Project Whipping Post
 

I haven't been on here in years. A lot has happened since I last posted so I felt it was time to finally start the build thread I have been thinking about for oh, 5-6 years.

Below are some photos of my '65 C-10 when I brought it home. Those dates are correct. It's been a while. Somewhere along the way it morphed into semi-frame off and took 8 years on and off. It is almost ready to cruise now. In fact, I drove it around the block last month. Open headers, no alignment and all. The last photo is a few months old.

I'll periodically go through and upload some old photos and document the process.

Why the name whipping post? 1) Because this truck has spent the last 8 years whipping on me, and 2) because I built it for autocross and spirited driving so I am about to reverse the whip and dish it right back.

Here are some shots from the day I brought her home. Garbage '85 305, slipping TH350 and junk rearend. Rust, wiring issues, bad bed floor? Check, check and check.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/gallery/...ignal_side.JPG

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/gallery/...inal_angle.JPG

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/gallery/...9/DSC01781.JPG

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/gallery/...nal_assend.JPG

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/gallery/..._aft_angle.JPG

Here is a recent photo.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/gallery/...m/IMG_9452.JPG

I'll post more when I can.

Re: Project Whipping Post
 

Here's a few inside shots. Notice the less than expert installation of a squarebody column and the wiring nest under the dash. The indoor/outdoor carpet was a nice touch too. Under the carpet was some expected rust. What was not expected was the "repair" using liquid nails and roofing tin. Unfortunately I don't have any photos of that.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/gallery/.../DSC017851.JPG

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/gallery/.../DSC017871.JPG

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/gallery/.../DSC017962.JPG

Re: Project Whipping Post
 

I’ll be watching.

Re: Project Whipping Post
 

Im in .

Re: Project Whipping Post
 

So between May of 2009 and October of 2009 a lot happened to the truck. I didn't have a name, or a decent camera, so what you see below are the only photos I have.

I need to start this off with a background. Bodywork is normally the last thing I do, which is to say it never happens. I wanted this one to be different. So when the paint shop at work was slow (I work at a helicopter modification facility) I got the chance to sneak it in for the cost of materials only. But prior to that I had a lot to do on my end.

I took care of the following that summer:

• Repair the rust in the cab
• Strip the interior
• Replace the wiring harness
• Install a column from a 1969 Chevy Van
• Seam seal everything
• POR-15 the floors
• Repaint the interior
• Modify the factory gauge cluster (I used cheap gauges as hole fillers)
• Weld up the stake pockets
• Weld up the backup lights
• Installed new body bushings
• Weld up the mirror holes and fit a unknown swap meet mirror to the drivers door

Then I drug it to work and blew it apart on a couple of lunch breaks. After the paint work was done I reassembled it with new seals, new door hinge bushings and new lights. The end result was nice. But alas, it was still a gutless turd.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/gallery/...thGlassout.JPG

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/gallery/...edinbondo2.JPG

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/gallery/...BedinBondo.JPG

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/gallery/...Bedinbooth.JPG

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/gallery/...orsinBooth.JPG

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/gallery/...Bedinbooth.jpg

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/gallery/...cabinbooth.JPG

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/gallery/...ontinBooth.jpg

And then reassembly began!

Re: Project Whipping Post
 

Here are some photos after reassembly and I had it home. You may note it is lower in these photos...one word. Torch. I generally hate doing it but I wanted to get an idea of what the future held.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/gallery/...en2009_040.jpg

The incredibly average, but serviceable interior. Yes, it still needs carpet 9 years later!

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/gallery/...en2009_037.jpg

Some shots before I took it out for Halloween 2009. Little did I know that would be the last major trip it took until 2018. :waah:

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/gallery/...en2009_036.jpg

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/gallery/...en2009_033.jpg


The lizard approved. :ito:

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/gallery/...9101501-00.jpg

After this I decided to tackle the bed floor, but that is a story for next time.

Re: Project Whipping Post
 

After having it painted and driving it a bit I decided to tackle the rotted bed floor. The main reason was the fact the bed moved around and was barely attached. Lest anyone thing it was the OEM style wood floor, it was not. It was basic 3/4 CDX plywood.

