Post your best budget mods! ($50 or less) - Page 4 - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

mrein3 · 06-02-2011, 07:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ls1nova71

I'm going with the headlight relay mod. If you get relays and wiring at the junk yard, it van be done for about 10 bucks.
Posted via Mobile Device

I agree with this one. The headlight relay mod is a must do for everybody. I bought two new relays and new wire and still got it done for under $20. Here is a link to a recent thread on this forum with a nice picture.
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=465003

Another cheap mod I like is putting a quartz clock in the dash in the open hole to the right of the steering column. I think I paid $5 for the clock out of an 80s Suburban. I grabbed the Sub's factory connector. The hole in the clear plastic is made with a heated nail. I learned the heated nail trick on this forum. That clock keeps really good time. I have less than $15 into it counting the plastic polish I used to remove the factory markings on the back of that spot in the bezel.

richards72chevy · 06-02-2011, 11:27 PM

Some where in the forum i saw wire mesh put under the opening in front of the windshield to prevent debris collecting in there.I bet it cost less than 50 to do.Does any body know how the mesh was held in place?

oldblue1968chevy · 06-02-2011, 11:40 PM

I hot glued mine, epoxy would've worked better looking back

i just used old window screen. i'll try'n remember to get pics oneday

ubtripn · 06-03-2011, 08:44 AM

I love the wrench trick, I have a small trurn buckle on my ps set-up I hooked to the back to adjust the angle.

So far my best mod is in progress, the Tahoe's in the late 90's have a platic box under the hood with a lid on hinges. It is labeled storage for anything I guess. Quart of oil, tools, whatever so I took one from the junk yard and just repainted it and am getting ready to mount it under the hood to put in an extra quart of oil, some ps fluid and brake fluid.

cjohnson6772 · 06-09-2011, 07:25 PM

bump to get some more great ideas and keep a great thread alive

vectorit · 06-09-2011, 08:29 PM

Not really anything special, but taking a piece of rubber hose and capping it off with a spent 38 special cartridge case makes good vacuum plugs.

This one was meant to be temporary, but after 10+ years it kind of became permanent.

cjohnson6772 · 06-09-2011, 08:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vectorit

Not really anything special, but taking a piece of rubber hose and capping it off with a spent 38 special cartridge case makes good vacuum plugs.

This one was meant to be temporary, but after 10+ years it kind of became permanent.

Lol. I like that. Might have to be 9 mm though

VA72C10 · 06-09-2011, 11:54 PM

Adding eightbanger's cool glovebox mod!!!

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...45#post4727345

VA72C10 · 06-09-2011, 11:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vectorit

Not really anything special, but taking a piece of rubber hose and capping it off with a spent 38 special cartridge case makes good vacuum plugs.

This one was meant to be temporary, but after 10+ years it kind of became permanent.

That's cool....I've always used golf tees on the smaller vacuum lines

CowboyProtectionUnit · 06-10-2011, 12:19 AM

Subscribed

tantrumpipeline · 06-10-2011, 02:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VA72C10

Adding eightbanger's cool glovebox mod!!!

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...45#post4727345

I love these subtle touches, classy yet hot rod

BBrendal · 06-10-2011, 02:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Old Yeller 1970

Replacing the lights in my instrument bezel with LED's. After installing them I could clearly see all the gauges at night for the first time ever. I bought white 5 bulb LED's off eBay for way less than $50. I tried some single bulb LED's but they weren't any brighter than the standard bulbs. The 5 bulb LED's are just right, IMO.

Does the LEDs still dim?

bguild · 06-10-2011, 11:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mrhino

replaced the straps with cables less then $20 at the parts store and 2 bolts from a dodge dakota in the salvage yard.

I DIG... I will be doing this.. Great idea.

bguild · 06-10-2011, 11:14 AM

Question on the tailgate mod.. What cables did you buy? are they all the same or did you buy a certain years cables? I might do that mod soon.
Thanks

Primered_69 · 06-10-2011, 11:39 AM

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...talgate+cables

says to use cables for the Dakota 1987-2004

bguild · 06-10-2011, 12:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Primered_69

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...talgate+cables

says to use cables for the Dakota 1987-2004

Thanks.. I actually read the post wrong.. I was thinking the two bolts only were from the dakota.. I am little slow this am.

yuccales · 06-10-2011, 04:00 PM

One of the best things I did to the old truck was make the plate thats above my radiator. I dropped a wrench one time and it went between the radiator and the radiator support and poked a hole into one of the tubes. The piece of aluminum was free, can of paint was a couple of bucks. It makes a great shelf to put qts. of oil and a filter on. I did snag the under hood light for free from my buddies wrecked mid 90s chevy truck.

C20-67_N_MO · 06-10-2011, 04:23 PM

Also subscribed.

Great tips guys!

68handmedown · 06-12-2011, 06:37 PM

Went to a local swap meet scored a factory am stereo with the deluxe knobs and 90's center caps to go on my 72 6-lug rallye wheels for 50 bucks. The radio is mint and it works. Best 50 bucks spent so far.

Andy4639 · 06-12-2011, 07:19 PM

I picked these up while in a yard along with electric jug. Less than $50.00 in all of it and I get a complete windshield wash now.

