Re: Markeb01 Build Thread
 

Well it doesn’t look like our record breaking heat is going anywhere soon. Spokane in June was the hottest month on record since 1922, and July hasn’t backed off at all. It’s forecast at 100 today, and near or above 90 for the next two weeks already. This weekend is the annual swap meet, and the Good-Guys car show is a couple weeks away.

With the electrical system squared away, and the dual Spal electric fans performing flawlessly, it seemed a good time to address the radiator again. I bought an aluminum Be Cool radiator years ago from Summit. Although it cooled exceptionally, it also leaked and didn’t fit well as it was a crossflow design that placed the lower hose connection above the passenger side frame rail. Long story short it never went back in, and I’ve relied on my original 1958 Impala V8 radiator ever since.

The problem with it is simply cooling capacity. With ambient temps in the 80’s it won’t hold a temperature cooler than 190. When the ambient climbs to over 90 degrees, the engine runs at 200+. And with temps at 100+, the truck sits in the garage for fear of cooking the engine. And with my new A/C, fans, and alternator, I want to drive it all the time especially in the summer.

So last night I broke down and ordered a Champion 3 row radiator for $200 rather than another Be Cool for $750 or a Griffin for even more.

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

There are a number of posts on this forum about quality and reliability of the Champion radiators, and for the price and amount of driving my truck sees, I was willing to take a chance on a product I could actually afford.

Today we picked up some fresh antifreeze and a new Napa molded upper radiator hose to work with the new radiator which has the upper outlet centered on the tank:

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

The radiator is due to arrive next Wednesday, so by the weekend we should be cruising in reliable comfort for the first time in several decades.

Re: Markeb01 Build Thread
 

Got some good news today the radiator is due to arrive a day early on Tuesday. The continued stifling heat has kept me house bound for several days, but I just couldn’t stand it any longer so went out in the garage and spent a couple of hours remounting the coolant recovery tank several inches higher. The near 90 degree heat in the garage made me sick, but it’s amazing how much a person can put up when they’re having fun!

I’ve read many times the recovery tank needs to be mounted at the level of the top of the radiator to work most efficiently, but when I recently swapped over to the dual Spal fans, I must have forgotten my good sense.

Here is the height compared to the radiator with my old Black Magic fan:

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

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/xq90/908/6MIKLc.jpg

In this orientation, the recovery tank kept the radiator completely full. When the radiator cap was removed on a cold system, coolant would be at the level of bottom of the cap.

Stupidly, I mounted the tank much lower (for no apparent reason) when the new fans went in. This is a lousy photo, but indicates the top of the tank in relation to the radiator. This far down, the recovery system fundamentally didn’t work. Removing the cap when cold, always showed the coolant level about a ¼” below the rim of the cap neck.

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

Here’s where it’s mounted now:

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/xq90/540/R2ZLPj.jpg

And the mounts are attached to the fan mounting brackets, so nothing will be changed when the new radiator is installed other than fabrication of a custom steel tube to connect to the new radiator neck as it points to the passenger side.

Re: Markeb01 Build Thread
 

Stay cool my friend! :mm: Our summertime heat is deciding to show up this weekend, :waah: With the highs forecast to be 99/100 and the heat index pushing 110, the heavy air makes breathing difficult at best. :(
Will be limiting my outside activities to the pool...:metal:

Re: Markeb01 Build Thread
 

Stopped by the Spokane Swap Meet at the fairgrounds this morning. Found what we expected considering it rained the entire time we were there. About half the normal turn out of sellers and less than that with buyers. And half of the sellers had their stuff covered in tarps, so there wasn’t much to see.

There were only two of our trucks in attendance. Both had rough bodywork, but the fleetside with skirts offered an appealing presentation:

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/xq90/538/lXND8L.jpg

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/xq90/633/Gib401.jpg

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/xq90/537/5Hp6GZ.jpg

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

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

That’s about it, other than my son, grandson, and I all had a good time in spite of the weather. It was fun just having somewhere to go hang out for a while and look at car stuff.

Re: Markeb01 Build Thread
 

M͛a͛r͛k͛,

I͛'m͛ g͛e͛t͛t͛i͛n͛g͛ t͛h͛e͛ s͛a͛m͛e͛ r͛a͛d͛i͛a͛t͛o͛r͛. L͛e͛t͛ u͛s͛ k͛n͛o͛w͛ y͛o͛u͛r͛ r͛e͛v͛i͛e͛w͛ i͛f͛ i͛t͛.
I͛ h͛o͛p͛e͛ i͛t͛'s͛ a͛ r͛e͛l͛i͛a͛b͛l͛e͛ r͛a͛d͛i͛a͛t͛o͛r͛.

