Re: Glock's new project: "Fred"
 

Captian's log, star date August 29, 2009. As the life fluid slowly drains from Fred, so begins the tedious transition towards a new life.



:D. :metal:

Re: Glock's new project: "Fred"
 

:metal: right on schedule! GOOD TIMES MAN!!

Re: Glock's new project: "Fred"
 

Yeah buddy! Lunch break now, then let the nuts and bolts fly!!

I had to do an oil change in my car first, then I somewhat put the burb rear end back together (less gears) so I could get it to roll again. Then I welded it to the leaf springs! :haha: Well, I kind of HAD to, since I cut the u-bolts to get it out!

Re: Glock's new project: "Fred"
 

Awesome!!!

Re: Glock's new project: "Fred"
 

What happened to drive it a while? ;)

I am just as bad. :uhmk:

Glad to see the transition starting and can't wait to see all the neato stuff in its rebirth.

Re: Glock's new project: "Fred"
 

Um, yeah, what did happen there? Actually, my wife seems to be impressed that I drove it as long as I did! I put about 3000 mile on him at least. :lol:

Well, his old heart is on the floor. Had to take miscellaneous breaks here and there for different stuff.... my daughters ATV ran out of gas, so I had to stop and go rescue her. My brother stopped by to chat for a while. But it's out, and I'll get the trans out either tomorrow or.... whenever. :lol:

Now starts the clean up, picking apart the wiring to get all the stuff that runs to the ECM out, etc. I did find one problem with the engine plates though. The right side interferes with the AC compressor bracket to the point where I thought I would have to make new engine mount plates that set back 1", which would move the engine forward 1".

I got to thinking about it while I was in the shower, and I'm going to see if I can move the right engine stand on the truck back 1", then fab a new engine mount for the engine side. If it works, I'll make a jig so I can reproduce them since there are a few more of use doing this same swap.

Re: Glock's new project: "Fred"
 

Poor Fred, He lost his heart.




But the quadruple-bypass will make him forget ll about it.

Showers are always great places to formulate the days work and hash out the next criteria.

Re: Glock's new project: "Fred"
 

LOL, I get some of my best ideas while in the shower. And the dash for the 68? I dreamed that up while I was in the, um, well.. "back" office. :lol:

Here's my problem:

http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z...P1010116-1.jpg

http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z...c/P1010117.jpg

Instead of moving the entire stand, I think I can weld a gusseted plate to the back side of the stand, then re-drill new holes and move the rubber mount back. I think that will be fairly easy. Then I can clearance the AC mount just enough to clear the upper front bolt and an 1/8" piece of plate, then fab a mount that sets back 1'.

http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z...c/P1010115.jpg

Re: Glock's new project: "Fred"
 

If you wanna get rid of that TH350 shift indicator out of the cluster, I'm your guy. ;)

Re: Glock's new project: "Fred"
 

Sorry man, my cluster has a 4 speed indicator, and so does the new one I just got off of eBay.

Re: Glock's new project: "Fred"
 

Ah I'm blind

Re: Glock's new project: "Fred"
 

Man, you are really moving along. I am definitely a candidate for the info on your passenger side bracket info...:)

Re: Glock's new project: "Fred"
 

I'll keep everyone in the loop. Man I wish I had a bare Gen III block, that would make this soooo much easier and lower the risk of jacking up my red paint.

Note to self - be careful!!!

Re: Glock's new project: "Fred"
 

good luck Bob! and yes be careful! i hate having to redo something that turned out so nice the 1st time around.

i was out looking at my mount plates and i'm racking my brain trying to think of an easier way. are there any other motor plates that would work and keep the motor back the 1" that we need?

Re: Glock's new project: "Fred"
 

Actually, in order to keep the bellhousing flange in the OEM spot, the brackets would need to move the motor mount another 1"forward on the block, putting it right smack in the middle of the AC bracket. :dohh:

I suppose I could get or make new plates that move both mounts back 1" on the block, but then that would pull the entire drive train forward 1" as well, and may result in needing to have a new driveshaft made.

