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

Agreed.

Problem with us here on Mud Island is that if you see a $5000.00 truck it will cost closer to or over $8000.00 landed on our driveway.

Parts attract local taxes, massive shipping, then import duties and handling over here too..... so it becomes an expensive hobby.

Still, we would not change any of this.



The new in box grille looks like this, with no badges and you need to make adjusted mounting brackets.

These belong to the guy who sold me the replacement rear light units, and he was going to sell me one, possibly the second one, till I found the new boxed unit.

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

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psb1xlrgz3.jpg


I have a few emblems to choose from.

The metal one came with the Blazer, but has no fixing clips.


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


This afternoon I took the Blazer for a nice drive and got some food, gas (I like taking pics at different gas stations, so only put in 16 litres at a time.) and a few photos.

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

Also drove to the place where I originally saw the truck in June of 2016

Sadly I could not take the pic on the driveway again, with the new look truck that is not a Project

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

Then drove to a place where I knew I could get a neat shot of the truc.


http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psay4xemjs.jpg

And eventually came home the long way around, having driven around for over two hours, just love driving this truck randomly.

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

PS.

This forum will not let me edit any posts after I have hit the post button.

I was going to add that after 50 miles of random driving, the wheel trim rings are all still in position too.

Great news in my book, thanks to PaulY’s suggestion to use duck tape to fight the spring tension in the clips.

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

I like the steering wheels off the 88-94 ish trucks better than the original ones. You might find one easier over there than an original style wheel. The one I put in the 81 is the higher end model with leather wrap. I even found mine with a GMC horn cap which seem really hard to find. Love the feel of these wheels.

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

Yup, leather and thicker feels good for sure.


Weird how Centre caps go missing.



I recently put out feelers on forums and FB groups for a replacement grille and original steering wheel for the Blazer in my continued quest to ensure it does not become a Project.

I found two sources of grilles, and ended up buying a new in the box correct for the year, grille from Derbyshire and that probably has been collected now by my friend Kevin and his wife as they were headed right by the grille on their way to see family. I will be spending old years eve with them and some other friends, at which time I hope to collect the grille.

I had lived in hope that I would find an original steering wheel to buy to replace the nice one I have fitted, and to regain the self cancelling indicators.


https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...psi4yem1ps.jpg

You will see the replacement wheel pushes out quite far into the cab.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psck3bjotv.jpg

Then I got a text from my friend Ian Brown up in County Durham

His side of the conversation went like this.

Hi Rian, I have one of these “ in my shed” it’s missing the centre cap / horn push and it’s grubby ( would definitely need some Grizz “resto-magic “ ). I remember checking the part number and it was 73 to 80 something Blazer and Suburban. I’ll send it down to you if it’s any good?

You should be able to get someone on the forum to send you a centre cap.

Hi Rian, front & back and part number photos attached. I’ve tried cleaning a bit of it with interior shampoo ( not the best but all I have to hand ) it should come up great with a bit of elbow grease (and patience)

All the horn contacts are there too but will need a good clean
I’ve tried cleaning a small section of the wheel using Armour-all tyre foam cleaner and a very fine scotch-brite. It will clean up ok I think. I’d have done the whole thing but the tin was almost empty.

Front.

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

Rear.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psmgzaq6kh.jpg

Part number.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psu84auwqp.jpg

Hell..... Yeah !!!

Of course I would be able to use it, someone somewhere would be able to find and sell me a Centre section/horn push

I had messaged Dennis in St Louis to tell him that I had “got lucky” with Ian having one to give to the Blazer free of charge, and he said that was good, but to make sure that the three screws and a plastic piece that took the screws and a metal cup that the horn button snaps onto were there as they were not in the original pics Ian had sent.

So I texted Ian again and a few minutes later he replies that he found the parts as well, and they would be making their way down south soon.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psqv1t522i.jpg

Got a message this afternoon at 13.20 from Ian to say that he had boxed and dropped of the wheel at a courier, to make its way down South to me.

All I can say is Thank you, and that life certainly is good.

Today was a good day as well, as I had some garage time with my friend Henry who came over from Romford in Essex to give me a hand in the garage.

More Later.

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

Love the Blazer , still hope I land a nice 72 one day .

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

Is the 72 a Holy Grail car or do you just like that year?



Today mate Henry came over from Essex to fit a very sexy LED spotlight in the loft of my garage.
I did not realise just how LED technology had moved on.

