Re: Rodstored-72's 1986 DD build
 

Looking good keep pecking away and you will get her done

Re: Rodstored-72's 1986 DD build
 

I am getting out of order, but I thought I would give a little more detail to the work done. After installing the differential and springs I then decided to install new rear brake shoes and do general cleaning of the brakes. I have not messed with drum brakes since H.S. (A VERY LOOONG TIME AGO!!:ack:) after a few choice words & help from a manual or two … I FINALLY was able to get both sides with new shoes & they are a bit cleaner now. I also decided to clean & paint the drums too. Sooo.. I spit shined them & using a red scuff pad I gave each drum a once over & then painted them. I found a krylon color (sunset red) that I think matches good enough:ito:. I have been bad about remembering to take pictures but I found one that kinda shows the painted drums… albeit in the background. Here are a few pictures to show some of the work... enjoy:smoke:

Re: Rodstored-72's 1986 DD build
 

Next on the docket was supposed to be re installing the bed… BUT a “friend” of mine said to me ”are you planning on keeping the cab back looking like that?!”. Soooo with that being said, I decided I should address the cab back wall. I once again cleaned the back off & then sanded it down. I broke out my newly purchased GLOBAL HVLP paint sprayer and decided to give it a “shot”!..:uhmk:. I mixed up some O.G. paint color & fired up the compressor. I sprayed the cab wall with 3 good coats of paint, and let set overnight. Later the next morning I then sprayed 3 coats of clear. There is a little orange peel, but not enough that I felt like redoing anything. I THINK that I did not have enough pressure and/or not enough/too much material?? Anyways on with the pictures., which I eluded to previously….

Re: Rodstored-72's 1986 DD build
 

So! now that all that has been done, I felt like it was time to start installing the fuel tanks & ALL the appurtenances along with them. I have a friend that is doing a LS swap too & he received his tank from “tanks, inc.” I happen to look at the tank & I really like the finish that it came with. I decided that I could mimic that too. I went to the local “blue” box store & found a metal paint that I thought matched the finish – rustoleum “metallic” finish, which to me looks very similar to a “hammertone” type finish.

Re: Rodstored-72's 1986 DD build
 

Those turned out GOOD! Very nice

Re: Rodstored-72's 1986 DD build
 

Any chance on getting a shot of the can? Doing tanks shortly and would love to know, those look great!

Re: Rodstored-72's 1986 DD build
 

Lo. Elco, I think this is what you are referring to? if not here is the type of paint I used on the gas tanks and appertances... hope this helps.

updates to come soon... some not so good...:m6::waah:

Re: Rodstored-72's 1986 DD build
 

Yup, that's what I needed, thanks!

Re: Rodstored-72's 1986 DD build
 

cool!! glad that I could help. good luck!!:ito:

Re: Rodstored-72's 1986 DD build
 

Ok, I know it has been a while, but now that I have some time, I thought I would update the build…. Some good things and some bad things…. Good stuff is I figured out the wiring and fuel line routing to finally install the tanks & put the bed on. I ran the wire from the ’13 truck fuel pump to the new ’87 tank switch in the cab. I then ran the 2 power wires from the switch to the tank valve and 6wire pigtail. The fuel line(s) I ran from the tanks (all was stock location) to the valve and then a single line to the corvette fuel pressure regulator/filter and then to the factory ’13 fuel line from the engine. A good friend helped me with all of this and his help was very appreciated. I must also mention that I was lucky enough to get A LOT of help and guidance from Jason Bowman at the BIG10 GARAGE here in the valley.

Re: Rodstored-72's 1986 DD build
 

Now, with the tanks, fuel lines and wiring all in place and routed good I decided to have my good friend help me with mounting the bed back in place. With my friend’s help & precision eye of my wife and daughter we were able to mount the bed with very little scratching & on the first try!... wwhheeeeww!!!:smoke: The filler necks and screwing the necks back onto the bed was a challenge, but with some patience, I was able to get it all back together.

