Re: The Hillbilly Deluxe dually build
 

I would be surprised if most states did not have something in the legislature about them... WA has RCW 46.37.500, which is vague, but it says the full width of tire(s) must be covered and extend down to at least the center of the rear axle, not far enough down IMHO, unless it is mounted some distance away from the tire.

I dug around in the TX Legislature, specifically the Transportation Code and I cannot find chit about it. I am not impressed with how their (Texas') websites/searches function.

Re: The Hillbilly Deluxe dually build
 

Just looked it up on the NC General Statutes website, and there is no requirement for flaps or even fenders for that matter in NC on commercial or light trucks.

http://www.ncleg.net/gascripts/statu...l?Chapter=0020

Also found this handy little article.

http://www.jonesindustrialsales.com/..._Laws_NETA.pdf

Now I will say, it would be just good common courtesy and sense to have them mounted, and a general rule of thumb is the 22 degree rule. If you make an angle that is 22 degrees from where the tire contacts the ground to the edge of the flap, that will get the distance from the ground to block the majority of debris from being cast onto following vehicles at highway speeds.

Re: The Hillbilly Deluxe dually build
 

So duallys w/a bed technically dont need them? I sure would prefer to leave them off since they'll be tucked a little more now vs. before. Makes sense to have something on a flatbed or 'open' set-up.

Sorry Tx..... Back to business. Just dumping the exhaust? It's going to dirty up that clean rear set-up super fast.

Re: The Hillbilly Deluxe dually build
 

Scot, its cut and dry. For vehicle inspection, if you have four or more rear wheels you have to have mudflaps.

http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/rsd/vi/...nCriteria.aspx

Re: The Hillbilly Deluxe dually build
 

Tex ,I love the mud flaps ,but the whole truck looks great .Who did you get the flaps from and how much if I may ask .And I like your idea on the sticker between the stars.

Re: The Hillbilly Deluxe dually build
 

Wanna get rid of one of the flaps you took off? Would make great garage art :lol:

Re: The Hillbilly Deluxe dually build
 

I got the flaps from my local Truck Pro store. It's like Autozone for big truck parts. The flaps were 23 each. The chrome weights came from the local truck stop. They were 12 dollars each. Not exactly what I wanted, but available right now, and the decals should make them "just right" for my purposes. That pretty much depleted my truck budget for this pay cycle.

I threw the old ones away. I didn't figure there was any demand for stolen mud flaps that said "BJ services" on them. This isn't the first time I have been short sighted though.

Re: The Hillbilly Deluxe dually build
 

Fenders are overrated anyway... Just another hunk of metal to rust :ito:


The truck is looking great!!

Re: The Hillbilly Deluxe dually build
 

Tomorrow's job will be welding the turn down onto the exhaust and going over the truck front to back to make sure everything works properly for state inspection.

http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/k...916335384d.jpg

And, I need to set the toe in so I can drive it to my buddy's shop for a proper alignment.

Re: The Hillbilly Deluxe dually build
 

Would the tailpipe I linked not work or did decide to stick with a turndown?

Re: The Hillbilly Deluxe dually build
 

On the mudflap issue. I recently received a ticket by a state trooper for missing 1 of my two mudflaps. I backed into a curb and it got caught between the tire and curb... On my way home I received a ticket for it. I had to get it fixed prior to going to court and seeing the judge. :devil:

Re: The Hillbilly Deluxe dually build
 

No, that's not it at all. Its a financial thing.

See, I have to get some hay stockpiled for my animals and I have to have this truck on the road to do that. With financial constraints and time constraints, I had to sacrifice and go the route of a turn down rather than full tailpipe. It's simply a budgetary deal. By the time my truck budget grew enough to do a tailpipe and hangers and tip, I'd have some pretty hungry livestock.

I do think I might just tack weld this tip into the back of the muffler though. That way when tailpipe money appears, I can possibly harvest the tip for reuse. With the back of the truck being so exposed with the flatbed, getting the tailpipe(s) just right is going to be a real consideration.

