'78 3/4 ton 4x4 FRANKENTRUCK - Page 5 - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Walts_restoration · 10-14-2008, 12:31 AM

lol, i was thinking youd take the camaro, as im planing to take at least one of mine (buddy might drive another)

18 hour drive from my house, probably add a night in a hotel. lol its a drive but the nasty z28 force is strong there!

*78 Chevyrado* · 10-14-2008, 12:32 AM

Awesome work! I can't believe that thing came from the fields! Looks like one tough truck!

asphaltburner · 10-14-2008, 01:59 AM

Yo! Thanks! The custom exhaust installation is Ken's Mufflers' in Ft Collins, the rest of the engineering, design, and work, is mine!
Four years parked in the pasture is what I understand,...enough time for the cattle to chew alot of the paint off the bed! Here's the way I found it last December:

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Todd.

asphaltburner · 10-14-2008, 05:58 PM

Yo! The tires are actually Peerless commercial 245/75/16s. I like 'em!
Here's the way I had them finish off the exhaust:

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Todd.

74 C-30 · 10-14-2008, 07:52 PM

Very sharp looking truck! I'm sure it will serve you well!

**LEEVON** · 10-14-2008, 08:31 PM

I love this build. Strong, reliable, classic...

I can't believe somebody put that gem out to pasture

Congrats!

asphaltburner · 10-14-2008, 09:59 PM

Yo! Well,...what they put out in that pasture was a beat '78 Chev 3/4 ton 4x4 equipped with a 350 V8, NP203 (full time 4x4 t/case), and GM corporate axles. Nothing great. The only nice piece of machinery in the truck was the TH400 tranny. I combined the newer truck and tranny with the older 4x4 axles and a machined, twin stick NP205 t/case. The V8 build has been proven in my Camaro, so I just built another one!
This truck just needed the proper combination of components to be something other than a mediocre 4x4.
Thanks for your appreciation, all! Todd.

flamingbig10 · 10-14-2008, 10:14 PM

nice project, great job

84 400 · 10-14-2008, 11:25 PM

yeah and it defiantly has the right components now. that Twin stick is awesome

asphaltburner · 10-15-2008, 12:11 AM

Once again, I thank you all!
I've been four wheeling since I was 14, and it was easy to make the proper choices for this truck.
I DO wish I'd known that the NP205 and NP203 are NOT directly interchangable! Also wish I'd known about the various adapters that GM used for their trannys and t/cases! But what the hell,...if it was easy, my truck wouldn't be very special,...would it?! Todd.

asphaltburner · 10-15-2008, 12:17 AM

Yo! 84 400! The Case 210 sounds pretty cool too, but do you have any pics of your '61 Wheel Horse 552? Todd.

asphaltburner · 10-21-2008, 10:55 PM

Yo! Still finishing small stuff, checking torques, checking for leaks. Installing last items. Plan to start Thursday. Todd.

Walts_restoration · 10-21-2008, 10:58 PM

yeah man! i just got a stereo installed in my 77, still looking for a good 3/4 4by4 frame.

84 400 · 10-22-2008, 01:16 AM

Naww no pics of ether. sorry.

asphaltburner · 10-24-2008, 11:31 PM

STILL not started! Having trouble getting oil circulated to the rocker tips by driving the oil pump with a drill. Just got power to the instrument cluster this evening, and troubleshooting the hazard/brake light circuit,...it WAS working! This weekend could be an opportunity for initial startup. Todd.

2bits · 10-24-2008, 11:34 PM

There is a 76-78 4x4 Grey Longbed with some good looking patima sitting across the street from me just a few houses down that I always admire. Nice truck!

asphaltburner · 10-26-2008, 10:13 PM

Troubleshot and repaired all faults. Circulating oil to the rocker tips is the only step necessary before initial startup. Todd.

asphaltburner · 10-29-2008, 01:18 AM

No Lightning predicted for tomorrow evening, so I hope that 75 month NAPA battery can produce the bolts of electricity that FRANKENTRUCK will need to come alive!
Ten cc of oil in each cylinder, plugs gapped and installed, oil pump drill-driven several times, checked and re-checked. Now to re-install the distributor, attach the spark plug wires,...and fire that mother up! Tomorrow eve, after work.
The flatbed donor (and all the leftovers of building one from two) will go to the junkyard on Thursday AM. $42/ton is going price now.
Wish me luck tomorrow! Todd.

