What did you do to (or with) your truck today.
 

I didn't find one in this section, so what did you do to or with your truck today? Let's hear about it. Let's see some pictures. I'll start.

Yesterday I changed the brakes and rotors, and while I was at it I found a destroyed ball joint. The control arm bushings were also bad which I knew, so I removed it to change it all out today.

Re: What did you do to (or with) your truck today.
 

Rebuilt control arm ready to go on.

Re: What did you do to (or with) your truck today.
 

Cool thread to have here.

I too can play (a lot) if you let me.

I brought some used, clear indicator lenses for my truck.

In England we have side repeater lights, without them, the truck will fail its yearly roadworthy test.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../001(275).HEIC

30mm x 30mm

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...ix/001(60).jpg

Hole drilled in the fender in 2006 when it failed the yearly test.

Bathroom silicone used to attach them

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../001(276).HEIC

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../001(278).HEIC


https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../001(277).HEIC

So today, I Bought some clear lenses and amber clones for it.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...ix/001(29).PNG

Will fit them as soon as they get delivered.

PS. Also drove the truck.

Re: What did you do to (or with) your truck today.
 

Those will look way better.

Re: What did you do to (or with) your truck today.
 

So today was a rough one from a work point of view.
Busy
Started by 07.30 with online training.
Then from 09.00 more Teams based clinical trial review.
I also had a business review booked for 13.00

This stuff does my head in.

So my lunch hour was committed to my own mental health.

Based on looking under the hood on Sunday, I knew there were a few bits to be done.

K&N air cleaner, divides opinions

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...ix/001(17).PNG

I discovered a long crack that had been partly repaired in the radiator cowl.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../001(283).HEIC

I was fortunate to be offered an upper half of one , price to be confirmed, same seller who has the steering wheel.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...ix/001(61).jpg

Screwdriver to the fore.

K&N filter undone and removed.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../001(281).HEIC

Can you say FILTHY DIRTY.

And rather large.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../001(282).HEIC

I also opened the other end to see if the throttle plate needed any attention.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../001(280).HEIC

Clean as a whistle.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../001(279).HEIC

I was also having advice from my good friend Ric Grassmick who lives in Arizona, and dailies and Autocrosses one of these trucks.
His day job is as an auto mechanic, so the right guy to speak to.

He also advised I look up the connector tube toward the MAF sensor at the divider plate, tooling for two potential caterpillars
These are a pair of very small resistor coils that may need cleaning.

He even sent a drawn diagram of what I needed to look for.

Looking up from the airflow straightener

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../001(286).HEIC

I will get to these tomorrow in daylight,

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...ix/001(78).JPG

Then back into the house.

Using Mr Muscle oven and grease cleaner to loosen the oil and grime the water ended up pretty soup-like.
Three repeats and some Fairy liquid, dishwashing soap and a couple of kettles of hot water saw it a lot cleaner and the water pretty murky.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../001(284).HEIC

Then put out to dry.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...ix/001(62).jpg

I got a K&N cleaning and oiling set, known as a “Recharger kit” from Euro car parts, and delivered to the local mechanics a mile from home.for £10.00 which was cheaper than anywhere else.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../001(287).HEIC

I will oil the filter tomorrow and reassemble the cold air induction kit.


Finally on my way home from picking up the oil, I saw a nice sunset.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../001(285).HEIC


More tomorrow.

Re: What did you do to (or with) your truck today.
 

Following on

Cleaned my K&N air filter setup yesterday and oiled it today.
Made a quick random YouTube clip as I thought it may be helpful to people like me who have not done it before.

https://youtu.be/Y1MNY0ibuiY

Hope its useful to some.

Re: What did you do to (or with) your truck today.
 

Rain seems to have dried up overnight, with much more predicted along with possibly some snow and cold for the weekend.

So this morning it was dry and not too cold, so by 07.30 I was outside to grab the opportunity to refit the air filter and check a few more bits out.

I was also chatting with Dennis in Missouri as he could not sleep, getting tips on the things to look out for and little things to touch on while getting this truck to an even better place than it already is.

Big old hole where the filter and ducting goes, it is also isolated to keep the truck getting cold air, rather than warm air from the engines heat.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../001(299).HEIC

Refitted and mounted in a way that has it hanging loose, rather than chafing against any of the body or engine parts.

Looks better, hopefully the clean will benefit the engine.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../001(301).HEIC

While I was there, I thought getting a record of these stickers that do not come off, would be sensible, as I will be fitting a replacement radiator cowl.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...ix/001(66).jpg

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...ix/001(65).jpg

And identified another weekend job........

Can you guess.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../001(300).HEIC

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../001(302).HEIC

Yup, drain the radiator, flush it well, and refill with fresh green stuff.

Along with the other jobs lined up for it, as long as I get some gaps in the weather.

PS. It is Friday after all.

Re: What did you do to (or with) your truck today.
 

I put on a new steering wheel cover.

Re: What did you do to (or with) your truck today.
 

I am looking forward to refitting a standard wheel to my truck, the Grant item is both small and thinner, so your cover seems to make it nice and chunky.

I like that Sean.



So doing stuff on your birthday that makes you happy?


In my case, today was started off with a quick 6.45 minute School of YouTube lesson on how to remove the headlights, indicators and grille on an S10 Truck in 4’C or 40’F temperature without breaking anything, especially mounting tabs.

Reflection on the iPad screen is the very rough, English style Pebble Dash plaster on my 1921 built home.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../001(331).HEIC

Thought I would start with the passenger headlight as its fastening tabs are stuck between the battery and radiator core support and kinda tight for my large hands.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../001(329).HEIC

Good start...... bodgeworks always a good place to start.

