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Long Time Coming......
As I said in my introduction thread, I fell in love with Chevrolet's AD 3100 pick up when I was a young teen. While attending a Sunday car show with my dad we saw a truck that belonged to a friend of his. It was a 49 with a mild chopped top, painted black with traditional flames and a nice set of Cragars. Now you may not like the thought of that, but for a 12-13 year old kid in the early 80's it was like a Hot Wheels come to life and it rocked my world.
In any case, the stars never aligned for me to get an AD of my own for one reason or another. I have had many other hot rods in the mean time, just never the elusive AD I wanted..... Until. In 2006 my family and I bought a new house in a new town. At the time I had a 1947 Ford coupe hot rod. One day the mail man came up the driveway to deliver something that wouldn't fit in the mail box. We struck up a conversation and he told me there was an Old Truck down the street that he felt I would just love. After telling me where it was I went for a ride. Sure enough, there sitting in some guys driveway was a 1951 Chevy 3100 five window. It appeared as though it hadn't moved in years, and yet didn't look to be in bad shape. Of course I knocked on the door and an old timer came out, we spent a while chatting but he said he wasn't ready to sell it. He only had a one car garage and not able to do anything with it, but as an old hot rodder I just don't think he was in the place to finally give up on it. He did welcome me to come back from time to time to check in on it. Fast forward over a decade and a visit every year or so and it is now June of 2020. I'm out for a ride in my 55 BelAir and decide its time to check in on Fran. I knock on the door and we catch up and chat a bit about Covid and the current state of affairs. I of course bring up the truck that's still just sitting there when he finally says those magic words.... It's For Sale! We agreed on a price and it made the 1 mile trip home to me on a flat bed a couple days later. These pics are of it right after being unloaded. https://i.hmjimg.com/images/2020/08/30/IMG_0532.md.jpg https://i.hmjimg.com/images/2020/08/30/IMG_0528.md.jpg https://i.hmjimg.com/images/2020/08/30/IMG_0520.md.jpg So that's the back story. Now for a new beginning for this truck after sitting in the same spot since 1998. The truck is so ridiculously solid and has such a cool vibe that for now I am just going to scuff it down and matte clear it to lock down the look. I'm a body/paint guy so this goes against everything I am, but after the last car I did and all the car shows etc (see my Introduction) I am tired of the "pretty car" thing for now. Maybe at some point I will blow it apart and paint it, but for now I'm not going to. So what is going to happen? FatMan front end, TCI 4 link rear, Progressive Automotive X member, full boxing of the frame, crate 350, TCI 700R4, fuel injection, Snowden seat, German Squareweave carpeting, Dakota Digital gauges, Vintage Air ac/heat, Ididit tilt column, John's Industries 9" rear, ET wheels and so on. In the end I'm looking for a super comfortable truck that will drive anywhere and have a bit of an old school hot rod vibe. This project started over a year ago so I have a lot to catch up. Follow along if this is something that strikes interest. Glenn |
Re: Long Time Coming......
Cool story.
You have a nice truck to start your project with. I am in for the build.:chevy: |
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And so it begins....
On November 29th 2020 I pulled the truck into my back yard shop and got it up on jack stands. At this point it was time to commence in disassembly of the entire drivetrain and suspension. https://j.hmjimg.com/2022/01/16/IMG_1671.md.jpg Because I work alone I have leaned to do so much with just two hands. Here I am using a cherry picker to remove the entire front end as one assembly... https://j.hmjimg.com/2022/01/16/IMG_1703.md.jpg https://j.hmjimg.com/2022/01/16/IMG_1700.md.jpg https://j.hmjimg.com/2022/01/16/IMG_1704.md.jpg Getting ready to remove the front suspension... https://j.hmjimg.com/2022/01/16/IMG_1705.md.jpg I know the front jack stands look a bit sketchy like this. They were very solid and I needed them right where they were for room for the cherry picker to slide in and remove the engine/trans. It wasn't like this for long I assure you. https://j.hmjimg.com/2022/01/16/IMG_1711.md.jpg https://j.hmjimg.com/2022/01/16/IMG_1708.md.jpg https://j.hmjimg.com/2022/01/16/IMG_1714.md.jpg With the front and rear now out I was able to start cleaning out all the old suspension along with the engine/trans. I gave it all away to a friend and his project as I'm replacing everything with new stuff. https://j.hmjimg.com/2022/01/16/IMG_1721.md.jpg https://j.hmjimg.com/2022/01/16/IMG_1719.md.jpg https://j.hmjimg.com/2022/01/16/IMG_1722.md.jpg https://j.hmjimg.com/2022/01/16/IMG_1720.md.jpg |
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Awesome truck to start with! Be sure to post lost of pics and details as you tackle each part of your project. I'll be following.
