Restomod 72 K10 "Good Memories"

[Richard]

Has been another minute or so since last update. 2023 was a bust as for working on truck. Exactly what I feared happened when I started working part time on a regular basis. It turned full time. I have arranged to get one day off a week until the VW van is out the door of the body shop. Then the off days will increase. Finally got the drive shafts and they are in the truck. That ordeal kind of sucked. Posted something here on that https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=844430 Will get some pics up soon.
Was able to spray the Lizard Skin sound formula today. Will follow up with the ceramic heat formula by next week. A pic of the sound deadener.

[NDM]

Originally Posted by Richard

Has been another minute or so since last update. 2023 was a bust as for working on truck. Exactly what I feared happened when I started working part time on a regular basis. It turned full time. I have arranged to get one day off a week until the VW van is out the door of the body shop. Then the off days will increase. Finally got the drive shafts and they are in the truck. That ordeal kind of sucked. Posted something here on that https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=844430 Will get some pics up soon.
Was able to spray the Lizard Skin sound formula today. Will follow up with the ceramic heat formula by next week. A pic of the sound deadener.

Many people talked crap about lizardskin in past years. I used it on my unbearablely hot 76 Buick Regal floorpans and it worked wonders for me. I could not believe how well it worked. I went from only able to stand 1 hour of driving to being able to drive all day anywhere I wanted. I wish that it stayed glossy as it is when it is first sprayed though.

I am going to raptorline over the top of the lizardskin in my Blazer though.

[Richard]

Originally Posted by NDM

Many people talked crap about lizardskin in past years. I used it on my unbearablely hot 76 Buick Regal floorpans and it worked wonders for me. I could not believe how well it worked. I went from only able to stand 1 hour of driving to being able to drive all day anywhere I wanted. I wish that it stayed glossy as it is when it is first sprayed though.

I am going to raptorline over the top of the lizardskin in my Blazer though.

The Raptor over it is probably a good idea if going topless in in the cards.
First time I have used the stuff. Usually just throw down some strips of Accumat for panel deadening. Brian @ American Off Road had both the Lizard products in stock. I experienced the before and after on a Gravedigger panel van he was working on. Figured might as well do the heat shield while I am at it.

[NDM]

Originally Posted by Richard

The Raptor over it is probably a good idea if going topless in in the cards.
First time I have used the stuff. Usually just throw down some strips of Accumat for panel deadening. Brian @ American Off Road had both the Lizard products in stock. I experienced the before and after on a Gravedigger panel van he was working on. Figured might as well do the heat shield while I am at it.

It will smell like latex for a while, just be prepared for that. I also used both Sound and thermal products. Good stuff.

I wish I was not laid off right now. I have a 6.6 liter L8T and a 6l90E sitting in the garage for my 72 K5. I would really like to slap it in so I can enjoy this summer. Gotta find a new gig asap!

[Richard]

Originally Posted by NDM

It will smell like latex for a while, just be prepared for that. I also used both Sound and thermal products. Good stuff.

I wish I was not laid off right now. I have a 6.6 liter L8T and a 6l90E sitting in the garage for my 72 K5. I would really like to slap it in so I can enjoy this summer. Gotta find a new gig asap!

A little bit to do until truck is on the road hopefully smell is gone by then.
If you do not mind I will pray for your job situation to change.
For me time is the problem to finish my truck. I have no means to make more of it once it is gone. Have enough $ saved up to finish it, if I do 96.8% of the work. Would have never even started this project if I had to pay for the labor.

[fakerwade]

Cool build!!

[Richard]

Originally Posted by fakerwade

Cool build!!

Thank you for the comment. Took a peek at your build.

[Richard]

Sprayed the ceramic heat coating today. All done with that step.

[NDM]

Originally Posted by Richard

Sprayed the ceramic heat coating today. All done with that step.

NICE! Very clean job!

[Richard]

Originally Posted by NDM

NICE! Very clean job!

Thank you! The heat product is real thick but light. Barely poured out of container after mixing. I was reminded of marshmallow fluff, something I have not eaten in years. I was surprised it even came out of the gun. I used 70 psi with the gun in the application kit. My 5 gallon upright seemed to keep up for air delivery. It is a standard compressor, not oilless. While I would have preferred black as an end color. The white made it easier to ensure coverage over the black sound product. There is a black coating available I could spray. It will be concealed by carpet so why spend the extra money? Want to do something more on Thursday, my new day off. Will see what I come up with.

[mr.mud1]

very nice,great work.she'll be a beauty.

[Richard]

Originally Posted by mr.mud1

very nice,great work.she'll be a beauty.

Thank you for the kind comment. It is inspirational to see you are still interested in my build after the hiatus. Helps with the motivation to post updates.

[NDM]

Originally Posted by Richard

Thank you! The heat product is real thick but light. Barely poured out of container after mixing. I was reminded of marshmallow fluff, something I have not eaten in years. I was surprised it even came out of the gun. I used 70 psi with the gun in the application kit. My 5 gallon upright seemed to keep up for air delivery. It is a standard compressor, not oilless. While I would have preferred black as an end color. The white made it easier to ensure coverage over the black sound product. There is a black coating available I could spray. It will be concealed by carpet so why spend the extra money? Want to do something more on Thursday, my new day off. Will see what I come up with.

It takes a while for it to completely dry. You could get a single Raptor liner kit and spray that which will make it very durable. Whatever you do, I am sure that it will be a great job!

