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73-87 Chevy _ GMC Trucks => Members Rides => Topic started by: bigfosty on March 06, 2009, 07:53:52 pm

Title: Update (pics)
Post by: bigfosty on March 06, 2009, 07:53:52 pm
Thought I wouold share some photos on the truck I have been fixing up. It's a long slow process but it's coming out nice.

Before

(http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/17/l_543f402fc94448e899c4af8648363063.jpg)

(http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/29/l_b575e03171914053b95ccda927572e87.jpg)

Now

(http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/8/l_ebfaba8d8d81428abeaffc0ec009b633.jpg)

(http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/21/l_78a7f31fe97645b9a954cf690431b9a0.jpg)

(http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/24/l_f3dfa6586fb44a438b6e1c94216f531f.jpg)

(http://c3.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/27/l_e1ddca88a6c94c5e87e784372b94fcf6.jpg)

Still got to finish up the interior, new carpet, put on the new mirrors, newe clear marker lights, new parking lights, lift kit, and paint. But it's starting.
Title: Re: Update (pics)
Post by: hotrod24 on March 06, 2009, 08:00:13 pm
very nice
Title: Re: Update (pics)
Post by: choptop on March 06, 2009, 08:39:21 pm
Youve been busy. Looking good
Title: Re: Update (pics)
Post by: oldwhity on March 06, 2009, 08:42:35 pm
That's a big difference. I dig the steering wheel. It reminds me of a steering wheel in an arcade. ;D
Title: Re: Update (pics)
Post by: levisjohnson on March 06, 2009, 08:53:36 pm
I think you have the biggest transformation in a restomod...and put the resto in the restomod.
Title: Re: Update (pics)
Post by: 80stepsideguy on March 06, 2009, 08:59:49 pm
Just replacing that hood made a hug difference lol...  ;D Looks great man, keep up the good work.
thanks
pat
Title: Re: Update (pics)
Post by: oldwhity on March 06, 2009, 09:05:42 pm
Yeah but the first hood had a ram air thing starting to grow ;D
Title: Re: Update (pics)
Post by: bigfosty on March 06, 2009, 09:11:23 pm
Yeah but the first hood had a ram air thing starting to grow ;D

 ;D
The fun part was when I had to drive it on the freeway to get to the garage with that hood on. I thought it was gonna come through the windsheild, the looks I got from people were great!  ;D
Title: Re: Update (pics)
Post by: kfoz on March 06, 2009, 09:18:39 pm
Is that my old tube grill Foster??    By the way, my truck('78 Silverado) that the grill came from, was from Pico, Rivera California!

kfoz
Title: Re: Update (pics)
Post by: bigfosty on March 06, 2009, 09:20:35 pm
Yes it is Kelly, she cleaned up nice.
Title: Re: Update (pics)
Post by: Maintenanceman on March 07, 2009, 12:18:10 am
Looks good brother...keep up the good work!
Title: Re: Update (pics)
Post by: bigfosty on March 07, 2009, 02:27:19 am
Thanks guys. It's going pretty well now that I have the truck. A friend of mine broke his knee and both his vehicles are manuals so, he has had it for quite a while. Now that I got it back, maybe I can get some of these parts out of my living room. It's fun to see it coming together, but it's making me quite ansy to get it done too. I just wanna drive the finished product! Oh well, the longer the wait the more satisfying it's going to be right?
Title: Re: Update (pics)
Post by: 69byrd on March 07, 2009, 07:40:39 am
That is a major change, looks great keep up the good work.
Title: Re: Update (pics)
Post by: oldwhity on March 07, 2009, 05:10:25 pm
Is that my old tube grill Foster??    By the way, my truck('78 Silverado) that the grill came from, was from Pico, Rivera California!

kfoz
I have that same grille on an 85 GMC 1500 2wd. I picked it up today for free. Hopefully that grille will clean up too.
Title: Re: Update (pics)
Post by: bigfosty on March 07, 2009, 07:27:33 pm
Is that my old tube grill Foster??    By the way, my truck('78 Silverado) that the grill came from, was from Pico, Rivera California!

kfoz
I have that same grille on an 85 GMC 1500 2wd. I picked it up today for free. Hopefully that grille will clean up too.
 

