Re: Dirty Dianah (No)... Bagged 72 Stepside/LSx/T56
 

Up (Shot rarely seen)
http://cdn.c.photoshelter.com/img-ge...se-2-50125.jpg

Down
http://cdn.c.photoshelter.com/img-ge...se-2-50126.jpg
http://cdn.c.photoshelter.com/img-ge...se-2-50127.jpg

Still figuring out the next move with the bed floor.
http://cdn.c.photoshelter.com/img-ge...se-2-50129.jpg

Kind of liked looking back and seeing everything work while moving. But sucks when I want to carry anything. Ok, time to make a move.

http://cdn.c.photoshelter.com/img-ge...se-2-50130.jpg

http://cdn.c.photoshelter.com/img-ge...se-2-50131.jpg

Re: Dirty Dianah (No)... Bagged 72 Stepside/LSx/T56
 

Rear wheels mounted
http://cdn.c.photoshelter.com/img-ge...se-2-50144.jpg
http://cdn.c.photoshelter.com/img-ge...se-2-50148.jpg
At the office
http://cdn.c.photoshelter.com/img-ge...se-2-50149.jpg
http://cdn.c.photoshelter.com/img-ge...se-2-50150.jpg

Re: Dirty Dianah (No)... Bagged 72 Stepside/LSx/T56
 

http://cdn.c.photoshelter.com/img-ge...se-2-50152.jpg
http://cdn.c.photoshelter.com/img-ge...se-2-50153.jpg
http://cdn.c.photoshelter.com/img-ge...se-2-50154.jpg

Now that the wheels are mounted, it is time to really get the bed situated.

couple more next to the Bimmer
 

http://cdn.c.photoshelter.com/img-ge...se-2-50156.jpg
http://cdn.c.photoshelter.com/img-ge...se-2-50157.jpg

Commercial Break
 

Riding dirty
http://cdn.c.photoshelter.com/img-ge...se-2-50169.jpg
http://cdn.c.photoshelter.com/img-ge...se-2-50170.jpg

Face down.... [Dirty Dianah.....NO!] (sing it)
http://cdn.c.photoshelter.com/img-ge...se-2-50173.jpg
http://cdn.c.photoshelter.com/img-ge...se-2-50174.jpg

Full Up
http://cdn.c.photoshelter.com/img-ge...se-2-50178.jpg

Full Down (well....on the exhaust....but yeah)
http://cdn.c.photoshelter.com/img-ge...se-2-50179.jpg
http://cdn.c.photoshelter.com/img-ge...se-2-50183.jpg

Do you think I need the caps? You do? Ok. Well, here you go. I made a special trip down to my favorite store to get them.
http://cdn.c.photoshelter.com/img-ge...se-2-50185.jpg
http://cdn.c.photoshelter.com/img-ge...se-2-50186.jpg

Re: Dirty Dianah (No)... Bagged 72 Stepside/LSx/T56
 

Back to our regularly scheduled program.

Reinforcing the bed/frame situation.

http://cdn.c.photoshelter.com/img-ge...se-2-50197.jpg






Finished product
http://cdn.c.photoshelter.com/img-ge...se-2-50198.jpg
http://cdn.c.photoshelter.com/img-ge...se-2-50199.jpg
http://cdn.c.photoshelter.com/img-ge...se-2-50201.jpg

Oooh. Shiny
http://cdn.c.photoshelter.com/img-ge...se-2-50203.jpg
http://cdn.c.photoshelter.com/img-ge...se-2-50204.jpg

Trip to Home Depot and I get the following pressure-treated lumber
http://cdn.c.photoshelter.com/img-ge...se-2-50206.jpg
http://cdn.c.photoshelter.com/img-ge...se-2-50207.jpg

Getting ready to meet Eric at the QT in Atlanta. He had a load in the SE and wanted to link up. That was really cool. (Eric drives that green 67 suburban with black wheels on the Porterbuilt goodness.
http://cdn.c.photoshelter.com/img-ge...se-2-50208.jpg

Eric's truck and my truck
http://cdn.c.photoshelter.com/img-ge...se-2-50211.jpg

Re: Dirty Dianah (No)... Bagged 72 Stepside/LSx/T56
 

http://cdn.c.photoshelter.com/img-ge...se-2-50213.jpg
http://cdn.c.photoshelter.com/img-ge...se-2-50214.jpg
http://cdn.c.photoshelter.com/img-ge...se-2-50215.jpg
http://cdn.c.photoshelter.com/img-ge...se-2-50216.jpg

Stain used:
http://cdn.c.photoshelter.com/img-ge...se-2-50217.jpg
http://cdn.c.photoshelter.com/img-ge...se-2-50218.jpg
http://cdn.c.photoshelter.com/img-ge...se-2-50220.jpg
http://cdn.c.photoshelter.com/img-ge...se-2-50222.jpg


Trimmed to fit.
Alright....more to come. Hope you enjoy!

