Yes I know. I have two 8.1’s sitting in my shop and several 454’s.
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Re: 97 3500 454 4x4 project
 

Are you thinking of going with the brackets Larry used to retain your AC?[/QUOTE]

Yes definitely. I'm very grateful he has already done this and was kind enough to post all the part numbers online. Air is really nice in July and August around here and I don't want to hack the frame up when I don't have to.

Yes definitely. I'm very grateful he has already done this and was kind enough to post all the part numbers online. Air is really nice in July and August around here and I don't want to hack the frame up when I don't have to.[/QUOTE]

Yeah for sure. I bought a complete 01 Express as a donor vehicle because I couldn’t find the brackets around here. Hopefully you have better luck.
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Re: 97 3500 454 4x4 project
 

Finally got my visors back today. Put white led lights in them then put my nos vanity doors and mirrors on. They're up! Hope to get a little more done tomorrow.

Re: 97 3500 454 4x4 project
 

It is coming up nice!

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Installed my speakers today. I used some of the leftover rattle trap on the inside of the doors and used the factory connectors on the new front speakers, may have to splice the back since I didn't have any in the doors from the factory.
I used a drywall cutter to zip open the back panels then checked the clearance on my speaker. It's close, but doesn't touch.

Re: 97 3500 454 4x4 project
 

Back speakers are finished. After checking everything over I pulled the panels back off so the painter won't have to work around them. Still haven't decided on a radio yet. I'd like a newer style, but not sure I want to go with a dbl din. Shame there aren't more 1.5 din options.

Looks good! Nice work.
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Re: 97 3500 454 4x4 project
 

Unless you are looking for dvd/backup camera options, a single din will get you lots of options in a less expensive package.

Great work so far.

Re: 97 3500 454 4x4 project
 

The dvd I can do without, but I have thought a backup camera would be nice as long as this thing is. I'll make up my mind soon. I've got to, I'm about finished with the interior.
Thank you and everyone else that have enjoyed this build btw!

Re: 97 3500 454 4x4 project
 

Both of the Metra double din installation products I have seen are very clean looking. I thought about doing it in my 98 Z71 before I sold it. Yes, I love the backup camera in my CCSB 2500HD, very convenient in tight spots.

Re: 97 3500 454 4x4 project
 

The push button lights that flank the center dome light look good with LEDs. Are you happy with them? Did you get them local or order them online? The build looks great. Like to see these rigs be saved from the abuse they have endured.

Re: 97 3500 454 4x4 project
 

Attachment 1715952
This is my single din, flip up, reverse camera, dvd, stereo. Just a cheapy but works real nice. It just shows the top of the tow ball, very easy hook ups.

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Really happy with them so far. I've gotten most all of them online, super bright lights, ebay, etc.
Glad you're enjoying the build, thanks!

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Terrick, pretty sure I'm going the dbl din route. There's a metra dash in my future and probably a kenwood of some sort.

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Go for it, will be eager to see the finished look!

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I see the caution on the display that the image may be reversed. The image out the windshield (screen) appears to be reversed too, haha, for those of us in N America.

Re: 97 3500 454 4x4 project
 

Yep, right hand drive, we keep to the left on the roads down here. A good thing to remember when holidaying in Australia.

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Not a lot going on right now, it's cold, well, by Arkansas standards at least. I've been gathering a few parts though, the metra dash, a back bumper, it's a black powder coated westin bumper and since the under dash panel had holes drilled in it, I picked another one up. I cleaned the dash and panel up, wiped them down in alcohol, and dyed them to match my dash. My radio is on the way!

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My radio is in and the back up camera should be no later than next week. I'm looking forward to seeing this interior finished.

Re: 97 3500 454 4x4 project
 

Nice

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Cameras in hand too!

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Lots of stuff arriving, hopefully your weather will good enough to work on the truck, ours is just getting hotter, ranging from 100 to 105 each day. You can here the paddocks drying out.

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We had a low of -1f last week and with an unheated shop I've not got a lot done. I should have better conditions when I'm off later this week.

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Tires are in! Time to run my rims by the powdercoater!

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I'm not entirely done, but the radio is in and working! I'm about to mount the back bumper so I can get the backup camera mounted after a late lunch. My rims are on a waiting list to get powder coated. He told me about 13 weeks so sometime in early May I hope.

Re: 97 3500 454 4x4 project
 

It's on, but if I had it to do over I would have stuck with a factory style. It fits and looks good, reminds me of the factory chrome bumper that came on my 78, but with the adapter kit I had to use I had to leave two bolts out of the Reese hitch. I still have to go back and tighten all the bolts, but I'm calling it a day.

Re: 97 3500 454 4x4 project
 

Worked off nights this morning, got a nap and put the front bumper together. I used new trim but only had to clean the push guards and license plate holder. I'm going to bolt it up for now, may have to drive a little farther this time and don't want to upset the law, then put the lights I go with later.

Re: 97 3500 454 4x4 project
 

Getting a little more done today. I put the new light housings on, left the plastic film on them till after it is painted, and I'm finishing up the wiring for the radio. Also put a new starter on it, finally got tired of crawling under it and rapping on the starter.

Re: 97 3500 454 4x4 project
 

Looking better and better.

Hopefully you knew about these little guys: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...5&postcount=16

Re: 97 3500 454 4x4 project
 

Devin, I think that's the one I got. I bought it at O'Reilly's and did tell the counter guy I wanted 1 that would fit the 454 and an 8.1 if possible. He gave me a mini starter for sure, I'll have to check the reciept.

Re: 97 3500 454 4x4 project
 

Trial fit the new grill and noticed a tab broken off of the lower grill trim keeping it from sitting flush. I'll have to hunt down a replacement.
I'm thinking of having the grill painted black, kind of gives it that serious work truck look.

Re: 97 3500 454 4x4 project
 

Starting to gather up parts for my 8.1L swap. Got the nos engine cover in today and that troublesome to find ac/ps bracket heading here in the mail.
My new paint man told me he should get to it by the end of the month. I'm painting it crystal white pearl to match my wife's subaru!

Re: 97 3500 454 4x4 project
 

Nice

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Can't wait to see the color.

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Good work on this. It's coming together well. I know it's the reflection, but spooky hands on the picture of your Android auto head unit. Haha

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Thank you! I hope those were really my hands and not something wanting to get out of the radio lol!

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Rims are done and home. He also did my wiper arms the same satin black. I used my old centers for the picture, but I'm going to get on the hunt for new ones. I've also cleaned up the wiper fluid jug and installed a new ac delco pump on it.
Ran by and talked to the painter on the way back too. He'll get to it when he does lol.

Re: 97 3500 454 4x4 project
 

Every step get you closer.

Re: 97 3500 454 4x4 project
 

well done amazing what hard work can do..