Re: 1976 CCSB Duramax Project #trucknamedsue
 

Wow, again!!!!!!!!!

Re: 1976 CCSB Duramax Project #trucknamedsue
 

And when I find threads like this, it makes me wonder if I should really stick with my C20, or find a K20 crew cab, before I have a bunch of time and money invested.....

If I found an easy way to convert to 4x4 I would!

Re: 1976 CCSB Duramax Project #trucknamedsue
 

That's amazing!

Re: 1976 CCSB Duramax Project #trucknamedsue
 

Looks good. what are you using to 3d scan?

Re: 1976 CCSB Duramax Project #trucknamedsue
 

:metal: thanks

thanks, I'll keep the updates coming

thanks

easiest/cheapest way to convert a C to a K is a frame swap. Don't let anyone tell you different. Just depends what you want though. I wanted newer axles, 4 links and load sensing rear. So I went custom... I really thought about just frame swapping an early body when I was planning everything out. I'd probably be done by now if I would have!

Thanks

I use structure sensor. It works well enough, and I'm still learning how to best use it and post modify the meshes. I wish I could afford/justify a Faro but it is orders of magnitude more expensive.

Re: 1976 CCSB Duramax Project #trucknamedsue
 

You should check out cut bros on facebook. A 4wd bolt on conversion kit exits for 1 tons and crew cabs.

I do agree that just doing a frame swap is the easiest though, if you can find a frame.

Re: 1976 CCSB Duramax Project #trucknamedsue
 

Impressive design and fabrication! I will be tagging along for the rest.

Re: 1976 CCSB Duramax Project #trucknamedsue
 

ORDs kit would work as well. But a little bit of welding.

There is a few out there now, finally the squares are getting the support the 67-72s have, and even more in some cases.

sweet! glad to have you:metal:


As mentioned above, the space I work in is flex space for my Dad's business and fairly new to him. He wants to paint the floor though so I'll be under a 1 month crunch to make the truck a full roller. Lots of long nights ahead... I'm hopeful for plenty of progress.

Re: 1976 CCSB Duramax Project #trucknamedsue
 

Could you imagine? My favorite way to think about these trucks is to imagine the parts that would best suit the use of the truck. It would be so fun to have access to all of the lightest, best performance parts, or the most heavy-duty, robust parts, depending on the intended use. I like thinking about using the best that was available for the era and combining it to fit my vision. Your truck is combining the performance and heavy duty parts from several eras and manufacturers. I'm glad you're taking a lot of pictures along the way. Much of the beauty of the design and thought that went into the truck will be hidden once it's assembled.

Re: 1976 CCSB Duramax Project #trucknamedsue
 

After going through your build a third time or so, what are you thinking for towing mirrors? I have 81 cc I’m building, and want very usable towing mirrors that don’t look out of place, that aren’t west coast/camper style. I’d like something that functions like a late model but looks right on these trucks.

Re: 1976 CCSB Duramax Project #trucknamedsue
 

I'm the same. I want a two piece tow mirror, like the newerish ones with the standard mirror glass at the top and a lower curved at the bottom. I refuse to use new mirrors though, although some guys have. I'll probably end up with the mini camper style, the tripods or whatever. I really want the blinker in the mirror glass, so I have to think about it some more.

Re: 1976 CCSB Duramax Project #trucknamedsue
 

I’ve had the tri-pod style and I hated how they destroyed the doors, and that you couldn’t fold them tight. The pre ‘81 can pull them off looks wise better than the later style in my opinion.

Re: 1976 CCSB Duramax Project #trucknamedsue
 

yeah my current un-restored doors are all torn up from the mirrors over the years.

The tripods and bigger ones really point load the door where its not supported.

I'm not sure if they are west coast or not, but I have seen some smaller versions of the ones that bolt at the top and bottom of the windows. I'll have to try and find pics.

Re: 1976 CCSB Duramax Project #trucknamedsue
 

a little update to catch everything up to current.

kept working on the core support, it's mostly done.

welded out the vertical supports.

https://i.imgur.com/jZG51jy.jpg?4

knocked them smooth and planished back flat

https://i.imgur.com/QHaNX0C.jpg?3

bent up a lower pan. had to do 2 pieces and weld together because my brake is short.

https://i.imgur.com/EtxRYIX.jpg?3

https://i.imgur.com/mRxHT5P.jpg?3

https://i.imgur.com/UtZNgz3.jpg?3

https://i.imgur.com/T1P0Bhc.jpg?3

https://i.imgur.com/OXoN6Wz.jpg?3

the pan actually passes up the top of the body bushing, I had to do this because of the height of the intercooler.

https://i.imgur.com/UHoOZVA.jpg?3

dimpled it for strength.