The jug is on the drivers side fender now.

Had to put the shooters in a boiling pot of water with vise grips to make them soft enough to confirm to the wiper arm.

oldblue1968chevy · 06-12-2011, 08:03 PM

Coool!! It attaches to the wiper arm?..

Andy4639 · 06-12-2011, 09:43 PM

The plastic clips to them if the right amount of heat is applied. I used vise grips to hold them over night while it cooled off.

Heavy Evy · 06-21-2011, 11:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KMACD71

Can of white paint, bottle of orange model paint and brushes for the needles and you can brighten up your bezels and I believe with the LED bulb swap you can still be under $50.00.

Wow that looks great amigo!

BMERDOC · 06-21-2011, 11:39 PM

Headlight relays, ebrake "brake" light, dome light door pins, painting inside of cluster and adding LEDs are all on the top of my "mod" list.

My own? Add a ground circuit to the rear lights, paint the rear lamp buckets with rattle can chrome and replace the 1157's with 2057's. Adds alot of brightness and will make me feel better when the kids are criusin with me !

oldblue1968chevy · 06-22-2011, 12:03 AM

headlight relays are definitely up there if you EVER drive at night

06-02-2011, 11:27 PM	#77
richards72chevy Registered User Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: konawa ok/oakdale Ca. Posts: 1,645	Re: Post your best budget mods! ($50 or less) Some where in the forum i saw wire mesh put under the opening in front of the windshield to prevent debris collecting in there.I bet it cost less than 50 to do.Does any body know how the mesh was held in place?

06-02-2011, 11:40 PM	#78
oldblue1968chevy Grandpa in the rustmobile... Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Spokane WA/Viola TN Posts: 11,422	Re: Post your best budget mods! ($50 or less) I hot glued mine, epoxy would've worked better looking back i just used old window screen. i'll try'n remember to get pics oneday __________________ John Goose-1968 C10 355,9.32-1CR, Vortec Heads ,262 voodoo, 3.73:1 3OTT (HS ride/beater/farm truck) http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=317684 Grams 53-1953 Chevrolet Belair http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=1#post4327784 1969 Chevy C10 Shortbed 4.5/6?" Frame off resto http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=548136 1999 Toyota Tacoma 4x4

06-03-2011, 08:44 AM	#79
ubtripn Registered User Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Boise, ID Posts: 1,280	Re: Post your best budget mods! ($50 or less) I love the wrench trick, I have a small trurn buckle on my ps set-up I hooked to the back to adjust the angle. So far my best mod is in progress, the Tahoe's in the late 90's have a platic box under the hood with a lid on hinges. It is labeled storage for anything I guess. Quart of oil, tools, whatever so I took one from the junk yard and just repainted it and am getting ready to mount it under the hood to put in an extra quart of oil, some ps fluid and brake fluid. Last edited by ubtripn; 06-03-2011 at 08:46 AM.

06-09-2011, 07:25 PM	#80
cjohnson6772 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: NC Posts: 666	Re: Post your best budget mods! ($50 or less) bump to get some more great ideas and keep a great thread alive

06-09-2011, 08:29 PM	#81
vectorit What? Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Southern California Posts: 7,617	Re: Post your best budget mods! ($50 or less) Not really anything special, but taking a piece of rubber hose and capping it off with a spent 38 special cartridge case makes good vacuum plugs. This one was meant to be temporary, but after 10+ years it kind of became permanent. Attached Images __________________ Chris 1968 K20 Suburban 1972 K10 LWB PU Last edited by vectorit; 06-09-2011 at 08:30 PM.

06-09-2011, 11:54 PM	#83
VA72C10 VA72C10 Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Midlothian, VA Posts: 25,269	Re: Post your best budget mods! ($50 or less) Adding eightbanger's cool glovebox mod!!! http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...45#post4727345 __________________ Looking for a 67-72 swb or blazer project in or around VA.

06-10-2011, 12:19 AM	#85
CowboyProtectionUnit Registered User Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Beemer, NE Posts: 420	Re: Post your best budget mods! ($50 or less) Subscribed __________________ Eric "Target" Sherwood Professional Bullfighter For Hire God Bless and Gods Speed! TheCowBoyProtectionUnit@yahoo.com http://www.facebook.com/pages/Eric-T...59496227444241

06-10-2011, 11:14 AM	#89
bguild Registered User Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: kansas city mo Posts: 898	Re: Post your best budget mods! ($50 or less) Question on the tailgate mod.. What cables did you buy? are they all the same or did you buy a certain years cables? I might do that mod soon. Thanks __________________ Project "Edna Marie"http://www.67-72chevytrucks.com/vboa...74#post5998074 Toys: 2014 Dodge Ram 1967 SHORTBED

06-10-2011, 11:39 AM	#90
Primered_69 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Fort Worth Posts: 1,409	Re: Post your best budget mods! ($50 or less) http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...talgate+cables says to use cables for the Dakota 1987-2004 __________________ 1969 Chevy LWB - with shaved handles; 3 1/2 front/ 5 1/2 rear drop; (waiting to be put back together) Last edited by Primered_69; 06-10-2011 at 11:40 AM.