I just used some 000 steel wool and it worked great, then I hit it with a little polish.
Title: Re: Update (pics)
Post by: oldwhity on March 08, 2009, 07:58:29 am
Thanks, I'll try that. I think I have some 0000. I'm sure it'll still work. I will probably look for an original to put back in after a while.
Title: Re: Update (pics)
Post by: hotrodpc on April 04, 2009, 03:44:02 am
Hi Frosty. I am new to this forum. This will be my first post. I thought I would check out the project thread since I have 3 projects including 4 trucks that is a slow going process, but I am just about to get into making progress. I came across your post. Wow, what a differance. I really like the new dash pad? How did that come about? Is it new? Recovered? Where did your purchase it or what did you do to it. I am assuming since it is gray that you probably purchased it and did not have it dyed? If so, where did you buy it, and what do you think about the quality of it? Sorry for so many questions, I have 3 of these I need to buy, 1 for an 80, 1 for an 81 and 1 for an 86. Again, truck looks much better. You'll get it there soon. Thanks
Title: Re: Update (pics)
Post by: bigfosty on April 04, 2009, 05:07:35 am
I actually got the dash pad out of a junkyard for 35 dollars, It's in almost perfect condition. It was a tan color when I got it and I just used the vinyl and fabric spray to dye it dark gray. Deals are out there if you keep your eye out.
Title: Re: Update (pics)
Post by: oldwhity on April 04, 2009, 08:33:28 pm
They are out there. I passed one up when I got my wheels this week. I hope it's still there. Dark blue for $20. It might need to be sprayed but it had no cracks.

Hey Fosty, anymore updates?
Title: Re: Update (pics)
Post by: bigfosty on April 05, 2009, 05:40:40 am
Not too much more done yet, school and work have been keeping me busy, the weather has been crappy, and all my tools got stolen recently, so my progress is being slightly hampered.
Title: Re: Update (pics)
Post by: oldwhity on April 05, 2009, 07:54:09 pm
That really bites! >:(  Sorry to hear that.
Title: Update #2 (some more pics)
Post by: bigfosty on April 30, 2009, 10:39:52 pm
So I have come to realize that I am going to need to replace the whole bed eventually, right now I don't care but it's coming apart in chunks sometimes. So I am gonna keep my eye out for another bed or I am thinking about flat bedding it, but that seems like more work than I want to do right now so.......... It's pretty much all primed right now, just have some small spots left and then she should be ready for paint. Let me know what you think.

P.S.- Sorry for the crappy pics, it was hard to take in the shop and it was raining outside.


The before pics again

(http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/22/l_42b57745f1bb45e492b930bef1ec4711.jpg)

(http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/23/l_94f1e317135948daaa0a7b44c920cef1.jpg)
This one came out pretty crappy but you get the idea
(http://c3.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/110/l_14a11870e5ea4416bed4760108ec91ca.jpg)

(http://c3.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/94/l_bb818b8549104d1b8f4623213184c74e.jpg)
Passenger side not quite done.
(http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/95/l_ec17982a8c2748f8896546295f23c02b.jpg)
Title: Re: Update (pics)
Post by: 78 Chevyrado on May 01, 2009, 06:58:30 am
That looks so much better it ain't funny.  Props man!
Title: Re: Update (pics)
Post by: choptop on May 01, 2009, 07:12:48 am
Definately has come a long ways. Good work
Title: Re: Update (pics)
Post by: 77chevystepside on May 01, 2009, 09:40:46 am
WOW What a transformation!! Hard to believe it is the same truck. Great job saving that one.
Title: Re: Update (pics)
Post by: bigfosty on May 01, 2009, 12:22:34 pm
Thanks guys. It's not as nice as it looks in the pics, but it is a major improvement. Now it's just time for detail work, like taking off the bumper and painting behind it. That kind of stuff, hopefully within a couple of weeks the painting should be done.
Title: Re: Update (pics)
Post by: Stroker 79 on May 01, 2009, 03:44:43 pm
Nice!! ;D

The before and after is like day and night....nice job!
Title: Re: Update (pics)
Post by: bigfosty on August 26, 2009, 06:50:56 pm
Another update.

New bumper, fog lights, and I got a headliner and trim package out of another truck, re-covered everything and installed. Not the best pictures I know, but soon I'll get some nice ones.

(http://photos-f.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs189.snc1/6328_1235197960003_1230810614_30714365_7917967_n.jpg)

(http://photos-g.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs189.snc1/6328_1235198000004_1230810614_30714366_2197976_n.jpg)

(http://photos-h.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs189.snc1/6328_1235198040005_1230810614_30714367_7901148_n.jpg)

(http://photos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs169.snc1/6328_1235198080006_1230810614_30714368_2833911_n.jpg)

(http://photos-b.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs169.snc1/6328_1235198120007_1230810614_30714369_4872618_n.jpg)
Title: Re: Update (pics)
Post by: hotrod24 on August 26, 2009, 07:06:26 pm
nice progress
Title: Re: Update (pics)
Post by: 78Scottsdale on August 27, 2009, 12:18:13 pm
Where did you get that grill? What's the name of it?
Title: Re: Update (pics)
Post by: bigfosty on August 27, 2009, 01:50:01 pm
I got it from a member here, I don't know what it's called.
Title: Re: Update (pics)
Post by: geekdafied on August 30, 2009, 09:51:43 pm
Where did you get that grill? What's the name of it?