Then again, I am probably over thinking this! :haha: I'll know more once I have everything setting in place.

Re: Glock's new project: "Fred"
 

Hmm, new month and no update! I'm slacking! :lol:

I have found another rearend, a member in Colorado Springs is going to give me one! :metal: Thanks Tucknuts!

The Blazer cluster showed up Monday. It is in perfect condition, and will clean up real nice.

This weekend, I plan on getting the Burb out of the shop. Then I'll get Fred pushed out so I can degrease and pressure wash the engine compartment. I'll also be pulling the bed off so I can get ready to do the fuel system, and clean and paint the back end of the frame. It will also make it easier to cut the front hangers off and move them up, and will make it easier to notch the rear floor cross sill to install longer shackles later.

Wednesday, Driveway Dreams and I will head to Denver to hand off an engine he is selling, then we'll head on to Colo Springs to pickup the rearend.

:D

Re: Glock's new project: "Fred"
 

It's gonna be sweet, Bob! I'm jealous!

Re: Glock's new project: "Fred"
 

I'm getting pretty stoked about it Wynne. I'm going against the grain a little in the fact that I'm aiming to squeeze out the best mileage that I possibly can, yet still have respectable performance.

Although, I have been getting a little ribbing at home about not waiting until this winter to do the swap like I first said I was going to do. :d But lucky for me it's a good natured ribbing!

Re: Glock's new project: "Fred"
 

It may be against the grain, but that's the direction that I'd take too.
We all knew that you wouldn't be able to wait until winter!:lol: It's a good thing that you have such a understanding wife!

Re: Glock's new project: "Fred"
 

I'm going for mileage & reliability on mine too. I have a Mustang w/ a 351 stroker for speed ;)

Re: Glock's new project: "Fred"
 

I'm so sorry.























J/K :haha:

Re: Glock's new project: "Fred"
 

:lol: I have wanted an '86 Mustang 'vert. since my senior year in high school. So when the chance came to buy one really cheap, I jumped on it. I have not driven it more than 25 miles since I got it in April. It's stuck in the garage in front of it's parts donor, so I won't be able to drive it until the new shop is built. :(

Re: Glock's new project: "Fred"
 

:lol: used to love those fox bodies....

hey Bob, congrats on the rear. hope it looks good inside. have you figured out the engine plates and mount brackets yet. i know you have a plan brewing in that brain of yours...

and i agree with Wynne, there's nobody here that believed this was going to wait till winter!:haha:

Re: Glock's new project: "Fred"
 

Yez, I has it all figgur'd out. I hope. :D

This is the style plates I have now. This image is flipped so that it appears as it is on the passenger side on the block :

http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z...nt_plate-1.jpg

The far upper right hole, and upper middle hole are the two holes for the clam shell mount. It is the far upper right hole that is being covered by the AC bracket:

http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z...P1010116-1.jpg

So, I am going to make one of these mounts (image flipped again):

http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z...plate_V2-1.jpg

Knowing that the block mounts are a in rectangle pattern (all four outside holes on this one), you can then visualize the "V" pattern of the SBC clam shell pattern. This should set the clam shell back far enough to clear the AC bracket. If not, I can then flip it so it mounts to the block like this, which will set it back even more:

http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z...t_plate_V2.jpg

I could use two of the smaller plates, but that would pull the entire drivetrain forward almost 2" or so, and I don't want that.

So, I am going to tack weld a plate on to the rear of the passenger side engine stand like this (the dotted blue line is the top rear edge of the stand, the red line is where I will extend it to):

http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z...ipsc/MMfix.jpg

Then I'll bolt up both clam shells and the tranny and set everything in place, bolt the drivers side motor mount to the truck, and put the back of the trans where it should be so that it is straight and centered in the frame like it should be. Then I'll tack the passenger side engine mount to the stand, unbolt everything and pull the engine/trans out. With the mount tacked to the stand, I can then mark the holes to be drilled. Then I can break the tacks and remove the mount, make some gussets, then shape and weld the plate up, then drill (and maybe tap) holes for the mount.

