73-87chevytrucks.com
73-87 Chevy _ GMC Trucks => Members Rides => Topic started by: 1981lt1 on April 03, 2020, 01:39:28 pm
-
Good afternoon folks. I am beginning my adventure of rebuilding my 83 longbed for my son's 16th birthday which is about 1 year from now. I bought this about 2 years ago for $2000 as a running and driving truck. I knew it had some rust spots and needed every bit of rubber replaced but it was all there and it's fully loaded (AC, PW, PL, Cruise). I was never going to keep the 305/TH350 combo so I don't care that it leaks from every single gasket. The plan is to fix the rust (which is way more than I saw), do a shortbed conversion, 4" lift, replace all of the rubber parts and bushings, and install a 5.3/4L60e combo. As you can see from the pics below, the amount of rust is way more involved than I ever expected. Some of you will probably be thinking I should scrap this and start with something a bit cleaner but, in all reality, the only parts I can't buy are the firewall pieces. Fortunately, I have the tools necessary to rebuild the parts I can't buy, and, due to all of this COVID craziness, I have plenty of time to work on it.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/46939524414_50bd791f8d_k.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/47610727532_8631d5dc4d_k.jpg)
-
Here is the teardown and shots of the rust:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49731819071_f10b586156_k.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49732142822_e942e339f4_k.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49732143337_7910c1ea3b_k.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49731272763_93ef03460d_k.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49732142252_ab8b6599b1_k.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49731271298_f5373200c6_k.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49731271658_b37b70a26b_k.jpg)
-
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49731274638_38c978cfa0_k.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49731274193_8a7f5a67e6_k.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49732144837_54c94c8c51_k.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49732144617_8b2e8790c5_k.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49731271133_42751fe906_k.jpg)
-
And I also found this surprise. I just assumed the bed gap was due to worn bushings, but as you can see, the frame has a bit of a twist to it.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49731273228_48352da964_k.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49731819831_3baf3452a4_k.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49731273513_023041e69d_k.jpg)
-
From all of the searching I've been doing, nobody makes firewall or cowl panel replacements for the 73-87 trucks. Don't suppose anybody out there can prove me wrong?
-
nope you either have to find a donor or fab your own
-
Ambitious project, make sure to post progress pics!
-
Finding a donor would probably be the smarter thing to do but that is time I don't have and i've exhausted my options locally from what I've found online so far.
Spent the day tearing deeper into the cowl so I could cut out all of the rust.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49733082841_82807f2c6e_k.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49733082746_c8ce705213_k.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49732535853_a2c4d92586_k.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49733403322_79006290f8_k.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49733403192_76839f1f73_k.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49733403072_2fbe4b0400_k.jpg)
-
Got the firewall patched and ready for the cowl. Once I get my weld thru primer I'll coat the bare metal and then get everything lined back up and get the cowl welded back on to finish the patching on that.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49736793341_c58df4aab8_k.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49736254788_5bf0bd58cb_k.jpg)
-
Big project on your hands. Would be good if you can find a good deal on a donor truck for parts. Look forward to the progress.
-
Looks good! Those who don't take on these types of challenges will never know how it feels to accomplish. In the end, the hard work pays off in more ways than one. Are you leaving the firewall stock or going to clean it up? Nice job
-
Gonna leave the firewall stock. I thought about doing a Vintage Air system and cleaning up the firewall but I am not a huge fan of their system after I used it on my camaro.
-
You're a brave brave man! Like VZ says, your reward will be great.
-
Not sure how much progress I can make now. I ran out of MIG gas yesterday and the welding supply store here is only delivering to their commercial customer because of the stay at home order in place. I do have a TIG welder but I suck at it so I'm not sure I want to make it worse by trying.
-
Same thing happened to me. I put on a face mask and gloves and went to pick up a refill in person. We don't have a mandatory quarantine in AL and AirGas said, they have to stay open.
-
Good news! I was able to get my tank swapped from my local AirGas company. And, since I'm prior Army, they gave it to me for free! I didn't even ask. What an awesome company. I've always used Matheson Tri Gas so I may be switching where I shop in the future.
