Re: Project Reno - 72 cheyenne rebuild
 

Today I had a small break in the weather and just enough heat to get the bed liner on the rear bumper.
http://images2.snapfish.com/23232323...3A425%3Aot1lsi
I covered just the diamond plate and bottom step where hitch ball screws in.
http://images2.snapfish.com/23232323...3A525%3Aot1lsi
I was also able to prep and spray the shifters cover.
http://images2.snapfish.com/23232323...3A625%3Aot1lsi
I unmasked after about an hour and it all turned out pretty good. Gonna let it dry overnight and see the results then install the rear bumper. The only bummer was the corothane worked it's way thru the masking in a few visible areas and stuck to the powder coat. I am going to have to try and get it off with a razor blade. That is testament to how sticky corothane is.

Re: Project Reno - 72 cheyenne rebuild
 

Had a little time on Friday so installed the rear bumper. It was like a jigsaw puzzle, but eventually got it figured out. It is going to be a pretty stout bumper.
http://images2.snapfish.com/23232323...%3C25%3Aot1lsi
http://images2.snapfish.com/23232323...%3B25%3Aot1lsi
I think it turned out pretty good and glad that is done. I need to finish putting together the front end before installing the front bumper.
http://images2.snapfish.com/23232323...%3A25%3Aot1lsi
http://images2.snapfish.com/23232323...3A925%3Aot1lsi
Now the weather has changed so progress will slow, but I know this is that last winter it will be unfinished. Can't wait to drive her.

Re: Project Reno - 72 cheyenne rebuild
 

Looks nice and solid, part of me wants to install a roll pan and do away with the bumper. Then I think that bumper might just save me if I get tapped from behind. That thing is much more substantial than the factory shiny bumpers.

Re: Project Reno - 72 cheyenne rebuild
 

Wow! That bumper really turned out well. Home stretch buddy! So are you saving the pictures where you step back and get the whole truck for a big reveal? Just close-ups for the last 4 pages :lol:

Re: Project Reno - 72 cheyenne rebuild
 

Yeah, I spent a lot of time on this bumper because it's older and made well. Much better than today's bumpers. I am saving large view pics of the truck until she is under her own power. My garage is on a steep incline and it would be a task to roll it out and get it back in the garage. Won't be long though and she'll be rolling out on her own.

Re: Project Reno - 72 cheyenne rebuild
 

(((((COLD))))) Progress
Today it was biter cold and windy, but took care of a lot of odds and ends. I got the rear support brackets and splash guards for the bed installed.
http://images2.snapfish.com/23232323...%3C25%3Aot1lsi
http://images2.snapfish.com/23232323...48625%3Aot1lsi
I got the drivers door glass installed with all components and front fender back on.
http://images2.snapfish.com/23232323...%3B34%3Bnu0mrj
http://images2.snapfish.com/23232323...3C534%3Bnu0mrj
Bed completely bolted down and got the rear speaker brackets fitted and primed.
http://images2.snapfish.com/23232323...3C334%3Bnu0mrj
http://images2.snapfish.com/23232323...3C734%3Bnu0mrj
I bench bled to master cylinder and a letting the rest of the systems gravity bleed.

Re: Project Reno - 72 cheyenne rebuild
 

Pre-turkey progress.

Well, I got my speaker panels painted up body color and got everything mounted into place. I used a little peel and stick on the backside to deaden the panels. They are after all sheet metal.
http://images2.snapfish.com/23232323...%3B25%3Aot1lsi
Here they are mounted
http://images2.snapfish.com/23232323...B3325%3Aot1lsi
Now that that is out of the way, I got some help installing the cowl and hood. Cowl went in with no issues, but hood is wacked.
http://images2.snapfish.com/23232323...B3925%3Aot1lsi
http://images2.snapfish.com/23232323...B3725%3Aot1lsi
The ass end of the hood is too high. I have used the loosen and push up on the hood method, but not quite there yet. I elongated the holes on the hinges slightly to aid in adjustability. Hopefully another hour or so and they will fit well.
I also started wiring under the hood.
http://images2.snapfish.com/23232323...B3625%3Aot1lsi
For the most part wiring the engine to harness was easy. I only needed to run the large red wire from bulkhead to starter to power the fuse panel, large purple wire to starter to activate the starter and my sending unit wires to the temp/oil pressure switches. I also hooked up the brake safety switch. Tac is dealt with inside cab from ECM. I still need to wire the front lights.
http://images2.snapfish.com/23232323...B3525%3Aot1lsi
Very happy I have no more body panels to install. Just a few more tweaks and should be good.

Re: Project Reno - 72 cheyenne rebuild
 

Your corner speaker mounts turned out great. One day, I'll be wrapping up loose ends like you - I'm envious! But, I'm making progress that I'm happy with on mine as well... just about a years worth of progress behind you :)

Re: Project Reno - 72 cheyenne rebuild
 

JL Audio too! The mounts turned out nice! that said i was wondering if they may need a little deadening material stuck to the back side for vibration?

Curious, did you lube up the hinges real well before you installed them? I think they should settle down a bit if you lube them up and cycle the hood up and down a bit.

