my truck from beginning to end.... - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

bigarmzz · 08-10-2005, 11:52 PM

many have requested seeing my project from beginning to end....

so i have chosen several of the main pics....

80% of it was done with my "armstrong"

labor of love, or pain in the azz...?...i havent decided yet

this was the truck when i bought it....in wilmington delaware...over 6 hour drive for me

bigarmzz · 08-10-2005, 11:55 PM

me changing the rad support.....got the whole front off

...and starting on the body work...i got lucky..the body was really good (as you can tell....

i put on the 3" bell tech spindles in the front, and 2" bell tech shackles and 2" hangers in the rear

here it had a 3/4 drop with the stock size 235's

bigarmzz · 08-10-2005, 11:59 PM

getting ready to prime and seal

put on my new steel cowl hood

ya gotta love that front end on one of these trucks

i put on a new door, just b/c the stock one had a weird rusted spot beside the door handle...so, rather than to plate the door, i said the heck with it...and bought a brand new one

the truck also got new inner fenders, and a rocker and cab corner

"the look" is slowly coming together

bigarmzz · 08-11-2005, 12:01 AM

after it was sealed....i was really suprised with how straight it was turning out

i still had some adjusting to do on the roll pan though

bigarmzz · 08-11-2005, 12:04 AM

then it was painted....

at this stage i got my torq thrust II's....and my tires...i decided on using bfg's....235/75-15"s on the front, and 285/70-15"s on the rear...

i had to have the "muscle look"

.it had just been buffed here i believe

i still had the oem exhaust on in this pic

man that looked like crap

bigarmzz · 08-11-2005, 12:07 AM

almost done

it was buffed here, and hand glazed

bigarmzz · 08-11-2005, 12:11 AM

now, finally it was painted....

...and i made it to the 4th of july car show...(a pretty big deal here with over 600 cars)

but...

it still wasnt low enough...i wasnt satisfied with the "stance"

so..

bigarmzz · 08-11-2005, 12:14 AM

...so i cut 2 of the front coils from the front springs....

and it was too low...but looked cool

and i put on a flip kit, and used just my 2" drop shackles with my stock hangers

bigarmzz · 08-11-2005, 12:19 AM

so now....i'm puttin in some factory bucket seats from a 77 or a 78

i dont have any pics yet of them in.....

and i dont have any pics yet of my truck with the 2.5" lowering springs i had to put on the front (b/c my cutting of the coils didnt work)

but when i do, i'll update them to this post

i know there's alot of pics here for everyone to check out...which is either cool, or a pain...i'm not sure which one...

....but i have gotten several pm's wanting a "start to finish" post....

i have gotten alot of advice on here from alot of board members, and i think this site is great!

boxrodz · 08-11-2005, 12:22 AM

As I've said before, you've done a banged-up job.

Good move on going down further.
I agree with you; The right stance makes a big improvement.
By chance, do you know how much axle-to-frame clearance you have out back? I'm guessing 'bout 3 1/2". Oh, and any trouble aligning the front end?

Again, looks real good.

Thanks for the pics.

psst. New tail light lenses...

bigarmzz · 08-11-2005, 12:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by boxrodz

As I've said before, you've done a banged-up job.

Good move on going down further.
I agree with you; The right stance makes a big improvement.
By chance, do you know how much axle-to-frame clearance you have out back? I'm guessing 'bout 3 1/2". Oh, and any trouble aligning the front end?

Again, looks real good.

Thanks for the pics.

psst. New tail light lenses...

i got my 2.5" springs on the front now....

my aligment is really good...but i am going to get it aligned

i never had to do a c-notch....

my ace mechanic, and his grandson got in the back and jumped in it...it never hit the frame, so i'm not skeered

according to my math...right now i have a 5.5/7 drop

psst...some clear tails would sure look cool on there huh?

boxrodz · 08-11-2005, 12:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigarmzz

i got my 2.5" springs on the front now....

my aligment is really good...but i am going to get it aligned

i never had to do a c-notch....

my ace mechanic, and his grandson got in the back and jumped in it...it never hit the frame, so i'm not skeered

according to my math...right now i have a 5.5/7 drop

Cool.

