Project Vitamin C-10

[Alan's Classic]

Originally Posted by McMurphy

Sir,
It has taken me a week and a half of reading every post to get here, and all I can say is wow...
I am not only grateful of your detailed posts, but inspired as well.

Thank you.

If I can figure out a way to post pics here I will do a thread like this on my 66 stepside project, otherwise I am keeping my Facebook and my CarDomain sites up to date.

Thanks again for making such a great teaching thread!

Hey, welcome aboard and thanks for taking the time to read the story. Also thanks for the coments.

The quickest way to post a pic is to use the manage attachments a little ways down from the text box where you write your message. Go to this link for better explaination. I have been using this a lot lately. You can't type text between the pics. Also you can only post 5 pics per message.

You can also use the gallery in the blue bar along the top of the page. It's a little harder to use. If you use that copy and paste "IMG" code of the pics that you have uploaded into your message.

I have used an offsite image host such as photobucket.com. There are others out there. Using one of these sites you also copy and paste the "img" code into your message.

Anytime you copy and paste an img code you can write between the pics. Your also able to post 10 pics per message. But smilies take away from that number. If you have 2 smilies then you can only post 8 pics.

Hope this helps.

[57truckguy]

Alan

I also have been following your thread for months.. just joined a few days ago.. I don't have the modern truck as you do. I have a 57 stepside short bed.. I've added 396, 700R4, complete wiring kit from EZ Wire( very good kit) VDO Gauges, Power Windows (Specialy windows), Front end with rack and Pinon stering from a 95 Dodge Dakota, Stering Column from a 92 Caprice,. Was painted when I got it, 15 years ago. now has dings and dents.. character I quess... recently did a complete custom interior except the seats. Still need to do the bed.. I have wood that my dad and I cut down on the farm before he passed away, IN 89. I will use this cherry for the bed some time.. LOL Still need to sort out the rear end... I was told it was from a late 70s camaro.. Ii is a 10 bolt 8.5 I think.. never had to cover off to vertify.. gears is pretty low maybe 3:08 or somewhere near that as 70 MPH on the interstate is 1400 RPM.. in overdrive.. >75 overdrive installed by a friend of mine when he went throught the tranny 10 years ago..
Keep up the great post You inspire all you find you..

[Alan's Classic]

Originally Posted by 57truckguy

Alan

I also have been following your thread for months.. just joined a few days ago.. I don't have the modern truck as you do. I have a 57 stepside short bed.. I've added 396, 700R4, complete wiring kit from EZ Wire( very good kit) VDO Gauges, Power Windows (Specialy windows), Front end with rack and Pinon stering from a 95 Dodge Dakota, Stering Column from a 92 Caprice,. Was painted when I got it, 15 years ago. now has dings and dents.. character I quess... recently did a complete custom interior except the seats. Still need to do the bed.. I have wood that my dad and I cut down on the farm before he passed away, IN 89. I will use this cherry for the bed some time.. LOL Still need to sort out the rear end... I was told it was from a late 70s camaro.. Ii is a 10 bolt 8.5 I think.. never had to cover off to vertify.. gears is pretty low maybe 3:08 or somewhere near that as 70 MPH on the interstate is 1400 RPM.. in overdrive.. >75 overdrive installed by a friend of mine when he went throught the tranny 10 years ago..
Keep up the great post You inspire all you find you..

Thanks for watching and welcome aboard. Sounds like a nice truck you have there. Send me a link to your build when you get it going. I haven't been surfing the board lately, concentrating on getting this thing done.

I have almost got the gauges done. Need to do the speedo pod in the center on the truck side and finish up the brown wire on the "GEN" light once I get the SS tube mounted to the engine for the altenator wires.

Also spent some more quality time bumping dents on the hood.

[57truckguy]

Well I really like the dash you installed... I've seen that done a couple of times and it always adds a real custom touch.. I will try to get the link up in a few days.. I am real busy now and don't have much time extra.. LOL Only get to work on the 57 every so often..

[57truckguy]

a couple of photos of my therapy/

[Alan's Classic]

Originally Posted by 57truckguy

a couple of photos of my therapy/

Very nice truckguy.

Got the rear LED lights done....almost. Just need to clean it up a little. The right side did just fine. It took me forever to get the left side to ground, but I got it. I also used a QD for the lights just in case the bed has to come off. I still need a ground strap for the bed. I was just using an extra battery to power the lights. I haven't powered up the complete truck just yet.

[57truckguy]

Well I see you went to the "extreme" of buying all your weatherpak connectors.. LOL I visted my local yards and pulled a couple of hundred from Gm cars and trucks.. Found everthing I needed and then got on the internet and purchased the correct connectors to go in them... Saved a buch of money and gave me some special connectors such as 6pin connector from a Cadallic from the mid 80's. I put in a kit from EZwire.. they have a great diagram and easy to follow instructions. Great job on your truck, as I've said before your inspire all who find you..

