Re: Crusty Rusty Leaky Squeaky 67 Step
 

Very nice work on everything Vic! looks great!

Re: Crusty Rusty Leaky Squeaky 67 Step
 

Looks like CRLS is coming along nicely. Keep up the good work!

Re: Crusty Rusty Leaky Squeaky 67 Step
 

Thanks, Mike!
Hey, Duane. I think you're ahead of me quite a bit. ;)
Hope the water is going down in your area. The hard part is still looming for a lot of folks. Scrounging gas and groceries may be tricky for awhile. Even getting around will be a challenge. Buddy of mine lives on the northern edge of the Addicks reservoir and his daughter lives on the southern edge of the Barker reservoir. Took him over two hours today to go the 11 miles between their houses... but he made it!

Scott came over this weekend and helped me get the evaporator installed and leveled. Needed more hands than I alone possess. Talked with AC on the phone for about a half hour last night and picked his brain for installation tips. He's done a bunch of these and made several really good suggestions. I followed his advice and opened up the two lower holes for the heater hoses to the same size as the upper holes. Ordered grommets to fit from McMaster-Carr. This should make it much easier to get the unit in and out as I continue to fit up the lines. I was able to tweak the suction and high pressure lines with the evaporator in place, but looks like I'll have to fit up the radiator lines on the bench. Either that or find a triple jointed circus performer to reach up in there. ;)

The pedals are in after making some last minute mods. Also temporarily installed the air controls. I'll have to support the back of the unit but maybe I can tie it together with the radio. Still have to mount the under dash antenna. Big punch list to do before the Truck Nats!

Re: Crusty Rusty Leaky Squeaky 67 Step
 

So niiiice....... BTW, the trailer has been reserved.

Re: Crusty Rusty Leaky Squeaky 67 Step
 

Getting around my area isn't bad right now. Supplies are definitely going to be tough to get for a while. I'm seeing that trash services and mail/package delivery is still not happening (holding my parts hostage on the north side of town), but things are starting to look better with the sun finally out and the rain has stopped. Flooding from rivers and reservoirs are going to be a concern for a week or two at least. Hopefully the whole Houston area can recover pretty quickly.

I remember this part all too well. I couldn't get the hard lines to fit, and I didn't like the look that much, so I went with the EZ Clip stuff for the heater side too. That was still a huge PITA to get in there and tighten the fittings to the bulkhead. There sure isn't much room in there for extra line to be able to do it when the unit is out. I had to install it TWICE! Once a couple years ago and again during this swap after modding the firewall.

It's looking pretty clean though, keep it up!

Re: Crusty Rusty Leaky Squeaky 67 Step
 

Just the photos knock me out Vic. I soo appreciate your attention to the DETAILS and not just those that are on your ride. I try very hard to balance "don't sweat the small stuff" and "it could be better" but you have it dialed. You do sweat the small stuff but always, somehow, make it look obvious and then execute like a champion.

I still have a laser engraver at my disposal...

Re: Crusty Rusty Leaky Squeaky 67 Step
 

Thanks, John! I may take you up on that. My buddy Jay suggested that it might be smart to squirrel away an ID tag in an unobtrusive spot... just in case. ;) I've come up missing two hotrods in my lifetime (an uninsured race car and a brand new '83 Z28).

The cab is finally on. Took four tries to make it work. Not sure what happened, because when I had it together before, I bagged and labeled each of the mounts on all four corners. I could tell when I dropped it in place this time that it was slightly high centered. The other issue I ran into was that all the cables wouldn't fit in the handy dandy little plate I'd constructed. The fix for both problems was to relocate the window for the cables and enlarge the original opening to clear the transmission. I'll build a raised platform to cover the large hole and use it to mount the computers, etc.

Re: Crusty Rusty Leaky Squeaky 67 Step
 

You could always install a GPS location device with a battery backup in a hidden compartment somewhere no one will ever find it so that if it's stolen the police can track it down and arrest the thieves.
I know that seems extreme but if you plan to keep the truck the rest of your life then it's worth the money IMO.

