Build that 71 402 already

[71CHEVYSHORTBED402]

Originally Posted by mr.mud1

hi Tony,you're right,the original front pipes were 2 1/2 and 2 inch tailpipes.i had my tailpipes made with 2 1/4 and of course 2 1/4 outlet Walker mufflers.i always use steel donut gaskets,especially on the big blocks rather than the fiber type.they never seem to stay tight but the steel gaskets do.take care.Greg

Always nice to have confirmation, thanks Greg. You know what Walker mufflers you're using?

[mr.mud1]

Originally Posted by 71CHEVYSHORTBED402

Always nice to have confirmation, thanks Greg. You know what Walker mufflers you're using?

hi Tony,i thought i sent you the walker part number?maybe not.i'll look it up and get back to you.

[Louisvillekytruck]

Beautiful truck

[omodified]

Very nice build. I’m a little late to the party but I’m jumping onboard.

[68bowtie]

Absolutely amazing. I’d be too scared to drive it!

[71CHEVYSHORTBED402]

Thank you,

and yeah, when I had everything apart short it was drivable, even then I was nervous about driving it. That must have been six years ago. Too bad man, I like driving these. I think I'm selling my C-20 soon, but will probably replace that someday.

Other then that it's hard to close the hood to keep the dust out, I can't stop staring at the engine bay Had a feeling everything would come together at once, or hope anyway. Exhaust soon and windows just called, I drop the trim off this Thursday and they install the front and rear on the 31st. Crossing my fingers the drivetrain is happy say a month from now, I'm a little nervous & anxious about the motor.

[71CHEVYSHORTBED402]

Wow, cross your fingers for me, this should be running next week, I'm nervous about it. Everything's come together, the windows were finally installed today, and the exhaust installed last week. All I have left to do is install the door parts, install the grille, and a couple of bumpers not ordered yet, tires and wheels. Oh wait still need the upholstery that was ordered I don't know, 4 months ago, and the flooring is pending too. Can't count visors and that, too fun

That and I probably have to buy a battery just to get this running, the $400 Delco ordered 1.5 months ago isn't here yet, $600 perhaps just for a battery(s).

In the meantime I got my garage back. The things I accumulated for this project takes almost half again what was condensed in the first place, but I wrapped things up today.

[mr.mud1]

no worries,you got this.she'll be purring in no time.

[71CHEVYSHORTBED402]

Originally Posted by mr.mud1

no worries,you got this.she'll be purring in no time.

Towed this morning, they're on it

I'm having them prime everything, brake fluid, tune up. The old man rebuilt the carb. on this, and set me up with the divorce choke. Man I hope the engine is what it was or happier, I only replaced oil pump, timing chain/gears and balancer. In hindsight I'd have had the engine block rebuilt. Seemed an easy call at the time, 40K oil always clear & full.

I put 5/30 Mobil 1 in there. It's only seen one change of that, before I put her to sleep. My ears tell me it liked Valvoline semi-synthetic "Durablend" better but you can't get that anymore. Purred like a kitten with 20-50. I hear 5/30 Mobil 1 is the (*^(*. Then again I spoke to and old Mopar guy, he said synthetic is (*^)*^ alright, burned up his engine.

[mr.mud1]

Originally Posted by 71CHEVYSHORTBED402

Towed this morning, they're on it

I'm having them prime everything, brake fluid, tune up. The old man rebuilt the carb. on this, and set me up with the divorce choke. Man I hope the engine is what it was or happier, I only replaced oil pump, timing chain/gears and balancer. In hindsight I'd have had the engine block rebuilt. Seemed an easy call at the time, 40K oil always clear & full.

I put 5/30 Mobil 1 in there. It's only seen one change of that, before I put her to sleep. My ears tell me it liked Valvoline semi-synthetic better but you can't get that anymore. Purred like a kitten with 20-50. I hear 5/30 Mobil 1 is the (*^(*. Then again I spoke to and old Mopar guy, he said synthetic is (*^)*^ alright, burned up his engine.

hi Tony.i just sent you an email about Valvoline Synthetic Blend and a picture of some here at my place along with my 2 cents worth on the motor oil situation.you will,as i said,have this thing purring in no time.
take care
Greg

[71CHEVYSHORTBED402]

Originally Posted by mr.mud1

hi Tony.i just sent you an email about Valvoline Synthetic Blend and a picture of some here at my place along with my 2 cents worth on the motor oil situation.you will,as i said,have this thing purring in no time.
take care
Greg

Sent you an email back. I used semi-synthetic durablend. Now their durablend is full synthetic.

[68bowtie]

You can’t get away with ZERO startup problems…

[71CHEVYSHORTBED402]

Been out of town the last 10 days, but installed the new radiator today. Only so I could run the transmission lines. Then I pulled it, there are broken pieces of weld inside. Yikes. Piece of crap?3rd time a charm? I sent them a message asking for a good one, see what happens.

