Re: Yet another GMC build
 

Ya...it looks like Mr. Bill...OH NOOOOO!!! It's not done just yet though, maybe I can make a beard too...lol
I could always reverse placement or maybe whan the radio box gets built it'll look different.

On the sanding I'm wondering if some stiff round foam would be good. It might work to keep the rounded shape of the cowl but be WAY more flexible than a board sander. I have a couple foam and rubber blocks that work great on flat/ semi-flat areas but nothing cylinder shaped as of yet.

Re: Yet another GMC build
 

in the dura block kit there is a cylinder block. Its one of my favorites, its good for nearly every curve

Re: Yet another GMC build
 

You could also use a Fun-oodle, you know those swimming pool floating devices. Wrap some sand paper around one of those to shape and bend to all kinds of contours.

Re: Yet another GMC build
 

My wife said the same thing! I'd have to look at walmart but I think they may be out of season at the moment.

Re: Yet another GMC build
 

Realy nice job on your build! I know what you mean about getting to that point when you keep working and working and it starts to feel like your never going to get it done, I know I've been there. Somtimes it helps to take a break for a few weeks then get back on it. Keep up the good work, from what I see it's paying off!

Re: Yet another GMC build
 

Been working off an on with the bed and other body issues for several months inbetween side jobs and real life. It happens. I decided to take a break on the bodywork and do a couple other things. Got the frame painted and my suspension bolted in. I was told the black was semi gloss but it ended up being "holy crap get your sunglasses" gloss black instead. I got a gallon for free so what the heck, I'll use it! Only posting a rear pic because I found more sandpaper scratches than I liked on the firewall and I'm redoing it before stabbing the engine again and taking pics.

Re: Yet another GMC build
 

Also modified the tank for a late model GM EFI pump module. It required cutting the bung off the tank in four parts without cutting the tank (very time intensive) and modifying the module to fit. It was too long so it had to be taken apart and the tubes and springs shortened 2.5", reclock the pump to the housing, and bend the float to reflect the new height. Alot of work but now I can repair this module with about any 5.3 truck pump from the parts house. If you break down 500 miles away you don't want to have to special order a pump from JEGS and wait for it to get there. The mounting system came from my father in law. Again, it helps to have genious help from a CNC operator. The c ring goes inside the tank, the middle ring has countersunk bolts to locate the inner ring and provide a seat for the pump O ring, and the upper ring holds the pump in. Couldn't have done it myself and truly appreciate help like this!

Re: Yet another GMC build
 

The other thing that's been taking up time is my new girlfr...err..truck. Always wanted a 4x4 and now I've got one. 06 Dodge Big Horn 1500. I love this truck, HEMI and all. Takes some of the pressure off getting the GMC done. It already had a leveling kit, some nice Bridgestone AT Revo tires, and a Gale Banks catback. I've just built a front receiver mount for it and plan on that winch cradle and 10K winch along with building some rock slider style steps for it. 11 MPG sucks but still lovin it. And if Blackdiesel reads this...I like your new 06 Dodge project too but I think the driver side has a little scratch in the paint... Just kidding, hope to see it in one piece again!

Re: Yet another GMC build
 

If I'm reading this... nothing gets past me. And I worked all day buffing and I got all the scratchs out on my new truck. LOL :lol:

Re: Yet another GMC build
 

BTW, i'm almost done with my 06. painted today and got started on the interior. and some outside peices.
http://hphotos-sjc1.fbcdn.net/hs015...._1247979_n.jpg
sorry for the crappy pic, cell phone. will back it out in the sun tomorrow and snap some good ones

Re: Yet another GMC build
 

How are you so fast?!? If it wasn't for bodywork my truck might be done by now. BTW, I finally got the curved Durablock you suggested. Can't wait to try it out.

Re: Yet another GMC build
 

lol i get a little excited when it comes to new trucks, expecially a diesel. I've wanted an inferno red 3rd gen common rail dodge for years. She's all downhill from here, its coming along rather nicely. only thing at the moment that is slowing me up is they sent me manual mirrors instead of power tow mirrors like i'm setup for. need to line-x the inside of the bed too. and put in a gooseneck ball.

Those durablocks are awesome. it's the difference in getting one straight and making a very friendly truck (wavy)

Re: Yet another GMC build
 

front end teasers...engine cover is sitting loose. Still trimming and fitting it.

Re: Yet another GMC build
 

trucks looking great! lots of hours invested, but forsure will be hot!

Re: Yet another GMC build
 

I nabbed a set of tailgate links off an 80's model chevy gate that was going in the trash (mashed in BAD). I had to notch my tailgate, drill a couple holes, and shortened one end of the links by 1.5" but they are on now for a grand total of ZERO dollars. It just makes my day!

Re: Yet another GMC build
 

Great Idea for the straps. I was thinking of using tailgate cables off of a ford ranger or something along that line. would love to see what you did to your steering coloum to make it look like that. keep up the good work. Ive got a few jobs im trying to finish up, Im redoing a 48 chevy cab for a friend right now and in the middle of finishing a restoration on my dads 65 fastback mustang that the would like to be driving in the next month or so, so dont know how much time to play with my own. got a baby on the way as well so times running really short, just hope this truck doesnt have to take the back burner for to long! so one of us must keep working!lol if your willing to share I sure would like some imput on that steering coloum though.

Re: Yet another GMC build
 

I wish I knew more about that. My father in law the all knowing guru of hot rodding did almost all of that one. He made about 5 different tools to disassemble these columns and they come apart in a few dozen parts. I do know the body is 2.25 exhaust pipe and that shaving the keyhole was tricky. He used some kind of epoxy or panel adhesive or something to fill the hole once it was cut down. If you have a spare column to try it on and have the ability to fabricate the special tools to get it apart I'd say try it.

