69 GMC "Ol' Blue"

[MAC71]

I built a clutch linkage with rod ends like yours for my vette years ago. Makes the clutch really smooth.

Your truck is looking really good. Lots of thought is going into it and some cool mods!

[mjensen]

Originally Posted by MAC71

I built a clutch linkage with rod ends like yours for my vette years ago. Makes the clutch really smooth.

Your truck is looking really good. Lots of thought is going into it and some cool mods!

Thanks Mike! I am having a lot of fitment issues due to the engine move, but it's moving. I really need to get the 4wd lever and wiring figured out.

[mud.man.rj]

Headers fit quite well, have seen way worse myself. Coming along nicely, lots of small picky stuff hey.

[mjensen]

Originally Posted by mud.man.rj

Headers fit quite well, have seen way worse myself. Coming along nicely, lots of small picky stuff hey.

Thanks mud man! Yeah, I'm glad they worked out with minimal mods

[americanmusc1e]

Looking great mike!! You just need to get it running and then you will really want to get it finished!

I found out that my 8 year old flowtechs have a giant hole where the four pipes join the collector. I was considering the same headman headers that you have, but since the flowtechs fit so well, I may go with them again. The thing i hate about the flowtechs is they have really cheap header flanges and I end up having to use aluminum gaskets to get them to seal off.

[mjensen]

Originally Posted by americanmusc1e

Looking great mike!! You just need to get it running and then you will really want to get it finished!

I found out that my 8 year old flowtechs have a giant hole where the four pipes join the collector. I was considering the same headman headers that you have, but since the flowtechs fit so well, I may go with them again. The thing i hate about the flowtechs is they have really cheap header flanges and I end up having to use aluminum gaskets to get them to seal off.

Thanks! I think if I get the wiring figured out, I will be real close to firing her up!

I'm not sure how well these headers will hold up, but what do you do

[mjensen]

Today I finally worked on my rear brake lines. I now have them bent, but not completely tied down.

[americanmusc1e]

Originally Posted by mjensen

I'm not sure how well these headers will hold up, but what do you do

None of them are going to last forever. The thicker gauge tubing helps. Mine have already been rewelded about 3 times

[rgunlock]

The brake line looks good Mike - one more step done. I'm counting on you to get all the wiring figured out so that you can answer my questions when the time comes!

[mjensen]

Originally Posted by americanmusc1e

None of them are going to last forever. The thicker gauge tubing helps. Mine have already been rewelded about 3 times

I am really nervous about having sealing issues on the driver's side. It is just real tight, and there will be some tweaking to get the exhaust to clear the bellhousing. I guess I'll find out when I fire it up for the first time

Originally Posted by rgunlock

The brake line looks good Mike - one more step done. I'm counting on you to get all the wiring figured out so that you can answer my questions when the time comes!

Thanks Rick! Yes, one more item to tick off! As far as the wiring is concerned, I had to walk away for a bit . The engine side is pretty simple, as there really aren't too many sensors and gadgets on the '91. The inside is a different story. Being the donor was a blazer with power everything, and I'm putting it in a truck with power nothing I'm really struggling with the best way to start removing unnecessary wires. I think I just need to close my eyes and start cutting. Not really, just need to stop whining and get going.

[7dee2]

Man you on a roll now! Should sound great with the headers. Any luck with the 4x linkage yet?

[Jahloha]

Hell yeah! Good job Mike, things are looking awesome.

You are really killing it, keep inspiring me haha

[mjensen]

Originally Posted by 7dee2

Man you on a roll now! Should sound great with the headers. Any luck with the 4x linkage yet?

Thanks Brett! The neighbors are going to know when I get it fired up for sure! I'm still struggling with the 4x, but I think I have a plan for the clutch.

Originally Posted by Jahloha

Hell yeah! Good job Mike, things are looking awesome.

You are really killing it, keep inspiring me haha

Thanks Jason!

