My New Truck - Page 10 - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

**Factory Guy** · 10-06-2023, 07:40 PM

Thanks everybody for the compliments!

**Factory Guy** · 10-26-2023, 07:29 PM

I have decided to repair my speedo cluster where the transmission selector broke that rides against the speedo housing. Unforunately for me the 50 year speedo housing cluster broke here last time I tried to install the little cable wire that controls the shift linkage cable. Thus, I have been trying to decide the best way how to fix it.

Yellow arrows.

**Factory Guy** · 10-26-2023, 07:42 PM

My way of correcting this turned out pretty well.

I first took some super glue (which I have terrible luck with) and installed the broken plastic piece back into to the housing and since I know this WON'T HOLD, I decided to reinforce it with a mechanical bond as well.

So I took a very small brad and made and hook into it. Then I laid it on a sodiering iron until it got quite warm then I pressed it into the weak portion of the speedo cluster to mechanically bond it back together.

Since I am still fearful this area is weak. I appied a fair amount Super glue and BAKING SODA to the back side of this area to make it nearly impossible to fracture at the cracked area again.

**Factory Guy** · 11-16-2023, 04:10 PM

So getting ready to start the truck and I realize that the trans cooler lines need to be hooked up AND since the front end is pretty much missing why not install a Tranny cooler, so we get started on this...

Guess I will learn about "AN" lines since I do not want a leak like I had before with the old tranny cooler.

Just ordered all the lines and fittings.

**Factory Guy** · 11-22-2023, 10:03 PM

The Auxiliary cooler/Fan is now mounted and installed just waiting for the AN lines to show up!

In case you are wondering why this Auxiliary cooler is down low and basically behind the front bumper, I DO NOT have any room in front of the radiator. Since this is a 1973, it has a very DEEP GMC grill.

I had previously installed the 75-76 GMC grill, and really like it better than the 73 grill. Now that I am installing the GM remote hood release (1977 year) on this truck, it doesn't PLAY well with my 75-76 grill, or a 73. The 1977 GMC grill is very SHALLOW and the center radiator support sticks much further out than the 73 Radiator Center Support.

But I think I will get it all to work together with my 75-76 grill (without hacking up the grill-or the supports for the front of the Radiator support). I am trying to get it to look as close as possible to being built by the factory.

Shifty One · 11-27-2023, 10:50 AM

Nice solution for the coolers!

**Factory Guy** · 11-27-2023, 09:48 PM

Ok Here's what you run into if you opt for the hidden hood latch (year 1977 truck option). The 1977 center radiator support is on the right, and with all those curves would require cutting up the grill if you want to use the early Squarebody grills.

The Center Radiator support for a 1973 is on the left so I took the 77 hood latch/catch mechanism out and just grafted the hood latch mechanism into the back of the 1973 center radiator support, it has both bolts and screws holding it into place (still have to figure out the secondary hood safety catch mechanism).

**Factory Guy** · 11-27-2023, 10:08 PM

Now off to making a TRUE COLD AIR intake like GM did when they designed the LS. So many people just place a KN filter on a tube inside the engine compartment and believe they have good system, yet this isn't as good (IMO) as what GM engineered into the LS, they pulled and placed into their vehicle.

A stock GM truck with a LS has a true cold air system pulling, air in, from in front of the radiator support, a much better design than the original Small Blocks.

I saw a Gale Banks video where they are making up some air scoops that fit underneath the bottom of the front bumper and duct air directly into the air box (to get outside air into the engine) of course this was for a Diesel, but I thought why can't we do this?

Since I will be using the LS Stock air box, I figured what the heck, lets see what I can mock up.

The silver tube will pull in outside the engine compartment air (as I DO NOT want to cut up my original Radiator Support).

So...

**TKCR** · 11-27-2023, 10:12 PM

I don’t blame you for not wanting to cut your core support.

**Factory Guy** · 12-26-2023, 08:27 PM

Well I keep getting distracted. I started reading about how these Squares have a tendency to crack the frame at the steering box, ESPECIALLY on the 4WD models. Fortunately for me mine is both 2WD and NOT cracked, but to ensure it does not get cracked I installed this Steering box/frame stiffener from Offroad design. Unlike the 4WD models this one goes ahead of the front cross member, rather than behind it.

