06-30-2011, 10:06 AM | #1 |
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72 RAT Build.
Well i figure i will go ahead and start a build thread. My build wont be nearly as involved as many here. However there are a few things that i want to do.
I am completely happy with the "Rat" look. So my plan is not to change that, but to improve it. The flat black is staying, however its going to get a new coat very soon. Here is a list of the changes i plan to make over the next year or so in order of how i plan on doing them pending other issues. Smooth Rear Bumper Inside door rust repair Inside Cab Red Paint to replace factory green. New coat of Flat Black over entire exterior minus doors Headliner (possibly with audio set up) Billet front grille Smooth Tailgate Cover with handle relocation 3 OTT Transmission Replacement to T-5 Engine bottom end rebuild with small bore and cam Windshield Replacement. (few small cracks) Added a few pics of the areas that i will be working on to upgrade |
07-12-2011, 08:32 AM | #2 |
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Re: 72 RAT Build.
Well just to give a short update.
Ive talked myself out of a few things...... Mainly the roll pan and the tail gate cover and billet front grille. I want to keep the truck with as much original style equipment as possible... So im looking for a tailgate in good condition......... So, the entire front of the truck was blacked out this weekend minus the bowtie and the bumper..... The grille, bezels, trim, etc....All black.....Yes there was a reason. It is a 39 year old truck with everything original....So it was cracked, faded, chipped... its amazing what a little black paint can do..... Also the rear old steel bumper got a good coat of paint as well. That made a world of difference.... Yes yes i know i know this thread is worthless without pics....At least thats the way it is over in the Harley forums anyway..... Also got started on the interior just a tad.... Repaired the door sill on the drivers side....It really needs replaced. But all i have is a carport and limited resources since the move and a welder, and shop are not one of them...So cover up was necessary at this stage.... Now the problem. The truck is a SHOP RAT as I call it. It has a rattle can paint job....Well as most know the hood and cab fades very quickly....Well i tried to fix that this weekend to no avail. I could not get the paint to stick to save my life. I cleaned sanded wiped, shot....nothing. Only real luck i had was taking a spot down to bare metal. At that point i was able to get the first layer to apply correctly, but the 2nd just powdered up....Maybe the humidity???? What sucks is i worked late into Sunday night on it and had to leave it as is because heavy rain on Monday and Today and its my DD. Other news is i am having no luck locating a local T-5. Found a WC T-5 down in Gulfport but really need the NWC. So the search continues..... Wow a short update turned into a book....sorry about the rambling....... |
07-12-2011, 02:17 PM | #3 |
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Re: 72 RAT Build.
im not one to take a 72 over a 67 but i LOVE your 72. i just love it, the paint rims wheels tries color the only thing i'd do is add a 327 instead of a 307. and yes
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07-12-2011, 02:33 PM | #4 |
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Re: 72 RAT Build.
In time the motor will change....Will run the 307 while she is in good shape though...
And, here are pics......... Did a before and after of the door sill. Not saying my repair skills are the greatest....but better than it was....... |
07-12-2011, 02:42 PM | #5 |
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Re: 72 RAT Build.
not bad the front doesnt look bad its hard for me to tell if i like the other way better.... not really a fan of the rear bumper but i have seen worse farmer bumpers. i like "in the bed " spare tire carrier, just got one for my 67, from a 67 gmc.
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07-13-2011, 09:21 AM | #6 |
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Re: 72 RAT Build.
Looks very cool. i love the red rims and the white walls!
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Cam 1972 Chevy C/10 "Custom Cruiser Project" Build Thread 1961 Olds Super 88 (Daily) 1966 Chevy Corvair 500, "Marigold" SOLD 2005 Subaru Outback Wagon DEAD 2008 Pontiac G8, New Winter/Daily |
07-18-2011, 08:10 AM | #7 |
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Re: 72 RAT Build.
Well got another good weekend in working on cosmetics.....
Cleaned up under the hood and put a coat of black down on Friday afternoon. Friday night i started taping off the interior. Pulled out all the little stuff i could. Put a good coat on the doors on Saturday.... Sunday morning painted the entire inside of the cab..... That red is so much nicer than the surface rust/original green. Its not perfect. But for a rattle can job, no garage, and under $50 spent, im not going to complain at all...... Also not complaining I drove it to work on Friday. Started it Friday night, finished it last night and drove it to work today. Have to thank a very beautiful and awesome wife for all the help!