[57truckguy]

just curious, did you have to scrape off some paint to get the light to ground. I had to run a special ground wire as my lights are in a fiberglass roll pan.. you will appreciate this.. when I was doing the headlights. I reversed the ground and low beam connecting in the socket and when I turned on the headlights and turned on the 4 way flashers the dash lights flashed. I almost fell out of the truck I was laughing so hard... LOL Called the hot line at easy wire and he knew what I had done right a way.. 5 minute fix 6 months to figure it out..

[Alan's Classic]

Originally Posted by 57truckguy

Well I see you went to the "extreme" of buying all your weatherpak connectors.. LOL I visted my local yards and pulled a couple of hundred from Gm cars and trucks.. Found everthing I needed and then got on the internet and purchased the correct connectors to go in them... Saved a buch of money and gave me some special connectors such as 6pin connector from a Cadallic from the mid 80's. I put in a kit from EZwire.. they have a great diagram and easy to follow instructions. Great job on your truck, as I've said before your inspire all who find you..

I went the lazy way and just clicked "buy".

Originally Posted by 57truckguy

just curious, did you have to scrape off some paint to get the light to ground. I had to run a special ground wire as my lights are in a fiberglass roll pan.. you will appreciate this.. when I was doing the headlights. I reversed the ground and low beam connecting in the socket and when I turned on the headlights and turned on the 4 way flashers the dash lights flashed. I almost fell out of the truck I was laughing so hard... LOL Called the hot line at easy wire and he knew what I had done right a way.. 5 minute fix 6 months to figure it out..

Yes, I had to clean off several layers of primer and paint off the "J" clips for the tail light housing.

That's funny, now that you figured it out. I wonder what gremlins I will have when I power every thing up.

TIP: I discovered this today, maybe ya'll already know. I was trying to get a string run thru some tubing so I could pull some wires. It wasn't going very well. I blew air thru the tube while feeding the sting and it worked nicely. It took one good blast of about a second.

I got the tubing in for the tail lights and fuel tank and rerouted the headlights, radiator fan and horn.

Also got the gauges mounted for the final time (I hope). Still have to wire the park brake light.

[Strodder]

Nice progress Alan. Won't be long now. I bet you can't wait.

[Alan's Classic]

1 more

[daverod]

I leave for a month and your almost done. Looks good. Cant wait till you start it.

[4dranch]

Very clean Alan..

[57truckguy]

very neat job of running the wireing down the frame. wish I had thought of that. I used the rubber insulated clamps..

[57truckguy]

hey Alan , I don't think thoes era of trucks came standard with a park brake light switch. Mine didn't I know for sure. It had the hand operated handle that you had to pull to activate the park brake, then hit your knee on when getting out of the vehicle. Ha Ha. Did it several times..

[57truckguy]

You might try using on of thoes GM SLS 182 switches.. Easy to install and cheap// 6 bucks on ebay.. it is a normally on switch that turns on the light when the lever is moved away from it. I can send you pic of my install it you need.

[McMurphy]

Smooth idea, I like it!!

[shortbed70]

Ahhh the excitement of running wire...
Posted via Mobile Device

[sdailey]

That tubing turned out nice Alan. Keep up the good work.

[chad64chevy]

that looks really good alan! nice way to hide those wires, i might have to do something like that when i get to that point! where did you get those qd connectors??

[XtechX]

Alan, I just thought of something???? You've been such an inspiration to me and everyone on here, and since your going to be done with your truck soon. You're going to have to start another build right away to keep everyone pushing on in their builds. You kinda make everyone set their quality bar a little higher. So any plans on ANOTHER build after this one?? Or better yet you can come to Michigan and help me build another one...Yeah, I like the sounds of that better!!..lol

[65Custom]

Originally Posted by XtechX

Alan, I just thought of something???? You've been such an inspiration to me and everyone on here, and since your going to be done with your truck soon. You're going to have to start another build right away to keep everyone pushing on in their builds. You kinda make everyone set their quality bar a little higher. So any plans on ANOTHER build after this one?? Or better yet you can come to Michigan and help me build another one...Yeah, I like the sounds of that better!!..lol

Hey!! I like this Idea Alan, but I vote for mine to be next, I'm closer to ya and you wouldn't have to leave home. LOL just kidding

[Alan's Classic]

Originally Posted by daverod

I leave for a month and your almost done. Looks good. Cant wait till you start it.

You need to leave again so i can get some more done. J/K

Originally Posted by 4dranch

Very clean Alan..

Thanks David, I'm trying to do my best.

Originally Posted by 57truckguy

very neat job of running the wireing down the frame. wish I had thought of that. I used the rubber insulated clamps..

It's not too late. I had mine ran for the tail lights and redid it.

Originally Posted by 57truckguy

hey Alan , I don't think thoes era of trucks came standard with a park brake light switch. Mine didn't I know for sure. It had the hand operated handle that you had to pull to activate the park brake, then hit your knee on when getting out of the vehicle. Ha Ha. Did it several times..

