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73-87 Chevy _ GMC Trucks => Members Rides => Topic started by: Ghazi67 on February 20, 2009, 01:34:51 pm

Title: My Buddy's '85 Project
Post by: Ghazi67 on February 20, 2009, 01:34:51 pm: Hello all ..

I've always wanned to write about building my trucks. Since I can't finish any of them, I've postponed the writing for some other time, and decided to write 'bout one of my buddy's projects truck, since I've asked him on several occasions to right about it , but did'nt have the time !!

Well ... I have all the time to write 'bout it 'coz of two reasons ..
One is .. his build up is worth writing about, and Second .. 'cos I have learned alot from him, and its my way of paying him back.

So here it is ...

The whole thing started with him getting an '85 K10 pickup about a year ago. We had spent many hours arguing about what to start with ? .. when and where it should be done ?!

Thank God the guy owns a workshop specialized in Chevy Trucks ... especially 73-87 Chevys. So here is a guy who knows what to do when it comes to dealing with C/K trucks. He told me that he had this dream for some quite a time, but didn't have the sources 'till couple of years ago .

May be its a piece of cake for some of you guys living in the US, but down here its getting harder everyday to find parts for such trucks .. U have to have some serious contacts within spare parts stores to collect them from everywhere, not to mention that U have to import all the stuff U need to build up a decent and personilzed truck in order to "wow" the others . Its a heck of a job .. but what the heck .. we love these trucks :)

To cut it short .. I'll leave U with some pictures of the project .. I'll keep U posted and hopefully U gonna like what U see..

It did start with an '85 K15

(http://www.saudihotwheels.com/mkportal/modules/gallery/album/a_333.jpg)

Its not a beautiful scene .. but there is always a "Start"
(http://www.saudihotwheels.com/mkportal/modules/gallery/album/a_335.jpg)

(http://www.saudihotwheels.com/mkportal/modules/gallery/album/a_338.jpg)

(http://www.saudihotwheels.com/mkportal/modules/gallery/album/a_337.jpg)

1st step is to strip the whole body parts

(http://www.saudihotwheels.com/mkportal/modules/gallery/album/a_339.jpg)

(http://www.saudihotwheels.com/mkportal/modules/gallery/album/a_340.jpg)

That's my '74 Blazer on the left :)

Then comes the chassis sandplasting .. he had to toe it to a snadplasting workshop

(http://www.saudihotwheels.com/mkportal/modules/gallery/album/a_342.jpg)

(http://www.saudihotwheels.com/mkportal/modules/gallery/album/a_341.jpg)

... to be continued
Title: Re: My Buddy's '85 Project
Post by: hotrod24 on February 20, 2009, 01:56:36 pm: very nice man i like the way yall took the cab off i have heard of guys doing that but never seen it done good work ;D
Title: Re: My Buddy's '85 Project
Post by: 1983stepside on February 20, 2009, 01:57:33 pm: it looks like a real good project man keep us posted
Title: Re: My Buddy's '85 Project
Post by: JRConnieK10 on February 20, 2009, 02:30:04 pm: Looks like a good start. Most of the body pieces seem to be in good shape. The reason most guys don't lift the cab off is they are so rusted theres not much to hang on to. Keep up the good work can't wait to see it as you make more progress.
Title: Re: My Buddy's '85 Project
Post by: Laderhosen on February 20, 2009, 03:00:45 pm: I bet it's pretty rust free being from Saudi Arabia??
Title: Re: My Buddy's '85 Project
Post by: hotrod24 on February 20, 2009, 03:02:19 pm: yea mine is not that rusted so i am hoping to take it off that way maybe
Quote from: JRConnieK10 on February 20, 2009, 02:30:04 pm
Looks like a good start. Most of the body pieces seem to be in good shape. The reason most guys don't lift the cab off is they are so rusted theres not much to hang on to. Keep up the good work can't wait to see it as you make more progress.
Title: Re: My Buddy's '85 Project
Post by: Ghazi67 on February 20, 2009, 03:16:08 pm: hotrod24 .. 1983stepside .. JRConnieK10 .. Laderhosen .......Thanks guys for stoppin' by

hotrod .. yeah thats the way we handle it here .. faster & cheaper :)

