Re: Grizz's Redneck Express 1966 Chevy Short Fleetside RESTO-GO!
 

I do too.

However, Green is king. :mm:

Sunday.

Remembrance Sunday, and to me a serious business. Having served too, I do remember those no longer with us, those who,paid the greatest price so that I can live a good and easy life.

Because I worked yesterday my weekend was a bit short, so I had lots to do.

Starting with another bad nights sleep, I ended up doing loads today.

Bringing the truck up from the garage, the plan was to tint the windows and then head for town, but they were more complex as you need a five armed monkey to hold, stretch and apply the film when there is a breeze out like today.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psw60lj65t.jpg

Cleaning the inside window glass, I realised the whole thing needed a wash.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psxt3bp1rk.jpg

I also found evidence of a previous tint in the rear.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...ps0u36vb22.jpg

Quick wash, still took quite a while.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psom8uc1gm.jpg

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psadbkiqu8.jpg


Another observation.

I need to find a replacement headlight, this one works but the milky glass does not appeal to me.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...pspntbhd4s.jpg

What it should look like, other side.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...ps6hshtyzw.jpg

Once the car was washed, I took it down the tight drive.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psezrwq7rr.jpg


And first time it was out of the property since I bought it and Lee delivered it.

Confrontation?


http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psywuvr2sq.jpg


I was headed up to the farm to get a few decent photos......

We like a nice photo, don’t we?

Before alignment time.

Re: Grizz's Redneck Express 1966 Chevy Short Fleetside RESTO-GO!
 

So I went up to the farm to see if I could get some nice pics that justified the truck for what it really is.

Not as bad as I have made it out.

I do not think this truck has ever been in an accident and all the panels seem to be straighter than one could expect from a 40year old.


http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psisnqprwa.jpg

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...ps9xkrvalj.jpg

I had removed the license plate whe. I started to look at getting the Towbar made up.

It was held in place by two rusty panel screws, one broke off in the backing plate, the other came out, so I just taped it in the rear window.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psczklte2y.jpg

Thames river in the background.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...ps0qoekpbw.jpg

From the farm I headed toward Rochester......

Of course stopping in for some fuel.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...pstqfkeskx.jpg

Then a drive down the bypass motorway to get a good feel for the handling.

It weaved lightly,and drew to the right all the time.

Re: Grizz's Redneck Express 1966 Chevy Short Fleetside RESTO-GO!
 

So after filling the galactic sized tank with enough fuel to run 10 Smart cars for a month, I headed down to Strood to get the wheels aligned but typically the original £30.00 offer was not available as they did not have the details for the Chevy Blazer in their system.

They not so friendly guy behind the counter suggested I go to another shop.

So off to STS I went.

Friendly, knowledgeable guys, relieved me of £65.00 and sent me off with a truck that felt completely different to the one I had taken there.

WIN !!

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...ps71gyj2wx.jpg

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psy5asijhg.jpg

The results spoke for themselves.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psf8ljbcei.jpg

From there I went driving around, looking for another decent photo venue.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psqfo4olj8.jpg

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...pss8y6vphs.jpg

Eventually got home with a silly grin on my face.

The truck is Happy at 70mph on the motorway.

Brakes work beautifully

30 miles test drive, worked for me.

Reversed down the tight drive, planning to give the window tinting another go.

Realised the garden has grown a lot over the last few years.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...pselvmwd1f.jpg


So trimmed that lot back and raked up all the dead winter leaves.....

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psw9img62o.jpg

With the weather constantly changing between rain and not raining I decided to open the rear tailgate and service the window raiser mechanism


http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psggzao4st.jpg

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...ps0hanzn1f.jpg

Greased all the gears, sprayed the invisible parts with STS and then tested and shut it all up again, happy.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...pso9nw4rug.jpg


And them thought I would give the window tinting another go.......


Big mistake, again.

So I left it alone.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psvpmkyrz8.jpg


So that ended up a great day for me.


Only the MOT left to go do when I get my day in lieu back.

Then lots of fun, random things after that.

I hope.

Re: Grizz's Redneck Express 1966 Chevy Short Fleetside RESTO-GO!
 

Glad to see you are enjoying your not a project as much as you are.

I've done a little on my 62 truck. It is a many faceted project. Also I've bought a few new tools.

Don't you get cold wearing those safety flip flops this time of year?

Re: Grizz's Redneck Express 1966 Chevy Short Fleetside RESTO-GO!
 

Looking good Rian. Glad she is cruising well. I am still looking thru electrical Gremlins on min e. Found and fixed some, but hopefully this week I'll make some headway. Blazer is going to looking really good with those top hat caps.

