Re: My 50 roadster pickup build
 

truck looks great out in the sun Jim...

Re: My 50 roadster pickup build
 

Kees, I installed the FiTech unit, after a few minutes reprograming some idle stuff and off throttle response time, mine has worked great. It runs so much better, starts fast, and is a joy to drive. Even my cruise control works better with the FiTech unit. Mark and I have installed 4 units on different cars, and everyone is happy with them.

I think some people have had problems, but you don't know how they did the install, etc. Maybe we were just lucky, but I truly think its just following everything correctly. One car I did we used the command center, instead of an in line pump. I don't care for the command center, but he hasn't had any problems..Jim

Re: My 50 roadster pickup build
 

Thanks guys, will get some the next time I'm out (I was out again today 78 and sunny, but no camera)...Jim

Re: My 50 roadster pickup build
 

Well, guys and gals, I'm back again with some changes. Since we've put the truck back together, I've been driving it alot in April, and I've noticed little things that needed attention. One main concern was how it was riding in the rear, just ruff, etc. The last time I had NSRA check my truck, they said there was play in the Vibration damper u joint. So I bought new U joint and shaft to replace. Also at around 65 to 70 on my highway is a quick up/down hill (dip) in a couple spots, and I was hearing this grinding noise, when it made the transition. Needed to be checked out. I decided that it was time to replace my rear shocks. I wanted to again install QA1 adjustable shocks (pricey but they are nice). After talking with tech we finally found a short enough shock to work. All my parts came in this week and today, Mark said he would start on the truck. Mark had most of the work done, by the time I got back from the nursing home.

1. The grinding noise was the drive shaft hitting the rivet on the main crossmember. When we installed new motor mounts and trans mounts (earlier last year) they changed the height of driveshaft and put it closer to the crossmember. It was just barely hitting so, Mark cut down one rivets. He also re-routing my E-brake cable so the drive shaft won't hit it.

2. A bolt had come out of the power steering bracket just under the reservoir, so he replaced that.

3. He replace the old steering shaft unit with new stuff (see pics below).

4. He replace the rear shocks. The right rear shock was wore out, it had no resistance, right one still had gas in it (see pics below).

Took it out for a quick drive, and man what a difference. I have leaf springs in the rear and the new shocks made all the difference in the world. Well worth the cost for me. I set the adjustment for a soft compress and rebound, and it feels great. No more grinding in the highway dip, etc.
Mark did find a exhaust leak in my H pipe, will get new gasket and replace.

So for now my spring maintenace in done and I'm happy. Thanks son...Jim

P.S. I cleaned the front good when it was apart. The rear section now, needs to be cleaned (another day).

Re: My 50 roadster pickup build
 

man you are lucky to have a son like mark (he is pretty lucky to have a hot rod dad too, dont get me wrong). my girls wouldnt spit on my projects even if they were on fire.

those shocks have a great rating, I hear a lot of good about them.

Re: My 50 roadster pickup build
 

Good job Mark, I'm sure it is appreciated!

Re: My 50 roadster pickup build
 

Thanks Russ, we both enjoy what we do, I just wish I was a few years younger, I still do things, but he's faster. The QA1 shocks up front, made it easier for me to spend the money for the rears...Jim

Re: My 50 roadster pickup build
 

Re: My 50 roadster pickup build
 

Well, after about 3-1/2 hours of polishing my wheels and cleaning the tires, the old gal is looking better. I'm guessing it's been about 2 yrs, since they were last done. Anyhow here's a few pics...Jim

Re: My 50 roadster pickup build
 

Dang it Jim, That Truck is still Very Pretty! You and Mark have done a good job getting it back on the road and it's even in Better Shape.

Re: My 50 roadster pickup build
 

Wheels look great!

Re: My 50 roadster pickup build
 

I love the look of polished aluminum but man do they need the upkeep! nice job jim!

Re: My 50 roadster pickup build
 

Wow, the polishing made an amazing difference!