JR .. Laderhosenwell ..
We are located East of SA, off the Persian Gulf .. Humidity is HIGH here ..and we have rough time keeping these panels rust-free. He did manage to buy it from Midland where its sooooo dry ..and wants to protect it as much as he can ... what U see on roof is a surface rust

Thanks again
Title: Re: My Buddy's '85 Project
Post by: oldwhity on February 20, 2009, 05:31:24 pm: Looks like fun! Have you ever posted pics of your Blazer? I don't remember seeing any.
Title: Re: My Buddy's '85 Project
Post by: Ghazi67 on February 21, 2009, 07:15:06 pm: oldwhity ..

I always say that "My trucks are't finished yet" and thats why i didn't post any of my Blazer pix...'till now :) .. This is w/my regards to U
Title: Re: My Buddy's '85 Project
Post by: Ghazi67 on February 21, 2009, 07:54:46 pm: Back 2 the Project ..

After sanding the chassis & other parts .. its time to paint 'em

(http://www.saudihotwheels.com/mkportal/modules/gallery/album/a_345.jpg)

(http://www.saudihotwheels.com/mkportal/modules/gallery/album/a_346.jpg)

(http://www.saudihotwheels.com/mkportal/modules/gallery/album/a_347.jpg)

Installed some parts here & there ..

(http://www.saudihotwheels.com/mkportal/modules/gallery/album/a_353.jpg)

(http://www.saudihotwheels.com/mkportal/modules/gallery/album/a_354.jpg)

..
Title: Re: My Buddy's '85 Project
Post by: oldwhity on February 21, 2009, 08:03:47 pm: Quote from: Ghazi67 on February 21, 2009, 07:15:06 pm
oldwhity ..

I always say that "My trucks are't finished yet" and thats why i didn't post any of my Blazer pix...'till now :) .. This is w/my regards to U

Finished or not that's a great lookin Blazer. Electric blue with a white top looks awesome. :)
Title: Re: My Buddy's '85 Project
Post by: Ghazi67 on February 21, 2009, 08:05:18 pm: Moved to the Trans .. changed some bearings & seals

then comes the transfer ..

after being cleaned & blasted

opened up for new parts & fresh lubes

and ... like new :)

2 B Contined >>
Title: Re: My Buddy's '85 Project
Post by: Ghazi67 on February 21, 2009, 08:24:43 pm: Whity ..

[/quote]
Finished or not that's a great lookin Blazer. Electric blue with a white top looks awesome. :)
[/quote]

Thanks alot for your encouraging words .. I promise I will post more of it ASAP

Regards
Title: Re: My Buddy's '85 Project
Post by: Captkaos on February 22, 2009, 08:57:43 am: Sweet! making some good progress.

BTW I like your Blazer too!
Title: Re: My Buddy's '85 Project
Post by: Flamingbig10 on February 23, 2009, 12:07:10 am: nice project
Title: Re: My Buddy's '85 Project
Post by: BlueCollarRon on February 23, 2009, 01:09:44 am: awesome bro, its great to know so many people love these trucks, even way across the world.

More pics !
Title: Re: My Buddy's '85 Project
Post by: Ghazi67 on February 23, 2009, 12:25:43 pm: Thanks Capt. for your support .. yr words are really appreciated

Flamingbig10 .. BlueCollarRon Thanks checkin' out our project ...

U pet ya they love them trucks down here Ron ..

