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73-87 Chevy _ GMC Trucks => Members Rides => Topic started by: 79k30guy on December 05, 2010, 09:59:19 pm

Title: Dads truck Re-build
Post by: 79k30guy on December 05, 2010, 09:59:19 pm
     Its back, as of last weekend, our dad drove his rig the 2,000+ miles back from chicago. Its been there for over 5 years and now its back home for good in Northern California and in serious need of attention.  at least sheet metal wise. The snow and salt had not been kind to it.  The plan: Tear it down to a drivetrain in framerails. then have donor truck body components painted individually and reassemble. Our Dad, my brother, and I have been looking forward to this project for some time. He's owned this truck our whole lives and we grew up riding around in the back, camping, road trips, (back when it was acceptable to load five kids in the bed of a truck with a shell and just roll) We consider this rig the granddaddy of all the ones we've been through, and it started a family tradition and pastime. We acquired the donor truck back in march.  His motor (454) and the rest of the drivetrain are in good shape, as is the interior with the Cheyenne wood trim with factory Tach, so its cleaning up the frame, and puttin together painted body pieces.

   I'm gonna post pictures of the progress, start to finish.

Here's the Before: Its a 74 K20, 454, TH400, np203, upgraded to dana 60 front axle, 3in stainless exhaust, check out the front bumper!
(http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c103/nickallica76/pics001-1.jpg)
(http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c103/nickallica76/pics003-2.jpg)
(http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c103/nickallica76/pics004-2.jpg)
(http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c103/nickallica76/pics002-2.jpg)
(http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c103/nickallica76/pics007.jpg)
(http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c103/nickallica76/pics008-1.jpg)
Title: Re: Dads truck Re-build
Post by: 79k30guy on December 05, 2010, 10:05:38 pm
check out what we did with the shell.  lol.
http://forum.73-87chevytrucks.com/smforum/index.php?topic=18585.0;topicseen



Here's the Donor Truck, '80 K20, pretty straight.
(http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c103/nickallica76/trucks025.jpg)
(http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c103/nickallica76/trucks027.jpg)

Heres an OLD pic of dads truck. This is what he's going to have it painted like! goin back to stock, original brunt orange and white.  Wish we still had those slot mags, I would love to have them on my truck!
(http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c103/nickallica76/orig.jpg)
Title: Re: Dads truck Re-build
Post by: fitz on December 05, 2010, 10:36:25 pm
I wish you had the slotted mags to. Keep checking craigslist, they are on there from time to time.
Thats a great project you have going on with some cool family history to it.
I look forward to seeing the build.
Title: Re: Dads truck Re-build
Post by: Layne on December 06, 2010, 12:49:31 am
The before pic is like mine when I got it. You should see some of the "seasoned" 73-87's out here :D
Title: Re: Dads truck Re-build
Post by: 79k30guy on December 11, 2010, 11:24:22 pm
Off and running...  got a great start today, had some friends over, made a huge mess, went through more than a little beer.
most of the truck body we were able to junk right away, as we have a scrap metal guy right around the corner from us.  our goal was reached to bring the old rig to frame rails and drivetrain.


(http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c103/nickallica76/pics016.jpg)(http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c103/nickallica76/pics022.jpg)
My brother, Dad, and I.  custom seat done 10 years ago by our older brother.
(http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c103/nickallica76/pics025.jpg)
serious rot.  rust.  everywhere.
(http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c103/nickallica76/pics030.jpg)
this is the bottom of one of the fenders.. 
(http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c103/nickallica76/pics032.jpg)
about 15 years ago, the truck was painted by dads best friend, NOT a body guy, but for free, so hey can't give him too hard of a time.  lol.   here is what he had to do to make the bondo carry,  ..thats how bad the body was 15 YEARS ago, before 5 years back east in snow country. yes, that is the tip to a wooden stake.
(http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c103/nickallica76/pics033.jpg)
I think we all know whats going on here.   lol.   SHHHHHhhhh.....!
(http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c103/nickallica76/pics039.jpg)
(http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c103/nickallica76/pics043.jpg)
(http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c103/nickallica76/pics045.jpg)
I love the Picture below. Its a Father son Legacy. My K30 ready to haul dads tub off..