Re: The Hillbilly Deluxe dually build
 

I don't know that I would go through the trouble of a tailpipe anyway. Every flat bed I've ever seen with a tailpipe, it just looks like it's hanging out there, out of place, that's just my opinion though.

I'd do it either one of two ways, like you are doing it temporary, with a turndown, rotated 45* outward, or just go up over the axle and pointed back down right after the axle, that would get it beyond your hard work on that axle and still keep it tucked up nicely out of view.

2nd option, kinda like my old HD was done
http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f4...6-28-16_17.jpg
When looking at it from behind or the side it was completely invisible unless you bent down to look.
http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f4...202011/073.jpg

As far as sourcing a tailpipe, if you went the second route, it really does not matter which side, as that section of pipe is generally straight, and tubing should be easy to source for free/cheap, just go visit some exhaust shop and ask to look through the scrap pile. Many newer trucks use a 3.5" exhaust -I know both 01-10 Duramaxes and 7.3 and 6.0 Power strokes use 3.5" stock, as well as 2500HDs with either the 6.0 or 8.1, and the newer GMs with the 6.2 all have 3.5". You could easily swage that muffler outlet to fit up with 3.5". The only 3" OEM exhaust I can think of is the Ecoboost F150s. Find any of those in a scrap pile and get to cutting/welding.

Re: The Hillbilly Deluxe dually build
 

Bummer :( im sure my wife would have loved them :lol:

Re: The Hillbilly Deluxe dually build
 

They are pretty active around Waco. I bought an '88 Trans Am in Austin, and a buddy trailered it to Waco for me. I decided to chance it by driving it home. Had a ticket before I made it to West for expired inspection. The trooper was nice enough to check it out and tell me it was a really nice car before he gave me the ticket. Thanks, dude.

Re: The Hillbilly Deluxe dually build
 

At least it wasn't lettered on the door....

Re: The Hillbilly Deluxe dually build
 

It's too windy outside to weld on the exhaust so I piddled with checking all lights and points of state inspection today. I'm gonna adjust the headlight when it gets dark tonight, but otherwise I believe its ready to go get inspected.

After that I decided to mess with the Unity spotlight on the A pillar. It never worked, as far as movement or illuminating, either one.

http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/k...6ea2c1b1a5.jpg

These things are some real nice quality. Everything is fully serviceable and Unity still carries all the little parts to restore them.

I had to order some of the clips that hold the bulb into the housing.


http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/k...c29e5d3608.jpg


A switch toggle (mine is broken off)


http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/k...455ef57f2f.jpg


And the head pivot parts kit. This is pretty crucial as the electrical current is carried down the center of the post and has to remain insulated as the head pivots. Mine was rusty and crumbling. No big deal. Apparently its common enough that Unity has a little baggie of service parts all in one kit.


http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/k...3b3cb99b79.jpg

Re: The Hillbilly Deluxe dually build
 

10 4. They were cheaper six months ago, seems like I paid $35 or $40 per side. Your truck is looking great.

Re: The Hillbilly Deluxe dually build
 

I've always wanted one of these spotlights for my truck. I just dig them. I'd love to have one. Your truck is really looking good.

Re: The Hillbilly Deluxe dually build
 

Its 80 degrees here right now. I wish I could tell y'all that I got much progress done on the dually. Instead, I had to fix the blower motor in our house HVAC system. The fan broke loose from the hub so it was rattling and rubbing. I got that all welded back up, trued, and installed. Now the blower is quiet again.

http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/k...ea19cf070a.jpg

Also, the master cylinder decided to puke on my daily driver so I had to run to O Reilly and get a replacement and swap on. I also fixed the back-up lights and a few little odds and ends on it at the same time. Notice my next victim sitting in the background. Once the dually is on the road, the K2500 will get moved to the shop and I'll dig into it.

http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/k...e7ec37f27e.jpg

Still waiting on parts for the Unity spotlight. Next week is payday and I'll get the dually registered and inspected and it will be on the road and driving.