-
Got the firewall pretty much done. I still have to patch a few spots where the heater core was but I will do that when I replace the floor pan since all that area is rusted. As you can see from the pics, it's still a bit wavy but it's not going to be a show truck and it's the firewall so it's not gonna be seen that much anyway.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49766998916_a162b9fc90_k.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49766998711_630dd4ae42_k.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49766998816_57cd98a0ee_k.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49766998506_aa65dc7881_k.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49766998381_cb1fec74bd_k.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49766466108_df3fce4096_k.jpg)
-
Making fast and nice progress. My rear window had some bad rust spots and I cut the metal frame (area) out around the rear window from a truck at a junk yard. You might be able to do the same for the front window and weld in a whole new windshield frame (metal).
-
I wish I could find a cab that isin good condition that doesn't cost a fortune. Here in Texas most people know what they have and still want way too much money for trucks in worse condition than mine. Fortunately I have plenty of time so fixing the rust is not ideal but it's nothing I haven't done before.
-
Bro, it is painfully obvious that you know what you're doin!! 8)
Painful for those of us who don't!! ???
-
Nice job. You should lay glass over those welded areas before regular body filler. Body filler tends to crack over areas that are welded.
-
started working on the passenger windshield pillar. got the worst of it done and now I moving up the pillar.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49789379471_3978e1e5cc_k.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49788835848_6bd64a757d_k.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49789692732_c851a9c6f9_k.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49789692592_a72c146019_k.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49789378821_6381c64cf2_k.jpg)
-
Just killing the rust today!!!
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49790854166_aa8e077dd0_k.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49791164632_14ed42ea1f_k.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49790308848_919f7f9c63_k.jpg)
-
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49790302873_f2e4be4fb1_k.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49790302748_a05a84dd65_k.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49790302603_37d052f1f1_k.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49790847806_14089f1386_k.jpg)
-
This truck has been way more work than I thought. Every time I start scraping I find rust holes! I ordered my passenger floor pan, outer rocker, inner rocker, and inner kick panel and I called my buddy who is the GM of a body shop to get some pricing on getting the frame straightened. Once I get the windshield area repaired, I'll spray the truck with some epoxy primer and get it trailered to get the frame fixed.
-
POX on the beard of the slime that sold it to you!
-
Looking great man! Good score on getting a tank for free.
-
This week has been rather ridiculous. I ran out of welding wire on Sunday. Went to Home Depot Monday and the line was around the building. Ended up doing a curb side pickup from Lowes on Tuesday. Ran out of welding gas Tuesday night and couldn't get a refill until today. I now have three spools of welding wire but I'm still running only 1 tank of MIG gas since the supply store quoted $155 for another tank. No thanks!!! I'll just drive the 20 minutes to get it refilled every couple of weeks.
Either way, I was only able to get the driver windshield pillar patched and rough body work today. I also picked up a shrinker/stretcher from a buddy today so we'll see if that helps with the radius curves on the upper corners of the cab. I plan on getting the windshield area done by Sunday so can move on to the passenger floor pan/rocker area since I got those panels delivered this week. Having to make these patches is so stupid. I can build a camaro out of a catalog but I can't get common rusted parts for a C10? Somebody is going to make a killing when the start making repair panels for those areas.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49732144837_54c94c8c51_k.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49815564506_ab4d9b650f_k.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49815025018_7046da71c1_k.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49815564416_043f58de76_k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2iLEf24)
-
You are getting a lot of welding experience. You are coming along at a good pace and your restore on the truck saved it from the salvage yard and/or crusher. Your doing well and there will be a great deal of pride having your son drive a truck you restored.
-
I wish there wasn't so much experience being gained from this project. Thankfully I'm almost done with the hard parts. I was able to get the driver pillar completed today. The compound curves of the roof made it very difficult so I had to stitch multiple pieces together so everything looked right.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49819631666_faa04635af_k.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49819631591_39d3cc4744_k.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49819092728_0c2fd4b46a_k.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49819092668_890fc468f3_k.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49819092618_5071be8b4f_k.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49819092583_92b86a229f_k.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49819631371_1c258f3b4a_k.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49819631321_30947149f7_k.jpg)
-
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49819961542_f00033cc0b_k.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49819112898_3ab38ec934_k.jpg)
-
Don't forget to drill about a 1/16" hole in the bottom corner about 1.5" on each side of the Windshield channel so that it drains into the cowl area if water gets under the windshield seal. I am attaching a picture of drain hole on my truck.
