Midnight Rider, my 61 - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

bosephus · 02-04-2009, 04:20 AM

I have finally figured out how to post pics so here's my 61 Apache.I plan on fixing it up slowly while still terrorizing the town I live in.The first upgrade will be a TKO-600 tranny(pictured)that i scored off craigs list in the box for half price.

Soon to follow are:4"drop springs in back,2 1/2 drop spindles front,6 lug disk brakes if CPP will ever ship them,pull the bed and sandblast/paint the back half etc. etc. etc.Work schedule only permits me to work on it off and on so this is going to be a long project but I'll post my progress.Seeing some of the incredible things other members have done(the inexpirienced ones in particular) is giving me the courage to try these things myself.Great site Thanks all

bosephus · 02-04-2009, 04:29 AM

as you can tell, the TKO isnt a bolt in with the low hump tunnel(I talk about low hump and the wife doesnt beleive I'm on a truck forum!)There's a BIG difference between the saginaw 4 sp and the tko.gonna have to do what the last photo suggest and think about this over a cold one!

*LILRED66* · 02-04-2009, 05:11 AM

Welcome to the forums from Kansas City, KS. Nice build you have going. Great photos.

If you have a tranny clearance issue with the TKO, try installing a high hump tranny cover, in lieu of the low hump, if that is what you are running.

Nice rig...keep us posted with lots of pictures of your progress.

bird7263 · 02-04-2009, 08:08 AM

I second Tony. Lots of pics and keep up the good work. Welcome from Portland Oregon

Joey~AP · 02-04-2009, 09:30 AM

I like it!

Howdy from Alvin!

TheDark1 · 02-04-2009, 11:33 AM

I had some slight clearance issues when I put the TKO in my '65 a few years back. I don't think mine were that bad though. I just had to tweak the floor to clear the corners of the tranny. I like those wheels, been looking for some slots. Keep us posted.

cdhc10 · 02-04-2009, 12:28 PM

dam good beer your drinking

jchav62 · 02-04-2009, 12:29 PM

Nice truck! That tranny's gonna be killer in there when its done. Keep us posted.

Welcome from Santa Fe, New Mexico...

TimE · 02-04-2009, 06:51 PM

Nice looking truck. What type of motor are you putting that TKO behind? Keep us posted.

bosephus · 02-05-2009, 02:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LILRED66

Welcome to the forums from Kansas City, KS. Nice build you have going. Great photos.

If you have a tranny clearance issue with the TKO, try installing a high hump tranny cover, in lieu of the low hump, if that is what you are running.

Nice rig...keep us posted with lots of pictures of your progress.

thanks lilred,in the picture the transmission is sitting on some guide studs i made out of 1/2" bolts and a jack. It still lacks 4 or 5 inches to face up to the bellhousing.I had to cut into the forward part of the tunnel to mount it up.I dont have pics of that part because i'm stuck at work(I do have pics of that).Ya'll ever see a ship pop a wheelie?

bosephus · 02-05-2009, 02:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TimE

Nice looking truck. What type of motor are you putting that TKO behind? Keep us posted.

The motor is a 350 that came with the truck so I don't know to much about it.Would barely run enough to get on the trailer when I bought it but me and a buddy had it running well in about two hours.I had to put a new clutch in right off the bat.The TKO will be transmission #3 and hopefully the last( gotta put some non-skid on that clutch pedal because my foot keeps slippin off!).The motor sounds like it has a gear drive cam(it whines).Has edelbrock intake and old carter carb.Popped a valve cover and discovered it has dual springs on the valves(is that typical for a 70 model 350?)

bosephus · 02-05-2009, 02:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cdhc10

dam good beer your drinking

DAMN GOOD BEER!sorry,I didn't mean to holler but I wish I had one right now...

bosephus · 02-11-2009, 10:26 PM

Got a little more done on the truck.I had to cut the trans. tunnel and make a crossmember.The bellhousing has mounts but the trans.case is aluminum so I wanted to support the rear of it.I got lucky and picked up the correct length driveshaft from a junkyard

Now I have to fab up the transmission hump cover then its time for the test drive!

protrash64 · 02-11-2009, 10:34 PM

Scoring that driveshaft will save ya some $$$$$$. Cool looking truck; let us know how it runs when you get it out.

Im positive dual springs arent normal on any stock smallblock.

nuke1 · 02-11-2009, 10:55 PM

good to have you on the board, and welcome from canada, great truck you have there and nice choice on trans1

jason65 · 02-11-2009, 11:43 PM

Trannys like that is why I saved my clutch pedel asym. You got a cool build going.

**Corts60** · 02-12-2009, 04:20 PM

Nice work putting that TKO in! Welcome aboard from a Coastie!