Re: Grizz's Redneck Express 1966 Chevy Short Fleetside RESTO-GO!
 

Do you feel Sorry for the people on the freeway driving those little itty bitty cars? Or do you STOMP on the Loud Pedal as you Pass Them?

Re: Grizz's Redneck Express 1966 Chevy Short Fleetside RESTO-GO!
 

Hi Vince,

The best about these trucks will be their patience.

They are in no hurry and will wait for us to get back to them.

Regarding my flipflops, no, not at all cold.

I am fine as long as the soles of my feet are insulated.

I do wear shoes, rarely, when it gets really cold.

I think the centre caps will be nice too.

Let’s hope it’s not overkill.

Loads left to do on the Blazer too, but the big jobs are done. (Hopefully)

You saw right through me Ray.

I do have to remember it’s size and how big it is.

Passing people with windows down, I certainly do tickle the gas a bit more :metal:

Re: Grizz's Redneck Express 1966 Chevy Short Fleetside RESTO-GO!
 

Funny how the little things, like looking out and seeing this lump,outside now makes me smile.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...pskgmbzbft.jpg

I was asked on another forum about English property sizes and access and how I got the truck into the garage.

I guess TIGHT FIT is not an understatement.

Reversing the Blazer down the side of the house gets the best results.

I actually have to swing it around every concrete post as the mirrors are too wide to just go straight down.

Makes me chuckle at the madness every time I do it


http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psedzgkivg.jpg

Prozac the Berlingo is an easy loose fit.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psfrslqewi.jpg

Mate Darren of Unit Engineering had a bunch of random items in his £5.00 bargain bin on FB this week, so I bought the stainless Stormtrooper for the Blazer.

He will also later cut any other design on request and does all sorts of engineering and batch engineering manufacturing

Still need to figure out where it will go.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...pshuw5gmui.jpg

Re: Grizz's Redneck Express 1966 Chevy Short Fleetside RESTO-GO!
 

Had MOT booked as first customer in this morning.

I was going to use the same station that gave it last years certificate.

(Did not realise it had changed ownership in the mean time)

I was there early and got attacked by the shop cat while looking at the Toyota Camry the owner has for sale.

The cat was insistent and just lovely.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...pssgd2ctby.jpg


So when the station opened, the truck went in and we started, lights, hooter, indicators eyc.

When the tester entered the Registration and VIN number into his computer he cross referenced the VIN number on the truck......

OOOOPPPSS.

SERIOUSLY ??

He was on the phone etc trying to find a way to test tbe truck.

Ultimately though......



http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psfawaepej.jpg




So now I have sent a letter, photos, previous MOT certificate, V5c document to the DVLA.

Now the waiting begins.

More later.

Re: Grizz's Redneck Express 1966 Chevy Short Fleetside RESTO-GO!
 

Sorry to hear that news Rian. What does all that mean in your countrry, a VIN issue or ??

Re: Grizz's Redneck Express 1966 Chevy Short Fleetside RESTO-GO!
 

Hi Bill, yes it is.





I am going to try keep it as simple as possible.

The MOT certificate and V5C both have a 12 digit VIN number.

The Blazer, on it’s VIN plate has 13 numbers.

Somewhere in the recent, or dark distant past, someone has missed out on a single number (number 10 in the sequence) which happens to be a 1 and it has never been picked up, until yesterday, by the tester, who is a new owner, originally from Afghanistan, and who is clearly intent on keeping his business.

So the question could be, where to point a finger and who to blame, or just get on and get it sorted.

I spoke to a lovely Welsh lady called Steph at the DVLA in Swansea yesterday, and she explained about me writing a letter, photos and returning the new V5C in my name, and they would then correct this number.

I do hope that it is as simple as that.

Fingers crossed.

Re: Grizz's Redneck Express 1966 Chevy Short Fleetside RESTO-GO!
 

Yesterday was not a great day, and my day job has me a bit stressed at the moment too. Probably not ideal to discuss work and opinions in a public forum.

So at about 5.45 I am on the computer at home (we work from home) doing some admin, when the doorbell rings, and I think it’s Mickey coming to borrow some eggs or a cup of sugar.

Go downstairs and it is the local postman, delivering an international parcel that he had left a collection car for at 13.40 earlier in the day.

He had a flat wheel 4 miles up the road, and been delayed by two hours on his return journey, so when he drove past my house and saw the lights on downstairs, he turned around and came to deliver my parcel and get the signature on his tracking gadget.

THAT IS SERVICE.