Re: Dirty Dianah (No)... Bagged 72 Stepside/LSx/T56
 

Thanks for posting all those new pictures. Good story.

Re: Dirty Dianah (No)... Bagged 72 Stepside/LSx/T56
 

Great pics, looking good ! Eric stopped by to see me a couple months ago great guy !

Re: Dirty Dianah (No)... Bagged 72 Stepside/LSx/T56
 

subscribed :)

Re: Dirty Dianah (No)... Bagged 72 Stepside/LSx/T56
 

Thanks guys!
Yes, Eric is really cool! He should come pick up all of our trucks for the tour
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Re: Dirty Dianah (No)... Bagged 72 Stepside/LSx/T56
 

Good lookin truck... Subscribed!
Posted via Mobile Device

Re: Dirty Dianah (No)... Bagged 72 Stepside/LSx/T56
 

Love the super speed build thread! Nice work so far! Love the stepper's stance!

Re: Dirty Dianah (No)... Bagged 72 Stepside/LSx/T56
 

Moving along!!

Re: Dirty Dianah (No)... Bagged 72 Stepside/LSx/T56
 

See Leon I told you had a little redneck in you lol
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Re: Dirty Dianah (No)... Bagged 72 Stepside/LSx/T56
 

LMAO! You are funny as heck! Yessir! I believe in getting the job done, come hell or high water.

Commercial Break. Enjoy!
 

Here is the new wood bed floor. What do you think?
It ended up being quite versatile, and strong.
http://cdn.c.photoshelter.com/img-ge...se-2-50226.jpg
http://cdn.c.photoshelter.com/img-ge...se-2-50231.jpg
http://cdn.c.photoshelter.com/img-ge...se-2-50234.jpg
http://cdn.c.photoshelter.com/img-ge...se-2-50244.jpg
http://cdn.c.photoshelter.com/img-ge...se-2-50256.jpg
http://cdn.c.photoshelter.com/img-ge...se-2-50262.jpg
http://cdn.c.photoshelter.com/img-ge...se-2-50267.jpg
Post 30 day restain ^^^
http://cdn.c.photoshelter.com/img-ge...0/DSC-8187.jpg
http://cdn.c.photoshelter.com/img-ge...0/DSC-8171.jpg

http://cdn.c.photoshelter.com/img-ge...se-2-50282.jpg
http://cdn.c.photoshelter.com/img-ge...se-2-50283.jpg

Model: E'Qajh-Anih. Great friend and model.


Brought to you by Leon Millette Photography.
http://leonmillette.com

Re: Dirty Dianah (No)... Bagged 72 Stepside/LSx/T56
 

This brings us to this phase, which I call Phase IV.
The truck has gone through a few small upgrades, I will share as we move along. It has had a starring role in many fashion model photoshoots, and even a TV Pilot :).
http://cdn.c.photoshelter.com/img-ge...0/DSC-9849.jpg
http://cdn.c.photoshelter.com/img-ge...0/DSC-9851.jpg
http://cdn.c.photoshelter.com/img-ge...stage-3-31.jpg

So now that she has done everything, it is time to begin the process for the engine swap. Remember when I told you earlier that I was torn between the LSx/T56 and the brand-spanking new 383/TKO600? Yeah. The guys at the parts store did not help much...most of them advised that I should go LSx vs. the brand new crate motor that I could buy from them ready to install. Hard to turn down advice from the people selling you $8,000 worth of drivetrain, right? So, between that, MPG, potential for MORE power with little bolt-ons or internal upgrades, I could exceed what I would have paid for with the crate motor. That was a no-brainer. So the search began for the desired drivetrain for me: either LQ4 or LQ9 (6.0L Iron block from the trucks). I knew that I did not want drive by wire, so I made sure that I could adapt that to what I needed.

When I was in Europe last April-May, I read "GM LS-Series Engines: The Complete Swap Manual" by Joseph Potak. As I read this for a third time, I realized that the answer was right in front of me. And they even tell you how to get 500 HP just using N/A parts. Imagine what I could do with power adders! This was the way to go. Proven, tried and trued LSx power. Not a rebuild with questionable quality, not a motor that might have been built on a Friday.