(http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c103/nickallica76/pics049.jpg)
(http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c103/nickallica76/pics052.jpg)
(http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c103/nickallica76/pics048.jpg)
And there we have it. all in all a great Saturday.  ...stay tuned!....
Title: Re: Dads truck Re-build
Post by: bake74 on December 12, 2010, 12:06:48 pm
    That not only is a great story, I would bet that the truck will also turn out great.  Keep us posted, and looks like you have a great start.
Title: Re: Dads truck Re-build
Post by: hotrod24 on December 12, 2010, 01:19:46 pm
WoW one saterday it took me 3 years lol but i kept having to move it around, looks great man...
Title: Re: Dads truck Re-build
Post by: Engineer on December 12, 2010, 02:58:45 pm
 8)

Keep us updated.
Title: Re: Dads truck Re-build
Post by: beastie_3 on December 12, 2010, 05:17:48 pm

I think we all know whats going on here.   lol.   SHHHHHhhhh.....!
(http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c103/nickallica76/pics039.jpg)

Your just removing the rotted metal from below, right?
Title: Re: Dads truck Re-build
Post by: howlinwolf on December 12, 2010, 05:24:53 pm
*cough* thats what it looks like to me
Title: Re: Dads truck Re-build
Post by: Yamaha74 on December 12, 2010, 08:28:40 pm
Are you getting rid of the cab completely and not reusing it?
Title: Re: Dads truck Re-build
Post by: howlinwolf on December 12, 2010, 08:39:06 pm
there is a strong possibility that mine will soon come to this.  ITs been in my family since new, my grandpa bought it for the company, and my dad bought it after that.  dang thing always starts every time i hit it. 
Title: Re: Dads truck Re-build
Post by: 79k30guy on January 22, 2011, 07:51:34 pm
It's been a little while, but with the Holidays behind us, we were able to sneak in a couple hours this afternoon to move this project along a little.. todays goal:  to get the frame naked and loaded to take to get blasted. 
(http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c103/nickallica76/pics128.jpg)
heres a little strongman action..  not that heavy with nothing on it.  lol.
(http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c103/nickallica76/pics131.jpg)
And here she is.. ready to roll.
(http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c103/nickallica76/pics135.jpg)
then undress the axles a little.. here we have the universal cure for stubborn U-bolts:
(http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c103/nickallica76/pics137.jpg)
heres a nice shop picture, Corprate 14 bolt, Dana 60, and 454.  hah. perfection.
(http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c103/nickallica76/pics140.jpg)
heres the donor sheet metal truck and the frame it will go on..
(http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c103/nickallica76/pics141-1.jpg)
More to come after the football season is over. GO BEARS!
Title: Re: Dads truck Re-build
Post by: bake74 on January 22, 2011, 08:34:16 pm
     Too bad you have to use the 80 for a parts truck.  It looks to be in great shape..
Title: Re: Dads truck Re-build
Post by: bake74 on January 22, 2011, 08:37:32 pm
       I thought that pic looked familiar to me, ( the one of the seat with the hill in the background ) I use to service machines in petaluma with my last job, and can swear I remember your driveway..
Title: Re: Dads truck Re-build
Post by: 79k30guy on February 21, 2011, 11:03:55 pm
got the frame back from the sandblaster, and was able to squeeze it into the garage in out of the rain.. 
(http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c103/nickallica76/pics143.jpg)
then it was time to slop on some Chasis Saver.  again this is not going to be a show truck by any means so i really to mean SLOP..
(http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c103/nickallica76/pics144-1.jpg)
(http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c103/nickallica76/pics145-1.jpg)
next we did our best to knock the loose stuff off the axels and springs, gonna paint those hopefully this week.   
more pics to come.
Title: Re: Dads truck Re-build
Post by: slammed79 on February 21, 2011, 11:49:28 pm
Looks great man! Great family project.
Title: Re: Dads truck Re-build
Post by: Gilby959798 on February 22, 2011, 06:46:35 pm
thats awesome... I am hoping to get a family truck to restore that is going to basically need the same as yours... complete body... Keep up the nice work...
