"Elwood" the 77_remix

[N2TRUX]

Originally Posted by Claytona08

Just read up on The Remix, great work on your thread with very good detail on parts selection and vendors you plan to use.

Thanks for following. Its moving slow while waiting on parts. Should pick up speed soon.

[N2TRUX]

Last night I had enough shop time to remove the gas tank. I siphoned the remaining gas and removed the filler neck and vent hose. The original line clamps were still on the fuel lines so I waited to drop the tank before disconnecting them.

With the tank down I could access the factory squeeze clamps and remove the lines. The clamps went in the trash, and lines are saved till I decide how I'm going to route them when I go back in.

I inspected the gas tank to determine if there was any need to replace it. The new tanks are cheap, but I dont think one will be required. Inside was super clean, and the outside has no rust to be concerned with.

I am considering updating to a 87 tank with internal pump. The external pump works just fine so I'm perplexed if it's worth the expense. It will clean the frame up a bit so I'll think on that for a while.

[smbrouss70]

Now that SEMA is over, any chance of us finding out which wheels have made the cut?

[N2TRUX]

Originally Posted by smbrouss70

Now that SEMA is over, any chance of us finding out which wheels have made the cut?

The design I worked on with Carter Hickman was approved by American Racing. They added a few adjustments and it will be available for production soon. I have submitted the drawing to my artist, so I should have updated renderings shortly .

[smbrouss70]

I was really hoping that you would have convinced them to build some 22" Gassers so I could put them on the back of my Blazer.

[N2TRUX]

Saturday I spent the day at my brother in laws garage. He has a really nice 66 Fairlane with a 390 backed by a C6. Last year he had some internal issues so he decided it was time for a rebuild. He had Nickens Racing build a mild street motor with a few upgrades.
It was finally time to install it so Chris and I went to assist. That turned in to an all day deal.

Many years ago I helped a buddy stab a 351 in a 69 Mustang. We fought the manifolds against the shock towers but finally wedged it in place. This all came back to me yesterday while trying to squeeze a 390 with Tri-Y headers in between those same style of shock towers on this Fairlane. It will fit, but plenty of paint was scratched in the process.

[N2TRUX]

Since Saturday was "Fun Ford" day it was time to get back on Elwood. With the gas tank previously pulled it exposed the bottom of the cab, and it wasnt pretty. I have detailed the bottom of this truck several times, but never had a reason to pull the tank. Yuck!

I started with the frame rails and worked my way forward. With them sanded smooth, it was time to clean up the cab. I worked across the floor and down the rockers. The good news is all the grunge had created a nice protective barrier, and there was almost no rust.

You can see a couple of spots that were chaffed and some surface rust had started. I sanded it raw and treated it with Rust-Mort. I followed that with a couple of coats of satin black. This will be top coated with rubberized undercoating to seal it permanently.

[aggie91]

Nice progress. How did you come up with the name Elwood. I like it!

[N2TRUX]

Originally Posted by aggie91

Nice progress. How did you come up with the name Elwood. I like it!

It was a combination of things that brought the name about. I have always loved the Blues Brothers movie. So much so, that many years ago a friend and I went dressed as Jake and Elwood to a costume party. That set the stage for the end result, but theres more to the story.

My wife and I decided that the 77 needed a name. It had always been "The 77" so it was hard to make a change. We had a long list of options but none seemed to stick. Recently I was discussing it with my friend Mike and he suggested Elwood. Even though it was on our original list, it wasnt until someone else suggested it that it really sounded right.

With the addition of the woodgrain, Elwood was a perfect match. I'm waiting for Joseph from EDL to get caught up so he can update my rendering. Until then, heres what Elwood will look like when done.

[N2TRUX]

Monday was a a busy day at work. I managed a bit of shop time as the push continues to get the rear done. My mission was to get the drivers side floor pan was sanded and painted. I had to drop the Ridetech Suspension #bigred valves down to gain access. They will be moved forward a bit to make space.
After an hour of sanding and cleaning, I wiped with brake cleaner and topped it with satin black. Later I will spray it with undercoat.

[N2TRUX]

I had been asked not to release any pre-production pics of the wheel I plan to use on Elwood. Now that American Racing has released the VF526 for production, I can share. It was an honor to work with Carter Hickman in the early stages of the design process. He is an incredible digital artist and has great vision.

American Racing liked the concept but it took several months to go through the necessary steps for production approval. With that process cleared, and a custom set rushed through production, they made their debut at SEMA 2017 on a build by KC Mathieu.

I feel this style will be right at home on my 77 Cheyenne.

[UKNOWME]

Originally Posted by N2TRUX

I had been asked not to release any pre-production pics of the wheel I plan to use on Elwood. Now that American Racing has released the VF526 for production, I can share. It was an honor to work with Carter Hickman in the early stages of the design process. He is an incredible digital artist and has great vision.

