Re: #the 77_remix
 

I know that the correct color is argent silver, but I decided to see what the ACE chrome paint looked like. This will match the bumper on the back side, and most of its is covered on the front side. Hopefully the purist wont hate me.

Re: #the 77_remix
 

If you have a frame around your plate it's entirely possible. I just did the same update on Scarlett. After I had the duals ran to the back she rattled badly. Added the extra plastic sockets and the problem was solved.

Re: #the 77_remix
 

Looking forward to following along here too Ken. Keep up the good work :metal:

Re: #the 77_remix
 

Wondering Ken, what did you use on the backside of the quarter-panel that is visible in front, and behind the wheel-wells. The original undercoating (or paint, but it peels off like undercoating) on mine is coming off. I think I could easily spray anything back there, but cleaning and scuffing it seems impossible in the small area unless I completely take the bed apart.

Re: #the 77_remix
 

Glad to have you along for the ride buddyI'm fortunate that so far all of my builds have been rust free so I rely on the factory E coat to protect the areas that I cant reach. For the accessible areas I use the same formula as the frame, etc. Start with scuffing the surface with coarse grit paper, then follow with Scotch Brite. From there I clean with brake cleaner, then coat with undercoating.

Re: #the 77_remix
 

As promised, I have a comparison between the stock incandescent tail light bulbs and the LED replacements that I purchased. I was cautioned by Chris Lucas to watch out for physical size of the LEDs as some are inherently larger than the bulb they replace. I looked for this in the advertised specifications. For some reason the seller thought I would be concerned with the package dimensions rather than the size of the item in the package. In case your interested the package was 3.2 x 1.7 x 0.5 inches. I looked in the reviews to offer some insight and found great information on the 1156 and 1157 bulbs. None was to be had for the 194 bulbs so I "assumed" they would be fine.

Upon arrival, I opened the packages and compared them to the bulb they would replace. It was clear that the info sourced on the larger bulbs was correct. Unfortunately the 194 replacement was obviously too long. It certainly looked cool as the body was made of machined aluminum, but clearly not going to fit inside the housing.

Re: #the 77_remix
 

Following along on this build! I can’t wait to see where this build takes you. Awesome as always.

Re: #the 77_remix
 

Ok, so the 194s will stay as incandescent for the moment. Lets look at the other bulbs. Since I didnt have the ability to mount the lenses in place I did a bench test. I used an 18v battery for a power source so they are running a tad bit on the high side.

Thats not suposed to be an issue for the LEDs as the specs state they contain a brightness chip to allow a working voltage of 9v to 30v. Just in case your running a 24 volt system these have you covered.

So what are the results? Its much harder than you might think to get a good quality picture looking straight in to a light. In case you cant tel from the pics, the LEDs are about 50% brighter with a much whiter light. They also cast a larger illumination pattern. Note that they fill the lens with light rather than a bright spot in the center.

In conclusion, are the iBrightstar LEDs worth 7.00 per bulb? I do believe that I am satisfied with the results. Would I buy them again? I do believe that I would, so this is a 5 star recommendation for the 1157 and 1156. The 194s not so much, but they do look darn cool.

Pic #1- Reverse lights
Pic #2- Tail lights
Pic #3- Brake lights

Re: #the 77_remix
 

You mentioned that you where on call. Just curious as to what it is that you do when your not setting the bar for truck builds?

Re: #the 77_remix
 

My company operates arcade games. ABC Music Company I have technicians that do my service work during the week, but I rotate with them on the weekends.

Re: #the 77_remix
 

I like the results of these LEDs. The lens still looks like a regular light pattern when they are on as compared to some LED retrofits that you can tell are LEDs.

Re: #the 77_remix
 

That was my thoughts too. There are some very nice LED panel lights out there. I just dont feel that they would look right in this build. These amplify the volume of light with out creating a hot spot. More of a flood light than a spot light.

Re: #the 77_remix
 

All in for this one. One of my all-time favorite trucks and I'm a 67-72 guy :). Keep up the killer work!

Re: #the 77_remix
 

Thanks for the follow.:metal:

Re: #the 77_remix
 

Another late night on the job, so limited shop time. I try to find small jobs that I can complete on nights like this. I ordered a new Goodmark license plate light from Summit and it came in today. What better way to spend a rainy evening than doing final assembly on my license plate project.

I considered paint the new light, but that gold irradiate coating was such a nice contrast to the chrome silver I left it for now. I added stainless button head fasteners, and polished the bolt heads that hold the bucket in place. The entire package can go in to storage now till its time to install.