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Welcome and thanks for sharing your story and project. It looks like a great platform. I too understand the pretty show car statement. That was what led me to the direction of my 53 Suburban. Looking forward to seeing this one progress.
Marc |
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I'll follow along for the build...Jim
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Thank you guys for the warm welcome. If there is one thing I'm good at it is taking lots of build pictures. As I mentioned before my dad is my hero, and with his health issues he has been house bound for a handful of years now. He hasn't been able to get to my house in almost five years, so photos are what keeps him up to speed with my toys and projects. Dad just turned 78 and started smoking at 13, he has really bad COPD and is on oxygen full time now from it. In November he fell for the third time, this time breaking his hip. So now since Thanksgiving he has had surgery, which led to rehab and now is a full time resident at a convalescent home. He just can't live alone anymore and my wife and I are not equipped to care for him as he needs.
And now back to the show...... The firewall wasn't in terrible shape but at the same time it was full of about a million holes. So I got this nice new one from LS Fab. https://j.hmjimg.com/2022/01/16/IMG_1751.md.jpg https://j.hmjimg.com/2022/01/16/IMG_1752.md.jpg It was at this point where I realized how bad the floor was overall. So out it came piece by piece... https://j.hmjimg.com/2022/01/16/IMG_1778.md.jpg https://j.hmjimg.com/2022/01/16/IMG_1777.md.jpg And now the new floor and tunnel to make sure I have plenty of room for any transmission I ever want to run. https://j.hmjimg.com/2022/01/16/IMG_1780.md.jpg Then fitting the hanging brake pedal assembly and fitting the firewall m/c. I hate the up through the floor pedals in hot rods. https://j.hmjimg.com/2022/01/16/IMG_1756.md.jpg https://j.hmjimg.com/2022/01/16/IMG_1754.md.jpg https://j.hmjimg.com/2022/01/16/IMG_1883.md.jpg While looking at the firewall there is that rectangular impression that LS Fab sends you the cover plate for. I decided to do something a little more unique. I had an old script valve cover and cut it down to size and then welded it in the area. Once all blended in I think it will be cool. Something tells me I can't be the first to ever do this, so I won't lay claim to the idea. But I do think its different and cool as heck. https://j.hmjimg.com/2022/01/16/IMG_1887.md.jpg https://j.hmjimg.com/2022/01/16/IMG_1888.md.jpg https://j.hmjimg.com/2022/01/16/IMG_1886.md.jpg And lastly I finished up the floors with these new rear panels too..... https://j.hmjimg.com/2022/01/17/IMG_2643.md.jpg https://j.hmjimg.com/2022/01/17/IMG_2644.md.jpg |
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So it is now February 1st and I decided to play with the dash some. I wanted to make a lower dash panel for the switches and ac/heat controls.
Here is the first stages of mock up.... At first this was just clamped in place from the back side. But once I had it fitting the way I liked I drilled through the upper lip and the dash together. I then nut and bolted it together, then reached in from the bottom with my mig welder and tacked the bolts in place. Now I can take off about six nuts and the panel is removable to service anything I need to but yet the panel is a direct mount with the studs welded to the panel. https://j.hmjimg.com/2022/01/17/IMG_1791.md.jpg https://j.hmjimg.com/2022/01/17/IMG_1794.md.jpg Once I slid the column in place I was able to get a better idea of where I needed to have it, and then notch the lower panel... https://j.hmjimg.com/2022/01/17/IMG_1990.md.jpg https://j.hmjimg.com/2022/01/17/IMG_2007.md.jpg https://j.hmjimg.com/2022/01/17/IMG_1999.md.jpg https://j.hmjimg.com/2022/01/17/IMG_2004.md.jpg https://j.hmjimg.com/2022/01/17/IMG_2496.md.jpg https://j.hmjimg.com/2022/01/17/IMG_2497.md.jpghttps://j.hmjimg.com/2022/01/17/IMG_2498.md.jpg https://j.hmjimg.com/2022/01/17/IMG_2499.md.jpg I also welded up the notch in the dash for the original column. I never understood why this was offset between the gauges. This would drive my OCD crazy, so the notch for the column in my lower panel is now centered. https://j.hmjimg.com/2022/01/17/IMG_2508.md.jpg https://j.hmjimg.com/2022/01/17/IMG_2509.md.jpg https://j.hmjimg.com/2022/01/17/IMG_2510.md.jpg |
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One more update for tonight....
