Re: Dirty Dianah (No)... Bagged 72 Stepside/LSx/T56
 

LOL. Thanks bro! Me too! Looking forward to progress. I have pics from this week to post. I will do that when I do the next set of pix today. Did your truck come in yet?
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Re: Dirty Dianah (No)... Bagged 72 Stepside/LSx/T56
 

No..I am still waiting for it to get picked up. The transport truck was waiting on a part for his brakes so my truck getting picked up got delayed. He should be there today to pick it up. I wont get to see the truck for about another week or so.

Re: Dirty Dianah (No)... Bagged 72 Stepside/LSx/T56
 

Holy crap! You have a lot of work into this truck. I love it! Its one of my favorite stepsides on the forum. How big is your "Z" in the front? Looks about 2"? Did you do it with the cab and everything in place? Any issues with motor or trasmission clearance? I REALLY want to do that to mine, but I would have to take it to a shop to get it done...

Re: Dirty Dianah (No)... Bagged 72 Stepside/LSx/T56
 

Thanks buddy. It is about a 3". Did it with cab on. No issues at all. It rides awesome. I am looking forward to seeing how it handles now
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Re: Dirty Dianah (No)... Bagged 72 Stepside/LSx/T56
 

Exciting times! What's first?
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Re: Dirty Dianah (No)... Bagged 72 Stepside/LSx/T56
 

just little things...I am pretty much planning on hoarding parts and going at most of it all in one shot..Going to change the steering column to auto (3 on the tree now)....Shorten it and and add tilt. Also looking for motor and transmission. Not sure which direction Im going with suspension yet. I wanted porterbuilt to lay frame, but I have an oppurtunity to buy a complete almost new ridetech mild c-notch kit from another member on the board who lives very close by me for a very reasonable price. I have a feeling I will regret not making it lay frame though if I go that route so I might just stay porterbuilt. The other thing thats bothering me is how difficult it looks to be to get 22's or 24's to tuck in the back of a stepper without hacking it up with major modding. I may just ride out on the rally's with white walls laying frame for a while until I figure that out and just raise the bed like you did. I need to have the truck in my hands first to see what I need to do or redo first before I start getting crazy. I also need some $$. The transport got delayed again until tomorrow morning. The trailer had brake issues and the driver was stuck in Arizona waiting on parts and repairs. The truck is fixed and he is picking up my truck first thing in the morning. She is commming home first class in a hard enclosed trailer on the top rack and not moving until she gets to florida. She is the cheapest vehicle on the trailer, with maserattis, porches, and other high end sports cars surrounding her. I ended up spending more money for a cleaner truck (3000 miles away) right up front and kind of tapped out my budget at the moment. The original plan was to get something like Walter's truck and then bag it right away and kind of ratrod it out for a while while I cleaned it up. Then this truck came along and I couldnt say no and got a little implusive. Hoping I made the right choice going with the cleaner 90% done 10 year old frame off restoration. I figured it would save me alot of headaches/time/money looking for little things and making cosmetic repairs. Now I can take my time buying quality parts and do the bulk of the major work in one shot. These pics were taken yesterday as the truck is being prepared with spare parts in the bed for the 3000 mile trip to its new home. There are a few boxes of parts in the bed of the truck and an extra drivers door.

Did you get any progress done on the motor this weekend? Any new pics? I am really looking forward to seeing how that works out for you. Hoping to seeing a cool video of you hitting switches again and burning some rubber.

Re: Dirty Dianah (No)... Bagged 72 Stepside/LSx/T56
 

Wow! Very cool pics! Congrats again on a sweet purchase. Sounds like a solid game plan. I will tell you this - if you want to lay frame, do not cheat yourself and half-@ss it, because you will look back and say - damn, I wanted to to that...and then spending money to undo whatever. Get it home, and see if you really want to go that big. I think you will be surprised at how big 20s look under a stepper. Personally, that is probably as big as I would go, and that would be for shows. I enjoy the simplicity of 15" wheels. Once this is done, I am going with 10" wide in the rear...so it will definitely be interesting :).

I did get some pics...made some progress. I will post those momentarily...

