Re: My 78 K15 High Sierra build - Fish Tremble
 

Great job on the paint. Smooth as glass.

Re: My 78 K15 High Sierra build - Fish Tremble
 

Good work Rick! It's looking real good!

Re: My 78 K15 High Sierra build - Fish Tremble
 

Thanks everyone for the encouragement! Bomp, I have to say that what I'm showing is more a testament to my patience in sanding all this out and buffing than to the actual paint job which turned out pretty lousy despite all my efforts :lol: Also I'm rethinking the reassembly. I'm not as young as I used to be so I have to take a lot of breaks from this to rest my back and shoulders. Gives me too much time to ponder and I'm thinking that the wiring and a lot of the interior would be easier without the sheet metal hung. But I want to see the whole truck painted and together so bad! I had to return to the paint shop twice for more base (and other things) so really want to see if it all matches up - fingers on both hands crossed :lol:

So I've read a lot of posts and watched some videos, but this is still kind of a "figure it out as you go along" process. Some more pictures for anyone thinking of doing this.

First is a better shot of the first door with the lower part done and the upper part not done. Pretty easy to see how much the cut & buff job helps.

Next are some in process on the second door. First step was using a single-edge razor to scrape (not cut) off the bug and various dust or trash that got into the clear. Looks pretty scary, but it will sand out. Next shows the lower panel nearly done with the 1st 1000-grit step. I use a plastic putty spreader as a squeegie (sp?) as I go along to see how I'm doing, but at some point you need to clean and dry the panel to see where you've still missed. Remaining orange peel will stick out like a sore thumb so the panel will let you know when you're done with this step.

Final picture I'm done with the 1000 grit and ready to move on to 1500 and 2000. Looks really scary since there is no sign of your paint anymore at this point, but the first door gave me confidence that the color and shine will come back even better with the next steps.

So I'm still trying to figure out how you know when you are really done with the 1500 and 2000 grits. The first door ended up with some hazy areas that I am pretty sure mean I left some 1000 grit scratches. If you have any suggestions about signs you've done enough, please chime in.

Re: My 78 K15 High Sierra build - Fish Tremble
 

Just to show that it did turn out pretty well. All the scraping and sanding disappeared. The edges of the reflection are nowhere near straight, but 100% better than how it started. I don't know what it takes to get crisp reflection edges, but I can live with this too. You are absolutely right y5mgisi about living with the imperfections and learning from them. Good thing having gone through this once is that for the next one I know what I need to focus on improving, i.e. getting all the scratches out at the block sanding stage because after paint is too damn late :lol:

Looks like this is going to be 1 body panel per day type of work, but I may get some help from one of my son's 20-something friends that is in between jobs next week.

Merry Christmas everyone! Hope ya'll have a great holiday and find some truck time in the midst of family time.

Re: My 78 K15 High Sierra build - Fish Tremble
 

I think your doing a great job, better than i could do.

Re: My 78 K15 High Sierra build - Fish Tremble
 

:agree: You are doing a great job Rick! I can definitely relate to the too much time to ponder part. :lol:

Re: My 78 K15 High Sierra build - Fish Tremble
 

Thanks guys! I'm sure you could do as well or better swamp rat if you've got the patience. I'm surely demonstrating that I don't really have much skill :lol:

Re: My 78 K15 High Sierra build - Fish Tremble
 

Still working on the cut-&-buff, which is taking longer than I expected. I do have some glass now :metal: I was pleasantly surprised to find out I could get a new windshield, installed for $139. Also had them install the rear slider I bought for this truck several years ago when I thought I was just getting it drivable. Only problem was that the guy couldn't get the little metal pieces installed that cover then ends of the lock strips so we'll have to come up with a plan 'b' when it gets hot and the rubber is more pliable.

Sorry, didn't take the time to clean up the glass for pictures since I'm still slinging around sanding water.

Re: My 78 K15 High Sierra build - Fish Tremble
 

Looks awesome, Rick. One step closer...

Re: My 78 K15 High Sierra build - Fish Tremble
 

Looking pretty darn good.
It takes a patient person to be able to work through issues when things don't lay out perfectly. ie. cleaning bugs and junk outta a 'finished piece'.
Hope you had a Happy New Year.