1B͛a͛d͛

Re: Markeb01 Build Thread
 

Will do. I see there are several other forum members that have the same one, some for several years with good results. I hope mine are the same.

Re: Markeb01 Build Thread
 

The new Champion radiator showed up today, and was installed in reasonably short order. I was surprised to recognize it was completely polished, something I actually applaud. The only issue I had was the drain petcock being on the front side of the radiator on the driver’s side. It interfered with the horns, so I sealed it with a plug. Should I need to drain it sometime in the future I’ll simply remove the lower hose:

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

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/xq90/905/4WQhMS.jpg

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/xq90/538/A61suK.jpg

Driving over to Walmart tonight, the engine never climbed over 180, with the ambient being 85. This is something the radiator has not done in many years.

Re: Markeb01 Build Thread
 

hey Mark, just backed up a few pages to get caught up on you. like all the mods you've done especially the brake pad. i'm sure everyone has their opinion but i gotta go with the girls on the red steering wheel, nice to have the options though.

haven't tried the champion radiator yet but the price, the polished look and your review make it very appealing.

thanks for all you bring man... i'm a big fan

Re: Markeb01 Build Thread
 

Pedal mod looks great and I've had my Champion since 2009 with no issues.

Funny story about the rat.....I don't know if I'd rather be bit by him or the snake if I had the option. Rather not be bit by either. I'm an avid hunter and consider myself pretty good at keeping up with my surroundings, but when these snakes are right off a woodline their camo kicks in and they can be hard to see. Was also shortly after 9 which is dark at this time of the year.

Re: Markeb01 Build Thread
 

Mark I was both surprised and disappointed when I did not see you or your rig at Car d'Alene. But then as hot as it got that weekend, maybe not so surprising.... LoL

We need to hook up for lunch again, this time my treat tho...

Re: Markeb01 Build Thread
 

Hi Mike, yep I found out about the Car d'Alene thing about the time it was over. Not sure why I never pick up on that event before hand. Maybe next time. Glad to see you're back among the living!

Re: Markeb01 Build Thread
 

We went to Goodguys Spokane this morning. It was a pretty anemic turn out compared to what Friday is normally like. Very few indoor vendors were on hand. It was difficult to tell if the limited turnout was due to the questionable weather, or if lackluster enthusiasm has turned things south. I guess tomorrow will tell. At least there were a few trucks to share:

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

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/xq90/661/l6opL9.jpg

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/xq90/673/9DNGJD.jpg

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/xq90/905/y7PGWO.jpg

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

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/xq90/537/e1cZF5.jpg

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

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/xq90/661/cDij1l.jpg

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/xq90/538/OQFC3X.jpg

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/xq90/911/DL2OfR.jpg

Re: Markeb01 Build Thread
 

Green one is cool. .
Posted via Mobile Device

Re: Markeb01 Build Thread
 

Wait till MJH1965 Martin gets here.......

He will be changing his colour again.

Hope it picks up Mark.

Re: Markeb01 Build Thread
 

I did consider the Kawasaki lime green, and that looks killer . Some very nice trucks there mark thanks for sharing .

Re: Markeb01 Build Thread
 

Thanks for the pics...:mm:

The Dagmars still set yours apart for me...:metal:

Re: Markeb01 Build Thread
 

I remember Greg Fautchs truck when he finished it the night before the show a few years back. The white truck with 'Thrifty' on the door.
Did you get a chance to check out the roof and dash?
http://i388.photobucket.com/albums/o...psf5uobrzk.jpg
Wish I could of made it this year. With all my new founded free time I'm busier than ever.

Re: Markeb01 Build Thread
 

We were back at the Goodguys event again this morning. Turnout was much better than yesterday, but vendor support was almost absent other than a few of the big outfits like Edelbrock.

It really is a nicely finished truck!

Yep it did pick up from quiet:

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

To just about overwhelmed:

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

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/xq90/538/siTFN8.jpg

You’re very welcome!

I gotta admit I’m pretty fond of them too!!

Yes I did, and it still looks very cool!!

There were also several more trucks available today:

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/xq90/673/y7fFO3.jpg

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/xq90/910/JHv1VP.jpg

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/xq90/911/H2pQ3f.jpg

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

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/xq90/537/VTOb8g.jpg

This was a really beautiful 4x4:

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/xq90/905/miX9Yj.jpg

And it had a really nice interior:

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

That was about it for today.

Re: Markeb01 Build Thread
 

I'll take the Flat black truck with the green accents… and the orange Nova next to it...:metal:

Re: Markeb01 Build Thread
 

you know Mark, looking at the pics of all the trucks in the show… yours is the best. the right amount of attitude, the right amount of muscle, the right amount of character and a whole lot of cool… plus execution out the wahzoo.

glad you had fun and the turnout picked up...

Re: Markeb01 Build Thread
 

Thanks for the comments!!