Those are called "Tube Grilles", they come in square and round.
Title: Re: Update (pics)
Post by: geekdafied on August 30, 2009, 09:52:18 pm
The truck looks great Fosty!
Title: Got the lift on (Pics)
Post by: bigfosty on December 30, 2009, 10:15:09 pm
What do you think?


(http://photos-f.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs156.snc3/18345_1335593549830_1230810614_31003329_3508708_n.jpg)

(http://photos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs156.snc3/18345_1335593509829_1230810614_31003328_5406632_n.jpg)
Title: Re: Got the lift on (Pics)
Post by: choptop on December 30, 2009, 10:25:16 pm
looks good
Title: Re: Got the lift on (Pics)
Post by: beastie_3 on December 30, 2009, 10:42:42 pm
More pics! Dunno if I missed it in another post, but how high? what brand? what size tires? blocks or springs in the rear? replaced steering parts? transfer case drop?

and the last question....How much do you love it?????!!!!!!
Title: Re: Got the lift on (Pics)
Post by: bigfosty on December 30, 2009, 11:15:45 pm
It a six inch rough country lift with blocks in the rear, a little rough riding but I'm on a budget. I ran into several problems while installing, the ubolts I got were to big, 3.5 inch spread and I needed a three inch spread, the rear shocks mounted up differently so I had to go and buy some nuts and bolts to mount them, I need to lenghtne the rear driveline still and I am going to have to modify the crossmember so that the front driveline doesn't hit it. Also discovered the infamous crack in the frame next to the steering box so I got to patch that as well. On the way to get tires, they are 35x12.50x15, the brakes light ssuddenly came on and the pedal got spongy on me. Checked the brakes and found a hardline with a hole in it. I've still got my work cut out for me, but I fing love it. It feels like I'm in a truck now if that makes sense to anyone else.

I also had to cut the h pipe out of my exhaust to get the drivline to fit, so it's true dual now and I like it just fine.
Title: Re: Got the lift on (Pics)
Post by: beastie_3 on December 30, 2009, 11:21:20 pm
Awesome. I would recommend SS brake lines and redo the steering (steering arm and pitman arm or draglink) and a t case drop. I have also seen a front driveline spacer from either superlift or skyjacker. Did you figure out why that hole appeared? did you stretch the line during the install?
Title: Re: Got the lift on (Pics)
Post by: bigfosty on December 30, 2009, 11:26:10 pm
The kit came with a steering arm and it's on there, forgot to mention it. I had some troubles getting the brake lines loose, they were rusted and stuck, so I am guessing I bent it just enough to cause a small hole. I added extended brake lines, the hole appeared right next to the right rear tire, near the connector, so I am sure it's something I did. Shouldn't be too hard to replace. I'll see if I can find a spacer for that driveline, that would be alot easier thean cutting and then reinforcing the crossmember.
Title: Re: Got the lift on (Pics)
Post by: 78 Chevyrado on December 31, 2009, 01:01:57 am
I like it, good work!

I dunno what is it, or how hard they are on a 4x4 but those front brake lines on a 2wd are one of the hardest things to take off, for me anyway, where they go through the frame.
Title: Re: Got the lift on (Pics)
Post by: beastie_3 on December 31, 2009, 01:09:10 am
I like it, good work!

I dunno what is it, or how hard they are on a 4x4 but those front brake lines on a 2wd are one of the hardest things to take off, for me anyway, where they go through the frame.

I agree with you, and on 4x4 its pretty much the same setup in the rear with one line to one hose that has a T to each drum. I didnt have too much trouble with the fronts, but the rear was horrible. I had to replace all the lines from the front of the bed all the way to each cylinder.
Title: Re: Got the lift on (Pics)
Post by: beastie_3 on December 31, 2009, 01:16:00 am
Here is the link for the spacer: http://www.summitracing.com/parts/SLF-4310/

It says Dodge, but if you go to superlifts website, its the correct part number.