Since a good chunk of the front end was/is still off the truck I decided to order this and get it installed. Made for a pretty easy install.

Shifty One · 12-27-2023, 01:12 PM

That's still on my list of things to do...

**Factory Guy** · 01-02-2024, 08:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shifty One

That's still on my list of things to do...

Yes I know that feeling!

hewittca · 01-28-2024, 08:34 AM

I'm following along to see how that air intake setup comes together. I have one of those "filter on a tube" intakes and don't really like the look or sound of it as it sucks in air.

I also like that frame stiffener for the steering box. I've never seen that before.

**Factory Guy** · 01-31-2024, 11:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hewittca

I'm following along to see how that air intake setup comes together. I have one of those "filter on a tube" intakes and don't really like the look or sound of it as it sucks in air.

I also like that frame stiffener for the steering box. I've never seen that before.

Cool...No worries I will post when I have more. So far I have been traveling so much I haven't had a chance to spend ANYTIME in my garage in the last month or so.

**Factory Guy** · 02-05-2024, 06:40 PM

Finally got back to making some progress on the Truck. I decided since the front end is still disassembled I would get the AC condenser installed. So I order a condenser off of amazon, as others had decent luck making it fit on their trucks. I got the condenser and there was no way it was going to fit on my truck. Sent it back. I ordered the Vintage Air condenser kit and it turns out to be a really nice kit WITH a drier as well. Thus got it installed. This fits really well in a 1973!

**Factory Guy** · 02-05-2024, 06:44 PM

So now we can finally place the radiator/electric fans in the engine compartment for the last time, and bolt it into place.

**Factory Guy** · 02-05-2024, 06:50 PM

Since the radiator is in, now I can start reassembling the front end!

Shifty One · 02-06-2024, 02:07 PM

That looks slicker than baby snot on a brass doorknob!

SCOTI · 02-06-2024, 02:55 PM

I love the clean work getting done on this thing

**Factory Guy** · 02-06-2024, 08:54 PM

hewittca · 02-08-2024, 07:48 AM

This last batch of photos/updates makes your engine bay look SO clean and factory fresh. I like it... alot. Maybe that's why they call you Factory Guy.

**Factory Guy** · 02-10-2024, 12:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hewittca

This last batch of photos/updates makes your engine bay look SO clean and factory fresh. I like it... alot. Maybe that's why they call you Factory Guy.

Thank you!

**Factory Guy** · 06-10-2024, 08:09 PM

So now the 51 Year old Squarebody now has a Fuel injected engine and she runs!

https://youtu.be/KcL-vaPME3g

**MusicMan70** · 06-10-2024, 08:22 PM

Video says PRIVATE

SCOTI · 06-11-2024, 08:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MusicMan70

Video says PRIVATE

x2.

Can't view it because of the settings.

10-06-2023, 07:40 PM	#226
Factory Guy Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2019 Location: Midway USA Kentucky Posts: 566	Re: My New Truck Thanks everybody for the compliments! __________________ http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=791250

10-26-2023, 07:29 PM	#227
Factory Guy Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2019 Location: Midway USA Kentucky Posts: 566	Re: My New Truck I have decided to repair my speedo cluster where the transmission selector broke that rides against the speedo housing. Unforunately for me the 50 year speedo housing cluster broke here last time I tried to install the little cable wire that controls the shift linkage cable. Thus, I have been trying to decide the best way how to fix it. Yellow arrows. Attached Images __________________ http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=791250

10-26-2023, 07:42 PM	#228
Factory Guy Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2019 Location: Midway USA Kentucky Posts: 566	Re: My New Truck My way of correcting this turned out pretty well. I first took some super glue (which I have terrible luck with) and installed the broken plastic piece back into to the housing and since I know this WON'T HOLD, I decided to reinforce it with a mechanical bond as well. So I took a very small brad and made and hook into it. Then I laid it on a sodiering iron until it got quite warm then I pressed it into the weak portion of the speedo cluster to mechanically bond it back together. Since I am still fearful this area is weak. I appied a fair amount Super glue and BAKING SODA to the back side of this area to make it nearly impossible to fracture at the cracked area again. Attached Images __________________ http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=791250 Last edited by Factory Guy; 10-28-2023 at 10:02 PM.