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

Lovely feel of quality

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psvcnj3lt3.jpg

I mounted it high in the apex.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psds0qnd3q.jpg

While Henry did all the clever stuff, like wiring it into the mains with a complete new circuit and connected to a mains light switch. Beats another extension cord rigged light.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...pseeya323w.jpg

And.........

Action. Bright as anything

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

Around 13.00 we had lunch and a long chat, then back to the Blazer out in the cold, it was chilly though the 5 layers and woolly hat I had on, but Henry agreed to help me try find the reverse/back up light live wire as it needed two hands, we also consulted the Oracle that is Dennis, and an online source plus a full 79 year service manua.

Count them......

5 cut wires and three connecting blocks.

Passenger side.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...ps4vsjterz.jpg

Drivers side......

Fail.

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

So in the end, the cold and not finding a live reverse wire to connect the LED strip light that Euan had sent, meant we packed it in and had another coffee instead.

Fight another day.

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

According to my schematics, should be a light green wire for the back up. Obviously it runs to the backup switch on the tranny. Not sure how it goes after that.
When I did my 64 I had a lighted push switch that I ran to a keyed (IGN) hot, then back to the LED bulbs. That way if I forgot to manually turn off the backup lights they wiould go off when I turned the truck off.

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

Sorry for any duplication.

But worth asking on here too.

Unfortunately for us over here on Mud Island (England) we do not have all the spares trucks or access you guys have over in the USA so every now and then we need to reach out and ask the questions.

I want to replace the half hearted attempt of an after market steering wheel with an original part.

My friend Ian Brown, here in England as given me what we believe is a complete steering wheel, but without the square, curved horn push cover.

Pics below to illustrate.

I need one to complete the repair........

Any one?

What I am needing.

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...psjoa7uk2k.jpg

What I need....

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


Part number.


https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...psu84auwqp.jpg


I hope someone has a dozen of them stashed away, you see them on the abandoned truck thread all the time.

This is a favourite thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=747194

Thank you all.

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

Thank you Bill.

Will look again another day.

Today I needed to have fun and drive this thing.

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

Fossil fuel replenishment.

Did quite a bit of driving this weekend.

And of course the V8 sound is so bloody sweet in this truck and consequently tends to make you want to drive it, accelerate it and just have the windows down. So you use more gas as your grin gets bigger.

I also try to gas up as different stations every time, its become a bit of a thing for me, even if I just dribble in 10-15 litres at a time.

So today I popped over to Mate Martins place as I have not been there for a while, and he has been restoring two houses simultaneously after which I hit the motorway for a bit, then made my way back to Rochester.

Life’s a Gas Gas Gas....

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psnglpvad2.jpg

Takes up some space even though these are modern, large parking bays.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...ps8r8dwf9k.jpg

Front view is wide, over 6 foot in fact.

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

I'll have to look if the one on mine was type 1 like yours or a type 2 wheel. I know mine had the chevy removed because none are made for GMC. Matter a fact I am not sure if any are produced in the aftermarket world. I'll try and dig mine up and see what I got.

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

Just thought about checking my photos, and no mine is a type 2 wheel, so my button won't fit you wheel.

You/re more than welcome to everything, but not sure the postage makes it worth while at the moment.

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

Thank you Bill,

I will pass on the wheel, all I need is a centre cap, even a damaged or broken one that fits my wheel.

Craig who travelled with me is a plastic hobby printer, we could custom print it if we had an example to get vectors from.





[quote author="@craigrk" source="/post/2471520/thread" timestamp="1546158198"]I was looking at a picture this morning while on holiday in Spain of the Blazer without the trims and stripes, and thinking how much better it now looks with stripes.

[quote source="/post/2461296/thread" author="@grizz" timestamp="1542097162"]Funny how the little things, like looking out and seeing this lump,outside now makes me smile.

[/quote]A quick WhatsApp comment to Grizz and he came up with this pic by return:

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psbo3av014.jpg

Now we just need that grill and steering wheel sorted to complete the next step of the [quote source="/post/2471512/thread" author="@glenanderson" timestamp="1546138107"]Q-car[/quote] transformation!!
[/quote]


Made me chuckle.


A bit like this view yesterday walking back to the car park


It has a presence for sure.


https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...psjkdouhp5.jpg

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

Fer sure, That is a PRESENCE!

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

Especially here.




Not said much about Dennis’ gas station build recently as he gas been painting, finishing and cursing mostly.