https://i.imgur.com/rv7l7PV.jpg?3

https://i.imgur.com/xoRqAXI.jpg?3

my plan is to use the stock battery mounts for the '76, so I had make that work with the cutting I've done. kinda cool for the 2nd battery tray the core support is center punched for the holes but they aren't drilled.

https://i.imgur.com/hTDsj0V.jpg?3

https://i.imgur.com/Qnwnk3C.jpg?3

https://i.imgur.com/bq9RT4C.jpg?3

made pieces to finish off the bottoms of the vertical supports.

https://i.imgur.com/O7xlGY1.jpg?3

https://i.imgur.com/vKDvcIO.jpg?3

also made caps to finish the very bottoms

https://i.imgur.com/mBf2m3U.jpg?3

top IC mounts are machined and welded in the top of the core support bar.

https://i.imgur.com/QLy9jnO.jpg?3

https://i.imgur.com/8YB5VOP.jpg?3

https://i.imgur.com/tOSxHMl.jpg?3

got everything welded up and did a test fit.

https://i.imgur.com/DHTGAEu.jpg?3

https://i.imgur.com/DrUei23.jpg?3

https://i.imgur.com/1pKmQeI.jpg?3

had to modify the top header panel

https://i.imgur.com/jn1kNp2.jpg?3

https://i.imgur.com/HmHYZi2.jpg?3

https://i.imgur.com/LoHSvU9.jpg?3

https://i.imgur.com/vaR3SPP.jpg?3

lengthen the grill mounts

https://i.imgur.com/nIxi93U.jpg?3

reshape the bottom of the hood latch support

https://i.imgur.com/x7uKcSB.jpg?3

https://i.imgur.com/Z40Ruk7.jpg?3

https://i.imgur.com/gaDqMxl.jpg?3

https://i.imgur.com/ZypYlor.jpg?3

I could get everything put on the truck now, so I shifted focus back to the front suspension. I needed to make the truck a roller so the shop floor could be painted.

The front coil bucket laser parts can in so I got them bent, fit, and welded up.

https://i.imgur.com/r6gT4kT.jpg?2

https://i.imgur.com/Ev5XJqR.jpg?3

https://i.imgur.com/dn9XNhE.jpg?3

https://i.imgur.com/tkC0Ui6.jpg?3

installed

https://i.imgur.com/J2Kq5Ee.jpg?3

https://i.imgur.com/uAjoxR8.jpg?3

Re: 1976 CCSB Duramax Project #trucknamedsue
 

Everything about this is impressive.

Re: 1976 CCSB Duramax Project #trucknamedsue
 

Loving this. Thanks again for sharing your build details.
:metal:

Re: 1976 CCSB Duramax Project #trucknamedsue
 

thanks!

fighting the pictures sizing but it looks better now.

I'll keep going..

Re: 1976 CCSB Duramax Project #trucknamedsue
 

with the coil buckets done I moved to rebuild the front axle. All new seals, modified brackets, warn hubs, brakes, paint, etc... ready to go. also installed the Reid Racing high steer knuckle.

what I started with-

https://i.imgur.com/VR5r5PT.jpg?1

https://i.imgur.com/XBoJxdd.jpg?2

axle needed a rebuild. hubs were leaking water.

https://i.imgur.com/yCUIY4C.jpg?1

disassembled- diff cover cleaned up. welded up some scarring.

https://i.imgur.com/fWM4E0r.jpg?1

https://i.imgur.com/qXLhfQc.jpg?1

swapped out the stock panhard bracket for one I made.

https://i.imgur.com/n124FgW.jpg?1

https://i.imgur.com/KsyXTFt.jpg?1

also added the sway bar mounts

https://i.imgur.com/Wfjnglr.jpg?1

https://i.imgur.com/HLmRJpx.jpg?1

wire wheeled everything

https://i.imgur.com/GLOVDMl.jpg?2

washed off

https://i.imgur.com/OcLTqpQ.jpg?2

painted

https://i.imgur.com/jlarRW4.jpg?2

painting knuckles

https://i.imgur.com/9tsBX93.jpg?1

https://i.imgur.com/wSwya4g.jpg?4

https://i.imgur.com/ogNpRCa.jpg?1

finally reassembled

https://i.imgur.com/Ev1i9hv.jpg?2

https://i.imgur.com/0mx3Nt5.jpg?1

https://i.imgur.com/Ajq5yhh.jpg?3

I was able to toss the finished axle underneath and bolt up the coil overs and had a roller for the first time.

https://i.imgur.com/vtVljff.jpg?3

since I had to move for a little while I loaded most my tools in the truck. It held the weight fine- probably around 1500lbs of stuff.

https://i.imgur.com/N3gAZ6w.jpg?3

while I was displaced I went ahead and reamed the pitman and machined a spacer for the TRE.