I would not need to do all this if it weren't for wanting to keep the AC in it's original spot. If you mounted it high with an aftermarket kit, this won't be necessary. Or if you won't be using the AC.

Re: Glock's new project: "Fred"
 

I held out as long as I could! Hard to do with that 5.3 hanging on the engine stand, staring at me every time I pulled in to the shop. :lol:

Re: Glock's new project: "Fred"
 

:lol:

wow... that seems like a bit of work buddy. what would you suggest for those of us that want a/c in the stock location and that are not as skilled as you are in fabing up a different engine stand? arent there mounts out there so this can be avoided?

sorry for the dumb @ss questions man... i didnt really pay too much attention to the other builds mounts. i figured it was just a matter of bolting on the plates, stands, and mounts and then "maybe" having to trim a small part of the frame to let the a/c clear.

Re: Glock's new project: "Fred"
 

I know I am probably over thinking the whole thing, after all..... "the dash"!! :lol:

I could probably move the entire stand back and do a small plate on the crossmember for the bottom of the stand, and redrill the frame for the top of the stand.

Meh, once I actually get the engine set in, then the best possible solution will probably present itself.

BRP Muscle Rods does make a swap kit with brackets, but it's $450. http://www.brphotrods.com/Truck%20LS1.html I don't like spending money where I don't have to. :lol: Hmmm, now that I look at those brackets, I think I could make something veeeeery similar fairly easy........

http://www.brphotrods.com/gm%20truxck%20kit.JPG

http://www.brphotrods.com/mm%20+%20FM2.JPG

Re: Glock's new project: "Fred"
 

Hmmmm........gears are turning........ gotta find my graph paper......I think I will run to the 4x4 shop at lunch, see what kind of bushings I can find......

Re: Glock's new project: "Fred"
 

Your dimension's are backwards. :lol: :metal:

Re: Glock's new project: "Fred"
 

After a few beers, they start making perfect sense! :lol:

UPS just showed up with my Summit order. Fuel hose, SS braided hose, AN fittings and a 37* flare tool. :metal: I should be able to get most of the fuel system done now, except the place I ordered FI hose for connections and the FI hose clamps isn't here yet. :banghead: Oh well, I still have a TON I can do this weekend.

Oh, I also went to one of the 4x4 shops in town and picked up a set of poly leaf spring bushings. I found some pipe here at work with the correct ID, so if it comes to it, I can make my own motor mounts. :D

Re: Glock's new project: "Fred"
 

The more I think about this today, I think my original way will be the quickest and easiest. I just ramble on describing things sometimes and make it sound harder than it really is! :lol:

It's really nothing more than welding a piece of plate to the rear of the existing stand, setting the motor in place to mark the motor mount holes, then drilling those holes and weld a couple of gussets under the plate to support and strengthen it.

I'll make templates as I go, as well as when it is done, so that if anyone wants to they can send me their passenger stand and I will modify it for them. That is, if this turns out to be "the way to go".

Re: Glock's new project: "Fred"
 

:metal: your Da Man Bob! that sounds really easy now... just find a box and write an address on it... piece of cake!!:lol:

seriously though, i hope it turns out to be the best way. that kit looks nice and all but for $450!? i'm liking your plan much better;)

btw, congrats on the latest arrival. which flare tool did you get? i was hoping to not need one (just bought a $100 45* flare tool for brake lines)but looks like the only way to go. this is kinda cool Bob... i'm just putting together an exact list of what i'll need while watching you do yours. thanks again man!!

