Re: Project "Popeye"
 

I know right? The linkage is very close to a Holley, but not close enough to use one of the commonly available TV corrector brackets. I had to do some grinding and move the secondary lever to the backside. Luckily I found that part I used (no idea what it came off of) and was able to adapt it. But now I have a modified FiTech...no warranty.

Thanks!

Re: Project "Popeye"
 

congrats, glad to see you're back on the road with it. nice work on making the kickdown adapt. they should def make an adapter of their own so you don't void the warranty.

Re: Project "Popeye"
 

Lee, nice job on the linkage, glad you can get out and run down the road easily...Jim

Re: Project "Popeye"
 

Awesome

Re: Project "Popeye"
 

Re: Project "Popeye"
 

Nice work.....

Re: Project "Popeye"
 

I usually wind up at least checking out the cars. Probably won't enter anything, we're into tournament baseball pretty heavy in May so I have to pick and choose. I'll holler at ya though!

Re: Project "Popeye"
 

So I have about 1,000 miles on Popeye. One major project I have been wanting to tackle is the seat. I had an 88-92 chevrolet seat, which sits great but is just too wide. The seat back interferes with the seat belts and the sides touch the doors. It's ok, but not really the quality I'm wanting. So back to the drawing board. The original seat frame design is really simple and works great. But the springs are too bulky and don't sit well IMO. So I set out to re-create the original seat. Unfortunately I had to start from scratch, since I threw away the original bottom and back that I had. So after a long search and $200 I found a decent original seat to scavenge parts from.

My plan is to have this seat covered in a nice material, possibly with bolsters and some contrast, maybe black or brown distressed leather, or maybe a metal flake tuck-and roll...not sure on that yet. So I began replacing the seat springs by ordering large blocks of foam. 6" in the bottom and 4" in the back. I don't recall the specs, but I called the foam shop and told them what I was doing and they spec'd the correct stuff. It sits very nicely and should hold up over time.

I used the original spring frames as guides for new backs in 3/4" red oak plywood. Then I borrowed the hardware from the springs which mounts the cushions into the frames and attached it to the wood. I didn't have much trouble with this, but some of them were spot welded and had to be undercut with a thin cut-off wheel to remove. Then I used 3M spray adhesive to glue the foam blocks to the wood. At that point, I was able to use an electric carving knife to rough-shape the foam. That's where I stopped for now. The next step will be 80 grit sanding discs to shape the foam. It will need to be thinner across both the back and bottom. Then it will be ready for the upholstery shop. In the meantime I will be cleaning up the seat frame and getting it painted.

Re: Project "Popeye"
 

The bottom was easy, now on to the back. A little more work here since all of the mounts are spot-welded onto the frame and need to be perfectly aligned on the new seat. Foam rough cutting was rewarding and simple...I'm a little more anxious about the fine shaping, not much room for error.

Re: Project "Popeye"
 

Leevon, seat is looking good. I would suggest that use an old sanding disc. New ones want to bite to deep into the foam. Cut your are pressure down, and work slowly to shape. Good luck...Jim

Re: Project "Popeye"
 

Have a question about the whole foam thing, How do you determine thickness needed. Is there a reference somewhere or do you have access to an interior guy?

Not to steal your thread , but I have a seat base with good frame and springs. Is your combo more comfortable then original recovered?

Re: Project "Popeye"
 

Ahh, thank you. I may have to wear one in first.

I guessed at the thickness, they are very close to original but both of them will need to be thinned to my liking. I don't have an interior guy yet. I am a big guy so the factory seats are torture to me, especially the high and forward position. I can see well and the wheel is right in my gut. I have sat on the foam and it is light years better than springs for sure. Give it a try!

Re: Project "Popeye"
 

sweet, can't wait to see how she turns out.

Re: Project "Popeye"
 

Well I ended up cutting about 1.5" off the bottom and 1" off the back and finishing the shaping. The test drives went well, seating position is much better than factory. Lower and further back. The truck is now ready for the interior shop.

Re: Project "Popeye"
 

Thats awesome, can't wait to see the final outcome. it will be great I bet. I luv getting a seat done just really sets the mood. just like the tires. I like stock seat look, but yeah they too bulky. I also like being able to move the seat on a glider and also folding it up. So for me I try and get 88' and up bench seats. but not always able to find them when you need one. I like your approach.

