1970 K20 Z62 Full Restoration

[chewychevy67]

That's some crazy detail work there. That's what I like about your build. I might have to fly back to see this gem when it's done. We can sit in your garage and look at it unless you get up the guts to take me for a spin lol.

[IronCanine]

Originally Posted by chewychevy67

That's some crazy detail work there. That's what I like about your build. I might have to fly back to see this gem when it's done. We can sit in your garage and look at it unless you get up the guts to take me for a spin lol.

Thanks Rod. You are welcome anytime. At the very least we can sit in it and make engine noises.

[IronCanine]

Big E just keeps cranking along. Hood and cowl painted. Blew in the undersides of the tubs in single stage as he has done for all the "overspray" spots. Most of this will get covered up with undercoating. And then moved on to the cut and polish on the bedsides.

To my eye the pics aren't lying (even though they're different cameras and different times of day). It does a have a fair amount of flop...and really changes in shadow.

[IronCanine]

As lucky as I feel to have gotten my hands on that NOS hood...maybe the single craziest/luckiest thing found is this complete NOS A/C kit. I did not know such a thing existed until I became aware of this one. Gunner (Atog) was kind enough to let this go after having fostered it for quite some time. He got it (IIRC) from a gentleman who worked at a GM warehouse in Michigan. It came with everything you need to put a factory A/C setup on a non A/C truck including patterns to cut the firewall and dash. It includes all controls, hoses, ducting, condenser(not pictured), dryer, harness, hardware...the works. A few pieces have a little shelf wear that needs attending to and the compressor was long ago separated from the group (though I do have a piece of its original box). It comes with a sheet listing all the included parts and an installation manual. The hoses unfortunately are all clamp style (which is not correct for my truck) and the vacuum canister is the plastic version (also not correct for my truck). But goodness, the OE hardware with factory finishes alone is gold to me.

[IronCanine]

Because of the age of this kit, I of course wanted to get some components checked out. But I was very protective of their NOS condition. Classic Auto Air or Original Air or whatever they call themselves is about all we have to work with on some of this stuff. Their communication is dismal. Their work is average at best in spite of their marketing. But I needed to test the expansion and POA valves and I knew the desiccant needed to be changed in the dryer because of the age of these components. I called before I sent the pieces to state that I wanted to be cautious about how the finishes were handled even though they weren't pristine because of the factory stamps and markings. I followed the shipping directions and further stated my request/expectations on the intake form. No communication. I called and even had trouble confirming they received the pieces. Long story short...I'm not even sure this is my original dryer. Definitely put a canister bottom on that is shorter and shaped different. Expansion valve just looks like it was spray painted. I had to call to find out what they had done...if it was converted for 134 (I was open to conversion if they failed testing and had said as much) or if they had passed testing. When I called to complain that they had charged me for the privilege of vandalizing my parts (probably too strong a statement, but it is arguable no real service was rendered), he just said find us another one and we'll make it good. Riiiiiight, sure thing...there is an NOS POA valve on eBay (same part number) right now for the paltry sum of $500. (EDIT: I am sensitive to the fact that I'm complaining pretty hard about White Post and Classic Auto Air for what might seem nitpicky things. But this is a nitpicky hobby. And these parts are so expensive to come by now. And they charge a mint for the service (such that it is) that they provide. Listening or reading or any basic communication would have gone a long way to minimizing the aggravation...(which I share in hopes of helping someone else avoid it as much as possible).

Also...FAA Benny from the board is super nice and does this kind of work. I have just had difficulty connecting with him when it was project time. If you can get him....he's the guy to use IMO.

First pics are condition as found. Last pic is what CAA sent back sans factory markings.

[Louisvillekytruck]

Originally Posted by IronCanine

Big E just keeps cranking along. Hood and cowl painted. Blew in the undersides of the tubs in single stage as he has done for all the "overspray" spots. Most of this will get covered up with undercoating. And then moved on to the cut and polish on the bedsides.

To my eye the pics aren't lying (even though they're different cameras and different times of day). It does a have a fair amount of flop...and really changes in shadow.

All top notch work looks great

[IronCanine]

Originally Posted by 68bowtie

Wow that’s an incredible find. I didn’t know that existed either. That firewall template is pretty cool!

Thanks. I think it's super cool too!

Originally Posted by 1970cstblazer

Impressive. Sorry you had issues with getting those parts looked at. I guess these vendors just don't get it.

Thanks...sorry for the rant. I'll try to be better next week.

Originally Posted by Louisvillekytruck

All top notch work looks great

Thanks!

[1970cstblazer]

Originally Posted by IronCanine

Thanks...sorry for the rant. I'll try to be better next week.

Thanks for letting our community know about these shady and lackluster companies, like my favorite InL*** T***.

[IronCanine]

Originally Posted by 1970cstblazer

Thanks for letting our community know about these shady and lackluster companies, like my favorite InL*** T***.

I don't think I'd go so far as to call any of them shady. It's more something we're all experiencing across the board in life (feels like). Everything is just C level or worse and there's no accountability. It's a take it or leave it, no concern for customer, half-a$$ approach. And to be honest, some of them may think they're rocking it out because they don't know any better. This is more of a "BEWARE OF DOG" situation. I have had no positive experiences with InLT nor with Old Air or Original Air or CAA or whatever they want to be called. But I came back to the well and tried to micro-manage my way through them with limited success and little consideration. It made me mad. I vented to you guys. Moving forward.