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03-13-2010, 01:36 AM | #1 |
I have car A.D.D.
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Greeley, Northern Colorado
Posts: 4,147
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The Toybox
Ok, after over a year on this awesome forum, I have decided to start a "build" thread on my truck, I call it "The Toybox". It will mostly start out as a history lesson of sorts. But I do have some things upcoming for it that I will be sure to post up as progress.
I bought it in September of 2007. When you go back 2 cars prior, I got it really cheap. Long story made short I bought a 95 Exploder at a local dealership during their $5 sale. (They actually sell about 3 cars for $5 once a year. At this sale.) I quickly sold it for $1,200 and bought an 89 Cherokee lifted 2" on 31's for $1,000. Keeping tallies here? I am up $200 and in a way cooler rig within a matter of a couple months. Than after a year or so traded the Cherokee and $500 for the truck. My wife...not so thrilled with me for this one. The Toybox started life as a V6, Forest Service truck. It was even the mint green! At some point in it's life, somebody swapped a 350 in. Cool? Maybe once, but it is worn out now. And the way some of the stuff had been hacked together would make a hillbilly cry. So, my goal was to clean stuff up & dress it up along the way. Due to a growing family and a very tight budget, I kept it stock as a daily driver for the first 6-8 months. Looked like here.
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-Gerald Building vehicles in memory of the first "car guy" I ever knew, my Grandpa. Bob Dunham 1935-2009. Rest in peace. 61 GMC Suburban SOLD The 86 build thread SOLD Are you a Colorado member?Click here. Last edited by Driveway Dreams; 03-13-2010 at 01:46 AM. Reason: more pics |
03-13-2010, 02:14 AM | #2 |
I have car A.D.D.
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Greeley, Northern Colorado
Posts: 4,147
|
Re: The Toybox
I blew the 10 bolt apart one day in the parking lot at work. (Not just blew up, BLEW IT THE HECK UP! Sheared the right axle shaft to be specific.) So, I needed to replace that. So...12 bolt. And while swapping rearends, why leave it stock height? So, flip kit.
I had to let the truck sit with a completely non functional rearend while I gathered parts. I had to drop the front at the same time you know. Finally got it all together. A used 12 bolt from a 77 Burb. And the drop as advised by 2 of my good mechanic friends: I ordered some generic 3" spring perches, 3" drop springs, and 2" drop shackles from Summit; 2.5" drop spindles from AIM. We installed it all in a few hours one day with the 2 of them working on it and me "helping". When it come to mechanical stuff, I make a good gopher for those two guys who wrench for a living. Here it is after the drop still on the big tires. And a picture of the notch we did too.
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-Gerald Building vehicles in memory of the first "car guy" I ever knew, my Grandpa. Bob Dunham 1935-2009. Rest in peace. 61 GMC Suburban SOLD The 86 build thread SOLD Are you a Colorado member?Click here. |
05-17-2010, 12:01 AM | #3 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Lubbock, TX
Posts: 1,671
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Re: The Toybox
gerald! i'd like to know where you got the "generic" perches and springs! i was wondering if you had any probs with the AIM spindles? i am thinking of going that route too, im tired of the melted springs and have about 300 to work with right now! and if i could possibly get some pics of your flip kit on the truck that'd be great! thanks!
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2006 GMC Sierra CCSB, 6.0 swap 2000 Chevy C3500 Crew Cab shortbed dually 1999 Chevy c2500 Crew Cab shortbed 1982 El Camino 350/350 1979 K5 2wd blazer bagged/bodied 1986 Monte Carlo SS 1991 Chevy CK SWB-67 clip and tailgate, bagged 350/700r4 1955 Chevy Bel Air 2014 Chevy Silverado ccsb |
03-13-2010, 02:15 AM | #4 |
I have car A.D.D.
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Greeley, Northern Colorado
Posts: 4,147
|
Re: The Toybox
After the drop I had to get new tires. Well, it needed those anyway. I found an almost new set of Cooper Cobra 245/60/15 on my local CL. Went and bought them for a whopping $80. My buddy mounted and balanced them for me and did the alignment too. Which he cussed me up and down for afterward. Before getting the new rubber, I painted my wheels a bronze color. I did my center caps and trim rings in white at the same time. All to set the truck apart a little more. And yes, I painted right over the valve stems and sprayed some on the old tires. (Just didn't care though.)
