Re: Markeb01 Build Thread
 

Mark I just wanted to say thanks again for the offer of the GMC letters. And thanks for all the great ideas that you share on the forum.

Thanks again!!

Re: Markeb01 Build Thread
 

You’re very welcome!

Another detail that has been bothering me since the first installation, has been the dash camera. I mounted it on the back window so it could capture and show everything going on in the cab. Unfortunately I hated the way it looked – sticking out from the back window with the wire hanging down. In this photo I did the best to conceal the camera with a Moon Equipped decal:

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/xq90/631/tXjp7H.jpg

Eventually the Moon decal was replaced with a USMC sticker which did a great job of hiding the camera mount:

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/xq90/674/mZKpy7.jpg

Regardless, I still didn’t like the whole arrangement as it ruins photos like this one (in my opinion) having all that junk showing in the back window:

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/xq90/540/vHEIUF.jpg

So I tried a variety of new locations, and settled on this one directly above the rear view mirror. Fyi the blue reflections are from my neon garage clock:

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/xq90/538/7JjdsI.jpg

Here’s a closer view of the same photo showing how well concealed the camera is:

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/xq90/661/9XkUwG.jpg

Here’s a shot from the other side:

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/xq90/674/NoyOX0.jpg

This interior shot doesn’t look all that great due to all the clutter outside the truck:

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/xq90/540/0A9Pmg.jpg

And finally here’s a close up of the mounting showing it attached where the old factory mirror mount used to be. The wire runs under the windshield gasket and is 99% hidden.

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/xq90/538/Ab8qMq.jpg

With the black stick-on-the-glass mirror, it keeps everything pretty discrete, and the new location really opens up the recorded images. I’m not sure what to do with the USMC decal in the back window. I may leave it alone and possibly add another to the inside so it looks the same on both sides. Or I may remove it and add a smaller version somewhere else.

Re: Markeb01 Build Thread
 

nice ..is it still powered by the cigarette lighter

Re: Markeb01 Build Thread
 

In a manner of speaking - yes it is. I haven't had a cigarette lighter in the dash for years, so when I needed power at the back window I wired up a "Power Socket" behind the driver's seat. I left that one in place, and picked up another one that is mounted off to the right of the fuse panel:

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/xq90/909/OG9IJT.jpg

This allows easy access to unplug the camera and use the power for a cell phone charger if needed. Just open the glove box door and grab the adapter. It also has a strong spring loaded lid which assists in holding the adapter firmly in the socket.

I also discovered aftermarket lighter sockets and power sockets aren't the same. Lighter sockets have "fingers" in them that expand allowing the lighter to pop out when hot.

Power sockets are smooth, and offer no features to pop out a hot lighter. I haven't checked, but imagine new cars come with lighter sockets so they don't end up having law suits.

Re: Markeb01 Build Thread
 

Minor update on the above post – the USMC decal was removed from the rear window, which really opened things up:

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/xq90/633/NwP7Km.jpg

But so that I didn’t abandon my heritage completely, I added a smaller version in the lower corner of the passenger side windshield:

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/xq90/674/UmbU0z.jpg

Here’s a closer view:

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/xq90/745/GYSajQ.jpg

Although the photo isn’t very good, this is a second decal added to the inside, so both sides match instead of having a blank backside:

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/xq90/538/G77n66.jpg

Re: Markeb01 Build Thread
 

Small decal in duplicate is really neat.

Again your attention to detail.

Cab interior pic looks great. Bit of a command centre.

Re: Markeb01 Build Thread
 

Hey Mark, Is that suction mount that you had on the rear part of the camera assembly that you bought or is it a separated item you found for the installation? I'm asking because I'm rigging up a laser alignment system for my Silverado to make aligning and loading my camper easier. I'm searching for mounting options and that mount looks like something I might be able to use to mount the laser in the back window.

Re: Markeb01 Build Thread
 

Thanks Rian, That’s kind of how I feel about it every time I climb in the cab!