The indicators, position lights etc may have been changed when the truck had its first UK MOT road test in 2006 where I know it failed due to the lack of side repeater lamps amongst other things.

I will fix these things as I discover them.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../001(328).HEIC

Lights out....

Followed by indicators.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../001(330).HEIC

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../001(327).HEIC

Old and new indicator lenses.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../001(323).HEIC

And then BURGER !!!!

Indicator bulbs are “pinch pull” or whatever they are called, so the chrome bayonet items @rich had sent were not going to get used here.

Need to get some from the local motor factors.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../001(322).HEIC

Grille off and headed for the garage to take apart

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../001(334).HEIC

So with the grille removed, the next job was to disassemble it it to its final component form for cleaning and processing.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../001(324).HEIC

20 years of life as we know it, on the grille that was apparently originally painted body colour in a matte finish has left it looking pretty sorry for itself.

Closer up.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../001(321).HEIC


As I kept disassembling, I found more and more bits I did not like.

To that needed bits of attention to get to a look I preferred.

More in a bit.

Re: What did you do to (or with) your truck today.
 

After removing the grille, I noticed just how grubby and greasy the centre support was.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../001(326).HEIC

The bonnet/hood release cable looked like a challenge for about 15 seconds.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...ix/001(70).jpg

A 13mm socket and 3 bolts later......

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...ix/001(69).jpg

Wire brush, white spirit wipe down, two coats of black primer, two coats of Stealth Black Wheel paint, JOB DONE.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../001(325).HEIC

Once the paint had dried, I generously applied some spray on White Lithium grease, which once reassembled clearly made the hood release work much more smoothly.
I also put some on the threads of the bolts before returning them to where they came from.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../001(318).HEIC

Refitted, release cable reconnected, looked loads better.

You will also notice just how clean the front slam panel actually is, almost no rust, just a bit of staining which could be polished away.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../001(317).HEIC

Interesting way the light and house shadow fell at the drivers door. Making the rear look distinctly grey and insipid

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../001(311).HEIC

Another job that I decided to do today was to “FIX” the front grille badge, at least until I get around to ordering one from the USA or if I can get @craigrk to do a clever 3D print for me.

It had delamination of the gold leaf in the badge, as well as a crack.

Any fix would be an improvement imho.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../001(320).HEIC

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../001(316).HEIC

Final result after about 5 coats.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../001(307).HEIC

Happy so far.


It is way past my bedtime.

A few more bits tomorrow for those following closely.

Weekend over too, thanks for checking in.

Later.

Re: What did you do to (or with) your truck today.
 

The steering wheels aren't very durable. If you find a nice one you might want to protect it with some kind of cover. Mine is ate up some underneath.

Re: What did you do to (or with) your truck today.
 

Ahhh, gotcha.

I am buying a used Blazer one for my truck and hope it will be in decent condition. It is $65.00 plus shipping. So I will be happy.
Same guy is selling me a top half of the radiator shroud as mine is badly cracked.



Final post for yesterdays work done.

When I bought the truck, the bonnet/hood was standing proud on the passenger side by about 8-10mm

The previous owner had told me he had repainted the drivers fender and hood, due to some paint damage and lacquer peeling.

This was not a problem for me, at 20 years old, the truck still looks better than may 3 year olds.

Dennis who has his body shop in St Louis, Missouri has worked on many of these S10 trucks back in the day, had told me these trucks had very little room for adjustment of panel gaps if disassembled or found not to be aligned.

So it was with trepidation I decided to give it a go, to see if I could improve the alignment.

Started with this.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../001(333).HEIC

Played with these.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../001(314).HEIC

You can see this side fender has been loosened and refitted.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../001(313).HEIC

This side got to go down a bit.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../001(310).HEIC

And this side keeps me happy for now......

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../001(308).HEIC

Result.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../001(311).HEIC

Happy with that for now.


While cleaning up the stainless steel front grille embellishers I saw these markings on the rear.

The other one showed “top” to define which one fits where.

I am guessing an enthusiast at some point made these up for the truck.

They came up lovely with steel polish as well.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../001(319).HEIC

And finally, I had a few challenges from various people about the position of the K&N filter, with people freaking out that it was going to suck up tons of surface water.

So overdrawn on the pic, is where the filter actually sits inside the engine bay.


https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...ix/001(68).jpg


Not sure if I mentioned, the grille was delivered in a carpark last night, socially distanced and all that.

More as it happens.

Re: What did you do to (or with) your truck today.
 

Thank you @PhilA for grabbing these Chrome Amber bulbs in Louisiana, USA.

Looking forward to getting them into the truck too.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../001(336).HEIC

Was in the garage today because I needed a bit of time after they announced redundancies to be effective mid February, and get is a waste of energy, so I went to remove some lights from the wall that will go into the carport until I get the planned LED units up.

Found this claxon style hooter in one of the C10 parts boxes. It may be fun in the S10

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../001(340).HEIC


I also reassembled the front grille badge.

Looks OK like this.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../001(336).HEIC

Closer up.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../001(335).HEIC

Absolutely pleased with the outcome so far.

Re: What did you do to (or with) your truck today.
 

Only one small thing done to the truck today.

It will split opinions, do I care??

Errrrmmm..... Nope.

Proud.


https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../001(341).HEIC

Re: What did you do to (or with) your truck today.
 

Love the little parcels.

New side repeater lenses landed.

Too big again, do I drill the holes bigger or modify the lenses......


https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../001(344).HEIC

Indicator light bulbs landed too.

These amber units were ordered before @phila got me the chrome ones for the truck.

Can you see what is wrong.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../001(343).HEIC

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../001(345).HEIC

Currently a big thing....

Showing asss.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../001(346).HEIC

Another thing I have looked forward to for over a year was to fit one of my custom cast gas pedals.

