1973 swb c10
 

Here is the original thread:
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=376614

Since it's going to be a 73 I figured I would update the thread.
I have always liked the 73-79 vs 81-87 so I decided to use a super clean (surface rust only) 73 cab and front end to legally make it a 73. I know it's more work than is needed but I wanted to never have to worry about emissions no matter where I moved.
Here is what the truck looks like after this weekend:
http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s...7/DSC_0916.jpg

http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s...7/DSC_0915.jpg

I also have a 4l80e to replace the worn out th350 and a 9" to build for the rear.

I mocked in a 64-66 dash in place of the stock dash. I'm not a huge fan of the stock dash in the squarebody, plus I'll never have to worry about a dash pad again.
http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s...7/DSC_0705.jpg

I'm getting the cab media blasted and epoxy primed in 2 weeks so that I can undercoat it and spray some Al's heat and Noise reducer in the cab and possibly under it if I have enough. Once the cab is back on I have a new AAW Highway 22 wiring harness to install. I love the modular design of the fuse block as this will allow me to hide the wires out of sight.

I also built a mount for the LS computer, I just need to figure out where I am going to put it.

http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s...7/DSC_0712.jpg

Re: 1973 swb c10
 

I like the green. I had started painting some of my suspension that color but decided to go black because I couldnt find that color in a 2k paint.

I might steal your ECU mount idea.

Re: 1973 swb c10
 

It was easy, $30 Harbor Freight sheet metal brake and some 16ga sheet metal.

Re: 1973 swb c10
 

I would love to check out the build in person sometime.

Re: 1973 swb c10
 

It's nothing crazy but just hit me up on pm when you want to come check it out.

Re: 1973 swb c10
 

Made some progress on the truck.
4l80e is in, just need to build a xmember for it:
http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s...73304821_1.jpg

Cab Is back on. I'm filling holes and doing some bodywork so it's slow going.
http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s...220_130749.jpg
http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s...221_154450.jpg

I built some braces to stiffen up the 65 dash I'm installing. I stole the idea from KQQL IT.

http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s...221_222235.jpg

That's all for now, I'll post some more pics and updates when I get further along.

Re: 1973 swb c10
 

Nice work.

Re: 1973 swb c10
 

Looks good. I like the dash swap.

Re: 1973 swb c10
 

New exhaust taking shape
http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s...6_215247_4.jpg

Re: 1973 swb c10
 

I made some more progress today.
Firewall will be smooth, I will eventually install Vintage Air.
http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s...423_221101.jpg

Got some more holes filled, seems like they are multiplying as I fill one up more pop up.
http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s...423_221110.jpg

Don't judge the welding to harshly, I'm still learning the welder and how to weld sheet metal. I am open for tips and constructive criticism.

Re: 1973 swb c10
 

Your panel looks pretty good. When your welding the sheet metal do small tacks. Instead of welding longer beads. And jump around all over the place. If you need any help. I'll be back in town tomorrow I hope for about a week. I'll try to see what I can do. Just send me a PM.

Re: 1973 swb c10
 

I get too impatient and it gets me in trouble. I still have some more sheetmetal work so i will try and slow it down. i have to build my shed today so i wont be in the garage.

Re: 1973 swb c10
 

Good luck man, you've pushed on through this build in spite of setbacks. Glad to see that you haven't given up and that things are moving forward well. I look forward to seeing this rig get to where you want it to be.

Also, thanks for the time you put in, in the Marines. One of my best friends is at the 25+ year mark. I have a lot of respect for what you guys do.

Re: 1973 swb c10
 

Try turning the welder up to the 3 on voltage and wire speed around 50 then tack for a short burst (if you have no gap in what you are welding). If there is a gap I would go down to 2 on voltage and do the same.

Your welds will be flatter and you wont have to grind as much.

Also, start your tacks at the top and work down. You will have less heat build up. I like to work on 3 or 4 areas at a time so you have plenty to do as each area cools.

Re: 1973 swb c10
 

Keep up the good work, I'm in the Killeen Area as well. Nice to see Central Texas guys on here.

Re: 1973 swb c10
 

What welder are you using Softbalnrd27? If you ener need any work hit me up. I'll be in town for a week. Got to bag a buddies dually.

Montessaj there's a lot of Centex people on here. Several in Lampasas.

Re: 1973 swb c10
 

What welder are you using Softbalnrd27? If you ener need any he help me up. I'll be in town for a week. Got to bag a buddies dually.

Montessaj there's a lot of Centex people on here. Several in Lampasas.

Re: 1973 swb c10
 

Re: 1973 swb c10
 

I haven't used a hobart. Inside the door for the wire should be a chart with the settings to run it for each wire Guage and metal guage.

Re: 1973 swb c10
 

I have a similar machine (190 vs 210). I run 3/50ish for most sheet metal (depending on gap).
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b2...614_164959.jpg
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b2...614_181042.jpg

Re: 1973 swb c10
 

I followed the chart and I think it was 5/40ish if I remember correctly. I'll check again tonight. When I do just a tack weld it's not that high, I just get impatient but I am learning to slow down.

What do you use to knock the welds down?

Re: 1973 swb c10
 

Die grinder with a 36 grit to knock the bulk of it down then 80 to smooth it.