84 400 · 10-29-2008, 02:44 AM

wow 40 a ton that when down a whole hell of a lot. When I sent my first batch of scrap off my old 62 willys 4x4 pick up (tree fell on it and i bought it for the motor) I only made 6.50 off the scrap and that was the entire cab and bed. Then a few months later I made $60.00 off the bare frame at the scrap yard. Stinks when the price dips like that. Can't wait to see that truck running man good luck!

68GMC454 · 10-29-2008, 11:14 PM

truck has turned out good.. i was making 200.00 plus for a close to complete truck, if loaded down with other junk up to 500.00 plus.. now a comeplete truck is less than 60 a ton... if i get more of them i will just hold on to it until the price goes back up.. but the truck looks good..

asphaltburner · 10-30-2008, 12:13 AM

Yo! Y'all!
I'm just amased at how many of you out there have been silently following my build on this truck! I guess I never figured this would command so much attention, despite the fact that I researched the combination of the individual parts very carefully.
Thanks, 68GMC454, and all of you that have been watching what I'm doing with this truck!! Thank you for having an appreciation for my planning and work to make it a reality.
Got home too late to finish everything, and get the truck started tonight,...I'm just NOT going to rush anything.
All is ready now, although I'll still rotate the distributor one tooth tomorrow to accomidate advance.
The donor goes to the junkyard tomorrow, in any case. And I hope to start FRANKENTRUCK and complete cam breakin also. The new electric fuel system supplies a gush of fuel to the 600 Holley, lights and brakes are working, and guages seem functional. Only failures are fuel gauge and windshield squirters,...they'll be troubleshot later. I've turned the oil pump with a drill for a full minute twice in the past 24 hours to pre-lube as much as I can. Checked and re-checked, and checked again. So why am I so nervous about turning that key to the position that it hasn't been in yet?!!
It's been long enough since I fired up the Camaro first time that I only vaguely remember my nervousness,...seems amplified this time. Maybe 'cause this is the most custom-built and fabricated vehicle that I've attempted. 10/30/08 is going to be the day,...I'll post tomorrow, hopefully with good news. Thanks again! And here goes everything,...Todd.

asphaltburner · 10-30-2008, 02:44 PM

IT'S ALIVE!!!!!!!

FRANKENTRUCK is a reality!!
(what a relief!!) Todd.

asphaltburner · 11-01-2008, 11:31 AM

Yo! Completed cam break in on Thursday! Then repeated fluid checks, tightened bolts, and went for a short drive (slow, and varying the rpm) about four miles total. I've had success shifting between rear high and low,...haven't tryed front high and low and 4x4 yet. FRANKENTRUCK now resides in my new, single stall garage. Lots to do, but the truck is under it's own power for the first time in four or five years. Pics this weekend.
Managed to bring FRANKENTRUCK to life, just in time for Halloween!
Todd.

ChaseDale3and8 · 11-01-2008, 01:18 PM

Cool! I've been watching your build for quite a while now and can't wait to see the updated pics! Looking forward to it! ...Joe

*78 Chevyrado* · 11-01-2008, 06:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by asphaltburner

Managed to bring FRANKENTRUCK to life, just in time for Halloween!
Todd.

Awesome dude!

10-14-2008, 12:31 AM	#1
Walts_restoration Real Projects never die Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Lawrence, kansas Posts: 1,508	Re: '78 3/4 ton 4x4 FRANKENTRUCK lol, i was thinking youd take the camaro, as im planing to take at least one of mine (buddy might drive another) 18 hour drive from my house, probably add a night in a hotel. lol its a drive but the nasty z28 force is strong there! __________________ Ill put it this way, ive got a few lawn ornaments My name tag says Ryan KansasTwister On other forums

10-14-2008, 12:32 AM	#2
78 Chevyrado Account Suspended Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Unnapreciative, Trollville Posts: 2,079	Re: '78 3/4 ton 4x4 FRANKENTRUCK Awesome work! I can't believe that thing came from the fields! Looks like one tough truck!