-
Awesome. Thanks for the tip.
-
Started working on the passenger floor pan yesterday. I knew the driver and passenger floors were bad so I was prepared for this.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49829201453_dbc5848b01_k.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49829731176_2feb9f3d16_k.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49830040842_a66656ba6e_k.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49829731381_e16628f9a5_k.jpg)
-
Since you are removing the floor panels, check on your bushings, there are 4 on the cab and 2 for the radiator support. They are most likely worn out and it is difficult to get the old ones out. However since you are doing the metal work, it might be easy to get them done. You are making fast progress.
-
This thing definitely needs new bushings. I'm on the fence if I should replace them now or wait until it gets back from the frame shop. I guess it really doesn't matter in the grand scheme of things.
-
I got the passenger floor pan and all the other pieces tacked in today. I'll get it finish welded tomorrow. As you can see from the pic, I still need to make a little extension for the upper floor pan where it meets the firewall. I was hoping the replacement panel was going to be more a "full" replacement but it wasn't. I got these panels from AMD and I'm not overly impressed with them. I guess everything is made in Taiwan or China now so fitment is probably going to be questionable regardless of where I buy from.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49835244758_116f05b4ac_k.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49836081807_beff8efd94_k.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49835777376_b3598328ba_k.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49835244628_9fce9e17aa_k.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49835777276_bb70cf3779_k.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49835244483_5b9751e225_k.jpg)
-
Your are making fast progress. Must be spending quite a bit of time on it. Good work knocking out the floor pans. Do you think the frame will be an easy fix at the frame shop? Iv'e never had to deal with straightening a frame.
-
I think it will be pretty straight forward. Especially with everything removed. Luckily the frame isn't part of the body so I don't have to worry about cracking or warping any panels.
-
For being a project manager by trade, I didn't plan this week very well. I am at a stopping point since I didn't order my driver side floor pans. So, now I can't do much of anything until I get them. Oh well. I could use a bit of a break from this thing for a few days.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49853305242_48038b1117_k.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49852468138_ab69e69d4c_k.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49852467953_7a7b0fc836_k.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49852467823_6507d31def_k.jpg)
-
Do you have to replace your fuel tanks? My tanks were very rusted inside and I have to replace my whole fuel system.
-
They look solid and clean but I’ll be replacing the driver tank with and efi unit from tanks inc. I’ve been doing a lot of research and even though I can still use both tanks for my LS conversion, I’m gonna go with a single tank. It’ll keep the wiring and plumbing simple and it’ll smooth out the passenger quarter.
-
I know I shouldn't be trying to set any gaps right now, especially knowing the frame is tweaked and the body bushings haven't been replaced. But, I needed to check the door gap for the new rocker panel and then my OCD took over. There is nothing worse than bad panel gaps on a freshly painted car. So, after a bit of tweaking, I got the door as good as it's going to get. With that said, this gap just won't do. I'll definitely be fixing this...
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49861674412_3de62453f9_k.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49860830333_764bfe01af_k.jpg)
-
It takes a lot of work to get good body lines but it really shows that you care when you dial them in. There are so many of these trucks with bad body lines. One thing I've noticed is how the drip rail tends to hide the bad upper door to cab fitment and when they aren't there you can really see how far off they are. Once you get them all right though, it'll really stand out. Definitely don't fit the fenders until you have the body mounts and cab supports intact. Great progress!
-
You're one brave soul!
I would have passed on that truck long ago...
Your reward will be great! ;D ;D
-
I forsee a nomination for "Squarebody Rescue Society" award coming your way.... ;)
-
Thanks for the comments. Hindsight is always 20/20. If I had any idea the firewall was going to be as bad as it was, I wouldn't have continued with this project.
-
I finish welded and ground the passenger floor pan while waiting for the driver side to get delivered. I'll run some seam sealer along the weld lines to make sure it's water tight and then seam seal the the body joints before I spray the floor with lizard skin.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49867356391_c34f04f598_k.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49866819298_9b8fe99329_k.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49867663892_b65c8ccb8c_k.jpg)
-
Making some really good progress. Good metal work!
