74' by Jabes...

[Jabes1]

My blinkers would not self cancel, my hazards would not flash. Electrical wise the blinker system was intact. The blinker cam was broken and I could see it flex through the port on column where the blinker arm inserts. I was going to purchase a whole new blinker assembly about $35-$50, depending on where it was purchased from. I happened to be in Autozone and noticed in the "Oops" section they had just the cams themselves. They came two to a box for different years and all for around $8. I also noticed they had bushing and pin kits to repair the hinges on the doors which Ill be getting to shortly as well. Using a puller, I removed the steering wheel hub, next using another puller, depress the column lock and pull out the circlip retaining the column lock.



This piece of plastic is 39 years old at least. The top portion is what I am replacing, the rest of it was still good. I had already removed the centering springs in this picture along with the blinker arm.



Old cam and new cam. The contacts themselves are transferred to the new cam.



I cleaned up the contacts with a rag, acetone and cotton swabs. The contact were full of 39 years of dust, grime and old contact grease.



Contacts cleaned and transferred.



Cam installed along with centering pins and blinker arm. Later down the road, I'm going to pull the column, refinish the exterior and add a billet kit to it.



This green piece is what makes contact with the horn button. Mine is worn out and is the reason, why my horn isn't working. I'm going to have to order a new one. On top of this piece will be the column lock, circlip retaining pin and so on...



Finishing up for the day...

[Jabes1]

Function is important to me along with safety. Driving an old truck, things wear out. Not having hazards really bothered me, its just not safe by any means. Blinker system functional: Check.
There is no point in restoring a truck that doesn't function. Little things turn into big things and in life, its the little things, there's nothing bigger.

[Jabes1]

Installed the Stainless brake lines today. I really need to invest in a set of line wrenches, I used my crows feet to break the lines loose, but it was hard to get to. I hate messing with brake lines and fluid. These lines are from Inline Tube and are really nice. Its a direct replacement, but I don't care for the fact that these lines do not come a little bit longer and with a bracket like the stock ones they replaced.



SS brake lines installed. I have put SS brake lines on everything I own, including my Subaru and its a night and day difference over the stock rubber mushy lines. I was really looking forward to pulling the engine, cab and bed this winter to detail the frame, but since its now my daily its going to have to wait.

[lowrodderchev]

Trucks looking great its awesome your daughters in the mix I use to take mine to car shows and she would help here and there she's 16 now and has already claimed my 54 belair for here high school car funny thing she knows more about cars then most kids her age engines tune ups body styles you name it

[Jabes1]

Well... got some more work done. Installed new rear wheel cylinders, bled everything and its a huge difference in braking feel. The Percy's Header gaskets are amazing, no more exhaust smell in the cab and are money well spent. Working on getting the power doors dent free and prepped for primer. More work to come...

[Jabes1]

Well... back from the dead. I'm still working on this actually have made some progress, but I haven't been documenting the work. Ill post some pictures in a short while. Its interesting to look back at where I left off versus now...

[Blessed66]

I'm curious if you ever decided to go turbo or not, I may have missed if you decided against it.

[LT7A]

It'd be great to see the updates. You could also save these as screen shots or something for your daughter to see later as she grows up. What a cutie and kudos to you for making the time to include her. I like the truck and seeing the progression.

[Jabes1]

I'm still planning on utilizing a turbocharger. I have the turbo, just need the rest of the hard pieces, like an external wastegate, blowoff valve, rebuild kit for my bigger injectors, front mount intercooler and the plumbing.

I still need to update this thread and pictures, weather has been bad and I've been busy with work. Soon...

[91short]

Cool truck, can't wait to see the updates.

[Jabes1]

I’m back on this build and quite a few things have changed. What’s everyone using to host pictures now? Apparently Photobucket isn’t free anymore…

[Corts60]

Welcome back! Photobucket is the worst. It stole a lot of my pictures I'll never get back because I won't spend a dime with them. Haha.

You can upload directly to the site, no need to host. Just upload your photos using the "manage attachments" button below your text box when you are writing a message. A trick I learned was never upload more than two at a time as this system seems to freeze with too many photos. Or maybe it's just my computer....

[Jabes1]

Thank you! I’ll start updating my build page.

[Jabes1]

For my birthday last year, my significant other bought me some speakers to replace the factory rear cab speakers. They fit perfectly and sound 100x better! I also installed some kick pods (not pictured) designed for this model year with some component speakers and crossovers. Love the sound.

[Jabes1]

I’ve also been working on the cab and it’s the straightest it’s ever been. I’m not a fan of bodywork, so perhaps that’s why it’s taken so long to do. I think the fact that I’m getting older and want things done to the best of my ability also plays a key factor.

[Jabes1]

I haven’t taken any pictures of the cab after guide coat, but I will…

[Jabes1]

My girlfriend for Christmas last year gifted me this Astro panel stand and it’s pretty awesome! Makes spraying a whole lot easier in a small workspace.

[Jabes1]

My little helper is not so little anymore. I think my biggest push to finish this truck has been my daughter asking me to finish, so that I can take her to school in it. She’s loved this truck since she was little. I have to admit, I miss driving it!

[Jabes1]

Purchased some Porterbuilt arms awhile back. They’re nice arms… that’s all I’ll say.

[Palf70Step]

Nice. Looking forward to seeing more updates.

[LT7A]

Glad you're still working on it. Love that your daughter is motivating you.

[SCOTI]

Originally Posted by Jabes1

My little helper is not so little anymore. I think my biggest push to finish this truck has been my daughter asking me to finish, so that I can take her to school in it. She’s loved this truck since she was little. I have to admit, I miss driving it!

I followed in the beginning of the thread. Saw some updates & was hoping you included a pic of her w/the truck. Awesome!!

[Jabes1]

I decided to purchase a better spray gun. I ordered an Inest Iwata Bellaria. It wasn’t cheap, however when it came to spraying metallic the super wide pattern helped tremendously. Darn thing was worth every penny. I also purchased the Spectrum cup kit and couldn’t be more pleased with it.

[Jabes1]

And… let’s go!!! First base coat laid down. This is nerve wracking, to be honest but I have to just tell myself it’s a driver… don’t panic. Spraying with the doors on the truck was a challenge, not sure I’ll ever attempt it again, but managed to pull it off.

[Jabes1]

Coming right along, but with every bit of progress comes a few steps back and issues. Darn moth landed right in the clear coat. Going to have to fix it later.