Another thing I forgot to mention was a front sway bar drop bracket. Superlift makes it also: http://www.summitracing.com/parts/SLF-3888/

Both appear to be out of stock, but I got mine from 4wheel parts so you might be in luck there.
Title: Re: Got the lift on (Pics)
Post by: bigfosty on December 31, 2009, 05:15:38 am
The brake lines took me forever. I had done them once before, but that was before I put the headers on, made it alot more difficult with the headers.

What does a sway bar drop do? Obviously it drops the sway bar down, but what are the benefits of that? I'll definetely grab that spacer, but I think I will still have to modify the crossmember, not sure one inch will be enough, but we will find out.

Thanks for the compliments, if you want to see some before photos, follow this link.

http://forum.73-87chevytrucks.com/smforum/index.php?topic=11283.0
Title: Re: Got the lift on (Pics)
Post by: fitz on December 31, 2009, 07:49:36 am
  I had one of those spacers on a beater parts truck. That truck ran a 6" lift and had a turbo 350-205 set up. On that truck the spacer mover the stock front shaft forward enough to clear the crossmember.
  The tranny/case is out of the truck now. I'll try to get some pics of it for a reference.
Title: Re: Update (pics)
Post by: bigfosty on January 02, 2010, 03:59:36 am
So the one inch spacer will let the driveline clear the crossmember? Even under articulation? Just want to be sure I'm not wasting sixty bucks before I buy it.

Thanks for the help and the compliments. I will be getting alot more pics as soon as I get the drivelines worked out.
Title: Re: Update (pics)
Post by: beastie_3 on January 04, 2010, 02:07:24 am
The sway bar drop brackets move the U shaped brackets on the crossmember down 3 inches or 1.5 depending on which kit you buy. Since the axle is farther away from the frame with the lift, the sway bar turns downward more. When you suspension articulates, it puts more stress on the cross member and the U bolt brackets. Think of the sway bar as brake lines and what happens to them if you dont extend them. Obviously you cant extend a sway bar, but you can change the mounting point.

As for the drive shaft, I assume you have a CV shaft. Buy getting a longer front drive shaft, all you are doing is making sure it doesnt come apart at the slip. The spacer is going to move the pivot point of the CV joint forward an inch so it clears the cross member.
Title: Re: Update (pics)
Post by: bigfosty on January 04, 2010, 04:01:31 am
Thanks for the info, I appreciate it.

As to the front driveline, my concern is that a one inch spacer isn't enough to clear the crossmember under articulation. I figured it was enough to clear the crossmember for driving, but I haven't had a chance to look at it some more to see how much rrom I have there. Gonna order the spacer anyways just so i can drive it, so we'll see.

The rear driveline I am told might be extended just using a different slip yoke. I've been told they have slip yokes that are longer than the stock ones that I can put on or have put on, anyone know anything about this? Is it something I can do? Where can I find a yoke?

Thanks again.
Title: Re: Update (pics)
Post by: bigfosty on January 30, 2010, 03:11:55 am
So it ended up I just needed to replace the transfer case mounts, now the front driveline clears no problem, but it's about half an inch short. Just installed a new rear driveline from high angle drivelines and will be ordering the front in a week or two. Then, hopefully I can get some mud time in.
Title: Re: Update (pics)
Post by: beastie_3 on January 31, 2010, 02:39:48 pm
Glad you got it all fixed up. High Angle Drive line is a good shop, I got my rear drive line built there. It was nice living 20 min away from them.
Title: Re: Update (pics)
Post by: bigfosty on April 02, 2010, 04:03:46 pm
Some newer pics from the river. Got a few kinks to still work out but she goes like a champ.


(http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs467.snc3/25652_1403214320307_1230810614_31174458_1632115_n.jpg)

(http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash1/hs467.ash1/25652_1403214360308_1230810614_31174459_4981959_n.jpg)

(http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash1/hs482.ash1/26410_1431053696274_1230810614_31242641_1139822_n.jpg)

(http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs502.snc3/26410_1431053736275_1230810614_31242642_635257_n.jpg)

(http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs391.snc3/23831_1388747518646_1230810614_31140178_4677499_n.jpg)

(http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash1/hs431.ash1/23831_1388747558647_1230810614_31140179_4614380_n.jpg)

Title: Re: Update (pics)
Post by: bigfosty on April 03, 2010, 03:39:07 am
I think the next big step is the mile marker kit to change it from all wheel drive to normal 4 wheel drive. It's fun in the mud but with the all wheel drive I can't get it to spin at all. I have a new intake and carb for it that I need to get around to putting on, and I really want to finish the body work and get some carpet in the interior. All in time, would just be alot easier if I had a shop or garage to use.