06-10-2011, 04:00 PM	#92
yuccales Registered User Join Date: May 2011 Location: Northern Calif. Posts: 3,580	Re: Post your best budget mods! ($50 or less) One of the best things I did to the old truck was make the plate thats above my radiator. I dropped a wrench one time and it went between the radiator and the radiator support and poked a hole into one of the tubes. The piece of aluminum was free, can of paint was a couple of bucks. It makes a great shelf to put qts. of oil and a filter on. I did snag the under hood light for free from my buddies wrecked mid 90s chevy truck. Attached Images Last edited by yuccales; 06-11-2011 at 10:56 AM. Reason: lost pic.

06-10-2011, 04:23 PM	#93
C20-67_N_MO Champagne Taste on Beer Budget Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: High Ridge, Missouri Posts: 2,190	Re: Post your best budget mods! ($50 or less) Also subscribed. Great tips guys! __________________ Coming Soon: Project 1970 Country Truck

06-12-2011, 06:37 PM	#94
68handmedown Registered User Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Moxee, WA Posts: 10	Re: Post your best budget mods! ($50 or less) Went to a local swap meet scored a factory am stereo with the deluxe knobs and 90's center caps to go on my 72 6-lug rallye wheels for 50 bucks. The radio is mint and it works. Best 50 bucks spent so far.

06-12-2011, 07:19 PM	#95
Andy4639 Old member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Liberty, & Garden City S.C. , U.S. Posts: 19,936	Re: Post your best budget mods! ($50 or less) I picked these up while in a yard along with electric jug. Less than $50.00 in all of it and I get a complete windshield wash now. The jug is on the drivers side fender now. Had to put the shooters in a boiling pot of water with vise grips to make them soft enough to confirm to the wiper arm. __________________ 1971 LWB Custom, 6.0LS & 4L80E, Speedhut.com GPS speedometer & gauges with A/C. 20" Boss 338's Grey wheels 4 wheel disc brakes. My Driver Seeing the USA in a 71 Upstate SC GM Truck Club 2013,14 and 2016 Hot Rod Pour Tour http://upstategmtrucks.com/ Get out and drive the truck this summer and have some fun! It sucks not being able to hear! LWB trucks rule, if you don't think so measure your SWB! After talking to tech support at Air Lift I have found out that the kit I need is 60811. Per the measurements I gave them. Ride height of truck inside spring and inside diameter of springs.

06-12-2011, 08:03 PM	#96
oldblue1968chevy Grandpa in the rustmobile... Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Spokane WA/Viola TN Posts: 11,422	Re: Post your best budget mods! ($50 or less) Coool!! It attaches to the wiper arm?.. __________________ John Goose-1968 C10 355,9.32-1CR, Vortec Heads ,262 voodoo, 3.73:1 3OTT (HS ride/beater/farm truck) http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=317684 Grams 53-1953 Chevrolet Belair http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=1#post4327784 1969 Chevy C10 Shortbed 4.5/6?" Frame off resto http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=548136 1999 Toyota Tacoma 4x4

06-12-2011, 09:43 PM	#97
Andy4639 Old member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Liberty, & Garden City S.C. , U.S. Posts: 19,936	Re: Post your best budget mods! ($50 or less) The plastic clips to them if the right amount of heat is applied. I used vise grips to hold them over night while it cooled off. __________________ 1971 LWB Custom, 6.0LS & 4L80E, Speedhut.com GPS speedometer & gauges with A/C. 20" Boss 338's Grey wheels 4 wheel disc brakes. My Driver Seeing the USA in a 71 Upstate SC GM Truck Club 2013,14 and 2016 Hot Rod Pour Tour http://upstategmtrucks.com/ Get out and drive the truck this summer and have some fun! It sucks not being able to hear! LWB trucks rule, if you don't think so measure your SWB! After talking to tech support at Air Lift I have found out that the kit I need is 60811. Per the measurements I gave them. Ride height of truck inside spring and inside diameter of springs.



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06-21-2011, 11:39 PM	#99
BMERDOC Registered User Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Richmond,Va Posts: 2,935	Re: Post your best budget mods! ($50 or less) Headlight relays, ebrake "brake" light, dome light door pins, painting inside of cluster and adding LEDs are all on the top of my "mod" list. My own? Add a ground circuit to the rear lights, paint the rear lamp buckets with rattle can chrome and replace the 1157's with 2057's. Adds alot of brightness and will make me feel better when the kids are criusin with me !

06-22-2011, 12:03 AM	#100
oldblue1968chevy Grandpa in the rustmobile... Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Spokane WA/Viola TN Posts: 11,422	Re: Post your best budget mods! ($50 or less) headlight relays are definitely up there if you EVER drive at night __________________ John Goose-1968 C10 355,9.32-1CR, Vortec Heads ,262 voodoo, 3.73:1 3OTT (HS ride/beater/farm truck) http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=317684 Grams 53-1953 Chevrolet Belair http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=1#post4327784 1969 Chevy C10 Shortbed 4.5/6?" Frame off resto http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=548136 1999 Toyota Tacoma 4x4

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