I tend to agree with ya. I was going to look at a wiring diagram to be sure.

Originally Posted by 57truckguy

You might try using on of thoes GM SLS 182 switches.. Easy to install and cheap// 6 bucks on ebay.. it is a normally on switch that turns on the light when the lever is moved away from it. I can send you pic of my install it you need.

Post a pic here if you don't mind, thanks. Thanks for the PN as well.

Originally Posted by McMurphy

Smooth idea, I like it!!

Originally Posted by shortbed70

Ahhh the excitement of running wire...
Posted via Mobile Device

So far so good. The true test is yet to come.

Originally Posted by sdailey

That tubing turned out nice Alan. Keep up the good work.

Thanks neighbor and thanks for the donation to the cause.

Originally Posted by chad64chevy

that looks really good alan! nice way to hide those wires, i might have to do something like that when i get to that point! where did you get those qd connectors??

Link to perfplusconnection on ebay Very nice people

Originally Posted by XtechX

Alan, I just thought of something???? You've been such an inspiration to me and everyone on here, and since your going to be done with your truck soon. You're going to have to start another build right away to keep everyone pushing on in their builds. You kinda make everyone set their quality bar a little higher. So any plans on ANOTHER build after this one?? Or better yet you can come to Michigan and help me build another one...Yeah, I like the sounds of that better!!..lol

Thanks, but after this one I will not do another for myself unless the money is there. I couldn't imagine paying a shop to do what I have done to this truck. I'm hoping this truck will bring me more business than I can handle. It will be a great business card. If I was well off and the kids were grown I have thought about being mobile. We could see the country and work on trucks and meet some cool people. AHHHH dreams.

Originally Posted by 65Custom

Hey!! I like this Idea Alan, but I vote for mine to be next, I'm closer to ya and you wouldn't have to leave home. LOL just kidding

Your right Kevin, you know what the sad thing is? We live so close but have yet to see each others projects. Every time I get off at the Holy Springs exit I think about it. Well, that's all I have done is think about it. Someday.

[McMurphy]

Alan, about tools...

Just a bit of back history: I worked a couple summers with my father in the EARLY 80s in his best friends welding shop. I didnt learn as much as I now wished I had...
I am looking to get a small welder but not sure what size to get. I have looked at a few of the 115v but the dials are preset and are marked as Setting 1-3 or 1-6 depending on the make. I would rather have one that is more descriptive of the amps it is pushing. Any ideas on a good model to keep my eyes out for? I dont think I would be welding any thing bigger or thicker than basic frame (1/4" or so yes?)

I also cannot find the hammer tip you have in your air hammer... where did you get that?

And I dont know what it was called, but I want to find an air tool we had back then in the shop that we used to chip the slag and flux off of the stick welds. It basically looked like a cup with a bunch of pencils sticking out of it with a trigger like a die cutter. I have got some serious caked on gunk down under where the sun dont shine and this tool would be perfect for chipping it off....

Lastly what seam sealer do you use and where do you get it? I have looked at all the major auto parts stores here but they cater more to the girls who need air freshners more than anything else it seems.

thanks in advance sir !!

[Alan's Classic]

Originally Posted by McMurphy

Alan, about tools...

Just a bit of back history: I worked a couple summers with my father in the EARLY 80s in his best friends welding shop. I didnt learn as much as I now wished I had...
I am looking to get a small welder but not sure what size to get. I have looked at a few of the 115v but the dials are preset and are marked as Setting 1-3 or 1-6 depending on the make. I would rather have one that is more descriptive of the amps it is pushing. Any ideas on a good model to keep my eyes out for? I dont think I would be welding any thing bigger or thicker than basic frame (1/4" or so yes?)

I also cannot find the hammer tip you have in your air hammer... where did you get that?

And I dont know what it was called, but I want to find an air tool we had back then in the shop that we used to chip the slag and flux off of the stick welds. It basically looked like a cup with a bunch of pencils sticking out of it with a trigger like a die cutter. I have got some serious caked on gunk down under where the sun dont shine and this tool would be perfect for chipping it off....

Lastly what seam sealer do you use and where do you get it? I have looked at all the major auto parts stores here but they cater more to the girls who need air freshners more than anything else it seems.

thanks in advance sir !!

I really like the Lincoln 135 gas welder. My neighbor brought his over and I prefer it over my 220v Miller. I can't turn the miller down low enough to weld sheet metal. The Lincoln does a nice job.

The bit for the airhammer came from Matco I believe.

For anything body work related I lik this company, autobodytoolmart.comThey have a lot of items and decent prices. I haven't ordered anything for a while, but I use to.

I think the needle scaler is what you are asking about.

I use 3m and Kent seam sealers. Autobodytoolmart.com has several seam sealers. I get mine thru the suppliers at work.