Re: Crusty Rusty Leaky Squeaky 67 Step
 

Vic,
Thanks again for your help setting up my differential! I really appreciate it!
I'm gonna have to squeeze in the time to reinstall everything this weekend, I'm hoping my vibration problem is solved. Thanks again!
Ben
:metal:

Re: Crusty Rusty Leaky Squeaky 67 Step
 

That's very true, Brian. No matter how much insurance you have, it's never enough to cover all the man hours and head banging it takes to build one. I just wish there was a GPS device you could buy and track with a laptop. Seems like the standalone ones don't have any range and the others require a subscription service for location.
You're very welcome, Ben. You had all the hard part done already. ;)

It's getting down to the wire for the Truck Nationals. Chip has been working on his truck and Boppa's new ride getting them spiffied up for the show. He'll be here early Saturday with the trailer to load up CRLS. He swore after the last time he was done hauling my project out there, but he backpedaled on the tough love and agreed to do it one more time. I just need to prove that it's actually a real truck and not Photoshop'd.

I stuck just enough parts on the cab to simulate progress. The forward tunnel cover I made ended up being the best place to mount the floor shifter, so I built another low panel behind it for the ECU/TCU boxes. I'll make another platform that sits above the ECU for the relay/fuse box. All of this will eventually be encased in a custom console. The rear will kick up to house the subwoofer and the front will have a pocket for the e-level controls, various switches, cup holders and storage. Right now it looks like the amp, filters and distribution blocks for the speakers will wind up under the passenger seat because the console is filling up fast.

Re: Crusty Rusty Leaky Squeaky 67 Step
 

Vic it sounds like you got it all figured out. That's smart thinking going vertical with the electronic components to take advantage of all available space.
I have a extra thought for you for the fuse box, if you raised the shifter up a bit and moved it closer to the back of the cab it would position it closer to your reach but it would also allow you to stand the fuse box on it's edge on the passenger side built into the console with a magnetic press release compartment door for easy access to the fuses in case you blow one so you don't have to stand on your head to get to them, it would also have the added benefit of freeing up some space over the ECU to hide other electronic components there instead of the fuse box, it would also open up more space in front of the shifter for even more electronic components to be mounted which would still be hidden by the console assuming you plan on extending the sides of the console under the dash all the way to the firewall.

*Edited like 20 times. :lol:

Re: Crusty Rusty Leaky Squeaky 67 Step
 

Vic,
Check this website out:
http://gpsandtrack.com/
they have a GPS tracker with two years of service for $119! and you can disable the starting system from your laptop! shows real time location etc....
you tube has many videos on this.
Have a good one!
Ben
:metal:

Re: Crusty Rusty Leaky Squeaky 67 Step
 

Keep up the great work Vic! You'll be flying in no time. I'll see you guys Saturday after work.

Re: Crusty Rusty Leaky Squeaky 67 Step
 

I have something related to show you at the Nats.

Re: Crusty Rusty Leaky Squeaky 67 Step
 

Vic it was nice meeting you this weekend. Thanks for taking the time to show me your truck. Looking forward to seeing the progress.

Re: Crusty Rusty Leaky Squeaky 67 Step
 

Thanks, guys! I too had a great time meeting old friends and new at the All Trucks show. Weather was great and the ground wasn't soggy, so it worked out perfectly. Thanks again to Chip for hauling CRLS out there.

Back at the ranch... I believe I'm on the downhill run now. ;)

I've finished the platform for the fuse/relay center and started mocking up the box for the wire looms coming from the engine and trans. Wasn't able to move the shifter as Brian suggested due to space constraints, plus I'll need the area forward of the shifter for the e-level controls. Also did some work on the steering wheel to shorten the spacer and install an actual working horn button. Removed the headrests from the seats and will have the upholstery guy sew in new material in their place. Five months until the World of Wheels show. No slacking allowed.

