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#1 |
Registered User
Join Date: May 2015
Location: Cedar Rapids, IA
Posts: 155
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'66 GMC K25 - Project "Mabel"
Having just finished a small project on the truck, I figured now was as good as time as any to start a project/build thread for my '66. While I don't foresee actually doing a complete tear-down/build-up for a few years on her, I have plenty of projects that will keep me entertained while allowing us to use and enjoy the truck during the nice months.
![]() One of my projects this winter was relocating the various aux switches that were strewn about. I was originally going to combine the switches with all of the aux gauges in bracket pod that I am currently building. After receiving a radio delete plate, it dawned on me that I could just use that space. The mess left by previous owners... ![]() My solution... ![]() Doorman Motormite (p/n/ 85904) switches fit perfectly and had some character... ![]() A little bit of model paint, scotch-brite and 600 grit sandpaper... ![]() Holes popped... ![]() Finished (fauxtina and all)... ![]() Now I have a switch for electric fan, flood lights, amber flashing light (future project) and 1 spare. ![]() Even updated the Meyers switch so they all matched... ![]()
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'66 GMC K25 (305 V6, SM420) aka "Mabel" Link to project http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=698082 All gone - '66 CJ5, '69 C25, '69 C25 Camper Special, '79 C10 Big Ten/Bonanza, '84 K10 Silverado |
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#2 |
Post Whore
![]() Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Southern Oregon
Posts: 10,384
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Re: '66 GMC K25 - Project "Mabel"
In for the build. Love GMC's boasting the big v6. Have one with a 305E myself. 4 barrel and split exhaust woke that puppy up nicely.
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1966 Chevy C10 "Project Two Tone" http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=596643 1964 GMC "Crustine" semi-build:http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=665056 My youtube channel. Username "Military Chevy": https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_h...fzpcUXyK_5-uiw |
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#3 |
Registered User
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: canton ga
Posts: 12,728
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Re: '66 GMC K25 - Project "Mabel"
Im in too ,dont have one of this year anymore but still love them.
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#4 |
Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: RADFORD, VA
Posts: 2,651
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Re: '66 GMC K25 - Project "Mabel"
I'm in KOOL truck can we see more without the grass. WE LIKE PIXS...
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1964 BBC 402 4x4 ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
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#5 |
Registered User
Join Date: May 2015
Location: Cedar Rapids, IA
Posts: 155
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Re: '66 GMC K25 - Project "Mabel"
I don;t have a bunch of pic at the moment but I plan on snapping a bunch once I get it outside in the next month or so. Stay tuned!
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'66 GMC K25 (305 V6, SM420) aka "Mabel" Link to project http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=698082 All gone - '66 CJ5, '69 C25, '69 C25 Camper Special, '79 C10 Big Ten/Bonanza, '84 K10 Silverado |
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#6 |
Registered User
Join Date: May 2015
Location: Cedar Rapids, IA
Posts: 155
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Re: '66 GMC K25 - Project "Mabel"
Auxiliary gauges where everywhere. Figured I would make a home for them under the dash below my switch panel. Figured I would fab a 4-hole bracket that was enclosed and had similar look and feel of dash.
Bracket face... ![]() Face post-waterjet... ![]() Now I just need to fab the outer wraps and add a few spot welds.
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'66 GMC K25 (305 V6, SM420) aka "Mabel" Link to project http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=698082 All gone - '66 CJ5, '69 C25, '69 C25 Camper Special, '79 C10 Big Ten/Bonanza, '84 K10 Silverado |
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#7 |
Registered User
Join Date: May 2015
Location: Cedar Rapids, IA
Posts: 155
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Re: '66 GMC K25 - Project "Mabel"
Looked into having my slotted mags that came on the truck polished. Quote came back at $200. Per wheel. They aren't really that bad but they had some corrosion spots and ridges in the casting that don't look the best.
![]() Turns out that you can do a pretty bang-up job with material from Harbor Freight tools, a DA sander and California Customs Purple Metal Polish. All in all, I figure it will take me only a single day to do all 4 wheels at a cost of around $75. Not too shabby. For the finish, I 220 DA, 320DA, 400 wet sand by hand, use a buffing wheel with HF grey compound and then finish everything up with a second buffing wheel and the purple polish. While I will go for a slightly better finish in the end, the right side of the wheel in the below pic is the result of the trial run I did today. ![]()
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'66 GMC K25 (305 V6, SM420) aka "Mabel" Link to project http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=698082 All gone - '66 CJ5, '69 C25, '69 C25 Camper Special, '79 C10 Big Ten/Bonanza, '84 K10 Silverado Last edited by BFoley; 02-27-2016 at 10:09 PM. |
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#8 |
Registered User
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: canton ga
Posts: 12,728
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Re: '66 GMC K25 - Project "Mabel"
That is going to look good and save a ton of $$$$$$$$ .
