Re: Crusty Rusty Leaky Squeaky 67 Step
 

Killer work on the tubing beader! I had it in my head it was a bender. Anyway, nice work as always.

Re: Crusty Rusty Leaky Squeaky 67 Step
 

That tubing beader is really nifty! I also like the work you did to fit the rear bumper. That is always a weak point to me in custom builds, but you nailed it.

Re: Crusty Rusty Leaky Squeaky 67 Step
 

:lol: That's exactly how I do it too! I had to start with a 37 degree flare (I bought the AN flare kit too) on one of mine since the 45 degree chuck wasn't holding the line. It kept pushing it out without flaring. Using the 37 degree got the flare started enough to hold it in the chuck. Worked great after that.

Nice work on the tubing beader Vic! Want to make one for me? I'd love to have one for a custom radiator hose I want to build.

Re: Crusty Rusty Leaky Squeaky 67 Step
 

Thanks Chip! Gimme a holler when you get the chance.
Thx, Mike!
Will do, however, I have a hard time believing anyone on this forum is an underachiever. :lol:
Grassyass, Rickster!
Thanks, Mike. I found out if you get in too big of a hurry, the beader doubles as a bender. ;)
Thanks, I appreciate the nice words. I know what you mean about the rear bumper. Hard to find middle ground with them. Seems like it's either stock or full on custom.
It would be a lot easier for me to loan this one to you. ;) PM me when you're ready and I'll shoot it down to you.

The radiator stuff is winding down. I just need to decide where to place the second weld bung in the upper radiator tube for the temp sender for my Classic Instruments gauges. Some photos below showing how I mocked up the upper and lower tubes as well as the fitting for the steam line. I plan to have them powder coated along with the core support and the radiator hold downs. The aftermarket radiator is a bit taller than the stock one, so I had to modify the hold downs.

I took a bunch of measurements and did a CAD drawing of the aluminum radiator cover I plan to build, so the radiator and shroud are back in the box until final assembly starts. Tomorrow, the front clip gets blown apart for the final time before paint. I have a tentative appointment for the third or fourth week of this month. Still some minor bodywork to do, but we're supposed to have two weeks of great weather coming up. Just in the nick of time...

Re: Crusty Rusty Leaky Squeaky 67 Step
 

It looks like the bead tool worked very well.
Paint already, woah I didn't realize you were that close, I can't wait to see it.
I'm looking forward to hearing the engine run as well.

Re: Crusty Rusty Leaky Squeaky 67 Step
 

Thanks, Brian. I'm probably closer than you realize due to the fact I did so much of the basic work before setting CRLS aside to work on the '57 Ford.

I'll be glad to get the paint dealio settled once and for all. I've bounced back and forth between doing just primer or full on paint several times. I reckon that's to be expected when the build drags on way longer than you plan. There seems to be a lot of "ho hum" when the subject of flat primer comes up. Most of the sentiment seems to be, if you spend that much time on getting the body straight, why would you put it in primer? So I'm back leaning toward paint.

The other thing I considered was doing a base color in either HotRod Flatz or a basecoat with flat clear over it. I'd accent the base color with a second color with a gloss clearcoat. The logistics of doing this are pretty formidable. So, I'm thinking I'll just forge ahead with a glossy finish overall with maybe just the bumpers and headlight buckets in flat clear.

I'm mulling over two potential schemes, but I have a few weeks before I have to make any hard choices. I used HOK's Digital Paint Booth software to do two sketches. One has a center stripe that runs the length of the hood, cowl, roof and extends down the back of the cab. The s/w won't let me replace the big rear window with a small one like I have, but you get the general idea. The other sketch is a more conventional two tone. Nothing new about it, but it still looks nice. I'l also flip the colors and see what that looks like. The suggestion box is open. ;)

Re: Crusty Rusty Leaky Squeaky 67 Step
 

Here's a couple of views with the colors reversed...

Re: Crusty Rusty Leaky Squeaky 67 Step
 

Hmm I don't really like any of these options, it would look great in metallic silver, also consider doing a 69 Camaro SS paint scheme on it.

Re: Crusty Rusty Leaky Squeaky 67 Step
 

Very nice progress on the radiator tubing. I like the steam line fitting idea too. very cool!
That's a cool paint program you are using. Ultimately, You have to pick your paint scheme but I like the solid silver like your stepper in your avatar. Keep up the good work.

