Knomadd '71 SWB C-10

[BigDaddyV]

Ugh, new stuff just dont line up as well as OEM does. Im trying to stall all original as far as the sheel metal. Frame is a different story... :evil grin:

[knomadd]

We had some work done to the house over the weekend, so I wasn't able to get as much done to the truck as I wanted, but I did manage to get a little accomplished. I went back through my thread to see if I posted what I'm about to give an update for and I didn't. I also noticed a theme... I forget to take pics a lot.

I got the billet radio plate installed. Here's the before and after...

Notice the horribly crooked cut job done by a PO.




I saw a cool antenna on another members build thread, so I ordered one myself over the weekend. It's called a Tune Trapper. It's not an amplified antenna, so it doesn't have to be hooked up to a power source, just plugged into the radio. Once that gets here, I'll be able to put the stereo back in, and finally the glove box insert and door. It's so much easier to reach the wires with the glove box out, then to try and do it from under the dash.

[knomadd]

Huh, this is kind of cool. I found the Low Production Numbers thread that had a link inside to the Vin and Model Number Decoders thread. I found out my truck was built in the Fremont California plant. Did a search and found a Wikipedia page that had this pic of the Fremont plant circa 1972...

It's not too often you find a picture of the plant that was responsible for assembling your truck. Hope you all find this as cool as I do.

[jmorri34]

Originally Posted by knomadd

On to the disaster that was the grille removal...

So taking the grille out wasn't a problem. That was pretty easy. The problem came later when I had to make a trip to the hardware store for longer bolts to install the fittings on the compressor.

As I'm pulling out of my driveway (I bet you can see where this is going) I feel something weird under the car, so I stop and get out to find the grille UNDER MY FRONT TIRE!!!! I get back in the car and finish driving over the grille and get out to assess the damage...

It doesn't look too horible in this picture, but the emblem is cracked and the two lower bars have broken away from the rest of the grille


Here's the ugly shot..


The sad part is that when I leaned the grille against the car I told myself I'd better move it before I leave so I don't run over it. An hour later and I ran over it!

So, now I've got the excuse to replace the entire grille with a chrome outer and a new billet inner... $625+ later... Oh, and truck freight is another way to rape you out of some of your hard earned money. Classic Industries was cheaper with their 15% discount, but freight was $200!!!

I wound up cancelling that order and just ordering through Classic Parts.. I hope their shipping isn't that high. I saw $70 added to the overall cost (included in the price listed above) but the fine print said shipping charges may not be exact.

Just goes to show that it's best to listen to yourself when you think something might happen and just MOVE IT BEFORE IT DOES HAPPEN!!!

Man I sure hate to hear of this, nothing like kicking yourself for doing something you told yourself not to do!!! I been there myself sorry man!

[mcbassin]

Cool picture of the plant that made your truck, you have one of the St Louis plant?

[knomadd]

Sorry Mike, but I don't. I found that one by chance.

I got some time this evening to work on the truck. I installed my stereo inside the billet piece.


I then installed the glove box liner. I've got an auxiliary and iPod connection too.


And I've been holding out on you. I installed my grille a few weeks ago. The truck's been dirty the whole time and I wanted to clean it before I took pics. I figured if I can drive it around without worrying about it, I can post pics of it dirty. So here it is...


I'm debating on painting the black around the headlights on the chrome grille. I'm not sure if I like the solid chrome around the headlights. Haven't decided yet. What do you think? Paint it or leave it?

[mcbassin]

Looks great Duane!

[cstm68]

Truck looks awesome!! Ware did you buy the radio plate?

[Bennett68C10]

Looks really good Duane, I like the grill the way it is

[knomadd]

Originally Posted by mcbassin

Looks great Duane!

Thanks Mike!

Originally Posted by cstm68

Truck looks awesome!! Ware did you buy the radio plate?

Thanks! I got it from board member mahanian. I don't know if he's done another run of them or not, but the thread I got mine from hasn't updated since November of 2013. You might PM him and ask if he's going to do more.