On the first test drive after the new tires, I got about 3/4 of the way around the block and the fuel pump crapped out. So, I pulled it back to the house with my wife's current 01 Cherokee, yes I replaced her other one. Pushed (by hand) it up the driveway and into the garage again. I upgraded the bad Holley in-line electronic pump with a new one from the parts store. And I bypassed the switching valve and the right side tank that has been bone dry since the guy I got it from got the truck. Who knows what is wrong with it if anything but I am not about to risk screwing stuff up to find out.
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-Gerald Building vehicles in memory of the first "car guy" I ever knew, my Grandpa. Bob Dunham 1935-2009. Rest in peace. 61 GMC Suburban SOLD The 86 build thread SOLD Are you a Colorado member?Click here. Last edited by Driveway Dreams; 03-20-2010 at 08:35 PM. Reason: Added new info. |
03-13-2010, 02:17 AM | #5 |
I have car A.D.D.
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Greeley, Northern Colorado
Posts: 4,147
|
Re: The Toybox
After doing the shorter tires and drop I had to change my exhaust. The hillbilly engineering shown through again, wires holding up true duals with cherry-bombs, about 4 different sized pipes and chrome tips that must have been 24" long, and I am pretty sure the bend up over the axle was irrigation pipe. Thanks to the rearend wanting to be a little more friendly with my exhaust and about 2 or 3 little drives I broke the right side off. I had ordered a set of sidepipes from Speedway Motors. But after they came in I learned that I do not have the clearance to run them. So I went to my local muffler shop and got a couple lengths of pipe cut and bent. I took those pipes, 2 new Raptor mufflers, and my new rectangular "stainless" tips to my buddies shop and welded up my new exhaust in a couple hours. Came out well, and sounded really good now too. I am very happy with the Raptors.
The next thing I did was my front clip swap. I found a Suburban on CL and went and bought all the things needed to swap over. Before I switched out the parts, I found out a friend of a friend had a Jimmy that he was parting out. I got the fenders, inners, hood, radiator support, new GMC grill, new lenses, and everything else needed to complete the swap. So, now I had 2 of everything. I decided to put the GMC grill on to be a little more different, because I liked it better, and because it was new. I sold off the fenders and hood and still have all the stuff needed to switch to a Chevy Suburban grill sitting in the garage. My daughter (3 1/2 at the time) helped me turn wrenches and pull the clip apart. Here is my brief version of an 89-91 front clip swap how to (assuming you have the parts): 1) Remove your front bumper, filler panel, grill ends, and unplug everything. 2) Remove the radiator support from the inner fenders and the frame horns. I didn't need to remove the radiator for this. 3) Replace the radiator support with the one from the 89-91 and bolt into place. 4) Mount the grill, bezels, and lights to your newly updated front end. 5) Plug in and begin to route your "new" harness. By doing this you will find a good place to cut & splice the 2 harnesses together. 5.5) Splice all wires of matching colors to complete your new "hybrid" harness. Stagger the connections to help them to fit back in the split loom.
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-Gerald Building vehicles in memory of the first "car guy" I ever knew, my Grandpa. Bob Dunham 1935-2009. Rest in peace. 61 GMC Suburban SOLD The 86 build thread SOLD Are you a Colorado member?Click here. Last edited by Driveway Dreams; 03-14-2010 at 12:34 AM. |
03-13-2010, 03:33 AM | #6 |
Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: California
Posts: 147
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Re: The Toybox
Haha I so can't wait to see them all! "Waits tell tomorrow"
Subscribed xD
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With enough time and money, you can do anything Quoted from my father 1976 C-10 Project |
03-13-2010, 08:38 AM | #7 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: orangevale, ca
Posts: 3,626
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Re: The Toybox
nice start bro. i was hoping you would share some background of the truck. answered a few questions... so you actually bought your truck for $300!!!! heck of a deal!
i cant wait to hear what the final plans are
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"Dennis the Menace" 1978 Silverado (2wd, 1/2 ton, short bed)complete nut & bolt frame off restomod LQ9/4L80E MY LS SWAP/FRAME OFF BUILD BOOK 2006 TBSS way too much to list |
03-13-2010, 01:36 PM | #8 |
Registered User
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Antelope, CA
Posts: 681
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Re: The Toybox
Its about darn time boi
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Kameron YESTERDAY IS HISTORY - TOMORROW IS A MYSTERY I'm a Middle ClASS HOLE 07.5 Dodge 3500 CTD -- Daily 73 C10 Factory BB SWB 2WD |
03-15-2010, 12:33 AM | #9 |
Registered User
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Pemberton, BC
Posts: 1,075
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Re: The Toybox
$305
Nice li'l truck you got there!
