Re: Elwood the 77_remix
 

I know, right. Those VinTechs are timeless, but i feel like these will look even better.

Re: Elwood the 77_remix
 

My buddy Keith says the same thing. What series/model are you using?

Re: Elwood the 77_remix
 

I have 2 - 12577 on mine. Love them.

Re: Elwood the 77_remix
 

Yesterday I got some nude photos from Brent at Sculpt Garage. No, I haven't switched teams, he was showing me that the seat foam in my stock bench still looks great. He plans to layer it with fresh foam to give some depth to the inserts, but the core of it is still functional.

Brent received a shipment from Chris at Snowden Supply with a few yards of Enduratex "Oxen" vinyl inside. He will be starting the seat rebuild this week.

Re: Elwood the 77_remix
 

I like the new wheels so much I think I need a pair for my new to me 83. Any idea when they can be purchased and price point.

Re: Elwood the 77_remix
 

You will need to contact your local Wheel Pro dealer. They can give you info on pricing and availability.

Re: Elwood the 77_remix
 

Friday night shop session was focused on the rear axle. I wanted to pull it to clean it up a bit. The stock shock mounts were still attached, and the pinion seal is seeping.

I had preciously removed most of the 4 link and set it aside. I finished removing some components and disconnected the E brake cable and brake line.

I pulled the inspection cover and drained the gear oil. While that was off, I tested the fit of the Moser Engineering differential cover. I was concerned that the panhard bar mount might create a conflict, and it does. I'll address that issue later.

Re: Elwood the 77_remix
 

With the 12 bolt on the ground i was able to slide it out from under the truck. I recall removing the bottom shock mounts from Scarlett while laying on my back. I decided to do it standing up on Elwood.

After a few minutes with a cut off wheel, followed by a flapper disc the axle was cleaner looking. I plan to make new brake lines and replace the rubber with braided stainless. I am working with Wilwood to determine what brakes I will run. That will decide how the lines are laid out.

Time constraints wont allow me to change gears and add a locker. My 3.08 one wheel peel differential will have to do for now.

Re: Elwood the 77_remix
 

Hooked & reeled in Ken! Elwood is spot on in so many ways :cool:

Re: Elwood the 77_remix
 

Come on in and enjoy the show.

Re: Elwood the 77_remix
 

I finally had a few minutes to compare the specs on the mufflers I was considering. I am restricted by my RideTech 4 link not allowing space to run a true dual system out the back. Consequently I need a free flowing muffler that wont be too loud in the cab.

I looked hard at the Borla XL series since I have them on Scarlett and know what they sound like. I compared them to the Magnaflow for size, appearance, and sound.

Its hard to compare sound when there are so many variables, but I listened to several sound clips and liked the Magnaflow stainless series best. The end result is I will be running a MagnaFlow 14336 which is a 2.5" SI/SO.

Up front I have 2.5" Corvette ramhorns flowing in to a mandrel bend Y pipe. I will use Deeds Engineering V bands to connect to a Vibrant Performance #64810 10" flex coupling going back to the Magnaflow muffler. That will be suspended by Deeds Engineering billet brackets and hangers.

From there I will have to rely on Alex my exhaust technician at New Star Muffler to work his magic and get the exhaust pip under the rise in the frame to the wheel well.

Re: Elwood the 77_remix
 

I believe that will be a great choice!

Re: Elwood the 77_remix
 

DeJaVu for me with my last weekend!....I fitted up my 4 link conversion
I also will have to modify my moser cover....thinking of just welding together.....or even welded bracket to actual diff housing instead...

Re: Elwood the 77_remix
 

I like my stainless magnaflows, but with the small block, they can get a little glass-packy. Brrraaaap!

Re: Elwood the 77_remix
 

I hope it has a good sound. I'm going to run as much tailpipe as possible to clean it up.

Re: Elwood the 77_remix
 

I wont be able to determine a solution until I get the axle back in place. I need to see how much needs to be removed from the bracket, or housing. I dont want to compromise the integrity of either part.

Re: Elwood the 77_remix
 

I received a batch of goodies from Deeds Engineering yesterday. I would normally say the pics dont do them justice. In this case Kevin has some fantastic photos on his website and the finished product looks just as nice. These definitely are multi level up in quality over standard exhaust components.

Re: Elwood the 77_remix
 

Wow those are nice. Trying to picture how they bolt up.

Re: Elwood the 77_remix
 

The V bands are a three piece component. There are two rings that slide over the exhaust pipe. The outer band clamps around both rings and clamps them together to create a seal.

Those flat tabs are weld to the exhaust system. The "dogbones" are captured between the tabs. They have a built in bushing to absorb some of the vibration. There are additional hangers that will be utilized as we get the system laid out.

Re: Elwood the 77_remix
 

Very cool.