Re: My 50 roadster pickup build
 

Thanks Ray, can't wait till weather clears up so I can give it a good drive...Jim

Thanks guys, it's not that bad, with the cone & drill, but takes some time. Should be good for the rest of the year...Jim

Re: My 50 roadster pickup build
 

Jim, You truck is back to it's great look. Big CONGRATS!

Hey, if you don't mind telling: What polish are you using? Mother's or Meguire's? By hand or do you use one of those foam balls chucked into a drill? Mi ne haven't been re-polished in about 2 years and I have one of the foam balls but have never used it yet.

Thanks in advance, Dan

Re: My 50 roadster pickup build
 

Thanks Dan. I've used Mother's & Meguire's and also others. Today I used Busch products, they seem to work well. I think I got them at an NSRA event, not sure. I use the cone shape foam in the drill, it works great with my style wheel. It is easy to clean with Dawn dish soap. I also do part by hand, mainly the small lip near tire. Here's a couple pics...Jim

Re: My 50 roadster pickup build
 

Just a quick update about the rear QA1 shocks. Weather was great yesterday and today, so I was able to put more miles on the truck. I am so happy with how it rides now, a big difference, well worth the cost, as far as I'm concerned...Jim

Re: My 50 roadster pickup build
 

good advice, thanks!

Re: My 50 roadster pickup build
 

Looks good Jim....way to add the "Bling" back.

Marc

Re: My 50 roadster pickup build
 

Thanks Marc, what's the latest with you?...Jim

Re: My 50 roadster pickup build
 

I've been laying in the weeds getting work done on the Suburban chassis. As soon as I get the rest of the parts back I will show some progress pics. I like how the chassis is taking shape. My son and I had the 48 out last night. I drove it to his Lacrosse game.

Thanks
Marc

Re: My 50 roadster pickup build
 

Look forward to the pics. Glad you were with the son, and enjoying your beautiful ride...Jim

Re: My 50 roadster pickup build
 

Remember back in late March I talked about 52 interior door panels, well I started posting in the Detailing section today, here's the link if you want to take a look http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...t8520200...Jim

Re: My 50 roadster pickup build
 

Nice job on the wheels!
Truck is looking superb!

Just read your doorpanel thread, Thanks for the tip!

Re: My 50 roadster pickup build
 

Thanks Kees, anytime...Jim

Re: My 50 roadster pickup build
 

Was asked about my fender horse, so I made a short post. This way I can show the link if more are interested http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=786978 ..Jim

Re: My 50 roadster pickup build
 

just read the doorpanel thread, great DIY start to finish.

Re: My 50 roadster pickup build
 

Thanks Russ...Jim

Re: My 50 roadster pickup build
 

Re: My 50 roadster pickup build
 

The older I get the less I'm willing to accept summertime with no AC!

Nice work, I'm sure it's much appreciated!

Re: My 50 roadster pickup build
 

Very much so...Jim

Re: My 50 roadster pickup build
 

AC?...I thought that's what the drop top was for...haha... I bet it feels good in that ltiitl cab!...

Re: My 50 roadster pickup build
 

That'll do!

Re: My 50 roadster pickup build
 

wow nice work mark, these cabs really need AC and 41 degrees in the "humidity belt" is a real promise.

Re: My 50 roadster pickup build
 

AC in a roadster??
You must have some Hot summers then?
We use the AC mostly to get the fog off the windscreens in wintertime.....:lol::lol:

Only joking Jim ;)

Re: My 50 roadster pickup build
 

Kees, we have "humid" summers here in southern Missouri, so AC is much needed. I also enjoy the top off with the AC on, or heat on in the fall...Jim

Re: My 50 roadster pickup build
 

Unless you've lived I the south it's hard to imagine what Jim's talking about...miserable doesn't begin to describe it...

Re: My 50 roadster pickup build
 

+1

I grew up in western Nebraska (almost Wyoming), 4000' elevation and arid...Northeast KS is like living in a sauna in the summer, and not near as bad as you guys further South!

Re: My 50 roadster pickup build
 

Well, we all have to move where it’s warm and dry then :lol::lol:

I know what you mean Jim, AC is a great thing to have!

Re: My 50 roadster pickup build