Yeah, I saw your earlier post. I was just curious what the final frame-to-axle was.

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigarmzz

psst...some clear tails would sure look cool on there huh?

LOL, you betcha.

86swb · 08-11-2005, 08:08 AM

Great looking truck. Good job. I see you also changed the grill.

86 GMG · 08-11-2005, 08:17 AM

very nice armz thanks for sharing

Slonaker · 08-11-2005, 10:24 AM

Very nice. You ought to throw a website up with all of that on it.

I like your old Nova in the pics. Those cars are indestructible, and cheap.

Slonaker

EDIT: I checked, and www.bigarmzz.com is available.

bigarmzz · 08-11-2005, 10:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Slonaker

Very nice. You ought to throw a website up with all of that on it.

I like your old Nova in the pics. Those cars are indestructible, and cheap.

Slonaker

EDIT: I checked, and www.bigarmzz.com is available.

how would i go about making a bigarmzz.com web site?...

yeah, that old nova is my dd....33 mpg...and lots of good ol' wva cancer

i have wintermaster's on that baby, and it'll literally plow right threw the snow!

LOHRTBT · 08-11-2005, 10:35 AM

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!! dont put clear tails on that beautiful truck!!

I would opt for "smoking" the tails. Clears just dont look right on dark colors.

But hey...its your truck..do what makes ya happy man!!

bigarmzz · 08-11-2005, 10:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LOHRTBT

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!! dont put clear tails on that beautiful truck!!

I would opt for "smoking" the tails. Clears just dont look right on dark colors.

But hey...its your truck..do what makes ya happy man!!

yeah, these are actually the ones i "really" want...but there aint no way my tight butt's paying some dude $25 shipping on a lightweight set of lights

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/73-85...QQcmdZViewItem

Slonaker · 08-11-2005, 10:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigarmzz

how would i go about making a bigarmzz.com web site?...

You would have to register the domain name and pay for hosting. You would also need to learn to create a basic web page. A domain name is about $9.00/year, and hosting starts at about $5.00/month. Advantages are you would be able to host your own photos to post here and on your website without size limitations, and you would be able to have an email address of whateveryouwant@bigarmzz.com.

Some hosts offer templates that allow you to just plug in photos and text and it creates the page automatically. This is so that you can put up a page without really having to learn anything. I don't use those, but I know some people do. N2TRUX has been looking into hosts that offer templates, and might be able to tell you who to use or who not to use.

I register my domain names through www.godaddy.com, and have been really happy with them. I get my hosting from another company that I will probably quit using soon. Some hosts let you purchase a domain name and hosting all at once to make things easier.

PM me if you would like more details. I don't have the time or skills to help you create the webpage, but I could help you get the domain registered and the hosting setup. BTW, I do not sell or provide webhosting, I'm just trying to help out.

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigarmzz

yeah, that old nova is my dd....33 mpg...and lots of good ol' wva cancer

i have wintermaster's on that baby, and it'll literally plow right threw the snow!

I have had those and Toyota Corollas. They are both the same car. I got rid of my last one about 18 months ago. My wife and I went through several of each when we were in college. They were really good cars.

Slonaker

**N2TRUX** · 08-11-2005, 10:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigarmzz

yeah, these are actually the ones i "really" want...

I have to agree with LOHRTBT here. I am not opposed to clear tail lights, and the ones you posted are cool. I just don't think they fit the overall theme of your truck. If you want to brighten up the rear of your truck put a stock tailgate band on it, but leave the lettering off for a cleaner look.

Like this.....

bigarmzz · 08-11-2005, 10:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by N2TRUX

I have to agree with LOHRTBT here. I am not opposed to clear tail lights, and the ones you posted are cool. I just don't think they fit the overall theme of your truck. If you want to brighten up the rear of your truck put a stock tailgate band on it, but leave the lettering off for a cleaner look.

