What did I do this year?

[chevy71super]

I made a number of small changes to my truck this year that I thought I would share. The changes are subtle, fixing things that when I first restored the the truck in 2002 I either made a short cut or enhanced the previous work. Most of you have seen my truck.

I added a master electrical cut off switch on the ground side. This truck sits for months at a time and the battery will eventually draw down. This idea came from the board:





I changed the headlight wiring using a relay and cleaned up the under hood wiring in general. I am mixed on the headlights. They look cool at dusk but they are ill designed made in China crap so I will be looking for alternatives:



I upgraded the stereo adding two 12 inch subs under the seat. They are Kenwood thin design subs driven by a Rockford amp. I still had to raise the seat about an inch to clear the modified boxes I bought:



I was running the truck with a 2.5" all spring lift with 35" BFG Mud's. Obviously a pavement cruiser. To give better clearance I installed ORD zero rate blocks in the rear moving the axle back 1". To keep the truck level I also installed blocks in the front with no offset. I am pleased with the result though 3/4 inch would be perfect IMHO. (The blocks move the axle 1" or 1.5" depending upon which holes you use.) No more rubbing on the rear:



Before the change:



After the change:



I also cleaned up the rear brake lines. I needed new rear brake lines when I restored it but the only pre bent ones available at the time where for 2 wheel drive which route differently across the axle than 4 wheel drive. My original installation was hastily done so I cleaned it up:



Overall I am happy with the way the truck looks:



But there are a number of changes/fixes needed to make it more pleasent to drive. The items I would like to tackle in 2010:

Upgrade brakes
Install a raised steering arm
Radiator/Cooling upgrades
Fix lifter noise
Fix oil leaks
Reroute exhaust

Have a happy and productive new year.
Doug