Title: Re: Dads truck Re-build
Post by: 3rtr on February 24, 2011, 09:12:55 am
You know you can just drill the rivets out and re rivet that tag to the new cab too right ? Either way works I just wasnt sure why you were cutting the sheet metal out around it ... Truck looks like its coming along nicely ... The donor truck looks to be in very good shape .... Any particular reason your swapping the body onto this frame ? Would it have been easier to just rebuild the 80 ? Or just a sentimental thing ?
Title: Re: Dads truck Re-build
Post by: 79k30guy on February 28, 2011, 11:04:11 pm
You know you can just drill the rivets out and re rivet that tag to the new cab too right ? Either way works I just wasnt sure why you were cutting the sheet metal out around it ... Truck looks like its coming along nicely ... The donor truck looks to be in very good shape .... Any particular reason your swapping the body onto this frame ? Would it have been easier to just rebuild the 80 ? Or just a sentimental thing ?
sentimental is probably the right word.. we all agree that if the frame, (the core, skeleton, etc,) is from the original, than the finished product will BE the original, -with newer body parts,  not just another truck..
Title: Re: Dads truck Re-build
Post by: 79k30guy on March 28, 2011, 11:31:04 pm
a little at a time, dads been puttin in a few minutes each night..  almost a rolling chassis!
(http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c103/nickallica76/pics158-1.jpg)
custom rear shackle flip brackets installed. They're from "Rough Stuff" up in Sacramento area, they did a fantastic job Fabing these up.
(http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c103/nickallica76/pics159.jpg)
My dad took on the front shackle hanger drop himself, 3x3 square tube, also a fantastic job, (and in-house, too.  ;D)
(http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c103/nickallica76/pics161.jpg)
(http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c103/nickallica76/pics160.jpg)
Title: Re: Dads truck Re-build
Post by: 79 chevy on March 29, 2011, 06:36:38 pm
pretty cool stuff man keep it up looks great
Title: Re: Dads truck Re-build
Post by: 79k30guy on September 11, 2011, 12:07:11 pm
Finally back on!  sorry its been so long, but summer for us around here is really busy..  anyway, dads been chipping away what he can when he can, he's got new brake and fuel lines on the frame, got it officially rolling on its tires, and is at a cross roads about steering..  to go cross-over or not....?   
(http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c103/nickallica76/pics164.jpg)(http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c103/nickallica76/pics163.jpg)
The motor has been "rattle can rebuilt"  ;) and thrown back in with the tranny / t-case, new headers just got here, and we hope to make some serious progress in the next couple weekends...
(http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c103/nickallica76/140.jpg)
yesterday here was a good old fashioned saturday we haven't had in a while, all horses at the stable for some attention, heres a view worth checking out, dads truck in front and me and bros rigs hoods up...
(http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c103/nickallica76/141.jpg)
Title: Re: Dads truck Re-build
Post by: big bear on September 11, 2011, 03:21:55 pm
nice progress man...and  whats the deal with the crewcab in background !!!!
Title: Re: Dads truck Re-build
Post by: sammy1759 on September 11, 2011, 09:41:08 pm
Cool truck and the Bears won today!!! Great start for the year.
Title: Re: Dads truck Re-build
Post by: knightrider84 on September 12, 2011, 10:42:49 pm
the crewcab in the background is my 76 3+3 4x4, i shoulda been helpin the old man out with his rig but he ended up helping me out.... I couldn't find that vacuum leak to save my life.
BTW thanks pops!
Title: Re: Dads truck Re-build
Post by: 79k30guy on September 12, 2011, 11:01:55 pm
Cool truck and the Bears won today!!! Great start for the year.
we're undefeated.  1-0.  ..just sayin.....
Title: Re: Dads truck Re-build
Post by: bigchevyc30 on September 13, 2011, 09:25:02 am
hey man get some more pics of the crew it looks great
Title: Re: Dads truck Re-build
Post by: big bear on September 13, 2011, 04:58:52 pm
x2
Title: Re: Dads truck Re-build
Post by: 79k30guy on September 17, 2011, 12:31:08 pm
hey man get some more pics of the crew it looks great
my twin brothers 76 K20 3+3, we were pumped to bring this baby home, we love the two tones in this family, and in fact if you read earlier in this post, our old mans truck will be painted back to its original paint, which was THIS! burnt orange and white!
We were little disapointed that it was not a 1-Ton, but a great find none the less...
