CRGRS 66 – Winter Build Thread

[CRGRS 66]

CRGRS 66 – Winter Build Thread

I waited many tears to be able to buy this truck, and finally this past March I realized my dream. Up until this spring it was just that, a dream. My father passed last December, he was 84. His was a life well lived, a great man to have for a father. My Mom passed away 10 years ago as well, so this truck is being built in honour of both my parents.

As I had waited so many years, part of my criteria when purchasing this truck was something that was driveable right away, something that was mostly original, and something that was not rotting off it’s frame. I looked at so many trucks within a price range that worked for me. So many of the trucks I looked at had fresh paint which scared me. This truck did not have fresh paint, and the PO who owned the truck since 1986, claimed that he never painted it. Judging by the condition of the finish, it sure looked like a paint job that was at least 25 years old. The upside I saw in this was that the body was in exceptional condition. There appeared to be very little rust beyond the surface rust. From some of the prices I see you guys paying for some of the trucks I have seen joining the forum since I joined, I believe I may have over paid, but at the end of the day my truck appraised for quite a bit more than I paid, so I feel good about it. Everyone who sees my truck for the first time has that look of astonishment on their face. They cannot believe how solid it is. I absolutely love my truck, I could stare at it all day long.

The other thing is that, again, after waiting so long, I want to drive it. I want to drive it every summer. That is the reason for the thread title. Whatever I take on this winter, my plan is to get it back on the road, and enjoy it again next summer.

So, here is my list for this winter, what I hope to get done.
1. Front disc brakes, c/w booster, 2.5” drop spindles, 2” lowering springs, and new brake lines
2. Porterbuilt stage 2 bag and shock kit.
3. I have a Camaro 5 speed lined up, with an S10 tail shaft.
4. 350 crate engine, way too pricey to rebuild the 283… sadly
5. HEI
6. Power steering
7. AC, undecided if I will use a salvaged original system, or a new aftermarket system
8. Wiring Harness, everything I have read tells me that the AAW set is worth the money
9. Reupholster seat (outsource), found a guy who is good, and not greedy
10. Refurbish and paint the column, and deluxe wheel that I picked up.
11. Sound deadening of the cab, carpet, and paint interior.
12. Restore gauge cluster, adding a tach, and maybe a clock on the other side
13. New front window seal

I will have completion by late spring on my agenda. I want to be back on the road driving by the end of May 2013 at the latest. Should be fun considering I am also coaching 2 hockey teams! Wish me luck! Motivate me men!

[CRGRS 66]

Here are a couple more pictures that are more recent...

[Modges'66]

Wow!
Looks pretty sweet, but obviously a little outdated.
What a great specimen to start with.
Killer ride!

[CRGRS 66]

Originally Posted by Modges'66

Wow!
Looks pretty sweet, but obviously a little outdated.
What a great specimen to start with.
Killer ride!

Thanks Modge, here are a few pics that are a little more recent. I copied the first pics from the ad on carsforsale.com, they were from March of this year.

[chevyrestoguy]

Go Craig, Go!!!!!

Sounds like you've got a great game plan. I'd get the hockey teams involved in the teardown and clean-up. Just tell them it's a "Character Building" exercise to promote teamwork.

[markeb01]

First of all I’m one of the many fans that think your truck is one of the nicest on the forum. Sounds like you have a great plan. Looking forward to seeing the improvements in the spring!

[pdxhall]

That is a VERY nice truck. What a great find. Good luck with your winter project.

[McMurphy]

Awesome start you have there CRGRS !!
After this past year of you posting on my build, it will be fun to return in kind !!

Hope your garage has a good heater !!

[coulter]

nice man cant wait to see how that turns out!!

[63sbssbbw]

Awesome starting point Craig!
The black with the white just oozes class..."bowtie" comes to mind(pun intended)
In pic #2,is that a keyhole in the trim line below the fuel fill ??
Don't forget about the increased space you'll need to go with HEI.
I'm really looking forward to following your progress this winter.
Trent

[clemdaddy]

what a great find... that thing is drop-dead...
i like your plan, its very achieveable.

[CRGRS 66]

Originally Posted by chevyrestoguy

Go Craig, Go!!!!!

Sounds like you've got a great game plan. I'd get the hockey teams involved in the teardown and clean-up. Just tell them it's a "Character Building" exercise to promote teamwork.

Thanks restoguy, probably not a good idea to invite 13 year old boys over...

Originally Posted by markeb01

First of all I’m one of the many fans that think your truck is one of the nicest on the forum. Sounds like you have a great plan. Looking forward to seeing the improvements in the spring!

Thanks Mark, so far all I can take credit for is finding it, and wheels and tires.

Originally Posted by pdxhall

That is a VERY nice truck. What a great find. Good luck with your winter project.

Thanks pdx!

Originally Posted by McMurphy

Awesome start you have there CRGRS !!
After this past year of you posting on my build, it will be fun to return in kind !!

Hope your garage has a good heater !!

Thanks McMurph! I look forward to the banter. May not need a heater the way winters have been here lately

Originally Posted by coulter

nice man cant wait to see how that turns out!!