I ordered this bench seat from Chris Snowden Custom Seats. He makes a great product that is super comfortable. You can order them many ways, I chose this design and material/color. I also got several extra yards of material for the rest of the interior so it all matches. I then placed the seat in the truck flat on the floor, obviously not a good position but I had to start somewhere. I then used some wood blocks to get it where I was happy and comfortable. Once I knew what those measurements were I was able to make these standoffs. With some rectangular tubing that I had lying around. I then trimmed it, used some hardware I had and was able to make it so they bolt to the seat tracks, then the stud goes through the floor and bolts down. I will install a support under the floor for some added strength so in an accident it won't rip out. https://j.hmjimg.com/2022/01/17/IMG_2607.md.jpg https://j.hmjimg.com/2022/01/17/IMG_2608.md.jpg https://j.hmjimg.com/2022/01/17/IMG_2609.md.jpg https://j.hmjimg.com/2022/01/17/IMG_2611.md.jpg https://j.hmjimg.com/2022/01/17/IMG_2610.md.jpg I then made some panels to close off the open space. I am undecided if these will get upholstered or paint matched. https://j.hmjimg.com/2022/01/17/IMG_2612.md.jpg https://j.hmjimg.com/2022/01/17/IMG_2613.md.jpg And lastly here is a sample of the material and a sample of the German Square Weave carpeting that I will be using. I love the rich look of it. I bout several yards of the carpet and have it rolled up in my basement waiting. https://j.hmjimg.com/2022/01/17/IMG_2618.md.jpg |
Re: Long Time Coming......
man, im in for this one. gives me many ideas for my '49
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hi Gsinon this will be a awesome truck . Just a thought but i would leave the seat surround up a bit so you can tuck the carpet under them. I would also upholster those, would look great
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Lots of great progress..There is one thing this site loves and that is pictures and lots of them. I made a similar lower dash panel on my past 2 builds. It's a must have if you run AC.
I like the seat color and the oatmeal carpet color. Well done. Marc |
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what a great project! love it all, the planning, the vision, the execution.
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Again guys, Thank you!!
So at this point I started with the Fatman front end install. I started to mock up where the side boxing plates would go along with the crossmember. https://j.hmjimg.com/2022/01/18/1473...86880_n.md.jpg https://j.hmjimg.com/2022/01/18/1481...97789_n.md.jpg https://j.hmjimg.com/2022/01/18/1474...15212_n.md.jpg With the front crossmember tacked in place I then moved to the rear and installed the cross bar for the TCI 4 link upper coil over mounts. https://j.hmjimg.com/2022/01/18/1687...55904_n.md.jpg https://j.hmjimg.com/2022/01/18/1690...24187_n.md.jpg And then the new John's industries custom ordered 9" rear showed up. Oh happy day!! https://j.hmjimg.com/2022/01/18/1652...57193_n.md.jpg At this point it was time to remove the cab and get going on the entire chassis. As you can see the front crossmember is now tacked in and the suspension is hung to check and make sure everything is where it should be. https://j.hmjimg.com/2022/01/18/IMG_2645.md.jpg https://j.hmjimg.com/2022/01/18/IMG_2647.md.jpg https://j.hmjimg.com/2022/01/18/IMG_2659.md.jpg At this point I sent the frame out for sandblast to get it down to nice clean bare metal. Once back on stands it was leveled from side to side and checked many times before any welding. The boxing plates were then tacked in place and the new X member from Progressive Automotive was trimmed and fitted as well. https://j.hmjimg.com/2022/01/18/IMG_2764.md.jpg https://j.hmjimg.com/2022/01/18/IMG_3031.md.jpg https://j.hmjimg.com/2022/01/18/3635...F05E0A3.md.jpg https://j.hmjimg.com/2022/01/18/IMG_2774.md.jpg https://j.hmjimg.com/2022/01/18/IMG_3186.md.jpg |
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With the boxing plates and X member all tacked nice and solid I was finally able to install the suspension front and back and put the chassis on all four wheels for the first time!!