Re: Rodstored-72's 1986 DD build
 

Well last of the good news…. The truck is basically back together… all the big items are taking care of. Here is a pick of the truck right after the big push for the major work done and a picture of the last of the good news…. I guess you guys are able to see the “good” addition….:metal:

Re: Rodstored-72's 1986 DD build
 

well unfortunately it is time for the bad news....:waah: on my family's way back from vacation we were involved in a accident. THANK GOD it was just us and no one else was involved! it was my fault and just stupid on my part! nothing was wrong I just misjudged a passing opportunity....:waah: that is all i want to share.. hopefully you guys will understand. the very good news out of the ordeal is that the wife & daughter are both ok with no injuries:metal: me though (I guess I deserve it) received 2 compression fractures in my lower back & will be wearing a back brace for atleast 5 weeks!:waah: soo.... no truck work during that time, not that as of now I really feel like doing anything - mentally or physically. overall i feel VERY BLESSED that is the worst. the tahoe is fixable & we don't have to try to buy something right now. just a bad deal for a while :waah:
pics.....

Re: Rodstored-72's 1986 DD build
 

I'm glad everyone is ok and hope for a speedy recovery.

Re: Rodstored-72's 1986 DD build
 

thank you ...appreciate;)

Re: Rodstored-72's 1986 DD build
 

Very glad to hear that everyone is OK. Take your time and get healed up and hope ya recover quickly.

Re: Rodstored-72's 1986 DD build
 

thanks!! I am planning to do just that. :ito:

Re: Rodstored-72's 1986 DD build
 

Oh no, when I came to the bad news, I was expecting to hear that. Glad your all somewhat ok. Sore, I’m sure. Get yourself healed up.

Re: Rodstored-72's 1986 DD build
 

tina (tkcr), thank you! yea it is a bit of a set back... but I am Very glad that I was only one hurt. I am "bracing" myself for this to be a slow recovery. I am hoping (going to try to) use this as a rebuilding opportunity to..... (as 6million dollar man)... build back better...stronger ;) :lol:

Re: Rodstored-72's 1986 DD build
 

ALL. My recovery has been/gone good. I am finishing up with phys. ther. & slowly getting back in the garage. I have been able to knock a few items off the "to-do" list :ito:. I will post some update stories and the obligatory pics that are always desired soon :metal:....

THANK YOU!!! guys for your support & well wishes!:metal:

Re: Rodstored-72's 1986 DD build
 

Good to read!

Re: Rodstored-72's 1986 DD build
 

well after reviewing my thread I realized that I did not include the information about my wire harness to the fans. I scoured the 2013 engine harness diagrams & after looking at them & alot of help from a friend, I was able to make a harness the utilized the factory X3 harness at the underwood fuse box. I believe I set it up so that one fan comes on with the engine start up & then a second fan kicks in when it reaches the standard temp for the original (2013) engine setting…. But don’t hold me to that. If questions arise, I will check back with my friend & he will remember how it was done. Now onto the pic….

Re: Rodstored-72's 1986 DD build
 

Working on the drive shaft was the last thing I did before the accident. I bought new u joints for it and installed those. It was a typical install of them so I won’t bore you with the details. I sanded it with a 36 grit disk on my air grinder and then wiped it down with brake cleaner and then wax & grease remover. I let it dry & then painted it with some of the left over paint I used on the tanks!:ito:.. I think it turned out pretty good:metal:. I have no idea how it will last spinning at a gazillion RPM!:lol: But it look pretty good for now.

Re: Rodstored-72's 1986 DD build
 

So a few weeks ago I started back on the truck:bann:. I had the wonderful wife and daughter help me, they were able and patient enough to lift & move stuff for me as needed. I took a page from “N2TRUX” playbook & decided to clean the back side of the front bumper. I used a sanding disk & got all the years of grime & debris off. I then used medium sand paper to get rid of the disk marks. After that I used a red scuff pad to scuff out the sanding marks, finally I used a fine steel wool pad to give the surface a nice sheen!:smoke: I probably did not do justice to ken:lol:… but I am happy with the final look!!:hm:

Re: Rodstored-72's 1986 DD build
 

I will throw a post in here related to the wiring. I followed the pinout info. From lt1swap (Brendan). Between his info and my GM engine diagrams I believe :rolleyes: I have the engine, computer, and DBW pedal all connected correctly. Finally :thud:I also got the OBDii port wired correctly. Talking with a friend with the hp tuner software, not to mention nudging from a few board members… I FINALLY figured out the correct pin assignments to read the ECM!... :bann:!! Below is the obdii port pin out. This is for a E38 ECM from a 2013 chevrolet Silverado.
Pin 1 thru pin 3= empty
Pin4= signal ground
Pin5= chassis ground
Pin6= ECM pin28 (2500) tan/blk canbus(+)
Pin7 thru pin13= empty
Pin14= ECM pin27 (2501) tan canbus(-)
Pin15= empty
Pin16= batt. (+) const. power
For me I used pin J5 from the “X4” connector (640) red/wht wire for pin 16.

Re: Rodstored-72's 1986 DD build
 

So over thanksgiving day my great nephews indicated to me that they would think it would be cool to help uncle jake on his truck… how cool right! … so… I set up a time for each to come over. I had the twins first help me with taking the bumpers off and take off the inner grille. I of course had to give a quick garage safety class along with a tool name & use course, they obviously thought that was the boring part of the day… over all I think they enjoyed some, I of course got the most benefit!... along with almost free labor. They insisted on going to a burger place for burgers and fries! so I again taught them that anytime time while working in the garage and you break for lunch you have to go to the gold standard…. In&out burger! Overall, it was cool & I hope that they will look back on the time in a fun memory. Below are a few pics to make them “known on the internet” …..

Re: Rodstored-72's 1986 DD build
 

The following weekend I had my other nephew over to help me with installing stuff back on & he also helped me with installing new items too. He of course got the same shop safety lecture as well as the tool name & use guided tour too. He says it wasn’t THAT boring, but I know he was just saying that to be nice…LOL. So, since I did it for the other nephews, he obviously had to have the same lunch experience…. So, after a few hours of hard labor, I treated him to the mandatory in & out burger experience. Once again, I think he enjoyed the time and I obviously had a very cool day too! In order to keep it fair I am posting a few pics to make him “internet famous” too.

Re: Rodstored-72's 1986 DD build
 

That’s nice to see the kids helping out in the garage.
Got a question though, did you guys install the grille without the center moldings & bow tie?

Re: Rodstored-72's 1986 DD build
 

TK, thanks!! I went ahead and installed the grille because I am not sure yet what I am going to do related to the inner trim pieces. I don’t want to spend the $100 to buy the trim and inner color strip, so… I am thinking that I might look into creating a custom version of it myself. I think that glass/mirror chrome trim edging and a strip of real thin alum. (Like soda can thickness) to recreate it?? Just not sure yet…:cool:
Also, I think I might put a chrome bowtie instead of the typ. gold version… if I can find a chrome version that will fit? Maybe a newer truck model??? Anyways just still debating….:bowtie: your or board Thoughts???:smoke:

Re: Rodstored-72's 1986 DD build
 

I decided to knock out a couple things on the truck. I for now want to keep the factory engine cover. I wanted to “spruce” it up some, so I scuffed it up and then wiped it down with brake cleaner and grease remover. I then tediously taped off areas and spray bombed it with my rattle can red. After a day of drying, I then taped off the red areas & then sprayed with semi-gloss black. After letting it dry, I installed it in its place. I think it turned out pretty nice :devil:

Re: Rodstored-72's 1986 DD build
 

I have been getting back into a regular routine of going out in the garage a few nights a week and then doing what I can on the weekends. I was needing to take a break from the wiring & also parts were starting to arrive so I focused on assembling the front end for the complete & final time. I ordered a new center grille, bought a bowtie emblem (board member) and a VERY NICE purchase of the center trim pieces in the grille from TKCR (Tina)! They are in excellent shape…so much so that I decided to just keep the center section chrome (no red strips), to make up for the deleted strips I painted the bowtie red. I then proceeded to take a couple of nights to clean & polish the outer grille trim. I had to “hammer” a few dents & dings from them. Overall, I am happy with the outcome. my elbows are a little sore from applying the grease…:lol:

Re: Rodstored-72's 1986 DD build
 

I let my arms and hands rest from applying elbow grease on the center grille pieces so I started on the outer grille trim pieces. These are O.G. to the truck… at least the point I received it. I tried to work some of the damage over the years on the road. The process for all the cleanup was as follows, this was what I came up with, not a pro’s method. I used 1000 grit sandpaper and wet sanded the piece followed by 1200 grit rubbing compound (applied by dremel wheel) followed by 2000 grit sandpaper wet sanded. Finally, I used a polish to finish shine the pieces. the pics hopefully show the before and after of my work:lol:

Re: Rodstored-72's 1986 DD build
 

One of the items I needed were the outer trim grille clips. I had 1 original, but needed 3 more. I looked around for replacements, but decided that I might be able to make replacements faster than new ones would be shipped and cost less. I found some left over furniture/shelf brackets and some 8x32 screws. I did some measurements and decided all would work. A little cut here and a little welding there finally a little chrome paint and….. whaaalaa! They work beautiful and I think it turned out good. all said it took me about 2 hours to make the 4 clips and they work great. :metal:

Re: Rodstored-72's 1986 DD build
 

here are a few picks of the final product. I think it looks good considering this is meant to be a daily driver & not a show build....;)

Re: Rodstored-72's 1986 DD build
 

One of the tasks that I did on my previous build was to make my own license plate bracket. My previous one and this one were made to look kinda stock & to bolt in the stock location on the bumper. I know that the brackets can be bought & they are not that expensive, but I like to make things & they are not too complicated, so for a little custom touch I just make them myself. I first measured the bumper opening & the bolt locations. I then make a cardboard template, bend where needed & do a test fit. Once I have the shape desired & get an idea of the aesthetics then I trace the pattern onto a piece of metal/alum. My first one (for my ’72 build) was made from aluminum – because a welder was not available. It turned out good and worked just fine. This one I decided to make out of steel – because I now own a welder… and I am one heck of a grinder!...LOL!! So I traced the pattern out, cut/bent where needed as well as drilled the bolt holes. I test fitted it again for final layout. Happy with the final look I then proceeded to weld up the corners. I recheck the fit… I was good to go. Happy with the fit and look I decided to paint it. I liked the look of the paint I used on the tanks (see earlier tank posts) so I decided to use it again. I am happy with the final product. I used metal that I already had so the cost was just time. I probably could have bought it and made life easier, but I enjoyed the process and I have a little more satisfaction in the project.

Re: Rodstored-72's 1986 DD build
 

I think it looks better than good! Looks awesome! Good job:metal:

Re: Rodstored-72's 1986 DD build
 

THANKS! Tina, the piazz de' resistance:lol: .. ofcourse are the center grille pieces! :metal:

Re: Rodstored-72's 1986 DD build
 

Rodstored,

Just read through your build, nice job!

I think that we need a little update???

And where did you get that grill? Is it aftermarket? How does it fit? I noticed that you ditched the phantom grill. I prefer the factory trim myself.

Keep up the good work!

Re: Rodstored-72's 1986 DD build
 

ericU,
Thanks For taking the time to read!! Updates are in the works… it is excruciating to post! … :lol:!!! The grille and headlight bezels are repops from LMC truck, the pieces fit pretty good, I did do some minor “tweaking” to get a better fit for the grille. Overall I think the fit & finish is good. yea I am not a fan of the phantom grilles… although in H.S. I did put a thin bar billet grille on my ’79 big 10 … LOL!!
Thank you for the compliments… I am justa humble wanna be home garage builder!:two:

Re: Rodstored-72's 1986 DD build
 

well I am happy to report that ...... SHE RUNS!!!:devil: well did for about 10 minutes...:waah: the good news is that the wiring appears to be correct & other than needing a exhaust system, alignment, & dash programing(settings) and a tune... she WOULD be driving. now! for the bad news...:( the " great deal" on the engine appears to NOT have been such a great deal :cuss:. I am in the beginning process of a install again.....:banghead:

more to come!:o