(http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c103/nickallica76/pics156.jpg)
(http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c103/nickallica76/pics155.jpg)
(http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c103/nickallica76/pics157.jpg)
unfornutanly the 350 that was in the truck didn't last too long...  ouch:
(http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c103/nickallica76/pics162.jpg)
Title: Re: Dads truck Re-build
Post by: Sarge on September 22, 2011, 11:47:51 am
Hey keep your eyes open for a crew cab for me. I need a project when I get home.
Title: Re: Dads truck Re-build
Post by: beastie_3 on September 22, 2011, 02:50:15 pm
what area are you coming home to?
Title: Re: Dads truck Re-build
Post by: 79k30guy on September 24, 2011, 11:28:29 am
Hey keep your eyes open for a crew cab for me. I need a project when I get home.
SARGE!  great to see you on here!  been on the lookout for one on craigslist and such..   will keep you posted..
Title: Re: Dads truck Re-build
Post by: 79k30guy on September 24, 2011, 11:30:22 am
what area are you coming home to?
Hey beastie, sarge is my older brother deployed right now, he'll be coming home to Tenn, but we live out in Northern CA, so we're basically on a nation wide 3+3 4x4 search... lol 
Title: Re: Dads truck Re-build
Post by: 79k30guy on September 26, 2011, 10:07:28 pm
Exhaust Time! with our dad having over 30 years experience in the pipe fitting trade, this is where it gets good around our place, new hooker headers on then followed by a dual 3" system to a pair of 70 series 3 chamber flowmasters. This past Saturday we got the header to muffler sections mocked up, tailpipes next then weld everything solid.

..Oh and in case you were wondering, that is Stainless; 316L pharmaceutical grade.  This exhaust system is probably worth more than any around,   ;D
(http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c103/nickallica76/pics173.jpg)
(http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c103/nickallica76/pics177.jpg)
(http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c103/nickallica76/pics174.jpg)
(http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c103/nickallica76/pics178.jpg)
Title: Re: Dads truck Re-build
Post by: Captkaos on September 27, 2011, 01:33:57 pm
NICE!
Title: Re: Dads truck Re-build
Post by: sammy1759 on September 27, 2011, 02:36:49 pm
VERY NICE!!
Title: Re: Dads truck Re-build
Post by: bigchevyc30 on September 27, 2011, 03:12:54 pm
ohhhhhh shiney
Title: Re: Dads truck Re-build
Post by: 69byrd on September 27, 2011, 07:56:52 pm
Looks good!!!
Title: Re: Dads truck Re-build
Post by: 79k30guy on October 19, 2011, 01:17:58 pm
finished up the exhaust...
(http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c103/nickallica76/ex4.jpg)
(http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c103/nickallica76/ex2.jpg)
Title: Re: Dads truck Re-build
Post by: 79k30guy on October 19, 2011, 01:27:09 pm
next phase!..  donor truck disassembly..    rolled her out this last saturday and went to work..
(http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c103/nickallica76/558.jpg)
(http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c103/nickallica76/559.jpg)
found a bit of rust in the usual spots, gonna have a little repair for our body guy to get after..  you back east guys probably think this isn't a big deal at all...   :D
(http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c103/nickallica76/561.jpg)
(http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c103/nickallica76/562.jpg)
(http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c103/nickallica76/563.jpg)
here's the tub ready for delivery..
(http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c103/nickallica76/564.jpg)
Title: Re: Dads truck Re-build
Post by: Sarge on October 20, 2011, 04:03:14 am
Pa's truck is coming a long. Just needs new wheels!
Title: Re: Dads truck Re-build
Post by: bake74 on October 20, 2011, 10:19:35 am
     Nice update, love the pics.
Title: Re: Dads truck Re-build
Post by: 79k30guy on December 08, 2011, 10:55:22 pm
picked up body components from the paint shop this last weekend.  They got the old paint code from dads original glove box sticker.   This first phase is solid 'burnt orange', and after we assemble, we'll take it back so they can do the white stripe down the the sides.. 
(http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c103/nickallica76/pics181.jpg)
(http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c103/nickallica76/pics182.jpg)
(http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c103/nickallica76/pics183.jpg)
seriously what a pain to carefully load all components for the short trip home, me and bro used both our rigs and both of our utility trailers..