One of the recent purchases was an air unit for pumping tyres.

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...pso7dvrdad.jpg

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psrjgg7u6i.jpg

Almost done.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...ps3ub6mu8z.jpg

A recent question about the size of roads and parking, prompted this pic....
welcome to England and car parking on street.

For us over here it’s normal, but of course in the good old USA and other sunny countries where space is less of an issue, this causes panic attacks.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...pss1wolohw.jpg

Today Prozac worked again, and a photo opportunity presented itself after I put out a wanted ad on a local Facebook group for some 47kg gas bottles.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...pscgj7i0ld.jpg

Collected, in the back.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...ps5kzueecx.jpg

Back home, unloaded.

Needs cleaning.

Any guess what or why for??

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...ps311oalm5.jpg

More in a bit.

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

Nitrous for the Blazer? ;)

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

LPG conversion. :mm:




ooh!

http://media.liveauctiongroup.net/i/...D2CC43BC161460

aah!

Like this, except not as pretty.

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...pssk89pf77.jpg

There you go.

Ideas at this point.

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

Right.

Back to our regular transmission of Non Projecty Blazer actions.


Remember the steering wheel and horn button dilemma plus the standard grille?

Today a Scotsman called Kevin Bruce replied to my FB request wit a complete steering wheel and not one but two standard grilles.

Of course I already bought the new in box grille that has been collected by Kevin up in Derbyshire and is now waiting for me to head over there tomorrow night to party I to the new year and collect.

The steering wheel looked like the one Ian has sent by courier but then Dennis immediately picked up that it was different, with a wider button, so I said it to Kevin and he replied that he also had just a single narrow horn button and that I could have that for nothing, he would pop it in the post ASAP.

Stars align some times.

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...psb6aepvav.jpg

After collecting and dropping off the gas bottles with Prozac, I headed to the industrial estate to find some different sizes of electric heat shrink, as I am going to go through all the wires on the truck and solder and heat seal every joint.

While there I bought a few cans of white primer and white spray paint for the Blazer
For various jobs that will be needing doing. £41.00 later.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...pstxd9p5zq.jpg

Why all the paint, you may ask me.

Because some of the panels and paint look like this, not all of it, but there are small repairs to be done over time, just to turn it from 50yard truck to 10 yard truck, or even closer.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psjtsbvx51.jpg

Last night......

Reversing in the dark, down the side of my house, I managed to do this stupid thing.

So it needed to be addressed sooner than later.

Fortunately, only 23 layers of paint damaged, no metal damage.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...ps2ongmjyg.jpg

Sanded back, masked and wiped panel down.
Primed, drying helped with heat gun.
Then three coats of paint applied with heat gun gently helping dry it all between coats.

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

And as good as it gets after dark.

Tomorrow fine water paper to remove small ridge and to blend old and new paint, minimal polish. As it needs to blend with ****e paint in place.

As good as it will be getting.

I call it done.

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

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

The Not A Project Blazer sure does get a lot of attention.

Glad to see you got your steering wheel worked out. Now I'll tell you that I have an 1982 Chevy truck that is the parts truck for my 62 project. I have a good steering wheel with the horn button that I would give you but figured that your duty or the taxes you are charged for it that it would not be feasible. I was thinking of you though :) If on your next trip you still need it we can get together.

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

Morning Vince,

Thank you for the offer.

I have had a couple of wheels offered now, including Mike “Modges65”

But for now I will try this one.

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

For a “Non Project” this Blazer certainly gets a lot of attention and gifts, and parts and effort bestowed on it.

This morning early the doorbell went, while I was still in bed with my iPad, cuppa tea and of course the cat and internet for forum catch up.

Chirpy lady at the door said: You seem to keep me in work, Thank you and Happy New Year” and handed me a parcel.

What could it be.........??

Answers on a post card.


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


In other news, “Pistonpopper” offered me this.......

Not the car, to add to the roofrack I am still looking for during summer show season.

At 9 foot it is a bit tall/long but I do like the decidedly 80’s feel of the graphics on it too.


https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...psunkqc9ts.jpg

Almost time for a drink, later.

But now headed out to go investigate a small Ford Courier pickup truck Imdidcovered in a yard recently, it is either a 1980 or 1981 model and was last given an MOT road test in 2006.

I wonder what the implication is of a vehicle that has not been declared SORN in this time for a potential new owner.