Like this.....

i agree with ya...cept i dont have a chrome rear bumper, i got a roll pan,.....i'm just not sure the band would look right on there...it looks righteous with the chrome bumper on there though, i agree

i really wanted that rear bumper set up when i was putting this thing together...but couldnt find any brackets for chit!

i really value your opinion n2, you really know your stuff, and have some really nice things

*iceman7329* · 08-11-2005, 11:48 PM

Nice, I like it, its what I want my 87 long bed to look like. I will give you $12.76 for it.

08-10-2005, 11:52 PM	#1
bigarmzz Registered User Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Elkins, West Virginia Posts: 2,545	my truck from beginning to end.... many have requested seeing my project from beginning to end.... so i have chosen several of the main pics.... 80% of it was done with my "armstrong" labor of love, or pain in the azz...?...i havent decided yet this was the truck when i bought it....in wilmington delaware...over 6 hour drive for me Attached Images __________________ 1987 350 TBI lowered 5/7 Last edited by bigarmzz; 08-12-2005 at 11:19 AM.

08-10-2005, 11:55 PM	#2
bigarmzz Registered User Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Elkins, West Virginia Posts: 2,545	me changing the rad support.....got the whole front off ...and starting on the body work...i got lucky..the body was really good (as you can tell.... i put on the 3" bell tech spindles in the front, and 2" bell tech shackles and 2" hangers in the rear here it had a 3/4 drop with the stock size 235's Attached Images __________________ 1987 350 TBI lowered 5/7 Last edited by bigarmzz; 08-12-2005 at 11:22 AM.

08-10-2005, 11:59 PM	#3
bigarmzz Registered User Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Elkins, West Virginia Posts: 2,545	getting ready to prime and seal put on my new steel cowl hood ya gotta love that front end on one of these trucks i put on a new door, just b/c the stock one had a weird rusted spot beside the door handle...so, rather than to plate the door, i said the heck with it...and bought a brand new one the truck also got new inner fenders, and a rocker and cab corner "the look" is slowly coming together Attached Images __________________ 1987 350 TBI lowered 5/7 Last edited by bigarmzz; 08-11-2005 at 12:26 AM.

08-11-2005, 12:01 AM	#4
bigarmzz Registered User Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Elkins, West Virginia Posts: 2,545	after it was sealed....i was really suprised with how straight it was turning out i still had some adjusting to do on the roll pan though Attached Images __________________ 1987 350 TBI lowered 5/7 Last edited by bigarmzz; 08-11-2005 at 12:02 AM.

08-11-2005, 12:04 AM	#5
bigarmzz Registered User Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Elkins, West Virginia Posts: 2,545	then it was painted.... at this stage i got my torq thrust II's....and my tires...i decided on using bfg's....235/75-15"s on the front, and 285/70-15"s on the rear... i had to have the "muscle look" .it had just been buffed here i believe i still had the oem exhaust on in this pic man that looked like crap Attached Images __________________ 1987 350 TBI lowered 5/7 Last edited by N2TRUX; 08-11-2005 at 08:20 AM. Reason: Fixed your pic

08-11-2005, 12:07 AM	#6
bigarmzz Registered User Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Elkins, West Virginia Posts: 2,545	almost done it was buffed here, and hand glazed Attached Images __________________ 1987 350 TBI lowered 5/7 Last edited by bigarmzz; 08-11-2005 at 12:27 AM.