(http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c103/nickallica76/pics187.jpg)
(http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c103/nickallica76/pics188.jpg)
Title: Re: Dads truck Re-build
Post by: bigchevyc30 on December 08, 2011, 11:32:13 pm
ha the rust you saw is nothing compaired to my dually here in north carolina its got holes through the floor about the size to fit 3 fingers in but not that bad and i also got wires going through the wholes pluse if i get a water leak it wont stay in the truck but i do have one spot on the passenger side that is about to come completly out from rust and make a garbage shoot for my friend that i go scraping with
Title: Re: Dads truck Re-build
Post by: firefighter on December 08, 2011, 11:43:35 pm
Wow, that looks awesome.
The going back together stage is the best.
Keep up with the picture posting and thanks for sharing.
Title: Re: Dads truck Re-build
Post by: cruisinc10 on December 09, 2011, 12:56:31 pm
Awesome cant wait to see them all side by side
Title: Re: Dads truck Re-build
Post by: 79k30guy on December 13, 2011, 07:29:42 pm
another Sunday put in, huge visual milestone, got the tub and bed on the frame
(http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c103/nickallica76/pics195.jpg)
(http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c103/nickallica76/pics192.jpg)
The lift setup ended up sitting it really low in the back, so some blocks will be added for sure, but the shackle flip rear and box drop front makes it a monster.  dad officially has the the title of biggest rig in the family now..   
(http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c103/nickallica76/pics196.jpg)
(http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c103/nickallica76/pics197.jpg)
dad and bro spotting a fender, we couldn't resist...   :D
(http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c103/nickallica76/pics201.jpg)
Title: Re: Dads truck Re-build
Post by: thirsty on December 13, 2011, 07:48:34 pm
Looks killer! I love the orange color.
Title: Re: Dads truck Re-build
Post by: JRConnieK10 on December 13, 2011, 08:28:09 pm
What an amazing build and it looks awesome.




Title: Dads truck Re-build
Post by: Senck243 on December 13, 2011, 09:17:06 pm
Great job I love all your trucks... Keep up the good work
Title: Re: Dads truck Re-build
Post by: firefighter on December 13, 2011, 09:59:14 pm
Looks absolutely great!!
Keep the pics coming as you continue putting it together.
Title: Re: Dads truck Re-build
Post by: bake74 on December 14, 2011, 08:34:56 am
     That is one orange truck.  But it does look good for the truck so far.  It sure looks killer from the pics, great job.
Title: Re: Dads truck Re-build
Post by: Sarge on December 14, 2011, 09:46:09 am
Man I wish I were home right about now. Pa's truck is coming a long. Was Chris's truck the same color orange? If so I think Chris's truck should be next! Or the K30.
I am thinking of painting the dually when I get home, maybe blue-purple "bl-urple".
Title: Re: Dads truck Re-build
Post by: 69byrd on December 14, 2011, 02:54:39 pm
Great job on the truck! Love that color!
Title: Re: Dads truck Re-build
Post by: gharris79 on December 14, 2011, 03:39:51 pm
Your doing a great job! Can't wait to see it finished :) Seeing your 79 makes me want to swap my 2wd 87 onto a 4x4 frame cause it's very similar in color.
Title: Re: Dads truck Re-build
Post by: heavychevy91 on December 14, 2011, 05:54:10 pm
Looking great! You sure have a lot of good looking trucks
Title: Re: Dads truck Re-build
Post by: 1MCP7.3/87GMC on December 14, 2011, 11:45:32 pm
This is awesome. Wish I had time to get on a big project with my dad. I personally like the blue and white best of the 73-79 but the orange and white comes in a close second. Very nice trucks tho
Title: Re: Dads truck Re-build
Post by: 79k30guy on December 18, 2011, 09:30:23 pm
Man I wish I were home right about now. Pa's truck is coming a long. Was Chris's truck the same color orange? If so I think Chris's truck should be next! Or the K30.
I am thinking of painting the dually when I get home, maybe blue-purple "bl-urple".
yea bro chris' truck was stock burnt orange/ white, and he's makin it top priority to get his repainted after dads is done.  I'm not waiting for dad's to be done.  after the first of the year mines gettin painted.  keepin the two tone original 'marina blue' and white..  the nice part about either mine or chris' truck is that they just have to be exterior re-shot. no complete take apart rebuild.  lol one is enough for right now!