https://j.hmjimg.com/2022/01/18/IMG_3188.md.jpg https://j.hmjimg.com/2022/01/18/IMG_3187.md.jpg https://j.hmjimg.com/2022/01/18/IMG_3235.md.jpg https://j.hmjimg.com/2022/01/18/IMG_3237.md.jpg https://j.hmjimg.com/2022/01/18/IMG_3238.md.jpg https://j.hmjimg.com/2022/01/18/IMG_3239.md.jpg https://j.hmjimg.com/2022/01/18/IMG_3240.md.jpg I'm adding this picture just because I thought it was really neat.... https://j.hmjimg.com/2022/01/18/1649...99041_n.md.jpg |
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I have been following along on Youtube as the Idaho Fabricator builds his truck. He does fantastic videos and really explains what he is doing and why. I have gotten several ideas from him as they just made sense. The gas tank and how to mount it was one of those items.
I bought a 1941-48 Ford passenger car tank from Tanks Inc. I love the way it mounts with one threaded mount in the front and two in the back. So I started by making these brackets that will bolt to the tank like this. https://j.hmjimg.com/2022/01/18/IMG_2327.md.jpg https://j.hmjimg.com/2022/01/18/IMG_2328.md.jpg https://j.hmjimg.com/2022/01/18/IMG_2337.md.jpg https://j.hmjimg.com/2022/01/18/IMG_2330.md.jpg I then made this drop out bracket that will bolt to the tanks front mount as well as to a welded in crossmember. https://j.hmjimg.com/2022/01/18/IMG_2334.md.jpg https://j.hmjimg.com/2022/01/18/IMG_2336.md.jpg What I like about this is its simplicity. When/if I ever need to service the tank I will remove the two rear bolts, but because the tank is on top of the mounting tabs it will stay where it is. The I will remove the two bolts that go through the crossmember into the front mount and then lower the tank down. https://j.hmjimg.com/2022/01/18/IMG_2341.md.jpg https://j.hmjimg.com/2022/01/18/IMG_2340.md.jpg https://j.hmjimg.com/2022/01/18/IMG_2342.md.jpg |
Re: Long Time Coming......
Last post for tonight.
Here with the bed on and the rear in place and tires on you can see the entire rear suspension as well as how the tank sits. https://j.hmjimg.com/2022/01/18/IMG_3360.md.jpg https://j.hmjimg.com/2022/01/18/IMG_3362.md.jpg https://j.hmjimg.com/2022/01/18/IMG_3361.md.jpg |
Re: Long Time Coming......
Great progress. I REALLY like your wheel and tire combo. Those should offer a great stance. I used similar wheel tubs (Dennis Carpenter - tubs) in my previous build.
I like the tank solution. How many gallons is that tank? Serviceability is well thought out too. I like the direction of this one. Marc |
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Very interesting! Thanks very much for your efforts posting pictures and explanations. Your skills , planning and execution are top notch.
I m not sure, but was the original notch in the dash offset for the Shift tube? |
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Nice work, going to be a sweet ride...Jim
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What a great starting point with your project. You are moving along quickly.
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I'm late to the party, but glad I got here. Great back story and all the pics. Thanks for sharing all the places you get products, for us newbies that helps a lot.
I would have liked a video of how you built that lower dash section and how you built it. Bending that sheet metal is a mystery to me. I'm still learning to use a hammer and dolly. Looking forward to more postings and lots more pictures. |
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I love the way the tank sits and mounts, i have been kicking around how im going to do a fuel tank in my 57 and think im gonna have to steal that idea! love the work and keep the photos coming!
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Tonights installment of what did Glenn do is brought to you by the letter F for fuel! Lol...