As if $700ish down the drain over this wasn't enough, I have my eye on this should the other fail. Thousand bucks for this unit, Wowza, I'd hope it lasts forever. https://usradiator.com/product/chevr...71-72-radiator

Other than that, I know this old Basque and his shop is running the maiden start for my project truck, we go way back, both natives. My truck has seen one other owner with a a small dealership between us, and the old man knew him and the truck.

I showed this build sheet to him (COD Garage) and he says check out what's on my wall.

That's from an actual picture, and he told me that yellow camaro was one of a very few big blocks. 67? Apparently it was wrecked but fetched a lot of money anyway. He says it's worth well north of 100K today.

His wife's mother had a bakery on the other side of the garage.

[tutone]

Truck is looking great. I know you have to be ready to get it on the road.
Also love the Garage art. Camaros are cool as well.

[68bowtie]

I’m not a fan of ochre, but I am drooling all over this truck. Just amazing.

[71CHEVYSHORTBED402]

Originally Posted by 68bowtie

I’m not a fan of ochre, but I am drooling all over this truck. Just amazing.

Thanks 68. "Spanish Gold"

For 30 years everyone I know said please, "don't restore in Ochre". That's one reason I did My mom said it was proof I was colored blind

[68bowtie]

Just gorgeous.

I think I’m at the 8-year mark myself on my 68, but my scope is nowhere close to what you have taken on. Amazing.

[71CHEVYSHORTBED402]

Results are in, the rebuilt transmission won't go into Reverse. That was done 2018. So carb tune and choke are still pending. The shop says trans is full and flow through the system.

I arranged for towing, but while we were )*^)ing around I asked what they thought of driving it home 6 miles. They were somethin' like, "I've been known to". Unregistered, no bumpers, untested. 27 year tires So it was a bad day. They pass on anything more than outside the transmission and pan. Old man says he can't recommend anyone, and it appeared I may have to pull the transmission............Oh NOOOOO! The shop that rebuilt the transmission won't R & R, and warranty is well expired. I wouldn't want to leave it there anyway, they have WAY too many employees for starts.

The shop guys dialing this in and I go back 50 years. Old man felt sorry for me I guess he asked a special favor of a transmission and ? shop 30 miles from here. I spoke to them, and it sounds like they've taken an oath of honor. Old man says don't tell them what to do, you'll piss them off and me too

Fluid is full and I'm 99.9% sure I installed the torque converter right. Three clicks and/or feels you're in, proven by an approx. 1/8" gap between the flex plate and converter with the bell housing mounted. Pull the converter forward and bolt it.

It's likely not the fluid, though perhaps I took a risk. While the trans. shop that rebuilt it recommends Dexron 4 only, I used Mobile Delvac Allison approved synthetic. I read it's the best for a fresh transmission, even rebuilds of old. So perhaps it's the governor, some rod, couldn't tell you.

Goes in Monday. What a money pit, I'll probably pay to have it hauled. Could rent a U hail trailer I suppose, and push it off, but its kind of a hassle. Really, I should just buy a trailer at this point.........Hmm.

About the drive home and such. Everything works so far but the fan blower is making noise. I'm little nervous about the resistor, because the connector in the new harness leaves much some to be desired. Sure, plug it in all the way if you can and break something. But I think it's just the the blower.

Beyond that this truck stinks badly, a real toxic smell, you figure that's all new finishes and crerekote especially? I didn't expect that, it's STRONG.

So not all bad, I just have to pull out another $1500ish and extend this BS till done, and figure out why the noise. I can't track it down anymore, the transmission is now leaking badly with the engine running, and the carb. isn't tuned anyway. Not sure why the leak beyond the pan gasket was leaking and was supposed to be replaced. No reason to do that now.

[Richard]

Originally Posted by 71CHEVYSHORTBED402

Results are in, the rebuilt transmission won't go into Reverse. That was done 2018. So carb tune and choke are still pending. The shop says trans is full and flow through the system.

I arranged for towing, but while we were )*^)ing around I asked what they thought of driving it home 6 miles. They were somethin' like, "I've been known to". Unregistered, no bumpers, untested. 27 year tires So it was a bad day. They pass on anything more than outside the transmission and pan. Old man says he can't recommend anyone, and it appeared I may have to pull the transmission............Oh NOOOOO! The shop that rebuilt the transmission won't R & R, and warranty is well expired. I wouldn't want to leave it there anyway, they have WAY too many employees for starts.

The shop guys dialing this in and I go back 50 years. Old man felt sorry for me I guess he asked a special favor of a transmission and ? shop 30 miles from here. I spoke to them, and it sounds like they've taken an oath of honor. Old man says don't tell them what to do, you'll piss them off and me too

Fluid is full and I'm 99.9% sure I installed the torque converter right. Three clicks and/or feels you're in, proven by an approx. 1/8" gap between the flex plate and converter with the bell housing mounted. Pull the converter forward and bolt it.

