My 72 Build
 

Started a build thread awhile back, but I can't stand all the side ways pics, so I decided to just start a new one since it wouldn't let me edit them.

Been lurking on here for years and finally pulled the trigger on buying one this past November of 2020. I've wanted to build one of these for as long as I can remember and really wanted an original SWB, but figured I'm gonna cut it up anyways so it really didn't matter.

Found this one through a friend and it had been sitting inside a connex box for the last 5 years. It appears to be a southern truck with minimal to no rust, but we'll see...

Here is the day I brought it home.

Re: My 72 Build
 

Sitting in her new home and already started teardown

Re: My 72 Build
 

More pics of tear down...

Re: My 72 Build
 

Old 350/350 pulled out and sold.

Re: My 72 Build
 

The welds from when this frame was shortened didn't look too great, So I scored them and re-welded them. I also installed frame stiffeners.

Re: My 72 Build
 

Sent the rear-end out to be totally redone. Shortened the axle tubes 4" overall, added 3.73 gears, posi trac, new axles and Ford ends. Also grabbed a new diff cover as well.

I never grabbed an after pic, but this was the before.

Re: My 72 Build
 

Got the frame stopped down to the rails. Glad to be done with those damn rivets..

Re: My 72 Build
 

I decided on going with No Limit Engineering for the suspension part of the build. After countless hours of researching different kits, this one was the best bang for the buck out there, and after talking to Rob, I was sold.

Went with the Wide Ride front end with the trailing arm setup in the rear. All in al it wasn't too bad of an install.

Re: My 72 Build
 

Also decided on the Dirty Dingo transmission crossmember as well as the Porterbuilt trailing arm crossmember.

Re: My 72 Build
 

While everything was disassembled and sent off to powder, I scored this free to me welding table from a friend. It's 4'x4' and 1.5" thick!! Had to unload it with the skid steer. Let's just say it's all there lol.

Re: My 72 Build
 

Got everything back from powder and started reassembly of the frame.

Re: My 72 Build
 

Front brakes on and painting the newly redone rear-end. Rack and pinion also installed after prepping and painting.

Re: My 72 Build
 

Brakes installed in the rear-end. Waiting for some bushings that I had a friend make to get the No Limit trailing arm kit installed.

Re: My 72 Build
 

Another shot of the chassis...

Re: My 72 Build
 

Picked up a 5.3/6l80 combo out of a 2011 Silverado. Only has 91K on it, but it's headed to the machine shop anyways tomorrow for a whole new bottom end and rework of the heads. Before/after I started the tear down.

Re: My 72 Build
 

So, I finally got my engine back form the builder a couple weeks ago. Now I'm just playing the waiting game too see how long it takes for all my ordered parts to get here.

I've already ordered a mid-mount accessory drive kit from Holley, Terminator X Max, Injectors, Headers, misc ARP bolts, DBW 102mm throttle body, and valve covers.

I also decided to ditch the 6l80 and sold it. I went with a built 4l80 that I got from Freak Show Transmission out of Abilene TX. I also went with a BTR equalizer intake that my machine shop had ordered for another customer that changed his mind, so I got a great price on it.

Once I get all these parts in and get the final assembly of the engine/transmission done, then I'll put the body back on and measure the back spacing for the wheels and get them ordered, get all the wiring roughed in, and then blow it all back apart for paint a body to begin.

I still have a ton to get done, but I think I've made pretty good progress for a little less than a year piddling on it.

Re: My 72 Build
 

Great project!
Subscribing to this one.

Re: My 72 Build
 

Thanks for riding along. I hope to really pick up the pace on this as soon as the parts start rolling in.

I bought a repop bed kit from Southwest Classics a few months ago with the 16" wheel wells, so I need to get that put together as well.

I'll be running 255/40/20's up front and 345/30/20's out back.

Re: My 72 Build
 

Finally got a a chance to get back on the truck...

Re-worked and welded up the rear inner fenders that I started a couple months ago.

Re: My 72 Build
 

Then primed the backside.

Re: My 72 Build
 

Got them spot welded in. Primed and sprayed some rustoleum on them until I get around to the undercoating.

Hoping to have some more free time to work on it soon. Ready to get the engine and trans installed, but still waiting on parts like everyone else...

Re: My 72 Build
 

Well done, sir!

Re: My 72 Build
 

Switched gears and worked on getting the engine and tranny in.

Had to change out the valve cover grommets.

Re: My 72 Build
 

Reinstalled the coil packs with ARP bolts.

Re: My 72 Build
 

Installed the injectors and fuel rails.