1974 C20 Soon to become a project...

[Super_Dave]

One decorative feature that is still up in the air, is what to do about the dash badge and fender badges.

Initially we were going with the whole Baba Yaga thing, but that has faded for a host of reasons, so we are thrashing out other ideas. Once we decide, I will mill up an aluminum dash badge to go in the trim panel recess and larger copies to go on the front fenders.

We talked about GO ROGUE a year or so ago... but then the Star Wars movie came out... so not sure about that idea.

[Super_Dave]

Well... I was able to solve part of the Voltage gauge fluttering between 15.5 and 18 and the Stereo and Climate Control working intermittently.

The new Alternator from SUMMIT was bad. That's the third new part from SUMMIT that was a piece of crap. $141 later, a new NAPA alternator is in and I am pulling 14.5 steadily.

The intermittent stereo and cc was traced to a bad (new SUMMIT part) ignition switch module on the column... which was replaced in the wiring harness install a few weeks ago. We adjusted the ignition switch enough for the stereo and cc to work but starting the engine became nearly impossible. Backing off the adjustment made starting easier, but we lose the stereo and cc fan... so, a new NAPA ignition switch is on order.

Lastly, after installing the new, warmed over 700r4 OD transmission, and hoping to go from 12 mpg to the mid-high teens, has proved disastrous. I was getting 12 mpg with the TH350... and my last tank with the 700r4 netted me a whopping 7.91 mpg! Well worth the $2,500 investment, right ?!

We have checked everything fuel related... no leaks anywhere, timing is 12°, idle 750rpm, 3:73 rear gears should be optimal with the .67 OD final ratio... should have me in about 2.50 at cruising speed...

So, I am at a complete loss as to where the mileage is going. Speedometer and tach are spot on, so I know my numbers are accurate. At this rate, it would take me about 5 tanks of gas, or $200+ to go from Portland to the California border. Hardly worth the effort to take it out to even go to the post office.

[Super_Dave]

Well. . . finally making headway.

1. The new NAPA Alternator nearly burned the '74 to the ground! Stunk up the whole neighborhood. Got it warrantied out and got the project running again.

2. Sold the can-o-pee in preparation for a hard tonneau cover.

3. Took a couple steps back, when a neighbor, driving his girlfriends BMW, decided my new chrome bumper, brackets and license plate holder/light, would look better on the front of his car, than the back of my truck. Still arguing with their insurance company on the settlement.

[Super_Dave]

continuing. . .

4. Purchased a tilt column and will have it painted when the truck gets painted this Spring.

5. Found a '77 Square about 90 miles from me, that had all the sheet metal I needed to smooth out, plus some I didn't need. So, I closed a deal on all the parts I needed and some I wanted, only because they were new parts and already painted Black (one of the two colors I was considering.)

These parts will save a lot on body work and paint prep and application. I got a complete bed (all new except the floor and wheel-wells), Hood (already had a perfect hod but this one is already BLACK, so I will keep my Gold one as a spare.) both front fenders (new and in primer), BLACK front valance. . .

Another plus: The bed doesn't have any provisions for a gas cap on either side, so it was perfect since I am putting a tank in the back between the rails. No holes to fill and smooth out!

Another plus: Both front fenders do not have provisions for the emblems, which I was removing anyway, so again no holes to fill and smooth out!

The '74 was going to be driven down to the location for the swap this week, but the insurance numbskull's are making me drive to their remote assessment location on Jan. 3rd. so I am losing two more weeks.

While visiting the Bob, who is selling me the parts, I got to see his collection, and what a collection it is! While drooling over his collection, he mentioned that his brother, who lives two houses away, did all the body and paint.

Well, one thing led to another and I asked if he would be interested in possibly doing my truck. So, we ambled down to Larry's place and after a short discussion, agreed to a price and time frame.

So, after the insurance slow dance on the 3rd, I will be driving the '74 the 90 miles and leaving it there for Bob and Larry to work on. It will be a bed swap, hood swap, valance swap, fender paint then swap. . . and the real body work will be replacing the rockers on both sides and then massage the doors and cab, prime and paint it BLACK.

Finding this '77 will make the whole process happen a lot sooner. . . and I should be able to have the upholstery and carpets done, all for a LOT less than the body and paint from the other shop I was talking to.

[Super_Dave]

As part of the Gas Tank relocation, I was looking at doing a pop-up Harley cap on top of the back bed rail. Then my son, who works for Gundie's, got me this.

Now I am rethinking the Harley cap. I need to see if we can use it without having to do major reworking of the nice, new, black bed.

It's wet and dirty, but in excellent condition.

[Super_Dave]

continuing. . .

While the bed is off, the frame will get cleaned and coated with POR15. Same with the front when the fenders come off for the swap. I think I can do the area under the cab, from under the truck without too much trouble.

Here is some of Bob's collection:

1. 1957 2DR HT. Belaire with over 500 HP. . . and 5 speed.
2. 1930 Chevy Pickup - Old style wishbone suspension and 450 HP SBC.
3. 1953 Sedan Delivery - 500 HP 396 BBC
4. 1956? Chevy Pickup - 550 HP
5. 1955 Chevy is Larry's car.

The photos are not the best, but trust me, these rides are really, really nice!

Bob and Larry did all the body work and Larry painted all these vehicles. Bob is 78 and Larry is mid 70's. I think my truck is in good hands. They can work at their pace and I get a great deal.

So far, I am pretty pleased with how things are turning out. . . especially when a month ago, I was going to keep all my expensive parts and sell the '74 when it seems that every step forward was followed with two or three steps backwards.

Bob also does stainless trim restoration on the side. He has quite the setup.

[Super_Dave]

I will soon have to make a decision about the grill. I am torn between keeping the stock stainless headlight trim or replacing it with the slightly newer '79-80 version that wraps down around the turn signals and back under the grill.

I really like the integrated look over the stand-alone turn signals. Opinions?