Re: #the 77_remix
 

As the small parts for the rear come together, I'm working on supplies for the rest of the truck. I have been searching for a contemporary version of the 78 vinyl that I plan to use. Its a bit more red than the 77 with out being too red. I priced it from SMS and its 80 a yard. I could almost do leather for that price, and I'm not keen on using 40 year old materials.

I had Chris Snowden of Snowden Upholstery supply searching for a while. He finally found what I was looking for in a contemporary vinyl with a vintage look.

The stitch work will be done by Brent Davison of Sculpt Garage on an original bench seat modified for comfort and great looks.

The woodgrain by @lowsierracompany will match the exterior. Cab temps will be controlled by a Restomodair #haymaker blowing through Brothers Trucks vents. Sound damping comes from Restomodair Membrane and the elements kept out with Precision Replacement Parts seals.

Re: #the 77_remix
 

Just read up on The Remix, great work on your thread with very good detail on parts selection and vendors you plan to use.

Re: #the 77_remix
 

Thanks for following. Its moving slow while waiting on parts. Should pick up speed soon.

Re: #the 77_remix
 

Last night I had enough shop time to remove the gas tank. I siphoned the remaining gas and removed the filler neck and vent hose. The original line clamps were still on the fuel lines so I waited to drop the tank before disconnecting them.

With the tank down I could access the factory squeeze clamps and remove the lines. The clamps went in the trash, and lines are saved till I decide how I'm going to route them when I go back in.

I inspected the gas tank to determine if there was any need to replace it. The new tanks are cheap, but I dont think one will be required. Inside was super clean, and the outside has no rust to be concerned with.

I am considering updating to a 87 tank with internal pump. The external pump works just fine so I'm perplexed if it's worth the expense. It will clean the frame up a bit so I'll think on that for a while.

Re: #the 77_remix
 

I kicked around their site a bit, saw the kit for 67-72s, nothing for squares. Do you know if they will be offering a kit for squares? Specifically for ones with a factory system looking for a more modern upgrade. Also, what do the controls look like or does the kit utilize the OEM controls?

That deadener/insulation is neat, looking forward to your reviews on it as you install and experience on the road.

I reread the thread and I didn't see...what's under the hood of the '77? Are you fuel injected?

Re: #the 77_remix
 

Powerplant is a Ram Jet 350.

Re: #the 77_remix
 

Restomod Air does not currently offer a direct fit kit for the 73-87s but they plan to rectify that soon. I am working with them along with Mike Losh of Slosh Tubz to design a firewall panel that is bolt in and accommodates a Restomod bulk head.
They do have an X-act fit dash control, but it hasn't made it to the website. It's listed on Instagram here-Link It can be controlled by an app as well.
Restomod offers a unique product with their Membrane sound deadner. It is the only true sound dampening material with a built in thermal insulation. I look forward to installing the product and posting reviews.

Re: #the 77_remix
 

Scoti is correct, I am running a Ramjet 350. It's a fuel injected GM crate motor that was installed by Roger at RPL Custom a few years back. It's still a great motor and stands out in today's ocean of LS conversion. It will stay, but a fresh look is on the way.

Re: #the 77_remix (Elwood)
 

Now that SEMA is over, any chance of us finding out which wheels have made the cut?

Re: #the 77_remix (Elwood)
 

The design I worked on with Carter Hickman was approved by American Racing. They added a few adjustments and it will be available for production soon. I have submitted the drawing to my artist, so I should have updated renderings shortly . ;)

Re: #the 77_remix (Elwood)
 

I was really hoping that you would have convinced them to build some 22" Gassers so I could put them on the back of my Blazer. ;)

Re: #the 77_remix (Elwood)
 

Saturday I spent the day at my brother in laws garage. He has a really nice 66 Fairlane with a 390 backed by a C6. Last year he had some internal issues so he decided it was time for a rebuild. He had Nickens Racing build a mild street motor with a few upgrades.
It was finally time to install it so Chris and I went to assist. That turned in to an all day deal.

Many years ago I helped a buddy stab a 351 in a 69 Mustang. We fought the manifolds against the shock towers but finally wedged it in place. This all came back to me yesterday while trying to squeeze a 390 with Tri-Y headers in between those same style of shock towers on this Fairlane. It will fit, but plenty of paint was scratched in the process.