Heavy .. loaded & mean V8s on & off road chevys been here since early 50's, but most preferredbody style are the 73-87's

I'll keep posting extra pix :)
Title: Re: My Buddy's '85 Project
Post by: Ghazi67 on February 23, 2009, 01:05:24 pm: OK ... "Back to life" .... literally :)

Engine is the heart of your truck ... if it is done right
Then you bring your ride Back 2 Life ..

enough with philosophy .. and here are some pictures of the 355 SB ( 030" over )

U've seen the engine in earlier pictures ...
it was something like an oil well ..leaking oil from every where
it was disassembled ... cleaned .. bored & leveled .. cleaned and degreased ...

a new set of 030 over pistons w/sealed power rings ..
an RV cam from Comp Cams controled by a double chain .. and breating through a pair of 882 GM heads
with a help of an Edelbrock manifold topped with an edelbrock carb .
Title: Re: My Buddy's '85 Project
Post by: Ghazi67 on February 23, 2009, 01:15:32 pm: My buddy wanted to paint the block with Chevy Orange ..
since he was planning to paint the body in silver ..
He didnt like the idea of having that color under a silver hood
..

so after days of color matching sessions !!!
he decided to go with the black .. Thank God
after painting the block ..it was placed on the chassis along with the trans/transfer unit.

This guy loves Chrome ...
he can apply a ton of it in this truck & still not fully satisfied ..
so he went for a chrome dress up kit .. for everything that would look good in Chrome

..
Title: Re: My Buddy's '85 Project
Post by: Ghazi67 on February 25, 2009, 09:33:38 am: Work took several months to be completed 'coz we can't find the right parts that easy here .. & I am following it step by step .. so I apologize for the delay & hope I am not boaring anybody :-[

after the chassis & drivetrain work .. we move to the most visible part of this project ... The body
and we start with the cab ...

For best results ... you gotta have some have brand new parts

(http://www.saudihotwheels.com/mkportal/modules/gallery/album/a_364.jpg)

but some other times .. U gotta use what U got, and try to make it look better

(http://www.saudihotwheels.com/mkportal/modules/gallery/album/a_365.jpg)

A white base was applied as a start

(http://www.saudihotwheels.com/mkportal/modules/gallery/album/a_366.jpg)

Then the hood gets its share of the Silver color ..

(http://www.saudihotwheels.com/mkportal/modules/gallery/album/a_368.jpg)

The cab is painted and fixed to the chassis

(http://www.saudihotwheels.com/mkportal/modules/gallery/album/a_369.jpg)

Now most of the front pieces are put together for alignment

(http://www.saudihotwheels.com/mkportal/modules/gallery/album/a_370.jpg)
Title: Re: My Buddy's '85 Project
Post by: Ghazi67 on February 25, 2009, 10:36:51 am: Moving to the other end ...

Stepsides are big thing overhere ... Long or Short
I personally don't like'em that much ... but U can't win a debate against someone who does, especially here :)

Well let's say that I have joined the stepside club, since I got one last month ( couldn't beat the price or the personality of the previous owner )

Well the truck's bed got a great deal of attention 'coz we live in a humid place, and these beds have the tendency to rust faster than fleetsides .

....
Title: Re: My Buddy's '85 Project
Post by: Ghazi67 on February 25, 2009, 10:52:56 am: Help with bed wood came from a neighbor, who by chance is a great carpenter ..

Solid wood was sanded & covered with triple coats of hardened lacquer finish ..
the work wouldn't be completed without a set of new bolts & washers ...not to mention new bed mounts ..

Its ready to be fixed ...

to be continued ...
Title: Re: My Buddy's '85 Project
Post by: Laderhosen on February 25, 2009, 06:22:05 pm: Really enjoying this thread Dude.... keep up the updates!