Title: Re: Dads truck Re-build
Post by: 79k30guy on December 18, 2011, 09:44:58 pm
A little more progress this weekend, got some more body parts on, again this is just a quick assemble, just to get it back to paint shop to get the white stripes put on.
(http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c103/nickallica76/pics202.jpg)
(http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c103/nickallica76/pics203.jpg)
(http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c103/nickallica76/pics204.jpg)
if anyone remembers a thread about my brothers (knightrider84) short bed build, which included a front clip swap, we had a heck of a time getting body panels to line up, we were up until midnight, but for that we were using half new mounts, half old mounts, different componets from different trucks, so today things with dads truck went a lot smoother, as we had a complete new body mount kit, (bolts and rubber).     -here's that thread if anyone wants to check it out: http://forum.73-87chevytrucks.com/smforum/index.php/topic,15598.0.html
(http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c103/nickallica76/pics206.jpg)
Title: Re: Dads truck Re-build
Post by: Sarge on December 19, 2011, 01:18:07 pm
Looks good. Whats Pa going to do about the rear lift? 2 inch blocks? I can't wait to see yours and Chris's truck painted! After I get the dually painted and lifted, I will have to do a road trip home just to get some Pictures!
Title: Re: Dads truck Re-build
Post by: 79 chevy on December 19, 2011, 04:04:54 pm
i love this truck!!! thats what i hope to get my truck to look like
Title: Re: Dads truck Re-build
Post by: 79k30guy on January 08, 2012, 10:51:12 pm
Looks good. Whats Pa going to do about the rear lift? 2 inch blocks? I can't wait to see yours and Chris's truck painted! After I get the dually painted and lifted, I will have to do a road trip home just to get some Pictures!
We put the suspension all back together and we all seemed to forget that he had a 4 inch lift before we started all of this, and just forgot about the rear blocks. Duh!  so we simply stuffed those back in today and wow what a stance.  i guess with the shackle flip rear and box drop/ longer hangers front plus the 4 inch lift makes it about a 7-8inch total lift.  see pics below ..  ;-)   
oh and it looks like tax return $ in hopefully march will be K-30 paint!
Title: Re: Dads truck Re-build
Post by: 79k30guy on January 08, 2012, 11:00:49 pm
Well back at it today for a little bit.   As stated above in response to my brothers question, we put dads 4 inch blocks back under the rear and the stance is just perfect..  except 1 minor issue of the shocks not being long enough now...    so do you think we bought longer shocks?    Heck no, that's what a welder is for!
(http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c103/nickallica76/pics247.jpg)
after cutting off the mounts, we simply stitched them on to a higher place on the axle tube...
(http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c103/nickallica76/pics248.jpg)
and after slopping on some left over chassis saver, there you have it, quick fix.
(http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c103/nickallica76/pics252.jpg)
(http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c103/nickallica76/pics251.jpg)
Title: Re: Dads truck Re-build
Post by: 79k30guy on January 08, 2012, 11:36:39 pm
once dad made the decision to add additional lift to his rig in this project, we talked about what to do about tires, and all agreed that the super swamper (as impractical as they may be) are the best looking and most awesome aggressive tire for our classic 4X4s, and made it a goal for everyone in the family to have a set...  and all sets sitting on slot mags..  yes its gonna be an expensive and tough goal to reach, but we made headway today!  I've been on craigslist like a hawk and finally found a set with tons of tread left, and the best part was the guy agreed to a straight swap for the 35 mud terrieans that dad had been running     (about 50% tread)   
Here they are in the bed of my truck, they're 38.5s, on a set of old steel chromies, same as mine!
(http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c103/nickallica76/pics255.jpg)
and on the truck....      ;D
(http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c103/nickallica76/pics257.jpg)
we all agreed:  ridiculous but AWESOME!  ....we justified it to ourselves on the fact that dad really never puts miles on the truck, its not a daily driver or anything.  its really funny because we've always been the 4X4 guys that lean to the side of practicality, useability, etc.   
