Re: Project "Popeye"
 

Here is the air bag gauge set-up. Tank pressure in the middle, dual-needle gauges on either side so I can monitor each bag pressure.

Re: Project "Popeye"
 

I like this set up...........great job!!

Re: Project "Popeye"
 

I took a break from the tedious stuff (wiring) and put the bed floor in. I was going for cheap and easy, using T1-11 siding. The only issue was that I needed 49 3/4" width but of course the sheets are only 48". I had to buy two sheets which added to the cost and there is joint in the middle. I used high quality #12 self-tapping wood to sheet metal screws to attach the cross sills, then the front and rear edges. I also bolted the corner supports through. I blocked up the whole bed approx 5/8 to clear the pumpkin and my shock mounts. The bed was actually more square than I expected :lol: I will be staining it dark.

Re: Project "Popeye"
 

Excellent progress!

Re: Project "Popeye"
 

Looks good...Jim

Re: Project "Popeye"
 

Re: Project "Popeye"
 

Nice work... Nothing cheap about getting it done. Looking good bud.

Re: Project "Popeye"
 

Thanks all! I found some black/gray-ish stain at home, applied that with some sealer on top. It has the rough-sawn, weathered look I was going for but I didn't have to go demolish a barn.

Re: Project "Popeye"
 

Wow great build. It is an inspiration. Thanks for all the info.

Re: Project "Popeye"
 

I hate it when I can't make/do/fix something on a project...because I like to be self-sufficient but sometimes you just gott ask for help. There is very limited space between the water pump outlet/thermostat housing and lower radiator inlet. I have tried about 5 different factory and aftermarket housings in different shapes and sizes. Beside the space issue, the O.D. on housings do not match the radiator and there is not enough room to reduce or change size. So I wound up using a billet LS thermostat housing I found on Ebay with an obscure aluminum elbow of the correct O.D. and calling in a favor to have them welded in the proper dimension and orientation. I think this is the most troublesome, and expensive part on Popeye so far. Behold one pain in the ass thermostat housing!

Re: Project "Popeye"
 

looks great, sometimes its the dumbest little things that take ten tries to get right. but its done and fixed and over with. moving along.

Re: Project "Popeye"
 

Got that right 99!

Re: Project "Popeye"
 

The downside to having this truck at my shop is that I literally walk past it dozens of times per day and nearly every vendor and half the customer ask about it. This is actual torture since I have little time to do anything to finish it. So on a whim I loaded her up and sent her down to another shop to be wired today. She's in good hands and may actually get done now!

Re: Project "Popeye"
 

Man's gotta know his limitations and realize, sometimes, some help is needed. No one is an island ... don't fret - you'll probably get it done a lot earlier than you'd anticipated.

Looks good so far ... I'd be itch'n to ride at this point so some welcome help .... priceless.

R46

Re: Project "Popeye"
 

Definitely no shame in that. Looking forward to seeing that awesome truck on the road!!

Re: Project "Popeye"
 

Really liking you build!

Looks like we have the same motor and headers. Any advice on steering column and linkage? Not there yet but word on the street is its a tight fit to make it work.

Re: Project "Popeye"
 

Do you have any pictures or advice how you got your air lines into the cab?

Re: Project "Popeye"
 

Popeye is alive! Six years, two children, two states, three moves, one business start-up, and multiple other projects later...he certainly is a patient one. Lots of details left to finish, but Popeye we will be on his first trip cruising Ottawa, KS all weekend for the 2016 Ol' Marais River Run. We have been for a few trips around the block and I won't go for another one without seat belts. This is one of those vehicles that feels directly connected to the gas pedal...there is no delay between a light tap on the gas and a smoke show, and I have done zero tuning yet.

Re: Project "Popeye"
 

:ennyd:

Yeah! Party time!!!

Re: Project "Popeye"
 

dang that must feel good. 6 years wow time flies. I got into building 6 years ago and subscribed to this site. I'v prolly followed you most the way! The truck sounds soooo good. Gives me high hopes for the carbed LS I'm doing. Hoping to fire up this or next weekend.

I go on ebay and find USA made seatbelts. Last ones I got were from the military. Get DOT rated ones. I'd highly rec 3 point belts.