Re: My 78 K15 High Sierra build - Fish Tremble
 

Awesome!

Re: My 78 K15 High Sierra build - Fish Tremble
 

Thanks Marcus! Steps like putting in the glass or mounting up the "real" tires are the first ones in this build that feel like "final stretch". This is likely to be a fairly lengthy final stretch, but these accomplishments are the ones really motivating me. BTW, hope the steps you've ordered mount up easier than mine did :lol:

Thanks, I'm not sure if it is patience, or just stubborn determination. But then you wouldn't know anything about that would you Bomp :lol: Does feel good when something like your bedside re-do comes out really nice and justifies the extra effort, doesn't it.

Thanks y5mgisi! Hope your kitchen remodel goes quickly because I'm ready to follow on your 4x4 swap.

Happy New Year!

Re: My 78 K15 High Sierra build - Fish Tremble
 

Getting closer and your worried about dirty new glass for pictures?? <snicker> :)

Re: My 78 K15 High Sierra build - Fish Tremble
 

I'll sneak in a picture :)

Re: My 78 K15 High Sierra build - Fish Tremble
 

Rick is doing some amazing work with this truck. I can't wait to see it finished.

Re: My 78 K15 High Sierra build - Fish Tremble
 

Thanks Boynton! The help I'd thought I was going to have this past week didn't happen. I made a lot of progress, but didn't finish. Cab, bed, tailgate and doors are mostly done. Haven't started front fenders or hood.

Re: My 78 K15 High Sierra build - Fish Tremble
 

That is looking real sharp!!! Good work Rick!

Re: My 78 K15 High Sierra build - Fish Tremble
 

Wow.. I just found this build and wandered through all 20 pages so far.. What a build! You've done amazing work and its extremely inspirational on someone like me who is about to start a restoration/build. :D Great job. Looking forward for what seems like the final steps of this build. Subscribing for the finish.
Nice job!

Re: My 78 K15 High Sierra build - Fish Tremble
 

Thanks Mike! Bummer about your cross member interference issue, but sounds like you have a plan and its just good to see you making progress.

Thanks for the compliments and for checking out my build Dave. Found your build thread from the link in your signature. That's a really nice truck you have - looks like a much better start than I had! Good luck with your restoration. I'll be keeping an eye out for your updates.

Re: My 78 K15 High Sierra build - Fish Tremble
 

Still working at the cut & buff. Got the driver's side fender done, and also polished up the rear bumper and mounted it. I'd used a torch on the bumper when I was trying to straighten it out. The heat discoloration did not polish out, but I think I'll live with that anyway.

Re: My 78 K15 High Sierra build - Fish Tremble
 

Working on the pedal assemblies now. Cleaned up and painted with Rustoleum hammered black, just because that's what I had. Anyone know where the piece in the last 2 pictures comes from? A couple years ago when I disassembled this I just labeled it "fell out of the pedal assembly". If anyone has a picture of it in place it would help tremendously.

Re: My 78 K15 High Sierra build - Fish Tremble
 

Also trying to figure out what to do with my steering column. While its out, I'd like to replace anything worn or likely to break. I've found a number of threads about fixing this or that in the column, but have not found any about rebuilding the column. I know I want to replace the boot on the shaft coupler, as well as the rag joint. Anyone know if this pin is supposed to come out so I can put a new boot on? Tried hammering and pressing out in vise but it doesn't budge. Any links to column rebuilds would be appreciated.

Re: My 78 K15 High Sierra build - Fish Tremble
 

Nice work! I'm really impressed with your build. :metal:

I don't recognize that bracket. My guess would be that it has something to do with the clutch. Looks like it has a hole for a spring?

Is that a non-tilt column? Most rebuild threads I have seen have to do with tightening up a loose tilt column. Fortunately, mine was tight. I just painted it, replaced the wiper stalk and put it back in.

Re: My 78 K15 High Sierra build - Fish Tremble
 

Thanks Greenlee. Yes, it is a non-tilt column. I was considering using a tilt column that I have from a '93, but it wasn't a close enough match that I wanted to bother with it.