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

And the steering wheel,was delivered as mentioned,by the chirpy courier lady.

Thank you to Ian Brown again.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psyv9fwbmc.jpg

Closer inspection showed years of wear and tear and muckyness.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...ps086k0oba.jpg

Some rust on the horn button itself.

I wanted to give it a coat of paint, but suspect it was made that way, because it does not get paint.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...pstl31jv7q.jpg

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psa6yao3la.jpg

Spring plate was very much rusty too.

Stopped at this point.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...ps3jsyyraf.jpg

Cleaning took just over two hours with Cillit Bang ammonia based cleaner and a kitchen scoured, and a sharp knife in places.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...ps0xwk600e.jpg

And offered up in the truck different size for sure.

And note the centre is not Centre.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...pseo3tsidv.jpg

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

I will fit it after the New Years Festivities are over.

Back to work soon.


HAPPY NEW YEAR ALL.

Here’s to a car and truck filled 2019.

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

Looks good Rian.

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

Morning Bill,

Let’s hope it all works out, and that I can do it justice.


Went over to Maidstone for dinner with Kevin and his wife who had picked up the brand new grille for the Blazer up in Derbyshire 175 miles from here for me, that kept the £40.00 purchase price realistic, rather than paying shipping or postage on top.
I still need to make up some fitting brackets for it but hopefully not too much of a hassle.

Friends Dave and Helen were there too.

Dave brought me these sew on badges that he bought in 1978 at the Kennedy Space Centre, still in their bags, unopened.

I just loved the pricing on them.

Wonder what a gallon of gas cost back then.


https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...psw1dgkhra.jpg

And of course, freshly out of its packaging, the new grille.

Hope to fit that and the new to me, steering wheel today once I figure and make the fitting brackets.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psbrq26ess.jpg


Looks like a good way to start the first day of the new year and last day of my break, much of which was enjoyed playing with this Not a Project truck.


Thanks for checking in.

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

And so 2019 broke on us.

Perfect day, sunshine, chilly, DRY....!!

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...pswa5g1yn1.jpg

Slow start indoors culminated in cutting the grass, as it was really scruffy, but had the mower set quite high as the lawn is waterlogged, or at least very soft n soggy, but happy it’s done.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...pskl5kvfo2.jpg

Then chatted with various friends around the world, from Stas in Siberia to Ray in Iowa and of course Dennis in Missouri and my brother in South Africa.

Followed by Truck Time.

What better way is there to starting the year.

This Blazer that certainly still is “Not a Project” was going to get some attention.

And both were small jobs that in my opinion have delivered and then some.

It really has wrapped up the last three months worth of Ups n Downs, and you all know where we started.
I certainly have done more and spent more than intended.
But it’s come together really well.


First job, take a starting point photo.


http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psmynvi58d.jpg

Then remove the aluminium grille that will go into the for sale pile.

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

Reassemble

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

Compared to the starting point.

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


And then the Money Shot.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...ps3eoimavh.jpg

Harley had been there all day, helping.

She is a funny cat......

Once I reversed the truck back from the lawn to start on the second job, which would be the steering wheel replacement, I went to the house to grab a coffee.

When I got back, this was what I found.

Catscan Approved

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psg7uwspum.jpg


More in a while.

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

Second New Years job....

Fitting the steering wheel Ian Brown had sent me from his stash to replace the Moto-Lita one that came with the truck.

Undoing and removing it was so easy. I had expected a fight.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psezf3hnwp.jpg

Seems there are still some bits missing here.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psn3kpddht.jpg

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psh3sgcwlu.jpg


Surprise discovery.

Cruise control.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psrip84j5e.jpg

My little Klingon was with me all day again, being a real pain in the butt.

But she makes me chuckle at her insistence to help and get in the way.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psvqfa6ykz.jpg

Fitted new wheel.

Amazing how off centre the centre actually is.

No horn push yet

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psd0cgxkpg.jpg

And at the end of the day......

Two small jobs done, but both were jobs I really wanted to get done.

Rock n Roll.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psjeabt6z0.jpg


So what next....??

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

You are missing parts for the canceling cam and horn button parts

http://www.lmctruck.com/icatalog/cc/full.aspx?Page=57

Parts#1 & 2

Wheel does look way better than the other one.

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

Wheel is biiig.


I just need to address the horn switch


When I get to it





I could still have been wrong, and to be honest, it is only my taste, there could be many who prefer something else.