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My goal in life is to be as good a person as my dog already thinks I am - Unknown |
03-14-2010, 01:07 AM | #10 |
I have car A.D.D.
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Greeley, Northern Colorado
Posts: 4,147
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Re: The Toybox
Post 3 & 4 are now updated. I think I got everything up to date.
Now for the short term plans... -I bought the 355 from Bob that Fred had prior to the 5.3 swap. As soon as I get a couple more bucks together to get the top end stuff for it, that 355 will replace the worn out 350 that it has now. Got the parts, just need time to swap it. -I have a handful of stereo pieces to go in in the next few weeks. It hasn't had a stereo since I have owned it. It is getting a 10" sub, some 4 way 6x9s, and a CD player. Talk about an upgrade!! Adam, Cochino12, is installing it for me in trade for some work on his Blazer. DONE -Thanks to Adam this week, I have an early sport bumper to put on as well. DONE -Blazer fuel tank with in tank pump. -Gauges And the long term plans: -An NV3500 5 speed manual. (as soon as I find one I can afford) -Body work, both straightening and custom work. Paint will be a 2-tone to include a deep bronze & a cream color. -Hand build some interior pieces. -Reupholster the seat -Full suspension upgrades to help the truck handle better. -17", 18" or 20" wheels. Still deciding on size. -New glass (& add tint)
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-Gerald Building vehicles in memory of the first "car guy" I ever knew, my Grandpa. Bob Dunham 1935-2009. Rest in peace. 61 GMC Suburban SOLD The 86 build thread SOLD Are you a Colorado member?Click here. Last edited by Driveway Dreams; 10-27-2010 at 12:52 AM. Reason: New changes |
03-14-2010, 02:44 AM | #11 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Lubbock, TX
Posts: 1,671
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Re: The Toybox
cant wait to see this one get some more done to it!! i have always liked your truck!!
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2006 GMC Sierra CCSB, 6.0 swap 2000 Chevy C3500 Crew Cab shortbed dually 1999 Chevy c2500 Crew Cab shortbed 1982 El Camino 350/350 1979 K5 2wd blazer bagged/bodied 1986 Monte Carlo SS 1991 Chevy CK SWB-67 clip and tailgate, bagged 350/700r4 1955 Chevy Bel Air 2014 Chevy Silverado ccsb |
03-14-2010, 10:52 PM | #12 |
Formerly- 1972SuperCheyenne
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Wake Forest NC
Posts: 5,782
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Re: The Toybox
Awesome, glad to see a build thread on this thing finally!
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--Josh My Build Thread:http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=799218 A good crossthread is better than Loctite any day. Life is not about what you have, but who you have to share it with. |
03-14-2010, 11:30 PM | #13 |
I have car A.D.D.
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Greeley, Northern Colorado
Posts: 4,147
|
Re: The Toybox
Thanks everyone for your comments! I have thought about starting this thing quite a few times before, but thanks to some "encouragement" from guys like ummm too many to list...here it is. It may not be that exciting very often. But I will be sure to keep it up to date as I do things.
**Feel free to make any comments you want.
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-Gerald Building vehicles in memory of the first "car guy" I ever knew, my Grandpa. Bob Dunham 1935-2009. Rest in peace. 61 GMC Suburban SOLD The 86 build thread SOLD Are you a Colorado member?Click here. Last edited by Driveway Dreams; 03-14-2010 at 11:33 PM. Reason: made it sound more edumacated |
03-14-2010, 11:39 PM | #14 |
It followed me home?
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Yup
Posts: 5,751
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Re: The Toybox
I was told there would be some pics of a sport bumper installed this weekend
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Adam That's why they call it a shortcut Kyle, if it was easy it would just be the way. 86 c-10 SWB 85 CCSB 90 GMC K30 Crew SRW 1985 C30 Dually |
03-15-2010, 09:13 PM | #15 |
I have car A.D.D.
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Greeley, Northern Colorado
Posts: 4,147
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Re: The Toybox
I believe you were told an effort would be made. But I spent all Saturday at the zoo, and Sunday went to NE. I will try ASAP!!! I want it on there. Thanks again man! You rock!