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Joel Last edited by Redleg; 07-18-2011 at 08:17 AM. |
07-18-2011, 08:49 AM | #8 |
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Re: 72 RAT Build.
Also something else interesting this weekend. I knew it was there, just never really paid attention.
Found the original owners manual and truck brochure in the glovebox. Its amazing reading it. Considering they spent 39 years in a glove box getting beat around they are both in ok shape. Truck was sold brand new November 29, 1971 to the city of Lorman, MS as a city truck. Truck had 6 miles on it when sold. (128,000 right now).... I love the history of classic vehicles. Its cool knowing the history of your own and wondering what it would say if it could talk.... |
07-18-2011, 09:05 AM | #9 |
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Re: 72 RAT Build.
Also came into a realization this weekend. The truck is exactly what i want it to be at this stage.
It is a Daily Driver Shop Rat. I dont have the time or resources right now to make it more than that. In a couple of years (2-5) i will get another Daily Driver, and this truck will become a complete new build, more than likely a frame off restoration. So realizing that, it significantly changes my current approach. Why change something now that i will want to change again in 2-5 years? So from here on out its all about compiling the things I will want and use on the future complete build. I.E motor, trans, brakes, seats, body parts, etc.... So, the cosmetics of the truck probably wont change much over the coming months, but my plan is to begin to start working things under the hood, literally. Will they be put on the truck right now? Probably not....but we will see..... |
07-18-2011, 04:43 PM | #10 |
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Re: 72 RAT Build.
WOW! that red makes the interior look so much better! great job
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Cam 1972 Chevy C/10 "Custom Cruiser Project" Build Thread 1961 Olds Super 88 (Daily) 1966 Chevy Corvair 500, "Marigold" SOLD 2005 Subaru Outback Wagon DEAD 2008 Pontiac G8, New Winter/Daily |
07-29-2011, 06:18 AM | #11 |
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Re: 72 RAT Build.
this is exactly what it want. something thats actually useable and you can actually have alittle fun with. so much more character than a full resto.. love the white walls and red wheels
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06 ECSB 4X4 L33 HO 3.73s 15.56@89.9 STOCK 92 K1500 TBI350vortec(too much to list) 69 C10 short fleetside(under construction) 72 C10 short stepside(almost driveable) |
07-29-2011, 07:04 PM | #12 |
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Re: 72 RAT Build.
very cool! i like it
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07-29-2011, 07:37 PM | #13 |
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Re: 72 RAT Build.
Good job on the truck mate. Love the red interior and the spot light on the pillar. Cheers
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07-29-2011, 09:11 PM | #14 |
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Re: 72 RAT Build.
Looking for the same kind of truck myself. Something to enjoy!
Looks cool!
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Looking for a 67-72 swb or blazer project in or around VA. |
07-29-2011, 10:09 PM | #15 |
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Re: 72 RAT Build.
I have a 71 tailgate perfect shape, and its a perfect flat black match lol.
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07-30-2011, 07:51 PM | #16 | |
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Re: 72 RAT Build.
Quote:
Shoot me a PM! |
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07-30-2011, 11:17 PM | #17 |
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Re: 72 RAT Build.
Thats awesome I've lived here going on 22 years. I can't believe your wife is from poteau, it's small small world. What your wife's name?If you dont mind me asking.
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08-05-2011, 11:30 AM | #18 |
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Re: 72 RAT Build.
Just thought i would bounce a message off here. Been traveling for a week and have another week of traveling to go. Headed up to Seattle! Looking forward to a break in the heat!!!
Recent updates.......Well besides i bought a 14" Grant steering wheel. Havent replaced it yet because i destroyed a steering wheel puller trying to get the old one off. Will rent a big puller when i get back next weekend. Really been thinking hard on the drivetrain. My thoughts were to go with a stock 350 and T-5..... However lately i have been thinking about ow nice it would be to have a tough powerplant. Would like to keep it daily driven so nothing horrible. Just a really tough 350. If i do that, it rules out the T-5 so maybe i should start looking for the NV4500 or any other manual suggestions? Another issue, after seeing a few other trucks on here, ive decided im going to go with the "semi-gloss" appearance. And really thinking hard at painting the cab white. Between the red wheels, white walls, and red and white on the shop decal, i think it would look pretty sharp.... Anyway, this is more of a dreaming post, but figured i would thow out some ideas..... So my current mods as of right now since my last post. I have right at 600 miles on the truck since i bought it..... |
08-05-2011, 11:52 AM | #19 |
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Re: 72 RAT Build.
a T56 would handle the job just fine.