Re: Project "Popeye"
 

I'm ready to see the stich work:metal:...Jim

Re: Project "Popeye"
 

subscribed

Re: Project "Popeye"
 

What size tire and how wide is the white wall your running

Re: Project "Popeye"
 

225/75/15 3" I think

Re: Project "Popeye"
 

I don't know if the world is moving faster or I am slowing down, anyway the seat took awhile but it was worth the wait. I'm expecting door panels next week, then off to the shop for carpet and headliner. I'm going to change the seat belts to brown as well.

Re: Project "Popeye"
 

Seat looks great...Jim

Re: Project "Popeye"
 

Man that seat looks great!!

Re: Project "Popeye"
 

killer man, always like seeing updates on your truck. I'm redoing my interior this year. going with a similar theme as you got there!

Re: Project "Popeye"
 

Your seat looks awesome! What did you use for seat belts?

Re: Project "Popeye"
 

oo I like the seat man, nice work!

Re: Project "Popeye"
 

Looking real good.

Re: Project "Popeye"
 

Hey ya'll, hard to believe it's been 8 years since I started this build. Still checking off a small list and removing the little "bugs" one at a time. He doesn't get driven enough but I'm working on that. I "finished" the interior more or less with matching door panels, white wolf speed shop headliner and a '66 C10 steering wheel that fits the column much better. It's not the color scheme I originally planned, but it has really grown on me. I also mini-tubbed and raised the bed floor for wheel and pumpkin clearance.

Popeye got plenty of attention this weekend at the Hotrod Holiday in Springfield, MO. Mostly people are surprised at the engine and interior, they seem to expect like many rusty trucks that it's just thrown together. I'm happy when they realize it's not just a pile of junk parts. I wish they could see the chassis too.

Re: Project "Popeye"
 

Looking sharp!

Re: Project "Popeye"
 

thats awesome, I was just thinking of this truck the other day. From about 8 or so years ago when I joined the thread. Not too many of that crowd seem to be on the thread too much. Always loved this truck. Interior looks great. I totally agree with wishing people can really take in the hours and money that go into these. They about poop their pants when you tell them the parts alone are 15-20k as opposed to the 5-8k they think is. The 60's wheels do look good in these trucks also! congrats.

Re: Project "Popeye"
 

Can you post some pics of the white wolf headliner? How was the install? Did you use his door cards too underneath your upholstery?

Truck is looking great. Want some whitewalls for mine too

Re: Project "Popeye"
 

Leevon, truck looks great. I wish I knew about the show in Springfield, Mark and I would have drove up to check it out...Jim

Re: Project "Popeye"
 

Looks great!!!

Re: Project "Popeye"
 

looks great! I subscribe to the old outside/nice interior mantra too. mexi blankets should only be used to ward off the chill in tijuana :lol:

Re: Project "Popeye"
 

Truck looks awesome! I'm hoping to get my bed done along with a bunch of other things.
I hate to do the bad than the chassis wont been seen either.
You did a great job on the truck, get out and drive it.

Re: Project "Popeye"
 

Truck looks awesome. Love the look,

Re: Project "Popeye"
 

Thanks ya'll!

e015475 the white wolf headliner is leaps and bounds better than the reproduction cardboard. Final fit is very good, I did trim a tiny hair off one end of the "front" piece for ease of installation. By the nature of the abs material it takes a little persuading, especially in the front corners. I had a helper, that's going to be necessary. I didn't use his door panels, my interior guy made some off the cardboard pieces as templates. I will get some pics when I can, tried 3x but the light was never good enough. If you happen to need a 47 to late 49 headliner set I have an extra, there was a mix-up.

Re: Project "Popeye"
 

Your interior turned out great! Very nice!!!

Re: Project "Popeye"
 

mine is a '49 GMC. I'd be interested in your extra headliner. PM me

Re: Project "Popeye"
 

For future reference, you can use the setup for a Holley carburetor

Re: Project "Popeye"
 

Popeye is still around. Got some tattoos on his doors this spring.