These will possibly split opinion.

50 years ago guys made these in shop, they were everywhere.

I always loved them, and to me this one, custom cast by my good friend Andy Martin in Terlton near Tulsa Oklahoma is even more valued as it reminds me of my road trips, friends here in theUK and also in America.

A certain nod to great memories.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../001(347).HEIC

Life is good, remember that gang.

Re: What did you do to (or with) your truck today.
 

[quote author="@mk3rob" source="/post/2650641/thread" timestamp="1609660940"]Definitely get some rust protection on the underside. You can pretty much watch S10s rust!
Mine had 2 rear seats and I have to say you can ride with 3 people in proper comfort! I rode in the rear seat a couple of times after concerts etc when our lass drove and it was really comfy!
The ZQ8 stuff is really sought after and at times not so easy to get hold of so hold onto that! [/quote]


This is the trucks “build sheet” showing its whole DNA. What was put together to create it.

It seems to be pretty special, and I am both pleased and thankful to have been able to tick a box on my lust list.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...akpix/001.heic

Read and interpreted by some clever people out there

G80 and ZQ8 are posi track rear and sport suspension
G80 is the LSD, nice.
ZQ8 is a code and a trim package, so your truck is a ‘ZQ8’
They had a factory lowering kit, around 2in or so, springs and leafs. A tighter steering box and some other nice things. The Xtremes got the same setup but got a body kit and some badges.
This is kind of an aside since you're curious about rpo codes, but the guys who have the super sport S10’s look for the B4U code. SS trucks were the first to receive the ZQ8 suspension in 96 until they stopped the SS in 98. The ZQ8 then became its own trim package so to speak
That is the rear end. I think the codes that start with G are the gears for the rear. Not 100% but I think that's what it means. And G80 is a locking or semi locking rear end if I remember right.

GU6 = 3.42 gears
G80 = POSI limited slip
L35 = v6 4.3l vortec
M30 = 4spd overdrive transmission
ZQ8 = Sports suspension package



So living here in England poses it’s own challenges when owning a 20 year old American pickup truck.

Parts for one, and even maintenance as you cannot just drop it off at a local dealer to get things serviced or repaired.

Part of the pleasure than becomes figuring stuff out, researching, asking questions or guys like @pauly over for a coffee pretending you do not need their technical or physical expertise ( just how hard to hit a control arm, or whatever with a 5 pound hammer in winter)

Finding hard to get bits, gets harder when it is a slightly less common model too.


So my truck came with a set of Cragar S/S 2 piece, 17” in 8J wheels, including a spare, 255/45 17 Nankang tyres, all with almost full tread etc.
Perfect wheels for daily use.

But I did not like them, and always coveted the LQ8 5 spoke 16” 8J alloys some trucks came fitted with.

Actually do not recall seeing any in the uK on trucks, ever.

So I was looking out for alternatives, and had kinda settle and made peace with getting thick adapters and going with a set of Range Rover Mondials in 18” or a full set of 17” 7J BMW steels.

I was on an American FB S10 group, asking about tyre choice for the 7J wheels when I got a message from a U.K. based GMC S15 Sonoma owner...... Surprise !

He had owned his for some time, but during the whole 2020 COVID-19 shut down, had stripped it down and was doing a 1939 Willys shark nose truck rebody, he had sold all the body panels except the rear bed and still had a set of 4 LQ8 wheels, with some tyres fitted, tyres could be fried though.

Would I be interested in those as an alternative to the Mondials and BMW steels?

He had not realised these were my personal Holy Grail of wheels, as I was trying to do the truck justice as it is in such good condition. Adding originality as far as I could, with a few cosmetic tweaks,

We have spent about two hours on FB Messenger video (a first for him, he is 67 and not a techie) getting to know each other.

And of course agreed to me buying the wheels from him, not cheaply, but certainly a fair price I was prepared to pay.

Collection based on current lockdown uncertainty to be in the next three years or more.


Stock photos from Google.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...ix/001(83).JPG

And what my truck would look like.

I am super pleased, yes there are other options, other lols, and prettier wheels, but it’s what I wanted.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...ix/001(84).JPG


Looking at these in the USA, even the price per one, wheel plus tax, duty, real world shipping etc makes for an expensive transaction.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...ix/001(37).PNG

Even just the centre caps would not be cheap from eBay and once you get stung with tax and import duties on top of shipping, this was not the route I planned on going.

Just to give an idea of their cost to me.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...ix/001(72).jpg

And an afterthought, speaking of COVID-19


https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...ix/001(71).jpg


Later guys, back to day job stuff, Friday today.....

Weekend soon.

Re: What did you do to (or with) your truck today.
 

Anyone remember this....l?



https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...ix/001(80).jpg


Got collected in the dark two weeks ago.


Ross runs a custom/insurance repair body shop.

I had asked him how much and if he would paint the trucks grille to Cody colour for me.

When he fetched the little caravan, he said he would paint the grille for me, free of charge.

So when I had disassembled the grille, he got it and some paint and said he would get onto it ASAP.

Pretty pleased he was doing it, as he has all the kit and materials on site, and could do it on the side.

Last night a bunch of pics landed, along with a message.


Prepped it.

Primer.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...ix/001(76).jpg

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...ix/001(79).jpg

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...ix/001(78).jpg

Then some colour coats.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...ix/001(73).jpg

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...ix/001(74).jpg

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...ix/001(77).jpg

First clear coat went on.


https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...ix/001(75).jpg

A few more clear coats to go on and some decent drying.

Then back to me.

Reassembled and Refitted.

Looking forward to the front end coming together, cleat lenses and side repeaters included.


So what can I do today to keep busy?

Re: What did you do to (or with) your truck today.
 