Originally Posted by Bennett68C10

Looks really good Duane, I like the grill the way it is

Thanks Keith! I'll add your vote to the tally. So 1 for chrome... that's all I've got.

Any other opinions on chrome vs black (like original) paint on grille?

[knomadd]

I think I found out where the water in the glove box came from. I took the truck for a run to the parts store today to replace the battery in my daily. It started to rain like mad on the way home. The windshield seal isn't sealing. Had water trickling in on both sides. It was raining so hard the water was coming in under the door panel!!! Apparently the window sweeps don't keep water out. At least my rear window is sealed.

[knomadd]

The chrome grille is growing on me, but I'm still not totally sold. Any other opinions on solid chrome vs black painted around the headlight buckets, like factory 71-72?

Also, the big brown truck dropped something off today...


It's probably not what you're immediate thought is... One hint... it cost less than $300 shipped to my door.

[lolife99]

I think the grlle surround NEEDS the paint around the headlight bezel to look correct.
(Just like the 69-70 headllight bezels HAVE to be black,... to look correct)

I would paint yours if it was mine.

[slowcpe]

Did you buy a lot of t-shirts and hats?

[Z10]

Duane,
Finally had time to read through your build. Very nice work! If you ever make it out to Midland, give me a shout.

Oh, and I would paint them.

Kris

[jlaird]

Duane,

The changes you've made on your truck are all really nice touches. You've made it your own which is what it's all about. Nice job man!

-Josh

[knomadd]

Originally Posted by lolife99

I think the grlle surround NEEDS the paint around the headlight bezel to look correct.
(Just like the 69-70 headllight bezels HAVE to be black,... to look correct)

I would paint yours if it was mine.

I'd agree with that, but since it's a billet grille, I'm obviously not after correct. However, I do very much appreciate your input. I'm still leaning toward painting it, but like I said before, the solid chrome is growing on me. So I have 1 chrome and 1 black vote... (ignoring my indecisiveness, of course)

Originally Posted by slowcpe

Did you buy a lot of t-shirts and hats?

not quite. I'll post a pic soon. Just wanted to see if anyone would guess.

Originally Posted by Z10

Duane,
Finally had time to read through your build. Very nice work! If you ever make it out to Midland, give me a shout.

Oh, and I would paint them.

Kris

Thanks for the compliment Kris! And the vote..
1 chrome
2 black

Anyone else care to chime in?

[knomadd]

Originally Posted by jlaird

Duane,

The changes you've made on your truck are all really nice touches. You've made it your own which is what it's all about. Nice job man!

-Josh

Josh,

Thanks for the compliment. I'm slowly getting it where I'd like it to be. I'm focused more on trying to make it enjoyable to drive than I am anything else. But I just can't leave well enough alone. I can't just put in air conditioning and be happy... That's just too easy I'll still be making changes, but at a much slower pace than I have so far.

[knomadd]

Here it is... Sorry to tease you guys for so long...


OK, I'm not sorry. I couldn't skip the opportunity.

[lolife99]

Originally Posted by knomadd

I'd agree with that, but since it's a billet grille, I'm obviously not after correct. However, I do very much appreciate your input. I'm still leaning toward painting it, but like I said before, the solid chrome is growing on me. So I have 1 chrome and 1 black vote... (ignoring my indecisiveness, of course)

I understand..
I think the "black" around the headlight bezels, brings the outer perimeter of the "outer grille", to the forefront.

[knomadd]

So would you say it's matte, satin or flat black? The correct color I mean.

[lolife99]

I would say satin black.

[lolife99]

Before you actually paint it.
Mock it up with black electrical tape.
That will give you an idea of the look.

[knomadd]

I actually thought about that and then read your post. I will do that sometime soon. Definitely before doing anything permanent.

[slowcpe]

Cool new piece. I have the same one sitting in the garage. Need to break down get it, along with the rest of suspension on.