10-14-2008, 01:59 AM	#3
asphaltburner Registered User Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Ault, Colorado Posts: 863	Re: '78 3/4 ton 4x4 FRANKENTRUCK Yo! Thanks! The custom exhaust installation is Ken's Mufflers' in Ft Collins, the rest of the engineering, design, and work, is mine! Four years parked in the pasture is what I understand,...enough time for the cattle to chew alot of the paint off the bed! Here's the way I found it last December: Todd. Last edited by asphaltburner; 10-14-2008 at 12:43 PM.

10-14-2008, 05:58 PM	#4
asphaltburner Registered User Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Ault, Colorado Posts: 863	Re: '78 3/4 ton 4x4 FRANKENTRUCK Yo! The tires are actually Peerless commercial 245/75/16s. I like 'em! Here's the way I had them finish off the exhaust: Todd.

10-14-2008, 07:52 PM	#5
74 C-30 Dually Pride Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: NH Posts: 540	Re: '78 3/4 ton 4x4 FRANKENTRUCK Very sharp looking truck! I'm sure it will serve you well! __________________ If I have to explain, you wouldn't understand. '74 Chevy C-30 350/4 speed/dually '94 Ford Ranger

10-14-2008, 08:31 PM	#6
LEEVON Moderator Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Ozark, MO Posts: 4,935	Re: '78 3/4 ton 4x4 FRANKENTRUCK I love this build. Strong, reliable, classic... I can't believe somebody put that gem out to pasture Congrats! __________________ '86 GMC C30 Crew ~ '86 C20 Crew ~ '79 K15 Sierra Grande ~ '76 Blazer 2wd ~ '74K10 ~ '71 Cheyenne swb ~'50 3100 bagged ~ '80 Wife ~ Late model kids

10-14-2008, 09:59 PM	#7
asphaltburner Registered User Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Ault, Colorado Posts: 863	Re: '78 3/4 ton 4x4 FRANKENTRUCK Yo! Well,...what they put out in that pasture was a beat '78 Chev 3/4 ton 4x4 equipped with a 350 V8, NP203 (full time 4x4 t/case), and GM corporate axles. Nothing great. The only nice piece of machinery in the truck was the TH400 tranny. I combined the newer truck and tranny with the older 4x4 axles and a machined, twin stick NP205 t/case. The V8 build has been proven in my Camaro, so I just built another one! This truck just needed the proper combination of components to be something other than a mediocre 4x4. Thanks for your appreciation, all! Todd. Last edited by asphaltburner; 10-14-2008 at 10:04 PM.

10-14-2008, 10:14 PM	#8
flamingbig10 6.0 powered square Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Mesquite texas Posts: 3,459	Re: '78 3/4 ton 4x4 FRANKENTRUCK nice project, great job __________________ Aaron 1980 c-10 short bed lowered, cammed 6.0, 4l80e 3600 stall, smp tune, wilwoods, and flames best time so far best et 7.86 @87 on motor 7.57 90 on a 75 shot Build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=283326

10-14-2008, 11:25 PM	#9
84 400 Sb 400 club Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: NH / MA Posts: 2,746	Re: '78 3/4 ton 4x4 FRANKENTRUCK yeah and it defiantly has the right components now. that Twin stick is awesome __________________ 1984 chevy c10, built 400sb,.(SOLD) 77 K10 Project / daily driver "The Grinch" http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=318363 1956 Willys Wagon (327 chevy) Project (Now Buick 225) 1980 Corvette L-48 4 speed 1992 Mustang GT built 5.0 5 speed 1985 C10 LWB Sold 1982 K10 SWB plow truck Parted out 1986 D30 M1028 fire brush truck Parted out

10-15-2008, 12:11 AM	#10
asphaltburner Registered User Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Ault, Colorado Posts: 863	Re: '78 3/4 ton 4x4 FRANKENTRUCK Once again, I thank you all! I've been four wheeling since I was 14, and it was easy to make the proper choices for this truck. I DO wish I'd known that the NP205 and NP203 are NOT directly interchangable! Also wish I'd known about the various adapters that GM used for their trannys and t/cases! But what the hell,...if it was easy, my truck wouldn't be very special,...would it?! Todd.