08-11-2005, 12:11 AM	#7
bigarmzz Registered User Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Elkins, West Virginia Posts: 2,545	now, finally it was painted.... ...and i made it to the 4th of july car show...(a pretty big deal here with over 600 cars) but... it still wasnt low enough...i wasnt satisfied with the "stance" so.. Attached Images __________________ 1987 350 TBI lowered 5/7

08-11-2005, 12:14 AM	#8
bigarmzz Registered User Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Elkins, West Virginia Posts: 2,545	...so i cut 2 of the front coils from the front springs.... and it was too low...but looked cool and i put on a flip kit, and used just my 2" drop shackles with my stock hangers Attached Images __________________ 1987 350 TBI lowered 5/7

08-11-2005, 12:19 AM	#9
bigarmzz Registered User Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Elkins, West Virginia Posts: 2,545	so now....i'm puttin in some factory bucket seats from a 77 or a 78 i dont have any pics yet of them in..... and i dont have any pics yet of my truck with the 2.5" lowering springs i had to put on the front (b/c my cutting of the coils didnt work) but when i do, i'll update them to this post i know there's alot of pics here for everyone to check out...which is either cool, or a pain...i'm not sure which one... ....but i have gotten several pm's wanting a "start to finish" post.... i have gotten alot of advice on here from alot of board members, and i think this site is great! Attached Images __________________ 1987 350 TBI lowered 5/7

08-11-2005, 12:22 AM	#10
boxrodz Until Seventy Times Seven Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Rocky Mountain Front Range Posts: 1,301	As I've said before, you've done a banged-up job. Good move on going down further. I agree with you; The right stance makes a big improvement. By chance, do you know how much axle-to-frame clearance you have out back? I'm guessing 'bout 3 1/2". Oh, and any trouble aligning the front end? Again, looks real good. Thanks for the pics. psst. New tail light lenses... __________________ boxRODz 1983 C10 SWB Fleetside When two halves is gone, there's nuthin left. Two nothings is nuthin. That's mathematics son. You can argue with me but you can't argue with figures. Two half nothings is a whole nuthin... Last edited by boxrodz; 08-11-2005 at 12:25 AM.

08-11-2005, 08:08 AM	#13
86swb Born a Chevy Man Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Navarre, Florida Posts: 10,221	Great looking truck. Good job. I see you also changed the grill. __________________ John or 86 (Viet Nam combat Vet-BIG RED ONE) '65-'66 1986 Chevy SWB Silverado 1984 Chevy Longbed Silverado New Kia Sportage (Wife's car and she loves it) CHEVY, American made w/pride! If you can read this, YOU NEED TO THANK A TEACHER! If you can read this in ENGLISH, PLEASE THANK A SOLDIER! GOD BLESS AMERICA AND BLESS OUR FIGHTING TROOPS

08-11-2005, 08:17 AM	#14
86 GMG Registered User Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Tulsa Oklahoma Posts: 943	very nice armz thanks for sharing __________________ square body trucks an addiction or an investment either way they consume all my extra time and money

08-11-2005, 10:24 AM	#15
Slonaker Insert Witty Text Here Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: San Antonio, TX Posts: 3,415	Very nice. You ought to throw a website up with all of that on it. I like your old Nova in the pics. Those cars are indestructible, and cheap. Slonaker EDIT: I checked, and www.bigarmzz.com is available. __________________ '86 Chevy C10 (Sold 04/19/13 ) Stock '01 Silverado Last edited by Slonaker; 08-11-2005 at 10:26 AM.

08-11-2005, 10:35 AM	#17
LOHRTBT BeWarE tHe eViL CrAnkTOe! Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Yukon, OK Posts: 3,605	NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!! dont put clear tails on that beautiful truck!! I would opt for "smoking" the tails. Clears just dont look right on dark colors. But hey...its your truck..do what makes ya happy man!! __________________ ~Dave~ You can call me Mike, Mike Oxlong - 1986 Chevy SWB - Stock for now - *1986 Chevy Custom SWB* *Stolen 6/26/05* - 1985 Chevy SWB SOLD - 1999 T/A Some mods www.cardomain.com/id/ramairdave AIM Screenname - Jester84

08-11-2005, 11:48 PM	#22
iceman7329 Account Suspended Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 453	Nice, I like it, its what I want my 87 long bed to look like. I will give you $12.76 for it.



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