Years prior I had acquired a 1990 SWB floor for use in a '58 Chevy 3100. I sold the truck before I go around to working on the floor so the '90 bed floor was sitting around. You can see where this is going...

After it was all said and done I would NEVER do this again. Don't get me wrong, I love the metal floor but there are better ways. This required major sheet metal work, moving cross-sills, adjusting the wheel well openings in the floor. An overall train wreck. My recommendation: 1) use a metal from a 67-72 SWB because it bolts in, 2) buy long bed center sections for a square body and make your own cross-sills from rectangular tubing.

The tubs were left open because they were rotted and I wasn't sure what I was going to do at this point.

One more note: Herculiner sucks! It looks good in the final photo, but it quickly faded out and is basically translucent at this point. :banghead:


http://67-72chevytrucks.com/gallery/...8101652-00.JPG
After removing the rotted plywood bed.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/gallery/...0101844-00.JPG
A terrible flip phone photo!

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http://67-72chevytrucks.com/gallery/...Herculined.JPG
Herculiner sucks!

After this things took a turn and I didn't drive it again for years.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/gallery/.../IMG_03101.JPG

Re: Project Whipping Post
 

Making some good progress. The progress ALWAYS seem to be slower than what we want.

Re: Project Whipping Post
 

Believe you me life continues to play havoc. But it’s all good.

Re: Project Whipping Post
 

Time goes quick doesn't it? That's a pretty cool rear bumper.

Re: Project Whipping Post
 

Hahaha this. That is fantastic. Well the lowered teaser pic sure looks good, tell us more

Re: Project Whipping Post
 

It was. I should have saved it but I sold it on CL.

Re: Project Whipping Post
 

Around January 2010 I decided to try to improve the turd of a 305. I had a plan. A good plan. A workable plan. It was a plan I could afford. The plan? Replace the garbage exhaust, add decent looking valve covers, a used Performer RPM and a rebuilt 600 Holley. As a long time hot rodder in a family of hot rodders I had the parts laying around. I also planned on welding up some holes in the firewall, repainting the block while in the chassis and cleaning up the engine compartment in general. I wanted it to look nice and not like you needed a tetanus shot walking by it with the hood up. "Planned"...

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/gallery/...4101715-00.JPG

Shortly after I took this photo I scored a low mile 5.3 LS with a carb intake and MSD box for $500! :metal:

5.3 > 305 (or 350) so the 3-oh-garbage came out along with the TH350 slip-o-matic. The revised plan was to clean the firewall and fenders then repaint, install the new-to-me engine with a better trans (trans is a story for later) and get it back on the road. At this point things were developing quickly. Those with the eye of a hawk will notice the crossmember is removed. (Those with the nose of a hawk should seek a plastic surgeon)

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/gallery/...7101404-00.jpg

The crossmember was out because I scored this '85 model for free! Notice there are no springs installed. Moving it was a source of countless blood blisters!

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/gallery/...1101720-00.jpg

Eleventy-seven hours later I had everything wire wheeled, scrubbed and ready for installation. All I lacked was finishing up. :ito:

This brings us too July 2, 2010. I remember the exact day because I took this photo before my wife and I left for the hospital. See on that day they induced labor and my lovely (car girl) wife gave me my second boy. :metal:

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/gallery/...1101920-00.jpg

I had made good progress at this point. But two kids pretty much took all of my time and money. So what to do next.... :cool:

Re: Project Whipping Post
 

With two small kids I lacked money, but had time. So what to do? Clean, prep and do cheap stuff. At this point the actual truck became yard art, much to the chagrin of my neighborhood. Yea no HOA! :metal:

So I dug around and snatched up a Ford 9 inch for $150 bucks, a new gearset for free, a Trac-Loc for $75 and a TH400 for free.

I had never built an automatic before. Having said that I am an aircraft mechanic by trade and I firmly believe if human hands built it why can't I.

So a TH400 rebuild commenced.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/gallery/.../IMG_00813.jpg
"Gross Captain du-du!"

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/gallery/.../IMG_01001.jpg
What have I done!

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/gallery/.../IMG_01013.jpg
"Some assembly required"

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/gallery/...m/IMG_0152.jpg
A new use for an engine stand. For me at least.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/gallery/.../IMG_01704.jpg
I'm sure this is what Stanley had in mind when they designed this table.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/gallery/...m/IMG_0193.jpg
Done! Except for that big missing piece. I had to replace it due to cracks.