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#9 |
Registered User
Join Date: Dec 2015
Location: tarboro nc.
Posts: 400
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Re: '66 GMC K25 - Project "Mabel"
I like the aluminum rims !! you are doing a great job polishing them
and no $200 per wheel is even better . the truck looks great with the lettering , cant wait to see it with the polished slots on it. |
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#10 |
Registered User
Join Date: May 2015
Location: Cedar Rapids, IA
Posts: 155
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Re: '66 GMC K25 - Project "Mabel"
Made some headway on the aux gauge bracket this week.
Before: ![]() ![]() After: ![]() ![]() The intent was to create a bracket that (sort of) blended into the dash, looked clean, hid the backside of the gauges. I wanted to ensure it also looked aftermarket and well-built but not too "polished". I think the 1/4" reveal on the front and the "tabs" that wrap up behind the dash bottom really rounded out the look. The bracket will contain all aux gauges, including the one that a PO bastardized the gauge panel with. Hopefully it'll see paint this weekend and I can get a set of SW gauges ordered. Note: Absolutely no dash metal was harmed during the installation of the bracket. The bracket was attached using existing through-dash openings...
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'66 GMC K25 (305 V6, SM420) aka "Mabel" Link to project http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=698082 All gone - '66 CJ5, '69 C25, '69 C25 Camper Special, '79 C10 Big Ten/Bonanza, '84 K10 Silverado |
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#11 |
Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: Kelowna, B.C, Canada
Posts: 1,747
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Re: '66 GMC K25 - Project "Mabel"
Nice work. It really flows with the dash and looks like it's meant to be there
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Nik...................____ 62 lwb c10 step-side 261 5 spd .........________//__{\_____ ,,,,,,,/__(O)___//___/__(O)_/ my build thread. Sending unit solution |
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#12 |
Registered User
Join Date: May 2015
Location: Cedar Rapids, IA
Posts: 155
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Re: '66 GMC K25 - Project "Mabel"
Thank you much.
__________________
'66 GMC K25 (305 V6, SM420) aka "Mabel" Link to project http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=698082 All gone - '66 CJ5, '69 C25, '69 C25 Camper Special, '79 C10 Big Ten/Bonanza, '84 K10 Silverado |
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#13 |
Registered User
Join Date: May 2015
Location: Cedar Rapids, IA
Posts: 155
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Re: '66 GMC K25 - Project "Mabel"
The aux. bracket is officially done. Now I just need to spend some money on new gauges to replace my mismatched ones.
![]() Even had time today to switch all my gauges from my bezel into a virgin one I paid way to much for. ![]() Gave everything a proper cleaning. This is probably the first time this needle has gone beyond 55 MPH. ![]() Before... ![]() After... ![]() Figured I would take some time, before bolting the bezel in and connecting everything to, to clean up the rats nest of wires created by POs. Exhibit A... ![]()
__________________
'66 GMC K25 (305 V6, SM420) aka "Mabel" Link to project http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=698082 All gone - '66 CJ5, '69 C25, '69 C25 Camper Special, '79 C10 Big Ten/Bonanza, '84 K10 Silverado |
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#14 |
State of Confusion!
![]() ![]() Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Gulfport, MS USA
Posts: 46,749
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Re: '66 GMC K25 - Project "Mabel"
Good looking truck. I am enjoying your build.
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Bill 1970 Chevy Custom/10 LWB Fleetside 2010 Toyota Tacoma PreRunner SR5 Double Cab - DD Member of Louisiana Classic Truck Club (LCTC) Bill's Gallery Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift. Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly. Leave the rest to God! |
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#15 |
Registered User
Join Date: May 2015
Location: Cedar Rapids, IA
Posts: 155
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Re: '66 GMC K25 - Project "Mabel"
Thanks and glad to hear it!
__________________
'66 GMC K25 (305 V6, SM420) aka "Mabel" Link to project http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=698082 All gone - '66 CJ5, '69 C25, '69 C25 Camper Special, '79 C10 Big Ten/Bonanza, '84 K10 Silverado |
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#16 |
Registered User
Join Date: May 2015
Location: Cedar Rapids, IA
Posts: 155
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Re: '66 GMC K25 - Project "Mabel"
Decided to make a new (top) PTO cover for the SM420 to accommodate the new transmission fluid temp gauge. 3/16 plate cut out on water jet will have 1/4 NPT tapped hole for sending unit. As long as I measured right, the tapped hole location *should* put the sending unit in fluid but out of way of gears.
