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'66 GMC K25 - Project "Mabel"
Having just finished a small project on the truck, I figured now was as good as time as any to start a project/build thread for my '66. While I don't foresee actually doing a complete tear-down/build-up for a few years on her, I have plenty of projects that will keep me entertained while allowing us to use and enjoy the truck during the nice months.
http://i.imgur.com/nf5V04g.jpg One of my projects this winter was relocating the various aux switches that were strewn about. I was originally going to combine the switches with all of the aux gauges in bracket pod that I am currently building. After receiving a radio delete plate, it dawned on me that I could just use that space. The mess left by previous owners... http://i.imgur.com/MZhoneV.jpg My solution... http://i.imgur.com/AUXE4tX.jpg Doorman Motormite (p/n/ 85904) switches fit perfectly and had some character... http://i.imgur.com/0JQdzzF.jpg A little bit of model paint, scotch-brite and 600 grit sandpaper... http://i.imgur.com/rX4856i.jpg Holes popped... http://i.imgur.com/CEY880a.jpg Finished (fauxtina and all)... http://i.imgur.com/xfIoNko.jpg Now I have a switch for electric fan, flood lights, amber flashing light (future project) and 1 spare. http://i.imgur.com/XkKTGzY.jpg Even updated the Meyers switch so they all matched... http://i.imgur.com/EJyj389.jpg |
Re: '66 GMC K25 - Project "Mabel"
In for the build. Love GMC's boasting the big v6. Have one with a 305E myself. 4 barrel and split exhaust woke that puppy up nicely. :chevy:
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Re: '66 GMC K25 - Project "Mabel"
Im in too ,dont have one of this year anymore but still love them.
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I'm in KOOL truck can we see more without the grass. WE LIKE PIXS...
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Re: '66 GMC K25 - Project "Mabel"
Auxiliary gauges where everywhere. Figured I would make a home for them under the dash below my switch panel. Figured I would fab a 4-hole bracket that was enclosed and had similar look and feel of dash.
Bracket face... http://i.imgur.com/EQg35EN.jpg Face post-waterjet... http://i.imgur.com/hLIs9BH.jpg Now I just need to fab the outer wraps and add a few spot welds. |
Re: '66 GMC K25 - Project "Mabel"
Looked into having my slotted mags that came on the truck polished. Quote came back at $200. Per wheel. They aren't really that bad but they had some corrosion spots and ridges in the casting that don't look the best.
http://i.imgur.com/pe3Hb86.jpg Turns out that you can do a pretty bang-up job with material from Harbor Freight tools, a DA sander and California Customs Purple Metal Polish. All in all, I figure it will take me only a single day to do all 4 wheels at a cost of around $75. Not too shabby. For the finish, I 220 DA, 320DA, 400 wet sand by hand, use a buffing wheel with HF grey compound and then finish everything up with a second buffing wheel and the purple polish. While I will go for a slightly better finish in the end, the right side of the wheel in the below pic is the result of the trial run I did today. http://i.imgur.com/SBmV8io.jpg?1 |
Re: '66 GMC K25 - Project "Mabel"
That is going to look good and save a ton of $$$$$$$$ .
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I like the aluminum rims !! you are doing a great job polishing them
and no $200 per wheel is even better . the truck looks great with the lettering , cant wait to see it with the polished slots on it. |
Re: '66 GMC K25 - Project "Mabel"
Made some headway on the aux gauge bracket this week.
Before: http://i.imgur.com/UceIkXC.jpg http://i.imgur.com/nhudiSo.jpg After: http://i.imgur.com/RNgzM0B.jpg http://i.imgur.com/ZbXtqJJ.jpg The intent was to create a bracket that (sort of) blended into the dash, looked clean, hid the backside of the gauges. I wanted to ensure it also looked aftermarket and well-built but not too "polished". I think the 1/4" reveal on the front and the "tabs" that wrap up behind the dash bottom really rounded out the look. The bracket will contain all aux gauges, including the one that a PO bastardized the gauge panel with. Hopefully it'll see paint this weekend and I can get a set of SW gauges ordered. Note: Absolutely no dash metal was harmed during the installation of the bracket. The bracket was attached using existing through-dash openings... |
Re: '66 GMC K25 - Project "Mabel"
Nice work. It really flows with the dash and looks like it's meant to be there
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The aux. bracket is officially done. Now I just need to spend some money on new gauges to replace my mismatched ones.
http://i.imgur.com/UNvzd4F.jpg Even had time today to switch all my gauges from my bezel into a virgin one I paid way to much for. http://i.imgur.com/ZzD7GC7.jpg Gave everything a proper cleaning. This is probably the first time this needle has gone beyond 55 MPH. http://i.imgur.com/88lse5m.jpg Before... http://i.imgur.com/UceIkXC.jpg After... http://i.imgur.com/WAMETUc.jpg Figured I would take some time, before bolting the bezel in and connecting everything to, to clean up the rats nest of wires created by POs. Exhibit A... http://i.imgur.com/GsSOKx2.jpg |
Re: '66 GMC K25 - Project "Mabel"
Looks good! :gmc2:
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Slowly making progress on dash.
Decided to run all new wires for aux gauges and aux switches. Removed any/all wires that previous owners had run for different things. http://i.imgur.com/RNyNldN.jpg Decided to upgrade to all new Stewart Warner gauges. Decided on them as they looked more "period correct" than new Auto Meter ones. Bought a VDO gauge cup for the tach and had to modify the base to mate with steering column radius. Nothing too crazy, but it took some welding and filling. http://i.imgur.com/jEnAa5L.jpg http://i.imgur.com/tQupjIL.jpg http://i.imgur.com/Ylizxku.jpg FIN |
Re: '66 GMC K25 - Project "Mabel"
Wiring project is done and the under-dash should be way less of a fire hazard. I had to have pulled 500 feet of PO wiring out of the truck and off of the frame rail harness. All new SW gauges and tach should and be good to go.
http://i.imgur.com/wnxPBYx.jpg?1 http://i.imgur.com/jQPTrdt.jpg?1 For the aux. switches, I settled on far left is electric fan, middle left is fog lights, middle right is back up lights and far right is spare. I designed to bypass the shifter switch for the backup lights until I figure out a modification for the switch/actuator that actually (consistently) works. |
Re: '66 GMC K25 - Project "Mabel"
Man that looks sweet:metal:. It looks factory, I might have to copy the idea from you with something similar and paint it the same colour as my interior.
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Looks good!
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Good looking truck. I am enjoying your build.
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Decided to make a new (top) PTO cover for the SM420 to accommodate the new transmission fluid temp gauge. 3/16 plate cut out on water jet will have 1/4 NPT tapped hole for sending unit. As long as I measured right, the tapped hole location *should* put the sending unit in fluid but out of way of gears.
Trying to decide now whether or not I want to have a "guard" surrounding the sending unit to protect it and signal wire from ground/road debris. http://i.imgur.com/tJDN9Sd.jpg |
Re: '66 GMC K25 - Project "Mabel"
I love what you are doing! Looking forward to future progress.
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