Cuppa coffee, cookies.

Out of the house, brrrrr... chilly fresh.

So the key to keeping busy.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../001(367).HEIC

Every time I look up under the truck, I am amazed at how clean it is.

Keyway.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../001(360).HEIC

Not too impressive

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../001(361).HEIC

I had been warned that the underslung spare wheel on these trucks could have a failure of their wind up, hanging mechanism.

So I decided that was a dry job I could do today.

20 years under the load bed would make most of us look a bit tired.

Wonder where this gravel could be from, Missouri, Norwich......

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../001(369).HEIC

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../001(368).HEIC

Washed and scrubbed.

Amazing, as a 16” wheel, how tall it actually is against the wheelarch.

[https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../001(359).HEIC

Cold and wet, carried down to the garage and used a heat gun to dry it and warm up the steel.

Quick bit of a sanding and a wipe down, followed by primer, more drying with the heat gun.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../001(362).HEIC

Inside of the rim painted, did not bother with masking this side.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../001(356).HEIC

While waiting for the paint to dry naturally, I went up and crawled around again and greased up the cable, spring and mechanism with lithium grease.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../001(366).HEIC

After a coffee, I went to check the pressure, certain to be low.

Correct.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../001(358).HEIC

Pumped up to prescribed pressure.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../001(357).HEIC

And back to the truck.

Much better.

Fitted.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../001(363).HEIC

At least this made me feel that my day was not completely wasted.

Weekend over, again.

Re: What did you do to (or with) your truck today.
 

Post man dropped by today.

Small parcel.

After all the various opinions and input on here and elsewhere, I decided that a white front placement lamp and an amber indicator would satisfy the jobsworth, anal and anyone else whose farts don’t smell.

So I ordered a set of “Switchback” lamps on Friday evening.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../001(370).HEIC

Tried them out, and impressed no end.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../001(371).HEIC

Once the colour matched grille is back, I will reassemble it and the clear lenses.

Should look good.


In the mean time I have also investigated colours for the ZQ8 wheels, they are often Silver, Anthracite and rarely gold with machined faces.

I really like this look.

Not sure how it will look on the truck I have.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...ix/001(99).JPG


Think about it.

Re: What did you do to (or with) your truck today.
 

So part two of the new smile on the S10’s face reported.

Ross took the grille and the paint that the seller had supplied when I bought it to go paint it to body colour for me.


This morning I had to be in a shopping centre, so we met in the carpark and he responsibly handed it to me, before heading to work.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../001(372).HEIC

Massive improvement on where we started with the 20 year old grille.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../001(373).HEIC

Stainless central bars refitted.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../001(375).HEIC

So from this when removed..........

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../001(334).HEIC

To this finish today.

Centre bar refitted, and looking at it outside, I was again pleased.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../001(374).HEIC

Grille refitted.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../001(379).HEIC

Clear indicator lenses fitted.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../001(378).HEIC

Headlights fitted.

BUT..........

Wrongly placed, will need to go redo them tomorrow. Missed a side tab that would seat them fully squarely.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../001(377).HEIC

1/4 front view.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../001(376).HEIC

Re: What did you do to (or with) your truck today.
 

My wife got me another S10 kit that I can use with the wave rider to replicate the truck. They are short beds so I need two to make a long bed. The Xtreme is in there for you Grizz. :D

Re: What did you do to (or with) your truck today.
 

Thank you Sean,

Big grin here.


I have wondered if there are any extended cab models out there.

Re: What did you do to (or with) your truck today.
 

Sleepless nights.........

Usually work or backache causes it.

Not last night.

Observation within minutes of posting on an S10 group on FB and showing mate @craigrk summarised below.

Had me wonder whether I would get it sorted.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...ix/001(40).PNG

Woke to this....

Photo taken while @pauly and I spoke with him herding his wild bunch over a muddy field

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../001(380).HEIC

Day job kept me busy from before 08.00

Been thinking also where would I find a low level canopy to fit the truck.... something like this.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...x/001(101).JPG

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...x/001(100).JPG


Around 11.00 I made a coffee and took it out to the truck.


Headlights fitted.

BUT..........

Wrongly placed, will need to go redo them tomorrow. Missed a side tab that would seat them fully squarely.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../001(377).HEIC

So with the drivers side light refitted and the passenger side still to be done, it became obvious how wrong it was.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../001(381).HEIC

Challenge if course was to get too lower tabs in, and push the two tabs through the holes in the front panel and slide home the two sliding retainers

Note the space, battery clamped in place......

So how do you get dozen into this slot without removing the battery?

Using the handle of a long steel fork, I twisted it so push/force the wiring and its sheath away, then gripping in a death grip with some extra long rat nosed pliers, I slipped the hole over the pin and then slid the slot down it. Home dry.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...ix/001(87).jpg

Job done, much happier, I think.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../001(382).HEIC

So I had to wait for the new battery to be delivered, then I could test the lights up front.

I also got onto another small repair job.

Specifically a redneck repair.

Unlikely to be guessed.

Re: What did you do to (or with) your truck today.
 

Remember this.....??

Armrest come backrest when you go three up front.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../001(235).HEIC

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../001(232).HEIC

So I removed it today.

Removed all the old manky, sticky foam and backing sticker in the kitchen.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../001(391).HEIC

This truck was originally a Missouri truck, so rather than use some flat sheet metal, I thought one of the license plates from Dennis seemed a better idea.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../001(389).HEIC

Cut and bent to fit the interior, and this will support the inside of the armrest.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../001(390).HEIC

And then glued in place using a couple of G-clamps, backing plates to keep it all in place a 5 litre jug of water, earmarked for the radiator flush and recharge, but perfect to keep it all tight while the glue dries overnight.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../001(386).HEIC

I am sure that this will make the armrest feel solid, rather than squidgy when I do use it, either as a rest or as a pivot when getting in or out the car.

