67 SWB First Build

[Scurry67]

It’s been a hot minute since I last did an update. I ended up figuring out my clearance issue earlier this summer. It was more of a user error more than anything. I’ve slowly been assembling the engine and buying some miscellaneous parts. Engine is currently pre-oiled and ready for the valve covers and intake manifold. My new serpentine belt system showed up last week and I’ll hopefully get that installed soon.

Slowly getting closer to getting the engine into its final resting place! Fingers crossed it won’t blow up on me!

[kev2809]

that engine looks amazing. just cover your ears and close one eye when you first start it, that usually works for me lol

[Scurry67]

Engine is coming along. Installed the serpentine belt system and also did a dry fit of the engine. I need to get my 700r4 rebuilt, next. The Holley sniper 2 kit arrived earlier this week, too. Looking forward to getting that installed.

[Shifty One]

Looks sweet! Cheers!

[Scurry67]

I’m still chipping away at it. Engine bay is slowly coming together. So far I’ve installed 90% of the sniper system and roughed in most of the wiring. Intermediate steering shaft slipped right into place, too.

Not sure when I’ll get it fired up, but I’ll be looking forward to the day!

[raggedjim]

Nice and clean! Rg

[Scurry67]

Originally Posted by raggedjim

Nice and clean! Rg

Thanks! I’ll have to do something with the heater hoses to clean it up a bit more, but it’s coming along.

[Scurry67]

Switched gears recently, as I’m waiting on some engine parts and procrastinating my transmission purchase.

I had my cowl nearly ready for paint, but last minute decided to shave the antenna hole. I also added a debris guard behind the cowl by welding some studs to secure a piece of aluminum mesh. It needs a tad more trimming around the screw holes, but otherwise turned out decent. I’ll go through the top of the hood one more time and then hoping to finish up the paint this winter on these last two pieces.

[dagnabbitt]

I just spent an hour and a half reading this thread from the beginning, and I have to say, wow. Your first post says you "have very little experience welding and performing body work": I think you have that experience now!

[88Stanger]

Awesome work! You are just a short stones throw north of me. I have family all over Spokane and I went to college there, good place.

[Scurry67]

Originally Posted by dagnabbitt

I just spent an hour and a half reading this thread from the beginning, and I have to say, wow. Your first post says you "have very little experience welding and performing body work": I think you have that experience now!

Thanks for the compliment! It’s been quite the learning experience for sure.

Originally Posted by 88Stanger

Awesome work! You are just a short stones throw north of me. I have family all over Spokane and I went to college there, good place.

Much appreciated! Where abouts are you located? Spokane has been great to our family!

[Scurry67]

Getting closer on finishing the engine bay. I’m Getting more motivated to get to the finish line!
This week i installed and wired in my electric fans. Hope i did it right, as there was a lot of different info out there on the internet on installing electric fans. I ended up wiring it through my Holley sniper and have it tied into the AC compressor.
I finally installed the distributor and will get spark plugs and wires installed when they show up next week.
Lastly, i got a battery and cables thrown in place. I had to trim the cables up, but ground wire went to frame and the power to the starter.
Hoping to finish the remaining engine bay wiring in the coming week.

[Scurry67]

I installed my battery bus bar terminals this evening on the pass fender. The AC is finally 100% wired in, my Holley PDM and the electric fans, as well. I’ll start double checking all my connections and have a couple more grounds to install before i hook everything up to the battery to see what turns on

Although there will likely be some troubleshooting, this seemed like a pretty big milestone for the truck. I’ve learned alot and the wiring definitely became much less intimidating towards the end. It took a lot of reading and a mindset of “one bite at a time”. I have a much better understanding of how all the accessories are hooked up and should run, now.

[loudchevy]

Nice progress, looks great. Would you recommend the American Autowire wiring harness kit?

[Scurry67]

Originally Posted by loudchevy

Nice progress, looks great. Would you recommend the American Autowire wiring harness kit?

It was a very complete kit and fairly straight forward to follow. It was nice that all of the wires were labeled and they all had plenty of length. I don’t think you could go wrong with the kit. You’ll definitely want a decent crimping tool, too.