Francis the Tow Pig - 1949 GMC 250 Dually

[lower50's]

Very nice work

[OutlawDrifter]

Thanks guys! It's been quite a journey!

[oldman3]

Striping made a nice touch, looks great...Jim

[OutlawDrifter]

Thank you Jim!

[Advanced Design]

I agree with everyone else, your truck looks really good!

What’s next?

[OutlawDrifter]

Originally Posted by Advanced Design

I agree with everyone else, your truck looks really good!

What’s next?

Thank you, cab and side window weather stripping, and AC!

[nvrdone]

so outlaw, I like the overlook of your truck. I notice that you have shoulder belts in a 3 window cab. how did you mount the top pivot for the belts? I don't see any details on your or any other posts. belts are my next project on mine. thanks.

[OutlawDrifter]

Originally Posted by nvrdone

so outlaw, I like the overlook of your truck. I notice that you have shoulder belts in a 3 window cab. how did you mount the top pivot for the belts? I don't see any details on your or any other posts. belts are my next project on mine. thanks.

Thanks, I drilled holes and plug welded each one in 3 places. You can slip the "backing" plate in from the top with the headliner out.

[nvrdone]

ok, thanks for the info. the instructions I got aren't too good.

[OutlawDrifter]

Well since most of the need-to's are done, things will probably slow down on Francis for a while. I picked up an '89 K5 Jimmy to replace my F150, started a "build" thread on it.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=771360

[joedoh]

I had a 2wd blazer for a spit of time, a quad light like yours (it was an 82 though, someone had upgraded) , love those blazers!

[OutlawDrifter]

Originally Posted by joedoh

I had a 2wd blazer for a spit of time, a quad light like yours (it was an 82 though, someone had upgraded) , love those blazers!

I also had an '82 2WD, mine was a Jimmy and still had the stacked headlights. Would love to have that one back also.

[OutlawDrifter]

Well I finally finished up the battery box project. Wife found the perfect box on Etsy of all places. Dimensions couldn't be any better if I would have fab'd it myself.

At shows I was just throwing a wood box made out of the bedwood scraps and burned to match.

Very happy with how this turned out, battery access is also a snap.

[Advanced Design]

Great idea and it looks right at home there.

[joedoh]

that came out perfect! I'd like to see a tweaker try to grab it and run too haha

[OutlawDrifter]

Originally Posted by Advanced Design

Great idea and it looks right at home there.

Originally Posted by joedoh

that came out perfect! I'd like to see a tweaker try to grab it and run too haha

Thanks guys! I'm very pleased with the end look

[OutlawDrifter]

Well, time to focus some energy and time back on "old projects"

Since September, I have bought and sold a 60k original mile 1989 K5 and a 1987 C10(R1500) that after redoing the exhaust got a new interior. Oh yeah, and found one of my all time wants...a 2wd GMT800 Vortec Max, which is my current DD. (I've had 5 different DD's in 2 years.....Hello, my name is Marc and I have a problem.)

Well old Francis here, needs some attention too. Time to get back on it.

Plans for the pickup are as follows:

- ZQ8 front sway bar(already sitting in the shop, 33mm size)
- New weatherstripping and window channels in the door
- AC
- H-Pipe in the exhaust(maybe different mufflers, maybe)

I also need to get back on the Z28...it needs front steering rebuilt, struts, cruise control, and the AC also....and an aluminum DS.

Either the '49 or the Z28...maybe both?...will hopefully be going to the Father's Day Car Show at 5 Rocks Amphitheater in Gering, NE this year.

[joedoh]

haha I feel the same problem. sign me up for updates!

[OutlawDrifter]

ZQ8 sway bar and air shocks installed. Hit the filler for the shocks under the gas door. Leave it to Monroe to provide a plastic schrader valve. I'll have to see if I can adapt to some brass fittings, small 1/8" OD line.

Sway bar really tightened things up, now I just need some decent weather, so I can take it out and see how improved the feel is!

[joedoh]

sway bar hands down is the best way to improve steering feel and ride control! nice work. you can really see your attention to detail in your latest pictures, nice work!

[OutlawDrifter]

Thanks Russ, I try! Some of my real early work(20+ years ago) wasn't the greatest, I've learned the hard way more than once.

[OutlawDrifter]

Not too much has happened with the truck other than driving it.

I did, however, adjust the hood better, brought the back down against the cowl and got it fitting better. Fairly easy process and my oldest son even stuck around to help for the whole thing.

Also fixed a wonky speedometer issue I was having. Turns out, on the Classic Instruments buffer box, there is a "filter" that needs turned on when using an ECU speed signal. When you would start the pickup, it would show speed for a few seconds and then go to zero...and at times going down the road it would show considerably more mph than you were cruising....like 140mph. Flick the "filter" switch and all is right with the world again.

My uncle (dad's brother) will be coming to visit in the next few weeks, he also learned to drive in this truck, like my dad. I'm looking forward to putting him back in the driver's seat!

[OutlawDrifter]

Fall is upon us and Winter is approaching. Time to start up some "new" projects for the '49.

I ordered new exhaust pieces last week. Thrush glasspacks in a 2.5" I/O, 23" body, and 4" case. The Smithys have run their course with my ears, they were fun, but I'm looking for a smoother deeper sound. If the Thrush mufflers don't provide that, I'll be going to the 16"x6" round can Dynoma Ultraflows. I also ordered an H-pipe kit, and am considering adding in some more v-band connections.

I also intend to actually get on and finish the cab seals and window channels, then follow that up with a Heat/AC setup to make this a 3 season ride. I need to drive it more, and this will push me to do it.

Exhaust project should go much easier than what I've done in the past. I installed an Advantage Lift XLT9000 2 weekends ago...much needed addition to the shop!

Stay tuned for updates.

[joedoh]

mine were too poppy on the 6. yours definitely sounded better.

lift sounds like fun, I like the 4 posts better than the two posts too.

[OutlawDrifter]

Originally Posted by joedoh

mine were too poppy on the 6. yours definitely sounded better.

lift sounds like fun, I like the 4 posts better than the two posts too.

Idle and cruise were fine, but WOT was not pleasant.



Too many horror stories with a 2 post lift involved...plus you can't set up the suspension on them.




All parts are in, I hope to complete the new exhaust tomorrow.