Re: Crusty Rusty Leaky Squeaky 67 Step
 

This is getting exciting Vic. I like the second color scheme with the orange on top.

Re: Crusty Rusty Leaky Squeaky 67 Step
 

I like version 2 the best, nice

Re: Crusty Rusty Leaky Squeaky 67 Step
 

You know what they say about opinions... well, since you said the suggestion box is open... out of the options you showed, I like the orange on top, silver on bottom, but I like it all the way around the cab and top of the bed more than the fat stripe that ends above the bed header panel.

Re: Crusty Rusty Leaky Squeaky 67 Step
 

After considering paint schemes and thinking about creative ways to allow for a second color you could do like the shaker hood cars and have just the raised part of the hood painted the secondary color of your choice in gloss with pin stripe outline.

Re: Crusty Rusty Leaky Squeaky 67 Step
 

Thanks, everyone, for the suggestions so far. A lot to think about for sure. The 68 stepper I had was all silver and I sort of wanted something a bit different for this build. My first inclination was to do a single color in the Mango Tango shade with chrome bumpers. All that has gone by the wayside. I've always liked two tone paint jobs, even though they're not everyone's cup of tea. I'm leaning toward the second version with silver on the bottom and the orange along the top of the bed, the entire top of the cab and most of the hood.

Monday, I went to the paint shop I'm planning to use and took a print of that view with me. The owner and I discussed it and he suggested running the orange color all the way to the front lip of the hood. I gave it a try when I got home, but decided I liked the other one better. The shop is booked up right now, but he hopes to have a slot in about three weeks. Told him I had a lot of stuff ready to go right now and should have the everything by then. I hope this works out. The guys at Precision do fantastic paint, but their bread and butter is collision work. The custom stuff takes up a lot of time and space, so unless they happen to be slow, it's tough to get them to take on this kind of work. Plus, laying out tape lines for a two tone scheme with a pinstripe is not in their wheelhouse either. The guy I'm talking with is very much into the custom work, but isn't like the high end shops that won't touch a project unless they do all the metal and body work from start to finish.

Re: Crusty Rusty Leaky Squeaky 67 Step
 

I'm with you Vic, I like the nose of the hood silver. It looks more "finished" for lack of a better term.

Re: Crusty Rusty Leaky Squeaky 67 Step
 

So... today was one of those days. Haven't had one in a while, so I guess I was due.

We're supposed to have a chance for showers from now thru Friday night, so I've been blocking and priming while the weather is nice. Took my dad to his eye appointment this morning and then got busy with the 2K primer. Everything was looking great until I went to move one of the fenders for more working room and skinned a spot against my tape/paper dispenser. Grumble worthy but not the end of the world. Next up was the hood, where I promptly laid down a sag in the primer. Again not a big deal but I was just getting started. I moved the fender closer to spot a little extra primer on the skinned spot and when I finished the last of the material in the cup, cleaned everything up and went in the other room to take a break. I'd left the doors up to air out the shop and all of a sudden I hear a big crash. A gust of wind had blown over the fender and now in addition to the skinned place, I had a nice dent in it.

This still isn't the end of the world, but you can sort of see it on the horizon. After using the slapper tool to remove most of the dent, I laid down some spot putty and left it to set up good. Meanwhile, I had a few things I needed to do to the doors and cab, so I figured now was a good time. The doors need some trimming on the window frames, so with everything going the way it was, I donned some protective gear to be safe and got busy with the cutoff wheel to remove the strip I'd marked. Naturally, just as things were looking righteous, the cutoff wheel hung up and kicked back. Sliced thru the leather glove and put a smile in my knuckle. So now I'm sitting here at the computer bleeding and drinking a beer. I figure another foray into the shop today could quite easily be fatal. And tomorrow is another day. ;)

Re: Crusty Rusty Leaky Squeaky 67 Step
 

You will live to shine another day Vic! At least you had the proper attitude right?

Re: Crusty Rusty Leaky Squeaky 67 Step
 

Day like that calls for at least two more beers!

Re: Crusty Rusty Leaky Squeaky 67 Step
 

I feel your pain, Vic. When I was working on my 67 a few years back, I had pulled the hood and front clip off. I had put my hood on the side of my garage, just to have it out of the way for a couple hours. Wind kicked up, blew it over. My perfect 67 hood now has a nice ding from 2" gravel right on the top front point.

And I agree. More beer, please.

