Re: "Elwood" the 77_remix
 

Despite the freezing cold that us Texans are no used to, progress continues. Fortunately my shop is well insulated, so we got a few things done. Chris laid out a plan for the Ride Pro X enclosure. Its going to allow us to hide the wires in a clean fashion. We plan to replace the fuses with push button circuit breakers so they are accessible in the event of failure.

Re: "Elwood" the 77_remix
 

Thank you sir.

Re: "Elwood" the 77_remix
 

I'm still trudging along on the Wilwood proportioning valve install. I decided it would be easier to bend new lines rather than modify the old lines. the replacement line is much softer and easy to bend. Unfortunately the state of Texas was closed yesterday and I couldnt get the fittings I need to finish up.

Re: "Elwood" the 77_remix
 

I know what you mean about Texas being closed. We started on Owen's truck and I ended up needing some parts we did not have. Both AutoZone and O'Reilly closed early due to weather yesterday. I was able to get all the parts I need before they closed. BUT, when I went to install the new bearings I just packed with grease, I discovered they sold me the wrong inner bearings for 1.25" thick rotors...dang it...

Re: "Elwood" the 77_remix
 

I am guilty of participating in the Winter Weather hysteria as well. I closed my shop yesterday and told my guys to stay home. I called Oriellys and Auto Zone and they were closed. I found small things to do, but couldnt work on my brake lines.

Re: "Elwood" the 77_remix
 

Ken,... I would be really tempted to just "gut" your stock proportioning valve and add a Wilwood adjustable prop. valve in the rear brake line.
http://www.pro-touring.com/threads/7...rtioning-valve

I never knew why GM ran all those lines to the front,... just to have to route them to the rear.
I think it would make a clean "stock appearing" option than bending all new lines.

And if you did bend all new lines,... I would move the Prop valve to an "easy-to reach" spot on the drivers side frame rail under the cab.
Just my thoughts,...

Re: "Elwood" the 77_remix
 

Keith I was too deep in the project when I discovered how much needed to be modified to turn back. When I'm done it will look clean, and be accessible with out crawling under the truck to adjust it. If I could locate the fittings I need I would be done by now.

Re: "Elwood" the 77_remix
 

GM decided to create a bowl of spaghetti going to a non adjustable proportioning valve. I'm doing my best to clean the mess up and allow access to the adjustment knob on the Wilwood valve. Unfortunately Wilwood decided to put five 3/16 ports and that conflicts with the GM 1/4" line. Especially when the nifty bracket you built wont accommodate conversion fittings. I am close to wrapping it up if I can locate a union I need.

Re: "Elwood" the 77_remix
 

I worked late last night and my daughter came to visit so my shop time was limited. I took a break grime building brake lines and knocked out a quick mod that I had been putting off.

The cross brace at the rear of the bed needed to be trimmed to clear the top of the ViaAir compressors. I wanted to ensure I made a straight cut so I made a guide. With the square stock bolted in place the hub of my 4" grinder guided my cut.

Re: "Elwood" the 77_remix
 

Once the cut was made I dressed the edge with a flapper disc. I followed that with a few layers of under coating. Unfortunately my phone died so all I have are the after pics.

Re: "Elwood" the 77_remix
 

Saturday morning was wasted waiting for an AT&T tech to repair my WiFi. Once that was done I had to buy a hot water heater. Late afternoon, Chris came by and I finally got some progress.

Mike Losh brought a set of his mild Slosh Tubz to C10s in the Park. I picked them up at the show, but didnt get a template showing where to cut. I looked at old pics and made my best guess. I chose to follow below a line on the inner fender to maintain structural integrity. The cut was a bit bigger than necessary, but its symetrical and still strong.

Re: "Elwood" the 77_remix
 

With the cuts made and cleaned up, we were able to slide the Mild Tubz in place. The passenger side fit well. I decided to do a little trimming on the bottom corner to make it easier to get out.

Re: "Elwood" the 77_remix
 

Marking the holes is the most tedious part of the install. I prefer to locate those at the front first. They can be marked from the top, while you hold the liner In place.

Re: "Elwood" the 77_remix
 

With the front done we slowly worked our way to the back. It helps if you use longer bolts until the process is complete. This allows you to start a bolt and make the next mark for drilling.
Once all the holes were drilled, we checked for clearance concerns. Everything fits as designed.

Re: "Elwood" the 77_remix
 

looking great!

Re: "Elwood" the 77_remix
 

Ken, I guess I will have to start coming back on here just to see pics of the new build. Lol looks good sir..

Re: "Elwood" the 77_remix
 

Nice updates. Looking forward to LST.

Re: "Elwood" the 77_remix
 

Thank you sirIt will be here way too soon. Travis I try to post updates on Instagram and Facebook. The forum is still the best location to share and discuss in depth.

Re: "Elwood" the 77_remix
 

Looks good..............don't know I would be able to start cutting up super clean stock sheet metal........... no going back to "stock" if the air bag deal runs it's course as other fads have done in the hobby.

Keep up the good work!!!

Re: "Elwood" the 77_remix
 

Air bags? Possibly.
A lowered truck? Very doubtful.... They've been around way too long to be called a 'fad'.

Even static dropped trucks can utilize the mods for a much more pleasant driving experience.

