My 56 build

[BAM55]

Very nice build you have going on here. Very nice detailed work.

[Jason 56]

Originally Posted by BAM55

Very nice build you have going on here. Very nice detailed work.

Thanks Bam! I can’t wait to see yours finished.

[Jason 56]

I cut a piece of 14 gauge to install in the handle. This is what will be anchored to the door with a bolt after I weld a tab to the door.

The Handles have evolved into their rough shape. After many days whittling away I realized I could mirror the door handle shape to the window shape. This is where I ended up. Not much body work needed. Just a small amount near the bottom. The button on the side is the exit button and the lower black insert is the manual release for the C6 door latch.

[62 Barnfind]

Nice job Jason! I send you a plane ticket to help me finish mine.

[Jason 56]

Originally Posted by 62 Barnfind

Nice job Jason! I send you a plane ticket to help me finish mine.

Thanks John, I like how they are turning out so far. I’m putting filler on them today to finish them up.

Careful what you wish for, I may take you up on that offer remember it’s still freezing up here.

[Jason 56]

I haven’t posted in a while. I’ve slowly been purchasing one piece at a time. The fuel system is complete, except the fpcm (fuel pump control module) plug. I still have to track one of those down. It’s been lots of research and ordering plugs. All the harness is worked out and the connectors are installed. No splices anywhere between the computer and the sensors. All continuous wires from the ecu to sensors. Next to make a battery mount, reprogram the ecu and try to start it.

I also have the power steering pump installed with the new belt. Only need a reservoir and hoses. Have to get my hydroboost first.

[Jason 56]

I ordered a new cowl panel without vents. Figured that would be easier than modifying the original. Looks like I’m going to modify the original. Uhhhh WRONG! The aftermarket panel isn’t even close to fitting so I’ll be welding small panels where the vents are. The aftermarket is flat and the original has a crown in the center. You can see in the last picture. That gap exists at both ends! I also got my tailgate hinges, so I’ll be installing those as well.

[slammed57]

Jason, I bought that same cowl panel. Mine fit pretty good. I would call who you got it from and see if you can swap it out or get a refund. Before that I took my original and did what you are doing. from my experience cut only one set of vents out and then fill that patch area. then move on to the next set of vents... be very careful because the whole cowl warps VERY easy...After I did mine it had only slight warpage , (but still very usable) I still went with the after market just because it fit pretty good . hope this helps

[62 Barnfind]

Originally Posted by slammed57

Jason, I bought that same cowl panel. Mine fit pretty good. I would call who you got it from and see if you can swap it out or get a refund. Before that I took my original and did what you are doing. from my experience cut only one set of vents out and then fill that patch area. then move on to the next set of vents... be very careful because the whole cowl warps VERY easy...After I did mine it had only slight warpage , (but still very usable) I still went with the after market just because it fit pretty good . hope this helps

I had to shape mine a little to get it to sit down right. I kept applying pressure on a table until it was close. It took a while but it fit.

[BIGglaSS]

You have to massage them over your knee to get the right shape

[Jason 56]

Thanks for the advice. I decided to try and see if I could get the cowl to fit. A little massaging over my knee was all it took. Fits great now. Don’t know why I would expect anything less from an aftermarket part

I also mounted my gate hinges. They turned out nice and operate well.

[Jason 56]

I also started the battery mount. I plan on mounting it on the frame under the passenger seat. The 1x3 channel will be welded to the frame with all thread welded to it where the bolts are. The tray will bolt up to it from the bottom.

I also am working on wiring the electric C6 door handles. I had to join a corvette forum to get the wiring schematics. They were very helpful. Think I have everything coming this week to get it done. Next is to buy my hp tuners software and run enough exhaust to install o2 sensors. Then I may be able to finally start it

[Jason 56]

Finished the battery mount. I welded 3/8” bolts to the upper bracket. Then welded that bracket to the frame. Works great. I’m going to make a rock guard for the front. Also mounted a remote battery terminal in the right front inner fender. This will make power/charging access easier. Had to order one short battery cable and a new ground strap. Also ordered my hp tuners software today. Thanks to 87chevy.com I now have a fuel pump control module plug. We met on eBay. So I will soon have power and the tuner program to start this thing

[Father&son56project]

That's nicely tucked away, and I like that inner fender pass-thru. Did/will you add a provision for unhooking the negative cable from the battery? I am just wondering about those times when you are doing some servicing that requires disconnecting the battery.

[Jason 56]

Originally Posted by Father&son56project

That's nicely tucked away, and I like that inner fender pass-thru. Did/will you add a provision for unhooking the negative cable from the battery? I am just wondering about those times when you are doing some servicing that requires disconnecting the battery.

Good call. I hadn’t really thought about that. I was going to run the negative cable to the same point as the ground strap by the exhaust. Now thinking of running it to the outside of the frame so I can access it from the front fender. Thanks!

[dsraven]

I had a starter go out on me once, parked inside a building, it was shorting and ready to catch fire by the time I got the hood open and the battery disconnected.

[57FleetsideC4]

I was told by a couple of friends to hide the battery but have decided to keep it in the stock location on the 57 I am doing. I like easy access to the battery. I am sure your engine compartment will look neater. Just my preference. Looking good. Steve

[my56chevytruck]

Originally Posted by Jason 56

I cut a piece of 14 gauge to install in the handle. This is what will be anchored to the door with a bolt after I weld a tab to the door.

The Handles have evolved into their rough shape. After many days whittling away I realized I could mirror the door handle shape to the window shape. This is where I ended up. Not much body work needed. Just a small amount near the bottom. The button on the side is the exit button and the lower black insert is the manual release for the C6 door latch.

that is very cool. You did a great job

[Jason 56]

So this is what I did for my battery connection. This way the main negative that will be accessible from the passenger fender. I welded in 3/8” flange nut and found the lead lugs to anchor it. This wii also give me a convenient way to jumpstart or use a charger

[Jason 56]

Originally Posted by my56chevytruck

that is very cool. You did a great job

Thanks!

[Jason 56]

So I now have the battery mounted and power running to the ECM . I bought hp tuners and had to buy a laptop as well. I’ve managed to download the current ECM. Now I can eliminate the vats (vehicle anti-theft system). I’m pushing to get the engine running. I ran new exhaust to the back of the cab and welded in new O2 sensor bungs. Oil cooler block off plate should be in Monday. Hopefully it will be running soon!

[Gregski]

Originally Posted by Jason 56

Finished the battery mount. I welded 3/8” bolts to the upper bracket. Then welded that bracket to the frame. Works great. I’m going to make a rock guard for the front. Also mounted a remote battery terminal in the right front inner fender. This will make power/charging access easier. Had to order one short battery cable and a new ground strap. Also ordered my hp tuners software today. Thanks to 87chevy.com I now have a fuel pump control module plug. We met on eBay. So I will soon have power and the tuner program to start this thing

awesome skills, I was just wondering how do you remove the battery, do you just drop it down?

[Jason 56]

Originally Posted by Gregski

awesome skills, I was just wondering how do you remove the battery, do you just drop it down?

Correct... I've been using my floor jack to lift it up. I plan on running an optima battery in the end.

[Jason 56]

Here’s a link to a video update of everything I’ve done recently. So many little things that pictures don’t explain.

https://youtu.be/0KdXqZVqmmo

[Jason 56]

Here’s a few shots of my cold air intake. I may build a cold air box in the corner where the filter is. Second picture was taken before the MAF sensor adapter was welded on. It is now