Refit some time tomorrow when it is well dried.

Re: What did you do to (or with) your truck today.
 

Perfectly timed delivery when I walked up to the house.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../001(387).HEIC

Unbolted the old battery.

Removed it.......

Found a puddle, and a small rubber mat.

Not good.

Anyone got a good battery tray to sell, or am I making my own ? Done it before for the C10 relocated battery

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../001(388).HEIC

Plan is to remove the battery and tray sometime, clean up, weld up and seal and paint the tray.

After fitting the new battery of course the best part was starting the engine up, and testing the lights, and indicators.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../001(385).HEIC

Happy to say that they really look much better in real life.

Money and time so well spent.

Indicator.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../001(384).HEIC

After 11.00pm methinks its bedtime.

Thanks for checking in and all your comments.

Later.

Re: What did you do to (or with) your truck today.
 

Marmite.

Chalk n Cheese.

Give and Take.

Wheels from other brands.

Still have the hots for a set of these, I see they come as low as £120.00 for 4 with or without tyres.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...ix/001(91).jpg

So with the 5x120 size here, a lot of non-GM wheels will be needing spacers to place them right in the arches.

Yesterday afternoon around 5.00pm I saw some 5x120 BMW 20mm spacers with a 72mm centre bore on Marketplace for £20.00 including 9 bolts about 10 miles from here.

The S10 uses Nuts, not bolts, so missing one was fine, and these can be used for trading again at some point.

Contacted the seller to say I was interested but could only collect today if I went out for some hardware, and that he should sell them if another buyer came up.

“Where do you live, I am headed out for some food shopping in a few minutes”

Told him where I lived, and he said he would run by and just drop them off on the driveway en route to the grocery store.

So half an hour later I traded, a pack of Haribo Mix for his kids in the car and some cash for him. Saved me 20 miles driving and specific planning.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../001(397).HEIC

Nice way to end my day........; now to find something interesting to fit for winter wheels. (No, absolutely do not need them, you are right)

Went to bed late, woke too early, by 05.00 so sat chatting with Dennis in St Louis about life and the 66 NASCAR C10 Truck build that is progressing.

Later he went to bed and I went down for breakfast.

Pleasant surprise outside.

Rain had stopped, thankfully, as I had a few plans for today.


https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../001(396).HEIC

Plan one for today was to fit the resistors over the LED indicator wires.

One on each side.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../001(400).HEIC


Front end disassembled again, easier every time as you learn your way around this truck.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../001(399).HEIC

Outside was 3’C and shady, plus there was a brisk breeze, cutting through 4 layers, that was less than pleasant.

This is the mess I found.

Remember the wiring on the Blazer? That was certainly worse, and I got that lot tidied up.

Tried to get the soldering iron warm enough to undo the joins the cowboy who did the original wiring “modifications” had done was fun, it actually did not get warm enough.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../001(398).HEIC

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...ix/001(92).jpg

Mate Martin had given advice remotely as well, as he speaks electrics in his sleep. But a bit of a struggle for my little brain overall.

@craigrk suggested I remove all the mess and use some of these plugs units.

So I ordered them off eBay for delivery next weekend.and will solder in new wires and connections.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...ix/001(42).PNG

Reassembled. Amber bulbs fitted temporarily.

https://youtu.be/jyv9UAEtv4Q



After this I came in to warm up and also had a delivery.

One more small job left to do a bit later.

Re: What did you do to (or with) your truck today.
 

Been a bit busy with the day job.

Small jobs.

This one took about 6 minutes in total.

.
https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../001(404).HEIC


https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../001(401).HEIC


I hear @pauly clapping now.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../001(402).HEIC

And they are ready to be off to Hampshire

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../001(403).HEIC

And in their place will be a set of original manufacturers specification lights.

Personal choice yes.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...ix/001(43).PNG

Remember how pitted my battery tray was, lots of holes rusted through.

Reached out to Robert, they guy selling me an original steering wheel, and asked if he maybe had one in better condition.

He went through his scrap pile nd found this one, needs a bit of cleaning and painting, but looks better than mine.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...x/001(105).JPG

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...x/001(103).JPG

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...x/001(104).JPG


Saw this truck for sale on FB today.

In case someone needs one.

145k miles and £6750.00

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...ix/001(44).PNG

And so that is all for today.

Bit by bit.

Re: What did you do to (or with) your truck today.
 

Not quite done much to the truck, but done stuff for the truck.



Covid-19 has taught us to work more sensibly, if not cleverly.

Everything done remotely, and with little more concern, circumspection and care.

So buying the wheels for the truck....... paid remotely yesterday.

Got it all piled up outside a garage at a post code, collection and pickup arranged by someone who happens to be doing a disability conversion for hand controls in a paraplegics car a few houses away.

Clever, or blind luck?

Got to see what I have bought by messenger video today, terrible video quality, but happy to have seen it anyways.

Note the original rear lights, wheel nut caps and centre caps all in the pic as well.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...ix/001(47).PNG

Tyre treads seem to be pretty decent, not needing replacement at this point.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...ix/001(46).PNG

BONUS TIME:

Steve the seller is also giving me a GMC Grille and headlights, which could work on my truck with minimal modifications.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...ix/001(45).PNG

He also has a 4.3 V6 and Auto gearbox to sell. PM me for details.

Then Steve dropped the bombshell........

Gear-lever came off, and I have left the Torx screw on it, in case you have a problem with yours.

