auto to maual swap goes. I am really wanting to do this to my 81 but have no clue all the parts needed and parts trucks are scarce around here now.
-
Alright, I'll let you guys know how the swap goes. Im going with a hydraulic clutch set up(85 and up) so it'll be a bit easier(no cables to route, just simple lines). Just still looking for a bellhousing, I'll go call around some junk yards tomorrow and see what i can find. Andy
-
keep us posted should be a great project
marc :D
-
nice project
-
Update: I got a sm465 bellhousing on the way for an 88-up. little bit different but i hope to make it work. This weekend I got a manual steering column for $30 and also clutch/brake pedal assembly, slave cylinder, clutch master cylinder, lines, and reservoir for free from a guy switching his blazer to an automatic. Also got most of my parts for my 73 front end conversion too. I'll post some pictures soon of it.
Thanks, Andy
-
Finally some progress....I think ???
now you see it!
(http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z177/Bighemi353/0315091447.jpg)
Now you don't!
(http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z177/Bighemi353/0315091838.jpg)
It was an absolute pain to get off. used a fork lift and put 8x2's on the forks and picked it up from the passenger side. I rode in the cab against the forklift while dad drove so the cab wouldn't fall off. very dangerous but did the job. I'm not doing that again that way so if anyone can tell/show me how they put their cab back on it would be awesome. going to power wash the frame this week and sandblast the hard to get spots. Wirewheel and grind the rest and then lift and paint.
Andy
-
yea man get 4 guys to help you put it back on
-
yea man get 4 guys to help you put it back on
I really can't believe I didn't think of that. Thanks hotrod :D
-
That is the way I normally do it...
-
ha, well, its been about 2 months or so now but some progress is coming and I'm happy with it. Finished painting the frame 2 days ago after about a month worth of prep to get down to bare metal and after chipping off all the rust scale. I acid washed it with dx579( i believe) and then washed that off before i shot it with 2 thick coats of tractor gloss black. I'm happy with the outcome. I Carefully put on leaf packs yesterday. Finally feels like I'm actually getting somewhere on this project. Going to start on the axles tonight so hopefully it will be back on its wheels in a week or so.
Here's some pictures, I'll post more next week of it back on its feet. Thanks for looking, Andy
(http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z177/Bighemi353/PaintedFrame1.jpg)
(http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z177/Bighemi353/PaintedFrame.jpg)
-
Wow....its been over 3 years now and I'm finally going to give you guys an update. Theme for this project is probably Busted knuckles and broken dreams. Alot has change over the last 3 years on this project. Reading what I posted before makes me realize how crazy I was thinking before. Cubicdollars has helped me along the way on this and I appreciate his insight as long as many others on here.
I have completed my frame and axles. 15x10 8 lug wagon wheels that I had powdercoated "like chrome" wrapped in 35/12.50-15 Mastercraft MT's
(http://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/26436_1194080141647_6697224_n.jpg)
I bought a 77 cab rust free cab and various other parts trucks
(http://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/38133_1309856275978_802722_n.jpg)
Got me a bus motor
(http://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/427011_2706032179503_150883711_n.jpg)
Built me a new crossmember to clear the Cummins oil pan
(http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z177/Bighemi353/100_0393.jpg?t=1350795245)
Tore the Cummins apart and inspected everything. Installed all new gaskets and seals. New 5x.012 100hp injectors. Gutted AFC. Repainted motor.
(http://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/554569_3104652744768_348346939_n.jpg)
Got me a NV4500 and installed a Valair Clutch to hold up to 650hp/1100ft. lbs of torque.
(http://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/539068_3513069674936_198562950_n.jpg)
Im in the process of body work and prepping the truck for my paint guy. I'm still going with the 73-80 doghouse. Going to complete my chassis while my body is gone. Still have to fasten brakelines, put in new rubber motor mounts, install my 205 transfer case and my driveshafts. This will be completed sometime in the spring.