I hope I don't insult anyone on there when I say, I HATE when people install their fuel filler up through the bed floor. But then again, what other people do to their own truck is none of my business right!? But for me that was a zero option. That is the reason I used the 41-48 Ford passenger car tank as it has the side fill. I did want the fuel filler/cap to blend in so I decided on one of these steel flush top weld in fillers. I had to first figure out a good placement. There is a slight arc to it so I made a pattern. Then after moving the pattern around I found the perfect spot from both top to bottom and side to side for the contour to line up. This will be very useful when its time to do the filler work and blend it all in. Here is the fender mounted on the bed as normal. Dig the 49-50 Merc taillights!! https://j.hmjimg.com/2022/01/21/IMG_3343.md.jpg Hole cut.... https://j.hmjimg.com/2022/01/21/IMG_3344.md.jpg Threaded bung welded to the fender from underneath. There is a very slight "step" milled into the bung so that the inner edge sits flush with the fender. https://j.hmjimg.com/2022/01/21/IMG_3345.md.jpg And then the cap threads on and then when it bottoms out you push the top down and rotate it a 1/4 turn so it ends up being flush with the fender. When I need gas you rotate it a 1/4 turn counter clockwise until it pops up, then spin it off. https://j.hmjimg.com/2022/01/21/IMG_3347.md.jpg https://j.hmjimg.com/2022/01/21/IMG_3346.md.jpg A little filler work followed by primer and paint and it will virtually disappear in the fender. https://j.hmjimg.com/2022/01/21/IMG_3349.md.jpg |
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With the bed back on after the boxing plates and suspension was installed I was able to make the mounts for the bed and play with the rolled pan some.
This is all still in the mock up phase and I will post more about it when I get back to it. I got a rolled ban and very quickly mounted it for an initial look. At first glance I liked it, but it was also very bland and just kind of blah. So I grabbed a tape measure and a Sharpie and started taking some measurements, then came the die grinder and cutting discs. I started with a "flowing" relief cut from about 2" down from the top and roughly 18" across. and then tapered each side to the bottom. I then tipped in the trimmed piece inward creating about a 2" step. If you look all I used here was some 3M green tape to fill in the gap to get a sense of it all. The question now was.... where do I mount the license plate. At first I just help it up against the pan, but the flat plate hanging off the rolled pan looked stupid to me, like it was an afterthought. So I taped it where I wanted it, then grabbed some poster board and made a surround for the plate that filled in the gaps. So this is where I am right now. I walked away and look at it from time to time trying to decide what to do. Do I proceed and finish it all out in metal then body work it and paint? Do I tweak it in some way? Or do I change it upon completely or go so far as to weld it back up as it was?? What are your thoughts on where it is heading? The most important part of visualizing this is what will it look like all painted and with the truck on the ground. It is hard being a different color and such to visualize sometimes. The first pic before installing the rolled pan. Definitely need to put something here to hide some of that tank. https://j.hmjimg.com/2022/01/21/IMG_3364.md.jpg https://j.hmjimg.com/2022/01/21/IMG_3367.md.jpg https://j.hmjimg.com/2022/01/21/IMG_3370.md.jpg https://j.hmjimg.com/2022/01/21/IMG_3366.md.jpg https://j.hmjimg.com/2022/01/21/IMG_3365.md.jpg https://j.hmjimg.com/2022/01/21/IMG_3368.md.jpg |
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I think the recess for the license plate looks good. definitely different. then maybe lome led back up lights on each side.
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Back when I pulled the cab off of the frame I gathered several friends for the task. Doing so took about a week to get everyones schedule together, then add the difficulty of lifting and walking this heavy cab off the frame. Well there had to be an easier way right? I have seen others make this support arm to lift the cab with a cherry picker. So I bought three 2x6's and started making this. What a difference it is moving the cab on and off the frame with the right tools. I was able to do this alone in about ten minutes from start to finish.
https://j.hmjimg.com/2022/01/21/IMG_3383.md.jpg https://j.hmjimg.com/2022/01/21/IMG_3385.md.jpg https://j.hmjimg.com/2022/01/21/IMG_3388.md.jpg https://j.hmjimg.com/2022/01/21/IMG_3389.md.jpg https://j.hmjimg.com/2022/01/21/IMG_3391.md.jpg https://j.hmjimg.com/2022/01/21/IMG_3393.md.jpg |
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With the cab back on I was now able to mate the engine and trans together for the first time. This is a new crate 350 from Chevrolet, rated at 350hp and 390 ft Lb of torque. I also ordered a brand new TCI 700R4. Now it was time to get the engine/trans in place and get the mounts for both tacked in place.
https://j.hmjimg.com/2022/01/22/IMG_3395.md.jpg With the pair in place I was now able to position the engine properly front to back and side to side. I also was able to get the angle situated correctly so I don't have any driveline vibration later on. https://j.hmjimg.com/2022/01/22/IMG_3396.md.jpg https://j.hmjimg.com/2022/01/22/IMG_3397.md.jpg https://j.hmjimg.com/2022/01/22/IMG_3399.md.jpg I really like these round tube engine stands. They are made from DOM tubing and are super strong, plus with the design I don't have to worry about room for the steering shaft. One fully welded with the engine back out I will show these in better detail in how they look and the support they have for the mounts. https://j.hmjimg.com/2022/01/22/IMG_3401.md.jpg https://j.hmjimg.com/2022/01/22/IMG_3404.md.jpg https://j.hmjimg.com/2022/01/22/IMG_3403.md.jpg |
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That is a nice looking gas filler. Blends nicely.
