Project Pancho Villa - 1978 SWB

[BruthaMan]

Originally Posted by 78BO

Do you remember what post has the states on the engine? If I remember right, you had that built?

Yes, the motor was built. The builder ordered the lower end kit and did all the work.

383 stroker

COMP Cams Xtreme Energy Cam and Lifter Kit - 268
COMP Cams Ultra Gold Aluminum Rocker Arms
Edelbrock RPM intake with 1406 Carb.

I forget the stats on the heads, but they were new, but not aluminum. I want to say they are 196, but can't remember for sure. Was trying to keep compression down so I could run on pump gas.

By the time it was all done, I could have easily ordered a GM 383 Motor for the same price.

[baclay9]

Amazing man. Beautiful work!

[silvereagle07]

Nice work! With all that deadning material it should be very quiet inside. The console turned out really nice and the paint looks awesome. I can't wait to see the finished truck. It is very cool that you are dedicating the truck to a friend. Good job man!

[JohnC]

Nice to see some updated posts man!

I really can't wait for you to be driving and enjoying this beast!

[Jonboy]

When you were talking about adding the stripes, I was a little teary about how it would look. They look a lot better than I would have figured. Everything looks like it is turning out great, and I am sure pictures don't do it justice. Do you have your door panels yet?

[BruthaMan]

Originally Posted by baclay9

Amazing man. Beautiful work!

Thanks!

Originally Posted by silvereagle07

Nice work! With all that deadning material it should be very quiet inside. The console turned out really nice and the paint looks awesome. I can't wait to see the finished truck. It is very cool that you are dedicating the truck to a friend. Good job man!

Thanks, yeah he was a special bud. Those come around once or twice in a lifetime.

Originally Posted by JohnC

Nice to see some updated posts man!

I really can't wait for you to be driving and enjoying this beast!

I hear ya, bud! Just when I thought it was done, then I had to go and change things!

Originally Posted by Jonboy

When you were talking about adding the stripes, I was a little teary about how it would look. They look a lot better than I would have figured. Everything looks like it is turning out great, and I am sure pictures don't do it justice. Do you have your door panels yet?

Thanks Jon! I really like them as well. We spent a good thirty minutes going over various metallic silvers at the paint store and picked that one, now I can't remember what it is! It's a medium metallic, I believe it was silver mist. It was a GM color. I really like the way it turned out and glad I changed my mind to do just the hood.

I did get the door panels, but one arm rest was on backorder. I had a set of 73-80 interior door handles, but couldn't find them (story of my life), so I ordered some more.

The door panels are not NOS, as I misstated before. It's the insert and the trim ring that goes around it, that was NOS. The door panels were after markets, though Henry (at Cheyenne Parts) did have some NOS ones. Too rich for my blood. truckandcarshop.com has some NOS panels listed there as well, so there are some treasures out there still waiting to be picked up!


I'll take pics of those

[blakeduren]

Any pics of the RetroSound Model one radio install?
Just bolt it in the factory dash area and go?
I see you used the stock knobs off of the original radio.
Looks good.

[3r!c84]

woah!!! this truck is going to look killer! keep up the good work..ill be droping off my truck in a week...

[STOCKISH]

WOW! Looking great. Nice attention to detail.

[Jonboy]

I am curious to see how they come out. I have the aftermarket base model replacements, and I am not too keen on them. I had a dash cover too, but found a pretty nice (especially for Texas) OEM pad with one crack it it that was already red, so I went that way. I think the woodgrain in the door panels from my Blazer are in OK shape, but the trim rings were shot. The Cheyenne trim package did not use a pull strap like the Silverado did. Keeps you from having to source the covers. I still have not found the set I had.

[Ru5tyNut5]

coming along great, keep up the good progress

[menace121978]

Beautiful! i love how you "finished" and then went back to the things your werent 100% happy with.

i'm sure i'll have to do the same thing... did some one say IFS?

looking good Wade! cant wait til im at that point!

[texasfunk]

Man the truck is looking good!!! There any car shows near there any time soon? Be an excuse for me to head that way and check out the truck!

[BruthaMan]

Hey Guys,

Been quiet lately, but working in the background with light at the end of the tunnel.

Finished the final buff on the whole truck today and I put the first coat of Zaino polish on this evening. It's breath taking! No pics, going to wait till we get the tailgate band in and the stone guards on tomorrow.

We basically tore everything down again, to put in sound deadener, new NOS GM fenders and doors.

Interior is done now, new door panels with NOS GM insert and trim.

Tomorrow morning, we have a time slot at Dream Chasers to tune and dyno.

Wednesday, I plan to do a "finished" thread in the main forum.

I really do appreciate all the support, help, advice and friendships here. You guys helped make a dream come true!

[Gordonr1973]

Subscribed. Inspirational build!! I'm just starting the tear down on my '87 and I spent a few hours reading your build last night and then linking into some of the other folks that were commenting and suggesting things to you.

I'm a little scared at this point but it's great to see a project from start to (almost the) finish!!

[menace121978]

!!!!!! right on Wade! glad to be part of it buddy... we all need to get together and do a "finished" cruise too

[JohnC]

Woohoo! Can't wait!

[78BO]

If you can let me know how much the tune runs you. I'm needing one done still but I'm gona wait untill I get my gears installed.

[silvereagle07]

Can't wait to see the results!

[West Texas Z]

any updates?

[JohnC]

Oh man I saw this pop up on my list and I thought I was actually going to open it up to new pics.

Where are you? Where have you been?

[v502]

Cant wait to finished result Congrats man

[BruthaMan]

Hey Guys,

Had to put everything on hold. Was just about finished with final polishing, detailing, etc and we decided to move from Amarillo down to San Angelo to be closer to our grandkids/family.

We're just getting moved in here, still unpacking boxes. I have the truck in a specialty shop getting a few minor things updated. Looking forward to getting it back, getting her cleaned up for a photo shoot.

[flamingbig10]

any updates

[texastruckjunky]

Originally Posted by flamingbig10

any updates

x2