He remembered I was looking into changing mine recently and has given me his.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...ix/001(48).PNG

I want to strip the rubbed knob off, and fit this new ally knob.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...x/001(106).JPG

Somehow the little grub screws are missing, but you get the idea.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../001(409).HEIC

Pretty pleased tonight.

Little by Little it is getting together.

Chuffed.

Re: What did you do to (or with) your truck today.
 

So many things on this truck, which really was meant to just be a get in and drive it type of ownership project has changed.

Typically things changed.

And then, little by little it started to open itself up to me, allowing me to discover its secrets, its quirks, its character, ZQ8 factory build.

Things have kinda fallen in place, sure, I made some effort too, in fact I probably made a lot of effort in some cases.

And one of the things that happened so randomly was being offered for sale, a 20 year old set of factory ZQ8 wheels with tyres.

I never got to see them and still have not looked at them for real, but was told by Steve the seller that they did not have any kerb rash.

That I will check out when I get to wash and clean them for inspection possibly tomorrow.

With the current restrictions of travel, I had anticipated only getting my hands on them at some point when the house arrest is lifted.

Step up mate Martin who is restoring a 1965 C10 truck

His day job is working and converting all sorts of cars for disabled people, from paraplegics to amputees and everything inbetween

Today he had a job up the street from Steve, so by 09.00 he had already stopped, picked up and driven off with the wheels.

Always good to have a mobile job with a van.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...ix/001(96).jpg

Loaded.

Steve also sent me a very good GMC S15 Sonoma Grille to use as a garage hanging.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...ix/001(94).jpg

After work I shot out for food shopping and stopped by to pick up my goodies and help Martin lift his 65 hood into place as he is moving house in the next two weeks.

Again, sensibly he had prepared it all by the time I got there.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../001(420).HEIC

The hood is LARGE, really lARGE.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../001(421).HEIC

Job done.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../001(417).HEIC

And wheels loaded.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../001(419).HEIC

Looking closer, but not fully inspected, they will need repainting.

So QUESTION TIME........

Powder coating, anyone do me shadow chrome on any wheels before ?

Please show me and report on durability etc.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../001(416).HEIC

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../001(415).HEIC


One for a few of the guys, @pauly included, is the replacement, swapped out, 20 year old rear light lenses.

They will be getting some serious attention from G3 rubbing compound to revitalise and shine up the lenses.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../001(418).HEIC

Also in the bag were the good centre caps for the wheels, GMC items, unfortunately, available to trade for good Chevrolet items.

A few wheel nut covers in plastic, need another 10 of them, and also 20 special wheel nuts with an external thread for the wheel nut caps, they in turn hold the centre caps in place.

Lastly........

The BONUS item

A spare gear shift lever from Steve’s truck, which will be a floor shift manual in future.

I wanted one that I could modify, while retaining the original for refitting if ever needed.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...ix/001(98).jpg

And to close out the day, a nice sunset again.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../001(414).HEIC

Life is good, I may have mentioned this before.

Re: What did you do to (or with) your truck today.
 

So this morning I went out to see what my £200.00 or $260.00 had bought me.

Tyres, still have some life left in them. (Subject to getting changed at a whim)

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../001(425).HEIC

These wheels will be needing a refurbishment, without doubt.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...x/001(101).jpg

Lacquer peel and also oxidation on the diamond cut surfaces, in order to get them up to the standard the truck is presenting.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...x/001(104).jpg

During my lunch hour I used a whole large bottle of Cif/ammonia based scrubbing agent along with two large, hard brushes to clean them one at a time.

The two on the left are cleaned.

Dirty on the right.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...x/001(102).jpg

Also done today, at 07.00 when I got up, I cleaned the front and rears of these caps, 20 years worth of brake dust, muck etc took an hour to clean, but result was decent.

Unfortunately I only got 11 wheel nut caps when I got the wheels, so will need to find or buy some more.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...ix/001(99).jpg

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...x/001(100).jpg

And unless I find a trade for some Chevrolet items in the UK, I may fill these debossed GMC logos with a resin based filler and sand them flat, followed by paint.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../001(424).HEIC

What I would like to fit......

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...x/001(111).JPG

Hope to have it all done sooner than later.

Re: What did you do to (or with) your truck today.
 

Another quick job while on a Teams or was it Zoom meeting today, they get so tedious.

Sat with a big knife and my breadboard below the camera angle (my colleagues would be horrified) and cut the existing knob away.

Then hit hard times.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../001(429).HEIC

In fact, so hard that I had to go to the garage quickly to grind back the secondary knob as it was not going to let me cut it away.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../001(427).HEIC

Grabbed some magic in a tube, mixed on the back of a pizza box, dribbled into the new ally shift knob,

Followed by the shift lever.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...x/001(103).jpg

Then set it to dry in the vice, brought it into the house later and laid it on the hot water radiator, hopefully to make it react faster to the heat.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../001(426).HEIC


You recall the swapping of rear light units.

Well, looking closer, these need some attention, grinder, DA, Compound I guess.

Not today though.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../001(423).HEIC

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../001(422).HEIC

Once flatted back, polished etc, they should look just fine.



In another great Karma in action turn, I got a PM from @peteh1969 to ask if I was interested in some free 3D design work that @craigrk could print off, in order to create a more interesting cover for the holes in the bedsides of the truck.

The print files would also be sent to Andy in Oklahoma to print and then create aluminium castings for the truck.

So after sending me various designs and ideas, Pete finalised the one I had in mind.

This should be fun, and a massive Thank You to Pete.


Imagine these either in chrome paint, or the ally buffed to a nice shine.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...x/001(110).JPG

Been a long day, I guess it is bedtime soon.

Re: What did you do to (or with) your truck today.
 

So many of the things I have done so far were not needed.

But they do make me feel good about the truck.