So...the beginning of January...or end of December, Walter (Dragonwrecker) reached out to me when he saw what I was doing, and we have created a cool bond - the following images will include us beginning what I call the next phase of this truck (Happy Birthday, Dianah!)
http://cdn.c.photoshelter.com/img-ge...0/DSC-2546.jpg

This is where I had to decide where this was going to go with the fuel tank being removed

Re: Dirty Dianah (No)... Bagged 72 Stepside/LSx/T56
 

Thank you sir! Great compliment coming from you!

Thanks 808! Would love to drive my truck out there!

Rusbuilt, looking forward to seeing your truck(s) in real life.

More coming now...

Re: Dirty Dianah (No)... Bagged 72 Stepside/LSx/T56
 

New glass headlights with built-in parking/turn signals.
http://cdn.c.photoshelter.com/img-ge...218-021635.jpg
http://cdn.c.photoshelter.com/img-ge...219-210941.jpg

Pulled the front bumper in anticipation of the 67 front end. In anticipation of this, I upgraded to glass headlights with built-in turn signals.
http://cdn.c.photoshelter.com/img-ge...105-111923.jpg

I know...I jumped ahead on the last thread as a teaser. Kind of excited!


http://cdn.c.photoshelter.com/img-ge...105-111932.jpg

Re: Dirty Dianah (No)... Bagged 72 Stepside/LSx/T56
 

http://cdn.c.photoshelter.com/img-ge...222-170649.jpg

Here is the 67-70 bumper vs. the 71-72 bumper.
Debating on if I am going with this bumper or a roll pan....hmmm
What do you think?
http://cdn.c.photoshelter.com/img-ge...223-210350.jpg

Re: Dirty Dianah (No)... Bagged 72 Stepside/LSx/T56
 

Now we get into the heart of the matter.
Removing 40 years of grease and grime, and when I thought I had a 350/TH400, I actually have a 327 in here. It definitely was a bulletproof setup. I enjoyed it...but I really want more power, more gear selection and better fuel economy. But more power first.

http://cdn.c.photoshelter.com/img-ge...105-141506.jpg

http://cdn.c.photoshelter.com/img-ge...105-141552.jpg

http://cdn.c.photoshelter.com/img-ge...105-141609.jpg

http://cdn.c.photoshelter.com/img-ge...105-141829.jpg

http://cdn.c.photoshelter.com/img-ge...105-142107.jpg

http://cdn.c.photoshelter.com/img-ge...105-142123.jpg

Re: Dirty Dianah (No)... Bagged 72 Stepside/LSx/T56
 

http://cdn.c.photoshelter.com/img-ge...105-144017.jpg

http://cdn.c.photoshelter.com/img-ge...105-144008.jpg

Notch and a shot of my horns
http://cdn.c.photoshelter.com/img-ge...105-144030.jpg

Removed the 1-piece driveshaft
http://cdn.c.photoshelter.com/img-ge...106-110004.jpg

Remember what I was saying earlier about my exhaust? Yes....all that money down the drain. But the new system WILL go up and tucked close to the frame...but above the ground for sure.

http://cdn.c.photoshelter.com/img-ge...106-110027.jpg

I had a last-minute transmission leak, which made everything grimy :(
http://cdn.c.photoshelter.com/img-ge...106-110014.jpg

It's all good. The entire underside and engine bay will be getting a solid bath...soon

Re: Dirty Dianah (No)... Bagged 72 Stepside/LSx/T56
 

http://cdn.c.photoshelter.com/img-ge...106-125500.jpg

Full tank of fuel...dumping now.

http://cdn.c.photoshelter.com/img-ge...106-110040.jpg

Tranny lines are next. Motor mounts were unbolted, tranny unbolted.
http://cdn.c.photoshelter.com/img-ge...106-132224.jpg

Coolant removal is next
http://cdn.c.photoshelter.com/img-ge...106-134931.jpg

http://cdn.c.photoshelter.com/img-ge...106-135453.jpg

Yes...it is happening

Re: Dirty Dianah (No)... Bagged 72 Stepside/LSx/T56
 

All power was removed earlier when we determined that we were going to do it now, vs. me going home and coming back when my engine arrived, as I had already ordered it, the ECU and harness.
Positioning the picker to pull the motor and trans in one swoop.

http://cdn.c.photoshelter.com/img-ge...106-141915.jpg

Re: Dirty Dianah (No)... Bagged 72 Stepside/LSx/T56
 

the smooth front bumper gets my vote

Re: Dirty Dianah (No)... Bagged 72 Stepside/LSx/T56
 

Looking good!