Re: Dirty Dianah (No)... Bagged 72 Stepside/LSx/T56
 

I see that it has been a while since I have posted pics in here. So, let me catch you up to where we are:

Got the cab off of the frame, and got some measurements to see where the stock GTO shifter would land in the cab. In its stock form, it will be about 3 inches past the optimal spot for me, with the engine in the place that we want it, using the Dirty Dingo motor mount plates (which are SWEET, btw).

https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphot...27084085_n.jpg

That being the case, I purchased a Hurst shifter for the 2002 Camaro, which uses the forward location, and saves a bunch of fabrication work to be done later.
https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphot...00513358_n.jpg

As you can see in this picture, I have changed fuel pumps yet again. I want to make sure I am getting the biggest bang for the buck, so I spent a bit more, and got a competition style fuel pump from Mallory. This thing is freakin sweet! I also got a billet fuel filter and you already know that I updated the FPR to a higher performing model. If I end up boosting this thing, I do not want to have to go back and remove this stuff.

Re: Dirty Dianah (No)... Bagged 72 Stepside/LSx/T56
 

Those two boxes in the pic above hold the electric fans that I will probably mount as pushers later on.

I had to remove the old motor mounts, and replace them with the 73-87 style mounts
https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphot...57483348_o.jpg
https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphot...42459046_n.jpg

Yes, I know I have some surface rust from the cleaning of the chassis and other components. Soon these will be cleaned again, and treated to some nice, durable coverings. Speaking of which - I cleaned the motor and transmission, and painted the cases cast aluminum silver and black. Looks so much better now. Will look better buttoned up, headers on, engine cover on and running....but that is soon!

https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphot...81897225_n.jpg

In this pic, you can see the Dirty Dingo mount plates on. I had to remove the A/C Compressor so that the plate can be mounted.
https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphot...29523576_n.jpg

https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphot...55168395_n.jpg

Re: Dirty Dianah (No)... Bagged 72 Stepside/LSx/T56
 

Many of you have been asking why I have not painted the frame yet...well, I am still adding custom parts to it.

For instance, the fuel tank has been removed from the cab, and this has been put in its place:
https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphot...15048491_n.jpg

In order for this to be completely safe, we are going to build a cage for it, and ensure that at the lowest ride height, it is safe and clear from damage. When laid out, it will be 2" from the ground. In addition, it just will look really nice.

https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphot...21187504_n.jpg
https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphot...24928096_n.jpg

Re: Dirty Dianah (No)... Bagged 72 Stepside/LSx/T56
 

Cool action shot of Walter:
https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphot...79861909_n.jpg

Facebook Page for Leon Millette Photography - Please "Like" the Page

Re: Dirty Dianah (No)... Bagged 72 Stepside/LSx/T56
 

Once all of the fancy work to the frame is complete, I will be painting it all black.
In addition, when she returns, she will not only drive differently....but she will be sporting a 67 front clip!

Re: Dirty Dianah (No)... Bagged 72 Stepside/LSx/T56
 

lookin good boys and that really is an awesome shot of Walter shoot you should send that into Miller/Lincoln for a new poster Ad :)

Re: Dirty Dianah (No)... Bagged 72 Stepside/LSx/T56
 

not a bad idea...thanks buddy!

Re: Dirty Dianah (No)... Bagged 72 Stepside/LSx/T56
 

hey! Walter stole my welding helmet!! lol (i have the same one)

Re: Dirty Dianah (No)... Bagged 72 Stepside/LSx/T56
 

Those mounts are sweet, thanks for the tip!

You mentioned you would have to use 73-up mounts (or stands, maybe)---but it looks like they would bolt to the regular 72 SBC mounts and stands. Am I missing something?
JK

Re: Dirty Dianah (No)... Bagged 72 Stepside/LSx/T56
 

Looks awesome cant wait to see more pictures!!

Re: Dirty Dianah (No)... Bagged 72 Stepside/LSx/T56
 

Looking good!

Re: Dirty Dianah (No)... Bagged 72 Stepside/LSx/T56
 

Do you have any plans to box the frame where you "Z'd" the front?
That frame is pretty scarey looking to me.
Especially with some horsepower under the hood.
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Re: Dirty Dianah (No)... Bagged 72 Stepside/LSx/T56
 

Great question.

This frame is boxed and gusseted already. It Has actually been driven on for 20k plus miles as such, and no tweaks, cracks or signs of stress or weakness. The 327 that was pulled out weighs 575 lbs and the LQ4 weighs 540 lbs....less with a/c compressor removed. So we are definitely in great shape. :metal:
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Re: Dirty Dianah (No)... Bagged 72 Stepside/LSx/T56
 

The old stands and mounts could be made to work, but the 73 + add a little bit of security and are a bit superior. Pics coming soon.
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Re: Dirty Dianah (No)... Bagged 72 Stepside/LSx/T56
 

This is the part I am talking about.
Must be an old picture,... because that's not "boxed" in this picture.