Re: Crusty Rusty Leaky Squeaky 67 Step
 

Making progress mounting stuff. Got the feed thru box done and installed with clecos. Started work on the panels that hide the back of the cab. The one on the passenger side will double as the mounting surface for the stereo amp, etc. Failed to label everything years ago when I took the components out of the truck that became the Silver Streaker so now I have two options... take it to someone that knows what they're doing and have them wire it up or do the Google. Early search results lead me to believe the Zapco / MB Quart pieces were nice (back in the day) but are now pretty much obsolete. Most semi-relevant threads are around 10 years old. ;)

Re: Crusty Rusty Leaky Squeaky 67 Step
 

I've done a bunch of it, happy to take a look or refer you to the people that did the head unit install in Big Black. I can tell you to stay FAR away from Independence Audio. Not another nickel from me.

Re: Crusty Rusty Leaky Squeaky 67 Step
 

Thanks, Chip. Brian also offered assistance but I need to get my ducks in a row first. Need to lay out all the components and their connection labels on the schematic for the Zapco (which is about all I have). Then maybe you or Brian can fill in the blanks. As a kid, there was an AM radio with a front speaker in my cars. Then I got a really high end setup with TWO... count 'em, 2 speakers and an 8 track. I haven't progressed very much beyond the player / dual speaker setup over the years. Amps and crossovers along with tweets, mid-range and woofers are alien tech to me. ;)

Re: Crusty Rusty Leaky Squeaky 67 Step
 

MB Quart was BIG some years back, I checked out a few myself but couldn't see spending the money.

Re: Crusty Rusty Leaky Squeaky 67 Step
 

No worries. Zapco was gooooood stuff. Whatever you need, let me know.

Re: Crusty Rusty Leaky Squeaky 67 Step
 

That's good to know. These parts tagged along when I bought the original '68 and all I remember was how thrilled the young man was about the audio system. I went with a bench seat and had no place for the components so they've been stored ever since. Two of the rear cab panels are done and I'm to the point where I can start mocking up a console... which should be fun given my lack of carpentry skills. I figure it's probably best to house the sub in a wooden box rather than sheet metal. You always see them using particle board or maybe plywood on the Velocity channel.

I did a little bit of wiring on the stereo using the schematic I have. Left room to redo anything that doesn't work. Kathy suggested that I should hook the power up and just test it. Then I'll know for sure if it's right... or KABOOM! ;)

Re: Crusty Rusty Leaky Squeaky 67 Step
 

Vic,
I bought my Kenwood head unit and component speakers at a stereo place on hwy 40, I'll look and see if I have thier info and get back to you with that, I got everything at a competitive price, the tweeters in the component set can be be both surface or flush mount, they also come with bass blockers that are part of the wiring. My component front speakers are KENWOOD KFC-P709PS, about $65.00
The place I got my Kenwood stuff from was
"http://www.customaudiocreation.com"

I installed mine in the dash flush mounted, I used a hydraulic knock out tool that the electrician's use to run conduit into breaker boxes, very clean holes, no burrs at all.
The hole sizes range from 3/4" to 4" plus. Let me know if you would like to use one of these sets, I can borrow them from work.
Have a good one!
Be
:metal:

Re: Crusty Rusty Leaky Squeaky 67 Step
 

If you're going to attempt to build a box for the sub yourself, be sure to use MDF, which I think is what you see on TV. Most (probably 99%) of the pros use MDF for audio boxes. You wouldn't want your sub rattling the heck out of a metal box (and it would). Keep at it, it's looking good!