OH, and yes, newbie, 1699 of the posts are questions. |
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I grabbed the original aprons and rad support and bolted it all onto the truck after trimming some for the front suspension. I then used some 2" masking tape to fill in the gap around the suspension to be able to use it as a guide when I get to the new panels.
https://j.hmjimg.com/2022/01/22/IMG_3417.md.jpg https://j.hmjimg.com/2022/01/22/IMG_3418.md.jpg I slid the new aluminum radiator/condensor/fan/shroud combo in place to get an idea of where it would sit in stock form. This put the combo too close to the engine, so I had to start trimming to pull the unit forward. https://j.hmjimg.com/2022/01/22/IMG_3422.md.jpg At this point it was pretty obvious that the top cross brace needed to be cut off. But not being comfortable with it being gone I made this one that is moved forward and also on an angle to match the front latch cover. While there I welded 3 nuts on the inside of the new brace for attachment points. https://j.hmjimg.com/2022/01/22/IMG_3426.md.jpg https://j.hmjimg.com/2022/01/22/IMG_3438.md.jpg https://j.hmjimg.com/2022/01/22/IMG_3427.md.jpg https://j.hmjimg.com/2022/01/22/IMG_3442.md.jpg |
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I got the new fender aprons from Dynacorn out and trimmed around the suspension using the old ones and that taped area as a guide. Once I got the new ones bolted in place along with the trimmed out rad support I was able to install the front serpentine until on the engine. I was expecting I had room enough for everything, but now was the time to see for sure.
As you will notice in these pics I removed the crate motor 4 barrel intake and bolted in its place GM's Ramjet fuel injection. This will come back off at some point to clean it up and powder coat it. But for now I need it there to continue mocking things up. Also you will see the Holley Mid-Mount sera kit I chose. Was this cheap? Nope not at all. But Holley did a great job rethinking this kit and how compact it is overall. In all my research I could find it is roughly 7/8" tighter to the engine than most other similar kits available. This leaves plenty of rom for the rad combo but also between the power steering and the apron. https://j.hmjimg.com/2022/01/23/IMG_3478.md.jpg https://j.hmjimg.com/2022/01/23/IMG_3425.md.png https://j.hmjimg.com/2022/01/23/IMG_3479.md.jpg https://j.hmjimg.com/2022/01/23/IMG_3480.md.jpg https://j.hmjimg.com/2022/01/23/IMG_3489.md.jpg https://j.hmjimg.com/2022/01/23/IMG_3484.md.jpg https://j.hmjimg.com/2022/01/23/IMG_3490.md.jpg https://j.hmjimg.com/2022/01/23/IMG_3485.md.jpg https://j.hmjimg.com/2022/01/23/IMG_3483.md.jpg |
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Everything looks great. I rally like the roll pan/lisenas plate combo.
Marc |
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shoot, you've been going to town on that thing! cool story
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Re: Long Time Coming......
With this post I am pretty much caught up with where I am now. 14 months just went by quickly with these updates.
