1969 Short Wide

[mcbassin]

Originally Posted by my67chevytruck

Sounds like progress whether it's the 86 or 69

Thanks Heath.

[brian69longbed]

Originally Posted by my67chevytruck

Sounds like progress whether it's the 86 or 69

i very much agree

[oldblue1968chevy]

lucky kid!!!!...Does he realize hes fortunate?

Sweet build, how're you going about cutting the frame down?

Ok guys, hows the legality on the 'frame cutting' all the folks around here tell me NO because your changing the frame etc.

[mcbassin]

Originally Posted by oldblue1968chevy

lucky kid!!!!...Does he realize hes fortunate?

Sweet build, how're you going about cutting the frame down?

Ok guys, hows the legality on the 'frame cutting' all the folks around here tell me NO because your changing the frame etc.

Thanks for the props (no he doesn't have a clue how good he has got it).
As far as the frame goes, we are using a donor short frame and wide bed, no cutting required. I am going to decide which cab to use we have a few. Basically, all the truck will retain is the vin plates, front clip, front and rear axles (which were changed to 5 lug before I purchased the truck). As far as how legal it is? I don't know what the law says, I will be using the original title.

[my67chevytruck]

I have seen ppl use straight Co2 for mig welding. I thought straight argon was for aluminum and stainless, but i could be wrong.... looks like a great deal on the cab...

[mcbassin]

Originally Posted by my67chevytruck

I have seen ppl use straight o2 for mig welding. I thought straight argon was for aluminum and stainless, but i could be wrong.... looks like a great deal on the cab...

Thanks heath I will do a little research on the subject. I purchased the welder used a few years back and have never actually used for mig or tig. I would rather use the tig if possible. I don't want to buy a gas bottle for on or the other and find out it doesn't weld.
Mike

[Mike Bradbury]

Originally Posted by my67chevytruck

I have seen ppl use straight o2 for mig welding. I thought straight argon was for aluminum and stainless, but i could be wrong.... looks like a great deal on the cab...

You are getting your gasses mixed up. You can use C02 straight or a mixture of argon CO2, but not O2 (that is oxygen) that is what you are trying to drive away with the shielding gas. Pure argon is used for Aluminum but a 75/25 mix is sufficient for SS. There are all kinds of trimixes that are available for these welders but I tend to stick with the basics for normal everyday welding.

[mcbassin]

Originally Posted by Mike Bradbury

You are getting your gasses mixed up. You can use C02 straight or a mixture of argon CO2, but not O2 (that is oxygen) that is what you are trying to drive away with the shielding gas. Pure argon is used for Aluminum but a 75/25 mix is sufficient for SS. There are all kinds of trimixes that are available for these welders but I tend to stick with the basics for normal everyday welding.

Your right, I meant CO2. I actually did an experiment with 75/25 mix on mild steel at work yesterday. It works okay, but the pure argon works cleaner and not as much sparking if you will. I am probably going to just get the mix so I can switch back forth with the mig and tig. It will be next week more than likely (Deer rifle season this weekend!)
Thanks, Mike for your advice.

[my67chevytruck]

Originally Posted by Mike Bradbury

You are getting your gasses mixed up. You can use C02 straight or a mixture of argon CO2, but not O2 (that is oxygen) that is what you are trying to drive away with the shielding gas. Pure argon is used for Aluminum but a 75/25 mix is sufficient for SS. There are all kinds of trimixes that are available for these welders but I tend to stick with the basics for normal everyday welding.

Typo ,, i meant c02 ......

[72BlckButy]

Nice score on the cab Mike, that should help the progress on your build quite a bit.

[JohnC]

Nice find man. Glad to see you are making some headway on it.

[1sik52]

If you need help hauling off those Camaros I can be assistance to you!!!

[mcbassin]

Originally Posted by 1sik52

If you need help hauling off those Camaros I can be assistance to you!!!

Sure thing, I will keep you in mind! BTW, That really is a SIK 52 you have there!

