Harpie's 71 SWB 5.3LS build

[Harpie]

Originally Posted by gdavis

The transmission cooler. I guess the cooler don't need the lines to the radiator? I ran lines to the radiator, but just don't like the way they look. Will this cooler you are using be enough for a th400? I could change and make mine the same as yours. just thinking out loud. and another thing did you install a cross pipe to connect both exhaust pipes together. Someone said something about equalizing the back pressure of the engine. I am about to start with my exhaust, Trying to get all the information I can.

I used a heat sink style cooler instead of utilizing the cooler in the radiator. I didn't like how the lines looked and wanted to keep everything nice and neat. And yes I am running the 4L80E and the cooler will be plenty and should be fine for the 400 as well. You can get them in different lengths I like the double pass instead of the ones where it just flows in one end and out of the other.

[Harpie]

Figured I would update a little. Ordered some inner rockers for my truck since when my body guy removed the outer he found some rust so while we are there why not. But he had the rear window fixed and now in a few days will have it back to me so I can get it on the frame for final paint.

[Harpie]

Ups man rolled up today with this!!! Time to fire up my truck! Fuel Injection Specialties did an awesome job!

[mcbassin]

Nice progress on the cab Harpie and dig the new wiring harness. Looks to be plug and play for sure.

[Harpie]

Ladies and Gentlemen it's ALIVE!!! If I knew how to post a video I would but it feels so dang good to hear it come alive and after plugging a couple vacuum leaks she ran perfect!!! Big day I need a beer now!

[Harpie]

Well cab is home and all finished new inner and outer rockers, cab corners and filler hole filled. The firewall and inside are painted and complete and now I just hafta get it back on the frame and set the bed on. As soon as I can get that done its back to the paint shop for final paint!

[trent_44]

Nice progress, you're in the fun stage of the build. Good luck with everything.

[mcbassin]

Very nice progress on the cab Harpie! Looks great

[Harpie]

Well got the cab on today and man she looks good! Can't wait to bolt the front on and get the bed on for a little look at how she will be when done!

[Harpie]

Got a little more bolted on today. Just lack the hood and bed and then back to the shop for final body work and paint! Loving this stance may hafta lower the rear just a touch but I'll wait until the beds on to make that decision.

[Harpie]

Got my 3D printed part back from the hydro graphics place. They did an awesome job with the carbon fiber look. It matches my Dakota Digital VHX gauge cluster perfect!

[mcbassin]

Your truck is really starting to come together. Nice progress!

[jus2qwk]

looking good man! I'm glad the heater control panel worked out for ya. it looks great!!!

[Harpie]

Thanks guys its finally taking shape and my Wife is ready for us to take if for a spin so if momma is backing ya then life is good lol.

[Stickman]

That 3D print is just cool. Very nice build you have there.

[Harpie]

Originally Posted by Stickman

That 3D print is just cool. Very nice build you have there.

Thank you Sir!

[rkleypas]

Hey Harpie. What parts did you use for your front end rebuild? I'm about to blow my chassis apart and don't have a clue where to get things like ball joints and tie rods and who to get them from. Also, did you use the CPP cross member or drill holes for your exhaust to pass through?
Thanks

[Harpie]

Originally Posted by rkleypas

Hey Harpie. What parts did you use for your front end rebuild? I'm about to blow my chassis apart and don't have a clue where to get things like ball joints and tie rods and who to get them from. Also, did you use the CPP cross member or drill holes for your exhaust to pass through?
Thanks

I ordered all my parts in a kit from ECE they have a raybestos brand kit comes with everything you need. And I cut the crossmember and welded in pipe so it was still strong. I also used the transmission crossmember from ECE so I could keep the exhaust up in the frame. Early Classic Enterprises have awesome customer service and ship out fast.

[BossHogg69]

I read through your build and might have missed it if you posted them - what size wheels & tires are those? Nice work so far.

[Harpie]

Originally Posted by BossHogg69

I read through your build and might have missed it if you posted them - what size wheels & tires are those? Nice work so far.

18x8 front 18x9 rear and appreciate it.

[Harpie]

Well finally got around to putting my bed together today and I was not looking forward to it. I had heard so many folks say how bad it was fitting the aftermarket bed sides on the truck etc. Every hole matched up and the fit was perfect I put a new header panel and two new bedsides on and couldn't be happier. Oh and it all came from LMC, I would have stuck it on the truck but ran out of time.

[Harpie]

Well it's now in the hands of my body man. Can't wait to get it back!

[Harpie]

Well got a nice little update from the body shop. Should have it back Saturday!

[Xeen]

Oh man I bet you are stoked!
The paint looks great, congrats on the milestone.

[Harpie]

Originally Posted by Xeen

Oh man I bet you are stoked!
The paint looks great, congrats on the milestone.

Yes sir I am like a kid on Christmas can't wait till Saturday when I can pick her up! And thanks.