I continued with my admin and then looked it over, and opened the parcel.

From Russia with Love.

Well, actually from Siberia.

Sent by Stas, who I got to know on Garage Journal https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/...d.php?t=376409


http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...pssu34pp2u.jpg

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psx9yqrlsh.jpg

Covering letter says it all.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psqulpp3mq.jpg

And then the item he sent me.....

A chopping board, perfect for the smoked and dry sausage we sometimes have here with our BBQ or when visiting.

I am absolutely stunned, again at the generosity of people, thank you Stas !


http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psyc68yha1.jpg

After the day I had had and the emails that had landed (a few more landed by 10pm that had me pi$$€d off) the next photo is of me, truely losing it completely with laughter.
I could not stop for a few minutes........

It’s a rare thing to laugh uncontrollably these days, and had thee been a drink in my office, it would have been all over the computer.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psmx9ox8yy.jpg

Stas had printed off and included for my pleasure, a photo of his beautiful wife, Katya, who happens to be a lawyer in Siberia.

I could not have been more surprised.

Katya is a legend in Stas’ garage thread on GJ and well loved and respected by the guys on there, like Harley my cat, she makes occasional appearances to brighten the days of this who are interested.

I give you Katya.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psnygwkmlw.jpg

And all together now.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...ps6rnz35gx.jpg


Funny how a bad day can end so good, thanks to another person on the other side of the world.

I chatted with Stas on WhatsApp overnight, and he is currently working in China.

Tough life ehhh.

Headed to London again today.

Re: Grizz's Redneck Express 1966 Chevy Short Fleetside RESTO-GO!
 

By absolute coincidence I had DVLA issues with my Blazer, they insisted it should go for an HGV (Heavy Goods Vehicle) test as opposed to an MOT, I had to take it to an inspection centre so they could satisfy themselves it wasn’t an 18 wheeler :lol:

Re: Grizz's Redneck Express 1966 Chevy Short Fleetside RESTO-GO!
 

Thanks for the reply Ian.

It will be interesting to see how this one turns out.




Cold, wet, foggy and dark outside.

So not a lot that I can do to the Blazer, but I still went and sat in it.

Messed with the radio, that I have not touched yet and sat and took stock of little jobs that will need doing.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psrybdlvzy.jpg

Need. To make up a complete new roof liner.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psfratfodb.jpg

And will be on the lookout fot trim that surrounds the radio too.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psrtljvw5h.jpg


In other news, Dennis sent me a bunch of pics, seems they had up to 8” of snow overnight.

Of course in England a National disaster would be announced

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psu9wxhn5v.jpg


All this may be pretty, but when you work for yourself, it sucks.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psduwi9fgd.jpg

Bedtime.

Re: Grizz's Redneck Express 1966 Chevy Short Fleetside RESTO-GO!
 

OOOhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh, white sandy beaches. Dennis must be having a blast ;lol:

Re: Grizz's Redneck Express 1966 Chevy Short Fleetside RESTO-GO!
 

:mm:

I am sure he is......



Awake early again today, it is Saturday so not ideal, as I would love to just sleep in and get 8 hours straight.

Still, out the house by 07.30 to drive down to Rochester, my local town and get to the Post Office Depot.

I had an undelivered parcel from Glasgow yesterday that has to be signed for, so could not be left with the neighbours.

Knowing exactly what it was, and where it came from meant I was a bit excited.

Nothing special for most people, but car parts, especially the dress up stuff, gets me going.

So Collected at 08.05 as I was no 3 in the row, despite being 10 minutes early, then straight home to unpack my treasures.


“I BRING YOU GIFTS O’ GREAT WHITE BLAZER

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psjrjctnit.jpg

Never been fitted to a car, but dusty from sitting on top of a wardrobe for years, awaiting their turn for glory.

So into the kitchen sink along with the few bits I had to wash this morning.

That is the right way to do it, not so?

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psmxbojxih.jpg

And after a quick wash, rinse and drying off with a clean dish towel they do look exactly as described by David who sold them to me.

Money well spent, despite me knowing that I really do not need to spend any more, as this truck is certainly draining my wallet faster than anticipated, still, the cash comes from the Red ‘66 C10’s personal account, so not threatening the mortgage repayments, yet.


Shiny Happy People.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...pseb8qre6m.jpg


I have another full day to myself today in the garage, so will be doing a load of small tinkering jobs, they all take time and need doing, some, in fact all will be pretty much unnoticed, like fitting the radiator shroud I bought a couple of weeks ago, making up an ally backing plate for the radio, to temporarily fix the visible damage to the surround, turning the choke knob around and refitting it, removing the steering wheel and refitting it correctly centred, stuff my buddy @CraigRK would approve of.
I also need to look at the mounting tabs for the Towbar and make extra, gusseted tabs to fix it more securely to the chassis mounting points, as I do not have an original Towbar to fit.