Ordered a replacement for this manky piece too.


https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../001(412).HEIC

This lot arrived too.

Though current weather completely precludes fitting.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../001(413).HEIC

These also landed.

Push fit blugs for the side repeaters.

Guess we will now be drilling bigger holes in the fenders.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../001(411).HEIC


Though.........


Looking at the weather forecast it may be a slow week ahead.


https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...ix/001(50).PNG


Still.


Its Friday, 10 hours to the weekend.

Re: What did you do to (or with) your truck today.
 

Funny the stuff that catches ones eye on FB Marketplace

I was genuinely looking for a random full size spare for the A10

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...x/001(106).jpg

Busy work day, but made some time for myself,

First job took about 5 minutes.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../001(431).HEIC

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../001(433).HEIC

Pleased with the result of that.

Later some more stolen time between meetings, foregoing lunch.

I wanted to black out the B-pillar as part of tinting the door glass to create a large expanse of black.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../001(436).HEIC

So ordered a piece of Matt finish black car wrap vinyl @ 200mm x 500mm for £2.88 including postage from eBay, that is CHEAP.

Rolled up for delivery, it did not look promising at all.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../001(432).HEIC

Cutting the strip in half, then taping it up, I traced the profile by just rubbing it against the B-pillar and the took some scissors to trim it back (the offcuts are being used on Sallys Corsa rear door mini pillars.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../001(434).HEIC

Once trimmed right back, a decent rub down to shape the vinyl on the curves.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../001(430).HEIC

And finally all done, next was the passenger side, again done between meetings

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../001(435).HEIC

Tonight @craigrk sent a message to show what he had done as a test sample.

Thanks to @peteh1969 for the work so far.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...x/001(107).jpg

I am liking this as an alternative to the existing badges.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...x/001(105).jpg

Weekend plans??

Re: What did you do to (or with) your truck today.
 

Yesterday, between little showers and a chilly “Beast from the East” wind on the drive, down the side of the house, I started with some more of the lights and wiring.

First job was to identify what the two empty sockets on the rear lights were for, indicating or markers.

Turns out they are red side markers, so I added a pair of amber push fit bulbs in.

Also took the pair of chrome finish amber bulbs. @phila had sent and added them to the rear as they now sit in the space the reverse/backing up lamps were before.

Wrapped them up again as the weather promised a mess.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../001(441).HEIC

Next job in the garage was to cut down the old amber and new clear side repeaters and mash them together to make a new unit.

I was not going to drill the buckled holes bigger and also was not going to risk losing the wires into the abyss that is the fender spaces.

White replaces black

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...x/001(110).jpg

Cut them up, ground them to shape and also skimmed the new push fit fittings to fit inside the white tubes.

Before and after.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../001(438).HEIC

Back to the truck and found this ........ must have been some cowboy who added the side repeaters, holes are terrible, and then the drivers side wire.......

All there was to work with,

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../001(439).HEIC

Passenger side...... all of this.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../001(443).HEIC

Having cut both old and new lenses up, this what I was left with, sexy glue next.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../001(437).HEIC

Then the challenge of the day, rain, chilly breeze and a small electric soldering iron.

Note the two separate shrink sleeves and a large to fit over both.

Trust me when I say, first time around, I managed to seal both, in-insulated in the same large sheath.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../001(440).HEIC

Sealed them up in a bit of plastic each, after finding the passenger side which previously was temperamental, now completely refused to work.

Job for another day.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../001(442).HEIC

Next up off with the front end....... again.

Rain was not helping, and neither the chill running down the alley.

I managed to find the two lives, soldered the resistor in, incorrectly, having to remove it again.

Gave up, job for another day, screw it, indoors to warm up.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...x/001(109).jpg

So what I should have connected was A&C but of course I did A&B because I am not too bright on electronics.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...x/001(108).jpg

And then @paulf sent me this useful,diagram, just when I got indoors.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...x/001(111).jpg


Unfortunately the cold he cut through my 4 layers on the drive and when I went to bed at 10.30 the chicks came home to roost, causing a spasm that resulted in me taking pills and sitting upright in a chair till 01.30 when I crept up to bed, but too scared to fall asleep in case of another spasm, I eventually dozed off at about 5.30

Trust me, it is less fun than it sounds.

Re: What did you do to (or with) your truck today.
 

A few bits done and completed today.

Those side badges that so divide.

Out in the snow.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../001(450).HEIC

And inside the bed, the offending holes, if only the fitter had thought it through.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../001(449).HEIC

And finally completed,,thanks to @peteh1969 designing and @craigrk printing.

Two different styles, side badges, and a grille badge.

Painting them, still to be researched.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...x/001(119).jpg

Also completed today, side repeaters.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../001(444).HEIC

And the clear glue all darkened with a black Sharpie.

Should work well, once I figure the passenger light bulb out.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...x/001(118).jpg

.

Re: What did you do to (or with) your truck today.
 

Wrap up for the weekend.

Snow made everything a bit indoorsy, unless you went skiing.

So I traded Steve in a straight swap for my Lexus style rear lights to go on his GMC Sonoma Flareside trailer build as I was trying to get this truck the way I wanted it, and ORM does feature in my vision.

22 year old lenses from a well used truck are far from new, but I was happy to risk it to get toward my picture.

So the lights brought home by Mate Martin last week have been waiting for their turn to get some attention.

Tired, scratched, faded,Matheus were well beyond their best before date.

As delivered.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../001(418).HEIC

So first step was to take a deep breath, decide that if my attempt at a ham fisted refresh were to fail, then I was up for finding or buying a new set, not cheap at around £130.00 landed, without handling costs locally.

Thought I would try out my method on one of the side repeaters I removed yesterday.

