Project truck dream 65"

[lenguini]

Well as It turns out,every crank (all top brand names) I looked at were made overseas,big disappointment.
So Im going to use a reworked GM 400 crank,GM X-rods as well and build the bottom end the old school way!That way I know my engine is not made in the same place that all the crap replacement body panels are !

Cheers,
Ed

[Bomp]

Caught my attention, did a full read. Your build is flyin'. Quality is top notch.
Subscribed

[lenguini]

Thank you,I appreciate the good words !

Cheers,
Ed.

[rustbucket66]

What kind of a nut would paint his engine compartment white? Looks like something I would do. Your truck looks good Ed, keep building....

[lenguini]

Well,Im getting some time here so Ill post my latest addition to the project.I was never to happy with the OEM hood release setup,so I did some research and found a sturdy and reliable system that will allow the hood compartment to be secure.

Now using a release that will activate from inside the cab thanks to the folks at Rocky hinge.I have posted some pics of the setup ,I simply utilzed the existing choke hole on the instrument bezel.

The hole had to be drilled to 1/2" to accept the new knob sleeve,the easiest was to drill from behind the dash.I included a pic of the locking collar that holds the knob sleeve tightly in place.


The bearclaw latch and striker will be replacing the old system.An independent spring loaded safety latch will be machined once all the fitment is finished.

I'd like to thank Dave MCcoy for allowing me to work off of his original design of this system.

[Dinos63]

cool stuff!!

[pimpston65]

very nice build, im writing because i noticed you had a washer/wiper button on your dash. if you can, will you send pics of the nozzle. i have a 65 stepper, but didnt come with washer. i been kicking the idea of adding the correct system to my truck. i can get the parts, but dont know what the nozzles look like or how it attaches, if you can help that would be AWESOME!!!!

[66BowTieBoy]

Looking forward to seeing a underhood photo of this cool latch from Rocky Hinge.
Great build, keep the photos coming...!

[Bomp]

Nice latch set up.

[Jmorales3181]

Just read your whole thread you are doing a great job. And some very cool ideas my favorites... The dash and stakehole gas filler super clean. Will be watching!
Posted via Mobile Device

[matt_l]

Subscribed. Your attention to detail is amazing. My cab is in the exact same shape as you started with. I hope my repairs come out half as good as yours. I am anxiously waiting to see your truck come together.

[jamesrussell26]

Definitely subscribed

[lenguini]

Thanks for the good words all !

Well,its been a bit since I have given any updates.Currently under way with the 383 engine build and that's been sucking the wallet dry!Just found a set of 062 Vortec heads.....,what a lucky find that was.The heads are mint and the price was right at $250.

Anyone who wants to give their opinion on what headers to run will be appreciated.I don't have much experience with brands of headers,but if you have followed my build you will know that overseas junk will not be bolted on here !!!!

I have been building a tube grill for my truck,I will post pictures of this shortly.

[Snowbound]

I just priced out some Hooker Super Comps through Lordco. Coated were $950!

I'm going with 2.5" Corvette ram horns @ $48 each from Summit.

I have a set of Patriot Clipsters that won't work for me. They should work with an automatic if you want to see them.

Brian
Posted via Mobile Device

[lenguini]

Hi Brian pm me with your phone number.

Cheers,
Ed.

[MrBeast]

Sweet build, I am subscribed.

[lenguini]

So,finally some grill pics for you all.I was never was happy with the original look of the center mesh so after throwing a few ideas back and forth.....,I decided to go with a tube grill.

I started with the rusty old original with was in pretty good shape.It was important to me to keep it and make it new again !

Not so sure the spiders and their relatives were all that happy about it,looked like 5 or so generations set up camp here over the last 20 years...,I really enjoyed cleaning all that out with my finger

[lenguini]

To start on the grill refurbish,I cut out the center grid.Next step to have center and end mounts fab'd for the first 2 tubes ..., they were then tig'd into place.

[lenguini]

The final 4 tubes were fit and tig'd into place.The center mount was then installed and tig'd.

[lenguini]

Got up bright and early this morn..disassembled the grill and went to the blasters.Was all of 20 minutes and then back to home to reassemble and hand polish the tubes.Will do a final machine polish later on.

The day was pretty amazing,soon after I got home an old friend I hadn't seen in 35 years came to town to visit.It was fun playing catch up.Holy shmoly,35 years .I added the pic of us here as I know you will be following my build thread now my friend.
It was almost like it was just yesterday.These are the kind of things that make life pretty great."Cheers Chuck",it was a good visit and look forward to more...and hopefully sooner than another 35 !

I also met up with Brian today,he's a member on this site...nice fella,It was good to meet.
He showed up with my brand new headers for this build...thanks Brian !Ill post pics of them tom.

Here ya go folks ! Amazing what can be done with old parts !

Im thinking about smoothing out the letters but not certain yet,so Ill leave it on the couch for a few days and ponder it.

By the way,that's my dog and good friend Chopper in the pics giving his approval of the work done so far !I gave his a biscuit for his help

A Special thanks to Darcy L. for his expert fab work here on the grill !! A #1 machinist with a touch of artist in your work !

[CRGRS 66]

Grill looks awesome, I love it!

[dantimdad]

That looks awesome!

What diameter tubing is that? Do you have the dimensions to the brackets?

Steven

[rustbucket66]

You crazy nut, thinking outside the box again. I really like that grill, very unique and original idea, no one has done a grill like that, and it looks great.

[lenguini]

Actually...,It has been done before, but I did change a few things that better suited my build. })

Thanks for the good words !

Cheers,
Ed

[dantimdad]

Actually, check out lakeroadster's build. He did it too.

Steven