Duke's 67 Build

[Ryan Duke]

Well, I did start a thread over in the LSX swap section but I had no idea they have a build forum. I asked to have it moved with no resolve so im just starting a new tread in the appropriate section. It seems like everyone over here gives alot of encouragement towards people projects. I think we all need a kick in the arse to get going.

Anyways Its a 67 stepside that I purchased from a friend back in 2010. When I got it home I realized it had the wrong era bed on it. Ive eventually found all rust free body panels and finally have a game plan. Money is extremely tight right now so im trying to knock out fab stuff that doesnt take much coin.

[Ryan Duke]

I decided to build my own frame. I used a corvette C4 suspension and rear end. I purchased QA1 coilovers all around. So far the build is taking forever. Working on it by your self is tiresome and alot you need help with. Here are some in fab stages of the frame

[Ryan Duke]

Well sometimes you have to go backwards to make progress, there is alot of that when actually building a frame. I stripped everything off the frame so I can strenghten and add crossmembers to the frame. Im also finish any tack welds, and boxing in all open areas of the frame. Hopefully this weekend I can lay paint or at least primer on the frame. Right here the frame is upside down so i can finish the bottom side

[MMcMasters]

I have to say that this is one hell of a start to a build thread!! I'm subscribed

[Ryan Duke]

Well Ill take a moment and tell you that I purchased a 2010 Corvette motor with 10k miles on it, and an LS T56. I cannot wait to hear it run for the first time! I decided right from the start of this build that I would try and tackle everything myself if I can, so I thinned the original ls3 wire harness myself. Hopefully it works!!! As you can tell from the pics I got long tubes put on the LS3 but I had to heat em up pretty good to get them to squeak inside the frame rails. I also have the DBW corvette pedal mounted and the T56 clutch master hooked up to the firewall and to the stock c10 clutch pedal. I really liked the way that all turned out. Ill try and snap some pics of that tonight.

[Ryan Duke]

MMcMasters, That means alot Ive lookaed at your builds and Its builds like yours that keep guys like me motivated!

[mattfranklin]

Looks like a great start. I really like the sturdy kick-up on the rear of the frame. Looks a lot stronger than any others I've seen.

[flashed]

Im in to see the rest .

[GR8-68]

This is going to be one saweet !!! build thread here. In for the ride to see this proceed

[t300]

Wow great job. You make the frame sound easy!

[Ryan Duke]

Well I managed to get 2 coats of primer on and 2 coats of paint for the frame. I wanted to spray the frame but here in wisconsin I dont have the option of pulling it outside when its 20* outside and I didnt want to destroy my shop. So I could either brush or roll. I chose rolled because I figure it would give it a neat textured look. It turn out good I think.

[Ryan Duke]

So all the suspension parts had over spray and road grim all over them so when I was waiting inbetween coats I cleaned all the suspension parts. They turned out pretty awesome. Im hopefully getting the new poly bushings pressed into the controls arms today so I can assemble the front end too!

[Ryan Duke]

Got my control arm poly bushings installed!!! Nice and tight now.

[Ryan Duke]

I got all the calipers sand blasted and painted, I like how they all say Corvette on them..

[DeepOceanStepside]

awesome build!

[72 tigger]

Very nice! Did you have a jig or table when you built the frame?

[GR8-68]

Looks great

[Ryan Duke]

I don't have a jig or anything, I just took my time and tacked everything.

I ordered all my fuel fittings, pic included.

And another highly debatable topic! I want to Order a radiator but I'm not sure if I should go through entropy, r&d, or just order an ls radiator from speedway and make my own fan shroud setup? It seems like no matter what you buy, some modifications are necessary? Any input would be helpful. I did a couple searches and it's more argueing than anything, I'd like pros and cons if possible of peoples thoughts, I don't want to make an 800 dollar mistake.

[MMcMasters]

Ryan,

I just went through this myself. I am a big fan of C&R and I have one for my Chevelle but they are extremely expensive (and worth every penny) but I ultimately decided to get an Entropy lsx radiator for my C10. Less then half of the price and they are a very well built unit. Every one I talked to that has used them are happy with them. I ordered mine from AZ Pro.

http://www.azproperformance.com/Entr...-C10-9369.html

[Ryan Duke]

I don't have a jig or anything, I just took my time and tacked everything.

I ordered all my fuel fittings, pic included.

And another highly debatable topic! I want to Order a radiator but I'm not sure if I should go through entropy, r&d, or just order an ls radiator from speedway and make my own fan shroud setup? It seems like no matter what you buy, some modifications are necessary? Any input would be helpful. I did a couple searches and it's more argueing than anything, I'd like pros and cons if possible of peoples thoughts, I don't want to make an 800 dollar mistake.

[Ryan Duke]

I've been extremely busy with work and the kids. I did manage to get alot done but it doesnt really look like it. I had to reorder fuel lines because I recieved the wrong parts. Its all run now though so thats a huge sigh of relief.

I went to the junk yard and got rubber lines for the calipers, ran all new lines and last night I finished bleeding the system. "lots of leaks" ehhh. but i just had to snug up the lines alittle.

Motor is in for the final time. I was extremely happy that whatever clutch I have (I think from a TR6060) actually fits the T-56... I put the smaller pilot bushing in and installed the clutch. I put everything in the truck and bleed the slave... I had my wife help... It seems to be working just fine.

Heres a couple pics of the progress. Oh and I got the tank installed.

[BIGglaSS]

Nice work. In for updates. I'm a huge fan of the C4 suspension.

[builtbyKane]

That is turning out great!!!

[Ryan Duke]

Also a very big thanks to all your compliments!

[Ryan Duke]

I bought a 2010 1500 radiator and fans but they were way too big! So I went on rockauto and they have most of the sizes available, so I looked at 2010 vette and camaro radiators, the vette doesnt have a fill cap on the radiator but the camaro does. I then looked at the upper and lower radiator hoses and they are the same between the two so my hope is that first the radiator can be fabricated to be mounted with minimal cutting and second that the hoses fit with no trimming. Hopefully by the weekend I can get everything and some pics.

I have to order new weld on bungs for the o2 sensors on the manifold and sensor extensions because the headers are longer. Anyone know if a specific bolt screws into the old o2 sensor bungs to "cap" it off?