Finally "Silvers" build thread!! ('78 swb 2wd silverado)

[bigbadjohn84]

same here man. I don't mind paying for someone elses innovation, but I like doing most everything myself if I can. but still.. 4-500 ain't really that bad considering all the guess work is gone, and you are using all GM parts. I like the fact that they incorp the parking brake feature. its a must on standard trucks

[tvblazer78]

Originally Posted by joe231

the kit with calipers is $400, so it would be a savings of much more than $20-$30, and no shipping, so even more savings, over $100 in savings.....I didn't say one was better than the other, just that it can be done for much less....just wanted to make people aware that there is another option...If I'm out of line just let me know

Your right it is $400 my bad, but you do get free shipping for online orders. And your not out of line, we need to come up with dif things so we can save money so we can keep working on trucks.

Web site,

http://www.blackbirdscustomtrucks.com/index7.html


Trav

[joe231]

[JohnC]

Glad to see we all can get along! I was getting ready to

[menace121978]

my internets been down all morning and most of yesterday.

Originally Posted by joe231

around here I'm sure I could get them for $5 or less each from the junk yards all day...heck I have a few junkers laying around the shop at this very moment

I believe the Lincoln rotors are 1 inch thick, what rotors are in the Blackbird kits? or is it a trade secret?

Oh and one more question, Does Blackbird supply part number/application so you can replace them when needed? or do you have to get replacement parts from them? Just a innocent question, for my info



yep
http://www.blackbirdscustomtrucks.com/

good point on the pick n pull... and yes after you buy the kit blackbirds tell you what the parts are off of and you dont have to buy replacements from them any napa will work.

[joe231]

that is a bonus

[menace121978]

rotors and brackets arrived today!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! the loaded calipers should be here tomorrow. i'll put up pics later tonigt or in the morning. i'm going to blast the brackets and paint them silver, tape off the rotor and paint the hat and fins black, and sand down the calipers smooth and paint them red. should look pretty good!!

[joe231]

sounds like a good color combo

[JohnC]

Sweet can't wait to see pics, especially after your mad painting skills.

[menace121978]

hopefully today before it gets too hot.

[JohnC]

If the weather is like here you better hurry!

[menace121978]

yea, i wonder how the neighbors liked the compressor at 6:45 this morning.

[JohnC]

If they come over to complain hand them a wrench and tell them to get busy.

[menace121978]

alright... check this out!!
this is how the blackbirds kit comes.

sandblasted the brackets and sprayed w/ etch primer.

rotors all painted up.



brackets all painted and bolted down.


test fitting the calipers.


good snug clearance for the slots.

[menace121978]

here is the best part... i grinded and sanded down the casting on the caliper.


etch primer, 4 coats of red caliper paint, and 2 coats of clear. i sure hope they hold up.

and installed.


thats all that i can upload on photobucket right now (really slow tonight) hopefully this weekend i can get the other side done. its been rough with 100+ weather.
i am very happy with the blackbird kit. i just hope and pray that i can tell a difference with braking. whatcha think??

[LEEVON]

Loving this build thread man! That disk brake kit looks like the bees knees, those caliper have huge pistons. I'd think you'll see a big improvement. Keep up the good work.

[rome704]

How hard was it to do the conversion i'm looking to do the same thing to mine

[menace121978]

Originally Posted by LEEVON

Loving this build thread man! That disk brake kit looks like the bees knees, those caliper have huge pistons. I'd think you'll see a big improvement. Keep up the good work.

thanks leevon! much apprieciated...

rome704, its a piece of cake. just have to pop the cover off the rearend and take out the axles to get the drum backing plate off is probably the hardest thing. easy peasy!

[LiveAnimals]

Its looking better everytime I log in

[JohnC]

Originally Posted by menace121978

alright... check this out!!
this is how the blackbirds kit comes.

I don't know about you, but I would be a little upset if the kit doesn't even come in a box. I do have to say it looks pretty easy to install since it arrives, and a rotor automatically jumps on your truck.

Man that looks awesome man. That red caliper looks sweet sitting on there too. It really pops with it being the only bright color there. I think you could look into a new career in the painting/detail area. You do great work.!!

[menace121978]

thank you liveanimals and john.
what ive done so far is easy. the sandblaster does most of the work and prep. and its all been done w/ the best paint in a can i can buy so i hope it lasts. i am enrolled in another autobody class this fall. the body and paint is what i'm most nervous about. alot of projects get abandoned, sold, or never get completely finished when it comes to the body and paint.

i really apprieciate everyone comments. its great healthy motivation!!!

[JohnC]

Seeing your progress is good motivation as well! Keep it up man! We're cheering you on!!

[SCOTI]

I started reading this build thread when you first got going but didn't catch-up until yesterday/today (took a bit to get through all the progress). You're moving along @ a great, consistent pace which is the best thing for a frame-off build. The attention to detail is fantastic. The thoroughness while keeping the budget somewhat 'low' makes a build like this much more appealing to the masses (regular guys like me). Nice job!!

Did you physically measure the rear rotors from the BB kit? Are they actually 1.25" x12" like the fronts?

Suggestion: If you're opting to rebuild anything on the motor, swap in a stroker crank. It's undetectable by the smog PoPo & w/the right heads, intake, & cam (all smog legal of course), you'll easily surpass the 300hp goal (more like 300+ @ the rear wheels).

[tvblazer78]

Looks super man, the brakes look better then mine.

[LiveAnimals]

Originally Posted by SCOTI

Suggestion: If you're opting to rebuild anything on the motor, swap in a stroker crank. It's undetectable by the smog PoPo & w/the right heads, intake, & cam (all smog legal of course), you'll easily surpass the 300hp goal (more like 300+ @ the rear wheels).

I agree, a buddy of mine had a 76 with a roller 383, he ran the smog pump and passed just fine.