Re: 1972 Medium Olive SWB Driver Build-“Chester”
 

thats a really nice rig you got there Bozly can you show us the yellow cab

Re: 1972 Medium Olive SWB Driver Build-“Chester”
 

Sorry Slow, not trying to detract from your thread.

This likely shows the best look of what the original colors looked like. This cab/bed area was protected by a canopy top from purchase date until now.

https://i.imgur.com/jB5bilI.jpg

First time pulling it in the driveway before cleaning it all up a bit.

https://i.imgur.com/zt2zOrF.jpg

Here is a picture of the build specs. I have had to show it to more people than you would expect in person. People around here often say it's not a factory color so I have to prove it to them.

https://i.imgur.com/bnFKb2H.jpg

Re: 1972 Medium Olive SWB Driver Build-“Chester”
 

Thank you

I’ll be honest I don’t know what they are. A buddy of mine has a local shop and picked them up to try. It’s a clear 7” housing that takes the newer style bulb.


No big deal.

Re: 1972 Medium Olive SWB Driver Build-“Chester”
 

So I decided my big winter project will be to get the suspension dialed in. I’ve never been thrilled with the stance and the ride so after countless hours trying to put together a nice cost-effective setup I threw all that out the window and ordered the Ridetech StreetGrip kit yesterday.

Re: 1972 Medium Olive SWB Driver Build-“Chester”
 

Cool, go big or go home...!

Re: 1972 Medium Olive SWB Driver Build-“Chester”
 

I dig your trucks. I'll follow along. I'm interested in the streetgrip kit as well. I'm in between that and QA1 kit. Looking forward to see how it goes on your truck.

Re: 1972 Medium Olive SWB Driver Build-“Chester”
 

Thank you. Ridetech is about an hour from me so I know a few of the guys there and.have been to their shop. Real cool place. Back in April I got to take a spin in their ‘72 shop truck with the StreetGrip kit. It was amazing how good it rode and drove. I’ll keep this thread updated on the install. Kit is suppose to be here next week.

Re: 1972 Medium Olive SWB Driver Build-“Chester”
 

Today I was finally able to swing by and pick up my suspension kit. It came in a little over a week ago but I decided to blow out my knee at the gym so that slowed things down a bit.

I can tell you one thing, that big box is HEAVY! Now I hope to finally get my garage cleaned up this weekend and get started on installing the kit.

While I was at the local speed shop I went ahead and ordered a CPP 500 series steering box and the other misc. items I need to convert to power steering.

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7815/...c115de26_z.jpg

Re: 1972 Medium Olive SWB Driver Build-“Chester”
 

Took today off work to finally get started on the StreetGrip kit. The front end took longer to get apart than I expected. Biggest issue was the back u-bolts for the lower control arms. With 47 years of gunk and the POS long tubes that are on this truck make something simple take a couple of hours, some choice works and busted knuckles.

Kit all laid out ready to install.

Attachment 1875856

Reference point: 1-coil cut and CPP 2.5” spindles up front and CPP 4” springs out back.

Attachment 1875857

Re: 1972 Medium Olive SWB Driver Build-“Chester”
 

Truck on jack stands ready for some new parts.

Attachment 1875859

About 4-hours later

Attachment 1875860

Re: 1972 Medium Olive SWB Driver Build-“Chester”
 

Slow moving progress but getting there. I'll share a few of my trial and tribulations on this install.

Go ahead and purchase (2) sets of Dorman 13503 lower control arm u-bolts for a C30. A nice cheap upgrade and will make installation much easier. The toughest thing I've encountered so far was getting the back bolts out. Most of that has to do with my long tubes.

The instructions for the StreetGrip kit are less than to be desired. For an extreme novice like myself I had questions that the instructions did not answer. I found the Strong Arms instructions to be much more detailed.

I paid to have my bushings and pressed in and shafts installed. I assumed they were ready to install but found the nuts to be zipped on with an impact to the point you could do pullups on the arms and the dowel pins for easy install were the wrong measurement. I found this out once I had already installed them and found a lower arm to be hitting the crossmember. So MEASURE before install.

The Delrin bushings are very tight so don't expect the arms to move as freely as the factory. A Ridetech dealer and one of their guys both confirmed this was normal. Knowing this would have saved me several hours.

BTW I've had great tech support from my dealer and George at Ridetech. Both dealt with me via text late on Saturday night when they didn't have to.

So while waiting on responses on the front I started on the rear. I'm to the point I'm ready to cut in the c-notches but at that point in the evening I was several beers in and figured I'd wait until I have a fresher mind. :lol: Still probably going to need few to take the edge off of cutting the frame.

Once I got the info I needed the front went together very easy. I would be completely done with the front other than I couldn't find the :censored: shock bolts.

I also cleaned up the fender wells a little and threw some paint on to give it a better appearance.