Re: "Elwood" the 77_remix
 

I understand your concern. I was apprehensive as well until I installed these on my last build. With the fender open like it is I was able to clean and coat the entire area with undercoating, so there is less chance of rust than with a stock fender. I thought about structural integrity as well. Theres no doubt it might be reduced with the cut. On the other hand the additional strength add by bolting in the replacement tub makes a much tighter package. I am anal, and I was satisfied enough to do this truck too.

Regarding the air suspension fad, I dont see it going away any time soon. As Scoti mentioned even if I replaced the air suspension with coil overs like I have on Scarlett, the fender liners would be the same. As much as I LOVE the exteriors appearence of a stock GM truck, I have no reservations about updating suspension and drivetrain.

Re: "Elwood" the 77_remix
 

With the advancements and availability of coil over kits I have noted a shift from air suspension to adjustable spring suspension. Unfortunately the cost is a concern on any adjustable system so I imagine relatively inexpensive static drops will never loose their appeal. :metal:

Re: "Elwood" the 77_remix
 

looking good Ken..your build threads give me motivation to get Lucy going.

Re: "Elwood" the 77_remix
 

Thats my intentions Ruben. :metal:

Re: "Elwood" the 77_remix
 

I'm still chasing down brake line fittings, so I put that on hold for now. Instead I made more progress on the Slosh Tubz install. The drivers side is done, so I tackled the passenger side. Its a bit of a wrestling match to get them in place with out a spotter, but it can be done.

The cut on this side is a bit smaller this time. I spent time dressing the edges with a flapper disc so I can clean up inside the fender once I'm done with the mock up. I will protect the cuts and inside the fender with undercoating when finished.

I got the tub in place and drilled the two front holes. I used longer than stock bolts to hold them in place while working the perimeter holes. Mark the center hole and drill it out. Use a longer bolt again to align the liner. I have found if alternate front to back its easier and you get a more precise hole location.

Re: "Elwood" the 77_remix
 

Cant wait to see it at LONESTAR THROWDOWN!!

Re: "Elwood" the 77_remix
 

Me too buddy.

Re: "Elwood" the 77_remix
 

Last night I discovered two things. One is, I will never earn a living as a template maker. Two is I am a persistent SOB, and persistence pays off. Mike Losh needed a set of templates made for Mild Tubz filler panelz to fit the 73-80 fenders. He asked if I would help him out, and I jumped on the opportunity to return a favor.

What I discovered is these panels are multi-dimensional and its a task to get them right. Instead of a pretty pattern, I created a Frankenstein cut out thats patched together with multiple layers of paper and tape. Its pretty scary, but it is functional.

Re: "Elwood" the 77_remix
 

the important part is......if they dont fit right i can blame you! LOL

Re: "Elwood" the 77_remix
 

Gee thanks, but I knew that was coming. Hows that saying go? "Trim to fit, paint to match"

Re: "Elwood" the 77_remix
 

Round two of my pattern making went much better. I thought I might be able to use the drivers side and flip it over. No such luck, but it did give me a starting point. This time I made it in three sections and adjusted accordingly. It did require a couple of add ons, but its not the Frankenstein pattern like the other side.

Re: "Elwood" the 77_remix
 

well i approve!!

Re: "Elwood" the 77_remix
 

Does that mean you signed off on them? My legal team says I may have a loophole.

Re: "Elwood" the 77_remix
 

Switching gears last night I worked on the exhaust again. It's the last thing that needs to be done under the rear of the truck.
I plan to put the bed on soon so I want this completed. It doesn't do justice to the Deeds Engineering hangers, but it will work for now.

Re: "Elwood" the 77_remix
 

Saturday I located the last two fitting I needed for the Wilwood proportioning valve. I bent the lines that were waiting for fittings and mocked them up.

With all the lines complete I pulled it apart one last time. Now I can clean and prep the area for paint

Re: "Elwood" the 77_remix
 

I prepped and painted the bracket I made along with the crossmember its mounted to. The brake lines were complete, so I pulled them out and painted those as well. The brake lines were a lesson in frustration, so I'm praying they dont leak.

Re: "Elwood" the 77_remix
 

I had a paint mishap that prevented me from painting the exhaust Friday night. A word of caution. Always verify you have a supply of cleaning solvent "before" you load your gun. I had a clog in my color gun and no way to clean it out. It didn't end well as I used my last drop of Brake Cleaner to clean up the mess.

With a fresh batch of supplies, I was able to get the exhaust sprayed with Cerekote on Saturday. The instructions say it doesnt require reduction, but I feel its a bit thick straight from the can. I reduced it with DT 885 and it flowed fantastic. I layed down several thin coats it went on super smooth.

Re: "Elwood" the 77_remix
 

Nice!!!! It's really coming along!!!!

Re: "Elwood" the 77_remix
 

It seems like I'm loosing ground rather than gaining, but thanks for the motivation.

Re: "Elwood" the 77_remix
 

Last night I made the final install of the exhaust system. I had difficulty location a collector gasket that was the right size. I also decided to use larger rivits to hold the system together. Initially I had used medium stainless rivets, but a head popped off one so I went much larger.

Once I get the LST and Goodguys behind me, I'll have to to have a pro built system. Till then, my parts and pieces system will get the job done. Thanks again to Kevin Deeds at Deeds Engineering for the beautiful hangers.