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-   -   1978 Russet Metallic 4x4 (https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/showthread.php?t=706931)

phillipm 08-02-2017 03:10 PM

Re: 1978 Russet Metallic 4x4
 
Things are happening though! That's awesome.

buffydores 08-03-2017 05:17 PM

Re: 1978 Russet Metallic 4x4
 
So here's the much more appropriate plaque produced by Phillip. Phillip uses "laser beams". Notice we went with fillets instead of right angles and chamfers. No glossy mess. Looks like a freakin' plaque. Made of adhesive backed metallic material. I asked Phillip to make me two in case little fingers do their damage in the future.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/gallery/...ium/18130.jpeg

buffydores 08-09-2017 02:26 PM

Re: 1978 Russet Metallic 4x4
 
And the comparo.....

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/gallery/...0-1024x768.jpg

One looks like a sticker. The other does not. Looks like brushed aluminum.

phillipm 08-16-2017 04:33 PM

Re: 1978 Russet Metallic 4x4
 
You get it applied to the dash yet???

buffydores 08-16-2017 04:56 PM

Re: 1978 Russet Metallic 4x4
 
Not yet. Waiting on the tranny and transfer case to get back and installed. Probably two weeks.

I did get an update today on the transfer case. Apparently the NP203 was in pretty good shape.

buffydores 08-28-2017 09:47 PM

Re: 1978 Russet Metallic 4x4
 
The transfer case and transmission are rebuilt and ready to go.

The shop is in the process of installing the twin stick kit for the NP203. The factory lever mechanism is just a messy beast. The Offroad Design kit is much cleaner. I'll loose the 4x4 indicator light feature, but I think I'm competent enough to figure it out without the light.

The TH350 is now built for a little hammering with the RamJet 350.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/gallery/...6-768x1365.jpg

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/gallery/...8-1024x576.jpg

Probably have it buttoned up at the first of next week.

phillipm 08-29-2017 12:45 PM

Re: 1978 Russet Metallic 4x4
 
Man that looks great!

buffydores 08-29-2017 04:15 PM

Re: 1978 Russet Metallic 4x4
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by phillipm (Post 8027640)
Man that looks great!

I talked to Verne at Transfer Case Express. He's their old school guy that works on the NP203s. Apparently he cut his teeth early on rebuilding 203s and 205s. He's a big fan of the 203 case. Although heavier and longer than the 205s, the full time abilty and toughness make it a formidable box. Speaking from experience, I know the kind of abuse that me, my father and his friends dealt out. This box never failed. Verne only needed to replace some bearings, seals and a shifting fork/collar (which I can't perceive anything wrong with). Think about that. This truck has who-knows-how-many miles on it, and the meat is in great shape. Feels real good. While I was checking in at the shop, I dropped off a B&M 12 Bolt Cover for them to install out back. I had it powdercoated satin black for it to blend in. I'd prefer a Hickey cover, but I can't wait forever. Ultimately, this is probably a better cover anyway.

phillipm 08-29-2017 04:18 PM

Re: 1978 Russet Metallic 4x4
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by buffydores (Post 8027768)
I'd prefer a Hickey cover, but I can't wait forever. Ultimately, this is probably a better cover anyway.

Unfortunately that's probably true!

buffydores 08-31-2017 08:12 PM

Re: 1978 Russet Metallic 4x4
 
Still looking like next week. Checked in for updates. They're cleaning up the hard fuel lines and various connections. Going premium semi metallic on the brakes. Front pads were pretty worn. One of the rears was leaking. Twin stick is installed. Needed to offset slightly to the right.

phillipm 09-01-2017 12:06 PM

Re: 1978 Russet Metallic 4x4
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by buffydores (Post 8029348)
Still looking like next week. Checked in for updates. They're cleaning up the hard fuel lines and various connections. Going premium semi metallic on the brakes. Front pads were pretty worn. One of the rears was leaking. Twin stick is installed. Needed to offset slightly to the right.

I've had multiple pads on the Blazer since getting it done. They all dusted like crazy except for these!

https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo...=1029451&jsn=2

buffydores 09-01-2017 12:09 PM

Re: 1978 Russet Metallic 4x4
 
Why so many sets of pads?

phillipm 09-01-2017 12:13 PM

Re: 1978 Russet Metallic 4x4
 
First set came with the truck they were 16 years old and didn't want to stop. Second set would leave my wheels literally BLACK after 2 days of driving. Those were the NAPA Gold ones. And then this set I've got now. Love them. It's weeks of driving before I see dust starting to build and that might even just be road dust.

buffydores 09-01-2017 02:37 PM

Re: 1978 Russet Metallic 4x4
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by phillipm (Post 8029777)
First set came with the truck they were 16 years old and didn't want to stop. Second set would leave my wheels literally BLACK after 2 days of driving. Those were the NAPA Gold ones. And then this set I've got now. Love them. It's weeks of driving before I see dust starting to build and that might even just be road dust.

That's cool. I've had good experience with the ACDelco semi-metallics. Those suckers can grab. Since I don't run chrome, dust has been less of an issue.

buffydores 09-08-2017 04:02 PM

Re: 1978 Russet Metallic 4x4
 
They're finishing up the front driveshaft and everything should be done.