Hope to get back at it this weekend and possibly finish up.

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7855/...22680c32_z.jpg

Re: 1972 Medium Olive SWB Driver Build-“Chester”
 

Are those spindles the same drop as you removed?

Re: 1972 Medium Olive SWB Driver Build-“Chester”
 

Yes. The kit comes with the same spindles I robbed off of my ‘67.

Re: 1972 Medium Olive SWB Driver Build-“Chester”
 

It is good to see the progress and to learn about the challenges too. Thanks for sharing, Ryan.

Re: 1972 Medium Olive SWB Driver Build-“Chester”
 

Nice!
I'm curious, alignment shims on control arm studs, how did you figure out how many to put back in? My front end suspension is all put together but I realized the alignment is way off. Not sure if I can remove any shims without taking it apart again..? Or if I should just wait until it's driving to mess with alignment.

Re: 1972 Medium Olive SWB Driver Build-“Chester”
 

The instructions state to put the shims in exactly how they were. As soon as I get my truck on the together and power steering conversion it’s going to a local hot rod shop, which so happens to be my Ridetech dealer, to get aligned. I also got the steering kit from Ridetech which is new Moog inner/outer tie rod ends, sleeves and pitman arm.

Re: 1972 Medium Olive SWB Driver Build-“Chester”
 

This truck keeps fighting me, but slowly getting there. The front is now done with the exception of the sway bar. I also painted the calipers and rotor hats. Didn't spend a whole lot of time but looks way better than it was.

The rear is starting to kick my arse. The u-bolt nuts were rusted shut. My impact wouldn't break them free so I ended up cutting the passenger u-bolt. I thought installing the drop block and lower shock mount would be pretty easy but apparently my reared shifted back about 1/2" and was not able to get the bolts to line up with the trailing arm. I still have the CPP springs and drivers u-bolt still installed. Guess doing one side at a time is now off the table. Upper shock mounts were a piece of cake.

Completed front-end

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7913/...a708f221_z.jpg

Re: 1972 Medium Olive SWB Driver Build-“Chester”
 

Got some time out in the garage over the weekend but still not finished. I installed the swaybar, new idler arm, cleaned/painted/reinstalled the cross shaft, new pitman arm, and CPP 500-series power steering pump. The only thing missing on the front end now is the tierods and a new rag joint. I thought I was getting one from my buddy but he said I probably didn't need it. He was wrong. That power steering pump is a beast and a whole lot of fun to install by yourself btw.

The rear is now 100% ready for the c-notches. I've worried over them to the point I may have an ulcer. :lol: Seriously I've sat down about 4x times to start on them and I'm just not comfortable with the template to drill the wholes in the right spot. A buddy came over, whom is as machinist, and said he wasn't scared. So either he's going to help me or I'm pulling the bed off and drilling the holes from inside the frame.

Re: 1972 Medium Olive SWB Driver Build-“Chester”
 

So I went to pickup a new rag joint today and got this surprise at my buddy's shop. I originally ordered these for my '67 but starting to think they might look good on the '72.

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7908/...e7ef3127_z.jpg

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7857/...93ac2961_z.jpg

Re: 1972 Medium Olive SWB Driver Build-“Chester”
 

You’re gonna do it, aren’t yah? :metal:

Re: 1972 Medium Olive SWB Driver Build-“Chester”
 

Yes I am. My reasoning is a) the '67 is nowhere close to being on the road and b) the Ridlers need new tires and c) my truck budget is getting low and I can "save" some money by not buying a 2nd set of tires. :fro:

Re: 1972 Medium Olive SWB Driver Build-“Chester”
 

Sounds like brilliant logic! At least brilliant "honey, I'm savin' money" logic :lol:

Re: 1972 Medium Olive SWB Driver Build-“Chester”
 

Got a little bit of time out in the garage this evening. Finished buttoning up the front end. I’ve got a few buddies coming over this weekend so hopefully the rear will be finished by Sunday.

Attachment 1886870

A teaser pic

Attachment 1886871

Re: 1972 Medium Olive SWB Driver Build-“Chester”
 

Had a buddy come down from Indy this weekend and really made some headway. I’m now down to installing the power steering pump and replacing a rear brake line we snapped while trying to reroute it with the c-notch. Overall I love the stance. Initial measurement is .5” lower in the front and 1” in the rear. Looks lower than that to me.

Attachment 1888214

Re: 1972 Medium Olive SWB Driver Build-“Chester”
 

Looks good Ryan!

Re: 1972 Medium Olive SWB Driver Build-“Chester”
 

Well looks like I'm going to have to find new wheels once again for the '67. Pretty sure these are staying on this truck. I'm very happy with the stance and look. Truck has come a long way in the past year.