;D
Title: Re: My Buddy's '85 Project
Post by: Ghazi67 on February 26, 2009, 11:09:36 am: Glad to hear that Laderhosen .. I'll keep U posted

Stay tuned :)
Title: Re: My Buddy's '85 Project
Post by: okuma on February 27, 2009, 12:10:40 pm: just WoW......... thats is the onlything thats coming out of my mouth .... WOWWWW

even ur blazer is really nice..... people here in the states even us from this site WISH to have that BLAZER and its not even finished to you ?
Title: Re: My Buddy's '85 Project
Post by: rockable on February 27, 2009, 08:35:56 pm: Ghazi, you guys are doing a great job on that truck. I can't wait to see the finished product.....if it's ever finished. Oh well, I can't wait to see it reassembled and constantly improved upon. :)
Title: Re: My Buddy's '85 Project
Post by: Flamingbig10 on February 28, 2009, 12:19:59 am: lookin good y'all work fast
Title: Re: My Buddy's '85 Project
Post by: Ghazi67 on March 05, 2009, 03:54:43 am: Okuma ... Thanx Man for your Encouraging words ..

'Bout the Blazer ..
Its not finished ( in my standards ) ... it still needs some attention to interior details ..
And I am hesitated in posting any at the time 'coz of that ..

Thanks again for all the support from all of U guys
Title: Re: My Buddy's '85 Project
Post by: Ghazi67 on March 05, 2009, 04:02:59 am: Rockable ..

Supporting words are really the fuel of such a work ... especially that comes from someone like U

I am trying to keep up with the work done so far ..B sure U will C the end of it soon ..

I assure U it will be a beauty .

Thanxxx buddy

Flamingbig10 .. Thanks man
Title: Re: My Buddy's '85 Project
Post by: Ghazi67 on March 05, 2009, 04:37:28 am: Here we go again ...

Here is the front end w/ panels painted ..
there is nothing like a new Chevy grille ... ::)

The 1st plan is to have a 10" alum. wheels on BF Goodrichs but the Cooper rubber had different threds .. so he decided to go with'em
Title: Re: My Buddy's '85 Project
Post by: Ghazi67 on March 05, 2009, 05:01:43 am: Now we move to the Interior ...

1st thing noticed is your truck dash ...gauges especially !!

I do prefer the AutoMeter gauges, since they are easier to maintain ..
Never liked that "printed electric circuit" behind the gauges ...

but ClassicIndustries had it .. so mu buddy decided to go with the original look ..

One of these new circuits .. and the rest is a piece of cake ..

little bet of careful cleaning plus Patience .. and the guages will look like new

Note ... use the TOYOTA dash bulbs for best lighting effects ( I hate to admit that Toyota bulbs are better ) dang >:(
Title: Re: My Buddy's '85 Project
Post by: Ghazi67 on March 05, 2009, 05:05:04 am: Couple of shots of wiring done round the Cab ..
Title: Re: My Buddy's '85 Project
Post by: Ghazi67 on March 05, 2009, 05:44:15 am: The cab is covered with Red ..

This color was our 1st choice .. then came the Black ..

We did a little survey among our friends ... which resulted in favor for the RED

So for shopping we went ...
Couple of new door panels w/ Aluminum inserts

New headliner and matching sun visors

Floor Carpet ..
Title: Re: My Buddy's '85 Project
Post by: Ghazi67 on March 05, 2009, 05:59:57 am: Seat and Dash are back from the shop ...
Seat covered in Red cloth ...with a strip of red lethear ..
Dash was cleaned .. cracks were filled with special putty ..and Red leather topped the dash

An arm rest ( used as cassettes box ) was done by a help of our carpenter neighbor ..
the box was covered with lift over peices of red leather used

A rear view mirior ( out of 2000 suburban was used ...wired for compass, temp and lights )

The cab is almost done ...
Title: Re: My Buddy's '85 Project
Post by: oldwhity on March 05, 2009, 07:37:13 am: What a transformation!!! That looks really great!

Did you use a different grille or was the original missing the two upper turn signals/park lights. I've never seen those mirrors with the LED signals in them either, nice touch!
Title: Re: My Buddy's '85 Project
Post by: 1983stepside on March 05, 2009, 12:33:05 pm: ww that truck is looking nice i wish i could of built mine that fast its realy nice truck 8)
Title: Re: My Buddy's '85 Project
Post by: hotrod24 on March 05, 2009, 01:19:51 pm: looks great
Title: Re: My Buddy's '85 Project
Post by: Ghazi67 on March 05, 2009, 03:07:58 pm: Oldwhity ..