....well i guess this is just pushing it, isn't it?
here is dad and me, side by side...
(http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c103/nickallica76/pics259.jpg)
dad just has to rub it in....  getting an exact measurement of just how much bigger he is than me..    :)
(http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c103/nickallica76/pics295.jpg)
Title: Re: Dads truck Re-build
Post by: bake74 on January 09, 2012, 12:37:30 am
     His truck is looking great.  Getting closer.
Title: Re: Dads truck Re-build
Post by: firefighter on January 09, 2012, 04:19:35 am
Man, that looks great!!
How much lift is on dads truck again? Those are some nice looking tires !!
Title: Re: Dads truck Re-build
Post by: 79k30guy on January 09, 2012, 09:58:45 am
Man, that looks great!!
How much lift is on dads truck again? Those are some nice looking tires !!
He had a 4 inch suspension lift to start, (blocks in rear), and now in addition to that thr rear has a shackle flip and the front has a 3x3 box tube welded in between the frame and front spring hangers, and longer rear hangers, so that adds 3-4 inches total, so we're calling it a 7-8 inch lift total.    See pics of the lift addition on the bare frame on page 2 or 3 of this thread! 
Title: Re: Dads truck Re-build
Post by: gharris79 on January 09, 2012, 01:58:02 pm
I like the look of that truck the more I see it coming together!!!
Title: Re: Dads truck Re-build
Post by: ralphhemi on January 09, 2012, 08:53:52 pm
Hi from  Ralphhemi   Your 76-k-20 3+3 that tossed a rod is not a 350 its a 400 smallblock ,I  can tell by the rod.   Just kidding the harmonic balancer   gave it away  Rapid Ralph   
Title: Re: Dads truck Re-build
Post by: Sarge on January 09, 2012, 08:59:49 pm
Pa's truck looks good!!! 38s TSLs on slot mags, everyone? It's hard to find those old wheels. But ok. I am doing the research on the shot bed conversion right now and maybe this summer I will get started. Man I wish I was home right about now.
Title: Re: Dads truck Re-build
Post by: 79k30guy on January 21, 2012, 01:03:12 pm
well yesterday afternoon we went and picked up the truck from the paint shop.  it got its white stripes on!   looks awesome.  First thing this morning my brother and I couldn't resist throwing the swampers back on to see how it looked...   
(http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c103/nickallica76/pics370.jpg)
(http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c103/nickallica76/pics376.jpg)
(http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c103/nickallica76/pics378.jpg)
(http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c103/nickallica76/pics382.jpg)
(http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c103/nickallica76/pics381.jpg)
now here's a shot of 3 out of the 4 rigs in the family, now they're ALL two tone, just missing one more 3+3 that's back in Tenn!
(http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c103/nickallica76/pics380.jpg)
well that's it for major visual milestones, so now there's a lot of work ahead of us, interior and firewall and such. 
..but now I'm inspired enough to have a fresh coat sprayed on the 'ole K30...   
Title: Re: Dads truck Re-build
Post by: 87454westernhauler on January 21, 2012, 01:21:21 pm
Nice!!
Title: Re: Dads truck Re-build
Post by: heavychevy91 on January 22, 2012, 09:31:54 am
Man this thing is looking killer. So jealous
Title: Re: Dads truck Re-build
Post by: Captkaos on January 22, 2012, 06:49:59 pm
That is looking awesome.
Title: Re: Dads truck Re-build
Post by: Blazin on January 22, 2012, 08:13:49 pm
Looking real good!
Title: Re: Dads truck Re-build
Post by: bake74 on January 23, 2012, 07:38:57 am
     That is a nice set of trucks you have in your family.  I like the crew 4x4.
Title: Re: Dads truck Re-build
Post by: gcochran223 on February 07, 2012, 06:33:12 pm
im in love with the orange and white crew cab in the back, pops chevy is looking good.
Title: Re: Dads truck Re-build
Post by: knightrider84 on February 07, 2012, 09:13:06 pm
can't wait to start up on all the interior stuff, no matter what the old man says i'm gonna put a nice set of speakers and stereo in so he can rock out to Foghat and the steve miller band and all the other classic rock we enjoy. 

HERE WE GO!!!