Came up OK and boosted my confidence

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../001(445).HEIC

Back with my lenses, the first thing was to mask off the black edges. In order not to sand them as well when bringing the 1000 grit wet and dry paper, which I decided to do dry.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../001(446).HEIC

With trepidation I sanded the lens in a straight pattern, rather than circular which in my screwup way would make sense too.

At this point I did panic a bit, thinking that I should maybe have gone the wet route or even up to 1500grit.

After wiping it all down I realised it was too late for tears.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../001(447).HEIC

Next up, the flannel sleeve off a pair of pink pyjamas and some G3 compound,

Rubbing, rubbing, rubbing.

Firstly just following the sanded groove, then breaking out to a circular motion and keeping on at it, three times, followed by a dry bi[uff, then one more pass with the compound just to ensure I had not missed anywhere.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../001(448).HEIC

Last thing was to grab some furniture polish after removing the masking ta-e to clean the black border.

And a photo in the snow.

Though the lenses seem to have chips away, there is actually no damage or chips, just an illusion of the light outside.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...x/001(117).jpg

After this I came in and made dinner.

Chuffed to bits I took a chance on these tired lights.

Maybe fit them tomorrow after my 1:1 consultation interview at 11.30

Fingers crossed. I have a mortgage to pay .

Re: What did you do to (or with) your truck today.
 

Woke to this.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../001(452).HEIC

Later in the day after that phone call, which was just a bloody script being read out to me and letting me know that we will only know by around 25th February, I needed a bit of head space.

Out into the cold, extra jacket on.

And fitted the rear lenses.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../001(453).HEIC

Tested.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../001(451).HEIC

Also found out that these rear lenses were made and available for Brazilian models, where ambler indicator lenses are the law, like here.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...x/001(116).JPG

Then back to some more work stuff.

By 4.30 I went out again, to fit the new clear side repeaters, each made off two different ones cut and glued together

Remember this.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...x/001(117).JPG

Tested, colour looks fine to me.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../001(455).HEIC

So now with clear lenses up front, down the side and original rear lenses.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../001(454).HEIC

For the Eagle eyed readers, I did not force or set the repeaters as it was so cold, even the cables resisted me and were stiff as any -2’C day could induce.

Anyway, another small mod that has delivered and changed the look just a little bit.

Roll on summertime.

Re: What did you do to (or with) your truck today.
 

Truck bought 30/12/20

V5c delivered today , guess I now feel happier, having the paperwork sorted.

Today I also assembled the rear fog light, to be mounted to replace the one currently fitted at lunch time.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../001(462).HEIC

Overnight, one of my American buddies, Tyler, who works for Missouri Department of Transport sent a few pics, his S10 is back on the road, had it since leaving school,. One of those, “It will never be for sale” trucks.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...x/001(119).JPG

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...x/001(118).JPG

And his night time drive, its an interesting department to work for, all staff members, male and female, regardless of role, needs to qualify to drive these trucks and the grifters.

This one does both jobs at the same time.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...x/001(120).JPG

Regarding the wheels, I just cannot help myself

The urge to give stuff a go and try do it myself, is just too strong.

Got these coming.

Will have the tyres pulled off, two good Bridgestones will go back on and I will buy another two for the rear, keeping one to go on the spare 16” wheel when I find one to use as spare.

A bit of work to polish and strip them, then prime and paint, must be capable of that.

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Also in the post today........

A John Deere box from the USA, no idea why, but one of my favourite agricultural brands.

Here is the lesson for the day though.......

Black and silver = Construction

Green and yellow = Agriculture.

So what’s in the box??

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A hoody/hoodie for Sally

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Wrapped around a $5.00 Chevrolet part for the S10 , sent by Dan in Deary, Idaho, he refused to let me pay for any of it, guess he has a free dinner r two and accommodation booked here then.

The one on my trucks tailgate handle is broken and a huge irritation to me.

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Postage/shipping really is a killer for our hobby.

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Thanks Dan.


Friday night, a bit of alcohol, a bit of pan friend meat and vegetables, could be a good end to a rough week.

Re: What did you do to (or with) your truck today.
 

Bacardi poured...... in the way you get them at boozy resorts.

Bloody cold outside, for England, I know Russia, America and other places are a lot colder.

Chatting to Dennis in St Louis, he is so sick and tired of cold and snow.......

Look in the background and you will see the ramp truck recovery he bought to use with the NASCAR Race truck.

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The mechanical build is now really close to done, and he is busy with body work now.

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So with the wheels loaded, it was off to the tyre shop I like to support. They are helpful, really helpful.

I had hoped to keep three tyres and bin one.

Turned out on closer inspection, one Bridgestone was very really good, and right to go on a full sized spare 16” wheel once I find one. The others, two were oddly worn, 2005 vintage, and the other Bridgestone was a 2007 vintage with sidewall and tread cracks.

Cost me a “drink” to have the four tyres whipped off.

I will be buying my four new tyres from them too.

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And while there, I spoke to the manager, and decided to switch from the planned Bridgestone to a set of 4 Avon ZX7 in 235/60 16” 100H rated tyres.

I preferred the tread pattern a lot more than the Bridgestone patterns.

Weirdly, these are marketed as 4x4 tyres.

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Lastly, tonight after dark, my doorbell rang, thinking it was Mickey from,next door needing a half a cup of sugar or some cooking oil, I was surprised to find one of our local couriers delivering this,time of the day.

An bunch of Roloc 2” die grinder discs in 60 , 80 , 120 grit and also a load of varying scotch scourers to fit the same application.


Looks like the wheel polishing and finishing kit is coming together too.


Still loads of doubts and concerns here.

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Time to relax a bit.

Maybe.

Re: What did you do to (or with) your truck today.
 

I moved a fridge.