The suction cup mounts that I’ve used came with the cheap Chinese import cameras I bought for dash cams in both of our cars. GoPro sells a bunch of different mounts, but they are all expensive. A while back I bought a third camera for use as a spare in case one of the other two fails. When relocating to above the windshield, I used the suction mount from the newest camera as it was smaller and fit better. The suction cup on that one is about 2” in diameter.

The one I had in the back window is about 2 5/8” in diameter. It is now surplus, so if you want it send me a PM with your mailing address and I’ll send it to you. The stud that screws into the camera (1/4x20) is a tad loose as the plastic rim holding it in place has a crack. I’ve added arrows to point it out. Krazy Glue or JB Weld would return it to like new performance. Here are photos of the back window mount:

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/xq90/540/3JRIpF.jpg

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/xq90/661/K2Wo2H.jpg

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/xq90/540/7hvBuk.jpg

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/xq90/743/k5kgCl.jpg

There is a lot of adjustability in the mount, and although I never tested it, I would imagine it is strong enough to support several pounds of equipment.

Re: Markeb01 Build Thread
 

Markeb01, That shot of your interior is cool. I really like your "roll and tuck" seats and kick panels. I like the whole theme of your truck. Great job.

Re: Markeb01 Build Thread
 

Thanks for your input Dubnova!

I was bored today so I went out and did a walk around video of the most recent updates to the truck. I think my cell phone camera lens must be dirty because it doesn’t look very clear to me. I suppose it could also be because of the grey overcast sky as well.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H0_g...ature=youtu.be

Re: Markeb01 Build Thread
 

looking good mark and sounds great

Re: Markeb01 Build Thread
 

Great video Mark, I must have missed the door pulls being added, unless you didn't post that up, everything is spot on bud!

Re: Markeb01 Build Thread
 

Very nice vid Mark. Yer truck is looking good. :metal:

Re: Markeb01 Build Thread
 

Awesome Video!!! Thanks for sharing!!! :metal:

Re: Markeb01 Build Thread
 

Thanks for the responses guys!

In my revised quest to improve a few things that don’t cost money, taking a look at new dash cam video revealed the mirror mount was showing up bottom center. It was being picked up because the lens on the camera was hanging straight off the bottom of the mount (as designed) which placed the lens behind the face of the mirror as shown in these two shots:

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/xq90/913/tyKNl7.jpg

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/xq90/537/5J0YQo.jpg

So a bit of simple engineering solved the problem. I had a preformed 90 degree bracket from the garage door installation. I sliced off the front half and drilled a hole at the top of the 90 degree bend. The plastic attachment bracket with the 1/4x20 stud was rotated directly to the rear and the bracket was permanently bolted to the camera.

Now to install or remove the camera the round black tripod knob at the rear is manipulated along with the power wire. No more rotating the camera around the immovable stud:

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/xq90/538/xlakcN.jpg

This places the camera far enough forward the mirror mount no longer shows up on the video.


On to the next project, it’s bothered me the new hood ornament is only attached with a single screw. Although it has held nice a tight, there is a risk it could be bumped/rotated scuffing the paint, or the screw broken resulting in the loss of the ornament.

The simple fix was drilling an additional hole in the hood for a secondary stabilizing bolt:

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/xq90/537/tnDuQq.jpg

A 1/4x20 bolt was attached to the bottom of the chrome base with JB Kwik in the correct location:

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/xq90/745/CD2rPY.jpg

The base was reattached to the hood, and fastened with a nut on the new stud:

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/xq90/540/SdbCAt.jpg

Here’s the finished product. Doesn’t look a bit different than before, but is much more secure:

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/xq90/661/eBclYr.jpg

And yes my hood (the whole truck) is really dirty. It’s been a while since it’s had a bath.

Re: Markeb01 Build Thread
 

With snow in the forecast, today seemed like a good time to switch over to the snow tires/wheels on both our cars and our daughters truck. Here’s a shot of the truck with it’s ugly wheels on:

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/xq90/538/nSjFmM.jpg

It would look a lot better with trim rings, but I hate wasting the money when it’s going to look dirty and unimpressive almost all the time these wheels are installed.