Something else I saw that I love too, not everyone will like it, but I like random stuff.


https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...psuz3ydvfc.jpg

And some awesome Walmart products...

How badly do I want one of these.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psq2csxlgf.jpg

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

New grille looks good Rian.

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

I was just relooking over your pictures Rian, and noticed that you have a tilt-column? Is it solid?

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

Thank you Tom,

Certainly has grown on me.

Hey Bill,

Tilt column works too.

Have used it to get the ideal position.


Saw this in a hospital today.

U.K. company too.


Would they sell a meter length of this or similar for less than the cost of a stolen kidney?


https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...psfhoedrq2.jpg

Could work well as the visible part of a modified “Visible pump”

Will call them tomorrow.

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

My friend Lee the lawyer in St Louis texted me this afternoon to ask what I was going to do now the “Money Shot” pic had been achieved and the Blazer was finished....?


Women....!!


What do they know.


I was actually down at the garage out on the drive, trying to figure why the radio had stopped working in the Blazer.

First clue was this, after I removed some mangled duck tape from it all.

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...pspcje8lks.jpg

Looking at the radio from underneath the dash.

Evidence of household wiring, duck tape, electrical box junctions and some crimped connections.

Clearly a brain surgeon in attendance.

How anyone can think that these sorts of repairs or installations are worth spit boggles the mind.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psl1mcyzfz.jpg

Mate Martin called me at some point in the afternoon to see what I was doing tomorrow as he is having a new screen fitted to his Porsche in the morning and then visiting someone a couple of miles from where I Live, so wanted to pop in and see how much fun I was having.

He suggested I remove the radio outright and start from the furthest point, repairing and replacing, soldering and heat shrinking all the wires in a more logical, decent and safe way.

Done.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...pss9fmb0hz.jpg

Looking in there, the camera loses the perspective of just how badly it actually is behind and under the dash.

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

At 3’C or 35’F on the drive with a gentle breeze to aid the chill, and failing light at 4pm it seemed logical to call it a day for today.

Closed up shop and headed into the village to get a relay and some connectors to use on installing the LED light bar for reverse.

Friday night after a short week........

Rum-0-Clock.

Later.

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

Chilly winter weather and a cutting breeze stopped me doing anything constructive yesterday.

So most of the day spent indoors watching telly, eating rubbish.

Mickey came around with a self propelled lawnmower, needing a service and more, non starter, yesterday.

Probably needs anew diaphragm and possibly a plug and fresh fuel.

I will take a look soon.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psvxmty1dd.jpg

More randomness.

Got this reminder today on FB.

Amazing that I bought this more than 11 years ago.

Delivered by a former friend.

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...ps8ltyvgii.jpg

How I wanted to get it eventually

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psjncei9h8.jpg

Spent a few hours today in the garden, cutting back some shrubs quite harshly, as well as tidying the front hedges.

The main trimmed bush scraped past anything driven down the concrete strips.

Ideally I want to move the drive strips over 18 inches to straighten out the path.

But that’s another days job.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...ps3qha4wfb.jpg

After the trim and tidy up.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...pst6vsrzfp.jpg

More in a bit.

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

So after a few hours tidying up the garden and filling a wheelie bin to its pressed down brim, I had a coffee, chatted with Dennis about the new steering wheel and the fact that some brain surgeon in the past had refitted parts of it upside down, I also need to buy some more parts, including the horn parts and indicator cancel.

I am sure this cat has a camera or microphone up my butt.

When I left the house after chatting to Dennis, she as sleeping on a fluffy blanket in the lounge.

Before I could even remove the light and lenses, she was down there, shouting at me before settling down on a piece of carpet I use when crawling around under the truck.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...pszovo5slk.jpg


So I started one side, and found 5 cut wires and about as many badly connected wires.

The cold made the wires very stiff and my fingers slow, but it was a job like many others that needed doing.

Spaghetti a-la Brain surgeon.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psul98245m.jpg

I initially covered up all the cut ends and heat shrunk their ends and then used a white marker to mark them off.

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

Once I had spliced and soldered the wires, I slipped the heat shrink over the joints and using a lighter completed the actions.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...pssvfix7oh.jpg

Passenger side done.

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

Coffee time again.....

Check internet, check Tinder, check forums, back to work.

Drivers side, as bad as the other.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psfl2poqey.jpg

And once finished, one more heat shrink to slide over the join and heat up.