We used an aftermarket grille ... yet added another pair of signal lights, which are connected to LED flasher ( kinda cops flashing lights )

'Bout these LED side mirrors ...
well .. I wanted to save it for the end of this project, yet what the heck ..

Here is the trick ... 8)

Get yourself a pair of '05 Truck side mirrors from a local junkyard ...

trim them to match old style mirror size ..

Connect & stick 'em on .. There U go .. ::)

or U can just go for this kit ..http://www.muthco.com/products/kits/220-0056.htm (http://www.muthco.com/products/kits/220-0056.htm)
Title: Re: My Buddy's '85 Project
Post by: Ghazi67 on March 05, 2009, 03:38:30 pm: 1983Stepside ..
Thanks man ... The whole thing ... ideas ..planning .. items to be ordered .. and other stuff to be collected locally .. and now putting it all together will get us into the 10th month of continuous labor of love ( we hope nothin' goes wrong at this point )

So it wasn't built fast as we hoped ... its these final steps ( paint & detailing ) that keep us going 'coz it is getting close to plan

Hotrod24 ..
Thanks for stopping by
Title: Re: My Buddy's '85 Project
Post by: oldwhity on March 05, 2009, 03:39:26 pm: That the kind of mod I like. Great job!
Title: Re: My Buddy's '85 Project
Post by: choptop on March 05, 2009, 09:28:49 pm: Awesome build!! Well done
Title: Re: My Buddy's '85 Project
Post by: JRConnieK10 on March 05, 2009, 09:34:07 pm: Great job, it is really coming out super.
Title: Re: My Buddy's '85 Project
Post by: Ghazi67 on March 08, 2009, 03:00:04 pm: oldwhity ... choptop .. JRConnieK10 ...

Glad that U liked it ... keep on checking while things are in pre-final steps
Title: Re: My Buddy's '85 Project
Post by: Ghazi67 on March 08, 2009, 04:52:05 pm: Hi there ...

Came back with some hidden work ... figured out that U must see ..

Here is a late model rear Bumper fitted with custom made brackets ..
Title: Re: My Buddy's '85 Project
Post by: Ghazi67 on March 08, 2009, 06:09:31 pm: New glass all over ...

UV clear film on both front and rear windshield
Title: Re: My Buddy's '85 Project
Post by: Ghazi67 on March 08, 2009, 06:25:46 pm: Exhaust is something that U can't ignor..

Dual flowmasters + Mandrel bended pipes = good rumble

Chrome tips will look good too
Title: Re: My Buddy's '85 Project
Post by: Ghazi67 on March 08, 2009, 06:35:40 pm: Tailgate needed that "Touch" ...
Title: Re: My Buddy's '85 Project
Post by: Ghazi67 on March 08, 2009, 07:08:23 pm: And some touches here ...

Check out that sticker ;D
Title: Re: My Buddy's '85 Project
Post by: oldwhity on March 08, 2009, 07:57:13 pm: That looks great! Looks like a lot of replacing throughout the build. Sounds like a lot of dollars. It really shows! :o
Title: Re: My Buddy's '85 Project
Post by: Ghazi67 on March 10, 2009, 07:30:49 am: Yeah Rob...

lots of replacement parts ..
lots of elbow grease ...
&
lots of arguments with our wives too ;D

Work wouldn't be possible without the help of some of our friends .. time & suggestions ..Teamwork in many cases .
Title: Re: My Buddy's '85 Project
Post by: Ghazi67 on March 10, 2009, 08:28:46 am: Well guys ...

I know that U've \been waiting for this one ...

I was waiting for this almost 11 months ... thats when this whole project started with a single parts order..

On behalf of the owner .. I woild like to thank everyone who came forward with help, suggestion and even who were asking ..."when is this gonna be ready ?"

