Starting to start starting a C4 conversion on my 84 SWB GMC

[smashingchuck]

Nice work. I know from first hand experience that working on that part of the firewall is a real PITA.

[Frizzle Fry]

I like the steering column pass-thru. I might have to use that. looks much better than a grommet.

[Tagg33]

Thanks guys for the comments. It is a lot of work especially since welding and metal work is new to me. I could not be happier with the column mount, it turned out just like I envisioned. I couldn't find a rubber grommet to buy anyways so I stuck with metal.

[Tagg33]

Here's a pic from the inside showing the column mount. Even though it was kind of a mistake making the hole in the firewall too big for the column it worked out really well to make this secondary ring so I could weld it all up. Having the larger hole and the ring allowed it all to slip together. You can see the hose clamp I used to clamp the column to the sleeve.

[Tagg33]

I cut the horizontal seam and welded it flush today. I started off with the idea to just cut 6 inches at a time and then tack it in. The middle of the firewall seam was the hardest and I cut too long of an area causing the upper and lower panels to lose some alignment, I drilled a hole and used a nut and bolt with washers to clamp it back flush. That and pushing real hard with a hammer handle got it all back perfect. It all worked out great in the end. Next I need to do a lot of grinding.

[FRENCHBLUE72]

Looking goood...

[Tagg33]

My thread has been in the suspension section until now, but since pulling the engine for my Dropmember install caused me to finally work on the firewall and soon I'll be working on front and rear inner fenders, new bed interior, brakes, wheels, paint, etc. Here are a couple concept pics I made/choped. I'm definitely planning to have 22" wheels when I can afford it but I might go for some corvette wheels if the price is right and I find a set with decent rubber left on them. The first pic has IROC replicas. What do you think?

[tvblazer78]

Good jod on the F-wall.. Looks bad a$$!

[aggie91]

Your mods to the firewall are looking good.

For your concepts, I like the look of the wheels in the 3rd picture.

[71'tahoe]

#3 also..they look like the new american racing wheels..

[flamingbig10]

it sure looked good as a pro street truck, but the work on the firewall is very nice, it makes mine look like trash

[Tagg33]

Thanks for the compliments, I sure have enjoyed working on the firewall. I need someone to buy my prostreet rear setup so I can afford to buy new stuff.

[menace121978]

awesome job man... i'll be starting my wall soon also!!

if i want to weld that seam smooth i have to cut along the edge? or can i just stitch it up and grind it smooth?

[Tagg33]

Originally Posted by menace121978

if i want to weld that seam smooth i have to cut along the edge? or can i just stitch it up and grind it smooth?

My brother originally thought we should just weld along the seam and it would smooth out enough but I was worried that it would leave a ridge. We are both very happy with how it turned out from cutting the seam. Just make sure you cut small sections and tack them back together flush. If you cut a long section of the seam the alignment of the seam can get away from you.

[LooseCannon]

IMO square bodies look best with a simple 5 spoke wheel so #3 gets my vote. Great work BTW!

[menace121978]

thanks for the help and advice Tagg33!!

[smashingchuck]

My vote is for billet 5 spokes. Are you keeping the graphics?

[Tagg33]

No, I'm not keeping the graphics. I do have an appreciation for the Candy colors in a nostalgic way but the look is very dated. This paint is from 1991 if you couldn't tell by the design. But it hasn't faded at all because the truck has always been garaged. The main color is red, some have said it looks orange in the pictures but it is red. I'm definitely keeping the truck red and possible 2-tone.

[N2TRUX]

Originally Posted by Tagg33

...it is red. I'm definitely keeping the truck red and possible 2-tone.

That's what I would do. Save what you can and add a fresh look with a two -tone covering the graphics.

In my mind stock style wheels, replica wheels etc, look better on a stock styled truck. Since your truck is going to be a custom, add some custom wheels to set it off.

Its hard to beat a clean 5 spoke design....

[Tagg33]

I might paint the bottom of the truck black to cover the graphics but I can't make up my mind. Luckily I have a lot of time before that decision has to be made. I have been collecting pics of paint scemes that I like. The first pic seems like a very updated version of what I have, love this truck. I definitely want a red engine compartment. Middle pics show black on the bottom. Problem is, I like the black on the top a little better. Last pic is a dark metallic grey over red. What do you all think of mixing solid red with a metallic for a 2-tone?

[smashingchuck]

I think that as wild as the chassis is going to be, keeping the rest of the truck as clean and as basic as possible is def. the way to go.

[Tagg33]

Originally Posted by smashingchuck

I think that as wild as the chassis is going to be, keeping the rest of the truck as clean and as basic as possible is def. the way to go.

I agree, a nice polished aluminum rim will compliment all the aluminum Corvette suspension parts. Due to laziness I was leaning toward chrome but I think polished is the way to go. And now with all the Power Ball polishing products it has to be easier than it used to be, right?

[smashingchuck]

As a general rule in color schemes, it's *best* when doing a two tone involving black (or any other DARK color) to put the darker color on top. Reason being is that you are trying to emphasize the fact that the truck is on the ground (or very close) and when the darker color is on the bottom, it makes the truck "blend in" to the ground. The oppisite is true when you use a bright, lighter color on the bottom, it draws your eye to the relationship between your rockers and the ground.

[Tagg33]

That's soo true, I just scrolled up to look at the pics again and the bright color on the bottom really emphasizes how low they are.

[smashingchuck]

Now you've gone and done it!! I would at least think your current notch is big enough, but I'm sure there is a lot of "unforseens" right now.