A bit tidier in my opinion

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psn3wgfnum.jpg


Finally I decided to test the lights, brakes and wiring, using modern technology as Harley had at this point gone back indoors, it was dark and cold outside, so she was a sensible girl, leaving me to test alone.

VIDEO FOR YOUR ENTERTAINMENT.

https://youtu.be/Hy4Naj2Iz5A

That concluded this wasted weekend.

Back to work tomorrow.

Radio and engine compartment wiring tidy up next.

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

Nice job Rian. It always feels good to clean up a mess like that and it work to boot!

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

Much Much happier Bill.

I just hated the look of it, and more importantly the fact it was so badly done and liable to fail at any time.


People who do such terrible work never realise that doing it right takes just as much effort and time.





Quick overnight update from Dennis and the gas station replica and storage space for collected treasures that he is building.

I guess they are never truely done.

He is busy painting and staining the last few interior boards and trim, but has started to mount some of his treasures collected over time.


Concrete island and drive still to come for the restored gas pumps and other equipment like tyre changers he grew up with, all restored and painted correctly.

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...psza4xt2ih.jpg

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...pssbxk8qeb.jpg

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psnvtku1vv.jpg

Looking forward to when the air is plumbed in and the driveway bell and tyre pump both work as well.

In the mean time he is also helping Adam and Hanna build the house and shop on their property next door. So not a lot of free time.

Have a good week.

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

Been a busy week at work, not truck time.

Not that Imhad time after dark to go fiddle with it anyway.

This morning early, Dennis and I were chatting again.

He was not impressed, no television because overnight 12 inches of snow had mode its way onto the deck and all over.

Seems they have a load more snow forecast for today.

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...psfwvz2l6u.jpg

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psytjlvox8.jpg

Get yer skates on.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...ps7njlku7e.jpg

Friend Tyler who works for MoDoT (Missouri Department of Transport) was out all night, driving snow plough and gritting trucks.

I think the world does forget how much work happens behind the scenes, and that departments like MoDoT have all staff, Male and Female trained on all equipment and all work day and night to keep themroads moving in all weathers.

Tyler’s truck back home

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psrqo8ppx6.jpg

So what does an insomniac like Dennis do when the weather screws up his world??

Restore a small gas pump of course.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...ps5xi72c6e.jpg

I certainly am thankful we did not have this snow, the U.K. would grind to a halt for a week, with many idiots doing stupid stuff on the roads.

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

After more than a week of not touching the Blazer at all.

Harley was stir crazy this morning, so I decided to let her go play outside.

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...pswu9rk3gg.jpg

Two weeks ago when I was driving the truck I felt the power steering was really Snatchy, now most of us would not say no to a bit of snatch, but in this case, not ideal.

So I checked the power steering belt and it felt a bit slack, but not madly so.

I also opened the steering pump reservoir and found the cap was fitted in a half asssed way, certainly not securely.

I really despair at the lack of decent maintenance this truck has had over time, but getting it all right, bit by bit making it safe as I go along.

Fresh new water pipes, and beyond this one, the pump.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...pst6raexfm.jpg

Opened up, I found there was not even a drip on the dipstick, not empty, but well below level.

So I drove in to Hoo St Werburgh village and the local motor spares shop, got some power steering fluid and back home.

Topping up and closing it correctly.

Once started, smoooooth..... operator.

Power Steering reinstated.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psr567thk7.jpg

Next up was the matter of my air cleaner on the Carburetor, it’s a Summit product, triangular, not sure one can find a replacement filter element, so going to remove the 5” air filter and replace with a new unit when I order one.

See the face?

Happy Holley

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psxkzt0ahe.jpg

Told her she would be getting a new bonnet (hat) soon, she was beside herself.

Whhhaaaahhh.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...pslhwptz06.jpg


Amazed at how easily this truck starts, even in the cold and when not started for some time.

Some random engine revving for the petrol,pervs....

CLICK LINK.

https://youtu.be/jJgSw2sm444


I also reconnected and secured the air horn button that had come unstuck when Imremoved the radio previously.

Radio wiring to be addressed soon enough.

That concluded a short day out.

Happy.

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

If there isn't any fluids in reservoir then Nothing can Leak Out! Some people think like that. Sad but true

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

So sad.

Puts Darwin into perspective.



By 13.00 this was the depth of snow, more to come.

A lot more.

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...ps1j97tzdb.jpg