Re: The Hillbilly Deluxe dually build
 

I thought you had a Honda for a Daily Driver?

Re: The Hillbilly Deluxe dually build
 

I do have a Honda. Nowadays I pretty much drive the pickup everywhere unless I'm hauling my daughters somewhere though. Carrying around two girls are just more conducive to having a bigger car. The Honda has got 108k miles on it now so I'm trying to drive it less and less. I might give it to my older daughter for her first car.

This is the typical lineup at our house. My Honda sits in the garage collecting dust. That's Valerie's CR-V on the right. And, the pickup sits outside ready to go.

http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/k...4e302fc36c.jpg

Re: The Hillbilly Deluxe dually build
 

Hey Kevin, I had some time and sat down and read your whole thread. I really like all the super clean detail repair work. Very very nice! My wifes grandfather has one very similar that he bought new from the dealer he worked for as a mechanic for 30 yrs. Still haulin' hay.. He also has an 88 C1500 in the barn with the plastic still on the seats, yeah I really hope it becomes my barn find someday :smoke:

Re: The Hillbilly Deluxe dually build
 

Dang Dan, you read the whole thread at one sitting ? That's some dedication. Thank you.

It's going to be a little dormant on this thread until later in the week when I get some cash to get it all legalized. Then I'll be driving it and working out the bugs that pop up.

Re: The Hillbilly Deluxe dually build
 

Not to read between the lines... but does that mean we get to see a K2500 thread soon?

Re: The Hillbilly Deluxe dually build
 

Yes it does. I've about reached a stopping point on this dually. I just wanted it dead solid and reliable. Not worried about cosmetics really. I think I've about reached that milestone.

I need to spend a couple of days on the daily driver stepside before I dig into the 4x4. Nothing big, just address a couple of little nagging issues to make it more pleasant to drive.

The K2500 will be a bit different theme of build though. I'm gonna build it a little nicer. Pretty sure I'll paint it, replace body panels, etc. I'll do the mechanicals to the same level as the dually but step the cosmetics up to as good as I can do with paint and body. I'm hoping it will be an easy restoration since you can't swing a dead cat around here without hitting a GMT400 truck. Parts should be very easy and cheap to find.

I figure I'll be dug into the 4x4 by March 1.

Re: The Hillbilly Deluxe dually build
 

I've sat here all last night and this afternoon and finished up reading your build thread and going to start looking at the 63 thread now Haha

Absolutely love the look of the dually and LOVE your level of detail and the fact that you don't credit card it and look for the best deals.

On the auto parts store note,I work at a locally owned parts store(that is actually owned by a auto parts warehouse that opened our store) We blow most of the chain stores out of the water on pricing but still try to have a gross profit of 25-30% to give people a idea of what mark up is most of the time I've figured its 70-80% mark up on chain store sale prices vs cost prices.

I'm looking forward to the K2500 build! You definitely build my kind of truck :D

Jimbo

Re: The Hillbilly Deluxe dually build
 

Wow Jimbo, thank you for the compliment. Its nice to hear my vision hits home with folks. I'm getting older and my idea of cool is far removed from the mainstream airbag and LS engine stuff that's so popular today.

On the dually front, I finally got some parts to make progress. My Unity order came in today. Valerie texts me pictures of my deliveries when I'm at the station.

http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/k...6176b4d9f7.jpg

This weekend I'll get the spot light rebuilt and installed.

Re: The Hillbilly Deluxe dually build
 

Shoot yea I'm the same way

I'm fixing to start working on my '64 LWB,it has a 283 that is blown up so I'm looking for a 6cyl to replace it and make it look nice and original like most things you seem to do and everyone looks at me like I'm nuts cause I don't just toss a 350 in it and go on Haha

These trucks are really good looking from the factory and going all high tech and modding them with LS motors and all is neat and all but kills the "old truck" feel and vibe to me.

Re: The Hillbilly Deluxe dually build
 

That's how I've always felt... but then I saw a twin turbod square go screaming down the street...