I was alerted by an angry friend in Germany this week that my old Ford Taurus Transit had made the press again, I think it’s the third time it has made it into a car magazine, twice when I had it too.

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y19...f/P1030419.jpg


http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...x/P1080880.jpg


The new owner has been changing it radically since buying it 5 years ago.

I am personally a great fan of the “Your ride, Your way” school of thought, and it’s good to see it evolve into something he wants to own and drive.


http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...pssz6rarix.jpg




Off to the garage now, the Blazer awaits.

Re: Grizz's Redneck Express 1966 Chevy Short Fleetside RESTO-GO!
 

So my day started earlier than I would have liked, but in exchange I got to collect the centre caps for the truck.

Did some laundry, single life rocks.... ermmm maybe.

Got out by 10am and chatted to Mickey next door for about half an hour, then got the cars swapped around, started the truck up and reversed it down to the garage.

First jonpb to do as to mark and drill some holes in the license plate backing plate, get some nuts and bolts to attach said number plate.

I wanted to mount it up high against the top of the rear bumper.

Got that done, ensuring maximum space for when the Towbar gets fixed in there.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...pso6yctcae.jpg

Remember in the engin bay, the radiator shroud was missing, as it had been removed and not replaced and subsequently thrown away by a previous owner.
Then I found one to but over in Essex, including cost of fetching it, as £25.00

So having undone the top radiator hose and removed it, I managed to wriggle it into place over the fixed fan. Slipping it into the S-clips,I also had to move the lower hose Jubilee clip to allow the shroud in.
For the top fixing, it was two tims of nuts and bolts. Allowing me to find pieces that fit into the look, and the right size.

The two top corner fixings took forever to seat and get to grip, and my sausage shaped fingers could not get in to hold it all in place.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...pszzfwasd2.jpg

Fixed.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psu9y9kdyl.jpg

After seeing @Disasterbus success with his air filter and aluminium foil, I thought it prudent to try the same method on mine.

Starting here......

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psktbxywbn.jpg

Removed.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psfdjhcue7.jpg


http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psbol2qs3z.jpg

Halfway there.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psiznsv7d4.jpg

Resulting in this.


http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psjmcho5fi.jpg

Back in place, far from perfect, but certainly improved.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...pst71oj2b5.jpg

Re: Grizz's Redneck Express 1966 Chevy Short Fleetside RESTO-GO!
 

Late afternoon, I got to the bit I had been looking forward to.

Fitting the centre caps, and then the Stainless steel trim rings.

So Centre caps.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...pszb7mqdlg.jpg

And add the trims.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...pslxi6tcp8.jpg

All together now.

Really needs to be out In Good lighting with a decent background.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...ps0xv4ajbc.jpg

Front end.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psuoq8qqtq.jpg

And my personal favourite angle today.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psi6aiubgs.jpg

By 3.30 it was getting chilly out on the drive, the breeze did not help, at that point I was trying to get the Towbar made up and mocked up, but have realised that finding a C10 Unit from a hedge or the back of a shed, makes more sense. And I was not in enough clothing layers, so I thought, bu66er it, another day, another battle to be fought.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psgiezygsn.jpg

I had planned on making a backing plate for the radio today to support or at least make look better, the broken and missing section under the dash.

However, chilly weather and forgetting about it altogether made me come in.

However, weirdly I got a message from friend Bill in Gulfport, Mississippi tonight on Messenger to offer me these pieces.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psiafwmj2z.jpg

Serendipity

Life.

Re: Grizz's Redneck Express 1966 Chevy Short Fleetside RESTO-GO!
 

So.....

WINDOW TINTING.

Make sure you select the right shade.

I went for 35% and should have gone to 70%

Too late now, as it’s done.

Under £10.00




Going to try keep it short.