Re: Markeb01 Build Thread
 

This is what keeps me excited about working on these trucks.
All weather enjoyment. Not a garage queen.

Looks great Mark!

Re: Markeb01 Build Thread
 

I agree that it looks great even with the "ugly" wheels.

Re: Markeb01 Build Thread
 

I guess that with these wheels you feel it detracts from the truck Mark, but to be honest, they look greatly functional and look the part completely.

I like the look of these anyway.

Re: Markeb01 Build Thread
 

Nothing wrong with rally wheels my friend, the nicest wheels that the general ever made.

Re: Markeb01 Build Thread
 

Thanks for the comments guys. I suppose I should clarify my comment about the “ugly” wheels. I’m referring to the comparison to the American TTO’s I run in the non-winter months. IMHO the American Torque Thrusts are the most beautiful wheels ever developed on the planet. Substituting anything less results in a disappointing/ugly presentation.

The downside of the 5 spokes being how they affected the steering on a 1954 Chevy passenger car with stock sector/shaft steering. The additional offset of the 5 spokes made the car very hard to steer compared to relatively flat original rims.

I also find the Corvette style rally wheels the best design GM ever offered. For years I searched for 15” versions in the wrecking yard for my 54 Chevy, but could never find any affordable examples. I ended up with junkyard off brand 5 spoke mags instead as they were commonly available in the $5 price range.

Here’s an example from years ago:

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/xq90/911/l5pGU6.jpg

By the time my 67 Chevelle came along, many sizes of rally wheels became available in wrecking yards. This photo shows 14x6’s on the front and 15x7’s on the rear:

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/xq90/538/IfMkGY.jpg

It can be noted the beauty rings don’t match. The fronts are rounded and the rears have sharp corners. Over time, an SS396 hood was added along with 15X7’s rally wheels on the front with a full set of matching trim rings. Here it is after being wrecked by a red-light-running drunk driver:

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/xq90/907/KfRusG.jpg

Since my winter tires are mounted on 15x6 front and 15x7 rear rally wheels, I can’t add matching beauty rings, and I don’t want to go through the process of searching through all the various trim rings trying to find some that match, and I don’t want to waste the money buying 15x7” rims for the front snow tires for purely cosmetic reasons.

So once again after spending too much time studying a subject requiring no attention, I’ve come up with another option for the rally wheels. Spun aluminum (MOON) racing discs were very popular back in the 50’s and remain popular in certain circles today.

So I put some on the 1/25th model of my own truck to get an idea of how they’d look:

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/xq90/537/F6YgMA.jpg

They are just stuck on with double faced tape and are a bit crooked, but I think they look pretty cool. Since the truck runs the snow tires from November to April, I’d like to have an appearance that pleases me as much in the winter as the Americans do the rest of the year and I think this might do the trick.

Speedway offers some nice examples for under $20 each, which is the cheapest option I can find if I go this way. What do you think?

Re: Markeb01 Build Thread
 

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/xq90/538/nSjFmM.jpg


THIS....^^^^^

Has inspired me to go down to the garage today to tidy up a bit.

If you walked into my garage right now, I suspect you would be compelled to start clearing it up, or to turn and run.

I still find your thread takes me back into old posts and reports, inspiring and kicking my own butt.


Next Sunday Bob is coming over with his van to pull the crease in my door and to show me how, so place needs to be tidier.

Re: Markeb01 Build Thread
 

15x6 front with a square lip beauty ring that matched the 15x8 on the rear
Attachment 1325268

Re: Markeb01 Build Thread
 

Always love checking in on you and your ongoing truck saga...:mm:

That 54 is :metal::metal::metal:

Re: Markeb01 Build Thread
 

X2 :metal: Always keenly interested in what you are up to Mark, love the discs on the model of your truck, I would think that they would be easy to keep clean through the winter months as well.