With that done, I tackled the rearend, not that I had any intentions of installing it anytime soon. But it was good busy work because I had the parts for cheap.

Re: Project Whipping Post
 

Ford 9 inch anyone? Again, not a lot of photos because I didn't have a good camera, or phone, or camera phone, or phone camera, whatever.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/gallery/...nary_Assy1.jpg
Narrowed and ready to go. New 3.50 gear with rebuilt 31 spline Trac-Loc, new bearings, new axles.

The rear disc brakes? Remember Cash-for-Clunkers? The 'yards were full of gold if you were willing to do the work. I snagged these off a '93 Z28 for $50. That included everything, even the mounts, which I modified to work with the 9" housing. I redrilled the rotors to 5x5 bolt pattern on the Mill at work. (not yet redrilled in the photo)

Here I am drawing up spacers for the bearing plates and then I machined them on the CNC router at work. FYI - a CNC router is a great thing. I have used it countless times for brackets and such.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/gallery/...acers_ACAD.JPG

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/gallery/...ng_Spacers.JPG

I dug around and found some more photos!

Here is the process I used to plug the socket hole in the axle flanges prior to redrilling them for a truck. As shown they had a 5 x 4.75 and 5 x 4.5 pattern.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/gallery/...m/IMG_0527.JPG
Turning the plugs.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/gallery/.../IMG_05301.JPG
Test fitting. They had a nice slip fit. Not too loose and not too tight.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/gallery/.../IMG_05312.JPG
Using the finest old jeans available I shielded the bearings from weld spatter.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/gallery/.../IMG_05321.JPG
Welded up, cooling and ready to be turned down on the lathe.


With the rearend finished I started on cleaning up the 5.3L. :devil:

I should mention that by this time was was January 2011. The photos and text read fast, but it wasn't. At this point I had owned the truck almost two years, I hadn't driven it in one year and I thought the end was in sight. Ha ha ha ha ha!!! I say this for anyone that find themselves in that situation. Stay the course! It will work out and when it does it is glorious!

Re: Project Whipping Post
 

We interrupt this build thread for Mr. George Trosley!

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/gallery/.../IMG_04482.JPG

Re: Project Whipping Post
 

good looking build so far. Keep it coming

Re: Project Whipping Post
 

I am about 5 years into a 1 year project myself!

Re: Project Whipping Post
 

Teaser #2 taken about 1 month ago.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/gallery/.../IMG_00281.JPG

FYI - This truck will be at the C10 Nationals this Saturday! :metal: Hope to see you there!

Re: Project Whipping Post
 

I like the work on the rear end. Keep the updates (backdates?) coming

Re: Project Whipping Post
 

Damn, I seriously thought that was funny:but:

Re: Project Whipping Post
 

Oh it was. I feel your pain. It has become obvious I drug this project out for no reason other than I didn't stay on task. :dohh:

Getting sidetracked on numerous other "hobbies" didn't help. I'll go over that more when I cross those bridges on the backdates.

Re: Project Whipping Post
 

What did you use for the tranny crossmember

Re: Project Whipping Post
 

One from a 73-78 squarebody. I just redrilled the 4 mounting holes in the frame. In full disclosure I moved the LS back about 3 inches and down 2. I used an F-body oil pan and made my own engine mounts. I started with an adapter kit but it sat pretty high and forward in the truck. Right now there is about 1/4" of clearance between the #8 coil pack and the firewall; maybe 3/4" of clearance at the head.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/gallery/.../IMG_03171.JPG

Re: Project Whipping Post
 

In early 2011 we had 6" of snow. While that may not seem like a lot to most, here in N. Texas it was terrible. My truck didn't like it. Heck, I didn't like it.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/gallery/...m/IMG_0128.JPG

So with heater running I attacked the 5.3L The goal was a cleanup and paint. That goal changed when I scored a used Comp Cams XFI Camshaft (P/N: 54-412-11) for $50! That drove me to a valve spring change, which made me think (a 0.010" head mill would help compression). See, this is how my "quick" projects snowball...