Mate Kevin came over from Maidstone in his absolutely envy provoking chipped, lowered and pimped out VW Van.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psoaziuima.jpg


Cut the tinting film to size on the outside of the glass, keeping in mind, there is a sticky, or outside, side.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psaflbkh9j.jpg

Once trimmed to size, move to the inside of the vehicle, spray the glass wet, as well as the tint film once you remove the backing sheet.
Slide into position, squeegee all the water out while getting it smooth.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psxurikwhd.jpg

Many hands, octopus and all that.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psxqrkzn1c.jpg

Repeat prep.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...pszhyocjof.jpg

I also used a heat gun to help remove and smoothe any kinks out.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psmp0qcjgb.jpg

While we were at it, Nicola’s dad popped in for a chat and to check up on the new car, he has always loved cars, especially V8’s

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psxyblmwv8.jpg

Result

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...ps2odelrxe.jpg

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psjodofjeq.jpg


And out in the street after Kevin and I did a 10 mile test drive, where we found the front wheel beauty rings popped off after 5 miles.

So it’s back to looking for trim rings that work.


Final pic of the tinting, here you can see it, not dark enough, but nice.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...pslks4o0gm.jpg


End of the weekend and another job jobbed.

Few more pics tomorrow, bed now.

Re: Grizz's Redneck Express 1966 Chevy Short Fleetside RESTO-GO!
 

isn't 70% lighter than 35%

Re: Grizz's Redneck Express 1966 Chevy Short Fleetside RESTO-GO!
 

That’s how I understood it to be, based on what I did to my Berlingo




So for those who have been patiently following this thread.

Here is a short clip of the Blazer coming out to play.

Enjoy.


https://youtu.be/XX83qJc8UpQ



After Kevin left, Joy, who has been incredibly tollerant and patient with the work that’s been going into the Blazer and her dog Wyzz, came over for a walk down to the Thames River at Allhallows.

Once back, I needed to open the side gate to reverse the truck down to the garage and Joy moved her car over a bit.

Came back and found this.......


http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...ps2ayixnni.jpg

Random pics.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...ps7faci1et.jpg

Along the way, some waterways.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...ps6oonqtwt.jpg

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psw8cvjd85.jpg

Tide was out on the Thames and the wind was cold and biting.

Essex over the other side and French canal to the right.


http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psipxzqh3k.jpg

And looking up river, toward London, with more of Essex on the other side.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...pskdkrrkkm.jpg

Have a good week, mine will be hectic.

Re: Grizz's Redneck Express 1966 Chevy Short Fleetside RESTO-GO!
 

Guess he is OK without being in the shotgun position. ;)

Re: Grizz's Redneck Express 1966 Chevy Short Fleetside RESTO-GO!
 

His favourite :mm:




Thought I would add an oldie but GOODY tonight.


Most of us know KC as a painter.


Slight change of occupation here.

Enjoy.


https://youtu.be/2m7F7jMIE9k



And then we have this idea.

I have had it in the back of my mind since Oblertone sent me two pairs of stirrups.


Background.

THE TSURIKAWA STORY

Sushi, sumo and samurais... Japan in a nut shell right? Well, the country of the rising sun is a bit more than that! And tsurikawas are without a doubt a part of our rich culture…
Stolen in trains by our local young gangsters, also known as bosozokus, the tsurikawas were originally attached inside cars so passengers could slide their wrist inside the ring and safely hang their body outside the window.
They quickly became the symbol of a reckless youth and bosozokus started to attach them outside heavily modified bikes and cars to show rebellion and disrespect to authority.
Nowadays, hardcore Japanese car enthusiasts are still flaunting them to express their freedom.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...ps6kcoeluc.jpg


Went down to the garage after work tonight, raining.

Found a stirrup, old leather belt and pulled my hoody over my head...

And got Photobombed, remember it’s wet, cold and windy out there, but madam wants to be down there .


http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psmtjml5vb.jpg

Better pic.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psrx1eiaoh.jpg

Expecting,much hate.

Remember , it’s just an idea.

Re: Grizz's Redneck Express 1966 Chevy Short Fleetside RESTO-GO!
 

Well.....

What does $80.00 buy you??

Dinner at Harry J’s.

Half a trolley of burgers n fries at Walmart.

Or 36 gallons of Fossil fuel for the Blazer in St Louis, Missouri this week.

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...ps4xytrhfb.jpg


Or if you are Dennis Jones in St Louis, then postage to the U.K. for some shackles for the Blazer.

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...psxuk7nppt.jpg

Unpacked and a quick Catscan......

Approved.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psfqrflpw2.jpg

Also included were some Disabled plates for my collection from Dennis and some of @CraigRK ‘s Coke purchases that were delivered after we departed the USA in September.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psjgcptvox.jpg

So what have we got for the Blazer this week?

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psu420hl22.jpg


Just a trim, bit off the sides and then a two inch drop in the rear.

Lovely pieces of kit.

Grinder and wrenches at the ready.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psyqeofdpp.jpg


Hard to see on some pics, but here the same rake on both pics, and pic no 1shows the real state of the nation.