[mjensen]

Yesterday, I started mocking up my idea of where I want the clutch linkage to go. I think this will work, but just in case, I'm using the cheap scrap tubing instead of the chromoly stuff that I will finalize the design with.

In this first pick, if you look through the hole below the steering column, you can see the top of the Z-bar. For this to work, I'm going to have to extend the bar up a bit.

[mjensen]

Ok, if anyone sees an issue with my clutch linkage setup, please let me know!

[MAC71]

Making progress. So when do you think its going to get fired up? I would like to be there for that if I can?

[7dee2]

Not seeing a problem as long as it doesn't bind and you have full motion and can adjust the bar lengths for optimal pedal/throw out bearing adjustments I'm thinking it's good to go!

Edit: Make as much room as possible between the brake and clutch pedal arms. It would suck to get something stuck in there at the wrong time.

[ryanroo]

i would be sure to gusset or support your stand off on the pedal arm itself. if you rely on the tension in the bolt alone to hold it all i think it will begin to wiggle and wallow.

how is the z-bar pivot on the frame held in? it looks loose

[americanmusc1e]

That looks nicer than my hydraulic setup

[mjensen]

Originally Posted by MAC71

Making progress. So when do you think its going to get fired up? I would like to be there for that if I can?

I need to figure out my wiring mess first. I'm hoping to try and get it to a fire point by the end of February. That would be awesome to have you come check it out!

Originally Posted by 7dee2

Not seeing a problem as long as it doesn't bind and you have full motion and can adjust the bar lengths for optimal pedal/throw out bearing adjustments I'm thinking it's good to go!

Edit: Make as much room as possible between the brake and clutch pedal arms. It would suck to get something stuck in there at the wrong time.

It has no binding right now. In this configuration, I can't put the metal ring back on that holds the rubber grommet in, but I think I can make something work. I am going to continue to mess around with it to see if there is a way to gain a bit more clearance.

Originally Posted by ryanroo

i would be sure to gusset or support your stand off on the pedal arm itself. if you rely on the tension in the bolt alone to hold it all i think it will begin to wiggle and wallow.

how is the z-bar pivot on the frame held in? it looks loose

My plan was to purchase some metal spacers with a 3/8" ID and 3/4" OD that I can weld to the clutch pedal to help with that. Do you think that would work, or should I try something else?

It's held on exactly the way it was in its stock form, but I may not have had it tightened down when I took the picture.

Originally Posted by americanmusc1e

That looks nicer than my hydraulic setup

Thanks!!!! I think it's turning out ok, just a bit more tweaking and I think it will be rocking!

[Mustard72]

That clutch linkage looks great, Mike. It'll be one of those things you will feel bad about covering up with such frivalities as the cab and stuff...

[mjensen]

Originally Posted by Mustard72

That clutch linkage looks great, Mike. It'll be one of those things you will feel bad about covering up with such frivalities as the cab and stuff...

Haha...Thanks! Yeah, now if I can just figure out the 4wd lever, I'll be in good shape

[mjensen]

So, I've been out of town all week and don't have any new progress to report. I did realize that I never posted pictures of my latest mockup for the 4wd lever. I do have a lot of snaking and moving around to do here, but I think this will end up working out. I will have some items to address with the floorboard, but hey...we'll figure it out

See how high the pivot point ends up having to be though. I am not sure I like that idea, but honestly I'm not sure if I have a choice.










Nothing is set in stone here, so if someone has a better idea, I'm all ears. After sitting here staring at the picture, maybe it would be best to go back to the original mounting location and see if I could tweak the shifter to keep it out of the seat.

[mud.man.rj]

Looks confusing with all those shifters, if left alone only you can drive it,,

[mjensen]

Originally Posted by mud.man.rj

Looks confusing with all those shifters, if left alone only you can drive it,,

Haha...well that is the plan lol. My daughter keeps telling me that it will be her truck when she turns 16. If I make it too confusing to drive, I think I'll be safe getting her something else