American Racing liked the concept but it took several months to go through the necessary steps for production approval. With that process cleared, and a custom set rushed through production, they made their debut at SEMA 2017 on a build by KC Mathieu.

I feel this style will be right at home on my 77 Cheyenne.

*****in’!

[N2TRUX]

Originally Posted by smbrouss70

Those are pretty cool, what color will you be using on the wheels?

Originally Posted by UKNOWME

*****in’!

The first two pics are digital renderings from the design process. The bottom pic is production version. I had considered a light bronze color, but I really like the cast iron gray finish. So much so that I think I will revert to my go to accent color which has been cast iron gray.

[smbrouss70]

Those are pretty cool, what color will you be using on the wheels?

[N2TRUX]

I have been mapping out my exhaust system while working under the truck. Due to space limitation from the RideTech 4 link and air tanks, I cant route true duals. Consequently, I plan to utilize some of the existing pipe and update the components.

My existing system starts at the motor with 2.5" Corvette ramhorn manifolds that have been polished and ceramic coated. From there I have a 2.5" mandrel bend Y pipe that went to a high flow cat. Thats followed by a SI/SO Flowmaster muffler.

[N2TRUX]

I had the cat installed when I RPL did the system to pass a visual test for state inspection years ago. Its no longer necessary or functional, so it goes away. The Flowmaster has rusted out from the inside, so its scrap as well. We used flanges to make the system serviceable which was great at that time.

Yesterday I spoke with Kevin Deeds from Deeds Engineering and explained what I had in mind. He offered his advice and agreed to send me a box of goodies to work with. If you have ever considered V band components take a look at what Kevin offers. The bands and related hangers are truly a work of art.

[N2TRUX]

I plan to replace the flanges with V bands, and add Deeds hangers where needed. The hangers give some flex, but its minimal. To compensate I will utilize a Vibrant Performance flex coupling t the end of the Y pipe.

Im undecided on a muffler yet. I have Borla XL on Scarlett and like the sound. I'm looking for something that sounds good but not loud, and doesnt resonate. If you have any suggestions let me know.

[smpoulin01]

Im undecided on a muffler yet. I have Borla XL on Scarlett and like the sound. I'm looking for something that sounds good but not loud, and doesnt resonate. If you have any suggestions let me know.

- I like Magnaflow mufflers, sounds great, no drone.

[N2TRUX]

Originally Posted by smpoulin01

- I like Magnaflow mufflers, sounds great, no drone.

My buddy Keith says the same thing. What series/model are you using?

[smpoulin01]

Originally Posted by N2TRUX

My buddy Keith says the same thing. What series/model are you using?

I have 2 - 12577 on mine. Love them.

[N2TRUX]

Originally Posted by smpoulin01

I have 2 - 12577 on mine. Love them.

I finally had a few minutes to compare the specs on the mufflers I was considering. I am restricted by my RideTech 4 link not allowing space to run a true dual system out the back. Consequently I need a free flowing muffler that wont be too loud in the cab.

I looked hard at the Borla XL series since I have them on Scarlett and know what they sound like. I compared them to the Magnaflow for size, appearance, and sound.

Its hard to compare sound when there are so many variables, but I listened to several sound clips and liked the Magnaflow stainless series best. The end result is I will be running a MagnaFlow 14336 which is a 2.5" SI/SO.

Up front I have 2.5" Corvette ramhorns flowing in to a mandrel bend Y pipe. I will use Deeds Engineering V bands to connect to a Vibrant Performance #64810 10" flex coupling going back to the Magnaflow muffler. That will be suspended by Deeds Engineering billet brackets and hangers.

From there I will have to rely on Alex my exhaust technician at New Star Muffler to work his magic and get the exhaust pip under the rise in the frame to the wheel well.

[aggie91]

Nice updates. I really like the wheels too. Its still hard to not picture this truck without Vintec Wheels...But the new wheels should be spot on along with all the updates you are doing!

[N2TRUX]

Originally Posted by aggie91

Nice updates. I really like the wheels too. Its still hard to not picture this truck without Vintec Wheels...But the new wheels should be spot on along with all the updates you are doing!

I know, right. Those VinTechs are timeless, but i feel like these will look even better.

[N2TRUX]

Yesterday I got some nude photos from Brent at Sculpt Garage. No, I haven't switched teams, he was showing me that the seat foam in my stock bench still looks great. He plans to layer it with fresh foam to give some depth to the inserts, but the core of it is still functional.

Brent received a shipment from Chris at Snowden Supply with a few yards of Enduratex "Oxen" vinyl inside. He will be starting the seat rebuild this week.

[BB72CHEVKT]

I like the new wheels so much I think I need a pair for my new to me 83. Any idea when they can be purchased and price point.