Then I realized I needed an F-body oil pan so I snagged that. I had a friend with an Corvette LS1 with some rods hanging out of the block so it donated the windage tray, which I trimmed to fit the F-Body pan.

I reassembled with GM head gaskets, GM head bolts, and LS6 valve springs. Nothing too radical, it was my first exposure to an LS after all.

Finally I painted it. In the winter. In a cold garage. NEVER DO THIS!!!! The VHT never got a chance to cure properly and it is now flaking off. It looks meh, but that is ok because there is 6.0 waiting to be built...

Anyway, here are the photos.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/gallery/...hort_Block.JPG

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/gallery/.../IMG_02021.JPG
Dressed for installation.

With the engine done I enlisted my dad (working the jack) and a friend (in the engine bay) to help drop it in. I don't own an engine tilter. I really should...

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/gallery/...m/IMG_0234.jpg

As noted above I hated the way the conversion mounts worked so I modified the block portion and made my own frame portion.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/gallery/.../IMG_02721.jpg

At this point I scored a stock fuel injection intake, harness and computer so I threw it on an started wiring it up. That was the plan. Eventually I decided I didn't want to learn EFI while also dealing with new brakes, trans, rearend and suspension. So for ease of tuning and quick running, I put the carb stuff back on. (also notice the master cylinder and line routing is different) I still have the EFI and that is a short term goal once I get some miles on it.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/gallery/.../IMG_10421.JPG

For headers I used the Hedman's recommended by Rob MacGregor in the J/T build. The fit like a glove. Notice the carb is back on it here.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/gallery/.../IMG_03162.JPG

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/gallery/.../IMG_03171.JPG

I whipped up a mount for the MSD box out of aluminum and used some heim joints to make the throttle talk too the pedal.

The next step was forced by a less than friendly neighbor. Notice there is no front suspension in the engine install photo? Yeah, the city I was in had a non running car ordinance...

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/gallery/...m/IMG_0309.JPG

Re: Project Whipping Post
 

Shortly after March 2011 the company I work for was bought out, and since I was the first employee I was offered a decent sign-on bonus for staying. I parlayed that into CPP front suspension parts, a Miller 211 MIG and ultimately a new house with a shop.

But first, that neighbor...

Shortly after receiving the sign-on bonus the city sent me a letter in the mail stating I had 30 days to either remove the truck, or get it running, with daily fines to follow. Being a proponent of small government that leaves us alone I did what I do. I looked for loop holes. The City of Keller defined "running" as tagged with a current State inspection and insurance. It also had to look the part. Hmmm... Antique tags in TX only require insurance, no inspection. So I order up the front end parts, got insurance and put Antique tags on it. Volia! "Running" truck. The city balked at the lack of an inspection and engine until I showed them the State laws for Antique tags. The conceded. Even the city code enforcement guy was impressed with my manipulation of their laws.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/gallery/.../From_this.jpg
Money!

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/gallery/.../Finished1.jpg
Installed.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/gallery/..._Side_View.jpg
A running truck... per the City of Keller.

When the last photo was taken I was really close here to having a running and driving truck . To be frank, had I not got that sign-on bonus it would have been running within a month or two. Instead my wife and I decided to move so I shelved this project and bought a house with a shop. That killed the rest of 2011 and I wasn't able to touch the truck until early 2013. I consider that an acceptable delay.

Re: Project Whipping Post
 

Nice work, you'd think you lived in Flower Mound or something. :)

Re: Project Whipping Post
 

This post is all about my shop and the half of the delays in this project. Feel free to skip it. I am documenting it as a means to wrap my head around the why's of almost a decade spent on one project.

Picking up where I left off in the previous post.... As mentioned I took almost 2 years off of the truck for a house move. 2 YEARS!?!? Why? Because the shop wasn't setup for working out of and the house need other work done first. It was a good storage area, but nothing else. The photos tell the tale, asphalt and gravel with one wall missing.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/gallery/...m/IMG_0897.JPG

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/gallery/.../IMG_08981.JPG

In July 2012 I finally had enough money to tackle that. I had concrete poured and threw a wall up. Then painted the floors.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/gallery/...m/IMG_0900.JPG

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/gallery/...m/IMG_0925.JPG

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Ahh, when my shop was uncluttered. (That is a rust free, but dented hood along the wall. I still have it and someday I'll use it to replace the bondo and rust hood I currently run!)