I work long hours and travel quite a bit daily for work so getting out in my shop during the week generally doesn't happen. I am now down to just Saturdays when I get out there about 8-8:30am and work until 3-4pm. And that's usually all I can do in a week. I used to get much more time out there, but then 2020 came and my life was forever changed. I was a training instructor for PPG at their Hartford, CT training center, only 9 miles from home. In 2020 with the pandemic and everything PPG decided to shut down 9 training centers, mine being one of them. I ran my last class in September 2020, then spent 3 months closing down the facility to an empty building and effectively shut myself out of a job when I handed the building keys over to the realtor December 23rd 2020 and pretty much lost my job that I loved so much. Oh well things happen right?! In any case back to happy things like working on a truck. This past Saturday my time was reduced to just a couple hours as I was dealing with some things for my dad. While out there I reinstalled the lower dash panel and steering column so that I can now make up the steering shafts and joints to connect the column to the steering rack. I thought I was golden as I had leftover 3/4" double D joint and a splined/double D only to find my column is a 3/4"x1" joint. So now I am waiting for the new joint to show up and make the connection. Here is how I mounted the steering column to the dash and floor... For the upper mount I was trying everything I could think of and ended up buying two different column drops. Nothing was working the way I wanted it to until a friend was over and took one look at hot and said to go buy a 2" exhaust clamp! Some times we over complicate things, like in this case. The U bolt wraps under and around the column, and the cross piece of the clamp is welded to the dash panel. All I have to do is slide the column where I want it, put the U bolt in place and then two 9/16 nuts and tighten it all down. https://j.hmjimg.com/2022/01/24/IMG_3550.md.jpg https://j.hmjimg.com/2022/01/24/IMG_3552.md.jpg The bottom is a swivel mount I got online. It has a ring and the swivel ball on the interior side of the column that goes through the hole in the dash, then on the engine side there is another ring and its all bolts together through the firewall. https://j.hmjimg.com/2022/01/24/IMG_3549.md.jpghttps://j.hmjimg.com/2022/01/24/IMG_3564.md.jpg And lastly, while digging out the swivel lower mount I came across the box I had stashed away from a previous project that I never used. Sometimes things just work out because I think they will be perfect here. I knew I wanted to change the arm rests but didn't know what to, then this box was in my hands. These are 1957 Chevrolet arm rests. I love the look and shape of them, and I think they belong as they are era correct for what I'm doing and will fit the overall style and theme I am going for. https://j.hmjimg.com/2022/01/24/IMG_3565.md.jpg https://j.hmjimg.com/2022/01/24/IMG_3566.md.jpg https://j.hmjimg.com/2022/01/24/IMG_3567.md.jpg |
Re: Long Time Coming......
Well..... I haven't been in the garage much the last couple weeks. My dad health is failing. The guy who taught me everything I know about building hot rods from start to finish, the man who was not only father of the groom when I got married 30 years ago but also stood by my side as Best Man is not doing well. It has been coming on slowly for several years. In November he fell and broke his hip, which led to surgery. That has led to a permanent move into a rehab/convalescent facility. In mid January more decline, and then two weeks ago I as POA had to make the difficult decision to enter him into hospice. He now has only weeks or months to be with us, and that is tough to come to terms with. It struck me on Saturday when out in the shop working on this truck that he will never see it run or drive, never see the finished product. For two hot rodders that have built many cars together that's a difficult pill to swallow. For now he hets to hear about it and I show him pictures of updates, and that will have to do.
Here is some shop therapy from this past weekend. I started with several pieces from Speedway of mandrel bent tubing to make an upper radiator hose for my truck. I'm sure I could find a rubber hose that would work, but with the odd contours it needs, and me being me I just decided to make one. So here is what I came up with. I like it, but part of me doesn't love the contours and think I could do it better. But that would mean buying more tubing and doing it again, and in the end is it bad enough to really go through all that? I know myself well enough to know that at times I can over think things and over analyze. https://j.hmjimg.com/2022/02/14/IMG_3606.md.jpg https://j.hmjimg.com/2022/02/14/IMG_3607.md.jpg https://j.hmjimg.com/2022/02/14/IMG_3611.md.jpg After I did that I took the time to throw the passenger fender on so I could verify I ordered the right size/backspacing on the front rims. I then dropped the truck on to the ground to check clearances and see how the truck sits, stance is everything! I'm loving the overall look for sure. The truck is not as ass up as it appears. It does have a healthy hot rod rake to it, but this exaggerates it for sure. https://j.hmjimg.com/2022/02/14/IMG_3617.md.jpg https://j.hmjimg.com/2022/02/14/IMG_3620.md.jpg And lastly I installed the Snowden seat one more time and bolted it in place to check for shifter location before drilling the floor for it. https://j.hmjimg.com/2022/02/14/IMG_3641.md.jpg https://j.hmjimg.com/2022/02/14/IMG_3639.md.jpg |
Re: Long Time Coming......
Quote:
Your story is very similar to mine in a Lot of ways. My Daddy survived a lot of health issues and He survived I beleive , So He could see me Get Married.:metal: He taught me more than any school could ever teach. |
Re: Long Time Coming......
Glenn, thoughts and prayers for your family...Jim
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