10-15-2008, 12:17 AM	#11
asphaltburner Registered User Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Ault, Colorado Posts: 863	Re: '78 3/4 ton 4x4 FRANKENTRUCK Yo! 84 400! The Case 210 sounds pretty cool too, but do you have any pics of your '61 Wheel Horse 552? Todd.

10-21-2008, 10:55 PM	#12
asphaltburner Registered User Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Ault, Colorado Posts: 863	Re: '78 3/4 ton 4x4 FRANKENTRUCK Yo! Still finishing small stuff, checking torques, checking for leaks. Installing last items. Plan to start Thursday. Todd.

10-21-2008, 10:58 PM	#13
Walts_restoration Real Projects never die Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Lawrence, kansas Posts: 1,508	Re: '78 3/4 ton 4x4 FRANKENTRUCK yeah man! i just got a stereo installed in my 77, still looking for a good 3/4 4by4 frame. __________________ Ill put it this way, ive got a few lawn ornaments My name tag says Ryan KansasTwister On other forums

10-22-2008, 01:16 AM	#14
84 400 Sb 400 club Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: NH / MA Posts: 2,746	Re: '78 3/4 ton 4x4 FRANKENTRUCK Naww no pics of ether. sorry. __________________ 1984 chevy c10, built 400sb,.(SOLD) 77 K10 Project / daily driver "The Grinch" http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=318363 1956 Willys Wagon (327 chevy) Project (Now Buick 225) 1980 Corvette L-48 4 speed 1992 Mustang GT built 5.0 5 speed 1985 C10 LWB Sold 1982 K10 SWB plow truck Parted out 1986 D30 M1028 fire brush truck Parted out

10-24-2008, 11:31 PM	#15
asphaltburner Registered User Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Ault, Colorado Posts: 863	Re: '78 3/4 ton 4x4 FRANKENTRUCK STILL not started! Having trouble getting oil circulated to the rocker tips by driving the oil pump with a drill. Just got power to the instrument cluster this evening, and troubleshooting the hazard/brake light circuit,...it WAS working! This weekend could be an opportunity for initial startup. Todd.



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10-24-2008, 11:34 PM	#16
2bits My 2bits Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: East Texas Posts: 505	Re: '78 3/4 ton 4x4 FRANKENTRUCK There is a 76-78 4x4 Grey Longbed with some good looking patima sitting across the street from me just a few houses down that I always admire. Nice truck! __________________ _______________ Thomas '61 Short Step BBW

10-26-2008, 10:13 PM	#17
asphaltburner Registered User Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Ault, Colorado Posts: 863	Re: '78 3/4 ton 4x4 FRANKENTRUCK Troubleshot and repaired all faults. Circulating oil to the rocker tips is the only step necessary before initial startup. Todd.

10-29-2008, 01:18 AM	#18
asphaltburner Registered User Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Ault, Colorado Posts: 863	Re: '78 3/4 ton 4x4 FRANKENTRUCK No Lightning predicted for tomorrow evening, so I hope that 75 month NAPA battery can produce the bolts of electricity that FRANKENTRUCK will need to come alive! Ten cc of oil in each cylinder, plugs gapped and installed, oil pump drill-driven several times, checked and re-checked. Now to re-install the distributor, attach the spark plug wires,...and fire that mother up! Tomorrow eve, after work. The flatbed donor (and all the leftovers of building one from two) will go to the junkyard on Thursday AM. $42/ton is going price now. Wish me luck tomorrow! Todd.

