Re: 55 in NH build
 

it actually took me a lot longer than I thought to weld all the holes and flatten the sheet metal but it was worth it. its amazing how much waviness there is from the factory pressing. some sections had tiger stripes from the shrinking metal but I'm glad I spent the time. moving on to the engine next before re-assembling.

Re: 55 in NH build
 

Looks good...Jim

Re: 55 in NH build
 

got the front suspension installed today. I got new boots for the tie rod ends but I think im going to install some zerk fitting first. Hoping to install the new timing cover, seal and one piece oil pan seal on Sunday along with the new mini torque starter.

Re: 55 in NH build
 

I know its a long shot and wont know for sure until I get the engine back in but seeing im running a small block with block huggers I think there's a chance that the factory Corvette steering linkage may (may) actually work. the length is perfect for my Ididit column. Man if that works out I will be stoked and will save me about $500 in flaming river universals and shafts

Re: 55 in NH build
 

If you are running block huggers, that set up should work. I recently had to redo my steering shaft due to an engine and header swap. I ended up using a support bearing in the middle. Mine had a straight shaft like yours and it was ok.

Re: 55 in NH build
 

Well I got the engine back together. Decided to try the silicone one piece oil pan gasket. When I got the truck it had a freshly build 305 but it was spaying oil everywhere. It had looked like it was happening for a while. I knew he had swapped the cam so I figured it was the front seal. After receiving all the parts I pulled all the front of the motor off. Everything was coated in oil and I couldn't tell where it was coming from. After some research I think I figured it out. The PO had put a block off plate and was running an electric fuel pump. On the front of the block there was a bolt missing that goes straight into the block into the fuel pump. I believe it was squirting oil onto the belts and flinging it everywhere. Took advantage of a sale and ordered a Billet Specialties wheel for the truck.

Re: 55 in NH build
 

I got the engine and transmission back in. Doesn't look like stock corvette steering linkage with workout. the rag joint is too close to the header so I ordered some stainless Borgeson u-joint and a stainless 3/4DD shaft. I also wasn't happy with the 3" borgeson column drop. With the tilt full down it still wasn't at a great angle so I went with a Borgeson 4" open style which will arrive tomorrow. The new Door and fenders arrived today! starting to look like a truck again.

Re: 55 in NH build
 

I just found your thread. Awesome looking build. You do excellent work. I wish I would of went with the corvette setup. I’ll be following

Re: 55 in NH build
 

Thanks Jason, Im just trying to sponge up as much info from this site like everyone else. I pretty much borrowed everything I did from someones build. I'll have some pics up of the steering in a couple days. The new column mount looks great and I may polish the stainless u-joints and shaft.

Re: 55 in NH build
 

Kevin,
I wanted to hide the wiring as much as I could, so if you look at the inner fender on the psgr. side you'll see the 2 recessed grooves in it. At the top of the inner fender (on the driver's side) on the lower recessed groove you can see how it is open connecting at the firewall. On the drivers side, I ran my headlight, turn signal and horn wiring out thru the firewall, and I ran the wiring thru the inside of the groove and put sheet metal over the top of it, welded in and painted it.

Re: 55 in NH build
 

I finished the steering today. I spent 5 minutes on the buffing wheel and the joints and shaft polished up well. Steering is nice and smooth. The 4" column drop worked out well.
I bought some c5 Z06 stainless brake lines which are a bit longer than the C4 stuff so that will be my next task.

Re: 55 in NH build
 

looks great, good job. what are you using to keep that shine??

Re: 55 in NH build
 

Thanks 56. I decided to go with stainless because it was only $15 per joint higher than the regular steel one. They wanted $30 per joint more just for polished so I figured I would give it a shot on the buffing wheel. Polishing them was probably over kill but I figured why not for how easy it was. I do a lot of polished aluminum on my cafe racers and seems to hold up well over the years but haven't done much with stainless so we will see.

My house is under contract so I only about 5 weeks to get as much of the truck back together before putting it in storage. Got my fender extensions powder coated last week so if I can get my wheel wells cut and painted this week I may be able to mock up the front fenders

Re: 55 in NH build
 

Sharkhide works well to protect polished aluminum and such.

Re: 55 in NH build
 

One step forward two back these days. Only two more weeks before the truck goes to storage. I found a reputable drive line shop to shorten my drive shaft. I measured as they asked. took photos of how I measured. Had to take all my info in the parking lot. No one allowed inside with the state of things. its an hour away so after two trips I found out that they cut my drive shaft too long. I'm hoping I can dive it up there Monday and re-weld it while I wait otherwise I'll have 8hrs into this thing. :waah:

I plumbed my front brake lines tonight and upgraded the rubber lines to Russel stainless for a C5 Corvette Z06 which are a little longer.