https://i.imgur.com/YPafKC7.jpg?3

also planned out all my trailer hitch stuff.

the front hitch has recovery padeye on each end. then a standard receiver in the center. padeyes are 5/8" plate to 3/8" mounts. much heavier than I'm used to working with but I made it work.

https://i.imgur.com/R74jcd0.jpg?2

https://i.imgur.com/E809x0G.jpg?2

https://i.imgur.com/TRrVtfK.jpg?2

https://i.imgur.com/yiBxzZX.jpg?2

rear hitch is a late model GM hitch cut down width wise. Made the frame brackets from some scrap 6x6x1/4" material I had laying around the shop.

https://i.imgur.com/NtrTk6Q.jpg?2

https://i.imgur.com/rq9zgbS.jpg?2

https://i.imgur.com/68qUU3B.jpg?2

https://i.imgur.com/TPRfTfM.jpg?2

https://i.imgur.com/vYgZNNj.jpg?2

I have a little bit of work left on the rear hitch then I'll be working on a steering brace/crossmember for the front.

I'll try to update more frequently to keep things manageable.

Re: 1976 CCSB Duramax Project #trucknamedsue
 

Awesome fabrication work. Really enjoying your build.

Re: 1976 CCSB Duramax Project #trucknamedsue
 

Yay!!!!!!! Truck Porn!!!!!!!!!!!

Re: 1976 CCSB Duramax Project #trucknamedsue
 

Geez. I was proud of myself for putting on an intake, lowering springs, and a power brake booster. Then guys like RADustin gotta come along.


Amazing work. You have got to be a fabrication Genius. Girlfriend is a square body and Duramax nut - can't wait to see this one done. Beautiful work

Re: 1976 CCSB Duramax Project #trucknamedsue
 

Thanks guys- glad yall are enjoying the progress.

Re: 1976 CCSB Duramax Project #trucknamedsue
 

Impressive design and fabrication....great welds too!

Re: 1976 CCSB Duramax Project #trucknamedsue
 

Unbelievable work, can't wait for more updates!

Re: 1976 CCSB Duramax Project #trucknamedsue
 

:agree:

Re: 1976 CCSB Duramax Project #trucknamedsue
 

super awesome.

Re: 1976 CCSB Duramax Project #trucknamedsue
 

Bump!!!! It's time for some updates!! Hopefully you're done with my copy of your suspension :metal:

Re: 1976 CCSB Duramax Project #trucknamedsue
 

I've seen some cool updates on instagram! Hoping they make it here... ;)

Re: 1976 CCSB Duramax Project #trucknamedsue
 

Amazing work you're doing here! I'm really jealous of the 3d scanning and the planning it all in solid works. You are doing an awesome job and your fab work is excellent! Do you work in a body shop full time?

Re: 1976 CCSB Duramax Project #trucknamedsue
 

I'll get an update put up. Been working off the list everyone hates- all the small detail/odds/ends parts.


:metal:

Thanks! No I have access to a body shop(my fathers) but I don't work there. I worked summers growing up but my day to day is design engineering.

I treat fabrication as a craft and a hobby. It's something I'll never be good enough at and always push to get better. At the same time, I'm not sure yet how to sustain my current income and do it as a job- so it remains a hobby.

Re: 1976 CCSB Duramax Project #trucknamedsue
 

By looking at your work I'd beg to differ that you couldn't do it for a living. But I know all to well what you mean. The costs of equipment to get going is no cheap deal nor a small feat. Either way, keep up the great work!

Re: 1976 CCSB Duramax Project #trucknamedsue
 

Awesome work! Love the fab work

Re: 1976 CCSB Duramax Project #trucknamedsue
 

I will certainly follow along with this one. That is the suspension that I will build some day. I am sure mine will net be as pretty though.

Re: 1976 CCSB Duramax Project #trucknamedsue
 

Fantastic update! I love this build.

Re: 1976 CCSB Duramax Project #trucknamedsue
 

yep! and I have a certain way I'd want to do things- and being picky costs even more $$.

thanks:metal:

you may be able to buy this exact setup, with instructions on the installation;)

Re: 1976 CCSB Duramax Project #trucknamedsue
 

stay tuned, more to come!

Re: 1976 CCSB Duramax Project #trucknamedsue
 

Time for a update! Way over due as usual!