-
Put the guts back in the afc and take the plate out and tune it with the afc unless you just want it to billow smoke and bog down and go nowhere. I see the manifold flipped. Do you have plans for twins? Are you going to run ac? Do you think those sbc mounts are going to hold up? It looks real good though. Looks like its gonna be real clean when you get it done.
-
No twins but was contemplating them at the time of that picture. No a/c at the moment but leaving the cab to accept it later on if I believe that I need it. I have heavy duty big block motor mounts ready to install so I shouldn't have a problem there.
-
Took my cab and dog house in for paint today. Earlier this month I hacked up my core support for my intercooler and fabbed up mounts. Going to use a Chevy 4 core radiator since the Dodge radiator wouldn't fit the way I designed the truck.
(http://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc7/484973_3814605733149_1051417991_n.jpg)
(http://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc7/484973_3814605773150_1284450813_n.jpg)
(http://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/484973_3814605813151_1572355126_n.jpg)
A 89-93 downpipe fit dang near perfect. Running 4" exhaust(5" wont fit past transfer case) to a 6" stack. Im finishing up the little things on the drivetrain before I get my body back.
-
Lookin good!
-
Great Progress :):) Looking Great !
-
It is coming along. Will be interested in how it runs when you are done. I know how it feels to have a long break in between progress points on your truck.
-
(http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z177/Bighemi353/100_0456_zps37f468c6.jpg)
Got my cab back so I have plenty of work to do now far as wiring, sound deadening and interior work. Probably go pretty slow for a while since we have snow/freezing rain coming and I work for the local highway department.
Managed to bolt on the stock chevy alternator to the cummins. Nice to just use all Chevy electrical components rather than having to worry about wiring up the Dodge. Alot easier than I expected. Basically just drilled out the threads on upper mount on the alternator and put in the stock location and used some flat stock for the lower mount. I put the dodge pulley on the chevy alternator and with little bit of shimming, i got the the belt to run true.
Chevy on the left, Dodge on the right.
(http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z177/Bighemi353/100_0454_zps41d6cb05.jpg)
Lower mount
(http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z177/Bighemi353/100_0453_zpsc163eb24.jpg)
Upper mount
(http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z177/Bighemi353/100_0450_zpsc3849895.jpg)
Looks like everything will work in theory. Just have to see if works once I get the thing running.
-
Nice that you used the Chevy alternator. What are you going to do about the AC compressor?
-
Not exactly sure yet about the a/c compressor. Probably later on down the road I'll get the autoworld mount for one. Im not running a/c for now and I've converted my cab to a non a/c cab.
Haven't been able to work on it since I've been stuck in a plow truck for the last week. Hoping to get some progress done here soon if the snow lets up.
-
I've been working on the little things and knocking them out. I sound deadened the firewall and floor of the truck so far. Had to weld me up a crazy transfer case shifter bracket and lever but it worked out nice. Made a plate for the transmission hump, sealed it and screwed it down.
(http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z177/Bighemi353/100_0467_zps9978942d.jpg)
I fabbed up my clutch master cylinder firewall support rods so they would fit the F-350 master cylinder and reworked my clutch pedal so It would work with it. Had to weld an extension to the clutch pedal bump stop so my master cylinder wouldn't take the complete force of my foot stomping it. Also welded and tab to the pedal for the rod to attach. Took a few tries to get it right where I wanted it but finally got it.
Also, I installed my jute padding and a vinyl floor mat. I don't recommend working with vinyl in cold temperatures because its a complete pain to work with. It turned out decent though. Installed my heater box and sealed it up. Welded me up a shifter and installed my shifter boots which I think turned out nicely. And with a little modification to it, I installed a later model Tahoe overhead console. There are some voids with the curvature of the roof but they will all be filled in once the headliner is installed. Kinda started on the wiring tonight but its kinda overwhelming. Going to really get into that tomorrow night and hopefully I can knock a lot of it out.
(https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/382209_4238535651132_524049274_n.jpg)
(https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/382209_4238535691133_1370201703_n.jpg)
(https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/382209_4238535731134_1587911544_n.jpg)
-
Nice progress!