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-Gerald Building vehicles in memory of the first "car guy" I ever knew, my Grandpa. Bob Dunham 1935-2009. Rest in peace. 61 GMC Suburban SOLD The 86 build thread SOLD Are you a Colorado member?Click here. |
03-16-2010, 01:23 PM | #16 |
Next project: 1970 K10
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Fort Collins, Colo 80524
Posts: 6,685
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Re: The Toybox
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Bob 1970 Chevy K10 LWB "Goldie" 350/TH350 next project!! 1981 Chevy C10 LWB 355/TH350 - My son's truck LS SWAP FORUM! Tons of LS swap info here! PLEASE CLICK HERE TO SUPPORT THE GREATEST BOARD ON THE NET! CLICK HERE FOR THE FAQ INDEX by KRUE |
03-15-2010, 07:19 AM | #17 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: orangevale, ca
Posts: 3,626
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Re: The Toybox
smart @ss!
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"Dennis the Menace" 1978 Silverado (2wd, 1/2 ton, short bed)complete nut & bolt frame off restomod LQ9/4L80E MY LS SWAP/FRAME OFF BUILD BOOK 2006 TBSS way too much to list |
03-15-2010, 10:31 PM | #18 |
I have car A.D.D.
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Greeley, Northern Colorado
Posts: 4,147
|
Re: The Toybox
Thank you! And good catch on the initial investment.
He made a very good point. But even I didn't catch it before.
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-Gerald Building vehicles in memory of the first "car guy" I ever knew, my Grandpa. Bob Dunham 1935-2009. Rest in peace. 61 GMC Suburban SOLD The 86 build thread SOLD Are you a Colorado member?Click here. |
03-16-2010, 11:19 AM | #19 |
Never Satisfied
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Sherman, Texas
Posts: 360
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Re: The Toybox
Nice truck, can't wait to see what you do next.
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1973 4x4 Blazer- Parting Out 1986 LWB Silverado Undergoing LQ4/4L80E Swap '86 Build Thread:http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/showthread.php?t=390566 |
03-16-2010, 11:29 AM | #20 |
Glen
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Roseburg, Oregon
Posts: 331
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Re: The Toybox
Nice deal! My SWB was also a forest ranger truck with the mint green when I bought it.... that was until I rolled it when I was 17 and had to replace the cab, bedside and 2 fenders. Somehow the doors made it untouched.
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Glen Simpson Severed Ties - Oregon Roseburg, Oregon
Past Trucks
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03-16-2010, 02:37 PM | #21 |
I have car A.D.D.
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Greeley, Northern Colorado
Posts: 4,147
|
Re: The Toybox
Now that's funny! I almost spit out my lunch! that was great Bob. Thank you all for the kind words.
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-Gerald Building vehicles in memory of the first "car guy" I ever knew, my Grandpa. Bob Dunham 1935-2009. Rest in peace. 61 GMC Suburban SOLD The 86 build thread SOLD Are you a Colorado member?Click here. |
03-16-2010, 10:42 PM | #22 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Pueblo West, Colorado
Posts: 265
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Re: The Toybox
Gerald, nice to see you started your own build thread.
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Kevin 67 custom cab big window swb 350/700r4 4/6 drop tilt,a/c 69 custom/10 swb 350/350 4/6 drop tach,tilt 71 cheyenne super swb 454/700r4 4/6drop tach,tilt,a/c,bucket seats,speed warning 96 gmc swb |
03-17-2010, 09:04 AM | #23 |
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Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Oklahoma
Posts: 7,461
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Re: The Toybox
Nice to finally see the build thread going Gerald. Looking forward to the updates on your progress with it.
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03-19-2010, 12:59 AM | #24 |
I have car A.D.D.
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Greeley, Northern Colorado
Posts: 4,147
|
Re: The Toybox
Well, pending this snow storm that is supposed to hit us tonight/tomorrow...I am gonna try to get the sport bumper on and take the truck to Adam on Sunday to have him build the stereo. Wait and see what the storm does or doesn't do. We could really use a good snow for work, but the nice weather would be nice personally as well.
-On a side note...my wife has a phone interview tomorrow for the job she has been working on!!!
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-Gerald Building vehicles in memory of the first "car guy" I ever knew, my Grandpa. Bob Dunham 1935-2009. Rest in peace. 61 GMC Suburban SOLD The 86 build thread SOLD Are you a Colorado member?Click here. |
03-19-2010, 08:17 AM | #25 |
Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Oklahoma
Posts: 7,461
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Re: The Toybox
Good luck with the weather looming on your workday. It's supposed to be here Saturday.
Good luck to the wife. Pass our thoughts, and fingers being crossed for her! |
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