Project "My Happy Mess" - Page 14 - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

litew8 · 10-25-2011, 10:34 PM

My younger Brother has just been nicknamed "The Fixer". We're trying to be conservative and creative in "CUSTOM"izing the truck as a throw-back to the early years when the trucks were first produced - people would do something to make it a true "CUSTOM" truck, not by name only. Even if it's little things. We'll see about customizing the wire loom kit I've got in (I hate having to return stuff), if doable. I'm still thinking about replicating the PO's pin stripping on the bedsides, front fenders and doors in respect of the PO's "CUSTOM"izing. Curious what you all think of that pin strip work. I think the guy who did it had some sort of talent if he was invited by Don Johnson to paint dolphins on his race boat back in the 90's or late 80's.

I've got the valve covers and spark plug wire loom kit tonight. Will install tomorrow. I have to wait on the air cleaner, guess it was a special order thing (not really), at least in Summit terms. It won't ship until the end of the month. :/

"have more of a rumble sound with that cast iron instead of the long tubes"

a low, undistorted rumble I hope

litew8 · 10-26-2011, 09:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by litew8

I've got the valve covers and spark plug wire loom kit tonight.

The wire loom kit turned out to be a BIG POS and I am returning it.
They threw all the crap in a small bag and called it good. This was a kit from GMPP.

litew8 · 10-26-2011, 01:38 AM

Stardate 10-26-11 Project duration 4 months.

litew8 · 10-26-2011, 03:36 PM

Wednesday Update

Carb disassembled and cleaned -

Reassembled -

Valve covers placed on, checked for clearance.
May have to shave the driver's side exhaust manifold a little along the top.

Throttle cable linkage on carb not lining up right.
Had to modify the carb linkage and drill new hole.
Had to modify the bracket by cutting/welding it inward.

Optimus Prime

Now for the next "stupid" thing to have happen. WTH
The new alternator doesn't line up with the bracket.
The alternator hits the valve cover and the bracket isn't long
enough to reach over to where it'd clear not hitting the valve cover.

Need advice on how to fix this please! tia
We're considering fabricating the existing bracket to extend it out more.
But if there's another bracket and belt we can use, that'd be better.
I thought I had read that a bracket from a Corvette would work.
Any ideas anyone?!

Even the old alternator doesn't seem to line up.

VA72C10 · 10-26-2011, 06:03 PM

hmmm....not sure on the alt bracket other than the custom aluminum ones march makes (or cheap knock-offs of that one ebay

)

litew8 · 10-26-2011, 08:25 PM

Seems others have had the same problem. Looks like we will have to modify. See post #24, but I think my circumstances are more severe.
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=485705

litew8 · 10-26-2011, 08:38 PM

My older Brother (thanks!) is suggesting this -

"This bracket is low profile for vehicles with little hood clearance. Short water pump small block Chevy. Tall valve covers are ok."
http://www.nostalgicairparts.com/air...r-side-237.php

or this one (but I don't think it'd clear the frame) -

We'll try and mod the heck out of the original first!

litew8 · 10-26-2011, 09:12 PM

^ Not to mention, PS wouldn't be able to bolt up with the last pic.

JDeere550 · 10-26-2011, 09:18 PM

you should try a longer belt, and push that top bracket piece down, that's what i did with mine lol.

litew8 · 10-26-2011, 09:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JDeere550

you should try a longer belt, and push that top bracket piece down, that's what i did with mine lol.

Can't because the top bracket is too short to even reach the alternator - even when the alternator is pressed up against the valve cover.

It's hitting the valve cover in this pic. The bracket not reaching the hole by about an 1"
Then take into consideration for tension, and it's just way too far off.

Not sure the freeze plug caps will remain, some are giving me grief over them. lol

litew8 · 10-26-2011, 09:50 PM

I think this is the one you recommended VA, looks like it'd work, for $139!!!

http://www.jegs.com/i/March+Performa...20133/10002/-1

PDF http://www.marchperf.com/instruction...structions.pdf

VA72C10 · 10-26-2011, 09:59 PM

This is the one I was thinking of (39.95 shipped) but it's passenger side. LWP

http://www.ebay.com/itm/SBC-Chevy-Bi...f#ht_755wt_905

litew8 · 10-26-2011, 10:13 PM

Okay, thanks. Don't want to get into changing much else. We'll see how a modification works first then I guess go from there if nobody has any other suggestions. Wow, why they make this stuff so incompatible is beyond me.

litew8 · 10-26-2011, 10:39 PM

Just noticed, the March product, same numbers - different diagram in PDF

litew8 · 10-26-2011, 10:42 PM

My older Brother also suggested this one...

http://www.classicchevy.com/chevy-al...1955-1957.html

Chevy Alternator Bracket Kit, Small Block, Short Water PumpExtra Clearance, 1955-1957
Mounts Alternator On Driver's Side
Requires Use Of 1969-Up Cylinder Heads
Extra Clearance For Tall Valve Covers, Multiple Carburetors & Fuel Injection
Mounts High Over Valve Cover
Also Works With Vortec Heads
Will Not Work With Power Steering Pump P/N 53-28

litew8 · 10-26-2011, 10:46 PM

PICKUPMAN posted the different styles for our trucks (longer = 72' ?)