-
Small update. Again, knocking out a lot of the little things that aren't very interesting. I hooked up my clutch hydraulics and found the clutch to be WAY to stiff. Lots of firewall flex even with the support rods/brackets that run from the pedal assembly. Did some research and found my problem. I installed my master cylinder(from a 1997 F-350) and bolted it directly to the firewall and welded a bracket to the pedal lower than the stock clutch rod pivot point. I wasnt getting enough leverage so I made a wedge that I bolted to the firewall that is exactly 15* which allowed me to use the stock pivot point on the pedal(had to make an extended clutch rod of course). Works perfectly now and feels like a stock clutch with little to no firewall flex.
picture of the wedge
(http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z177/Bighemi353/0318132202_zps343023b2.jpg)
Doors and fenders are painted
(https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/577459_4450675834504_2061690141_n.jpg)
88-00 cab lights are wired and installed
(https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc6/206300_4450676874530_398394875_n.jpg)
Wheels and tires that I will be running until I figure out if i like them or not.
(http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z177/Bighemi353/100950502_zps27345962.jpg)
Hoping to have more pics up in the next 2 weeks with the truck's front end and doors on. Also hoping to have windows tinted and installed by then.
-
Can't wait for the test fire... Good Job!
-
(https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/537415_4547564656664_1982334658_n.jpg)
(https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/150789_4547564536661_22139817_n.jpg)
Finally got to light it up and drive it. Have some timing issues with the cummins but not going to worry about that for now. I'll take it and have it tuned before its on the road. It drives really nice and is pretty fun. Just trying to get the body all shimed up correctly and hopefully get back to working on the interior this week.
-
where did u get them taillights at bighemi? i really like those, they look good on your truck!
-
I bought them at a "4-Wheel Parts" Jamboree in Indianapolis about 4 years ago. Fell in love with them since they kinda look like the 03-06 Silverado tail lights. I haven't been able to find them online at all. They are smoked just a little but I'd like to smoke them a touch more. Im going to smoke every light on this truck except for the headlights. I want a dark look for this truck lol
-
mount a rod from the floor to the steering column bracket. i have a hydraulic clutch pedal mounted in my truck to the firewall had the same problem and did it. im putting an nv4500 in my truck witht he 350 belhousing on it all set.
-
i think it would look good all smoked out, use this stuff called VHT nightshades, great stuff for smoking everything out. you could also put some LED white reverse lights in too. that would look really cool.
-
mount a rod from the floor to the steering column bracket. i have a hydraulic clutch pedal mounted in my truck to the firewall had the same problem and did it. im putting an nv4500 in my truck witht he 350 belhousing on it all set.
I cant say I'm following you. I believe I have everything with clutch figured out. It seems to work perfect now with no firewall flex and its not too hard to push anymore. At least I hope I dont have anymore problems with it. It was a bear to get right!
-
(https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-frc1/1002421_4850766356517_1721333968_n.jpg)
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/998367_4861091774646_718298012_n.jpg)
Finally got it on the road and let me tell you, its a blast! :peelout
-
Looks good, where is the video? :)
-
thats awesome man. cool truck ! have been wanting to do something similar to my burb for a long time
-
Sweet looking truck.
-
Great progress:) I am suprised you had firewall flex, I used that same master cylinder, but I cut the rod and lengthened it by putting threads on both sides of the rod and adding threaded end to dial in the length , I also re drilled the clutch peddle so it wouldn't bind up.
None the less , your truck is looking great!!!
-
I'll try and get a video up after wheat harvest is over but we're all pretty busy around here lately. Still need to tint the windows and finish my interior as well.
Cubicdollars: I was very surprised too. I tried to copy your set up exactly and for whatever reason the pedal was very stiff and the firewall had some flex. Im not sure what I did different from you but the wedge I made fixed my issue. Regardless, I couldnt have figured it out without your advice!
I appreciate the compliments! Im just glad to actually enjoy it after 4 1/2 years of having it. Dana 60 and 14bolt FF swap is in the works. I got the 77' 1 ton parts truck last weekend for $600.
-
I am just happy you are getting it together !!!
great job:)
-
thats cool!