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...psy5asijhg.jpg

So trust me, the 2 inches will be just right, thanks to @PaulY


https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...pslks4o0gm.jpg


More when the sparks have flown.

Roll on weekend.

Re: Grizz's Redneck Express 1966 Chevy Short Fleetside RESTO-GO!
 

Rian, Don't let the Cheap Gas Prices fool you! They are just teasing us with them at the moment. By Spring we will be paying premium prices again. Although our highest prices might just be cheaper than your Lowest. Looks like Dennis came through again and The Blazer will drop it's Ass Properly! Thanks for the Pictures of the Thames and your countryside, makes me want to Go to the UK even More. Ray

Re: Grizz's Redneck Express 1966 Chevy Short Fleetside RESTO-GO!
 

Sorry I could not come cook those pork steaks at your place today.

Pleasure regarding the photos I post.

Re: Grizz's Redneck Express 1966 Chevy Short Fleetside RESTO-GO!
 

Of course there is the matter of the long weekend in America

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...ps7dzsnwjh.jpg

Last night after 10pm my one neighbour brought a parcel around.

From Ernie “PedalcarJoe” it had me laughing again, that is twice this week.

Basically for the Blazer as it seems to have a bit of a bruiser look about it, and in all white looks a bit like the Stormtroopers from Star Trek.

Harley of course has to do her inspection, weird cat.

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...psrgrt2xpm.jpg

On the way home tonight I had to fill up my car, prices are a bit higher than those in the USA

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psp1uwrzpp.jpg

In other news from the USA, Clem Johnson of Tubatrucks.com had send Dennis an old gas station driveway forecourt bell earlier this week.


Started out like this.

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...psss3ek0m5.jpg

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...psiuh82ady.jpg

And after doing his magic.........

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psn4mybucd.jpg

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...pszcafhujc.jpg


And earlier today, Dennis sent a pic of it mounted on the side of the replica gas station.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psbjbg0dzc.jpg


Looking forward to tomorrow.

Re: Grizz's Redneck Express 1966 Chevy Short Fleetside RESTO-GO!
 

Lazy start to my day off work, only got up at 07.00 when Harley had bugged me more than I needed to stay in bed.

Did some work admin, lazy brekkie by 09.00 and garage by 9.30

Not bad for a lazy day.

So tried out the Bobble Heads Ernie had sent for the truck.

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...psqv03bh2x.jpg

Then truck time.

First thing I did was to remove the beauty rings, clean them and wrap them up back into their original box

Then made up a special tool to get the centre caps off with. They are buggers to get on too.

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...ps9lg0zovl.jpg

Then consulted the destructions. Posted here in the interest of record keeping.


Not the same as my Blazer ............ Ooops.


http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...pszkvvzobd.jpg


http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...ps7tqagfsp.jpg


So looking in.


http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...pseyfvscyd.jpg


Offered up.

Notice gas filler pipe is in the way.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psaaeyeqvz.jpg

Mr Rattle Gun called in, easy work, another great tool I bought a long time ago.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psioke2xcv.jpg

Other side removed too.

Rear axle and suspension supported on the jack, rest of truck on axle stands.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...pshlevzpqi.jpg

Top shackle bolt fitted, needed to come out again as lower bush sleeve did not fit into support cup.


http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...pstb7iyybt.jpg


http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psjihcxvzs.jpg



More later.

Re: Grizz's Redneck Express 1966 Chevy Short Fleetside RESTO-GO!
 

So the old shackles came out, looking worse for wear.

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...psh7sdkzsc.jpg

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psj0pf35sp.jpg

Crawling around with 5 layers was not too bad, though my back still objected by the end.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psrgcrf6sz.jpg

One side.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psngd001fu.jpg

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psgsteqc9s.jpg


Other side.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...pskipv9a0y.jpg

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...ps6kedzqor.jpg


Side view after.


http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psfcjwba3t.jpg

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...pskacwo7qp.jpg

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psc97xx3zf.jpg


Final numbers.

Started with Front 680mm
Rear 790mm

Front raised to 710mm
Rear dropped to 780mm

Today shackles brought rear down to 740mm
Front stayed at 710mm

Happy with how it sits now.

Project??

Re: Grizz's Redneck Express 1966 Chevy Short Fleetside RESTO-GO!
 

Great stance Rian! AS I like to put to my low rider friends, perfect to drive on all the roads my friends live on.

Re: Grizz's Redneck Express 1966 Chevy Short Fleetside RESTO-GO!
 

Absolutely love that description Bill.