Re: Dirty Dianah (No)... Bagged 72 Stepside/LSx/T56
 

Mike was a real cool stand up guy/friend as well, was great to meet you and Sarah and check out Cloud 9 and the beginning of square pegs build :devil:

lol, and Leon is a cool guy as well, cool enough to give me his old wheels from his truck (even though we just met) for me to use on my burb which i ended up not being able to use because of clearance issues... a real stand up guy/friend;)

going a little fast (90mph) arent we there speedracer... lol ;)

jk jk lol, i see your gps says 63mph :lol:

Re: Dirty Dianah (No)... Bagged 72 Stepside/LSx/T56
 

Haha! Thanks Eric!

Mike, I did not mention this, but I will have the 67 front grill and fenders as well...that billet grill is going bye-bye

Re: Dirty Dianah (No)... Bagged 72 Stepside/LSx/T56
 

Nice , that will look good !
Posted via Mobile Device

Re: Dirty Dianah (No)... Bagged 72 Stepside/LSx/T56
 

The removal begins...
http://cdn.c.photoshelter.com/img-ge...106-141925.jpg

http://cdn.c.photoshelter.com/img-ge...106-143540.jpg

http://cdn.c.photoshelter.com/img-ge...106-143709.jpg

http://cdn.c.photoshelter.com/img-ge...106-143723.jpg

http://cdn.c.photoshelter.com/img-ge...106-143933.jpg

http://cdn.c.photoshelter.com/img-ge...106-143946.jpg

...and she is out!
http://cdn.c.photoshelter.com/img-ge...106-144239.jpg

Re: Dirty Dianah (No)... Bagged 72 Stepside/LSx/T56
 

I reckon there is enough room in there for something nice...what do you think?

http://cdn.c.photoshelter.com/img-ge...106-144336.jpg

But first, there is about 35 years of grease and grime that we need to get rid of (benefit of the doubt that the first 6 years were ok)

http://cdn.c.photoshelter.com/img-ge...106-144409.jpg

Dragonwrecker's truck may be the lucky recipient of this motor/trans combo. Good placeholder, anyway. We will see if he comes along for the LSx ride as well.

http://cdn.c.photoshelter.com/img-ge...106-153632.jpg

Off to the showers...all of that grease and gunk gone to make room for a beautiful new motor and tranny!

http://cdn.c.photoshelter.com/img-ge...106-153637.jpg

http://cdn.c.photoshelter.com/img-ge...106-153642.jpg

PS - the black stuff is sandable primer. Just a placeholder for when the truck was going to be painted

http://cdn.c.photoshelter.com/img-ge...106-154103.jpg

The clean product:

http://cdn.c.photoshelter.com/img-ge...106-162758.jpg

Re: Dirty Dianah (No)... Bagged 72 Stepside/LSx/T56
 

You're going to scratch the roof with the hood up there.

Re: Dirty Dianah (No)... Bagged 72 Stepside/LSx/T56
 

:lol:

Re: Dirty Dianah (No)... Bagged 72 Stepside/LSx/T56
 

Looking forward to the rest of this!
Posted via Mobile Device

Re: Dirty Dianah (No)... Bagged 72 Stepside/LSx/T56
 

The beauty of my current paint job:devil:;)
Posted via Mobile Device

Re: Dirty Dianah (No)... Bagged 72 Stepside/LSx/T56
 

I like the 15" wheels, are you going to keep them?

Re: Dirty Dianah (No)... Bagged 72 Stepside/LSx/T56
 

Hey Katrina, I am going to initially. I have been considering something billet in either 17" or 20"...but I need to see how this drives with just the 8" wide wheels. That already scares me, so it's either I go 15x10 rear or upgrade all around
Posted via Mobile Device

Re: Dirty Dianah (No)... Bagged 72 Stepside/LSx/T56
 

Made some great progress today! But first, I have to get you guys caught up with where we were just a few days back
http://cdn.c.photoshelter.com/img-ge...106-162854.jpg

As you can see, nice and clean.

More on that later. Let's look at the goodies!
http://cdn.c.photoshelter.com/img-ge...107-232647.jpg
20 gallon aluminum fuel cell
http://cdn.c.photoshelter.com/img-ge...0/DSC-2616.jpg

http://cdn.c.photoshelter.com/img-ge...0/750/LQ41.jpg
6.0L LQ4. Complete with reprogrammed PCM, reworked harness, and all accessories.

http://cdn.c.photoshelter.com/img-ge.../750/t56-2.jpg

http://cdn.c.photoshelter.com/img-ge...50/750/t56.jpg
T56 6-speed manual. Oh yeah. Fun times ahead!

Re: Dirty Dianah (No)... Bagged 72 Stepside/LSx/T56
 

Oh yes! Me likey!