Finished up some final suspension/frame pieces.

first up was a little spreader bar between the 4-link mounts.
https://i.imgur.com/Af3FQJP.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/8Vis39h.jpg

then I worked on the spare tire carrier and rear frame supports. I wanted to tie the hitch in well, and have a spare tire winch. I designed around the 2014 donor truck winch.
https://i.imgur.com/9homwIG.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/7t5jbdW.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/iyBBayB.jpg

finally found the set of wheels I've been looking for. 20x10 Weld Racing Cheyenne wheels. in 8 on 170 pattern. I will convert the rear to work, front will remain stock. This is due to the rear hubs being a non-wear item but the front unit bearings are. I just peaked in the wheel boxes and put them in storage.
https://i.imgur.com/oVrLgRB.jpg

finished out front crossmember and steering box supports. This will give me a ton more lower radiator clearance and be stronger than the OEM piece. It also integrates and shares a bolt with the sway bar mounts.
https://i.imgur.com/q4YyHEN.jpg

notched the tie bar in the front to clear the master.
https://i.imgur.com/M8lgsaH.jpg

then I started the massive journey of the exhaust and hangers and such. I did a 3" out the turbo and merged to 4" along side the transmission. 20" magnaflow muffler and a 5" dual wall tip. The dual wall tip is not just for looks but also so the tip doesn't drone and magnify the exhaust note. I don't want a loud truck, but some good sound should be nice. Used all the rubber hangers from the donor truck to hold the exhaust firm in place, but let it live.

started at the front using a stainless ebay downpipe. Cut off the 9th injector bung and fabricated a new lower downpipe mount since I rotated the downpipe in from factory position. also cut off the factory bubble flange.
https://i.imgur.com/qZPVDat.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/RQd0xUu.jpg

making my way rearward-
https://i.imgur.com/JwsJQ6o.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/i96Ynra.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/Yq5TZE3.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/UTZzHry.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/mEd6O7D.jpg

welding out-
https://i.imgur.com/qIlbyGl.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/nV5SJuH.jpg

bent up a front hanger-
https://i.imgur.com/eLsjwVV.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/4JzCgvF.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/3Z6kLTR.jpg

hung muffler up tight-
https://i.imgur.com/XJCb19T.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/LG48lxN.jpg

exhaust hanger bent up-
https://i.imgur.com/rXLFp5P.jpg

exhaust hanger on the muffler, ready for welding
https://i.imgur.com/PbWjh2G.jpg

hung
https://i.imgur.com/zw9CrjE.jpg

final rear section over the axle-
https://i.imgur.com/1XpbcKL.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/tlLWSDK.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/rxCIMOD.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/hf9n4df.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/vaSpun4.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/1wDPzpI.jpg

welding out the rear-
https://i.imgur.com/9qMDtJp.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/lg66tT9.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/cJjY5OU.jpg

rear hanger
https://i.imgur.com/0awiK1c.jpg

Re: 1976 CCSB Duramax Project #trucknamedsue
 

The steering column finally came in. Beware ordering from IDIDIT. It will take WEEEEKS.:waah: but it does look nice when it comes in.
https://i.imgur.com/40LWbaF.jpg

planning out my steering wheel angle sensor-
https://i.imgur.com/BsZtuZz.jpg

got the brake position sensor mounted in. studied the stock setup from the 2014 and mimicked it.

machined a pin for the brake arm.
https://i.imgur.com/uqP6tmS.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/zdwgqht.jpg

welded to a plate to bolt to the arm.
https://i.imgur.com/F4TaaUY.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/ZiFOgO2.jpg

everything fit up-
https://i.imgur.com/XqBtNpT.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/5E9SbAI.jpg

welded-
https://i.imgur.com/iYqNdfl.jpg

in the truck, clears the column and brake arm well.
https://i.imgur.com/k9xW7zI.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/kEBCZrY.jpg

and it works-
https://i.imgur.com/FJJk7Sz.mp4

then I started working on the front fenders. I wanted to knock out some body work to keep it from piling up at the end.

I decided it was best to pull the fenders apart and take the skins off. Then I can fully blast and prime every surface and fix all the damage much easier.

separated-
https://i.imgur.com/7Cr1PrN.jpg

nasty inside, and lots of damage.
https://i.imgur.com/Xj8QrbK.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/94fEkep.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/qmaE9rN.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/GANIMEO.jpg

fixed-
https://i.imgur.com/vwVT0ps.jpg

inside of the inner/outer, primed and blacked out with weld thru on the edges.
https://i.imgur.com/8j4ykTG.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/OvKKBjb.jpg

back together- took about 3 hrs to take apart, 3 hours to put back together, about 2 hours to fix all the damage plus blast and prime work. So no small feat.
https://i.imgur.com/SuHE9RX.jpg

I'm currently working on the passenger fender. Got it ripped apart and ready for blasting. And I'll be working on body work for the drivers.


Hope yall enjoy:gmc2:

Re: 1976 CCSB Duramax Project #trucknamedsue
 

I really like your exhaust work and usage of oem type hangers. Phenomenal work!

Re: 1976 CCSB Duramax Project #trucknamedsue
 

Oh man soooooo much awesome fab work!!! Please hurry up and get done so you can build replica parts for me!! LOL but seriously