Re: Markeb01 Build Thread
 

Well wishes sent your way

Re: Markeb01 Build Thread
 

Sorry to hear about that man, health issues certainly take priority over the truck but sounds like you already have a plan. Hope you have smooth sailing from here on out and get back to cruising soon.

Re: Markeb01 Build Thread
 

So sorry to hear about this Mark. Hopefully the VA is taking good care of you. If there is anything I can do don't hesitate to contact me.

Re: Markeb01 Build Thread
 

Markeb
I am sorry to hear about your health issues. It sounds like your spirits are still up, and you have a lot of support, I am glad to hear that.

Re: Markeb01 Build Thread
 

Well I stepped up yesterday and ordered something I'll definitely need later this year. I see that both Speedway and Lokar have the shifter I need on sale, so I ordered up the 12" transmission mounted version along with the muscle car shift knob adapter so I won't have to experience anymore broken thumbnails from the push button knob. I want to swap back to the TH350 with my oldest son helping, but my daughter's husband wants to take it to a shop somewhere to have the swap done. We'll see I guess.

My leg isn't healing as fast as desired so I've got a few more weeks out of the garage. 3/4 of it is done, but the right most side still has some wet scabs that are taking their sweet time. So I'm not clear yet who will be doing the work. Anyway, here's what my original Lokar installation looked like with the stick near the original shifter hole, and what the new mechanism shows. The knob adapter is at the bottom and must be opened to view.

Re: Markeb01 Build Thread
 

Looking good, Mark. You'll enjoy the auto trans more than you know.

Re: Markeb01 Build Thread
 

Oh man I know. I can't wait to get the auto installed and get back to driving it!

Re: Markeb01 Build Thread
 

I'm glad to see you back posting again. I had been a lurker for awhile, but after reading through your entire build thread, I decided to start my own build thread. I hope your leg finishes healing quickly and that you can get back to driving the truck soon. Driving them is the best part :metal:

Re: Markeb01 Build Thread
 

Can only imagine :metal:

Re: Markeb01 Build Thread
 

Mark, I have read your thread many times...great work! Good luck on the road to recovery and I understand about driving a stick, but better driving an auto than nothing!

Re: Markeb01 Build Thread
 

That's where I'm at! I've been a stick shift guy my whole life, and really dread going back to an automatic, but the truck was fun to drive with the auto I had before, so I know I'll be happy with it again. Thanks for stopping by.

Re: Markeb01 Build Thread
 

Are you going with a stock converter or a little bit of a stall?

Re: Markeb01 Build Thread
 

I live where the roads are curvey hills, stop & go. I got tired of constantly shifting up and down.

Re: Markeb01 Build Thread
 

I figured I'd go with a stock converter. I had a higher stall one once in my 46 Ford and I hated it. Well my shifter showed up today as promised, so I pulled it from the packaging and have it all assembled. At least it gives me something to look at and play with until the transmission arrives:

Re: Markeb01 Build Thread
 

Really nice looking shifter for your very cool truck.

Re: Markeb01 Build Thread
 

This is my 66 longbed fleetside some 14 years ago when I first had it painted with JDBB. It's parked outside and under a tree so it does show some dirt. The only thing I've used toi clean it that works is windex and then it takes a to of scrubbing. I'm wondering what other ideas ya'll might have about cleaning it?
https://live.staticflickr.com/70/193...dd2e7998_o.jpg

Re: Markeb01 Build Thread
 

Just caught up on you. Glad to hear things are looking up. Prayers.

Re: Markeb01 Build Thread
 

Well I did it again! This afternoon I ordered the new transmission and several parts from Summit, and the slip yoke for the back of the transmission from Jeg's. Summit only offered one yoke for $299, so I bought it from Jeg's for 94.00 instead. The flex plate was backordered until the end of the month, but everything else will arrive shortly. I guess I'll need to get me kid turned on to help me soon. Also, the new converter has a 2,000 rpm stall speed, so we'll see how much fun that adds.

Also I went to the doc today for my leg, and he gave me some more instructions and another appointment in two weeks, and believes we'll be ready to start fitting the leg/shoe to me on the next visit! Yay!!!

Re: Markeb01 Build Thread
 

The transmission parts are due to start arriving on Monday, and my oldest son and I are going to start pulling the stick shift out next Saturday. Then we'll schedule for a subsequent weekend to install the automatic, once everything arrives.

Re: Markeb01 Build Thread
 

This afternoon I pulled out the passenger side seat, and the floor mounting brackets with their six bolts. I also pulled the door side seat belt, and pulled a couple of the upholstery panels. I'll attempt to remove the drivers seat, console, and shifter boot/linkage later today. Once that stuff if out of the way, I'll be able to remove the rubber floor mat and the transmission pan for easier access.

Re: Markeb01 Build Thread
 

After lunch today I pulled the drivers seat along with the floor mounted attaching brackets, all remaining seat belts, all of the rear upholstery panels, and the shifter boot. The only work left for tomorrow is removing the door sills and the center console. Once those are cleared I'll pull the full floor mat and the transmission pan in the floor, making it easier to remove the 4 speed next Saturday.

Re: Markeb01 Build Thread
 

Sounds like you're making progress & well on your way to a new transmission!

Re: Markeb01 Build Thread
 

We sure are! Got all the rest of the residuals out this morning, and will roll up the floor mat as soon as we have a flat place to store it downstairs. Pictures to follow shortly!

Re: Markeb01 Build Thread
 

Okay, here's some photo's of the stripped interior, highlighting the access to removing the 4 speed, and installing the TH350: You can also see I have one of the straight line shifters that moves it inside the truck cab, and back beyond the end of the floor pan. I'm hoping I still have the original bracket and shifter rods that mounts if further forward and under the floor.

Re: Markeb01 Build Thread
 

Not related to the trans swap but I have to say man that is one hell of a nice interior in that thing.