Re: Crusty Rusty Leaky Squeaky 67 Step
 

Yikes what a day, you were right to quit while you were ahead after that string of unfortunate events. Tomorrow will be better, keep your chin up!

Re: Crusty Rusty Leaky Squeaky 67 Step
 

Wow that was a bad string of luck. Sometimes I'll go back to bed and wake up on the other side.

Re: Crusty Rusty Leaky Squeaky 67 Step
 

Been there done that Vic... I feel your pain :(
Today is a better day..:)

Re: Crusty Rusty Leaky Squeaky 67 Step
 

At least you had the forethought to notice the trend and stop before it became a catastrophe. Today's a new day. Hopefully you were able to sleep it off.

Re: Crusty Rusty Leaky Squeaky 67 Step
 

Thanks, everyone! Today was a much better day. Despite errand running and "Senior Day" at Captain D's I was able to repair the fender damage from yesterday. Also finished trimming the window frame on one of the doors, MIG welding and grinding it down. All without any further bodily injury. Apparently beer is a good coagulant. Either that or after a few you quit noticing you're bleeding. Regardless, I'm back on track today. ;)

Re: Crusty Rusty Leaky Squeaky 67 Step
 

I'm glad to hear you are back on track and I am looking forward to the rest of the build.

Re: Crusty Rusty Leaky Squeaky 67 Step
 

Glad it came around for you! To paraphrase Sally Field as Frog- " Yes, have a beer, it seems to help."

Re: Crusty Rusty Leaky Squeaky 67 Step
 

Long time, no see! Radiator install is another home run for you Vic. The bead roller is sooo you, nice work! I think your two-tone scheme is great too. I knew you'd paint it by the way ;)

Re: Crusty Rusty Leaky Squeaky 67 Step
 

Thanks, John. I've been hit and miss posting recently, so catching up should be easy. ;)

The body work is slowly coming along. Every time I think I'm down to a few remaining items, I uncover something else. The doors are finally ready to block and the gaps have been fine tuned a little. I readjusted the doors one last time and drilled locating holes in all the hinges to make it easier to get close when installing them after paint. Speaking of paint... I still haven't got a commitment from the shop I've been begging to do the work. Going to stop in there tomorrow and make one last attempt. If it doesn't work out, there's a place in Eudora, KS about 50 miles from me that has a downdraft spray booth they rent out. They also have work space to rent while you're in progress. It's been a long time, but I can do it myself under the right conditions. (Good lighting and lots of beer!)

The seats are in as well as the throttle pedal. The DBW pedal that came with the C&C kit is out of a Cadillac. It's not as sporty as the Corvette pedal, but I was too cheap to source another. I had to modify the mounting bracket and build an adapter, but it's in and has full travel without contacting the floor or the tunnel. I'll have the upholstery guys make a leather boot to hide the ugly.

Re: Crusty Rusty Leaky Squeaky 67 Step
 

The truck is looking Awesome Vic... I love the little touches you are doing with it.. That is what sets truck/cars apart and let them stand out...

Mine is in the garage collecting dust...

Dan

Re: Crusty Rusty Leaky Squeaky 67 Step
 

If you wind up going the Eudora route, let me know, I'm in to help.

Re: Crusty Rusty Leaky Squeaky 67 Step
 

Great progress Vic, very tidy work on the radiator tubing can't wait to see the finished products

Re: Crusty Rusty Leaky Squeaky 67 Step
 

Was trying to see but the pic's don't show enough detail, on the cab door opening did you fill in the overlap spot weld seam in the door jamb with bondo and fine tune the door gap with the same?

Re: Crusty Rusty Leaky Squeaky 67 Step
 

Thanks, Dan. It's that time of year to be blowing the dust off them. I know you were sorting a lot of stuff out last fall, but hopefully you've reached the end of that.
Thanks for the offer, Chip! I went to see my paint guy today and he not only committed to do the job, he came by the house this afternoon to get a look at what he's faced with. We may be ready to start moving parts by the weekend. :metal:
Thanks, Dylan.
Didn't really have to fill it, Mike. Just brought the cab side edge forward a little bit. The inside edge of the spot weld seam looks stock where it lays against the jamb, but all the spot welds are smooth now. I didn't go for the really tight gaps like you see on the show vehicles. I left them wide enough that if I hit a bad bump, there won't be chipped paint on the door edge. ;)

The cab is off the frame for the last time. I have a few places to repair and then it gets one last coat of 2K primer. The bed and front clip are 99% done and the doors need to be blocked and final primed.