11-16-2023, 04:10 PM	#229
Factory Guy Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2019 Location: Midway USA Kentucky Posts: 566	Re: My New Truck So getting ready to start the truck and I realize that the trans cooler lines need to be hooked up AND since the front end is pretty much missing why not install a Tranny cooler, so we get started on this... Guess I will learn about "AN" lines since I do not want a leak like I had before with the old tranny cooler. Just ordered all the lines and fittings. Attached Images __________________ http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=791250

11-22-2023, 10:03 PM	#230
Factory Guy Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2019 Location: Midway USA Kentucky Posts: 566	Re: My New Truck The Auxiliary cooler/Fan is now mounted and installed just waiting for the AN lines to show up! In case you are wondering why this Auxiliary cooler is down low and basically behind the front bumper, I DO NOT have any room in front of the radiator. Since this is a 1973, it has a very DEEP GMC grill. I had previously installed the 75-76 GMC grill, and really like it better than the 73 grill. Now that I am installing the GM remote hood release (1977 year) on this truck, it doesn't PLAY well with my 75-76 grill, or a 73. The 1977 GMC grill is very SHALLOW and the center radiator support sticks much further out than the 73 Radiator Center Support. But I think I will get it all to work together with my 75-76 grill (without hacking up the grill-or the supports for the front of the Radiator support). I am trying to get it to look as close as possible to being built by the factory. Attached Images __________________ http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=791250 Last edited by Factory Guy; 11-27-2023 at 10:15 PM.

11-27-2023, 10:50 AM	#231
Shifty One Registered User Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: Tucson, AZ Posts: 742	Re: My New Truck Nice solution for the coolers! __________________ 1987 V20 farm-hand rescue 1998 C2500 lot-rot rescue

11-27-2023, 09:48 PM	#232
Factory Guy Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2019 Location: Midway USA Kentucky Posts: 566	Re: My New Truck Ok Here's what you run into if you opt for the hidden hood latch (year 1977 truck option). The 1977 center radiator support is on the right, and with all those curves would require cutting up the grill if you want to use the early Squarebody grills. The Center Radiator support for a 1973 is on the left so I took the 77 hood latch/catch mechanism out and just grafted the hood latch mechanism into the back of the 1973 center radiator support, it has both bolts and screws holding it into place (still have to figure out the secondary hood safety catch mechanism). Attached Images __________________ http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=791250

11-27-2023, 10:08 PM	#233
Factory Guy Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2019 Location: Midway USA Kentucky Posts: 566	Re: My New Truck Now off to making a TRUE COLD AIR intake like GM did when they designed the LS. So many people just place a KN filter on a tube inside the engine compartment and believe they have good system, yet this isn't as good (IMO) as what GM engineered into the LS, they pulled and placed into their vehicle. A stock GM truck with a LS has a true cold air system pulling, air in, from in front of the radiator support, a much better design than the original Small Blocks. I saw a Gale Banks video where they are making up some air scoops that fit underneath the bottom of the front bumper and duct air directly into the air box (to get outside air into the engine) of course this was for a Diesel, but I thought why can't we do this? Since I will be using the LS Stock air box, I figured what the heck, lets see what I can mock up. The silver tube will pull in outside the engine compartment air (as I DO NOT want to cut up my original Radiator Support). So... Attached Images __________________ http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=791250

11-27-2023, 10:12 PM	#234
TKCR Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2014 Location: Ohio Posts: 6,978	Re: My New Truck I don’t blame you for not wanting to cut your core support. __________________ FB Page for my Seats Belts https://www.facebook.com/73-87-Chevy...9439407476735/ Restoring Seatbelts: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=809750 SOLD My 86 Build:http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=654972 Past Restored Bench Seats:http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=715398 PayPal link to pay for your items: https://www.paypal.me/TKCR

12-26-2023, 08:27 PM	#235
Factory Guy Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2019 Location: Midway USA Kentucky Posts: 566	Re: My New Truck Well I keep getting distracted. I started reading about how these Squares have a tendency to crack the frame at the steering box, ESPECIALLY on the 4WD models. Fortunately for me mine is both 2WD and NOT cracked, but to ensure it does not get cracked I installed this Steering box/frame stiffener from Offroad design. Unlike the 4WD models this one goes ahead of the front cross member, rather than behind it. Since a good chunk of the front end was/is still off the truck I decided to order this and get it installed. Made for a pretty easy install. Attached Images __________________ http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=791250

