56 Cameo build

[tbrown5079]

OK, haven't posted for a while but I have been working hard on the final install and getting it right. Had a long standing issue with the throttle but finally solved it. Long story short, I wasn't getting ground at the TAC module. I spliced in a ground wire and bolted it to the rear of the right head. Now I can go on without the lingering thought that someone may have to disasemble it to find the problem. The last thing under the hood is to change the regulator in the alternator to remove the Generator Body Control Module. Then I will get to sending a few more pictures. I don't want to put the front fenders on until everything is done under the hood. I put brake fluid in so I can move it outside when better weather comes and leave it run for a while. Hoping to have it on the street sometime this summer.

[Kim57]

Good to see you're still at it.
Kim

[tbrown5079]

OK, I let it run for about 15 minutes the other day and it quit. Ran out of battery. good time to change the regulator in the alternator and get that charging. Got the regulator from the local auto electronics shop and a few tips and got it done no problem. Thanks to dayj1 on the LSX swaps section for the how to. Finished bleeding the brakes. I didn't do the right sequence in bleeding them and got the piston to shut the front brakes off. Good to go now. On to the A/C lines.

[tbrown5079]

I decided this week I would plumb up the A/C. This will ( I hope ) finish me up under the hood. The A/C unit is in and the condensor mounted and I have a whole bag of fittings so shouldn't be a problem. Well I did a lot of looking and figuring and mocked up the lines at the condensor but thats about it. Painted a couple of things on the motor and put the grill together. Making progress so I'm not complaining. My hose guy should have some lines for me next week. I ordered the windshield and back window gaskets from Steele Rubber this morning, so that will be the next major project.

[Kim57]

It sure is looking good.
Kim

[ChuckDriver]

Nice work! Could you have mounted the condenser with the fittings on the passenger side, thinking it might reduce the length of the lines.

[tbrown5079]

I'm not sure about that. I know we had it upside down before then changed it to have the #8 on top and #6 on the bottom. There is not a lot of room there. So I don't think so.

[tbrown5079]

Installed the new windshield today. Got the back glass tinted but didn't have it here and dry so we will do that another day.

[Kim57]

Nice.
Kim

[tbrown5079]

Still working on the truck. Done under the hood and pretty happy with it. All glass in. Put the bed back on to get wheel spacing and mock up the rear bumper. Finished endgate latches and straps. Ordered 2" drop spindles from CPP on ebay. Gotta get the front end down a little. Working on the front sheet metal gaps so I can put the headlights and parking lights in. Someday when I go to the garage I won't have anything to do.

[Kim57]

Looks good.
Kim

[ChuckDriver]

Looking good!

[tbrown5079]

Installed the 2" drop spindles. Love the stance! Downside is I found a bad ball joint so I got all 4 Moog balljoints for under $90 from Amazon with free shipping. One more project.

[Kim57]

Nice stance.
Kim

[tbrown5079]

Finally picked the tires. I thought I would have more choices, but 15" tires are a thing of the past. Happy with the stance, but I think a bumper tuck is in order.We are going to stick with the painted bumper, weld the bolts in, and narrow it a bit. Haven't decided whether to paint it red or argent silver to match the wheels. Anyone have Chip Foose's number?
Finishing up under the dash and steering column. Going pretty well, I have been putting it off because it can be frustrating.

[Kim57]

Looks good.
Kim

[ptc]

Nice build - good to see another one nearing completion!

[tbrown5079]

The hood brace would not clear the air cleaner so my buddy made a circle out of 5/16" steel rod and I made a gig to keep everything in place. worked out ok.

[Kim57]

Nice fix.
Kim

[tbrown5079]

Took the bed to the painters except for the insides. Instead of filling the dings with bondo and trying to get them straight I am going to glue aluminum panels to the sides. It worked well on the tailgate so I'm hoping it works well on the sides.
Steering column is almost done except for putting on the horn button. Mounted and wired the horn today so maybe I can finish tomorrow!

[Oldtruckwelder]

Nice build, great skills !!
I let a cameo escape me years ago and enjoy seeing the progress you are making.
JT from SC

[Kim57]

Nice wheel.
Panel looks good.
Kim

[tbrown5079]

Gluing the panel on isn't as easy as it sounds. We had to make sure there are no high spots which meant shrinking the metal to stop the oil canning. Really neat process, but it works. Spent today grinding down to bare metal around the edges for a good bond. Tomorrow we will borrow the glue applicator from the local body shop to finish the deal.

[hotrod1]

What process did you use to shrink it? I have seen videos on the tube. Can you enlighten us?

[tbrown5079]

Found the highest spot, heated cherry red, hammer and dolly around the outside of the heat spot, then quench with a wet rag. The extra metal sinks down in the hotspot. Kept working around using a 4' level to check the progress. Take your time.