Re: Markeb01 Build Thread
 

Thanks Rian. Inspiration from other members is what keeps me hanging around here as well!


Thanks Duallyjams. Your photo post forced me to go back through all the links I saved looking at beauty rings. I discovered in two of them information claiming the 15x2.5” trim rings for 15x7” rims also fit the 15x6” rims. I measured both my front and back wheels and the 15x6” fronts have 3” of clearance while the 15x7” rears have 3.5” of clearance. Of course I have no idea how the beauty rings are measured, but I’m convinced that they’ll fit - enough to have ordered a set from Speedway:

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/xq90/905/XyyrQ9.jpg

I guess we’ll find out on Thursday whether they do or not.

The real deal buster for the racing discs was the thought of installing and removing them. Both of my knees are shot and stooping, squatting or kneeling down is crippling. I gave away my 3 bar knock offs for the mags because I couldn’t handle the pain of installation or removal, so beauty rings which go on once and stay there sounded much more inviting. I also think they are going to look better. I think the rally wheels are as attractive as the 5 spokes when the trim rings are in place.

It was a fun car. I bought it from the original owner in dead stock condition. A 283 with the 30-30 cam, BW 4 speed and 57 rear end made it a blast to drive. Like my truck, I could never leave it alone. It changed back and forth from a hot rod with mags, to a stocker with skirts, little hubcaps and beauty rings. It was a real sleeper in that configuration.

Thanks Craigrrr, I was thinking the same thing until the bad knees reminder popped up!

Re: Markeb01 Build Thread
 

In the never give up department, I still am toying with ideas for bumper mounting fog/driving light housings blended into the bumper (instead of plain bumper bullets). I had considered the 57 Chevy housings mentioned earlier, but more recently I started eyeballing the 56 Buick housings:

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/xq90/537/eLr8yn.jpg

I like the eyebrow over the top front, and there would be plenty of room for mounting and adjusting the lamp. The housing appears to be one piece with the upper/outer grille bar, but I only need the forward 4” or so of the bullet/housing as it would taper from shallow at the bottom front to thick at the upper rear to match the bumper profile. The top of the housings would be mounted perhaps a bit lower than the height of my last bumper bullet attempt, and may or may not include the bottom of the original bumper guards:

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/xq90/912/gIVS9Y.jpg

Now the search begins for some affordable Buick housings, or until some other idea distracts my attention!

Re: Markeb01 Build Thread
 

that is just a flat-out cool truck.

Re: Markeb01 Build Thread
 

Well Christmas came early today. The rally wheel beauty rings from Speedway showed up and were soon installed with the help of my wife. As I read in another customer’s feedback, they are indeed difficult to install and are best done with two people and the wheels flat on the floor. I was thrilled to confirm the 15x2.5” rings work perfectly on both the 15x6” and 15x7” wheels. Here they are installed:

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/xq90/905/searQE.jpg

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/xq90/540/QEULfj.jpg

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/xq90/673/ETF4ih.jpg

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/xq90/905/G91cHF.jpg

What a huge improvement they make in the cosmetics of the truck. Now I like it as much with the snow tires as the summer treads. Also note I reinstalled the 327 fender emblems a few days ago. I think they look even more at home now that the truck has Chevy rally wheels. Until I looked at the photos I didn't realize how bad the tires need some cleaning and dressing! Maybe tomorrow.

Re: Markeb01 Build Thread
 

Yup. Rings work for me.

I had a 1982 Ford Cortina pickup as a student and had polished stainless trim rings on it. Got loads of compliments.

One of the nicest cars I had.

Re: Markeb01 Build Thread
 

The Rallies look great on your truck, Mark.

Re: Markeb01 Build Thread
 

Ok...:confused:
Here's my question. ..
Why on earth would anyone drive a vehicle as beautifully and meticulously restored as that in inclement weather? :cool:

Re: Markeb01 Build Thread
 

mark have you ever tried the grape soda on a sponge for the tires ..i use to do that on my 2000 pete

Re: Markeb01 Build Thread
 

Aaaahhhh Chris......