Re: Project Reno - 72 cheyenne rebuild
 

Hey thanks Guys. I feel like I have been wrapping up loose ends forever. I have a feeling I'll be wrapping up loose ends even after it's on the road.

Hey Swamp Rat. Thanks for your comments. I love JL audio. I have had several systems with JL Audio. Very good sounding quality stuff. The peel and stick really deadened the panels. I did not want any rattling at all. The only negative to these speaker brackets is they crowd the seat belt bolt holes. Not sure if the shoulder harnesses I bought are going to work now. Gonna try and get them in there.

As for the hinges, I did not lube, but they do move freely. I will give that a try though. I'll try anything at this point. I'm gonna keep trying stuff till they settle in. They are original hinges and used with this original hood so I know they will eventually work.

Happy Turkey Day!

Re: Project Reno - 72 cheyenne rebuild
 

Well, after a lot of lubing of the hinges and adjusting/re-adjusting I got them very close. However, there is too much tension on the front of hood when closed and looks like the hinges are starting to bend. There is a fair amount of play in the rivers so went ahead and ordered a set from GMC Paul's with new springs. Hopefully this will do it. In the mean time, started wiring the front headlights. Should make some more headway tomorrow.

Re: Project Reno - 72 cheyenne rebuild
 

mo progress. Well, yesterday i made some good headway on the front light harness.
http://images2.snapfish.com/23232323...65734%3Bnu0mrj
I didn't know how to route the wires so based on the assembly guide got everything loomed and attached to the core support.
http://images2.snapfish.com/23232323...65834%3Bnu0mrj
I strayed from the install instruction slightly when extending wires to the passengers side. I spliced in and soldered the wires rather than doubling them in the connectors. I think it will be more stable and endure the test of time. I temporarily attached the front bumper to give me rough length for my wires.
http://images2.snapfish.com/23232323...65934%3Bnu0mrj
http://images2.snapfish.com/23232323...%3A34%3Bnu0mrj
Today i should have the truck wiring totally complete. "Oh what a feeling"

Re: Project Reno - 72 cheyenne rebuild
 

Very nice progress on the truck! Your getting close now.

Re: Project Reno - 72 cheyenne rebuild
 

Thanks Mike! Really the biggest hurdle on this thing was the wiring since I have never done anything like this before except car stereos. Now that I am done with wiring, I am going to go back and clean/up-redo a couple areas that could be done better. Next week I plan to pop in the fuses, hope there is no smoke and fire her back up.

Re: Project Reno - 72 cheyenne rebuild
 

1 fuse at a time set up a quick disconnect at the battery so you can kill the power quick.

Re: Project Reno - 72 cheyenne rebuild
 

That's a good plan. I think I'll get an extra pair of hands as well.

Re: Project Reno - 72 cheyenne rebuild
 

Nice progress! I like DWilbur's advice too!

Re: Project Reno - 72 cheyenne rebuild
 

Wiring has been a major road block on mine. Trying to figure out all the interior crap I can get rid of is killing me :) You're wiring job looks awesome!

Re: Project Reno - 72 cheyenne rebuild
 

Thanks Mike! I think patience is my problem. I end up going too fast sometimes and then go back and redo to improve. I am sooooo glad I am at the end of wiring.

Re: Project Reno - 72 cheyenne rebuild
 

That improvement thing is kicking my butt too. i keep adding things and circuits and modifying the factory style harness to make it better or safer. every time i think i am about ready to do something, i come up with a "better" plan that requires more parts. :waah:

that bumper looks very sweet. goes well with the paint color.

Re: Project Reno - 72 cheyenne rebuild
 

Hey thanks for the comments! I hope the bumpers look good from-a-far. You never really know till you stand back away from a truck and look at it as a whole.

Re: Project Reno - 72 cheyenne rebuild
 

No fires and we have power.
Well got the electrical systems all fused up and no fires. Yahooooooo!! I have success on all circuits except no brake lights at all and the horns are on all the time. I have turn signals, hazards and markers, but no brake lights. I have signal at the brake switch, but nothing at the rear harness connector. So, I am going to look into the steering column wiring. I am awaiting diagnosis instructions from AAW. It could also be the inner cab rear harness connector, but I doubt it. As for the horns, well I tried new grounds for both of them and dismantling the steering column horn button assembly and still, horn works all the time. No clue there.

Here are a few pics of the wiring under the hood. I got things pretty clean.
Junction from battery to supply battery to passengers side of engine compartment.
http://images2.snapfish.com/23232323...43425%3Aot1lsi
AC/HEAT wiring on passengers side of engine compartment.
http://images2.snapfish.com/23232323...96734%3Bnu0mrj
AC/HEAT trinary switch wire routing.
http://images2.snapfish.com/23232323...96834%3Bnu0mrj
Got the motor fluids replenished and just need to install O2 sensors on headers for a restart. I also got the Vintage air system calibrated and it works like a charm. Blows very hard thru vents.
More to come and hopefully some resolution.

Re: Project Reno - 72 cheyenne rebuild
 

Soooo super clean! I love it!