So here's a little tidbit. I had an ulterior motive in going through the major components on the Blazer. Back in March, I had a wild hair and decided to put in an application to the 2017 Copperstate Overland. Space is limited on these glamping overland trips, but I couldn't think of anything more epic I could reasonably experience with the Blazer and a good friend. Thus, I wanted to make sure we didn't crap out in the desert.

Well.....I just got word today that my application was accepted. So, for the next few weeks, I'll be in a frenzy prepping the Blazer before shipping it off to Arizona. I would love to hear everyone's input on preparations, because I do admit, outside of some basic camping, I'm pretty green to this scene.

buffydores 09-12-2017 10:15 PM

Re: 1978 Russet Metallic 4x4
 
Almost there folks. The shop decided to add limiting straps for the front suspension because of the amazing droop available with the custom ORD springs. We also added some more travel to the driveshaft because it was pulling loose at full droop. Everything else has been tested to their satisfaction. I'll get my hands on it at the end of this week and put some miles on it.

phillipm 09-12-2017 10:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by buffydores (Post 8038453)
Almost there folks. The shop decided to add limiting straps for the front suspension because of the amazing droop available with the custom ORD springs. We also added some more travel to the driveshaft because it was pulling lose at full droop. Everything else has been tested to their satisfaction. I'll get my hands on it at the end of this week and put some miles on it.

How's the new fuel system doing??
Posted via Mobile Device

buffydores 09-13-2017 07:26 AM

Re: 1978 Russet Metallic 4x4
 
Supposedly well, but I want to drive it myself for a bit.

buffydores 09-15-2017 11:27 PM

Re: 1978 Russet Metallic 4x4
 
Hey Folks: Got the rig back. I put 50 miles on it today and checked things over. It bled a quart of transfer case fluid over everything because the speedo cable was not even finger tight. Easy fix, but highlighted an interesting tidbit. The end housing was clocked clockwise about 90 degrees from where I remember it before the rebuild. Wonder if that's the proper setup. This transfer case had been worked on before so who knows what happened.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/gallery/...7-1024x576.jpg

The rear diff cover is dope. I like the stiffening bolts that keep things from flexing inside. I had it powdercoated black because, unless it is a Hickey cover, I really don't want too much attention there. The magnetic drain plug is a nice feature.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/gallery/...3-1024x576.jpg

They got the new fuel setup installed and the driveline slop is gone...so silky smooth. I'm afraid the bill for this work was aggressive; however, quality mechanic work rarely comes cheap. Wish I had the time to do the work myself, but three young children and the need to get it ready for the Copperstate Overland trumped shop time for me this time.

phillipm 09-15-2017 11:30 PM

Dude I concure. No way GM would've put the cable down like that!
Posted via Mobile Device

buffydores 09-15-2017 11:43 PM

Re: 1978 Russet Metallic 4x4
 
After reviewing a bunch of pictures, it looks like most kick out left(driver side) underneath and pointed slightly up, but, there are plenty of exceptions in all kinds of directions. When I reinstall my right angle speedo adjuster (1.25:1), the cable will be entering in that same direction.

Two more pics. The shop installed a charcoal canister to eat fumes. Nice out of the way location. You can see some transfer case fluid that got on the vent hose for the rear diff.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/gallery/...-1024x1820.jpg

And here's the twin stick installed:

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/gallery/...-1024x1820.jpg

68Timber 09-16-2017 01:48 AM

Re: 1978 Russet Metallic 4x4
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by phillipm (Post 8040657)
Dude I concure. No way GM would've put the cable down like that!
Posted via Mobile Device

Yeah, that's not right. Mounted like that, you can shear the ratio adapter off and dump ATF on the ground, damaging your case in the process so the unit's no longer rebuildable. I'd make them fix that. Sorry to chime in with a negative, but that needs addressing. Looking forward to seeing your truck on the trail event and want to see you finish it too!:lol:

buffydores 09-16-2017 03:25 AM

Re: 1978 Russet Metallic 4x4
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by 68Timber (Post 8040722)
Yeah, that's not right. Mounted like that, you can shear the ratio adapter off and dump ATF on the ground, damaging your case in the process so the unit's no longer rebuildable. I'd make them fix that. Sorry to chime in with a negative, but that needs addressing. Looking forward to seeing your truck on the trail event and want to see you finish it too!:lol:

I'm not as concerned. There is quite a bit of clearance there. I'll holler at the rebuilder to get his input on the matter.

buffydores 09-16-2017 09:29 AM

Re: 1978 Russet Metallic 4x4
 
I added this tie down centered in the rear of cargo area. Between the rear seat frame and the tire carrier, I have some good points to attach to, but nothing all the way to the rear. I'm never gonna have anything truly heavy back here, so this sucker should do the trick. I even added a rubber isolator to prevent rattling.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/gallery/...8-768x1365.jpg

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/gallery/...2-768x1365.jpg

68Timber 09-16-2017 10:02 AM

Re: 1978 Russet Metallic 4x4
 
I know that's centered high in the middle behind the tank skid plate, but given the level of excellence you've set and achieved on the rest of the truck, I wouldn't keep and own someone else's error now.


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