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06 ECSB 4X4 L33 HO 3.73s 15.56@89.9 STOCK 92 K1500 TBI350vortec(too much to list) 69 C10 short fleetside(under construction) 72 C10 short stepside(almost driveable) |
08-17-2011, 09:16 AM | #20 |
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Re: 72 RAT Build.
Just a small update. Replaced the steering wheel over the weekend. Cant say i am 100% happy with it, however it is a big improvement. Will post pics this afternoon.
Also, after i do some body work i plan on having the truck repainted Matte Black/ Semi Gloss. Some call it overplayed, but i really like the red/white/black look on this truck...sooo....here is the plan. Semi Gloss truck with white cab. Then replace the current shop logo with this one. Not so much a shop logo as really what i have come to call the truck..... Going to play with photoshop and paint to see if i cant get a good mock up image today.... |
08-17-2011, 05:44 PM | #21 |
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Re: 72 RAT Build.
I dont mind the sound of the white, I reakin it would look good with red highlights.
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08-23-2011, 08:48 AM | #22 |
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Re: 72 RAT Build.
Ok, now to post a question....
Been looking real hard at my bed lately....It seems ever side has something in need of repair. The passenger side needs completely replaced....Bondo in the front and some dents along the fender well... The driver side is pretty solid except for the regular "truck" dents along the top of the bed. The floor is pretty shot.... Its not as bad as a lot I see, but it does have quite a few holes.... So my question is, should i replace the passenger side and floor, and fix the small dents in the drivers side, or should i just try to find a complete replacement bed? Whats easiest and/or cheapest? |
09-07-2011, 09:02 AM | #23 |
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Re: 72 RAT Build.
Well, just had an unexpected mod...
Came out of work yesterday and jumped in the truck and turned the key and it laughed at me. Got it jumped off, drove 20 minutes home and shut it off. Turned the key and it laughed at me again.... So my new mod.....A new battery...... Kinda strange.....i hadnt driven it in about 10 days due to the weather being nice and riding the bike everyday, but i had started it every couple days. It started up fine yesterday morning, but yesterday afternoon it didnt have a lick of juice left......Not even enough to turn the radio on hardly.... Oh well..... |
09-07-2011, 09:15 AM | #24 |
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Re: 72 RAT Build.
Also, i have made the decision that within the next year i am going to change the entire theme of the truck.
I love the red/white/black look.....But i sat down and talked to the wife and i have decided to go with something that means much more to me.... I spent 8 years in the Army, 3 years in Iraq and Afghanistan and lost a lot of good Brothers over there.... So, this is going to be my tribute truck to the U.S. Army..... Current plans are an O.D./Olive Green semi gloss paint. Black bumpers and grill. Big U.S. Army stenciled on the tailgate and a black star trimmed in white on the door.... I havent yet decided what i am going to do with the wheels. I love the white walls and plan to keep them. Possibly will re powdercoat the wheels to match the truck paint and paint the center caps black.... Thoughts on this combo would be great... here is the proposed color and door scheme... Anybody good with photo shop or paint want to mock the truck up for me? lol |
11-21-2011, 12:50 PM | #25 |
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Re: 72 RAT Build.
Well figured I havent put anything on here in a while so i thought it was time for some updates.
Truck remains unchanged except i pulled the amp and speaker from under the seat as i really didnt care for it or want it. Just going to replace the kick panel speakers with some higher quality speakers. However, I have been doing some "window shopping" and compiled a list of parts im going to need.... Part # Description Amount 38-9649-T BEDSIDE-SHORTBED-RH 499.95 38-6623 TAILGATE HANDLE-BLACK $29.95 38-9568 * TAILGATE-No letters 169.95 38-6534 ROCKER PANEL-INNER/X2 $19.90 38-7978 INNER ROOF HEADER PANEL $99.95 38-6531 ROCKER PANEL-RH $19.95 38-6530 ROCKER PANEL-LH $19.95 30-0722 LICENSE PANEL HRDW KIT $5.95 30-3731 REAR BUMPER BRACKET KIT $69.95 38-9482 * REAR BUMPER-PRIMER $99.95 Parts Total: $1,035.45 So yeah, my plan is over the next couple of months to start building all these up. Probably will start with the small stuff then wait till spring for the actually body work stuff. Also, a few questions. Who is cheaper than LMC on these parts? Where in the heck can i find the Atlas Whitewall inserts for my tires? How hard is it to replace the bed side? Easier to just find a whole bed and replace it? |
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