Thanks coulter

Originally Posted by 63sbssbbw

Awesome starting point Craig!
The black with the white just oozes class..."bowtie" comes to mind(pun intended)
In pic #2,is that a keyhole in the trim line below the fuel fill ??
Don't forget about the increased space you'll need to go with HEI.
I'm really looking forward to following your progress this winter.
Trent

Thanks 63ssb.. Maybe I should have named my thread "black tie affair". The "gadget" between the trim pieces to the rear of the driver door must have been used as a theft deterrent. It is an old keyed switch like you would find on a vending machine. It has two wire leads coming out of the back of it, they are currently just hanging there. Hey, I need more space for HEI? What you mean mang?

Originally Posted by clemdaddy

what a great find... that thing is drop-dead...
i like your plan, its very achieveable.

Thanks Clemdaddy, I do love to stare at it. I am not a welder, so most of what I will be doing will be bolt on.

To all, I have been debating as to whether to keep the factory colour scheme, you guys just made up my mind. I have to say that Chevy got this one right on the colour combo!

[CRGRS 66]

Originally Posted by 63sbssbbw

Don't forget about the increased space you'll need to go with HEI. Trent

Trent, when you speak of space for HEI, do you mean that I will have interference with the firewall, air cleaner??? The parts yards around here are bandits, and they don't keep anything that isn't current, so I most likely will go aftermarket on the HEI.

[63sbssbbw]

yes,The HEI dist. and cap are larger than a points dist.
Unless you're going with a conversion type HEI that fits inside or
an aftermarket one altogether.
Just a thought before you install trans xm and order driveshafts.
It's as easy as using the forward holes in your framerail as opposed to the rear ones.
T

[clemdaddy]

[QUOTE=63sbssbbw;5637172]yes,The HEI dist. and cap are larger than a points dist.
Unless you're going with a conversion type HEI that fits inside or
an aftermarket one altogether.

i've had good luck with the mallory uni-lite distributor. its electronic but not hei.
it is a smaller size much like the original. but be sure you always carry an extra modulator in the glove box.

[coulter]

ya im pretty sure you would have to clearance the firewall to be able to get the dizzy in and out. im using the front set of holes on mine and i got alot of room though

[63sbssbbw]

Yes at the firewall
The air cleaner should be fine,its not like you need a drop base for hood clearance LOL
As Coulter and Clem have suggested..you have numerous choices/decisions to make.
Just wanted you to be aware of that so you don't have to say WTF near the end
T

[CRGRS 66]

Originally Posted by coulter

ya im pretty sure you would have to clearance the firewall to be able to get the dizzy in and out. im using the front set of holes on mine and i got alot of room though

[quote=clemdaddy;5637654]

Originally Posted by 63sbssbbw

yes,The HEI dist. and cap are larger than a points dist.
Unless you're going with a conversion type HEI that fits inside or
an aftermarket one altogether.

i've had good luck with the mallory uni-lite distributor. its electronic but not hei.
it is a smaller size much like the original. but be sure you always carry an extra modulator in the glove box.

Originally Posted by 63sbssbbw

Yes at the firewall
The air cleaner should be fine,its not like you need a drop base for hood clearance LOL
As Coulter and Clem have suggested..you have numerous choices/decisions to make.
Just wanted you to be aware of that so you don't have to say WTF near the end
T

Thanks guys appreciate the words to the... well the saying ends with wise...

[CRGRS 66]

I got two things accomplished today. I ordered the porterbuilt stage 1 rear kit. Just the bags, upper and lower bag brackets, shocks, the upper and lower shock relocate brackets, and hardware as well as the porterbuilt adjustable trac-bar. The other thing I accomplished was another drive.
Trying to place an order with Justin @ Scott's Hot Rods as well, but he did not return my email or phone call today... Have an order to place with Classic Parts and with LMC as well.

[CRGRS 66]

One more thing accomplished yesterday... got my order for CPP parts on the go, should ship out this week, I should see it here in about 2 weeks time.
6 lug drop spindle disc brake kit, MC booster prop valve, front and rear sway bars, front 2" drop springs shocks, and shock mount reinforce brackets.

Need to get some dismantling done...

[greg65]

Nice. Subscribed

[63sbssbbw]

Sweeet...christmas in October
T

[CRGRS 66]

Originally Posted by 63sbssbbw

Sweeet...christmas in October
T

Indeed, porterbuilt stuff is 4-5 weeks away mind you, but should see CPP goods in a couple of weeks. Also about to pull the trigger on a crate 350 from the local GM dealer, they came through on price!!!

[CRGRS 66]

Currently working on my gauge cluster, gauges and speedo look good, did a general clean up, have a new outer bezel, and new lens, adding the factory style tach. Also working on getting paint on the suspension and brake goodies that are patiently awaiting installation.

MARTYZ, you joked about buying you a couple of Rums this summer when I get up that way for the control arm you sent down.... Well Mr., I was in Cuba last week, and thought of you my friend!!!! Hope the cigar keeps till then

Plan to make some more progress this weekend.

[MARTYZ]

Looking forward to it, wont belong and we will be polishing the old girls up and heading to cruise night, ground hog says early spring. Snowmobiling is getting more attention than truck right now!