-
Got my driver panels delivered late Saturday. I was able to get the inner rocker and footwell panel welded in yesterday while my wife was running some errands. I'll get the floor welded in today and get the seams sealed.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49882752838_9c5fccc20e_k.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49882752928_c9e33c508a_k.jpg)
-
Got it done before the sun went down and the rain rolls in. I still need to patch a tiny piece up by the e-brake cable but 99% of the floor pans are done. These aftermarket panels don't fit for crap. I spent most of the time tweaking and trimming. Even though you don't see it, I sealed up the passenger side top and bottom. I'll crawl under the truck tomorrow and get the bottom sealed up on the driver side.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49885214942_97ee4cefbb_k.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49884382013_41ae6ad4b4_k.jpg)
-
Nice work man, I mean, Really!
Just curious; what is your son doing this whole time? 8)
-
He's been sanding and stripping paint and waiting for the "fun" stuff to start. I have no idea what that means. I have made it very clear that if he continues to screw around and not help, I'll build the truck the way I want and then sell it and buy him a crappy honda or something and keep the money.
-
There you go! Keep him motivated...
When my son was 16 I gave him a 1955 Apache Second Gen 1/2 ton. (3100?)
He/We spent weeks tearing the front end out and replacing it with a front clip from some 80' GM F body, V8, Auto, IFS, etc.
He worked in my business during the week, spent his time and money on the truck.
He still has it, that was 23 years ago. Good times...
-
What is the seam sealer you are using on your welds?
-
Sealer is just a brush on type I believe I got from Eastwood for my Camaro project.
-
Looking forward to the updates on this project.
What are the details on the camaro?
-
81 Camaro I've had since high school. Here is the link to the build: http://nastyz28.com/threads/project-code-name-never-satisfied.309055/
-
Not a whole lot to report right now. Got the rockers smoothed in and started working on some small rust spots on the floor pan and firewall joint where the heater box is located. I should get those small areas done today or tomorrow and then I'll figure out how to get the truck to the frame shop. I don't want to start the body work and panel alignment until I know everything is square.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49895409781_4e45bf0076_k.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49894896158_2ebc146f5d_k.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49894895893_cf9772a037_k.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49895409496_084e114209_k.jpg)
-
Looks good and I agree, you accomplished a lot. Hope your son acquired some good experience from the build so far. It is a great way to learn much.
-
I gotta admit, when I seen a new member that bought a rotted out truck, I got a little nervous for you. I thought, oh boy, is this gonna be 1 of those truck that gets torn down over 1 weekend and never sees the road again. I speak from experience ( I got an 81 stepside that's been sitting in the garage for 10 years now with a blown motor). Life can get in the way of things.
After reading through your Camaro build thread, I am truly impressed. Looking forward to seeing the continued progress on this truck.
I'm also a big camaro fan. I had a 79 camaro in high school and a few 69's since then. I've owned my current 69 for over 20 years.
The truck is comming along great. I hope your Son is learning a lot during this build, you have a lot of talent to offer him.
-
Thanks for all the comments. The camaro was a 3 year project with many custom things done along the way that took way more time than I thought. And, there’s still a couple small things I need to finish on it. The truck however is going to be very simple with the engine/trans being the only thing considered custom. So I’m planning on having it back on the road by Xmas this year. I will admit, I wouldn’t have taken on this project if I knew how much rust it had on the parts that aren’t available to buy.
-
The rust repair is officially done. Off to the frame shop tomorrow morning.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49910453216_def88d0d0e_k.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49909935518_7c707de2d8_k.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49909935468_146d704cd6_k.jpg)
-
You have done well and look forward to how things work out at the frame shop.
-
Dropped off the truck at the frame shop this morning and they told me it might be done tomorrow, but probably Thursday. I also picked up the engine/trans for the truck today. I scored a 2008 5.3 with the 6L90 trans for $1500. Engine is supposed to have about 108K miles and is super clean with only a couple of broken connectors. I'll need to replace the throttle body since that is one of the broken bits, and i'll need a new MAF and O2 sensors. Other than that, it's pristine.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49914036428_e88cda6b97_k.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49914848517_360cb3c56b_k.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49914548566_6c291346ec_k.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49914036243_8383aa171d_k.jpg)
-
Well sports fans, it turns out the engine is a 4.8L. I’m a little disappointed but in don’t believe the guy I baught it from knew. I knew the engine came out of a van and I couldn’t find any 5.3/6speed combos for express vans, and I confirmed the crank casting number to be sure. I should have done this research before I baught it but it’s still a decent deal for how clean this engine is. The 4.8’s are decent little engines and it’s for a 16 year old so things could’ve been worse. I’ll get rid of the VVT and put in a decent cam and headers. That should wake it up a bit.