Your response has made me grin.

I hope to have a half decent truck once I have rebuilt it, but mine will always be a working truck.

I think Mark is probably just not too precious and protective about it as he enjoys using it more than he does parking it up.

I guess this will always be an ongoing debate around using restored trucks or showing them.

Re: Markeb01 Build Thread
 

Thanks Clem!

Thanks Grizz, I’m of the same mindset. I’ve had a bunch of different rings on various cars going back to the early 70’s.

Thanks PDX. To me they now look like real Rally Wheels with the trim rings.

I have a Honda CRV for our daily driver, but the truth is with my worn out spine the truck is far more comfortable for me. I avoid taking it out during severe snow when I can, but I just enjoy driving it too much to leave it in the garage all winter. It is also covered in cheap enamel paint so it can be repaired inexpensively.

I haven’t tried it yet, but I’ve heard good things about it. I’ll have to give that a try when the supply of ArmorAll Extreme Tire Shine Gel I have runs out.

Your input Rian is right on the money about how I feel about my truck. Participating in car shows, my truck gets lost and ignored in a sea of paint jobs that cost more than my whole truck. But pulling up to an old gas pump in the middle of nowhere, it becomes a celebrity that is long remembered by the lonely guy working there that never gets to see a cool car. To me that’s really fulfilling. Same thing with the young kids that climb in and exclaim “wow, look at this – this truck goes 160 MPH” (because that is what the speedo says)! We get the same reaction when loading the bed with wood or equipment – “How can use a truck like this for hauling stuff? If I had a truck this nice I’d never take it out of the garage”!

I have too much fun driving it to want to be in anything else.

Re: Markeb01 Build Thread
 

Well said, truck was built to enjoy it as you choose to.

Re: Markeb01 Build Thread
 

Love it with the rallys Mark, and glad to see the 327 emblems back, looks great

Re: Markeb01 Build Thread
 

always been a rings and caps kinda guy, really like louvers and fins too, just, i don't really tell anyone, but thanks to you mark... i've added ports and bumper boobs to my list of favorite things...

Re: Markeb01 Build Thread
 

I guess I am labouring a point here, but Dagmars and those ports are so traditional to the scene that those of us who like or get them will always vote for them.

The trim rings can so radically change the look.

I will have dig around in a bit, but there is a truck on here on steels with trim rings whose look I would trade right now for my chrome smoothies.

Craig's build here has me drooling and actually wanting a set of these wheels real badly.

https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=546694


http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/a...1&d=1349751021

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-f...vy-truck-1.jpg

Of course stance, tyre choice etc comes into play as well.

I need to find that other truck to illustrate my point.

Lastly, I think Marks truck through evolving has realized a lot of our own loves and likes for our own trucks.

Re: Markeb01 Build Thread
 

I thought it would be fun to see how much some of the accessories cost back in 1959 when my truck was brand new. Prices are from issue 150 of the J.C. Whitney catalog. Some similar items are now, or previously been on my truck, or are popular with collectors:

Illuminated compass: $6.95

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/xq90/910/noyBfa.jpg

4 way flasher: $4.35

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/xq90/673/TVkkUa.jpg

Unity 12v spotlight: $19.95 – Wow these things were expensive!

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/xq90/540/LdPcIX.jpg

Buick porthole lights: $ 8.95 – these were pretty costly as well.

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/xq90/540/k4PDO5.jpg

Chrome ball knobs, either smooth or with 4 bumps: $0.35 each.

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/xq90/674/wHhTCW.jpg

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/xq90/904/XzrY5Y.jpg

“Moon” pedal (probably Eelco, or Cal Custom):

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/xq90/904/AQMNST.jpg

Universal Buick style hood ornament: $2.95. (Mine may have cost $0.50 more as it was designed to bolt on top of a 46 Ford ornament)!

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/xq90/674/AkXW5y.jpg