It's likely not the fluid, though perhaps I took a risk. While the trans. shop that rebuilt it recommends Dexron 4 only, I used Mobile Delvac Allison approved synthetic. I read it's the best for a fresh transmission, even rebuilds of old. So perhaps it's the governor, some rod, couldn't tell you.

Goes in Monday. What a money pit, I'll probably pay to have it hauled. Could rent a U hail trailer I suppose, and push it off, but its kind of a hassle. Really, I should just buy a trailer at this point.........Hmm.

About the drive home and such. Everything works so far but the fan blower is making noise. I'm little nervous about the resistor, because the connector in the new harness leaves much some to be desired. Sure, plug it in all the way if you can and break something. But I think it's just the the blower.

Beyond that this truck stinks badly, a real toxic smell, you figure that's all new finishes and crerekote especially? I didn't expect that, it's STRONG.

So not all bad, I just have to pull out another $1500ish and extend this BS till done, and figure out why the noise. I can't track it down anymore, the transmission is now leaking badly with the engine running, and the carb. isn't tuned anyway. Not sure why the leak beyond the pan gasket was leaking and was supposed to be replaced. No reason to do that now.

Your experience is why I do almost everything myself. My research and ability is usually better than anything I can pay for at this point. The transmission in my 2000 C2500 obtained from my old boss for money owed failed at about 6k. Rebuild was $3,500, out of warranty at 5k and they will do nothing about it. Lasted almost 200k stock.

[darkhorse970]

Awesome truck, I really love everything about it! Great job on the restoration!

[cornerstone]

The most comprehensive and thorough build I've ever seen. Well done.

[71CHEVYSHORTBED402]

Threw the grille on today, it's been a long time coming. The outer has been wall decor the last 7 years. Inner was shot, sanded, shot again and a clear coat, needless to say it's much heavier now. Took longer than I thought of course, nylon clips have to be sanded just right. My assistant, really vise versa, he's body and paint guy dropped these wheels off today. Tires due "in a month", bumpers due "call back in two weeks", upholstery & flooring is supposed to call. Other then that and a few decals it's done. I ended up choosing these tires. Diamondback 235-75-15.

[71CHEVYSHORTBED402]

Thanks a bunch guys. 68, it's too bad we don't live closer, I think it would be very cool to help get your truck to your liking. Unbelievable snow incidentally, I can't believe it. Stopped snowing around midnight, but woke up to another blizzard and it's non-stop. About that US radiator, near as I can tell it's an only choice OER. It's super nice and the others are junk.

[tutone]

Amazing job Tony. I am a huge ochre fan too. I learned when I had mine, that the color was way more popular with men than it was with women. I'm sure the upholstery will turn out great .

[71CHEVYSHORTBED402]

Golly I'm in 4K for a transmission counting towing. I don't know which is worse compared to 2K for just a radiator counting towing as well. I'm probably in too close to 7K in do-overs.

The shop for the first rebuild filed down the reverse pin or something like, so it wouldn't engage. The new shop said perhaps that was done with the thought it would smooth out reverse, but regardless they messed up. The new shop said they had to replace the converter as well, and installed "something more heavy duty". They threw a rebuild kit at it, installed the Moroso gasket and ARP bolts, and said yes, the Allison approved fluid I'm using in the transmission is a good choice. Nice shop, great work, they R&R the transmission scratch-free to the tune of $1700.

Truck runs rougher than I'd like, but the next stop is for carb. tune and divorce choke. Then to a shop for alignment followed by an A/C charge. From there I get to install the grilles, and the bumpers I haven't selected yet. Came home from the shop to find my bench seat cover arrived, it's the exact material as it was new, wow. $900+ gets the same, and this one was ordered about 1 year ago.

I've developed a kit for how to build these from the ground up. The primary document is a 68 page assembly guide packed tight with details. The kit's nearly done pending installation of what remains. It's easier to say what it doesn't include. It doesn't go into the core of things short assembling drive shafts, oil pump, timing chain and some etcetera's. In other terms, it doesn't describe how to rebuild an engine, transmission, steering box etc. The document also doesn't ramble on like my posts☺, it's short and sweet with a rhythm to it.

Some background, I wrote business and system processes for many years. Other then research, the hard part was figuring out what everything was called; because all of this was new to me. At any rate, this document is the best I've written. Perhaps 1000s of original part numbers and identifications are captured by the guide and a document with part numbers. It includes approx. 650 images and illustrations as well.

I'm selling copies of the kit for $42.50, but heck, for board members let's say $32.50. If you're interested, you'll see that's money well spent, too many hours went into the development and research. More time was spent on that than building the truck itself.

Here's a Facebook page sampling some of the kit. Anyway, please let me know if interested. The kit will be ready by June. https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100091294598717