Project: Custom 71 4x4 hotrod

[MTCK]

Great build - I'll be watching this one. I[m not a big big-rim fan but those look pretty cool!

[silver7]

Originally Posted by MTCK

Great build - I'll be watching this one. I[m not a big big-rim fan but those look pretty cool!

Thanks. I searched long and hard for these and feel really good about how they look with my plan for the truck. In my humble opinion the 20" rims look good on a 35" or larger tire. I'm not a big fan of tiny little rims which give a rounded side wall when viewed from the front or back. 35" or larger diameter tires on 15 - 16" rims just look wrong to me. They look like big marshmallows going down the road.

Having said all of that, I certainly understand a 6" lift, traction bars and 20" Diesel XD rims on 35" Nitto Mud Grapplers isn't for everyone, especially the purists. "To Each His Own."

[BIG HEAD]

I believe the drilled rotors are directional. And from the looks of the picture of your front you are showing right rotor on left side. I may be wrong just tring to help. Looks great.

[silver7]

Hey, I'll take all the help I can get. I'll definitely take a look - thanks Big head. Good news is I have to take it apart anyways to get my brake calipers installed that I forgot. . .

[MTCK]

Yeah I totally agree on the 'to each their own' thought, and you have totally nailed the theme on the build so far. The chassis looks amazing and it all just works, from the red powdercoating to the rims and the slotted/drilled rotors. I can't wait to see the body and drivetrain go in. You can tell when something has been thought out like this build.

[Dieselwrencher]

Very nice progress! That blue looks pretty nice as well.

[silver7]

Thanks brother. This custom thing is a bear to complete but if done right it can be something special. Glad to hear someone appreciates what I'm doing here.

[silver7]

Still having issues with my rear disc brake conversion kit. Ready to move on to another. Anyone have any ideas for a good kit for a k10?

[MTCK]

Where are you at with the breaks? Your last post it looked like you got them mocked up. Are they still too tight or just not the rotors you want? Stainless Steel Brakes makes a nice kit for a C10 (5 lug) but not sure about a K10...
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[silver7]

With the bracket mounted the opening between the pads does not line up with the rotor - still some interference. Might be able to grind down the caliper and bracket a little but would prefer not to.

[MTCK]

Yeah I don't like the grinding idea... You'll definitely own them then! Here is the SS brake kit I was thinking of. Application shows 75-86 trucks, and I'm not sure what it would take to make them work with your axle. It could just be the brake line fitting... I know you wanted slotted and drilled and these are solid. I'd call Stainless Steel brakes and see if they sell a rotor that would work with the kit.

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/SSB-A126/

[red71cheyenne]

Awesome build so far! Great forethought getting all this stuff lined up before hand. Have you talked to Blackbirds customs about rear brake? They do a lot of them and are fairly reasonable. I haven't used them myself, but am going to when I put them on my Blazer.

[silver7]

I'll call them both and see if one of them can hook me up. Thanks fellas.

[silver7]

Not a lot of progress to report but I've been working hard. Hopefully this will change soon.

Engine block - Took my engine block to R&B machine shop to get it ready to start building the engine. Had it magna fluxed, cleaned in the hot solvent tank and new cam bearings installed. When I figure these other few items out below I should be able to shift to this. Can't wait.

Rear brakes - Finally finagled the brake caliper and bracket to where I think they will work. What a pain in the keester! May require some light clearance grinding down the road since my outside pad is almost touching the rotor but won't know until I can drive and try to stop the truck.

Steering - Finally was able to get my pitman arm of my old steering box. The pitman arm puller I rented wasn't big enough, the 3 jaw puller was inneffective, so had to use the shop hydraulic press at work. The bronze/brass mount for the pitman arm looked damaged so I went ahead and bought a remanufactured steering box from LMC truck. Should have it in a few days.

Front Hubs - Tried wire wheeling the front brake caliper brackets/dust shields but there was a lot of pitting so I ended up sandblasted them. Hoping to paint these today and tomorrow so I can finish assembling my front end this weekend.

Painting - In addition to painting the front brake caliper brackets I plan on painting the new front brake calipers (LMC truck) and rear brake calipers (Kirker epoxy primer, Nason Rio Red base, Nason clear), new pitman arm, new power steering pump, front brake caliper brackets and steering box (Kirker epoxy primer, Kirker single stage Jet Black, Nason clear).

[silver7]

Got my 12 bolt pinion yoke and front brake caliper mount/dust covers primered tonight. Turned the regulator pressure down low and tried painting in a box in the garage. It worked ok using a couple of hangers to move the piece around to ensure coverage but ended up with numerous runs. Discovered my brake calipers need some more prep so I'll take care of them another day. New steering gear just arrived from LMC while writing this. The pitman arm mount looked a lot different than my old one so I guess it was good I bought a new replacement. Unfortunately, it will need to be painted too but I can do this when I complete the 4 brake calipers.

If the weather holds up I'll base and clear coat tomorrow - outside.

[MTCK]

Look'n good.

[freakshow108]

Makes me jealous! Its coming along nicely.

[silver7]

Merry Christmas fellas.

[silver7]

Snowed today so no painting. Really stinks because I need to reprime because I had to sand out the bags in my front caliper brackets. Wire wheeled the calipers and part of the steering box last night. Wife and son thought I was crazy sitting at the kitchen table today taping my front and rear calipers. I guess it will work out since I should be able to primer everything at the same time now - steering box, power steering pump, front caliper brackets, front and rear brake calipers. Yesterday I bought a quart of Transtar epoxy primer/catalyst for $65 from O'Reilleys since I ran out of Kirker epoxy primer. That's crazy since I paid about $80 for a gallon of Kirker epoxy primer/catalyst. I'll probably return it and buy some more Kirker primer Monday since I won't get a chance to paint now until later in the week. www.smartshoopersinc.com usually gets it to me within 1-2 days. Plus it saves $ in the long haul.

[RandyL1966]

Looking good Silver I'm still watching Merry Christmas

[caviness]

nice build.

[72longbed]

Great job Silver7 ! I'm enjoying reading your Thread. Building one from the frame rails up really gets into your soul doesn't it? Great memories for the rest of your life!

Keep up the great work!

72longbed

[silver7]

Thanks fellas.

I bet I spent 2 hours on my new steering box with a wire wheel, scratch pad and degreaser getting that black junk removed so I could paint it! It ought to be the best looking steering box you've ever seen when I'm done.

Finally got tired of waiting on the snow and epoxy primered my parts today. Received my Kirker Epoxy Primer so I'm taking the expensive Transtar stuff back. Hopefully I can base coat and possibly clear tomorrow.

[speedfreekk]

Hope my truck looks this good when done.

[silver7]

Spent a good part of the day yesterday laying down Nason Rio Red on my brake calipers. It took 5 friggin coats! It was my first time shooting red and I must say I'm in no hurry to do it again. Brake calipers aren't easy to shoot either - lots of nooks and crannies. Finished up today with 2 heavy coats of Nason clear. They look better than expected.

I'm off tomorrow so tonight I hope to start laying down some Kirker single stage Jet black on my front brake caliper brackets, 12 bolt yoke and my new steering gear so I can clear coat them tomorrow.