72 Project Money Dungeon

[brownge]

I've been working on my 72 LWB to SWB conversion for over 3 years with not much progress but things are starting to take off so I thought I'd start a build thread.

The truck started as a 72 Cheyenne Super that I used as a work truck while we built our house. After that was finished I decided I wanted a SWB. I was planning to keep it original, just a short box, but one thing led to another...

It'll be an LS conversion with some updated components but it'll still look like a classic truck - no digital, power seats, etc. Not that there's anything wrong with that, just not my style.

Thanks for visiting!

Here are a couple of pics from that starting point:

[brownge]

I found a 67 SWB donor and took the frame to be powder coated. I used the ECE 4/6 drop kit and replaced the original 3.08 gears with a set of 3.73's. The body was in pretty good shape, just rust in the usual places - rockers on both sides and passenger floor.

Here are some progress pics:

[brownge]

I had the body soda blasted and then put on a Bloxide coat to keep it from rusting until it was ready for paint.

I bought a complete SWB bed from John Riley while on a road trip visiting my daughter and new grandbaby in Tennessee. It's in very good shape. A couple of minor dings but otherwise great shape. He also had the wood kit for it. Good deal and a good guy.

I used the Inline Tube stainless brake line kit. I highly recommend it - good fit and those folks were easy to deal with.

[brownge]

Then I started filling the firewall - bought the pre-cut sheet metal from Infanti Rides - definitely the way to go.

[brownge]

That's pretty much it so far. I'll post some pics next weekend - I'll be laying out the A/C (Vintage Air Gen IV) and figuring out where we'll mount the fuse box and A/C bulk head since they won't be going through the firewall.

I also ordered this:



Should be here next week - can't wait!

[brownge]

Some more progress. My buddy Mike is helping me with the cab mods and all the electrical work since that is well outside my comfort zone. We're going to mount as much as we can under the dash with all the stereo stuff and ignition stuff behind the seat. We also cut the rear inners to make room for some wider tires.

Here are some updated pics:

Fuse box and wiring harness will go where the driver fresh air vent was:


A/C bulkhead will go where the passenger fresh air vent was:






Mike:

[brownge]

We're filling the hole where the ash tray and the A/C controls were. Going with the Vintage Air 3-knob controller since its much shallower on the back side and we can use the space.

We're also putting in a channel alongside where the passenger seat will be to run all the wires to the back behind the seat. That way I can get to the wires after the carpet is in without removing the seats.

[brownge]

The big truck dropped off this today. Can't wait to hear this baby fire up.

[LakeAnna]

Awesome Motor!! Everything looks great man keep the pics and info coming.

What HP is that anyway?

[nuke1]

Awesome bold you have here! That is the motor I want for the wife's chevelle. But with twin huffers on it. Definetly gonna keep an eye on your build!
Posted via Mobile Device

[brownge]

Originally Posted by LakeAnna

Awesome Motor!! Everything looks great man keep the pics and info coming.

What HP is that anyway?

Thanks Chris!

GM says it'll put out 620 hp and 590 tq.

[brownge]

Thanks James. Glad to get some feedback from you. I've been following your build on Havoc - great to see you back in action on it. I like what you did with the stereo stuff behind the seat - I'll be doing the same on this one.

That would be one bad Chevelle and one lucky wife!

[brownge]

A little more progress. Got the wheel tubs done.









Also, here's a link to a youtube of Mike's Camaro. Check it out:

Blown 69 Pro Street Camaro - YouTube

.

[1970 Bowtie]

Awesome build you've got goin and that Camaro is sick!

[bcutt]

Soooo jealous of that LSX 454

[LakeAnna]

Originally Posted by 1970 Bowtie

Awesome build you've got goin and that Camaro is sick!

Ditto! Nice progress on the monster!

[67cheby]

GREAT PROJECT ! i am along for the ride, SWEET motor !

[Hotrob72]

Originally Posted by brownge

A little more progress. Got the wheel tubs done.

Attachment 890135

Attachment 890136

Attachment 890137

Attachment 890138

Also, here's a link to a youtube of Mike's Camaro. Check it out: Blown 69 Pro Street Camaro - YouTube.

Thanks for the ride......telephone poles looked like a picked fence.....
Posted via Mobile Device
Posted via Mobile Device

[C@rnut001]

I must say that I love your choice of engines for your truck! I have always wanted to do a build with a built 572... anyway, keep up the excellent work!

[LEX]

I feel butterflys in my stomach when I see that motor.
Posted via Mobile Device

[brownge]

A little more progress. Got the cab back on the frame and set the motor in to check clearance on the headers. I went with the Dynatech 70-81 Camaro headers for the LS motors and the Transdapt motor mount adapters. Had some trouble with clearance at the frame on the passenger side and the ear/tab on the bellhousing on the transmission on the driver side. I'll be going with the 4L80E but have not yet bought it. Right now I have a 700R4 in there just for mockup. Anybody know if the 4L80E has the same bellhousing design? Wondering if I'll have to cut those tabs off - this stick out about 1 1/2" and the Dynatech headers hit.

Thanks,
Greg

[67cheby]

wow