-
Little more drama with the wiring. I realized today that I have all of the wiring except for the engine fuse/relay center. The one I got with the engine was the interior relay center. I was wondering why the wire gauge was so small and I was going nuts trying to find out why I can't find any power distribution wires in my harness. Now I know why. Luckily I'm a car part hoarder so I have an old 95 LT1 body harness that is in perfect condition so I'll graft that into the engine harness. I get the truck back tomorrow morning and my engine mounts will be here on Saturday so I'll be fitting all the parts by Sunday.
-
Your making really good progress, hope your son gets his hands real dirty on the engine and harness install. Wish I could have built a truck with my father at his age!
-
Yesterday was a bit of a setback. Apparently the cab was tweaked on the driver side and straightening the frame didn't help. When I welded the rocker panel in, I assumed it was square and didn't check the door gaps before final welding. Let's just say the result was very bad. I was able to fix it but I forgot to take some pics. You can see from the pics how bad it is.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49928182922_f4acf50267_k.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49927360803_2c552b7cb9_k.jpg)
-
After dealing with the door drama yesterday, I decided I wanted to see the engine sitting in the frame and I really wanted to make sure the huge 6 speed was going to fit. The engine is literally sitting on the old motor mounts and the trans is being held in with some ingenuity, but everything fits. According the post office, my motor mount adapter plates were supposed to be here today, now they say Monday (which is a federal holiday) so I won't see them til Tuesday. I freaking hate the post office. Who uses them still? I will order an aftermarket trans crossmember cuz I really don't feel like modifying the original one.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49927360543_2215882873_k.jpg)
-
Got my motor mount adapters yesterday and got everything installed. I learned the hard way on my Camaro that the low mounted compressor has clearance issues with these brackets. Thankfully it's nothing a little trimming couldn't solve.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49941414603_64645c48e2_k.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49941930941_c9944d0673_k.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49942229387_0cbcdd261e_k.jpg)
-
No that the engine is in, the real fun begins!
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49941414333_178b5eb9c9_k.jpg)
-
Some of you may be wondering why I am starting with the wiring. Experience has shown me that I need all of the panels in place to make sure I don't have any interference with my wiring, and, constantly leaning over fenders and draping wires across the body panels could cause damage. I also may have to weld some studs or brackets. And, wiring just plain sucks so I'd rather get it over with. I had a pristine body harness from an old 4th gen Camaro project so I decided to use it for the fuse/relay center. It's compact and has everything I need.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49942658298_cac079d2bf_k.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49942658233_d935e35756_k.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49942658153_435b70f702_k.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49943168101_e364dc3a60_k.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49942658038_a5226587a9_k.jpg)
-
Well it's been a while since I posted any progress. I have been doing nothing but wiring and my OCD always gets in the way and makes this take so much longer. I also got my trans cross member so now the engine and transmission are securely bolted in.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49965548136_8c254493cb_k.jpg)
Relay box connected with main power wires connected:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49965548011_683a16ee13_k.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49965045813_22964aa945_k.jpg)
Pretty much everything connected except for the accelerator pedal wiring:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49965045328_afae1f603c_k.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49965827397_30a66f8e9a_k.jpg)
-
Here is where my OCD kicks in. The engine harness was "close" but I like to hide my injector wires and alternator wire. The factory just runs everything over the engine which makes for an ugly installation and it really pisses me off when people can't take the extra couple of hours to make the harness fit the engine. It just makes everything look better. Once I wrap everything you'll never see it.
As you can see, the driver side is pretty darn good. I modified the #1 injector and coolant temp to get them tucked in:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49965827732_26873b16ac_k.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49965856932_11850a8511_k.jpg)
The passenger side was a different story. As you can see from the pic, all of the plugs are clear over by the water pump:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49965546876_3b6232c40f_k.jpg)
I modified the MAP, coil plug, and every injector connection to get it tucked in:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49965044758_94238cf976_k.jpg)
-
I've really enjoyed this build and your skill set with sheet metal!