Joey~AP · 02-12-2009, 05:39 PM

Get it runnin and swing by Alvin on your test drive.

We can drink a cold beer!

bosephus · 02-17-2009, 11:05 AM

Thanks for the kind words guys!I just might have to take you up on that Joey a-p.Anyway ,I got the patern made for some of my filler pieces and welded them in.Welding on this thin stuff is a PITA.Tack-tack-tack then blow a hole in it

Its better to practice on the floor where no one but me will know it's there.More pics coming soon,later

jason65 · 02-17-2009, 11:11 AM

Good work. Aint gonna let em catch the midnight rider.

94tx · 02-17-2009, 04:02 PM

What part of the coast are you from? Didn't notice you were from Texas til I saw the Shiner. Plan on stopping by the brewery here pretty soon myself. Looking good on the build so far.

bosephus · 02-17-2009, 11:32 PM

They ain't going to catch the MIDNIGHT RIDER

Now thats out of my system here's a little more progress.I put my high tech spacers to work and fabbed out the rest of my tranny tunnel.I've only done ROUGH fabrication and I can tell you bodywork is not easy.I'm slowly learning to be patient but it's been two days on this trans tunnel and I'm going nuts.Hope y'all enjoy the pics.

bosephus · 02-17-2009, 11:51 PM

It feels like x-mas in feb.CPP delivered my brake booster/clutch master'drop spindles,poly trailing arm and tracking arm bushings,4"drop springs and shocks for the back,disc brake rotors and parts for the front.Man I'm overwhelmed

I hope to get this stuff on soon .Pics show the stance of the truck with the torsion bars jacked way down and some clamps on the back springs.I like the way it sits now,Ijust want to try to get some of the suspension back.goodnight all!

protrash64 · 02-17-2009, 11:51 PM

Looks good!!! Definately take your time and it will turn out better. I got impatient welding on my tailgate and caused myself 2 days of fixing it. I feel your pain

.

*LILRED66* · 02-17-2009, 11:55 PM

bosephus:

Nice progress. A factory high hump tranny cover and the corresponding front cover, would eliminate your tranny hump fabrication issues. It would be a direct bolt in. You are accomplishing the same thing, but doing all the fabrication work yourself.

One thing that will greatly enhance your welding efforts is to clean up all the leading edges, that will be welded, with a scotch-brite pad on your die-grinder. By removing all the paint, grime, grease and undercoating, your welds will not be contaminated and blowing holes will be minimized. I also suggest an auto-darkening hood when doing sheet metal patches, so you can do tiny tacks every 1/4" to avoid heat buildup, not have to lift your hood and not burn your face. It makes this process much more efficient and safe. I bought a Miller auto-darkening hood last week and cut my gun time in half.

Good luck with your project and keep us posted with pictures. Two thumbs up, so far.

02-04-2009, 04:20 AM	#1
bosephus Registered User Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: texas gulf coast Posts: 211	Midnight Rider, my 61 I have finally figured out how to post pics so here's my 61 Apache.I plan on fixing it up slowly while still terrorizing the town I live in.The first upgrade will be a TKO-600 tranny(pictured)that i scored off craigs list in the box for half price.Soon to follow are:4"drop springs in back,2 1/2 drop spindles front,6 lug disk brakes if CPP will ever ship them,pull the bed and sandblast/paint the back half etc. etc. etc.Work schedule only permits me to work on it off and on so this is going to be a long project but I'll post my progress.Seeing some of the incredible things other members have done(the inexpirienced ones in particular) is giving me the courage to try these things myself.Great site Thanks all Attached Images

02-04-2009, 04:29 AM	#2
bosephus Registered User Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: texas gulf coast Posts: 211	Re: Midnight Rider, my 61 as you can tell, the TKO isnt a bolt in with the low hump tunnel(I talk about low hump and the wife doesnt beleive I'm on a truck forum!)There's a BIG difference between the saginaw 4 sp and the tko.gonna have to do what the last photo suggest and think about this over a cold one! Attached Images

02-04-2009, 08:08 AM	#4
bird7263 Urban Chop Shop Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Tigard Oregon Posts: 264	Re: Midnight Rider, my 61 I second Tony. Lots of pics and keep up the good work. Welcome from Portland Oregon __________________ 2003 Chevy Trailblazer LTZ, 2.5" Susp Lift, Tinted, HID's/LED interior/ Lot of upgrades and little mods 1965 Chevy 1/2T Longbox, soon to be a slammed shop truck Build thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=591266 Semper Fi Marines

02-04-2009, 09:30 AM	#5
Joey~AP TexasBowhunter Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: alvin, texas Posts: 450	Re: Midnight Rider, my 61 I like it! Howdy from Alvin! __________________ Build in progress for son's first truck.