[mcbassin]

Update: Well I got the bottle for the Tig welder (100% argon). It has a few issues, the regulator is junk, the high frequency is a little flakey, and I don't like it not having a foot pedal to adjust the amperage. I was able to work through these issues and make some decent welds. If I had the option of leaving it stock, I would, in my opinion it takes an extremely long time to grind and weld the drip rail. I know I will have quite a bit of time in extra body work too.
It should look pretty good when I get it done.
I finished welding the driprail shaving, started grinding and finishing the welds. I also scored a 5.3 today! It has a few minor problems like the P.O. managed to break one of the cover mounts and tore a big hole in the manifold. He lost the motor cover too.

It is a 2003 model and it looks like the DBW type. Not too sure about that yet. It might be easier to set up. It also came with all the wiring, accessories, exhaust manifolds, o2 sensors, and exhaust drop downs. All this looks like a basket case right now but for $350 I had to buy it. Craig's list is the best!

[mcbassin]

I also had to build a quick and dirty engine stand/dolly out of a little old oscilliscope cart I had laying out in the stuff to be recycled pile.

Looks like I'm in the market for a new intake manifold. Anyone know if a cable operated throttle body will work on this engine?

[scotts62]

Man that is going to be sweet when your done!!

Ive been thinking about a 5.3 or 6.0 swap in my truck, it would be cool to have an auto start on it

[my67chevytruck]

I believe Don is putting a 4.8 in his project "Big Red" if i remember correctly....

[mcbassin]

Originally Posted by my67chevytruck

I believe Don is putting a 4.8 in his project "Big Red" if i remember correctly....

I think you are correct. I'm sure it will work, it just sucks I had my mind set on the 5.3 and that is what I have been looking hard for about 3 months.
Mike

[Puropedo]

Mike, Im pretty sure your 4.8 will make a great engine for your project, it just lags a little more than a 5.3, and they both give you around the same MPG. You didnt pay much for it (great score) but if you want a 5.3, just keep looking, theres lots of them out there! If I were you, I would use the 4.8 since you already have it....

[highperf4x4]

Originally Posted by mcbassin

I think you are correct. I'm sure it will work, it just sucks I had my mind set on the 5.3 and that is what I have been looking hard for about 3 months.
Mike

If you feel like you're settling for less than you wanted then just tell yourself that you actually wanted a 6.0 and you were going to settle for a 5.3 for now anyway.

I don't know that you could find what you got for 350.00 in a 5.3 though. Most people usually hit around the 1200 - 1500 dollar mark.

and........... I am subscibed so get busy.

[mcbassin]

Originally Posted by highperf4x4

If you feel like you're settling for less than you wanted then just tell yourself that you actually wanted a 6.0 and you were going to settle for a 5.3 for now anyway.

I don't know that you could find what you got for 350.00 in a 5.3 though. Most people usually hit around the 1200 - 1500 dollar mark.

and........... I am subscibed so get busy.

I actually wanted a 6.0 to start with but I priced a few and quickly focused on the 5.3.(huge price difference!) BTW, I upgraded to the 6.0 in my 07 truck and it is a power house! but with that power comes a heavy appetite for fuel! I am just about to the point of giving the 4.8 back to the guy and investing in a 5.3. As far as the 4.8 they run around $300-450 anyway. well on ebay. You may have to drive a little or long way to pick it up though. I could just keep it and use it anyway......dang it!

On another note, I ordered a new regulator/flow valve for my tig today. Hope to have it by this Friday so I can get back on it this weekend.

[highperf4x4]

I can tell right now if you don't get a 5.3 you will always regret it. This guy can sell the 4.8 again surely with no problem. Do it like you want it.

[mcbassin]

Originally Posted by highperf4x4

I can tell right now if you don't get a 5.3 you will always regret it. This guy can sell the 4.8 again surely with no problem. Do it like you want it.

My thinking too. I may keep it for another project though, I have more than you can shake a stick at. Hey, we could throw it in the kids 86? Hmmm. thats an idea..I think I will just hang on to it and keep looking for the 6.0 real cheap or a reasonable 5.3.

[highperf4x4]

I thought you just put a motor in the 86?

[mcbassin]

Originally Posted by highperf4x4

I thought you just put a motor in the 86?

Yep, we did a 5.7 TBI install and it is driveable just need to buy a new speedo gear and the inline VSS and tires/wheels. I'm thinking long term, the kid will want a new fangled Z71 with big tires (when he gets a paying job) and I'll be there to take the 86. You know where I'm going with this?