Thank you as always for taking the time to post up on here.

Re: Grizz's Redneck Express 1966 Chevy Short Fleetside RESTO-GO!
 

Woke at 04.30 again.....

Bugger.

Chatted with Dennis in St Louis as he does not always sleep.

Watched some recorded telly etc, then just as I was making brekkie, I noticed a massive rat down the bottom of the garden, eating at the soup I had put out for my visiting fox.

Grabbed the skip find .22 air rifle @CraigRK had found in a skip, some penetrating pellets and raced upstairs

Only one shot......

Rats are fast !!!

He was inside the bowl, I think I missed.

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...psq9vctxck.jpg

My shot trajectory.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...pszbhtfxgw.jpg

Just after 10.00 mate Craig reversed in.

Bearing gifts, also to collect some stuff from our USA road trip that he left in my bag, and items Dennis had sent with the lowering shackles.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...pssur9fy8z.jpg

The cottage pane internal door is a future project.

The garden gate, along with some trestles will be the new BBQ table on the deck for 2019.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psru68j6sq.jpg

Headed out, mich smaller than the Blazer.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...pskqrh7axv.jpg

Thank you for the delivery.

Re: Grizz's Redneck Express 1966 Chevy Short Fleetside RESTO-GO!
 

So after coffee and unloading the gates and door from @CraigRK ‘s truck we went down to the garage to look at the Blazer.

I started it up, fired up instantly too.

Then Craig did his OCD inspection going around the truck, declaring me to be a liar.

Saying that it was much better than I had described it before, seems to be a pattern forming here.

Looking at the Lexus style light, he clearly reacted to them......


http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...ps9ex0t3tx.jpg

So he asked about the replacement lights I had bought from Martin in Derbyshire.

Of course I would love to replace them, NOW.

So he grabbed a Phillips screwdriver and started to disassemble.

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...pszvxechh5.jpg

Lenses off.

Clearly all the colours this truck has been in it’s life, on display, Blue, Orange and primer Grey/Gray

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psukyjxh8q.jpg

And then you find stuff like this.......

Woodscrews...... WT actual F ???

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...ps45nxzpzh.jpg

Also in evidence, cut off screws that would be needing some attention.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psxqb9auya.jpg

So onto the small drillpress and starting with a 1.5mm drill after the Dremmel slot for a screwdriver failed to unseat the rusted in screw.
Then onto the next size and eventually we had a fresh hole to be screwed

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psktnl5nkt.jpg


Replaced number one.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...pscr6qfllp.jpg

Fitted, tested, video made.......

All good.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psyylaspja.jpg

And these........

Headed into the sunset of evil bay.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psbt8tvair.jpg

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psw5ucv4yh.jpg



Sooooo...


LASTLY....

VIDEO CLIP.



I hope you are all happy with the right lights now fitted, I certainly am.


Later.

Re: Grizz's Redneck Express 1966 Chevy Short Fleetside RESTO-GO!
 

Nice work. I like the European version of make the backups turn signals. You going to install some backup lights?

Re: Grizz's Redneck Express 1966 Chevy Short Fleetside RESTO-GO!
 

Morning Bill, quoted from a reply I posted earlier.




Once the weather settles, I will do the edges of the rims in Silver Hammerite as a temporary measure

We know it works with the black contrast.


Plan for today is possibly a drive down to Isle of Sheppey to mate Darren, to measure up and plan out a rear panel to be laser cut......

Remember that??


And possibly also going to try tinting the rear tailgate glass which of course is mechanical, meaning it may be a fail..

Let’s see what happens.


This may be challenging.

Re: Grizz's Redneck Express 1966 Chevy Short Fleetside RESTO-GO!
 

Randomness first.

Dennis sent me a few pics.

Firstly his step son Bryan’s first deer kill of the season..... now delicious Jerky.

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...pshwbjc24m.jpg

And a truck he was invited to work on for a friend this week..... pretty.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...pscqyjbypl.jpg

Remember the 2018 Road trip?

@CraigRK is a keen Coca Cola collector.

He had found a Coke lighter, rare as a rare thing, then found another for sale in Hannibal that Dennis sent over with my lowering shackles and it included a very cool salt n pepper set.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psnlbcigsd.jpg

Dennis has been fitting the inner metal to the dummy gas station.

Not easy, but getting it done.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...pszlfqktin.jpg

With the snow and cold weather he has had to get other jobs done.

