Inspiration for the Projects that Take Forever!

[sick472]

Well, I hope the truck to be legal today. I'm heading out soon to get exhaust, an alignment, inspection, and tags. Here's a little encouragement for those that have that project that may never get done...I have owned this truck since 1995 and started taking it apart in 1997. That makes it a 24 year project. A lot has happened in those years that required the truck to be stored while life went by and I have moved it, not under it's own power, 8 times; mostly in boxes.

Here's the celebratory pics...

[sick472]

A few more...

[sick472]

A real special thanks to this forum and all who contribute! I spent 99% of my research time right here and found 99% of what I needed in the archives.

For those of you struggling to make progress...It can be done! And, it feels real good when you get there.

[1971Stepside]

Very nice! We were about on the same timeline. It feels good to have plates in your hands after all those years.

[jabborabbo]

That is inspiring - the truck is beautiful! I have a ‘71 Triumph Daytona that is completely in pieces and stored in Tennessee...I started the project around 1990...your post has inspired me to get it done this summer! Thanks!

[Chevys4life]

Looks great since you have finished it now!!!

[68Gold/white]

What's the story on your valve covers???

[67swb72klb]

Nice job! I see that Poncho powerplant in there!!

[Low Elco]

Congratulations! I just finished one for a guy that hadn't driven it since 2006.

[Peanut74]

Thanks for inspiration there sick472. 24 years of work and dedication shows in the quality of your build. I thought my 3 years was a long time. But thanks to Covid I have made great strides in getting mine done. Hoping to have it all put back together by the end of the year.

Again, congratulations on finishing your truck and getting it on the road.

[lux]

What a nice color combo! Also the wood on the tailgate is a nice touch.

[FRCvette]

Congratulations on nearing your build completion. Mine has been down for two months for complete suspension redo and LS swap and I can't stand it.

[sick472]

Thanks for the good comments. The truck is all legal now, but yesterday was raining and nasty, so the truck got broke in right out of the gate. I spent all day running around getting the exhaust, alignment, plates and such takin care of. And, then spent a few hours rinsing it off and drying it. All in all, a good day with good results. It feels real good to see tailpipes on it, but I have to admit...I'm going to miss the loud rumble of the open exhaust manifolds (the neighbors won't however - lol).

I used the #17749 - Dynomax Super Turbo Mufflers) with the #35204 - MagnaFlow Stainless Steel Exhaust Tips. It's so much more quiet than the open exhaust. It does have some drone to it at about 2000 rpm at 35ish mph, but not at higher speeds. I'll let that sink in for a while and see if it bothers me enough to do something about it.

I'm glad to see some motivation for those of you on the long road. Not that I meant to make you work, but get after IT!

[sick472]

Originally Posted by 68Gold/white

What's the story on your valve covers???

The story is a long one, but I'll make it brief...I wanted the ole'school M/T valve over that had the fins running length wise, but was not going to pay the stupid money that the style was asking. I found some much cheaper ones in that style, but they came in the mail for a BBC. Returned them to find out after TOO much time trying to resolve it with Summit the they did not have any for my motor. Then I found this goofy looking set for a decent money and ran with them. I had never seen anything like them and having a Pontiac motor in the truck, I though..."why not make it a bit more different".

[sick472]

Originally Posted by 67swb72klb

Nice job! I see that Poncho powerplant in there!!

My first car was a 67 GTO. It really set the Pontiac motor deep in my brain. My truck build was going to be a standard SB 350 until I went to a guys house to buy some parts from him and he had a 69 Longhorn that someone had put a Pontiac 400 in. I walked away with the parts I was after AND the motor, transmission, and the custom motor mount brackets that made it work.

The GTO is my next project. I bought it in 1984. To date, it's the newest car I have ever purchased for myself. Meaning, it was 17 years old when I bought it and every car after that was older at time of purchase. I am reorganizing the shop today to get it set up to begin the GTO build. This one can't take 24 years as I may not have that much time...I'm hoping for a 5 year build on this one. It will be my easiest project because it's in SOOOO much better shape to begin with...

[1970cstblazer]

Kudos on the Pontiac powerplant. My other automotive loves aside from the 1967-72 GM trucks involve vintage Pontiacs. Have owned roughly 30 since 1994.