[Richard]

Had a good day and got some stuff done. Knocked the welds off of spring pads and shock mounts to set pinion angle. Set pinion at 2 degrees less than the drive shaft. Pics of drive shafts also included. I had decided to use a CV on the rear shaft to increase the amount of time between service intervals. Running a bit more than the 3 degree working angle many believe is necessary None the less, I have no worries that shaft will have a long life. Had to clearance the front shaft CV a bit as it gets to over 30 degrees at full droop.
Also started install of the BDS Recoil traction bars I got for Christmas. Just got the bars as there is obviously no install kit for my situation. Did not really want to run this type of bar but I had to do something with the soft springs. My measurements show they will not limit travel and be easy on the springs. The torque arm setup with the shackle puts to much strain on the springs with my 15"+ of wheel travel. Have the frame mounts all cut and ready to weld up. Will see them next time.

[Richard]

Finished the frame mounts for the traction bars and painted them. Have Monday off. Plan is to finish install of bars and start installation of Amp Powersteps.

[Richard]

Was more unorganized today than usual. Kind of did not want to post pics.
Figure most are used to it, traction bars are on the truck. Axle side tabs just tacked as I have to disassemble the new springs, cycle suspension and check full bump. With the diff turned up now I am pretty sure I have skid plate and possible tank modifications in my future.
Started Amp steps install. More modifying parts to make them fit. Need to pick up some different hardware to complete install. The axle degree shims are used behind the mounts to the inner rockers. They correct the mounting angle so steps will be level. Should have the mechanical side of the boards done the next day I work on them. Will have more details on what I am doing in the next post.

[Richard]

Tried my best to get it all done today. Was tired and saved rest for another day. While my idea seemed simple, install was a bit more time consuming than I anticipated. Drivers side is done. Passenger powered arm is installed and all pieces cut/trimmed. Drill 4 holes for idler arm, install and install step. Regarding the hardware I needed 1/4" longer bolts for the pinch weld mount point because of 4 degree shims and I was shorted the motor mount screws for one of the motors. While not 100% concealed. I think the steps tuck up nicely when parked and I can live with it. Steps offer almost 8" lower entry point. Last pic contains model # of steps I used. Feel free to ask any questions about install.

[D.B]

Fantastic build, you are doing a great job. I wonder if you could powder coat the bolt heads the same color of blue so they blend in with the pinch weld.

[Richard]

Originally Posted by D.B

Fantastic build, you are doing a great job. I wonder if you could powder coat the bolt heads the same color of blue so they blend in with the pinch weld.

Thank you for the comments. The bolt heads do stand out quite a bit. My plan was to brush touch them with same activated paint that is on the truck.

[nsiti]

Originally Posted by Richard

Tried my best to get it all done today. Was tired and saved rest for another day. While my idea seemed simple, install was a bit more time consuming than I anticipated. Drivers side is done. Passenger powered arm is installed and all pieces cut/trimmed. Drill 4 holes for idler arm, install and install step. Regarding the hardware I needed 1/4" longer bolts for the pinch weld mount point because of 4 degree shims and I was shorted the motor mount screws for one of the motors. While not 100% concealed. I think the steps tuck up nicely when parked and I can live with it. Steps offer almost 8" lower entry point. Last pic contains model # of steps I used. Feel free to ask any questions about install.

Hi and thanks for bringing your step install to my attention, it looks great!

How many 4 degree shims do you think I would need for a similar install on my '72 Suburban?

Cheers,
Nick

[Richard]

Originally Posted by nsiti

Hi and thanks for bringing your step install to my attention, it looks great!

How many 4 degree shims do you think I would need for a similar install on my '72 Suburban?

Cheers,
Nick

Same as my install, 8. Two per linkage arm. Maybe someone has a better solution than the axle shims? Used them because they were readily available, no fabrication and fairly cheap.

[nsiti]

Originally Posted by Richard

Same as my install, 8. Two per linkage arm. Maybe someone has a better solution than the axle shims? Used them because they were readily available, no fabrication and fairly cheap.

Thanks, any material preference for the shims? I see some in aluminum, steel, and zinc coated steel. They may be for different applications like leveling springs or pinion vs axle. Is strength preferable over corrosion resistance? Aluminum is going to weather better but is typically less durable.

[Richard]

Originally Posted by nsiti

Thanks, any material preference for the shims? I see some in aluminum, steel, and zinc coated steel. They may be for different applications like leveling springs or pinion vs axle. Is strength preferable over corrosion resistance? Aluminum is going to weather better but is typically less durable.

I used aluminum, easier to drill, cut, etc. They are used on axles, stress of the steps will be no problem. The Amp steps and linkage arms are made of aluminum as well.

[Richard]

Passenger step is done, had today off. Completed taxes this morning for us and Mother in Law as well. Sorry, no pics. Looks like other side just opposite. Forgot to take pics of the rivet nuts I installed for upper mounting point on last arm. Van is almost finished at body shop and I have tomorrow off as well. May start on seat install tomorrow.

[Richard]

Ironed out what I am doing to mount the 60/40 bench today. Was going to build a new frame that attached to the existing holes in truck and modify seat brackets. It sat so well on the floor, the new frame just seemed like a lot of work for no gain. I modified the 60 section inner bracket to sit on the floor. Will drill 8 new holes in floor. On the underside I will run 4 each 3/16" x 1 1/2" flat bar front to back with nuts welded onto flat bar. Will be a strong mounting IMO.
While I had the welder out I made a small change to the gas pedal bracket purchased from HartRod. Cut in half and rewelded with pedal mount side at a slight angle. This raised the pedal about 3/4"
Going to drop off seats at upholsterer maybe this week. Been dragging my feet as he wants a lot to do it. Several have recommended and my boss has known him for years. But.....his price is A LOT and I have all the fabric. We have a sewing machine at the shop and I probably can do it. Just would be more time working on something else for me though. Attached a few pics for your entertainment.