Re: Big Tex's 83 Chevy 2wd to 4wd Conversion
 

Anymore on Big Red?

Re: Big Tex's 83 Chevy 2wd to 4wd Conversion
 

Well, not too much. But i did manage to get it drug home. And with a battery charger it starts, and runs. It won't move under it's own power becuase it doesn't have enough transmission fluid. I've got to get the correct o-ring or bushing for the fill tube and get that corrected.

I did replace the bed's front panel. Like so many of these trucks that were "used" over the years, the bed panel was bent in towards the cab. I ordered this one years ago from LMC, and finally installed it Father's Day weekend. The quality was......meh....I mean, I know it's a repop part, but there was a definate difference in the guage of the metal. The new one is noticably lighter than the old one. Looks good though.....

http://images2.snapfish.com/23232323...69%3B257ot1lsi

http://images2.snapfish.com/23232323...69%3C257ot1lsi

I've also been taking all the trim off of it, and i've DA'd the driver bed side.

Re: Big Tex's 83 Chevy 2wd to 4wd Conversion
 

Glad to hear an update! Keep working at 'er.. Little at a time!

Re: Big Tex's 83 Chevy 2wd to 4wd Conversion
 

Very Nice build. I like the progress you have made.:metal:

Re: Big Tex's 83 Chevy 2wd to 4wd Conversion
 

Shop looks awesome!

Re: Big Tex's 83 Chevy 2wd to 4wd Conversion
 

It's only been a little over a year.....but finally got some progress made on this thing. You guys know how life happens, and the projects get put on the back burner. That was ok, because it allowed me to save some money up to get this thing painted.

I am loving it. I should get it back today, but here are some pics of it at the paint shop.

Thanks to forum member 355Bullet for the color, Navy Blue Effect, which is from a 2002 Trans Am. Paint code 352E.

Arriving at the painter's shop:
http://images1.snapfish.com/23232323...feg9%3Agot1lsi

http://images1.snapfish.com/23232323...6g773%3Aot1lsi

http://images1.snapfish.com/23232323...f9%3A24eot1lsi

http://images1.snapfish.com/23232323...38dc%3Chot1lsi

Then getting some color....

http://images1.snapfish.com/23232323...3A7%3Bi9ot1lsi

http://images1.snapfish.com/23232323...Cg8c%3B7ot1lsi

http://images1.snapfish.com/23232323...Bcfhdc9eot1lsi

http://images1.snapfish.com/23232323...3A3d%3Acot1lsi

http://images1.snapfish.com/23232323...7eg%3Behot1lsi

http://images1.snapfish.com/23232323...Bhef4344ot1lsi

That's it for now. I'm excited to get it back, but kind of nervous about putting it all back together. I didn't have to worry about scratching it taking it apart!

Re: Big Tex's 83 Chevy 2wd to 4wd Conversion
 

Right on, Brent! Quite a project you it there. I can empathize with your feelings--I took a long hiatus from here to let life happen. I just freshened up my K20, passed inspection, and got new plates, and I have a couple plans for it. Keep up the great work!

Re: Big Tex's 83 Chevy 2wd to 4wd Conversion
 

Not sure how I missed that last update but the paint looks awesome!!! Got it all back together yet?

Re: Big Tex's 83 Chevy 2wd to 4wd Conversion
 

looks great!

Re: Big Tex's 83 Chevy 2wd to 4wd Conversion
 

Paint looks great! :metal: Use lots of tape when putting her back together to avoid scratches - especially around the door windows. Don't ask me how I know. :smoke:

Re: Big Tex's 83 Chevy 2wd to 4wd Conversion
 

Thanks Guys! It's not back together yet, well the bed and doors are on. Spent all my money on the paint job, so it's been sitting in the garage waiting on me. Finally scraped up enough to order a complete rubbers/weatherstrip kit. It just arrived, so I'll slowly start putting it back together.

Re: Big Tex's 83 Chevy 2wd to 4wd Conversion
 

Looks great! I do believe I just figured out what color I want to paint mine!

Re: Big Tex's 83 Chevy 2wd to 4wd Conversion
 

Got any new pics? :metal:

Re: Big Tex's 83 Chevy 2wd to 4wd Conversion
 

Here it is after paint with the bed and doors on. I've got the taillights in, the back glass installed, and new tailgate bumpers. Just been messing with little stuff as time allows. Got the inner fenders almost ready for a coat of semi-glosss. I hope to get more done over Christmas.

http://images1.snapfish.com/23232323...588f%3C6ot1lsi


http://images1.snapfish.com/23232323...9c%3Bf9cot1lsi

I think the red you can still see in the cab makes the blue have a purple tint in the pictures. When you see it in person it doesn't do that, it's just a dark navy.

Still got the sweet rims on it too!!

Re: Big Tex's 83 Chevy 2wd to 4wd Conversion
 

Sweet! I had an 83' GMC about that color. Looks great! :metal:

A little bit of work here and there adds up. Before you know it, you will be driving it.

Re: Big Tex's 83 Chevy 2wd to 4wd Conversion
 

Beautiful work! What did you use for the box liner? Looks perfect.

Re: Big Tex's 83 Chevy 2wd to 4wd Conversion
 

Thanks Green.

Quadzero - the painter used Raptor Liner in the bed.

Re: Big Tex's 83 Chevy 2wd to 4wd Conversion
 

Alright now, its been a few months, what does she look like all buttoned up?

Re: Big Tex's 83 Chevy 2wd to 4wd Conversion
 

great job, can't wait to see finished truck!

Re: Big Tex's 83 Chevy 2wd to 4wd Conversion
 

I appreciate you guys checking in, it gives me motivation. I've been working on rebuilding the vent windows. What a pain.

Also, who are you using for photo hosting? I was using Snapfish, but they have revamped their site, and it's not friendly anymore. The photos are huge, and you can't right click them to copy the URL anymore. I need to find another way.

Re: Big Tex's 83 Chevy 2wd to 4wd Conversion
 

imagur.com works great.

Re: Big Tex's 83 Chevy 2wd to 4wd Conversion
 

Alright guys, here's a few pics:

https://im1.shutterfly.com/ng/servic...342623/enhance

https://im1.shutterfly.com/ng/servic...342324/enhance

https://im1.shutterfly.com/ng/servic...340288/enhance

Re: Big Tex's 83 Chevy 2wd to 4wd Conversion
 

Very nice truck you are building here! It shines so nice!

Re: Big Tex's 83 Chevy 2wd to 4wd Conversion
 

Looking good Big Tex!

Re: Big Tex's 83 Chevy 2wd to 4wd Conversion
 

Very nice. Looks like you're almost on the road.