Oops - I forgot a couple of trucks!

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/xq90/910/O8ahyl.jpg

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/xq90/540/JNcA0q.jpg

There were also some pretty cool other cars and stuff as well. This one had vintage fake Buick portholes:

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/xq90/901/Nq2MLA.jpg

This one had incredible paint:

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/xq90/905/9kiBs2.jpg

As did this one:

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/xq90/673/56xDVC.jpg

And this car grew 54 Chevy wheel discs:

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/xq90/540/hgL0DA.jpg

And this was a custom from the 1960's:

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/xq90/673/s3pzMz.jpg

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/xq90/910/B9YpXD.jpg

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

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/xq90/537/1hGz4n.jpg

Re: Markeb01 Build Thread
 

Awesome pictures looks like a good show, and some great cars and trucks

Re: Markeb01 Build Thread
 

X2! ;)

Re: Markeb01 Build Thread
 

I have been hitting car shows almost every weekend this summer, the more little ones I go to, the more disenchanted with GoodGuys I become. I had to take a break because I can only take so much commercializm and I am losing my patience with the elitist snobs (those who think rolling their car across BarretJacksons stage is the end-all be-all of showing cars).
Yes I am happily aware that I do not own a GTO, but not to piss in your corn flakes mister Goatman, but my car is more rare than yours.....(talking about my Tempest of course)

So had to take a break...besides, I really wanted to enter the stepside but it isnt driving yet and my tow truck to haul it is in the shop getting the tranny rebuilt.
Hello rock, I am going to be your hard spot today.....

Re: Markeb01 Build Thread
 

Mark, I had all intentions of stopping by to say hi to you and your wife but by the time I got back over that way you were gone.

BTW the black '60 Chevy without the hood belongs to Reid, aka 72BigRed here on the forum.

Re: Markeb01 Build Thread
 

The problem with this website is I read part way through someones awesome build, then follow a link to someone elses and get stuck into that build. I have to admit - this is an amazing build thread

Re: Markeb01 Build Thread
 

Yes it is...:metal: and I have found the same "good" problem...:lol:

Re: Markeb01 Build Thread
 

The best haha

Re: Markeb01 Build Thread
 

Thanks for stopping in and leaving comments!

Re: Markeb01 Build Thread
 

Boy that seemed to be a sweet show! Our shows here this year were slower than normal as the weather was crazy hot. :chevy:

Re: Markeb01 Build Thread
 

Well we had a new measure of fun this afternoon. Our youngest daughter Laura brought over her friend Jani and he shot a quad copter video of our house and neighborhood. It turned out great and was a lot of fun learning how the stuff works. The weather was beautiful and my truck is actually parked out front in the driveway next to his yellow/silver/black Smart Car, which can barely be seen in the shadows:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=so75vInCV9s

Re: Markeb01 Build Thread
 

how cool is that!
awesome fly-by Mark...

Re: Markeb01 Build Thread
 

That is just awesome Mark !!!

I want a Quadcipter and video camera now as well.


Neat flags the girls are waving too.

Re: Markeb01 Build Thread
 

Very Cool video!!! ;)

Re: Markeb01 Build Thread
 

That was neat Mark! Thanks for sharing.

Re: Markeb01 Build Thread
 

That's way cool. .nice area for sure

Re: Markeb01 Build Thread
 

scribed

Re: Markeb01 Build Thread
 

Mark,

Very nice video, great to see you'all , thanks for sharing.


Les

Re: Markeb01 Build Thread
 

Yesterday afternoon my enthusiasm got the better of me and I decided the 327 emblems on the front fenders really had to go (again)! So I pulled the emblems, scrubbed the holes, stripped the inside of the fender with a 3.5” grinder, and patched them up with JB Weld and quarters (again). This time however their deletion is permanent. They’ve bothered me ever since I installed the Buick portholes in the hood, and the 327 emblems just clash with that layout (my humble opinion).

When the freezing weather takes a bit of a break in a couple of weeks, I’ll block the fenders and give them a coating of Blitz Black out of a spray can. That should take care of the issue until something else strikes my fancy:

Before

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/xq90/633/gfzRV9.jpg

After

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/xq90/908/aTJUHz.jpg

Re: Markeb01 Build Thread
 

Mark,

Without the "327" emblems, the side view looks very clean. I like that image a lot, very nice. Glad to see you back on your truck!! I ment for the body shop that painted our '86 to leave side emblems off and they forgot too, along with mirror change.

Do not remember your whole build information, have you used the "J&B weld " before to fill small sheet metal holes vs welding or other methods. Can you explain how / why, you do it a little more on the back side of the hole you are filling, you do a bridge of the hole with metal for support? Or reference previous description, please.

You have your "winter shoes " on now too.


Thanks,
Les