Re: #the 77_remix (Elwood)
 

Since Saturday was "Fun Ford" day it was time to get back on Elwood. With the gas tank previously pulled it exposed the bottom of the cab, and it wasnt pretty. I have detailed the bottom of this truck several times, but never had a reason to pull the tank. Yuck!

I started with the frame rails and worked my way forward. With them sanded smooth, it was time to clean up the cab. I worked across the floor and down the rockers. The good news is all the grunge had created a nice protective barrier, and there was almost no rust.

You can see a couple of spots that were chaffed and some surface rust had started. I sanded it raw and treated it with Rust-Mort. I followed that with a couple of coats of satin black. This will be top coated with rubberized undercoating to seal it permanently.

Re: #the 77_remix (Elwood)
 

Nice progress. How did you come up with the name Elwood. I like it!

Re: #the 77_remix (Elwood)
 

It was a combination of things that brought the name about. I have always loved the Blues Brothers movie. So much so, that many years ago a friend and I went dressed as Jake and Elwood to a costume party. That set the stage for the end result, but theres more to the story.

My wife and I decided that the 77 needed a name. It had always been "The 77" so it was hard to make a change. We had a long list of options but none seemed to stick. Recently I was discussing it with my friend Mike and he suggested Elwood. Even though it was on our original list, it wasnt until someone else suggested it that it really sounded right.

With the addition of the woodgrain, Elwood was a perfect match. I'm waiting for Joseph from EDL to get caught up so he can update my rendering. Until then, heres what Elwood will look like when done.

Re: Elwood the 77_remix
 

Monday was a a busy day at work. I managed a bit of shop time as the push continues to get the rear done. My mission was to get the drivers side floor pan was sanded and painted. I had to drop the Ridetech Suspension #bigred valves down to gain access. They will be moved forward a bit to make space.
After an hour of sanding and cleaning, I wiped with brake cleaner and topped it with satin black. Later I will spray it with undercoat.

Re: Elwood the 77_remix
 

I had been asked not to release any pre-production pics of the wheel I plan to use on Elwood. Now that American Racing has released the VF526 for production, I can share. It was an honor to work with Carter Hickman in the early stages of the design process. He is an incredible digital artist and has great vision.

American Racing liked the concept but it took several months to go through the necessary steps for production approval. With that process cleared, and a custom set rushed through production, they made their debut at SEMA 2017 on a build by KC Mathieu.

I feel this style will be right at home on my 77 Cheyenne.

Re: Elwood the 77_remix
 

Those are pretty cool, what color will you be using on the wheels?

Re: Elwood the 77_remix
 

*****in’!

Re: Elwood the 77_remix
 

The first two pics are digital renderings from the design process. The bottom pic is production version. I had considered a light bronze color, but I really like the cast iron gray finish. So much so that I think I will revert to my go to accent color which has been cast iron gray.

Re: Elwood the 77_remix
 

I have been mapping out my exhaust system while working under the truck. Due to space limitation from the RideTech 4 link and air tanks, I cant route true duals. Consequently, I plan to utilize some of the existing pipe and update the components.

My existing system starts at the motor with 2.5" Corvette ramhorn manifolds that have been polished and ceramic coated. From there I have a 2.5" mandrel bend Y pipe that went to a high flow cat. Thats followed by a SI/SO Flowmaster muffler.

Re: Elwood the 77_remix
 

I had the cat installed when I RPL did the system to pass a visual test for state inspection years ago. Its no longer necessary or functional, so it goes away. The Flowmaster has rusted out from the inside, so its scrap as well. We used flanges to make the system serviceable which was great at that time.

Yesterday I spoke with Kevin Deeds from Deeds Engineering and explained what I had in mind. He offered his advice and agreed to send me a box of goodies to work with. If you have ever considered V band components take a look at what Kevin offers. The bands and related hangers are truly a work of art.

Re: Elwood the 77_remix
 

I plan to replace the flanges with V bands, and add Deeds hangers where needed. The hangers give some flex, but its minimal. To compensate I will utilize a Vibrant Performance flex coupling t the end of the Y pipe.

Im undecided on a muffler yet. I have Borla XL on Scarlett and like the sound. I'm looking for something that sounds good but not loud, and doesnt resonate. If you have any suggestions let me know.

Re: Elwood the 77_remix
 

Nice updates. I really like the wheels too. Its still hard to not picture this truck without Vintec Wheels...But the new wheels should be spot on along with all the updates you are doing!

Re: Elwood the 77_remix
 

- I like Magnaflow mufflers, sounds great, no drone.