02-04-2009, 11:33 AM	#6
TheDark1 Intentionally Left Blank Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Broussard, LA Posts: 355	Re: Midnight Rider, my 61 I had some slight clearance issues when I put the TKO in my '65 a few years back. I don't think mine were that bad though. I just had to tweak the floor to clear the corners of the tranny. I like those wheels, been looking for some slots. Keep us posted. __________________ 1965 C-10 Short Fleet 468/TKO 5-Speed 2004 2500HD Crew 496/Ally Blacked Out (SOLD!!) 1997 Formula WS6 2004 Jeep Wrangler (Sold) 2013 Jeep Wrangler (Sold) 2017 Jeep Wrangler (Blacked Out on 35's) 2011 GMC D-Max Dually Denali 3500HD (Sold) 2015 GMC D-Max Dually Denali 3500HD (Sold) 2018 GMC D-Max Dually Denali 3500HD (Sold) 2020 D-Max Dually Denali on 33x12.50's 1979 GMC Short Bed Step-Side 4x4 350/350 Low Miles

02-04-2009, 05:11 AM	#3
LILRED66 Account Suspended Join Date: May 2005 Location: Kansas City, KS Posts: 3,906	Re: Midnight Rider, my 61 Welcome to the forums from Kansas City, KS. Nice build you have going. Great photos. If you have a tranny clearance issue with the TKO, try installing a high hump tranny cover, in lieu of the low hump, if that is what you are running. Nice rig...keep us posted with lots of pictures of your progress.

02-04-2009, 12:28 PM	#7
cdhc10 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Forney, TX Posts: 61	Re: Midnight Rider, my 61 dam good beer your drinking

02-04-2009, 12:29 PM	#8
jchav62 1962 C-10 Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Las Vegas, New Mexico Posts: 4,978	Re: Midnight Rider, my 61 Nice truck! That tranny's gonna be killer in there when its done. Keep us posted. Welcome from Santa Fe, New Mexico... __________________ Joseph Chavez "See the USA in a Chevrolet!!" ......................_____ .........________//__{\_____ ,,,,,,,/__(O)___//___/__(O)_/ 1962 C10 Shortbed Fleetside 327/th350 GV overdrive 1974 C10 Longbed Fleetside 350/th350 "The Trash Truck" 1999 Chevy 2500 OBS, Longbed 5.7/4L80E 4x4 2015 GMC Sierra SLE 1500 4x4

02-04-2009, 06:51 PM	#9
TimE Hey Y'all!! Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Bay Minette, Alabama Posts: 1,755	Re: Midnight Rider, my 61 Nice looking truck. What type of motor are you putting that TKO behind? Keep us posted. __________________ Just hopin' I live long enough to finish something!!!

02-11-2009, 10:26 PM	#13
bosephus Registered User Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: texas gulf coast Posts: 211	Re: Midnight Rider, my 61 Got a little more done on the truck.I had to cut the trans. tunnel and make a crossmember.The bellhousing has mounts but the trans.case is aluminum so I wanted to support the rear of it.I got lucky and picked up the correct length driveshaft from a junkyard Now I have to fab up the transmission hump cover then its time for the test drive! Attached Images

02-11-2009, 10:34 PM	#14
protrash64 Resistance is Futile Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Mesa,Arizona Posts: 3,519	Re: Midnight Rider, my 61 Scoring that driveshaft will save ya some $$$$$$. Cool looking truck; let us know how it runs when you get it out. Im positive dual springs arent normal on any stock smallblock. __________________ 64 CHEVY PICK-UP > http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...otrash+re-hash 64 CARRYALL >http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=1964+suburban 66 LB >http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=427852 STRENGTH/DETERMINATION/MERCILESS/FOREVER .......posted via stationary device

02-11-2009, 10:55 PM	#15
nuke1 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Saskatoon, Saskatchewan,: Posts: 2,901	Re: Midnight Rider, my 61 good to have you on the board, and welcome from canada, great truck you have there and nice choice on trans1 __________________ James 1968 GMC "HAVOC" 1986 GMC "Frank" J.J.R.H. Design & Consulting My 68`Rebuild "HAVOC": http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=316300 A 58' chev build thread: http://www.67-72chevytrucks.com/vboa...d.php?t=311238 1969 Camaro Pro Touring http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...61#post3513361 Swiss Cheese: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=384390 Adjustable Trailing Arm How-To: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=321100 1968 Ford Farm Truck: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=1#post6555587

02-11-2009, 11:43 PM	#16
jason65 Registerd User Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Oklahoma Posts: 2,118	Re: Midnight Rider, my 61 Trannys like that is why I saved my clutch pedel asym. You got a cool build going.