10-29-2008, 02:44 AM	#19
84 400 Sb 400 club Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: NH / MA Posts: 2,746	Re: '78 3/4 ton 4x4 FRANKENTRUCK wow 40 a ton that when down a whole hell of a lot. When I sent my first batch of scrap off my old 62 willys 4x4 pick up (tree fell on it and i bought it for the motor) I only made 6.50 off the scrap and that was the entire cab and bed. Then a few months later I made $60.00 off the bare frame at the scrap yard. Stinks when the price dips like that. Can't wait to see that truck running man good luck! __________________ 1984 chevy c10, built 400sb,.(SOLD) 77 K10 Project / daily driver "The Grinch" http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=318363 1956 Willys Wagon (327 chevy) Project (Now Buick 225) 1980 Corvette L-48 4 speed 1992 Mustang GT built 5.0 5 speed 1985 C10 LWB Sold 1982 K10 SWB plow truck Parted out 1986 D30 M1028 fire brush truck Parted out

10-29-2008, 11:14 PM	#20
68GMC454 THE VILLIAGE IDIOT Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Tooele, Utah Posts: 1,405	Re: '78 3/4 ton 4x4 FRANKENTRUCK truck has turned out good.. i was making 200.00 plus for a close to complete truck, if loaded down with other junk up to 500.00 plus.. now a comeplete truck is less than 60 a ton... if i get more of them i will just hold on to it until the price goes back up.. but the truck looks good.. __________________ honestly honey,,i have no idea how that truck got here.

10-30-2008, 12:13 AM	#21
asphaltburner Registered User Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Ault, Colorado Posts: 863	Re: '78 3/4 ton 4x4 FRANKENTRUCK Yo! Y'all! I'm just amased at how many of you out there have been silently following my build on this truck! I guess I never figured this would command so much attention, despite the fact that I researched the combination of the individual parts very carefully. Thanks, 68GMC454, and all of you that have been watching what I'm doing with this truck!! Thank you for having an appreciation for my planning and work to make it a reality. Got home too late to finish everything, and get the truck started tonight,...I'm just NOT going to rush anything. All is ready now, although I'll still rotate the distributor one tooth tomorrow to accomidate advance. The donor goes to the junkyard tomorrow, in any case. And I hope to start FRANKENTRUCK and complete cam breakin also. The new electric fuel system supplies a gush of fuel to the 600 Holley, lights and brakes are working, and guages seem functional. Only failures are fuel gauge and windshield squirters,...they'll be troubleshot later. I've turned the oil pump with a drill for a full minute twice in the past 24 hours to pre-lube as much as I can. Checked and re-checked, and checked again. So why am I so nervous about turning that key to the position that it hasn't been in yet?!! It's been long enough since I fired up the Camaro first time that I only vaguely remember my nervousness,...seems amplified this time. Maybe 'cause this is the most custom-built and fabricated vehicle that I've attempted. 10/30/08 is going to be the day,...I'll post tomorrow, hopefully with good news. Thanks again! And here goes everything,...Todd.

10-30-2008, 02:44 PM	#22
asphaltburner Registered User Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Ault, Colorado Posts: 863	Re: '78 3/4 ton 4x4 FRANKENTRUCK IT'S ALIVE!!!!!!! FRANKENTRUCK is a reality!! (what a relief!!) Todd.

11-01-2008, 11:31 AM	#23
asphaltburner Registered User Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Ault, Colorado Posts: 863	Re: '78 3/4 ton 4x4 FRANKENTRUCK Yo! Completed cam break in on Thursday! Then repeated fluid checks, tightened bolts, and went for a short drive (slow, and varying the rpm) about four miles total. I've had success shifting between rear high and low,...haven't tryed front high and low and 4x4 yet. FRANKENTRUCK now resides in my new, single stall garage. Lots to do, but the truck is under it's own power for the first time in four or five years. Pics this weekend. Managed to bring FRANKENTRUCK to life, just in time for Halloween! Todd.

11-01-2008, 01:18 PM	#24
ChaseDale3and8 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Springfield Mo. Posts: 1,086	Re: '78 3/4 ton 4x4 FRANKENTRUCK Cool! I've been watching your build for quite a while now and can't wait to see the updated pics! Looking forward to it! ...Joe __________________ I'm not speedin'! I'm qualifyin'!

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