Re: 56 task force on 80 1/2 ton frame pictures
 

Thanks a lot. I think it looks even better in person than a picture.

Re: 56 task force on 80 1/2 ton frame pictures
 

I have been wrestling with things electrical and it has been a steep learning curve.

Luckily American Autowire has a great support staff, actually have only been dealing with one guy, named Josh, and he is really knowledgable and helpful.

Ron Francis help has also pulled through a couple of times.

I have to stop working on electrical things and get the truck ready to send back to the body shop before we head to Arizona. Most of the major stuff has been figured out and I don't want to hook up stuff like front headlights, turn signals, rear lights and brakes, etc until I get it back in the spring.

I was going to try to get it running before it went back to body shop but have now decided against it because I won't have time to work the bugs out. I fear someone at the body shop firing it up and something happening.

Tomorrow I get the front fenders back from the metal guy and will be able to put them and the hood back on. I am taking him the back fenders to massage back into perfect shape. The body shop only has to clean, spray epoxy primer, put very little mud on and final prime. Should keep costs down some as metal guy is less expensive then body shop.

The seat is temporary but should get me buy for the meantime. Also visible is a rag over the master brake cylinder. I am bleeding it before moving out to the wheels. I at first had it elevated in the front and the bleeding did not seem to be working very well. Now that its level it seems to be working better but will let it sit over night and pump it up a bit more tomorrow. I also have the steering wheel on and think it may be too close, but only buy an inch or so! I am going to leave it for now until I get my new seat and see where it all ends up then.

I am pretty happy with the results so far.

Re: 56 task force on 80 1/2 ton frame pictures
 

You've really done a nice job a nice on this project!

Re: 56 task force on 80 1/2 ton frame pictures
 

looking good.
just curious on the air filter location. do you drive in wet conditions much? could "inhale" some water like that.

Re: 56 task force on 80 1/2 ton frame pictures
 

I actually have a 3-sided metal box that fits over the air cleaner only leaving it open on the top and front. I may even close the top in. Should be good.

This one won't be driven in the rain on purpose anyway!

Re: 56 task force on 80 1/2 ton frame pictures
 

Getting ready to bring the truck back to body shop before we head south. I had a delay in getting the front fenders as my metal guy accidentally filled in the emblem holes! Anyway their back in and I have the front fenders home now.

Working like crazy to get a bunch of little stuff buttoned up... so much little stuff to do... but I am now prioritizing what actually needs to be done now!

I gave up on trying to get it running and feel its better anyway that its not!

The front fenders turned out amazing.

May have to lower it a bit down the road but for now it will be just fine.

Re: 56 task force on 80 1/2 ton frame pictures
 

Well big day today, in fact the last few days have been big or at least long days!!!

I was working on getting the truck ready to take into the body shop - about an hours drive from here.

Had a few issues with getting the brakes to work and the power steering filled up with fluid and then stopped several leaks after they were fill. Both had their own individual issues that took a fair amount of time.

The brakes I never did get working but I believe that is due to the old front callipers that I continued to use for mock-up. It looks like they have seized up or something or just dried out. They have been sitting dry for quit some time. I did not want to change them over to new ones yet as I am going to get my mechanic, before he inspects it prior to registration, to change the rotors and callipers and check all my front end work prior to alignment. Having him check it all over is a good idea I think.

The power steering, without engine running, was just to get some fluid in and get ride of leaks. That I did but then I could hardly steer it! I ended up removing most of the power steering fluid and at least you can steer it now. The guys at the body shop thanked me for that one as it makes their lives much easier.

When we get back in late March I will take rear window in and we will put both front and back windows in. I will do side windows when I get it home after I get some hush mat or something in them.

Anyway here is a picture of it outside for the first time and another with it loaded up. Notice no snow on the hills!!! Pretty nice winter so far but it has been really windy lately.

Re: 56 task force on 80 1/2 ton frame pictures
 

Got back from Arizona a couple of weeks ago and took the opportunity to drop by the body shop to see if they were making any progress!

Progress is slower then I would like but things are moving - maybe a little faster now that I am back.

The shop manager says he had a busy winter "collision season" and staff issues.

Anyway here is a picture of the truck in the shop.

I took the plastic sheet off the engine compartment for picture.

They are working on rear roll pan and now the gaps between doors and front fenders.

Pretty much everything else is in primer.

Things are looking real good.