02-12-2009, 04:20 PM	#17
Corts60 Just here to tinker Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Holland, MI Posts: 3,689	Re: Midnight Rider, my 61 Nice work putting that TKO in! Welcome aboard from a Coastie! __________________ 78 C10 SWB Diesel #1 (wrecked)http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...1978+silverado 78 C10 SWB Diesel #2 (sold)http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=650751 60 GMC Suburban (sold)http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=445526 60 GMC 1000 (sold)http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=298235 67 GMC 1500 (sold) http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=803695 86 Suburban(summer unit) http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=810697 88 Suburban 4x4(winter unit)https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...25#post8900725

02-12-2009, 05:39 PM	#18
Joey~AP TexasBowhunter Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: alvin, texas Posts: 450	Re: Midnight Rider, my 61 Get it runnin and swing by Alvin on your test drive. We can drink a cold beer! __________________ Build in progress for son's first truck.



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02-17-2009, 11:05 AM	#19
bosephus Registered User Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: texas gulf coast Posts: 211	Re: Midnight Rider, my 61 Thanks for the kind words guys!I just might have to take you up on that Joey a-p.Anyway ,I got the patern made for some of my filler pieces and welded them in.Welding on this thin stuff is a PITA.Tack-tack-tack then blow a hole in it Its better to practice on the floor where no one but me will know it's there.More pics coming soon,later Attached Images

02-17-2009, 11:11 AM	#20
jason65 Registerd User Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Oklahoma Posts: 2,118	Re: Midnight Rider, my 61 Good work. Aint gonna let em catch the midnight rider.

02-17-2009, 04:02 PM	#21
94tx Registered User Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 78	Re: Midnight Rider, my 61 What part of the coast are you from? Didn't notice you were from Texas til I saw the Shiner. Plan on stopping by the brewery here pretty soon myself. Looking good on the build so far.

02-17-2009, 11:32 PM	#22
bosephus Registered User Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: texas gulf coast Posts: 211	Re: Midnight Rider, my 61 They ain't going to catch the MIDNIGHT RIDERNow thats out of my system here's a little more progress.I put my high tech spacers to work and fabbed out the rest of my tranny tunnel.I've only done ROUGH fabrication and I can tell you bodywork is not easy.I'm slowly learning to be patient but it's been two days on this trans tunnel and I'm going nuts.Hope y'all enjoy the pics. Attached Images

02-17-2009, 11:51 PM	#23
bosephus Registered User Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: texas gulf coast Posts: 211	Re: Midnight Rider, my 61 It feels like x-mas in feb.CPP delivered my brake booster/clutch master'drop spindles,poly trailing arm and tracking arm bushings,4"drop springs and shocks for the back,disc brake rotors and parts for the front.Man I'm overwhelmedI hope to get this stuff on soon .Pics show the stance of the truck with the torsion bars jacked way down and some clamps on the back springs.I like the way it sits now,Ijust want to try to get some of the suspension back.goodnight all! Attached Images

02-17-2009, 11:51 PM	#24
protrash64 Resistance is Futile Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Mesa,Arizona Posts: 3,519	Re: Midnight Rider, my 61 Looks good!!! Definately take your time and it will turn out better. I got impatient welding on my tailgate and caused myself 2 days of fixing it. I feel your pain. __________________ 64 CHEVY PICK-UP > http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...otrash+re-hash 64 CARRYALL >http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=1964+suburban 66 LB >http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=427852 STRENGTH/DETERMINATION/MERCILESS/FOREVER .......posted via stationary device

02-17-2009, 11:55 PM	#25
LILRED66 Account Suspended Join Date: May 2005 Location: Kansas City, KS Posts: 3,906	Re: Midnight Rider, my 61 bosephus: Nice progress. A factory high hump tranny cover and the corresponding front cover, would eliminate your tranny hump fabrication issues. It would be a direct bolt in. You are accomplishing the same thing, but doing all the fabrication work yourself. One thing that will greatly enhance your welding efforts is to clean up all the leading edges, that will be welded, with a scotch-brite pad on your die-grinder. By removing all the paint, grime, grease and undercoating, your welds will not be contaminated and blowing holes will be minimized. I also suggest an auto-darkening hood when doing sheet metal patches, so you can do tiny tacks every 1/4" to avoid heat buildup, not have to lift your hood and not burn your face. It makes this process much more efficient and safe. I bought a Miller auto-darkening hood last week and cut my gun time in half. Good luck with your project and keep us posted with pictures. Two thumbs up, so far. Last edited by LILRED66; 02-17-2009 at 11:57 PM.

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