69 long fleet- First build

[JohnC]

Originally Posted by 0331grunt

That would be the plan. I want to get some 2.5" dropped spindles and 4" lower springs in the rear. I think that will be enough for me. We will just have to see. I may just put it together and drive it for a while like it is... who knows But it is good to see progress!

Yes it is. Progress is a great motivator, even if it's small progress it somehow gets you going.

[Slick67]

How does a little paint and a little interior get us to the point of a full frame off?!?!?!?!?!?

[JohnC]

Originally Posted by Slick67

How does a little paint and a little interior get us to the point of a full frame off?!?!?!?!?!?

Come on you know the answer to that question.

[0331grunt]

Originally Posted by Slick67

How does a little paint and a little interior get us to the point of a full frame off?!?!?!?!?!?

Originally Posted by JohnC

Come on you know the answer to that question.

Since I haven't driven this for like 8 years anyway... what is another (x) years!



Seriously, tho.. I have always wanted to do something with this truck because of what it means to me. I hope that when I am "done", it will be something I can be proud of and keeping with the memory of my stepdad. He really did teach me a lot and I want to do something that shows that...

[JohnC]

Originally Posted by 0331grunt

Since I haven't driven this for like 8 years anyway... what is another (x) years!



Seriously, tho.. I have always wanted to do something with this truck because of what it means to me. I hope that when I am "done", it will be something I can be proud of and keeping with the memory of my stepdad. He really did teach me a lot and I want to do something that shows that...

That is what makes all the time and effort worthwhile!

[stepside83]

just saw your build and its looking good im building a 1983 chevy 2wd stepside with my dad, im 22 and im loving every sec of if, cant wait to see more pics and the frame looks real good keep it up man

[0331grunt]

I got some small stuff done the past few days, no pics tho. I got the rear end blasted and primed, the other trailing arm painted and got my tranny crossmember put back on. My 8 y/o helped with that and loved tightening the bolts with his "own" tools I got him for Christmas. That's what it is all about! I need to get my bushings and some new bolts and other small stuff and start putting the frame back togehter. I am seeing progress now.... Will take some pics later this week or whenvever I can.......

[0331grunt]

Originally Posted by stepside83

just saw your build and its looking good im building a 1983 chevy 2wd stepside with my dad, im 22 and im loving every sec of if, cant wait to see more pics and the frame looks real good keep it up man

Thanks for checking it out. Have fun with your build and the time you spend with your dad. I wish I had learned more when I had the chance!

[JohnC]

Sweet! Glad the young ones are so psyched about working on it with you.

[0331grunt]

Got a few pics..
got front crossmember cleaned and first coat of paint


got other trailing arm painted


got first coat of paint on rearend, still need to put new bearings and rebuild the brakes, tho...


got LCA's painted, still need new cross shaft and ball joints


I think the color of the springs will look good

[JohnC]

It all looks good except for the springs. I'm a little more partial to Crimson.

[0331grunt]

Also spent some time with the boys this weekend. They had a "car show" at church last night and this is what we came up with..

These are made out of cardboard.. A's car


J's truck (he wanted a K30 4x4 dually, but wanted it lowered!)


We made a trailer to pull the car..


The back of the truck, notice the Bowtie and single stack...


thought I'd try a little pinstripe for display purposes... not too bad for poster paint and cheap watercolor brush

[JohnC]

Those are pretty good man. I see why you have them helping you on the truck now man. You have a couple of budding car/truck builders there.

[0331grunt]

Originally Posted by JohnC

It all looks good except for the springs. I'm a little more partial to Crimson.

I know what you mean, I am too... Thanks for looking, tho

[The Big Green]

Coming along good Craig! I'd have to see the painted coils installed on the truck but I like some color under there, but too much can be superfluous or gawdy but coils look fine and enough just to add color. When you buy lowering components they are colored, like Fabtechs lifts are bright blue and just look sweet installed. Can't wait to get a chance to see it completed at the car shows or cruising someday.

[VA72C10]

Looking great man!

[Slick67]

Nice!! The lca's and trailing arm look great, that hammered finish is too cool. The kids are really getting into this build! The single stack is awesome! How'd ya feel about him wanting it "lowered"???