That's the part I would be worried about.

Re: Dirty Dianah (No)... Bagged 72 Stepside/LSx/T56
 

The thing is it has not been a problem. Not a problem to add additional bracing there, but the z you can see on earlier pics.
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Re: Dirty Dianah (No)... Bagged 72 Stepside/LSx/T56
 

alright its been a whole day and a half! wheres the burnout videos!

Re: Dirty Dianah (No)... Bagged 72 Stepside/LSx/T56
 

My wife's birthday is Monday, so I had to take her away. I did not get to work on it this weekend :(. We are up in the mountains from Friday to Tuesday.
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Re: Dirty Dianah (No)... Bagged 72 Stepside/LSx/T56
 

Thanks Lolife...

We are going to definitely go through the frame and reinforce it, box it, and make it happen...more pics soon. Took off this weekend to celebrate my wife's birthday
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Re: Dirty Dianah (No)... Bagged 72 Stepside/LSx/T56
 

nice build..

Re: Dirty Dianah (No)... Bagged 72 Stepside/LSx/T56
 

Thank you....got a lot to share. Will post up soon!
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Re: Dirty Dianah (No)... Bagged 72 Stepside/LSx/T56
 

https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphot...29058164_n.jpg

Got the engine and trans mounted. Removed the cab so that we can replace floor pans, A/C holes, and rockers. This will allow us to run fuel lines, mount fuel tank, fuel pump, fuel regulator and transmission cross member.

The cool addition is that we are going to install a custom center console, made from aluminum. This will hold the switches, and have storage for other items that I need to place out of harm's way.

Will also be boxing in the front and rear with additional bracing and frame reinforcement.

Re: Dirty Dianah (No)... Bagged 72 Stepside/LSx/T56
 

Looking good and moving right along aren't we :D
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Re: Dirty Dianah (No)... Bagged 72 Stepside/LSx/T56
 

Leon... this is great!! My fifty shades of grey reading material!!!! I am only half way thru the build and am captivated by your build!!!

Re: Dirty Dianah (No)... Bagged 72 Stepside/LSx/T56
 

Thanks buddy! I have some great pics and goodies coming up. I bought some really nice things over the last few days. We will be working on the cab, frame reinforcement and fuel lines over the next few days. Pics coming soon.

Hey Eric - yes, we are moving along. Thanks buddy! I see you are too!

Re: Dirty Dianah (No)... Bagged 72 Stepside/LSx/T56
 

https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphot...01479530_n.jpg

https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphot...41329703_n.jpg

Will be cleaning up the frame and painting it up. But that is after boxing up the area near the Z and some points in between. Notice that the motor and trans fits smack dab in the right place....almost anyway.
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Re: Dirty Dianah (No)... Bagged 72 Stepside/LSx/T56
 

https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphot...10854201_n.jpg

https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphot...28212042_n.jpg

Cab off...will be fixing this...panels have already come in.

https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphot...15273992_n.jpg


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Re: Dirty Dianah (No)... Bagged 72 Stepside/LSx/T56
 

I upgraded fuel system again. Instead of the Mallory stuff, got the more performance-oriented (and spendy) Holley fuel filter and fuel pressure regulator.

https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphot...41798827_n.jpg
https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphot...69949906_n.jpg
https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphot...40498387_n.jpg

Got the fuel lines, fittings, clamps and other things needed to make this happen.
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Re: Dirty Dianah (No)... Bagged 72 Stepside/LSx/T56
 

Great looking project! I just got a 6.0 and 4l80 for my son's truck and I might try the aluminum side brackets.
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Re: Dirty Dianah (No)... Bagged 72 Stepside/LSx/T56
 

Thanks Kevin - which ones? Are they the ones from Summit or Jegs?

Re: Dirty Dianah (No)... Bagged 72 Stepside/LSx/T56
 

Great looking progress Leon makes me wanna rip my cab off and do my motor/trans swap right now... Almost ;) :lol:
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Re: Dirty Dianah (No)... Bagged 72 Stepside/LSx/T56
 

LOL!

I am happy. We are even redoing the lines...hardlines. Will make it pretty much fool-proof. No more melted lines. Really, no worries.

Re: Dirty Dianah (No)... Bagged 72 Stepside/LSx/T56
 

looking good brother!