Send us more video pahllleaaazzeeee

Re: Project "Popeye"
 

I think you're three for builds on me in that time LOL! That video is open headers, but the cam has some sweet sound to it for sure. I did pony up for some very nice three point seat belts with GM buckles, just got to get them installed...cruising with the kids this weekend so that's on the list for tomorrow. // Leevon

Re: Project "Popeye"
 

well not quite done with 3rd build. I think I'm just as excited as you!! open headers sound great esp on video!!

I'm researching the whole alternator deal with LS's. I found this PART# 197-400
holley pigtail, going to call them tomorrow. Basically trying to find the easiest way to run the alt as a 1 wire. Do you happen to know what you did on yours?

get them belts in and cruise, take some more vids!

Re: Project "Popeye"
 

I'll have to ask the guy who did the wiring, I know he borrowed the pigtail from a salvage harness, and maybe wired a resistor in the circuit...

Re: Project "Popeye"
 

Knocked it out of the park!

Re: Project "Popeye"
 

Sounds great, glad you have it up and running...Jim

Re: Project "Popeye"
 

AMAZING man! Look forward to more pics!

Re: Project "Popeye"
 

Thanks y'all. Trailered it up to the Ol' Marais River Run in Ottawa Kansas for the weekend with only about 3 miles on it. Put almost 70 on cruising around. Had a great time!

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Couple more. Kids have grown a little since we started this project!

Re: Project "Popeye"
 

Looks like great family enjoyment, can't beat that...Jim

Re: Project "Popeye"
 

Looking good Leevon!

Re: Project "Popeye"
 

wow, long time coming congrats. how's she treating you so far?

Re: Project "Popeye"
 

Overall awesome but she's got her bugs like any ground up build and I'm working through them. We were very thorough on the major systems so I'm not dealing with cooling issues, vibrations, leaks or anything like that. More like squeaks, rattles, clearances, etc. There are lots of little projects to finish and a couple of big ones.

I can't stand the carburetor. I had a Demon 650 for the project, it had problems during start-up so we tossed an Edelbrock on there for the weekend. It ran fine but I rebuilt the Demon yesterday and dialed it in...and quickly reached the conclusion that YEP it's still a freaking carburetor! This 5.3L has so much more potential. Yes, we could dyno tune, look at AF ratios, jet the carb and squeeze maximum performance out of it but I'm out. I did set the timing curve and MAP advance tables in the MSD box with my laptop which is pretty cool, but why be half in the stone age and half modern? The plan was always for this to be fuel injected, just with old school looks. Admittedly when I started they did not have affordable systems like FiTech so my plan and budget were limited but the EFI Gods have smiled on us all in the last year. So this morning, for under $1,000 total I ordered this. :metal:

Re: Project "Popeye"
 

thanks for the update. Well hopefully I have better luck with the carb and timing. I'v thought about the fitech option as well. So if it doesn't work out. That was going to be my number 2. move. keep us posted.

Re: Project "Popeye"
 

Good to see this one getting some miles. I've read mixed reports on the FITech set-up so looking forward to your opinion/experience.

Re: Project "Popeye"
 

What downsides are you hearing about? I avoided the fuel command center because of issues I have read about with that. I have not heard of anything with the unit itself yet.

Re: Project "Popeye"
 

I'm with you. The fuel command center has problems, but I understand, that has somewhat been better. I'm going to get the same set-up as you, hopefully within the next month for my pickup. Well be waiting for your review...Jim

Re: Project "Popeye"
 

Cold start consistency.
Throttle (accel/decel) 'flat-spots'.
Gauges on the FCC.

I haven't read much on the FCC other than the gauges. What am I missing there?

Re: Project "Popeye"
 

Heck that's still only 30% of my carb problems, screw it I'm diving in!

Re: Project "Popeye"
 

I will be as well (on a buddy's ride) & he's also planning to run the FCC......

His combo is a bit more radical so I've warned him on what I've read but he's pushing forward. I hope it works for him (427sbc; AFR 235's, .600" hyd roller; port matched/blended Victor intake, 1 3/4 > 1 7/8 stepped headers, 3" Pypes exhaust).

Re: Project "Popeye"
 

Will be looking forward to reading your review on your EFI installation. I have been considering this swap if my carb set up does not work out.