Project '54 5W Chevy HELP PLEASE!!

[55ChevyPU]

I know its not quite the same as your turn down handles but through trial and error I mounted a switch behind my door handle so when I unlock the door/push the button it activates the electric switch which then signals the solanoid to pop open the door. On your turn down handle couldnt you do something similar?

[Hart_Rod]

Originally Posted by sevt_chevelle

Daniel, thanks for the link, very clean insteal on those latches.

But what am wondering is how you hooked up the stock outside turn down door handle to work with the bear claws?
I want to run the stock handles on my 49 and want to rid itself of those god awful stock latches.

Here's an adapter:

http://www.southernrods.com/categori...duct-1304.html

[Daniel U]

BINGO!

[sevt_chevelle]

Rob, thats what I was looking for!!! I saw that piece before but couldnt remember. Now I saved the link.
Thanks ...Eric

[Spank-a-lank]

sweet

[Hart_Rod]

Originally Posted by sevt_chevelle

Rob, thats what I was looking for!!! I saw that piece before but couldnt remember. Now I saved the link.
Thanks ...Eric

If there's one thing that I could do over on my 48, it would be to install bear claw latches. I absolutely hate the factory latches! If I could do this without messing up the paint, I would have done it years ago.

[solidaxel]

Rob, that is a strong recommendation, I guess I will start now with the order for parts!!

[Daniel U]

Just my .02: While I drove my '54 around for 2 1/2 years stock, the doors popped open twice. Both times I had hit a bump in a turn. I just didn't feel safe afterwards. I'm looking forward to an updated/old looking truck.

[Daniel U]

Well, finally got some color on the truck. I'm really happy with the color. It's 2002 GM "Polo Green" for those who are interested. The firewall, jams, interior, are green and the floor, toe boards and roof are lined with a "bedliner" material for insulation. Tell me what you think.

[solidaxel]

Good choice on the color, you guys will be on the road in no time !!!!

[Daniel U]

Thanks for the encouragement Solid. I sure hope so. I'm running out of $$$ and my wife's running out of patience. There's other places she'd like to put the $$$. We'd both like a bigger house, actually. I should get a few more pics tommoro.

[tiggerstoy]

looks great so far, keep up the good work.

[Daniel U]

Here's some new shots from today:

The gauges are installed

The brakes hung on firewall and plumbed.

The parking brake is installed.

And there is some carpet on the upper interior firewall.
Enjoy, Daniel U

[NONHOG]

Looking sharp !
where did those funky hub caps come from ?

[Daniel U]

I assume you mean these:

They are the 15" steel wheels from my parents 1977 Oldsmobile Delta 88 with a chrome cone in the center to cover the emblem. I may have to use them with a wide whitewall untill I get more money to buy something like these:

Wheels really change the look of your ride, so I sent a request to the "photo chop" guys to see what it'll look like both ways. I also thought about a Krager daisy or 5 spoke wheel in chrome. I'm trying to keep a GM theme/look to the truck though, so the ralley wheel lends itself to that theme. Only time and money will tell......

[NONHOG]

Yep they may not "do-it" when your truck is all done , but they look cool !
they remind me of some caps I just sold after holding onto for 30some years
that came off my Gramma's 62 Plymouth Fury wagon w/o the cones .
speaking of which where did those come from ?

[Daniel U]

$10 a pop at a local hot rod shop. They had them in various diameters and depths. These just cover over the emblem perfectly. They have a threaded tab behind them. I drilled a hole in the center of the hub cap. Then I ran a nut/washer from behind the hub cap to tighten it to the cone. Really simple. It gave the caps a whole new look. I'll keep them for my Rat project. Shhh, don't tell the wife though.

[Daniel U]

I took some more shots of the truck today.


These are the modded door hinges that will hide the electric for the PW's. Notice the brake line welded in?

Here's the ECM mounted.

The fuse box is under the dash now.

Wires though the firewall in one location. They'll be ran low by the toe boards for a cleaner look.

[RunningRough]

Daniel,

By any chance, do you still have the pacer suspension around? Was it bolted to the frame or welded?

[Daniel U]

Sorry, it was welded on and it's been gone for a while now. We figured that it was better to spend more $ now than later. The MII front end came with all new suspension parts and will be easier to repair/align in the future. Sorry. BTW, what part of CA are you from?

[CAL 58 GMC]

WOW Daniel!! It's been a few weeks since the last time I saw your build, nice progress man!! I see you have paint too! Man that's a great feeling, to see color, isn't it? Looks like she might be on the road in no time. Keep up the great progress!

[Daniel U]

Thanks Cal. It's been a long road, and yeah, a huge relief to see color. I knew I liked the color, but seeing it sprayed out on my truck made my day. Nothing is getting done this week as Paul is plumbing A/C and a bathroom to his shop. A few weeks ago we hit 100+, and he decided it was time to get a swamp cooler. I still have some stuff at the powder coaters and some more at chrome. I hope to see it on the road for my birthday in September. We'll see.

[jkaylor68gmc]

Looks cool, can't wait to get mine finished.

[tiggerstoy]

i think the brake line to hide wires is a great plan....nice work.

[Daniel U]

Thanks for the compliments. Paul is doing an amazing job. Somtimes I loose patience, but then I realize it won't make it get finished any faster. I'll get some pics up later tonight.