They will do all the final blocking and repair any places I may have missed or done a substandard job... which I'm apt to do from time to time. It's great to have someone young with good eyes going over everything. I've abandoned the two tone paint job in the interest of speeding up the process. I have what I think is a nice color picked out, but will let the final pictures tell the story...

Re: Crusty Rusty Leaky Squeaky 67 Step
 

I am fighting a Steering issue and just can't get it figured out.... Once the new house is done then I will move back to the truck...

It is too bad I am tied up right now or I would love to paint this for you...

Re: Crusty Rusty Leaky Squeaky 67 Step
 

Good to hear! As always, the truck, trailer and bed cart Stand ready to assist!

Re: Crusty Rusty Leaky Squeaky 67 Step
 

Thanks, Dan, I appreciate the sentiment! Afraid I'm not much good with carpenter tools, so you wouldn't want me down there lending a hand to free up any of your time. ;)
Hey Chip, thanks again. I'll let you know if I get in a bind for transport.

The shots below mark an important milestone. The bodywork is complete and all parts have several coats of 2K primer ready for final blocking. I confess that I believed this moment would arrive two months ago. It was not to be, so I'll just have to adjust my schedule. Years ago I could burn the candle at both ends and crank out a project like this in a few months. Those were the days!

Tomorrow I need to haul the core support, hinges and hood latch to Eagle Stripping to be prepped for powder coating. The chassis is covered with dust from one end to the other and I need to clean it up then start working a rudimentary punch list. Need to reassemble the exhaust, track down an air leak, finalize the brake plumbing, layout the underbody wiring and install the electric e-brake. More to come...

Re: Crusty Rusty Leaky Squeaky 67 Step
 

From Mild to Wild: Victor edition.

Re: Crusty Rusty Leaky Squeaky 67 Step
 

You can give me a call too Vic if you need a hand.

Re: Crusty Rusty Leaky Squeaky 67 Step
 

Some progress to report. This past Tuesday I loaded up the cab and doors and delivered them to the paint shop. Loading was a major thrash as I was unable to get the trailer I wanted and had to deal with a narrow entry plus a beat-to-death, expanded metal ramp. Took 1.5 hours to get the cab positioned and boomed down. But it made the trip without so much as moving a hair.

When I got to the shop, the main receiving area was clean and empty. Backed the trailer in and there were four other guys there to lend a hand with unloading. They picked up the cab and lifted it over the "wings" at the back of the trailer and set it on a cart with rollers. I was super relieved to have the parts delivered safe and sound.

I've been working on the chassis and drivetrain to finish up some loose ends. I plugged in the kit wiring harness and everything matched up more or less. The evap solenoid had no corresponding plug built into the harness but I'd already been advised it's not needed. So I removed the solenoid and the plastic hose and set them aside. An online post mentioned that removing the solenoid may cause the MIL (malfunction indicator light) to light up and set a code for a fuel system problem. I'm hoping that won't be the case with the programming on Chevrolet's aftermarket setup. While I was at it, I removed the short PCV hose. I ordered Elite Engineering's catch can setup to replace the stock hose. All the horror storied about the amount of oil the stock "PCV" allows into the intake convinced me to go that route.

As you can see, the wiring is a bundle of snakes. I'm probably going to mount both the ECU and the TCU inside the cab, so I'll have to cut an access panel into the transmission hump. The console will cover the excess wiring and the boxes. That only leaves the fuse/relay panel to be mounted in the engine bay. I'm not thrilled about that, but to mount the box inside would mean cutting an access hole as big as Mount Rushmore.

I decided on the mounting location for the E-Stopp electric parking brake. I'll route the cable thru two pulleys, one on the frame and the other on the trans crossmember. Other than that, not much happening. The twins are here from Houston, so Ryan and I did a walkabout at Power Tour yesterday. '67-'72 Chevy trucks were well represented with several having LS transplants. I got away without the camera, so I have no photos to share. Lots of empty spaces in the afternoon. Not sure if there were more cars in the morning and a bunch of them left due to the heat. Or maybe they just didn't have as many cars. We drove right in, parked in the lot next to all the action and were out of there with tee shirts in less than three hours.

Re: Crusty Rusty Leaky Squeaky 67 Step
 

Very nice progress Vic! Soon we shall see some color on this puppy.