Kodiaks 53 / S10 Build

[Kodiaks53]

Been a while since I last posted but I've been doing those things that don't show much progress but I have been working. Got the dash holes welded up and smoothed out, mounted the fuse box, removed the light switch and started the wiring harness install. So far its going very well, we'll see how well when I turn on the switch!!! Here's some pictures of the progress, got the inner fenders mounted as well as some front sheet metal.

[lower50's]

Great job on the build so far, and congrats on the first fire.
I'm waiting on my cooling fan they say tomorrow then I can put rad in and I hope to fire mine this weekend!!

[Kodiaks53]

Thanks, I hope you got the fan and get it all fired up this weekend. Firing them up is always a big milestone !

[oldman3]

Great news and congrats on the drive...Jim

[Advanced Design]

Congratulations! Always a good feeling to get them moving under their own power.

[lower50's]

Congrats!! Must feel great to move it around. Yes I did get my rad and started it.

[Clay54]

Kodiaks 54, backing up a bit on your build, I noticed your cab mounts had a smaller black pad sitting on what I am guessing to be the S10 pads. What are those black pads, two on back and one in front? Maybe a radiator mount pad or something similar? Also, does your cab mounts put the cab about 6" off the frame? Good info in your build. Thanks for your time, Clay

[Kodiaks53]

Clay54, The black pads are phenolic spacers supplied by AD Engineering. That's the kit I used in my build. Their kit is a bit pricey now but has been through several upgrades over the years. It's easier now to make you own with all the info available here. It does sit about 5 to 6 inches off the frame. I'll be using drop spindles to get the ride height I would like as well as not having a transmission tunnel and a useful bed depth. I really like the lower trucks but this is what will work for me.

Ron

[Clay54]

Thanks. Once I had hit the enter button, I realized those thingies were part of a kit but it was then too late to get it back. I too want a flat floor and am hoping to use the metal bed bottom of the S10 for my '54 bed. Skymags S10 how to uses a Camero radiator to frame mount and I thought that might be what you are using. Thanks again, Clay

[oldman3]

Sorry about the hospital, take care of yourself. Losing someone is hard, lost a close cousins last week myself...Jim

[Advanced Design]

Kodiaks, sorry to hear about the hospital visit. And losing the uncles. Both are rough. Slow and steady shop time will be a nice change. Best wishes for full recovery!

[Kodiaks53]

Thanks guys, I am looking forward to some shop time later this week. It will be monitored closely by the wife, she's making sure I do things right and so far she's been doing a very good job

[Kodiaks53]

Been almost a month since i have got to work on m truck. So I decided I was going to get some truck time in this weekend. Friday i got my new door latches installed and adjusted as well as the new outer door handles. Today I installed the two quarter windows and lock bead. I got the rear window in but didn't get the lock bead in place. Anyway I really overdid it and can hardly walk right now. Doc says Auther Ritus has come to visit for a while and he has taken up residency in my knees and ankles. We have a plan to remedy the pain and swelling its just going to take more time, this is really cutting into my truck time but gotta do what you gotta do. Looks like its going to be slow go for a while yet.

[T-P Auto]

Kodiaks53;

Good to see that you got to do some work on the project.
I have not worked on my"Frankenstine" project in a few months either.
Have been trying to get my VA benafit n SS all worked out.
All so got a lil wore out on the project.
It is running n tagged.
So you just take it slow a easy.

T-P Auto
Tim

[Kodiaks53]

Thanks Tim, I was thinking about you and your truck last week. Mine is running and about 3 weeks ago I got the insurance and license plate registered and all so I'm good to go, just need a few more things finished up before I any road trips!!!

[T-P Auto]

Kodiaks53;

Glad to hear that you got your tag n running;
I still need to get the power window motors;
The wiper motor n wipers installed;
Working on the wood bed work n metal strips with the gas filler;

Al so got me a NEW 2003 Buick Le Saba.
My lil Nova/toyato car was just starting to beat me up on trips to the VA.

Working on the yard, building a couple of car ports.

T-P Auto
Tim

[Kodiaks53]

Had a good Friday and Saturday, managed to get the rear window in with the lock bead (what a bear to install) was going to do the windshield but found I forgot to order the gasket. Got the hood somewhat adjusted, looks good just needs a bit more tweaking and it'll be good. Installed the inside door handles. the work very well just need some more adjusting to the passenger door. Got the tranny end of the Monster Transmission TV cable installed just need to do the carb end to be finished with that. And finally I got the bed cross members in place and bolted in, as soon as I get the new angles welded to the bed sides I'll be ready to get the bed together. With the help of my younger son it turned out to be a very fruitful day even if it did rain all day!

[Kodiaks53]

Finally had some time to get back on the truck, been busy with life. Mother-in-Law passed away 3 weeks ago, I had surgery 2 days after that so its been kinda upside down here. We are doing good and things are beginning to get back to a new normal. Lots of Prayer got my wife and I through all this and were going to be fne.
OK back to the truck. Its been raining here for the last 2 weeks and looks like its gonna keep it up for at least another week but that's good for me gives me time to spend in the shop. Got the windows in the rear and corners and the windshield too. Installed the doors and new door handles and installed my drop spindles and while I was at it I put in new wheel bearings, brake hoses, upper and lower ball joints and pads. Will post pictures of the other stuff as soon as I get enough stuff out of the way so you can see the truck!

[IMG][/IMG]

[lower50's]

Prayers to your family.
MMM new parts are always nice.

[oldman3]

Glad to hear your doing better, nice that you were able to get some done on the truck...Jim

[Kodiaks53]

Thanks Jim, I hope to have it roadworthy this week and take it out on a short maiden voyage on Thursday (my birthday) at least a mile or two up the highway!

[iowaboynca]

That sounds like a great way to celebrate a B-day!

[oldman3]

Originally Posted by iowaboynca

That sounds like a great way to celebrate a B-day!

X2...Jim

[Oldchevypickup]

Best Birthday present ever. Keep chipping away at it and keep feeling better.