Re: The Hillbilly Deluxe dually build
 

Spotlight is all rebuilt and installed. The parts from a Unity were priced right and good quality.

My bucket was kind of beat up so I sandblasted and powdercoated it after doing some bodywork to remove some dentage.

http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/k...bac31d7a76.jpg

http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/k...44afcc75a5.jpg

I guess I'll go get new stickers for the Tuesday, set the toe, and call it done.

I got the fever to get into 4 wheel drivesville soon. That K2500 stares at me every time I come into the driveway.

Re: The Hillbilly Deluxe dually build
 

Cool spotlight. My friend has one on his '63. I'm thinking about getting one myself.

Re: The Hillbilly Deluxe dually build
 

Have you replaced the bellhousing yet? I saw where it was restored and you got all the parts to adapt it to hydraulic. Side note, I drove a truck Thursday with a spotlight, first time so I had to play with it a minute to see how well it worked. Really cool, should be an option on everything with a tailgate. I read where you don't beat on your trucks, but can't help that I've started thinking of this one as your big block 4-speed truck. ;)

Re: The Hillbilly Deluxe dually build
 

Can't wait for a driving report.

Of course, we'll require a thread on the 4x4. We all need the inspiration.

Re: The Hillbilly Deluxe dually build
 

Great thread Kevin! I am a firefighter as well (recovering paramedic) who doesn't do credit and I have an incredible case of OCD. Your thread has allowed my wife to see that there are other OCD addled folks who enjoy doing their own work out there. I've picked up some great ideas and tips from your thread and will be following for inspiration! I am also entering my pre-retirement years and am assembling my final fleet. We are looking at places to move all over the states (nothing left coast) and Texas is definitely always one of the top contenders. Thanks again for your incredibly clear and clean explanations!

Re: The Hillbilly Deluxe dually build
 

Thanks for the kind words Jeff. I'm a Paramedic too, but like you, it's not really what I identify with. Its part of the job, but not really my main thing. I'm technically an engineer. I run an engine out of a single company non ambulance station in the poor end of the city.

My wife reads my thread every day or so to keep up. She says it helps her see what I do out in my shop in a simpler manner. She pointed out last night that my build thread is different than many in that no one ever says that I bought nice or exotic parts, they all compliment me on my work. That's what I try to achieve. I'm not into buying trick stuff anymore, I try to let my work ethic lead the way instead.

It's all icy and cold here but I'm going to register the truck tomorrow to get it legal. No matter what, I have to go get hay with it by Friday. If not, I'm gonna have some hungry livestock. So, hell or high water, its gonna be on the road this week.

Re: The Hillbilly Deluxe dually build
 

Great! I actually look forward to having a place where I need to get hay. I do miss being an engineer, now I'm a BC in the poor end of the city. I never felt right working in areas that were too clean, rich or slow. Don't forget to pass on your knowledge to those kids at work. We owe it to them and, as I'm sure you know, it's very rewarding. I'm sure your OCD is appreciated at work! I have a battalion full of it...to the mental illness level. Keep the shiny side up brother!

Jeff

Re: The Hillbilly Deluxe dually build
 

I can't wait to see what you do the the GMT400 4x4.
I use your builds and the videos from SWRNC on youtube as inspiration that doing it right the first time and not taking short cuts is the only way to go when I get that "screw it" attitude when crap starts to go wrong.

I also appreciate the fact that you stick to a budget, but take care of things with attention to detail and use of quality components.

Re: The Hillbilly Deluxe dually build
 

I have followed this thread avidly and I am somewhat saddened to see it come to a close. Your attention to detail and workmanship are outstanding, we should all be as fortunate as you to have apprenticed under someone as meticulous as you have. (That is, I know I would have appreciated it.) I cannot think of any other truck or build on here that the owner can walk up to with the assurance that you can, that the truck will perform as intended.

Very much looking forward to your GMT-400 build. :metal:

Re: The Hillbilly Deluxe dually build
 

I have followed this thread as well. I went back and looked to see how long it has been. My how time flies, over a year. Can't wait till the next one gets started.