Re: Project Reno - 72 cheyenne rebuild
 

Looking good. I could have used your horn problem on my way home from work I got cut off twice tonight. I did get back at the 2nd drive and blasted Cummins smoke in there face.
sounds like you have constant power to the horns it should be easy to trace.

Re: Project Reno - 72 cheyenne rebuild
 

Update time. Well today got some electrical gremlins taken care of. I took the whole horn assembly apart at the steering wheel and found the after market plunger for the horn button was not long enough and allowing the circuit to stay grounded. I fixed it and that seemed to fix the horn. As for the brake lights, the connector for the steering column turn signal switch was jacked and not connecting the way it was supposed to. I lubed it up with some dialectic grease, checked all the wire connections and put it back together. That seemed to fix the issue. I now have brake lights. However, I may need a new turn signal switch if the connector acts up again. And finally, My gauges were working, but I could not get a reading on the temp or fuel. I pulled the gauge cluster off the dash and discovered I had the temp signal wired to the fuel gage and vise versa. Amazing, no matter how careful I am, there always seems to be a few stupid blunders like that. At least it was easy to fix. I also fired up the engine today from inside the cab. Thats was another milestone. Here is a shot of the gauge cluster all lit up at night. Blue LED's
http://images2.snapfish.com/23232323...%3A34%3Bnu0mrj

Re: Project Reno - 72 cheyenne rebuild
 

Way to go! Sounds like electrical is done? What's left before you can drive it at least in and out of the garage?

Re: Project Reno - 72 cheyenne rebuild
 

Electrical is done, if nothing else rears it's ugly head that is. I need to re-bleed the brakes again. Pedal is still a bit soft. I also need to find someone to heat and bend my shifter. It is straight at the moment and I need to bend it back about 6" and to the left about 4" then I should be able to back her out of the garage. Wooohooo. Wish i had a torch. All I need is about 5 minuted with a torch and she would be ready.

Once I driver her around the neighborhood and test brakes, clutch etc, I will need to get custom exhaust done, then wheels and tires last. Next I will focus on the interior carpet, box for behind the seats, amp and stereo, seat belts and whatever else I forgot.

Re: Project Reno - 72 cheyenne rebuild
 

Exciting times!!!

Re: Project Reno - 72 cheyenne rebuild
 

Cluster is awesome!
Congrats on getting the electrical done.

Re: Project Reno - 72 cheyenne rebuild
 

cool looking gages.. I'm glad you found the gremlins in your wiring great job. let me know if you would take a vacation in California to help me with my wiring.

Re: Project Reno - 72 cheyenne rebuild
 

You're tellin me!

Re: Project Reno - 72 cheyenne rebuild
 

Thanks Mike! Have a Great Holiday!

Re: Project Reno - 72 cheyenne rebuild
 

Hey thanks! Not sure about the blue now that their all lit up, but they are very bright. After all the $$ I put into a billet dash, classic instruments and such I am happy about the finished product.

Lol - Love Cali. Close but no cigar. Santa Fe is as close as I'll be this year.
Happy Holiday's and good luck with the wiring.

Chris

Re: Project Reno - 72 cheyenne rebuild
 

sante fe is close to me. does this mean you are coming to help? i have lots of wires. haha

Re: Project Reno - 72 cheyenne rebuild
 

You might be on to something. Maybe I will just start traveling the country and helping people with their wiring. :) I love it out west. If I could figure out a way to stay out there i would. Beautiful country. Though I think it's probably a better idea to wait and see if my truck burns to the ground before helping anybody else with their wiring. just to be safe.

Happy Holidays!

Re: Project Reno - 72 cheyenne rebuild
 

Damn it Chris..... Your getting way ahead of me... Slow down a bit.... Take a vacation from the truck over the Holidays.... "LOL"

Gary

Re: Project Reno - 72 cheyenne rebuild
 

Sorry about that Gary! it really doesn't seem like i am making much progress on a daily basis, but then i stop and look back and whammo, it's so close to being finished. Anyway, I decided to replace my turn signal switch which was china- made crap and add a wiper switch delay, made here by a forum member, so while I wait for those to come in, my dash is apart again and I wait. So after that, it's install front/rear glass and get custom exhaust. crossing my fingers it's smooth sail in from here on out.

Chris

Re: Project Reno - 72 cheyenne rebuild
 

While your waiting you can make me your 1st customer and come help with my wiring !!! "LOL"

Re: Project Reno - 72 cheyenne rebuild
 

Well, finally got the hood 98% of the way aligned. I'm afraid it will never be perfect. :(. Got the wiring for the amp in place and finished some odds and ends.
Here are some more pics of wiring porn. Lol

Mounting of accelerator module on drivers fender.
http://images2.snapfish.com/23232323...%3B34%3Bnu0mrj
finished weatherpak connector for rear harness
http://images2.snapfish.com/23232323...%3A34%3Bnu0mrj
This is what's left over after cutting out waste and adding mods.
http://images2.snapfish.com/23232323...23834%3Bnu0mrj

Re: Project Reno - 72 cheyenne rebuild
 

Now I think I know why I can't plug in my throttle peddle in to my computer. I'm missing the accelerator module. Thanks for posting the pictures.