[0331grunt]

Thanks for the comments!
Slick67, I like the lowered look of the dually, tried to tell him it should be a C30, but for some reason he wanted a four wheel drive low rider... maybe a new trend??
I just hope I don't wind up with too much color. It isn't supposed to be a show truck, just a good looking driver..but then again, are they ever supposed to be show trucks ??
Bad News Update....
Looks like the build will be even slower now.. I resigned my job this morning and was asked to leave immediately. I have a few leads, but will have to wait and see. I just hate the way it all happened, but I'm sure God has a plan that is bigger than I could imagine! Will update as I can

[Slick67]

Originally Posted by 0331grunt

Thanks for the comments!
Slick67, I like the lowered look of the dually, tried to tell him it should be a C30, but for some reason he wanted a four wheel drive low rider... maybe a new trend??
I just hope I don't wind up with too much color. It isn't supposed to be a show truck, just a good looking driver..but then again, are they ever supposed to be show trucks ??
Bad News Update....
Looks like the build will be even slower now.. I resigned my job this morning and was asked to leave immediately. I have a few leads, but will have to wait and see. I just hate the way it all happened, but I'm sure God has a plan that is bigger than I could imagine! Will update as I can

Crap. Its a bad economy to be looking for work too. Best of luck to you and remember that you can always update us on the job search because it directly effects the build! Texas was not hit as hard as most states due to the oil and gas industry here. Maybe you'll become a Texas transplant!!!! Be glad to have ya here Marine!

[JohnC]

Originally Posted by Slick67

...... Maybe you'll become a Texas transplant!!!!!

Hey don't be coming in here trying to steal our okies!

Man Craig sorry to hear about the job man. Like you said though, there must be a bigger thing for you to do. Keep your head up, and if there is anything I can do, don't hesitate to contact me.

[0331grunt]

I don't think I'll be going anywhere... I was offered a job where I used to work. Not as much money, but its not hard work! Hopefully I will still be able to work on my truck. I don't really want to take 30 years to build it either

[highperf4x4]

How have I missed this thread Craig? I never take time to smell the coffee anymore, just rush in and rush out. You've done so much stuff already without my approval. I don't know what to think about that!!!

Originally Posted by 0331grunt

That would be the plan. I want to get some 2.5" dropped spindles and 4" lower springs in the rear. I think that will be enough for me. We will just have to see. I may just put it together and drive it for a while like it is... who knows But it is good to see progress!

Leave it alone!!!!!

Originally Posted by 0331grunt

Also spent some time with the boys this weekend. They had a "car show" at church last night and this is what we came up with..

These are made out of cardboard.. A's car
Attachment 550510

J's truck (he wanted a K30 4x4 dually, but wanted it lowered!)
Attachment 550511

We made a trailer to pull the car..
Attachment 550509

The back of the truck, notice the Bowtie and single stack...
Attachment 550514

thought I'd try a little pinstripe for display purposes... not too bad for poster paint and cheap watercolor brush
Attachment 550513

neat!!!


Sorry to hear about the employment stuff. Hope the new old job works out ok.

[highperf4x4]

Originally Posted by 0331grunt

Well, haven't gotten anything done lately... One of my boys turned 6 on Saturday and my birthday is on the 26th (Thanksgiving day!), so we had a party on Sunday. My grandmother had a cake made- looks pretty cool! It looks just like the grooms cake from when my mom and stepdad got married (the one who used to own the truck). Also is a pic of what I got for my birthday. New things are always cool. Now I can get some more stuff done, but I need to clean out some space for ANYTHING to get done! Maybe some more pics soon..

My birthday is the 23rd of November so every 3rd year mine falls on Thanksgiving too.

[jason65]

I just went all the way threw your build thread and you and your kids have done a lot of good work on the truck. Keep it up, it's looking good.

[0331grunt]

Originally Posted by highperf4x4

How have I missed this thread Craig? I never take time to smell the coffee anymore, just rush in and rush out. You've done so much stuff already without my approval. I don't know what to think about that!!!



Leave it alone!!!!!



neat!!!


Sorry to hear about the employment stuff. Hope the new old job works out ok.

Thanks, Travis. The job is working out alright, but not a lot of free time to work on the truck. Maybe with warmer weather and more sunshine, I will be able to work more... Oh, and thanks for the input!

Originally Posted by jason65

I just went all the way threw your build thread and you and your kids have done a lot of good work on the truck. Keep it up, it's looking good.

Thanks!