41DegreesSouth Build Thread

[Billhilly]

Thanks for the comments guys.

So, how are you going to make the heat/AC work out?

Well see ten, that IS the two thousand dollar question.
My work truck was always going to have aircon - period. And nothing on the firewall. Then as things got put in that box in Washington, and more things got put in that box, the aircon budget disappeared before my eyes! The origonal cab was non air, new cab has air, but I don’t have any of the components on the motor side of the firewall. (Box too full!!).
At this stage the plan is to go with the non air cab fan and heater core, on the firewall (see photo), and later I may be able to add underdash aircon. I have been thinking I might swap over the ‘Plenum Air Valve’ for future aircon. A couple of advantages in this over a full underdash unit are the fan is not in the cab, and I will draw air from outside of the cab.
If you take the heater assembly and rotate it 180 degrees, it nearly fits. The matching piece on the inside of the firewall rotates and fits, it’s the next piece down the line that will require some ‘extra’ work. This is commercially sensitive information down here, so don’t tell anyone! (In the origonal picture I had mirrored the firewall panel, it would be flipped 180 degrees).
Do chip in if you got any other ideas.
I have one question for you see ten. On your K10 do you run wheels spacers on the rear? I've have like four inchs less track in the back, Kind of noticeable. I don't see it on all your trucks.

Bill.

[see ten]

I don't run wheel spacers on the K10. I think all the 4x4s are narrower in the rear by an inch or two aren't they? I think I would give the guys at Vintage Air a call (or an email). I believe they even have a tech who is a member of this board. I would think that since they have systems that can be made to fit so many old coupes and street rods that they would have something that would work for you. Granted you may have to buy some of their universal compact parts and make them fit, but look at what you are already in to. Gotta have that A/C!

[Billhilly]

I don't have a photo, but my rear wheels seemed way tucked in. I measured four and a quarter inchs less track in the rear. Anyway least of my worries!
I need to do some sums and see how far I'm going to go dollar wise. Panel and paint will be the killers now, but it would be way easier to do the air now for sure. Not dissin' Vintage air at all, but I've seen two of their systems go in hot rods down here (F100 and 40 Ferd) and because they arn't made for the RHD thing I think it would be better to build something from scratch. Then I'm back where I started, do I keep the firewall smooth!
I've been getting these headaches of late.........

[Billhilly]

Wow, well thats kinda ugly. 04 2007 to 10 2008. I wonder what I can use an excuse! I have been busy, honest.
Tore the back off my house (the young bit, built 1897, and rebuilt a new kitchen, bathroom) but back to more important things, finally.
Chassis was cleaned back, welded up all the extra holes and cracks, fitted solid fuel boosters and wind up spare tyre. Gave the chassis a quick sand blast then a coat of rust sealer followed by a two pack epoxy prime. Then two top coats of a vinyl acrylic paint. (NO, not a water based paint!) This was all meant to be a reasonably priced deal that I could do, instead of POR15, Rustbullet etc.
Have painted the chassis, diffs, hubs, rims, springs etc. Next is rebuild the diff's (ball joints, u joints, seals etc) then put the transfer case back together. Then new brake lines, tidy the motor gearbox up and put in the chassis. Shouldn't take long! But I have started right.
Oh, final colour was meant to be a smokey charcoal deal. Just didn't want all black underneath. Ended up mixing a liter of straight black in with the charcoal I had. Jury is still out.

[Palf70Step]

Nice clean frame. I like the color.

They always seem to go slower than what we would want. For some reason we have to throw wife, work, kids and house stuff in with the mix. Life sure does get in the way of truck building sometimes.

[SkullCandy]

Nice project... How is the cost of living down there?

[Billhilly]

Thanks for the comments Palf70Step. Yeah, life keeps getting in the way of my truck building!
Well Skull, what ever it is, it costs more down here! Gas has dropped back under $2.00/liter, but world commodity prices have driven pretty much everything up in the last twelve months, probabley similar to your country. I lived in BC for three years around 1990, and was there again in 2005. Never did make it that far 'back east' (Ontario that is).