Re: Yet another GMC build
 

Spent a week on mounting a sanden compressor. Lots of cardboard templates and measuring and then sending it to the machine to be replicated in aluminum. Only a few parts had to be made twice. Had to mount it high because the stock compressor won't clear the Vette steering.

Re: Yet another GMC build
 

Picked up a set of 99 dodge ram seats and spent WAY too much time making brackets. I have some Sebring convertible seats that also have the built in seat belts but I wanted the bigger cushier seats. For those who don't know, if you do these kind of seats they require a seat belt controller and won't work without it.

Re: Yet another GMC build
 

glad to see progress. Them seats are HUGE lol

Re: Yet another GMC build
 

Ya, the original console between them is 15 inches wide and I have 5 inches between the seats. These trucks are just so narrow compared to late models, it feels like an S10 inside.

BTW what I've read on the net is that the factory GM variable displacement compressor on the 5.3l may or may not be compatible with Vintage Air units. I know you are planning on the stock compressor but you should look into this, black diesel. Shouldn't you be known as red diesel now? lol

Re: Yet another GMC build
 

I suppose this thread should be moved over to the builds section now? Anybody know?

Re: Yet another GMC build
 

What do you mean with seat belt controller?

Re: Yet another GMC build
 

Funny guy lol. actually my other dodge was white. no one could understand why i picked blackdiesel.... well smoke is black and smoke is also unburnt fuel. so =blackdiesel. i was a smoke-a-holic, i did nearly all of my mods solely for smoke. yeah, yeah, i know... stupid kids...

i am running the stock compressor. and i do have a vintage air.. i'll let you know how it works out haha. if it blows it up good-riddence! that thing sucks you-know-what.

Re: Yet another GMC build
 

also, on gpas 57. we installed durango full size buckets with a dakota center console. looks o-k. not as good as mine and dad's bench seats... but we have big back glass's and tall headrests look horrible in them

Re: Yet another GMC build
 

The dodge seats with built in belts are controlled with electronics. The "black box" locks or unlocks the seat belts, and it also contains a timer function to reduce battery drain. Google sebring convertible seats and look for a page under corvairkid. He does a really good write up on the wiring and function of these kinds of seats.

Re: Yet another GMC build
 

I'm using 07 Yukon third row seats in mine. Built in mechanical shoulder belts, middle lap belt. I built a frame to keep the tilt forward and easy removal like the Yukon has.

Re: Yet another GMC build
 

2001. They are leather but have a couple pin holes in them. I'd have to recover them either way and just thought the thicker seat would give a better ride.

Re: Yet another GMC build
 

Nice touch on filling the seams inside the cab. I did the same with mine on mine and I'm really glade I did. I have seen some really nice trucks and look inside and still see thoughs nasty seam, they just look bad.

Re: Yet another GMC build
 

What I've been working on for the last couple weeks. Fiberglass is easy but time consuming. I just didn't want to package a cone filter in the corner, I can use that space for other things. But we do have tons of hood clearance and I'm still considering making a fiberglass scoop assembly to attach to the hood that would direct air from the GMC hood hole to the air cleaner. My two favorite cars are the 69 Judge ram air and the 98-02 ram air Trans Ams so it makes sense, but would mean a ton more work for me.

Re: Yet another GMC build
 

what year of hood are you going to use?? if you used a 57 hood would you think about using the two bodylines and pehaps mold some exhaust tubing into the hood to use the body lines as vents to feed the intake??!!!??? just a thought!

Re: Yet another GMC build
 

I think he's using the opening in the GMC hood to feed it, very cool.

Re: Yet another GMC build
 

Back on eartth for the first time in 1.5 years. The rear sits too high. I got 3/4" lower by shaving the sides of the spring. It was too stiff anyhow, I could jump up and down in the back and it barely moved. I'll get another 1" with longer spring bolts and it should be about right.

Re: Yet another GMC build
 

Got one taillight bucket mounted. I almost chose 50 pontiac lights because of the shared heritage of GMC and pontiac engines. I got 48 ford lights instead because they look like stock suburban lights turned sideways. I wanted them higher than stock for more visibility and I am so tired of frenched this and that that I actually brought them out of the fender.

Re: Yet another GMC build
 

Awesome! Looks great, keep up the good work!

I have heard that if you use the gas shocks designed for the Corvette suspension, on the truck, it will be a really rigid and a rough ride. Coil overs have been recommended to me for this setup. Apparently it makes a huge difference.

Re: Yet another GMC build
 

It's rigid because of the spring, I think. When I jump on it now it bouces just like the front. Before I shaved the springs my extra 215lbs made no real difference and the tires were trying to bounce! Even Newman Car Creations recommends the factory mono spring and they do hundreds of these conversions. I think some companies suggest coil overs because they can make a bigger sale that way.

Re: Yet another GMC build
 

Ok, thats cool it bounces correctly now :)
Yeah, I kinda got the feel that the companies are trying to make a sale, but I remember reading it somewhere else too. It's good to know that shaving the springs helps out. I will definitely keep it in mind as it saves $$$. I checked out Newman's stuff...holy faq, they are $$$!

Re: Yet another GMC build
 

Started putting the fuel door for the side fill tank in. Taillight bucket 90 percent done. Still alot of work to finish this fender.

Started working on/ cleaning the passenger door. It's shot on the bottom and I thought it was better. Can't go riding around jeep style with no door so I ordered the inner patch panel from LMC.

Re: Yet another GMC build
 

Very nice, i like your fab work and you have very cool ideas.