Re: 56 task force on 80 1/2 ton frame pictures
 

Things are progressing after what seems like a bit of a delay. These pictures loaded a little funny and I hope it all works again.

Re: 56 task force on 80 1/2 ton frame pictures
 

Things keep moving along actually quit quickly now!

You can see I have opted to get the inner fenders - both front and rear - Linexed.

I don't see me going down too may gravel roads and I live on the highway but am hoping it will protect the paint from road debris being kicked up.

Also final block sanding beginning.

Re: 56 task force on 80 1/2 ton frame pictures
 

I will try loading pictures again.

Re: 56 task force on 80 1/2 ton frame pictures
 

Just about ready for paint - a couple of photos from body shop manager.

Re: 56 task force on 80 1/2 ton frame pictures
 

A few steps closer!

Re: 56 task force on 80 1/2 ton frame pictures
 

And even closer yet - just got out of the booth about 10:00 pm tonight. Still a couple of coats of clear to go but it is looking pretty good.

Re: 56 task force on 80 1/2 ton frame pictures
 

Heres a couple more photos with things starting to go back together.

I mistakenly said in the last post that clear was not on yet!

All small parts are ready to shoot with box sides ready later today. Should be able to shoot last of paint early next week.

It actually has 2 coats already on - shot before pulling from the booth.

Re: 56 task force on 80 1/2 ton frame pictures
 

WOW That looks amazing

Re: 56 task force on 80 1/2 ton frame pictures
 

Looks great.
Kim

Re: 56 task force on 80 1/2 ton frame pictures
 

Thanks Chris and Kim.

I am pretty stoked right now and hope to have it home in a week or so.

Im estimating about 85% done but know the last 15% is going to be the hardest.

Might pull a mechanic friend in to remove pinion nut and shaft so I can go larger u-joints and bigger diameter driveshaft. Need to make a new driveshaft anyway. While he's here I may have him help set timing and prime oil and just look it over.

He will be getting it for the final inspection before registering when I am going to have him check front end and align all the new parts I installed up there.

Still also a fair bit of wiring to do as I left that un-done on purpose before it went and sat in the autobody shop for many months.

I am going in this week as soon as the box and rear fenders are painted and on so I can see the almost finished product!

I have a truck load of parts for the body shop including side windows, inner door hardware, door and window handles, rear window and more...

Re: 56 task force on 80 1/2 ton frame pictures
 

Been following your build for awhile, just haven't posted. Very nice work and truck is looking great...Jim

Re: 56 task force on 80 1/2 ton frame pictures
 

Nice truck!
Brings back memories!
I built a 56 back 20 years ago. Lots of work! Used part of an 80 gmc frame.
Sold to a guy from Smithers BC. Last I heard it’s still ripping up the streets with a blown 427.
Looks like soon you’ll be cruising the dub!

Re: 56 task force on 80 1/2 ton frame pictures
 

Thanks a lot Oldman and Geezer.

I am getting excited it has been a long 12 years since I started but I think I can see the light at the end of the tunnel.

Finally sent a bunch of stuff off the powder coat. I am powder coating the bumpers, grille and other pieces a silver colour, the same or real close to the ralley rims. I don't want to much chrome!

Re: 56 task force on 80 1/2 ton frame pictures
 

You've done a really nice job!!

Re: 56 task force on 80 1/2 ton frame pictures
 

Thanks very much Ricky.

Re: 56 task force on 80 1/2 ton frame pictures
 

Any updates?
Ron in Lethbridge...

Re: 56 task force on 80 1/2 ton frame pictures
 

Hey Ron in Lethbridge. Well a bit - the shop In Coaldale sent me a couple of pictures last night. The box should be ready for paint today or tomorrow.

I will see what photos I can send.

Re: 56 task force on 80 1/2 ton frame pictures
 

Here are the latest updates.

You will note that I am having the shop paint the CHEVROLET letters on the tailgate silver the same colour as the rims, bumpers, headlight covers and grille. They will cover them with some "sticky letters/decals" I bought on-line and then paint the tailgate - then remove the decals.

I also had them fix up the steering column that I scratched up pretty bad when installing it. Thankfully they did not have to remove it again.

I also see that they installed the door handles that I gave them for mock-up but I have new handles with locks and keys ready to go in. I have my Tacoma loaded with stuff to go in when I get the word.

I am busy in shop removing all the stuff left laying around after my 12 year long build process. So much stuff that I may have to start selling extras!