Trying to decide now whether or not I want to have a "guard" surrounding the sending unit to protect it and signal wire from ground/road debris. ![]()
__________________
'66 GMC K25 (305 V6, SM420) aka "Mabel" Link to project http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=698082 All gone - '66 CJ5, '69 C25, '69 C25 Camper Special, '79 C10 Big Ten/Bonanza, '84 K10 Silverado |
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#17 |
Registered User
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: SLC, UT
Posts: 706
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Re: '66 GMC K25 - Project "Mabel"
I love what you are doing! Looking forward to future progress.
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#18 |
Registered User
Join Date: May 2015
Location: Cedar Rapids, IA
Posts: 155
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Re: '66 GMC K25 - Project "Mabel"
Glad you are enjoying. Thanks!
__________________
'66 GMC K25 (305 V6, SM420) aka "Mabel" Link to project http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=698082 All gone - '66 CJ5, '69 C25, '69 C25 Camper Special, '79 C10 Big Ten/Bonanza, '84 K10 Silverado |
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#19 |
Registered User
Join Date: May 2015
Location: Cedar Rapids, IA
Posts: 155
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Re: '66 GMC K25 - Project "Mabel"
Came in to work today to get "actual" work done but instead found myself trying to figure out a guard for the SM420 sending unit. After milling a drain slot and some tack welds, we should be good to go.
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__________________
'66 GMC K25 (305 V6, SM420) aka "Mabel" Link to project http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=698082 All gone - '66 CJ5, '69 C25, '69 C25 Camper Special, '79 C10 Big Ten/Bonanza, '84 K10 Silverado |
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#20 |
Registered User
Join Date: May 2015
Location: Cedar Rapids, IA
Posts: 155
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Re: '66 GMC K25 - Project "Mabel"
New SM420 PTO cover is complete. Decided to go with a guard that should offer some protection for the sensor from road debris.
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__________________
'66 GMC K25 (305 V6, SM420) aka "Mabel" Link to project http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=698082 All gone - '66 CJ5, '69 C25, '69 C25 Camper Special, '79 C10 Big Ten/Bonanza, '84 K10 Silverado |
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#21 |
Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: Kelowna, B.C, Canada
Posts: 1,747
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Re: '66 GMC K25 - Project "Mabel"
Looks nice
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__________________
Nik...................____ 62 lwb c10 step-side 261 5 spd .........________//__{\_____ ,,,,,,,/__(O)___//___/__(O)_/ my build thread. Sending unit solution |
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#22 |
Registered User
Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: seattle wa
Posts: 492
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Re: '66 GMC K25 - Project "Mabel"
Like it , cool thought's and cleaning up on the detail's.
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The Snortin' Bull |
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#23 |
Registered User
Join Date: May 2015
Location: Cedar Rapids, IA
Posts: 155
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Re: '66 GMC K25 - Project "Mabel"
It's been a while since I posted and a lot of work has been done to the truck. I made a to-do list before winter and have been working diligently to get everything done. So far, I only have a few things left on the list and plan on posting a bunch of pics and info. While I am here, I do feel obligated to leave something visual.
My heater core cover artwork (in-progress) ![]() My brother's '84 (squarebody shout-out) ![]() A preview of the new paint scheme (Allis-Chalmers-ish...love it or hate it) ![]()
__________________
'66 GMC K25 (305 V6, SM420) aka "Mabel" Link to project http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=698082 All gone - '66 CJ5, '69 C25, '69 C25 Camper Special, '79 C10 Big Ten/Bonanza, '84 K10 Silverado |
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#24 |
Post Whore
![]() Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Southern Oregon
Posts: 10,384
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Re: '66 GMC K25 - Project "Mabel"
Love the paint !
__________________
1966 Chevy C10 "Project Two Tone" http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=596643 1964 GMC "Crustine" semi-build:http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=665056 My youtube channel. Username "Military Chevy": https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_h...fzpcUXyK_5-uiw |
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#25 |
Registered User
Join Date: May 2015
Location: Cedar Rapids, IA
Posts: 155
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Re: '66 GMC K25 - Project "Mabel"
We'll see how it looks. Spare tire propped up in box as well as the old tool box I am putting on it will be the same color. If I like it, I will get the same color mixed with some black thrown onto my box lettering. I originally wanted a burnt red, but my neighbor suggested the orange and his has kind of stuck with me.
Worst case scenario, I will strip everything and re-paint over winter.
__________________
'66 GMC K25 (305 V6, SM420) aka "Mabel" Link to project http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=698082 All gone - '66 CJ5, '69 C25, '69 C25 Camper Special, '79 C10 Big Ten/Bonanza, '84 K10 Silverado |
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