Re: Elwood the 77_remix
 

A swing, and a miss. I got my exhaust parts from Summit today. I wanted to test fit everything to see how it fit. Yikes! I was not even close. In my defense, its not easy trying to lay on your back, hold parts in place, and measure what you need.

I ordered a 10" Flex fitting and its way too long. I wanted as much flex as possible but a 6" tube will have to suffice. I mistakenly pulled the Magnaflow part number for a offset/offset muffler. Instead I need a center/offset to work.

Fortunately Summit has an excellent return policy. Since the parts weren't installed, they emailed me a prepaid return label. As soon as they see that I shipped the parts they will process my new parts. Thanks Summit!

Re: Elwood the 77_remix
 

Looks like there might be a change in plans. I located a 10 bolt with 3.42 gears locally. I'm supposed to pick it up later today.

I was sick over the Thanksgiving weekend so i didnt get any shop time. I manged to finish my work on Friday but that was about it. Saturday was bad and Sunday I slept all day.

I'm somewhat better today, so I'll be doing updates later.

Re: Elwood the 77_remix
 

Everything looks fantastic as usual! Can’t wait to see that interior finished up!

Re: Elwood the 77_remix
 

It really sucked not being able to put in shop time this weekend. I'm trying to shake a respiratory infection and I find the best cure is sleep. Consequently I was rather depressed today after a much needed weekend past by.
Fortunately I received some pics today from Brent at Sculpt Garage He is almost finished with the seat for Elwood. I wanted to wait till I picked it up to post pics, but I cant. I'm really pleased with the results.

The insert material is OEM for earlier squares, and the red emulates the 1977 grain. Its a brighter red by Enduratex in the Oxen series. Its a bit brighter than what I wanted but so far everyone I show it to likes it better than my choice.

Lets see what the critics think?

Re: Elwood the 77_remix
 

Spot on! Beautiful

Re: Elwood the 77_remix
 

Looks really good!

Re: Elwood the 77_remix
 

Where did you source the OEM material?

Re: Elwood the 77_remix
 

That's next level stuff for sure. Ken, yourself and Elwood is what has inspired a lot of us younger guys to get into the squarebody trucks. This definitely raises that bar to another level. Killer work as usual sir.

Re: Elwood the 77_remix
 

The new seat looks great! I really do like the red you used!

Can't wait to see Elwood in February.

Re: Elwood the 77_remix
 

Thanks guys. I'm trying to stay true to the original truck with some pleasing updates. The OEM material came from SMS Auto fabrics They have the best selection and are very knowledgeable on their inventory. I was apprehensive about using 40 year old vinyl until I got the sample. It still had that "new car" smell to it.

Re: Elwood the 77_remix
 

Bobby that means a lot my friend. My hope is to show that persistence can produce a quality build with a fair budget in an average back yard shop.

Re: Elwood the 77_remix
 

Are you wrapping or painting the rest of the interior? Hard to beat red guts on black :metal:

Re: Elwood the 77_remix
 

Wow...that's really going to look great with the black!

Re: Elwood the 77_remix
 

Well I am definitely following along. I will be working on a factory 2WD 1978 Blazer soon and really like your attention to detail. I only hope I can get close to the level you have achieved.

Re: Elwood the 77_remix
 

The bottom of the dash will be painted. The dashpad and plastic trim parts will be dyed. I dont think I'm going to paint the back of the cab red as depicted. That opens up a can of worms with no real stopping point.

Re: Elwood the 77_remix
 

Thanks Persistence pays off. Break it down in to small jobs and stay focused on the end result.

Re: Elwood the 77_remix
 

This respiratory infection is kicking my butt, so I'm trying to work on the inside rather than the shop. I have been working with my Wilwood getting the brakes lined out for Elwood. We finally got where I need to be so heres what I'm going with.

Up front I will be running 13" slotted rotors with black 6 piston calipers. In the rear we went with 13" (technically 12.88") with 4 piston calipers. This set up uses an internal E brake.

Re: Elwood the 77_remix
 

I already had a 13" set up for the front, but they have the previous style font on them. Wilwood wanted them to match, and of course I agreed. If anyone is interested in a pair of Wilwood 6 piston calipers (calipers only) that are still new in the original box, message me. I will sell them for 25% less than Summit.
Please DO NOT reply in the thread.

Re: Elwood the 77_remix
 

So the brakes are specked out to the factory rear end and the Ridetech front spindles? Please supply the part numbers when you have the time.

Also, do you know of anyone that has used the Ridetech coil over setup on a factory 2WD Blazer (ie: like my 1978 Blazer)

Re: Elwood the 77_remix
 

I will post all the part numbers later. I do recall that RideTech was talking with someone about that install. Obviously the front will work just fine. I'm not sure what they offer for the rear.