Knomadd '71 SWB C-10

[gringoloco]

Coming right along...

[knomadd]

Originally Posted by gringoloco

Coming right along...

It is and it isn't...

Since Hurricane Harvey is gone and I'm not flooded, I can keep working, but my area is nearly back to normal so I'm back at work. Not a lot of time to figure things out still and I came to a stumbling block this weekend.

I started to put the fenders on and noticed that the top gap to the door was tight while the bottom was MASSIVE! (I know it's sticking out in the pic, but it's really that big when it's tight against the cab.)


I immediately thought it was the core support, but I took measurements of both the old and new and they are identical. I measured from the mount point on the frame to the fender mount.
New, with fender attached:

Old, same location:


I'm using the same bushings, same fenders (inner and outer), cab and doors haven't moved. The only difference is the core support, but the measurements are the same from old to new. I've heard things like I need to replace cab bushings (they're pretty new already) replace core support bushings (I have some and that doesn't make any difference), shim the cab, and just tighten the $hit out of the core support mount to crush the bushings. Everything fit before, so I don't know why this is being so F-ing difficult.

I'm going to try to tighten the heck out of the core support bushings tonight and see if that works. Any other ideas I may need to try?

Oh, and I was curious so I took the core support bushings out all together and the gap is nice (like it was before)... So it's definitely high in front with the bushings in.

[builtbyKane]

I have run into the same scenario in 3 situations where I had to pull the core support bushings completely out in order to correct the fender door gap. That was while replacing bushings on cab too. Not sure what's up with that and I have tried a couple brands and all the same results.

[Vic1947]

Originally Posted by knomadd

... I'm going to try to tighten the heck out of the core support bushings tonight and see if that works. Any other ideas I may need to try? Oh, and I was curious so I took the core support bushings out all together and the gap is nice (like it was before)... So it's definitely high in front with the bushings in.

I too ran into issues with the core support bushings. Started out with the "correct" ones for a '67, then went to the later design. Ended up sectioning them to get the height I wanted. If the fender gap looks good with little or no shim in the core support, I'd probably cut down the rubber washer between the core support and the frame and call it good. As far as I can tell, there's nothing sacred about core support bushings other than making sure they don't shift around after finding the sweet spot. I've seen stacks of washers, shims and all manner of evil in there.

[knomadd]

I guess I'll be cutting them down then. I tried to tighten them last night. Used a torque wrench to see just how tight I was getting them and started off with 25 ft-lbs, then 50 ft-lbs and ended up with this... less ugly, but still ugly gap.


I tried to go a little tighter and...

This crap was metric anyway, and I don't like unnecessary metric junk on my classic. The engine and trans stuff is necessary, and expected since it's new, but not a bolt for the core support. I had to use a 17mm and 18mm socket to fit the damn nut and lock nut. No more of that. I'll have to special order 7/16-14 x 3.5" long carriage bolts, but at least it will be correct and not crap.

[knomadd]

So I got it figured out. The sleeve in the center of the core support bushing was too tall, so I cut it down, and I took about 1/8" off the rubber bushing. It's extremely close, so I let it go and started assembling the front end. To get it perfect, I'd probably need to take off another 1/16-1/8". Here's the sleeve I was referring too:


And now some more visually appealing updates...

[gringoloco]

Way tall! Wonder what application it's for?

[knomadd]

Still working on this thing... it's kicking my butt though. Work has been getting in the way, which makes things more difficult, but I think I'm getting close to firing it. I still have some wiring for the fans and A/C (waiting on electrical terminals to custom route my wires), fluids to fill, steam port line to connect to radiator, eLevel ride height sensors to install and connect, and front end to assemble... soon, if I can get the time and motivation (or at least stop being lazy when I get home from work) to get it done.

[Dieselwrencher]

Your truck is looking so nice! I've had the same issue with that bushing before under the support. What a pita that can be to finally find. Haha

[Vic1947]

Originally Posted by knomadd

Still working on this thing... it's kicking my butt though. Work has been getting in the way, which makes things more difficult, but I think I'm getting close to firing it. I still have some wiring for the fans and A/C (waiting on electrical terminals to custom route my wires), fluids to fill, steam port line to connect to radiator, eLevel ride height sensors to install and connect, and front end to assemble... soon, if I can get the time and motivation (or at least stop being lazy when I get home from work) to get it done.

It looks great, Duane. I like it when a punch list starts to materialize... usually means the beginning of the end!

[knomadd]

Originally Posted by Dieselwrencher

Your truck is looking so nice! I've had the same issue with that bushing before under the support. What a pita that can be to finally find. Haha

Thanks Ryan. It was definitely a pain.

Originally Posted by Vic1947

It looks great, Duane. I like it when a punch list starts to materialize... usually means the beginning of the end!

Thanks Vic. The punch list is helping me stay on task and not do things out of order, or at least keep me from doing things that aren't necessary to get the truck inspected and re-registered. My registration expired in December last year, so I have to get that taken care of again before I can drive it.

[knomadd]

With any luck, I can get the fan wiring done tonight, or tomorrow morning and fire the engine for the first time! I'll take video and post it if I do fire it.

[Advanced Design]

It is coming together very nicely! Looking forward to the start video.

[gringoloco]

Getting close!

[knomadd]

First Start 2016 6.0L LS in 1971 C/10 - Youtube

[Vic1947]

WooHoo... sounds great, Duane!

[Advanced Design]

Originally Posted by Vic1947

WooHoo... sounds great, Duane!

X2! Nice rumble....

[gringoloco]

Woot!

[mcbassin]

Awesome work Duane!

[ChuckLee]

Yah buddy! Love it! I was hoping you would get out and walk around truck while she was running.

[knomadd]

Originally Posted by Vic1947

WooHoo... sounds great, Duane!

Thanks Vic! I'm hoping I can button up a few remaining items this week and get it inspected next week, so I can re-register it before November... We'll see if I can get the time to work on it after work.

Originally Posted by Advanced Design

X2! Nice rumble....

Thanks Doug, I like it! I just hope the interior resonance isn't awful.

Originally Posted by gringoloco

Woot!

Originally Posted by mcbassin

Awesome work Duane!

Thanks Mike!

Originally Posted by ChuckLee

Yah buddy! Love it! I was hoping you would get out and walk around truck while she was running.

I will Chuck. It will just have to wait until I can pull it out of the garage. There isn't enough room in there to walk around. I have to side-step between the truck and my tool box, step over or around a few things like my welder and engine hoist... I need a shop!

[knomadd]

Well, I got it outside for the first time in months!


It's up on the jack so I could bleed the power steering / hydroboost system. That didn't go so well... I'm still not done with it. I've done this twice before with an empty (new) hydroboost system and haven't had this much trouble bleeding the system. I guess I'm just being impatient. I'll get the air out, but damn! This is a PITA this time.

[Vic1947]

Way to go, Duane! Cool sunvisor...

[Trackman101]

Where did you source your intake parts? That filter is huge!

[OKGMC4]

I see the Dapper headlights are in. Have you lit them up yet? How do you like them? Mine have been sitting in the box for months now.