[Billhilly]

Slowly, slowly. Kids were away for a month, and I was going to get it on it's wheels. Yeah right! Major delays included wrong front leaf springs (a whole nuther story) and worn rear diff housing (not resolved yet). Anywhoo, transfer case rebuilt, new filter and front seal in the tranny, new sump gasket and intake on the motor, a lick of paint, a cross of the fingers (as to how long the motor will last!) and a least I got them in the chassis. Have been working on the exhaust, and really enjoying that. Had an inverter arc, had bought a tig torch a year ago, so finally got a bottle of gas and have been tig welding (badly) the exhaust up. Just tacked so far. And as you can see a couple of changes up front. Last pic shows mock up of new front shocks, sway bars, and RHD set up. Wasn't going to show this until it was all done..... your eyesight might be fading by then.
Currently working on hanging the muffler boxs, and sway bar brackets. The mufflers (Flowmaster 44's) are going outside the chassis, between rear tyre and back of cab (propane tanks inboard). Was going to dump staight out of them (towards the ground) but am now going to try and get a pipe at least behind the rear wheels. I don't mind it loud, but have to be able to drive past horse's and riders on the road. Also have enough stock (cows) on the road that I've got to be able to drive through without spooking. I was concerned if I just dumped it out, neighbours wouldn't be happy!
Making progress, slowly! Let us know what you think.

Bill.

Mods, if you want to move this to 'Projects and Builds' that would be cool. Thanks.

[special-K]

!taerg skooL

[Andy4639]

This is some build. I wouldn't even think about tearing mine down like that.

[sick69]

This should be really cool when it's done. I like the right hand drive vehicles. Mostly cause they aren't many in the US.


Frank

[Billhilly]

Thanks for the comments guys.
A little more done tonight. Got one of the mufflers mounted up, and exhaust connected. Welded brackets to the top of the Flowmasters so they would 'hang' vertical. Yeah it's low. But no lower than the propane tanks, which aren't any lower than the transfer case.....

[royo]

Cool!! nice rig good luck with it

[big_al_71]

Great job, it is looking great..keep the picts coming..

[dan42]

Won't be long and fall wil be here for you - keep the pictures coming!

[Billhilly]

You're right Dan. Feb is our hot month. Temps in my 'tin' shed reach 100 at this time of the year, down to 30 in the winter. Gotta love it!

[petey-pablo]

Any updates?

[72BlckButy]

Great looking build!

[Billhilly]

Yes, making progress. Front end mods are nearly done. New shock towers, lowered bump stops. Front sway bar in, link arms arn't done yet because the diff is off centre and I just want to check it against the back one when it goes in. Steering box is mounted and just needs bracing, and plumbing. Been working on aircon and alternator brackets as well.
Next big thing is rebuild the rear diff. What was going to be a simple pinion seal job, turned into a complete re bearing job. Then the case was worn, so I had to make a tool and machine that! Went to start assemble on Saturday but spent hours trying to clean the axle tubes out. Musta got a table spoon of crud out. Rust, and fine bearing/gear residue. Still need to give it one more blast out (somehow). Then have to actually put it together!!
Once back diff is in, again, new shock mounts, swaybar, airbag assist blah blah. You get the picture.
Can't wait to start on the cab. Rust repair etc. Firewall and wiper conversion, extra seatbelt mounts, bring it on.

[Billhilly]

One more pic.
Thanks for the comment Blckbuty. I'll like it alot more when the chassis is done!

Bill.

[OARNGESI]

Looks pretty good

[Chevy1TonFun]

Awesome Build! Doing a great job.

[BAGNDRAGIT]

Subscibed! Awesome build. Cant wait to see more.

[JayDubBlazer]

This is very interesting, subscribed

[Billhilly]

Thanks Guy's, I'll get some more photos up soon.
I've been spending all sorts of time on things you don't see. Total rebuild on the back diff, chasing disc runout issues, aligning diffs/chassis etc. Still working round the back end on Ebrake cables, airbag assist stuff, but think I am progressing! Bought a new spray gun so want to get the rims painted, tyres on as well. Lots to do.

Bill.