Title: Re: Dads truck Re-build
Post by: 79k30guy on August 11, 2012, 02:59:52 pm
it's been far too long guys, but i guess the summer has been super busy for the whole family. i thought I would update everyone on the slow progress of the down hill side of dads truck.  He has got most of the firewall components back together and on, and has been battling a wiring mess for some time.  Drivetrain wise he is all hooked up, even the front driveline!  we actually drove it around the quarry behind the house a few weeks ago.  the updated cross over steering seems to work great, here are some pics of that:
(http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c103/nickallica76/sellpics012.jpg)
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(http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c103/nickallica76/sellpics013-1.jpg)
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(http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c103/nickallica76/sellpics014.jpg)
anyway, got a hold of a rear bumper, still poking around for a front, trying to keep them cheap, as custom bumpers are in the near future.  here is some of the latest shots (minus the since acquired rear bumper)
(http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c103/nickallica76/sellpics019.jpg)
<
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(http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c103/nickallica76/sellpics017.jpg)
<
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(http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c103/nickallica76/sellpics016-1.jpg)
<
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(http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c103/nickallica76/sellpics015.jpg)
(http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c103/nickallica76/sellpics020.jpg)
as you can see we still need to install the padding and carpet, door panels, grille, and a few more misc things. 
but he's almost there!!!
Title: Re: Dads truck Re-build
Post by: gcochran223 on August 15, 2012, 11:42:46 am
looking good!
Title: Re: Dads truck Re-build
Post by: mikek20 on August 16, 2012, 07:13:20 am
OK i have to ask. Did you fabricate the crossover steering components or is that a kit of some sort?
Title: Re: Dads truck Re-build
Post by: slammed79 on August 16, 2012, 09:31:55 am
Looks great!
Title: Re: Dads truck Re-build
Post by: bake315 on August 17, 2012, 08:59:22 am
Nice herd 'o trucks!
Title: Re: Dads truck Re-build
Post by: 79k30guy on August 21, 2012, 07:36:03 pm
OK i have to ask. Did you fabricate the crossover steering components or is that a kit of some sort?
the components for the crossover steering are from offroaddesign.com they have a great selection for off road stuff for our trucks.
Title: Re: Dads truck Re-build
Post by: 79k30guy on August 21, 2012, 07:49:15 pm
so a little more accomplished this last weekend.  Got the hood on, picked up a front bumper on CL for 20 bucks (not too pretty up close but hey for $20....   :) )        still missing one piece so that he can install his original 74 grille..
(http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c103/nickallica76/sellpics009.jpg)
(http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c103/nickallica76/sellpics011-1.jpg)
(http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c103/nickallica76/sellpics010.jpg)
   
Title: Re: Dads truck Re-build
Post by: bd on August 21, 2012, 07:51:31 pm
That's a fine lookin machine!!!
Title: Re: Dads truck Re-build
Post by: 79k30guy on August 21, 2012, 08:01:22 pm
of course it wouldn't be a proper truck sunday without some group shots.   This is 3 outta 4 of the family rigs.   Older brother Sarge is all the way across the country but someday they'll all be in the same shot.   ::)
(http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c103/nickallica76/sellpics004-1.jpg)
>
>
>
>
(http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c103/nickallica76/sellpics007-1.jpg)
my brothers getting pretty close to some dramatic upgrades on the old 3+3..
guess we'll have to start a thread for him.  ...look for it..   ;D
>
>
>
(http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c103/nickallica76/sellpics006.jpg)
Title: Re: Dads truck Re-build
Post by: Sarge on August 21, 2012, 10:28:04 pm
I love it, can't wait to get all the trucks together. Chris truck will look bad ass when it's done.
Title: Re: Dads truck Re-build
Post by: 79k30guy on July 15, 2013, 10:17:07 pm
so its been a long time, but dad has been doing what he can a little at a time, there's still a few bugs to work out, but its getting close.  We recently got the shell out of the back yard and got it cleaned up. Just need to get around to putting his set of Slot Mags on.
(http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c103/nickallica76/mim006.jpg) (http://s26.photobucket.com/user/nickallica76/media/mim006.jpg.html)
Original '74 grille looking good!
(http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c103/nickallica76/mim008.jpg) (http://s26.photobucket.com/user/nickallica76/media/mim008.jpg.html)