Power steering is hooked up and changed out the worn out harmonic balancer. Found out my engine is more than likely a 305 and leaking from about every orifice. Looks like that may be next on the list.

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7810/...3cd3610d_z.jpg

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7874/...2d4a7a6c_z.jpg

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7893/...a60a1649_z.jpg

Re: 1972 Medium Olive SWB Driver Build-“Chester”
 

Wheels look great! And that leaking motor ‘repair’ can be a slippery slope as you well know ;)

Re: 1972 Medium Olive SWB Driver Build-“Chester”
 

Any comments on the ride tech ride, vs the previous setup?

Re: 1972 Medium Olive SWB Driver Build-“Chester”
 

Oh I know. I've been planning a motor for a while so I "should" be able to keep it in check. But then again I do have an LQ4 and T56 sitting in the garage :ito:

I really like the stance. I got it running and power steering lined out late last night and decided to wait to test drive it after work today. All I've done is back it out of the garage so I could clean the floor.

Re: 1972 Medium Olive SWB Driver Build-“Chester”
 

Looks very good Ryan!

Re: 1972 Medium Olive SWB Driver Build-“Chester”
 

Think I'd take the afternoon off to test it out

Re: 1972 Medium Olive SWB Driver Build-“Chester”
 

Thanks Doug

Its tempting. May be able to sneak out a little early.

Re: 1972 Medium Olive SWB Driver Build-“Chester”
 

So the internet was going in and out so I took advantage and decided to "work from home". Got home, torqued the lugnuts, checked fluids one last time and took a trip down the road. Overall it went really well. I've got the shocks set to their "street" setting and overall it rides and drives great. Given new tires and no alignment I didn't go but a few miles and kept it at low speeds.

With the suspension and new steering I've got to learn to drive the truck all over again. The play in the steering wheel is gone and I keep turning WAY too early. Good thing a cop wasn't behind me or he'd probably pull me over for suspicion of drunk driving.

I've got a couple of things to iron out and then I'll get it aligned. I have an appt for Wednesday.

Re: 1972 Medium Olive SWB Driver Build-“Chester”
 

Took the truck to get an alignment and now the truck is pretty much ready to go! I'm really really digging this truck now. Other than the complete lack of power its pretty fun to drive and seems to get even more attention than before.

I highly recommend the Ridetech Streetgrip kit. Pretty simple install and the ride is great. The only issue I have with handling is I can't keep myself planted in the vinyl bench seat enough to really test it out. :lol:

The CPP power steering conversion is another great addition. The steering is super responsive and tight but still very easy to turn. It seems it could benefit from a smaller diameter steering wheel though.

Washed it and took a few pics on my way home yesterday.

https://live.staticflickr.com/7900/4...ac0165e2_z.jpg

https://live.staticflickr.com/7838/4...66085f6b_z.jpg

https://live.staticflickr.com/7845/4...ba0d8a9a_z.jpg

https://live.staticflickr.com/7844/4...95c6ae4c_z.jpg

Re: 1972 Medium Olive SWB Driver Build-“Chester”
 

Ryan, truck looks great! LS & T56 and done....’ish. ;)

Re: 1972 Medium Olive SWB Driver Build-“Chester”
 

Really nice. The wheels are just perfect.:metal:

Re: 1972 Medium Olive SWB Driver Build-“Chester”
 

Thank you. The thought has crossed my mind once or twice ;)

Thank you

Re: 1972 Medium Olive SWB Driver Build-“Chester”
 

So I haven't updated this thread lately as I've been out enjoying the truck this summer/fall.

However I believe the motor is starting to get a little tired and my throw-out bearing is getting pretty noisy. I'll probably replace the bearing but I've been looking at motor options. I've seriously considered going a simple route and putting in a 355 crate motor but as of now I believe I'm going to move forward on the LS swap in this truck. I've already got the motor, transmission, and fuel tank so I might as well.

I'll make my decision around Christmas as I'm getting a lift installed in the garage in a couple of weeks. I'm pretty excited about that.

Here's a few pics of my excursions over the summer.

I purchased another foxbody Mustang to flip but decided to keep. I'm having fun with it as well.

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...298a219b_z.jpg

Drove the truck to TN for the truck nationals with a group.

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...5e1c3c68_z.jpg

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...52146bf8_z.jpg

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...71f06f06_z.jpg

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...5c28311c_z.jpg

Used it to move the inlaws

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...a982975d_z.jpg

A couple of car shows

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...64043abf_z.jpg

And overall driving the wheels off of it

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...61e6157f_z.jpg

Re: 1972 Medium Olive SWB Driver Build-“Chester”
 

Been watching this truck for a while now, would be awesome to see an LS swap happen!:metal::metal::metal::metal::metal:

Re: 1972 Medium Olive SWB Driver Build-“Chester”
 

Glad to see some progress is being made.