Re: My 78 K15 High Sierra build - Fish Tremble
 

Clutch or brake light switch spring bracket? I'd hit Ebay and search this...... "73 87 Chevy Truck Clutch Pedal" ....... and start scanning pic's. Or is there a chance it was bolted elsewhere in the truck and a spring runs from the brake or clutch pedal to the bracket?

Not much help with the steering column..

Re: My 78 K15 High Sierra build - Fish Tremble
 

Been making some piddly progress. Got my passenger fender cut & buffed (2nd picture), but I really should have taken a warning from swamp rat's hood mishap. Saturday I'd been in the shop like 5 minutes and hear a big crash. Gust of wind had knocked over the driver side fender that I'd already finished (but not mounted). It fell flat onto the concrete. I don't think it dented or dinged, but not sure that this will buff out. This may just be the excuse I need to figure out spot repairs on the paint.

Re: My 78 K15 High Sierra build - Fish Tremble
 

Also got some pedals hung, and mounted my new brake booster. I still have a couple brackets that go in there somewhere. I've got a factory assembly manual for 82 c/k trucks coming that will hopefully show where they go. New pedal rubber from LMC - fit just fine.

Re: My 78 K15 High Sierra build - Fish Tremble
 

Also got a pair of door bumpers from LMC so I don't have worry about metal on metal when I close the doors. Made a gasket to mount the fuel filler tubes. Cut new filler and vent hoses to size. Another little project DONE! I like this phase of the build where some things are finally done :lol:

Re: My 78 K15 High Sierra build - Fish Tremble
 

Nice!

Re: My 78 K15 High Sierra build - Fish Tremble
 

Oh hell yeah! Looking great Rick. This is the fun part. Before you know it, it will be done. It did slow down for me though at this stage as all the little stuff needed to be ordered. I tried in vane to do a list and still came across a ton of stuff I didn't even think about. Assembly was fun though because I was totally motivated after each piece went back together.

Have fun!
Chris

Re: My 78 K15 High Sierra build - Fish Tremble
 

When I was doing some research on my 84 3+3 donor I found some of the other forums dedicated to 3rd gen trucks had parts manuals in the archives you could reference and download. We were able to get both parts & service manuals for that truck for free. Point being the parts illustrations may get you the location of our pedal assembly brackets and service manuals may help with servicing the column. The AIM's are great but these other resources can help out also.

I hope your fender buffs out and your truck is looking great!

Re: My 78 K15 High Sierra build - Fish Tremble
 

Thanks!

Thanks Chris. I'm finding that I'm also spending a lot of time cleaning up and painting all the little parts that I just bagged when I did disassembly. But you are totally correct about how you get stoked knowing you are putting something back on for the last time.

Thanks for the tip Brett. A member on this forum going by hatzie actually has assembled a collection of many GM service and overhaul manuals, scanned them and posted a link in his signature. I've downloaded and skimmed through them. TONs of useful information there, but so far I haven't found the picture I need. He's also the one that pointed me to the factory assembly manual that I've got heading my way.

Re: My 78 K15 High Sierra build - Fish Tremble
 

Uh-oh, I think I'm committed on this steering column now!

Re: My 78 K15 High Sierra build - Fish Tremble
 

Hahaha no going back!

Re: My 78 K15 High Sierra build - Fish Tremble
 

Hahaha it better go back

Re: My 78 K15 High Sierra build - Fish Tremble
 

A Jig saw puzzle!

Re: My 78 K15 High Sierra build - Fish Tremble
 

Rick: Took a year (+) off from all the truck stuff. Finally caught up on your thread. Great testimony for staying after it. I'm partial to this body style since I had three of them while in High School. Paint turned out great! Looking forward to the "59 Chevy SWB Stepside (next in line)". dug

Re: My 78 K15 High Sierra build - Fish Tremble
 

Good job it's a nice looking truck so far.:smoke: As far as steering columns go if they ain't broke don't fix em.:lol:

Re: My 78 K15 High Sierra build - Fish Tremble
 

Is that a non tilt column? Might be better off to start with tilt.

Re: My 78 K15 High Sierra build - Fish Tremble
 

Holy Moly! :crazy: Just kidding I'm sure it'll be like new in no time.