Re: 72 SWB STEP "Army truck" Budget Build
 

I figured I would give the Skip White HEI a shot. I have spent $52 on bigger disappointments!

http://www.skipwhiteperformance.com/...px?Item=6500-R

Re: 72 SWB STEP "Army truck" Budget Build
 

A little more progress today. I got the tag bracket mounted to the rear bumper and the rear bumper mounted to the existing brackets. I couldn't resist mounting the 72 plate to it. (According to the SPID, this truck had painted, not chrome bumpers, but considering how I have a pretty nice chrome front bumper, and that chrome rear step bumpers are easier to find than painted ones, I am going with chrome.)

Re: 72 SWB STEP "Army truck" Budget Build
 

I cant wait to see it in full OD green.

you might makeup my mind... :)

Re: 72 SWB STEP "Army truck" Budget Build
 

No pic updates yet, but I bought new water pump, (the one on the engine in the photos was one I had on the shelf for years, but the pulley bolt pattern was too small. It must be 50's or early 60's), pper and lower radiator hoses, heater hoses, heater hose nipples, oil fill plugs, pcv valve and grommet and valve cover to to air cleaner grommet. I got a set of factory ac brackets from teeitup that I will be cleaning painting and installing.

I didn't get around to installing any of it yet, as I was busy building a backyard fence (around250 ft worth)

Re: 72 SWB STEP "Army truck" Budget Build
 

A little more progress. since I am working evenings now, I try to tinker with the truck a couple of hours in the AM when time allows. The truck has an old aftermarket underdash AC on it, and the P.O. had used a stock A6 compressor with the 73+ LWP brackets. I bought a set of stock SWP AC brackets from TEEITUP here on the forum a while back. I wanted to get everything on for a trial run, then clean them up and paint them. I also got the ram horn manifolds I got on here cleaned up and coated with some stuff I got from Eastwood. I bought a set of goodyear belts along with some other misc. stuff from Rock Auto. The belts were only $4 each on close out. Unfortunately, the alt belt is too long.

Re: 72 SWB STEP "Army truck" Budget Build
 

I got the driver side inner and outer fenders cleaned up earlier this week. Photos to follow soon.

Re: 72 SWB STEP "Army truck" Budget Build
 

Cool build. Keep up the good work.

Re: 72 SWB STEP "Army truck" Budget Build
 

What's crazy about this truck is the way it was equipped, particularly with the 350, when most military vehicles were sold to the government with a 6-cyl/stick combo. Until seeing this thread, the '68 El Camino SS396 I drove in 'Nam, was the only other V8 equipped vehicle I had seen that was shipped to the military. Here's the El Camino, beside the shop we had at Bien Hoa, in April of '70.

Re: 72 SWB STEP "Army truck" Budget Build
 

Now, that's a cool shot!

Re: 72 SWB STEP "Army truck" Budget Build
 

I got some paint on the driver side inner and outer fenders, but no pics yet. I have also been tinkering on a 1970 Honda Trail 90 I picked up a while back for $100. I thought it would look cool in the bed of the truck. These projects are in addition to building a fence around the back yard, finishing my deck and installing laminated flooring in the house. I do a few hours every AM before I go in to work to 3:30pm. I wonder why I have no trouble sleeping when I get home at 1am?:mm:

Re: 72 SWB STEP "Army truck" Budget Build
 

"Shade Tree Special"

Re: 72 SWB STEP "Army truck" Budget Build
 

I have no idea what the two holes are toward the front of the fender... So far the truck has all OEM sheetmetal (inner and outer fenders as well as radiator support.) I will be using aftermarket inner and outer rockers, though.

Re: 72 SWB STEP "Army truck" Budget Build
 

those two holes under the marker light are for the 4wd emblem man nice truck

Re: 72 SWB STEP "Army truck" Budget Build
 

whoa that is amazing that there is that much bright metal and chrome on an army vehicle i bette that car never left usa

Re: 72 SWB STEP "Army truck" Budget Build
 

I am referring to the two above and to the right of the marker hole. They are not drilled or punched. They are rough, as if cut with a torch (?)

This fender actually had an "8-350" below the marker light

Re: 72 SWB STEP "Army truck" Budget Build
 

The El Camino or my 72? My 72 has never left the states as far as I know. It actually didn't have the chrome sport rear bumper. I am "creating" my own Cheyenne or possibly Cheyenne Super. It was orignally a "Custom". Neither one of the front fenders is original to the truck. They were both nice take original take offs from trucks that were parted.

Re: 72 SWB STEP "Army truck" Budget Build
 

I was in the USAF. The El Camino was used as a chase vehicle for the U-2 spy planes. It had a 350Horse 396, and a TH transmission. Even running on Mogas, it was the fastest thing on wheels that didn't fly, in Viet Nam. So, this was NOT an ARMY vehicle.

Re: 72 SWB STEP "Army truck" Budget Build
 

I got the driver side inner and outer fenders bolted together today before work, in between thunder showers. As soon as I get the front clip installed on the truck, the project will get put on hold, as I am going to start forming up to pour a slab for a 24' x 60' garage.:metal:

Re: 72 SWB STEP "Army truck" Budget Build
 

I also forgot to mention that my wife is 10 weeks pregnant!!!:c2::c2::c2: It's our first and I will be 40 in May.:crazy:

Re: 72 SWB STEP "Army truck" Budget Build
 

congrats!!!

and the truck is really coming along!

Re: 72 SWB STEP "Army truck" Budget Build
 

oh no not your truck the camino but your truck is nice

Re: 72 SWB STEP "Army truck" Budget Build
 

Congrats on a cool life! You got a new baby on the way, a new big ol garage, and a cool project! As long as you got your health, you can't ask for more!

Re: 72 SWB STEP "Army truck" Budget Build
 

Unfortunately, when I say "I" am starting on a foundation for a garage, I literally mean "I". We'll see how good my health is afterwards.

Re: 72 SWB STEP "Army truck" Budget Build
 

I got the power brake booster/ brackets as well as the flex fan I am going to run cleaned up and painted this AM before work (I work evenings). Hopefully I will get them mounted and possibly get the fender mounted tomorrow AM.

On top of all of this, my brother has a rebuilt LT1/ 4L60E out of a 1994 Caprice 9C1 that was totalled when a guy puleed out in front of him. Their insurance co. paid for it and he bought it back for $500. We have been looking for something to do with the drivetrain out of the car. I came across a 1985 S10 reg cab LWB on the local C-List for $400, and a 1955 1st series in Midltohian, Tx for $1000. I have another project in the works now! Something tells me it may be a while before I get to it... My 79 Malibu still needs paint, and I have a 1955.5 big window 3100 that has been about 1/4 done for the past 15 yrs., in addition to the 72 on this thread.

Here is the thread for the 55 1st series:

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=422521

The parts from the S10 donor are for sale
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=421941

I also have a 1967 SWB fleetside that I am parting out:
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=422702

Re: 72 SWB STEP "Army truck" Budget Build
 

Yesterday AM I got the driver side fender and brake booster mounted, but I have not painted the master cylinder yet, as it is used and I want to bleed the brakes and make sure it is good before I spend time cleaning and painting it. Hopefully today I will get the starter mounted, cooling fan bolted up and the distributor timed and installed.