Re: Crusty Rusty Leaky Squeaky 67 Step
 

Thanks for the tip, Duane! I went to Menard's today and bought some 3/4" MDF and will use it for the sub box. I'll probably graft some sheetmetal onto it to finish out the rest of the console forward of the enclosure. The instructions for the JL Audio sub said a sealed box needs slightly over .75 ft3 internal volume. I don't want a rectangular box where it sits, so I drew up what I wanted and sized the panels to give me the same inside volume as their suggested dimensions. I hope the shape of the box isn't as important as the volume. I'm half deaf anyway, so I'm not sure why I'm even worrying about it. ;)

Re: Crusty Rusty Leaky Squeaky 67 Step
 

Nice shape to that... I think it will work ok... typically the speaker sold sit in the middle of the box for maximum effect...

Re: Crusty Rusty Leaky Squeaky 67 Step
 

Are you running push button start and what company did you go with?

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I hope so, Dan, newbie is way above my level of expertise where stereo stuff is concerned.
Yes I am. I'm using the Advanced Keys setup. I bought the AK-105B package which includes the AK-PSB06 push button start and the AK-105 keyless entry. However, I decided against installing the keyless entry pieces. The one piece windows I got from Brothers relocate the rear window channels and I was worried about packaging the remote lock solenoids. Sticking with stock door handles and locks.

Re: Crusty Rusty Leaky Squeaky 67 Step
 

That subwoofer box will look great in there, the only thing you need to do now is buy enough subwoofer enclosure acoustic polyfill for your application, once installed the shape of the box won't matter nearly as much and the bass will be richer and more impactful.

Re: Crusty Rusty Leaky Squeaky 67 Step
 

Thanks for the info, Brian! I never heard of the stuff, but da Google says you're spot on. Will acquire some and put it to good use.

Re: Crusty Rusty Leaky Squeaky 67 Step
 

Just the volume from everything I read when doing mine back when I could hear better! LOL!

Re: Crusty Rusty Leaky Squeaky 67 Step
 

That's what I'd assume too, but when it comes to audio stuff, I have to defer to the youngsters. ;)

The sub enclosure is coming along. I borrowed my neighbor's table saw for a bevel cut I needed on one of the panels, but was able to use my Smart Guide tool for the rest of the straight cuts. After roughing in the speaker hole, I put the panel up on the mill and used a boring tool to finish out the opening. Man, does that MDF ever make a mess. After reading up on how best to assemble the panels, I elected to go with wood dowels and Elmer's glue. I'm saving that for tomorrow.

Re: Crusty Rusty Leaky Squeaky 67 Step
 

Looks very nice!

Re: Crusty Rusty Leaky Squeaky 67 Step
 

Nice work as always....Keep up the good work.

Re: Crusty Rusty Leaky Squeaky 67 Step
 

Thought I'd take a short break before starting work on the console. The sub box turned out better than it should have given my lack of woodworking skills. I had to remove the center gas tank mounting tab so the box would sit all the way back to the rear cab wall. I went ahead and rounded the corners on the front edges of the box, but I'm not sure if that will help or hinder the upholstery guys. I figure they've seen it all and the good ones can make a silk purse out of a sow's ear.

I plan to tie into the sub box with sheet metal for the console going forward. It's a lot less bulky and a few of the shapes I have in mind would be difficult with MDF.

Re: Crusty Rusty Leaky Squeaky 67 Step
 

Nice carpentry work Vic!

Re: Crusty Rusty Leaky Squeaky 67 Step
 

Lest you think I've been slacking, here are some shots of the console in progress. The pattern I laid out in my CAD program underwent numerous revisions and an intermediate transfer to a 1/4" plywood panel to iron out all the fitment issues. I then traced it onto the sheet metal and cut it out. I spot welded angle pieces in those places where it wasn't possible to use the finger brake. Still a ways to go, but it's starting to take shape.

Re: Crusty Rusty Leaky Squeaky 67 Step
 

This all looks super nice Vic! Wish I could keep a closer eye but life has me away from the scene. Only for a while though!

Re: Crusty Rusty Leaky Squeaky 67 Step
 

Saaaaayy.... that's nice!

Re: Crusty Rusty Leaky Squeaky 67 Step
 

:)