Outside signs going up.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psx5ouar3q.jpg

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...ps9jvdeyfk.jpg

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psrcymxrb7.jpg


Saturday night dinner with Joy and her cat Mitzi, a good looking boy, loves to sleep in the draining rack. No idea why.


http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...ps33aiihdl.jpg

One of the plates I got from Andy in Oklahoma in September, 1963, my birth year.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psz00lx8ot.jpg

And back in the U.K........

Another small job I got done today.

Before

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...ps28bfwqh2.jpg

After.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...ps2wbkajhl.jpg

Re: Grizz's Redneck Express 1966 Chevy Short Fleetside RESTO-GO!
 

Slow start to my day, the cold and damp, chilly and breezy weather slowing my motivation a bit, well, a lot.

So eventually made it to the garage by 13.30

Decided to give tinting the rear glass in the tailgate a go on my own.

Reversed the truck tint into the garage and then started to get the tailgate glass out, exposed and ready for tinting.


https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...ps9ht4jrf1.jpg

Glass measured 1550mm X 480mm


Cleaned and ready.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psfamhgm0e.jpg

So cut it on the folding table Martin got me from his mums house, date stamped 1960 on the underside. Beats throwing it away.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psnwjyzkez.jpg

Small jobs, they all take time, some more than others, even the planning of the execution of this.

Added a steel ruler to the one end, to weigh it down when I got to removing the backing sheet.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psdj7vepwq.jpg

Stretched

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...pslwm4o9ej.jpg

Then removing the rear backing film.

One needs an octopus realistically to manage all the sides and getting it all sprayed wet before application.

Even my tweets held onto a tab.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...ps2gkdvnpn.jpg

Film applied.

Not looking good.

But there is hope, in the form of a squeegee

Much rubbing, squueegeeing and swearing at the wind.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...pssuywkgmb.jpg


Done.

Far from perfect, but at less than £10.00 for the rear and side glass, I am happy with the results.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...ps1ivzeywh.jpg

Prozac the Van that can looking on.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psdofxu3ns.jpg

Last photo taken specifically for the guys in America to illustrate the reverse lights being reused as indicators with yellow/amber lightbulbs.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...ps5eplclly.jpg


Once that was done, I did the front wheel lettering.

Another small job done, never made it out to the shops.

Need to go shopping tomorrow and find myself some waterproof slimline LED reverse lights to mount under the bumper.


Thanks for checking in and all your comments and advice so far.

As for all the stalkers........ 🤔🦃

Re: Grizz's Redneck Express 1966 Chevy Short Fleetside RESTO-GO!
 

Bought some back up or reversing lights for the truck, mainly for getting down the side of my house in the dark, as I always reverse it down to the garage as doing a 5 point turn on the grass would destroy and mark it, done once already a few weeks ago.

Had really good reviews from about 5 guys with American cars and trucks who fitted them.

I will not be adding fog lights too, as they look rubbish and we’re never fitted originally.


https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...psa54nvrvz.jpg

Then just need to find the original reverse light between the ones cut on the loom, and ensure the reverse switch on the steering column actually works, or else fit an over ride switch to turn them into rear facing spotlights.

Off work today, so certainly out with the Blazer to go shopping and for a decent drive.

Later.

Re: Grizz's Redneck Express 1966 Chevy Short Fleetside RESTO-GO!
 

Those ought to Light Up the Night! Not a PROJECT is sure taking up some precious Time and Money from the 66

Re: Grizz's Redneck Express 1966 Chevy Short Fleetside RESTO-GO!
 

Cash is fine.

C10 has to wait for summer





My day off on Monday netted me quite a lot of miles in the Blazer.

After adding another 20liters of fossil fuel to its belly, we were off.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...pslvpem90m.jpg

It was the first time I have driven it enthusiastically since working over the front and rear suspensions with fresh parts.


CONCLUSION......??

This truck now really handles well for the behemoth it is.

Entering and exiting roundabouts with confidence inspiring ease, I found myself grinning and speaking to it while cautiously pushing it harder and harder.
On the open road at 60-70 miles per hour the steering is dead still and true when let alone.

Eventually got home around 3.00pm and reversed it to the garage, then walked over to fetch Prozac back.

Noticed the DIY front spoiler, nice n low.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...ps3hcxtpog.jpg

Got indoors and found an envelope from Gulfport Mississippi. Postage, again as always, eye watering.

Thanks to Bill Palfreyman for the Antique Truck plate, never seen one before.

But even better...... was the repair sections for the Blazers dash radio surround that’s been butchered at some point before.

I will address this when the weather is more dry.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psgkpiabnx.jpg


And a photo from a friend.

Nope,

I don’t know either.


Captions welcome.


https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...psa92cfocg.jpg



.