Now I was knocking down dreams left and right. Bigger house. Property. No city taxes. Shop. :metal:

Then I caught a summer cold that just wouldn't quit. I was sick with a fever on and off for three weeks. When I started coughing blood I threw in the towel and went to the ER. It wasn't as bad as it sounds. Turns out I had pneumonia and was on the verge of hospitalization. And just like that another month was lost.

At least the next delay was hot rod related! :waah: Goodguys comes twice a year here in N. Texas, so we took Ruby (see my signature) to the 2012 Fall show and low and behold a valve decided it was done. BAM! New priority! The rest of 2012 and early 2013 was spent getting Ruby up and running again because I couldn't be without a hot rod come the Spring show!

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/gallery/...m/IMG_1038.JPG
Just a little 350 (with ported Dart II Heads and a Comp Xtreme 268 cam)

It was now April 2013 and I was ready to get back to the truck. I could get it running in a month or less, OR I could take advantage of the shop and pull the bed and do the rear suspension. Let's see... which would cause more delays, money, and headache?

Off with your bed!

Re: Project Whipping Post
 

Keller... the city that wished it was Flower Mound, or Trophy Club, or Southlake...

Re: Project Whipping Post
 

That is the last update until next week. C10 Nationals are here so I am off tomorrow to finish prepping the truck and I'll be at the show on Saturday!

In the meantime I leave you a question to ponder.

Do you think this kid has any clue what a badarse his dad is?

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/gallery/.../IMG_04501.JPG

Re: Project Whipping Post
 

Awesome thread!

I rarely work in "town", but recently did some grading work near Main St. in Keller for a referral customer. After dodging traffic to unload my equipment I had to park the truck and trailer a couple blocks away from the jobsite. Luckily it was only a one-day job, but still pretty nerve racking. I prefer dodging roadkill and cattle on the way to and from work.

Re: Project Whipping Post
 

Pegboard Paradise

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I’m jealous of the fact he got the sledgehammer to stay put. Cool hot rod.

Re: Project Whipping Post
 

Dad had one really cool shop. The envy of many men.

Re: Project Whipping Post
 

Before I get back to the umm... backdate I figured I would give an update from this weekend.

I spent Saturday at the Inaugural C10 Nationals and it was excellent. :metal:

Whipping Post was there and it drove quite well. Naturally I have things to work on but in the last three days I was able to put 150 miles on it. So far so good.

Since I didn't have seat belts installed I wasn't able to participate in the autocross, so I did the next best thing. I got a ride along with Rob in Hellboy then with Jason in the Ridetech Blazer. I got 4 laps in both and it was a blast. I also witnessed the CPP Week to Wicked truck perform well, which is reassuring since I am using the same front suspension, albeit I am about 300 hp short of them. Plans for the future...

Anyway, here are some photos.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/gallery/...m/IMG_0470.JPG
At least some people thought it was worth looking at.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/gallery/.../IMG_05491.JPG
Sitting in the paddock starring solemnly at Hellboy wishing it could play. :waah:

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/gallery/.../IMG_04521.JPG
Yup, I'm a nerd.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/gallery/...m/IMG_0454.JPG
It's always a good day cruisin' in an old Chevy.

Re: Project Whipping Post
 

Any day driving the old Chevrolet is a good day :chevy::metal:

Re: Project Whipping Post
 

:agree:

Re: Project Whipping Post
 

So I'm cruising my electric trike around at the C10 Nats (sipping a $7 ice tea...really guys?) and I look to my left and see a familiar looking rig. Yep, drive around back and it's Whipping Post. I took a few pics and put a couple up in the Nats thread. No under the hood spoil the drama of the thread pics though. :lol:

So my wife wantss to know what type of black paint is on there. Yep, she asked.

Re: Project Whipping Post
 

Cool! The paint is Hot Rod Flatz. Google that and it should come up. I’ve done some touch-up with Krylon Semi-Flat and it’s close. It has a UV protectant in it so it could be permanant. I like it and willeventually recoat it with the same. It’s got score of shop rash and some rust spots that need attending too.

Re: Project Whipping Post
 

Thanks! There are a lot of cool touches on your truck.