Re: Project: Rufus Restoration
 

It's been quite a while since I've checked in on the forum. I've been able to make a couple of upgrades during the offseason and take care of a couple issues. The first problem I had was a leaky rear end around the pressed in axle tubes. I had a local buddy tig the tubes to the housing and make it nice and solid. During this time, I decided to go ahead and do a gear swap to a 3.73. As much fun as the 4.10 was, it just wasn't very driver friendly. It cleaned up pretty nicely. Luckily I had a good helper. I also decided to try something a little different than the rallies. I should have the tires mounted this week. This girl loves her new shirt too!

Re: Project: Rufus Restoration
 

Heck yeah Jason! Love the pic of you and your daughter:)
3:73 is a good choice too. I'm ready to see your truck with the caps.

Re: Project: Rufus Restoration
 

Can't wait to see the new wheels on! That is a cute picture of your daughter laying with you under the truck with the Mechanix gloves on!

Re: Project: Rufus Restoration
 

Thanks guys. It's so special that she likes to hang out with dad in the garage. I finally got the tires swapped over and the caps on. I'm happy with the outcome so far.

Re: Project: Rufus Restoration
 

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Re: Project: Rufus Restoration
 

It wa s a beautiful weekend for a bath and some road time. I'm really liking the new steelies so far. I've been trying to drive the truck every chance I get. I really need to take a few minutes and hook up the cruise for those drives into the office.

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Re: Project: Rufus Restoration
 

Nice work!

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Truck looks great, i like the big ole Mechanics gloves on the little hands too. :)

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Very clean truck.

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Thanks buddy. I appreciate the nice words.

Thanks! My little girl loves garage play time with daddy.

Thanks for the compliment and checking out the build.

Re: Project: Rufus Restoration
 

What are the brand and part numbers of your upper and lower radiator hoses?

Re: Project: Rufus Restoration
 

Truck is looking awesome Jason

Re: Project: Rufus Restoration
 

I used a Gates 21439 on top and a Gates 22437 on the bottom for coolant hoses. Both fit really well and I only needed to trim a couple inches off of each to get the right length. I'm happy with the way it turned out.

Thanks buddy. It's been a lot of fun so far this spring. I'm trying to drive it back and forth to work at least 1-2 days a week as the weather allows. Can't wait to see where you go with your new build!

Re: Project: Rufus Restoration
 

I'm a little late with my announcement, but we welcomed a baby boy a few weeks ago. He is 6 weeks old today. From the looks of things, he may have to fight his older sisters for his spot in the garage though. I'm starting to think I need to start searching for a more family friendly hot rod to haul all these babies around. I've been keeping my eyes open for a Burb, but haven't had much luck just yet. It seems like every one that goes up for sale is 2000 miles away.

Re: Project: Rufus Restoration
 

Congrats on the cute new addition .

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Congrats on the little guy!

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Thanks guys!

Well I am very happy to report, that after more than two years of being on my to do list, I now have working cruise control!

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I just finished reading your whole thread. First off, congratulations on your baby!! Secondly, you have a beautiful truck and you should be extremely proud of your build. The steelies definitely completed the look in my opinion.

Mike

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I love the color on this truck!

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Mike, thanks for your kind words. I appreciate you checking the truck out and taking time to comment.

Thanks buddy! The color is a modern GM color. It is Imperial Blue Metallic that GM used on Camaros and some trucks I believe.

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What radiator brackets did you use? The Griffin radiator is too thick for my stock brackets. Thanks

Re: Project: Rufus Restoration
 

Thanks for checking out my build. I used the hd radiator mounts that are wider than the standard mounts. http://www.lmctruck.com/icatalog/cb/full.aspx?Page=162. You can see them listed here for a 4 row radiator.

Re: Project: Rufus Restoration
 

I had been having some trouble keeping my a/c working. It turns out that my low pressure hose was leaking around the beadlock crimp. I had the hoses crimped at a local hydraulic shop. I contacted vintage air and they offered to recrimp all the hoses properly if I sent them in. Within a week I received all new hoses that were perfect length with the proper orientation. And they didn't charge me a cent! How's that for awesome customer service?! While it was down, I removed all the hard lines and painted them black so they aren't near as noticeable through the grille. This cool air is a life saver on these high 90 days. I've been driving this beauty a couple days a week to/from work and I really think it drives better every day.

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Before/after