1977 Chevy K30 Crew Cab Build

[my4by2]

Very nice work man!!! Like the step notches in the sides too. Ready for Keven to get to work already so I can get some feedback from him on it - just gotta get his brain working & thinking about it & he'll fab up a masterpiece!!!

[nekkidhillbilly]

i actually like the bumper you have on it right now i think just finish off the ends maybeye taper it down similar to how the body rolls under on the corners slightly.

[my4by2]

Well, that's pretty much the look I like too, it's just that that particular bumper isn't near as solid as it appears... I looked it over on my last shop visit & it's basically "empty" on the backside & not as strong as I'd like it to be. Plus I'd like to do a few things to make it "flow" with the look of the front push bar & side rails/steps if possible.

Keven read through this stuff today (plus the emails I sent him) & he's going to try to get something drawn up on the computer soon to send to me. He's an awesome fabricator, so I know he'll make it MUCH better!!! Will post up whatever he sends me though.

[nekkidhillbilly]

brace it on the back some? idea. plus if you using a hitch idk if you need anything crazy strong.

[my4by2]

That was my original thought when I first saw the back side of the bumper on there now, but Keven mentioned maybe just building something custom & stronger - that got me thinking about it. Will be using a Cl IV hitch, but the strength I want has more to do with the possibility of anything ever running into the bumper - it's a whole lot easier to have a bumper re-powder coated than it is to re-do the back side of my bed....

[GCncsuHD]

Originally Posted by my4by2

but the strength I want has more to do with the possibility of anything ever running into the bumper - it's a whole lot easier to have a bumper re-powder coated than it is to re-do the back side of my bed....

Keep in mind though, that energy has to go somewhere upon impact. Build the bumper stronger, it is transferred into the frame potentially crumpling it or pushing the bed into the cab, build the frame stronger and it is transferred into your spine, build your spine stronger, and well you'd have to be the Six Million Dollar Man. Believe it or not, those thin metal bumpers crumpling up absorb more of that energy before being transferred to the frame, body, and your body than the heavy duty bumpers. And redoing the backside of your bed is easier than replacing the frame and having back surgery. But they do look cool and are more functional for low speed impacts/backing into things/offroad etc.

Great build by the way.

[N2TRUX]

If your going to build a super strong bumper you should consider what might happen in an impact. If the bumper doesnt ansorb the shock, the frame will. I suggest he design mounting brackets with some give so the bumper fold down on impact. Better to replace brackets than a bent frame.

[my4by2]

Not going for an "indestructible" rear bumper, just something a bit stronger & more in-line with the overall theme were after - besides, it'd be nice to have something back there with Keven's fabrication skills behind it!!!

[nekkidhillbilly]

maybeye something similar with a better led backup light set up and a few other little tricks

[my4by2]

This week is getting a BIG PUSH!!!! They've moved the truck back to the main shop so that Keven can use the lift & so he can get a few assistance to take care of some of the little stuff he's been unable to get to. Should be a great update come Friday - maybe even a running video!!!!

[JPalmer81]

i can't WAIT for some more updates, love this build thread. But even more I CANNOT WAIT TO GET HOME TO START ON MINE!!! But i get tons and tons of good ideas going through all these different build threads on here. Glad to hear they are getting back to this "Work of Art".

[nekkidhillbilly]

i love this truck more and more everytime i see it

[my4by2]

Well, Keven says probably a "no" on the video of it running.... Still though, should get a good update this week & hoping for a lot of pics still!

On the plus side, Trevor scored me a 1990 9.5" 14-bolt rear axle out of a 454SS for my Daughter's '79 GMC SWB project - complete drum-to-drum, 5-lug axles & already modified spring perches!!!

It's a pretty good week for me so far!

[rocking chevy]

Im glad its getting more attention now, and a full view picture was nice to see after looking at the engine for so long.

[my4by2]

Well, this week Keven managed to get the intake tube finalized - as well as fully welded & ground smooth. You can see he also added in a bung for the intake air temp sensor as well. The tube will get powder coated along with the intake & valve covers at some point down the line.

[my4by2]

These are what the brake lines we ended up choosing look like once assembled. They have them done at a local shop & turn-around was right at 24 hours which is GREAT!!!

[my4by2]

Keven installed them & they look WAY better than any metal line did!!! He also cleaned them up with some matching billet clamps which helped the look a lot too!

[my4by2]

Here's the junction area on the frame where the flex hoses meet-up with the hard lines.

[my4by2]

And here's the junction area for the rear axle. Keven's doing a heck of a job making sure everything is staying neat & tidy!!! Still a lot to go, but it's getting oh so close!

[my4by2]

A little "wider angle" shots - sorry that second is fuzzy...

[y5mgisi]

Looking good as usual! The new lines are WAY better!

[my4by2]

Appreciate it! Agree with you - best part is, like I said, they're getting 'em locally - so it's not as with we're having to order them from a large supplier or someone across the country or something. He's going to do the lines going to the front & rear calipers with this stuff too!

[my4by2]

Here's part of the Lokar e-brake set-up Keven used. He's still gotta complete it though... You can see the air compressor in the background too.

[my4by2]

Here's where Keven mounted up the fuel filter/regulator assembly - just above the fuel tank crossmember.

All that wiring will get the PowerBraid cover once he's all done with it.

[my4by2]

Keven said he should get the Guard Dawg module back late next week as they'll be fixing it on Monday according to their schedule. That's one of the hold-ups for a test fire right now... If he connects it & everything works as it should this time then starting it won't be far behind.

He did a lot of wiring & "touch-up" work this week, so sorry there aren't more pics to post up... Maybe next week will be more exciting!