For all of thoes who sacrificed their time to share our passion & labor of love .

C ya soon with another truck project ..

God Bless

(http://www.saudihotwheels.com/mkportal/modules/gallery/album/a_371.jpg)

(http://www.saudihotwheels.com/mkportal/modules/gallery/album/a_377.jpg)
Title: Re: My Buddy's '85 Project
Post by: Ghazi67 on March 10, 2009, 08:32:13 am: Some More ...

(http://www.saudihotwheels.com/mkportal/modules/gallery/album/a_376.jpg)

(http://www.saudihotwheels.com/mkportal/modules/gallery/album/a_378.jpg)
Title: Re: My Buddy's '85 Project
Post by: 69byrd on March 10, 2009, 08:35:47 am: Awesome truck 8) Yall did a great job!
Title: Re: My Buddy's '85 Project
Post by: chevyman350_82 on March 10, 2009, 08:36:10 am: I like it!
Title: Re: My Buddy's '85 Project
Post by: JRConnieK10 on March 10, 2009, 09:40:12 am: Awesome job. It looks great. I like the black bowtie in the grille, where did you find it or did you make it?
Title: Re: My Buddy's '85 Project
Post by: Captkaos on March 10, 2009, 11:04:21 am: AWESOME build!
Title: Re: My Buddy's '85 Project
Post by: hotrod24 on March 10, 2009, 11:44:10 am: wow nice
Title: Re: My Buddy's '85 Project
Post by: Laderhosen on March 10, 2009, 02:42:24 pm: Inspirational.... :o
Title: Re: My Buddy's '85 Project
Post by: Ghazi67 on March 10, 2009, 03:18:16 pm: 69byrd .. chevyman .. JR .. Capt .. Hotrod .. Laderhosen

Glad U like it guys ... & happy that it really does inspire someone :)
Title: Re: My Buddy's '85 Project
Post by: Ghazi67 on March 10, 2009, 03:26:02 pm: OOoopps ... I forgot what U have asked about JR ..

The bowtie is actually painted with "Mazda Phantom Purple Mica" . It actually looks black at night & in the shadow ..yet U can see the deep purple with direct light

Take a look at the zoom-in attachment & U will C ..
Title: Re: My Buddy's '85 Project
Post by: ccz145a on March 10, 2009, 04:12:51 pm: That looks great!
Title: Re: My Buddy's '85 Project
Post by: JRConnieK10 on March 10, 2009, 04:14:10 pm: Ghazi67- Thanks that looks cool.
Title: Re: My Buddy's '85 Project
Post by: oldwhity on March 10, 2009, 04:17:29 pm: Speechless! :o
Title: Re: My Buddy's '85 Project
Post by: oldyeller on March 10, 2009, 05:15:52 pm: That truck is beautiful. Great job.
Title: Re: My Buddy's '85 Project
Post by: choptop on March 10, 2009, 06:18:38 pm: I just drooled on my computer. Awesome, they didnt look that good new.
Title: Re: My Buddy's '85 Project
Post by: 78BBSTEPSIDE on March 10, 2009, 08:48:34 pm: Very nice work!
Title: Re: My Buddy's '85 Project
Post by: okuma on March 10, 2009, 11:08:12 pm: BEUATIFUL TURNOUT! I CANT FINISH MINE FOR THE PAST 5 YRS. LOL IM LA-Z :D

NICE JOB!!!
Title: Re: My Buddy's '85 Project
Post by: Ghazi67 on March 19, 2009, 02:16:22 pm: ccz145a .. oldyeller .. 78BBSTEPSIDE ..

Thanks guys for checking this out ... hope 2 C more of U
Title: Re: My Buddy's '85 Project
Post by: Ghazi67 on March 19, 2009, 02:21:22 pm: JRConnieK10 ...
My pleasure .. Glad that I can help

Choptop ...
U drooled .... lol ..
Every time I see one of your trucks .. My jaw drops :)