Re: Glock's new project: "Fred"
 

I'll be watching ;)

Re: Glock's new project: "Fred"
 

Very cool build thread!
I'm not sure how I have missed it for so long....

Re: Glock's new project: "Fred"
 

I got a Summit house brand tool, it's a 37* flare tool as that's what the AN fittings require.

I have some revisions to make to the fitting list for the fuel system, so don't go ordering stuff just yet! :lol:

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I got quite a bit done today. Everything on my list too! I got the Burb out of the shop and moved to the north so I can get in both bays. My son and I got the bed bolts off (only had to torch one) and all the wires, hoses, and filler tubes unhooked. Then I pushed him out and soaked the engine compartment with degreaser. While that was soaking, I got the bed pulled off and set on saw horses. Pressured washed the engine compartment and the rear, and as much as I could under the cab.

Pushed it back in after it dried some and went to work on the under hood wiring. Got everything stripped off that I won't need, and left things like the AC wires, starter, oil and temp, etc. Cut the front light harness about 3' from the firewall, and later I'll start splicing that to the Burb harness. Also got the rest of the AC stuff off, and pulled a few other things that will be in the way to paint, so I'll have to push him back out tomorrow and do some more pressure washing. I also need to drop the tranny out.

Hopefully tomorrow I can get the 5.3 and trans set in place and start working on the engine mount.

Re: Glock's new project: "Fred"
 

Ahhh, I have my shop back!!!

The two bundles of wires I'm holding is all that will remain under the hood. The bundle running over the brake booster is left over from the TBI stuff, and I will keep a couple if the are 12v battery and ignition, the rest will probably just get cut short and capped and hidden in the split loom.

The right bundle is to the front light harness, the left bundle is to the starter, oil and temp senders, AC, and a couple other things I'm not sure of right now! I'm pooped! :lol:

Re: Glock's new project: "Fred"
 

looking great man. Looks like it will be a busy holiday weekend for you.

Re: Glock's new project: "Fred"
 

looks great Bob... looks like you got a lot done;) now get some rest so you can hit it hard in the morning!!

Re: Glock's new project: "Fred"
 

Right on!!

I love your shop BTW :thumbs:

Re: Glock's new project: "Fred"
 

Thanks Joe!

Got going about 8 this morning, I slept in! :lol:

Got the trans pulled out, then got both gas tanks pulled along with ALL fuel lines, return lines, and switch valve. Then pushed Fred back outside to give him one last pressure bath. Cleaned up a few other parts like the trans crossmenber and some misc brackets. After a good drip dry while I cleaned up the shop, my son helped me get him back in.

Then I got the mod done to the engine stand. This will be easy to do in the future once I get the motor mount located and drilled. I have a template made for the piece to weld in, and I'll make one that references the original mount holes to the new holes. Easy. :D

Then I modded the adapter plate by drilling two new holes and tapping them. Then I cut the front ear off that had the interfering hole. On the clam shells, there is a triangle shaped part that is pressed into it between the three holes that has to be cut out so it sits flush against the adapter plates. Got that cut out, and had to clearance the clam shell in two places, very minor, to clear one bolt head and to be sure I had ample clearance to the AC bracket.

** NOTE - When doing this, the upper rear clam shell bolt will be VERY close to a web on the block. I added a lock and flat washer to be sure I had plenty of room, as I didn't have a shorter 3/8" bolt.

The engine is ready to be bolted to the trans and be set in. Once I get it centered up, I can get the trans crossmember set in place, tack weld the motor mount to the stand, then pull everything out. Then I can drill the holes in the stand and break the tacks off. I'll make the template, then hit it with some paint and bolt it back on.

Getting close!!!! :metal:

Oh, the u-joints are the original ones!! 211,000 miles!! I think I know where that minor vibration at certain speeds was coming from now.

And the fuel tanks are pretty dirty inside, and the return line drained BROWN. May have been where the surge was coming from? The fuel that drained out of the fuel filter was brown too.