I found some Fake rivets/bolts on ebay for my fender extensions. they seem like they will work well but the holes from the factory extensions to the aftermarket fenders are way off. Like 1/2" off. looks like my only optional are to drill new holes.

Re: 55 in NH build
 

I was able to get the truck slapped together in order to move it in time for my house closing. I haven't shimmed or adjusted anything yet but it looks more like a truck at least. I was probably a day away from being able to fire the truck up but ran out of time

Re: 55 in NH build
 

How long is it going to have to be stored?

Re: 55 in NH build
 

Looking good!

Re: 55 in NH build
 

Rickysnickers it all depends with everything going on in the world. I just sold my place Tuesday and my fiance is waiting to list hers seeing there are no open houses. The new house just has a two car under. The plan a month ago was to build a 3-4 garage out back this year but then the world changed... My work cut my pay by $2,100 a month and I just dodged getting furloughed yesterday so I'm just praying I can just get through the next couple of months. Once the dust settles I'll spend a day getting it running. just need to do some more electrical and hook up the fuel line. it will make it a lot easier if I can move it around under its own power. Stay safe fella's

Re: 55 in NH build
 

Not much new to report but I finally got her home to the new house. My current plan is to build a 24x42 garage. Trying to get some pricing on the site work which may cost as much as the structure.

Re: 55 in NH build
 

The project is evolving again lol . I was able to pick up a 2016 LT1 and 8L90 transmission with 26k. 455hp 460tq should move it along. :metal: I'll be collecting parts for a while. I'm going to do the DOD delete and have an LT5 cam on order. I'm hoping I can make enough room to keep the factory accessories. This Gen V stuff is a pretty big learning curve for me but I'm pretty excited about the prospect.

Re: 55 in NH build
 

Nice work on the build. That power train will make things interesting. Subscribed

Re: 55 in NH build
 

Your neighbor must hate you.

Re: 55 in NH build
 

Looks familiar :lol: If you run into any questions, feel free to ask. How complete is the engine?

Re: 55 in NH build
 

Thanks Jason. the engine was complete but the harness... looks like the salvage company just lopped off the BCM section and I had to purchase a new TCM that is being programmed. I figured I'll have to create a new trans tunnel as you but not sure if I will need to touch the firewall as much. im trying to keep the camaro accessories with the AC and Alt down low so I'll be moving the engine forward a bit to make some room.

Re: 55 in NH build
 

Having the BCM section cut off isn’t that big of a deal. You’ll just have to continuity track all the hots for the stand alone fuse/relay panel. Are you doing your own harness or sending it out? Are you planning on running The PWM fuel and cooling fan? Mitch at swap time is a great resource for these gen V engines.

Re: 55 in NH build
 

Ya I plan on having Mitch build the harness along with adding his hot rod module. Going to run the PWM fan and pump as well.

Re: 55 in NH build
 

You should keep all the GM stuff they spent millions on, as intact as possible.

Re: 55 in NH build
 

Got the drive train pulled today. the SBC looks tiny next to the LT1. Hope to start mock up soon.

Re: 55 in NH build
 

Nice tractor.

Re: 55 in NH build
 

Been ordering parts while I wait for the engine upgrades to be finished. Got a shifter in. HDX gauges have been ordered. Vaporworx ZL1 pump ring and and fittings are in.

Re: 55 in NH build
 

Got the engine back from the builder today. A bit of sticker shock later... Ordering the wire harness this week. They said it will take 6-8 weeks.

Re: 55 in NH build
 

You’re making great progress. What fuel pump are you planning on using?

Re: 55 in NH build
 

I have a ZL1 pump with a Vaporwokx lock ring welded into the tank. Im curious as to the sound level. The PO had an external holley pump that was crazy loud

Re: 55 in NH build
 

chances are with a internal pump in the tank you wont hardly hear it at all. I have been using Walbro internal pumps in my streetrods for years (original equipement in Mustangs and Camaros) i love em and they last forever since the fuel cools them in the tank.

Re: 55 in NH build
 

That’s cool. I just ordered the same pump and ring to mount in my tank.

Re: 55 in NH build
 

I still need to order a fuel pump controller and low pressure sensor but will add that into my harness order

Re: 55 in NH build
 

You won't hear it.

Re: 55 in NH build
 

Last_Paladin and his boys helped me mock up the engine. So far its tight but looks like everything will fit. Getting closer :metal:

Re: 55 in NH build
 

started bolting on as many bits as I can before finalizing my engine mounts. So far it doesn't look like I'll need to cut the firewall at all. Also ordered a high hump transmission cover to clear the center of the 8L90E. It was only $45 so I figured it would be a good starting point if I need to modify further.