How I spent my Covid-staycation
Took advantage of our winter break this year to work on my c10. Because COVID shut down the tradeshow I normally have to do in Janurary, this was the first christmas break in years where I actually had some free time.
Where it started back when I first got the truck. https://pbase.com/dkauer744/image/167596380.jpg https://pbase.com/dkauer744/image/167615622.jpg When we first got shut down last year under shelter in place, I took advantage of the time and converted the truck from manual drums to 4 wheel discs. That turned out to be a bit more hassle than I expected but was worth the fight as the drums were absolutely terrifying to stop at any speed over 40. (note: I know they could have been rebuilt back to useful brakes but I just didn't want to deal with drums and manual brakes any longer). Also rebuilt the front suspension while I was at it. The main take away from this was I'm too old continue working on cars with jack and jackstands. Over the summer I finally got to do the lift installed and it's the best decision I've ever made. Unfortunately it ate the budget for 2020 towards the bigger projects. So I decided to take advantage of the time and rehab the 283 in the truck, clean all the front sheet metal and do a bunch of small punch list items while I was there. The main thing was the motor just leaked so badly, it really needed a good reseal. Here goes: https://pbase.com/dkauer744/image/171444367.jpg Truck up on the lift. Could not be happier, I can't fathom going back to working with out it. https://pbase.com/dkauer744/image/171444336.jpg https://pbase.com/dkauer744/image/171444337.jpg https://pbase.com/dkauer744/image/171444338.jpg Amazingly, no broken bolts, everything was dirty but in great shape. https://pbase.com/dkauer744/image/171444339.jpg https://pbase.com/dkauer744/image/171444343.jpg LOTS of pressure washing, easy-off, purple power later... https://pbase.com/dkauer744/image/171444345.jpg Was super happy how well the firewall cleaned up back to it's original fawn paint. Most of this got accomplished during my winter break. Then we all went back to work / school and 2 weeks later my oldest got Covid. SO we all separated to different parts of the house attempting to mitigate the spread. The upside was another week in the garage while we got tested (and all my employees). before: https://pbase.com/dkauer744/image/171444341.jpg Did all the normal stuff. Front and rear mains, water pump, timing chain, valve seals (all 16 just crumbled apart, that was one of the biggest issues) etc. Didn't do a full rebuild, it really didn't have all that many miles since it was rebuilt last, just a lot of time. Also converted to a Pertronix ignition and got all the sensors setup for the dakota digital dash. Also did a LOT of cleaning: https://pbase.com/dkauer744/image/171444347.jpg https://pbase.com/dkauer744/image/171444349.jpg https://pbase.com/dkauer744/image/171444351.jpg By this point I had started feeling crummy and ended up testing positive myself. By the time we caught it was in our house it was too late. So I ended up taking a couple weeks off and did nothing but rest and stay locked up in my bedroom. Thankfully we all had it mild with more issues from a long term lingering cough/fatigue than anything during my infectious period. Back to work! https://pbase.com/dkauer744/image/171444352.jpg Built an adapter harness to connect to the DD box https://pbase.com/dkauer744/image/171444346.jpg Success Picked up the inner fenders / core support etc from sandblasting, snuck down to the shop to use the booth to spray https://pbase.com/dkauer744/image/171444353.jpg and then put it back together https://pbase.com/dkauer744/image/171444363.jpg https://pbase.com/dkauer744/image/171444364.jpg https://pbase.com/dkauer744/image/171444365.jpg https://pbase.com/dkauer744/image/171444366.jpg (I realized after these photos my upper hose is backwards LOL) Hit it with the buffer again too https://pbase.com/dkauer744/image/171444357.jpg There we go. Making the best of the last year with some unexpected extra free time. It's first day back to the shop got put right back in use as my favorite photo backdrop too. https://pbase.com/dkauer744/image/171444436.jpg |
Re: How I spent my Covid-staycation
Really, really, nice work. Love the guitar tailgate shot, too. I need to do that with a few of my gits.
What did you do for your manifolds? |
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Exhaust manifolds is just POR15 cast iron gray. I've always had great luck with this as manifold paint. Looks good, holds up great. |
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Beautiful work, she looks great!
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Nice work, it looks great!
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Thanks everyone!
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Wow, that came out great. I love a stock looking motor. That lift is pretty nice too. It looks like you cut recesses in the floor for it to settle into when its lowered, is that right? When working under the vehicle, do you sit upright on the floor or a roller stool or what? I'm curious about some of the physical advantages that go along with using that. Friends of mine have the big 4 post jobbers that have space for standing or parking another car underneath, but I've never seen one like yours in real life. Id like to know a bit more. Glad the Covid didn't hit you guys too hard too.
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After spending two years debating this scissor lift style was the one I kept coming back too. When not in use it’s 100% unobtrusive to the garage. The downside was it’s twice the cost of a 2 post and after having the concrete cut out, a hole dug, rebar and new concrete it’s like 6x the cost. I still think it’s the best money I’ve ever spent given my choices. I can work on the front and rear suspension easily (unlike a 4 post), I’ve got 25” between the lifts so I can still work in the middle of the truck. I could also get the super tall 4x4 style jacks and set it on those at 48” off the ground, drop the lifts and have full access if needed. I really couldn’t be more happy. (Except the damage to my wallet). Also unlike the jacks I can lift the truck to max height, then drop it with 1 button to lower it enough to open my garage door when I need to (retracking that tight to ceiling is my next project). I ended up getting a rolling seat that sits close to the ground. It works great for me (though I’m only 5’8” so ymmv). |
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Nice work, congrats.
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Dadgum, that turned out great!
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Wow that turned out great,what is your ceiling heigth ? Allso what brake booster master cyl. are you using and did you use brackets on the mounting of them?:metal:
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Nice job, time well spent for sure....
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nice work ! and i can not agree with the statement:
" The main take away from this was I'm too old continue working on cars with jack and jackstands. " |
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Beautiful detail work!
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Thanks everyone!
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My ceiling in the garage is 9’4” |
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Beautiful and Honored History link on Bob and his truck and namesake, thanks for posting. Oh, and the Guitars ROCK!!
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Looks fantastic.
I waffled back and forth for the longest time between the scissor lift and a two-post lift. There is no going back to NO lift. |
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Wow. Engine compartment looks great.
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Awesome work! Looks great... Love the engine detail... :ito:
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Awesome work!! love the lift. i have a 2 post, but i also have 14' plus ceiling. never going back to no lift!
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