But I just have to ask, why are you assembling before putting down any paint on your beautiful firewall?
Are you going for rat rod look?
-
No sir. I want to get everything mounted so I know where everything is gonna go. Once I finish the engine wiring I’ll integrate the AC harness so I can start filling in the firewall holes. Once all that is done I will finish the filler work on the firewall and it will be painted body color. This is simply mocking everything up and I’ll blow it all apart once I have it all the way I want it.
-
It's been a while since I have worked on the truck. I ended up taking last week off trying to get one of my cars sold to make some more room and open up some funding for the truck. Now that that is done, I have so much more room and a bit more determination to get this thing done. I finished up the wiring and got the engine and front clip removed so i can start bodyworking the truck. I also got the DBW accelerator pedal mounted so I can finalize that wiring once everything goes back in the car down the road.
Pics of the DBW pedal assembly:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50013314171_36093ed277_k.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50013314111_9ca151d16e_k.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50012786873_6a9d0bc00a_k.jpg)
I have marked all of the holes that need to be filled:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50013313961_d54cf4a2f8_k.jpg)
I decided to fill in the passenger fuel filler door. I was being extremely careful to not warp the panel but it happened anyway:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50012786733_8fbdb6750d_k.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50012786708_b1528d9376_k.jpg)
-
Got the new body bushings installed and door gaps set...
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50047054098_e6e6039393_k.jpg)
This is what the core support bolts looked like...
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50047611936_02b26e2d38_k.jpg)
Still needs a bit more tweaking but it's light years better than it was...
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50047611696_49c2992304_k.jpg)
-
Got everything ready to prime and final blocking.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50350737426_10242fb72c_k.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50350037943_dfbab32e26_k.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50350737066_3e80b19044_k.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50350736946_ebbe9341e8_k.jpg)
-
Huge transformation, you save that truck's life.
-
2nd coat of primer laid down today. This will be the final coat and will be wet sanded with 400 and then it's time to paint.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50420685412_80b24f163c_k.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50420685262_ddc055ee9e_k.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50419824423_f907da4edc_k.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50420514721_b924652a4e_k.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50420684332_ad7c5ae42a_k.jpg)
-
Nice work man!!
You going to fill the divots on the back of the cab?
Can't believe they left the factory that way.
At least on the sides where you can see them... ::)
-
Looks good, you got a lot of work accomplished. Look forward to the final paint.
-
Nice flippin' work! 8)
-
Nice work man!!
You going to fill the divots on the back of the cab?
Can't believe they left the factory that way.
At least on the sides where you can see them... ::)
I'm not going to fill them in. I know it would look a bit better but I'm not going for show quality and the bed pretty much covers them anyway.
-
No turning back now. I bought all the paint and clear yesterday. Gonna go with GM Laguna Blue (C7 vette). I had a 2016 Vette with this color so I know what it looks like in person and the test panel I sprayed looks good. Since I smoothed all of the trim holes I'm not going to do the two-tone scheme the factory did back in the day. It's going to one big blue truck!
-
Waiting.....waiting.....waiting..... ;D
-
Nice work man!!
You going to fill the divots on the back of the cab?
Can't believe they left the factory that way.
At least on the sides where you can see them... ::)
I'm not going to fill them in. I know it would look a bit better but I'm not going for show quality and the bed pretty much covers them anyway.
Ah yes, you have a fleetside, slipped by me. My stepside reveals the ugly divots... :(
-
I was hoping to have the cab and bed painted this weekend but I was only able to get the cab done. I'll get the bed done tomorrow since it's a holiday.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50455584446_1e9a106e5e_k.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50454877363_7c561bb8a6_k.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50455744947_1e8dff1bdf_k.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50455583181_b919e26295_k.jpg)
-
Nice looking blue! What color is the inside going to be?
-
I agree. That's a beautiful blue!
-
Interior is going to be tan/brown with black carpet.
-
Making slow and steady progress. Bed is painted and installed, engine/trans is installed, interior is painted, and doors are ready for final prime.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50511554771_25cc76fb9f_k.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50510839793_2c0efc361d_k.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50511554396_998725e878_k.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50511715037_f22a534669_k.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50511714877_777b2007e1_k.jpg)