One other note that I have not talked about but I have also been working on the oak boards for the box floor. I have rubbed Tung Oil on the boards and they look really good but that stuff takes a long time to dry. I am running a fan in the shop during the day to keep air moving and it seems to be helping. No rush on them though as I have a bit of work do on the rear differential and drive shaft when I get truck back.

Just got word that final paint on box in next day or so.

Re: 56 task force on 80 1/2 ton frame pictures
 

Wow! What a beautiful truck! I just gleaned over the whole build. I really like everything you've done to the truck.

Re: 56 task force on 80 1/2 ton frame pictures
 

Thanks very much 71'tahoe.

Its driving me nuts it being so close to coming home!

Re: 56 task force on 80 1/2 ton frame pictures
 

Just thought I would add a couple of random pictures from the body shop that had not been previously shown.

One shows the final block sanding on the truck - the box...

The other the inside of the door.

Also a little bit of a gliche that I hope won't hold me up too long.

After looking at and trying to clean up the rear wrap around window I decided that it was not worth putting back in the truck.

Although I had it in another part of the shop it looks like it has weld splatter and a few deep scratches. Must have got it when it from previous owner.

So my body shop can't seem to get a rear wrap around window so I ordered one on-line. What a range of prices - from well over $400.00 to $175.00 - which is what I paid.

Unfortunately shipping is by truck freight only and it is about the same as the window itself!!!

So I talked to a nice lady, made the order, and then later this evening received a confirmation email - now saying it is not in stock and is backordered...

I have to wonder did she not know that it was not in stock when I was talking to her?

I am hoping it just going to drop ship or something and won't be too long. I don't expect them necessarily to stock this seldom ordered part. These are one of the big on-line guys that have not been my main source but I have used them several times in the past.

Maybe I'm just getting a bit impatient!!!

Re: 56 task force on 80 1/2 ton frame pictures
 

Some more painting done today. The booth was full so there will be one more painting session tomorrow if all goes well.

Re: 56 task force on 80 1/2 ton frame pictures
 

Looks good...Jim

Re: 56 task force on 80 1/2 ton frame pictures
 

Hey thanks Jim.

Re: 56 task force on 80 1/2 ton frame pictures
 

Heres the last of parts painted.

Now basically waiting for rear window to show up in Montana and I will go down and pick it up. Its currently somewhere north of Las Vegas and should be in Babb, Montana on Monday.

Then I will take it to the auto-body shop in Coaldale and hopefully then can get right on it.

My powder coating should also be done next week so could be a big week.

Re: 56 task force on 80 1/2 ton frame pictures
 

Wow, looks great and you must be so excited to get it re-assembled!

Re: 56 task force on 80 1/2 ton frame pictures
 

Yup sure am! Pretty much bouncing off walls around here.

Spent the entire morning organizing and cleaning the shop in anticipation of the truck maybe coming home for re-assembly next week.

So much to do that I do not where to start.

The body shop will be putting all the glass in but then its up to me.

The last 10-15% of this build is left and is going to be the toughest in my opinion.

I will only have 2 months to work on it as we are going south a bit earlier this winter to build an Arizona Room on our park model.

I should be able to get it running but it won't be on the road.

Re: 56 task force on 80 1/2 ton frame pictures
 

I brought the big rear window into the shop and one of the C-channel that scrrews onto the lower side window. Unfortunately I can't find the other one!!!

Dang it but after a 12 year build thats not too surprising. I tore my shop apart looking for the other but no luck. I think it got chucked with the broken side window years ago.

No biggy I have another one on the way and should be here early next week. As far as I could tell LMC is the only one to carry them.

So for this week the plan is to get the back window in - the front is already installed - put one of the side windows in now and the other when I bring the channel in.

Same day haul the truck home. Hopefully Thursday or Friday. Couple of three months late but better late than never!

All my powder coating should be done any day also.

Its going to get busy around here!!!

And I managed to take a quick picture of the truck in the shop mostly under plastic.

Re: 56 task force on 80 1/2 ton frame pictures
 

Looks dang good even under plastic!

Re: 56 task force on 80 1/2 ton frame pictures
 

Beautiful!!!

Re: 56 task force on 80 1/2 ton frame pictures
 

gorgeous!

Re: 56 task force on 80 1/2 ton frame pictures
 

Hey thanks a ton you guys.

My parts should be in Monday so may get it truck home Tuesday or Wednesday.

Talked to powder-coating people yesterday and they want to re-do one of the bumpers so that might also be ready mid-week.