12-27-2023, 01:12 PM	#236
Shifty One Registered User Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: Tucson, AZ Posts: 742	Re: My New Truck That's still on my list of things to do... __________________ 1987 V20 farm-hand rescue 1998 C2500 lot-rot rescue

01-28-2024, 08:34 AM	#238
hewittca Registered User Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: Mocksville, NC Posts: 1,765	Re: My New Truck I'm following along to see how that air intake setup comes together. I have one of those "filter on a tube" intakes and don't really like the look or sound of it as it sucks in air. I also like that frame stiffener for the steering box. I've never seen that before. __________________ Builds: Green Gus the 68 C10 \| Bluey the 72 1500 \| Lowly the 70 C10 - Instagram: @dr.hewitt - C10 Concept/Development Photos: Master Thread

02-05-2024, 06:40 PM	#240
Factory Guy Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2019 Location: Midway USA Kentucky Posts: 566	Re: My New Truck Finally got back to making some progress on the Truck. I decided since the front end is still disassembled I would get the AC condenser installed. So I order a condenser off of amazon, as others had decent luck making it fit on their trucks. I got the condenser and there was no way it was going to fit on my truck. Sent it back. I ordered the Vintage Air condenser kit and it turns out to be a really nice kit WITH a drier as well. Thus got it installed. This fits really well in a 1973! Attached Images __________________ http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=791250

02-05-2024, 06:44 PM	#241
Factory Guy Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2019 Location: Midway USA Kentucky Posts: 566	Re: My New Truck So now we can finally place the radiator/electric fans in the engine compartment for the last time, and bolt it into place. Attached Images __________________ http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=791250

02-05-2024, 06:50 PM	#242
Factory Guy Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2019 Location: Midway USA Kentucky Posts: 566	Re: My New Truck Since the radiator is in, now I can start reassembling the front end! Attached Images __________________ http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=791250



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02-06-2024, 02:07 PM	#243
Shifty One Registered User Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: Tucson, AZ Posts: 742	Re: My New Truck That looks slicker than baby snot on a brass doorknob! __________________ 1987 V20 farm-hand rescue 1998 C2500 lot-rot rescue

02-06-2024, 02:55 PM	#244
SCOTI Registered User Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: DALLAS,TX Posts: 22,064	Re: My New Truck I love the clean work getting done on this thing __________________ 67SWB-B.B.RetroRod 64SWB-Recycle 89CCDually-Driver/Tow Truck 99CCSWB Driver All Fleetsides @rattlecankustoms in IG Building a small, high rpm engine with the perfect bore, stroke and rod ratio is very impressive. It's like a highly skilled Morrocan sword fighter with a Damascus Steel Scimitar..... *Cubic inches is like Indiana Jones with a cheap pistol.*

02-06-2024, 08:54 PM	#245
Factory Guy Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2019 Location: Midway USA Kentucky Posts: 566	Re: My New Truck __________________ http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=791250

02-08-2024, 07:48 AM	#246
hewittca Registered User Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: Mocksville, NC Posts: 1,765	Re: My New Truck This last batch of photos/updates makes your engine bay look SO clean and factory fresh. I like it... alot. Maybe that's why they call you Factory Guy. __________________ Builds: Green Gus the 68 C10 \| Bluey the 72 1500 \| Lowly the 70 C10 - Instagram: @dr.hewitt - C10 Concept/Development Photos: Master Thread

06-10-2024, 08:09 PM	#248
Factory Guy Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2019 Location: Midway USA Kentucky Posts: 566	Re: My New Truck So now the 51 Year old Squarebody now has a Fuel injected engine and she runs! https://youtu.be/KcL-vaPME3g __________________ http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=791250 Last edited by Factory Guy; 06-11-2024 at 03:48 PM.

06-10-2024, 08:22 PM	#249
MusicMan70 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Corona, CA Posts: 1,842	Re: My New Truck Video says PRIVATE __________________ MusicMan70 1961 GMC Suburban

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