Project Okanagan Sunset

[Captainfab]

Very nice truck you picked up. A rust free truck such as that is virtually unheard of here in the Northwest.

Regarding the motor mount bracket discussion. In the '63-'66 trucks,the V8's and the 230/250 I6's had the motor mount brackets in the same, rear location. The 292 I6 had the drivers side bracket in the rear location, and the passenger side bracket in the forward location. The motor mounts themselves are the same for all small blocks, and all I6 engines from '63-'72

[wannabelower]

Originally Posted by Snowbound

Paid just over 5k for her. Probably would be cheaper to buy one finished, but half the fun is creating your vision.

It's cheaper than therapy!
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Not bad!
Washington must not be too bad for rust... We have an all original, un restored 72 Datsun 240Z in out garage that we got from Coalfax.... Rust free!

[Snowbound]

The state is divided by a mountain range. Wet on the west side very dry on the east, similar to BC. Pretty desolate country down there, just rocks and tumble weeds.

Hey Captain, I PM d you about a power steering bracket.

Thanks,
Brian
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[Snowbound]

I'm at a crossroads now until I can get this thing on its wheels. I will need to roll the truck half way out of the garage to make room for the engine hoist.

I think I will remove the rotors and calipers to mount the 15" wheels to get it rolling. I don't want to buy new wheels until the front clip is back on so I can measure for back spacing.

The big brake kit has separate hubs, so ill mount the wheels with rotors off.

Got all the steering linkage painted and reinstalled tonight.
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[padresag]

just space the wheels out about 1/4 ". just for rolling washers would work fine
ron

[63sbssbbw]

Very nice truck..I love it
Your rally's are designed for 12" rotors and factory calipers (other calipers may fit).
Found on 4x4's '71-up.
Definitely a nice fit/look for these trucks.
.
. From a displaced Okanaganer (Armstrong).
T

[Snowbound]

Got my bellhousing aligned to spec after purchasing adjustable dowel pins. Was out .013 and spec is .005". Dialled in to .002 and started to bolt the trans up, but need a couple short Allen head bolts for the top ears. Man, those TKO's don't leave much room for bolt heads.

Question about the throw out bearing. Old one from the 3 speed was the long type, and the new one is the short version. New one has a plastic inner sleeve and I'm wondering if that is a new design. It is a LUK clutch kit.

Want to get the engine and trans mounted so I can check shifter location and mock up a cross member. Hope the old crossmember is not in the way.

Also picked up the frame mounts and Energy bushing set for my 1.25" sway bar, so that is ready to install.

Pics to come!
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[Snowbound]

Here are the 2 throw out bearings. You can see the new one is a composite material.



Engine and trans in place.



E-brake cross member flipped for now.

[padresag]

there are 2 different t/outs depending on the type of pressure plate used,
whether diaphram or 3 prong pressure plate
ron

[Snowbound]

Ya, I tried the long one and its too big for sure. The small one came with the clutch kit, so I know it's the correct one. Just wasn't expecting the plastic construction.

Tested out the Patriot Clipster headers and I think they might work with some trimming of the engine towers. The trans cross member needs to be fully removed also, as the collectors point straight at it. I still have to check the clutch linkage.

Back to work early for 6 days OT, so that should help pay for this! Gotta love the double bubble.

Brian
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[Snowbound]

Scored a tach dash cluster, radio delete plate and passenger sun visor today. Lots of resto work to do on the cluster before it goes in!

[da_bears_da1]

Beautiful truck, subscribed. After spending 6 weeks on cab rust repair, I wish I paid more and got a nice clean truck like you have!
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[clemdaddy]

good score on the cluster. i look all the time for one of those in salvage but the yards around here are pretty picked through. really like your truck and the progress you've made.

[Snowbound]

Picked up a set of buddy buckets out of a '72 International Harvester. Hope they bolt in without too much trouble. Did the Chevy version have a locking console? Don't have a key, so hoping I can order a new one.
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[Snowbound]

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[Snowbound]

Finished up my front sway bar install. 1.25" bar off a mid 80's 1 ton truck and new Energy bushing kit. Used the stock frame mounts since I'm only lowered 3.5" total.
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[Snowbound]

Serpentine belt system blasted, painted and installed. Need to find the right belt though, the one I bought is way short. Pretty seamless install. Just have to watch which bolts go where, as it is a mix of SAE and metric.
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[jesseo]

very nice truck. Looks like you are on your way. Must be nice not to have to weld up the floors. How's the wood in the bed look?

[Snowbound]

Wood is not too bad, but a couple boards are rotted on one end. I'm replacing the wood, most likely with western red cedar. I do some wood work and have all the tools to do it myself.

Cedar is soft, but will not rot and takes an oil finish well. No peeling varnish for this guy!

Thanks for check out the build.

Brian
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[Snowbound]

Almost ready to break the engine in. Little bit of clearancing to do on the valve covers and serpentine brackets.

Took time out for the Penticton swap meet today. Met some cool guys and saw some junk I don't need.
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[Snowbound]

Picked up a van tilt and lower shaft to complete the swap. Has a little play in it. How hard to change bearings in these? Need to shave the shifter nub off too.

Plan is to run a 3 spoke sport wheel. Should look ok.

Bolted Captains PS adapter on with the power box and new hoses. Stole the fitting out of an older Chevy to swap into the metric pump so no custom hoses.
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[Snowbound]

Ordered wheels and tires today. Went with 17x8 Vision Legend 6 and Toyo Proxes 2 275/60 and 255/60 tires.

Somewhat old school look, but modern sizes to clear the 13" rotors. I will have to get the axle stubs machined down slightly to fit the 87mm bore.
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[Snowbound]

Just got back from the engine dyno session, and I'm happy with the numbers.

400 HP @ 5100 and 440 tq @ 4100

I'll lose some power through the Corvette manifolds, but it should be a good cruiser.

That is a nerve racking experience! I was like an expecting father in the maternity ward.
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[1963c-10]

Nice find on the buddy buckets....truck is coming along great

[gofastnut]

Looks good, Snowbound! Keep goin and keep us posted!