That longer one looks like it might actually work.

litew8 · 10-26-2011, 10:58 PM

This engine has the longer bracket from a 72' I think.
Look how much more movement it could have to the right.

JDeere550 · 10-27-2011, 04:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by litew8

This engine has the longer bracket from a 72' I think.
Look how much more movement it could have to the right.

ahh i see, i have that long one. i didn't know they made two lengths for em. so alls i did was buy a longer belt that's why it must have worked for me.

**Dieselwrencher** · 10-26-2011, 11:07 PM

Why don't you just cut that upper bracket and add 1.5" more steel in there?

litew8 · 10-26-2011, 11:21 PM

Hence the "modification" I've been mentioning. Pay attention Ryan!
Though, not certain the structural/aligning integrity would be adequate if we extend it.

That 72' bracket looks like candy! Meaning I might have to find me one.

litew8 · 10-27-2011, 02:01 AM

Update, "The Fixer" had/has taken care of the bracket fitment issue...

Relocation

litew8 · 10-27-2011, 03:21 PM

Spoke too soon.

Updated today, the relocation of the bracket still did not extend enough to clear the valve cover. This option may have worked for another build, without the E-Tec heads - but not for me. So we decided to mod the bracket and extend it out. To do that, the furthest we could extend the bracket would require a 54"+ v-belt to work. 55" is too long because pivoting the alt. that far would end up loosening the belt past adequate tension needed/required. Therefore, we need a 54"+ belt - which NOBODY has.

**Dieselwrencher** · 10-27-2011, 04:04 PM

Yep, that sounds like my kind of luck.

litew8 · 10-27-2011, 06:10 PM

^ Guessing you don't have the same setup as I do.

Update - Found a 54.5" Goodyear V-Belt at Midwest Wheel on the East side of town.
Will try tomorrow and see if I can still get away with using Stock brackets.
Also painted the steering gear box.

litew8 · 10-27-2011, 08:38 PM

If all else fails, supposedly these brackets for Corvettes are interchangeable with ours.
The lower bracket pushes the alt. out towards the driver's fender (what I'd need) - per forum member Tx Firefighter.

Copyright ©2011 Corvette Central All Rights Reserved

-----------------------------------

ALTERNATOR ADJUSTING BRACE (UPPER)
Description 1975-1976
Corvette Central #: 303360
Original GM #: 460754

Corvette Central .com

Copyright ©2011 Corvette Central All Rights Reserved

Corvette Central .com

Unless there's a different LOWER bracket than pictured above - this is the one shown in the diagram above.
Not sure if the LOWER bracket is what TX Firefighter was referencing (no part number provided for LOWER).
Maybe he'll be kind enough to show up and provide details.

10-25-2011, 10:34 PM	#1
litew8 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Des Moines, Iowa Posts: 3,016	Re: Project "My Happy Mess" My younger Brother has just been nicknamed "The Fixer". We're trying to be conservative and creative in "CUSTOM"izing the truck as a throw-back to the early years when the trucks were first produced - people would do something to make it a true "CUSTOM" truck, not by name only. Even if it's little things. We'll see about customizing the wire loom kit I've got in (I hate having to return stuff), if doable. I'm still thinking about replicating the PO's pin stripping on the bedsides, front fenders and doors in respect of the PO's "CUSTOM"izing. Curious what you all think of that pin strip work. I think the guy who did it had some sort of talent if he was invited by Don Johnson to paint dolphins on his race boat back in the 90's or late 80's. I've got the valve covers and spark plug wire loom kit tonight. Will install tomorrow. I have to wait on the air cleaner, guess it was a special order thing (not really), at least in Summit terms. It won't ship until the end of the month. :/ "have more of a rumble sound with that cast iron instead of the long tubes" a low, undistorted rumble I hope __________________ project: "my happy mess" Last edited by litew8; 10-25-2011 at 11:03 PM.

10-26-2011, 01:38 AM	#3
litew8 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Des Moines, Iowa Posts: 3,016	Re: Project "My Happy Mess" Stardate 10-26-11 Project duration 4 months. __________________ project: "my happy mess" Last edited by litew8; 10-26-2011 at 01:51 AM.

10-26-2011, 03:36 PM	#4
litew8 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Des Moines, Iowa Posts: 3,016	Re: Project "My Happy Mess" Wednesday Update Carb disassembled and cleaned - Reassembled - Valve covers placed on, checked for clearance. May have to shave the driver's side exhaust manifold a little along the top. Throttle cable linkage on carb not lining up right. Had to modify the carb linkage and drill new hole. Had to modify the bracket by cutting/welding it inward. Optimus Prime Now for the next "stupid" thing to have happen. WTH The new alternator doesn't line up with the bracket. The alternator hits the valve cover and the bracket isn't long enough to reach over to where it'd clear not hitting the valve cover. Need advice on how to fix this please! tia We're considering fabricating the existing bracket to extend it out more. But if there's another bracket and belt we can use, that'd be better. I thought I had read that a bracket from a Corvette would work. Any ideas anyone?! Even the old alternator doesn't seem to line up. __________________ project: "my happy mess" Last edited by litew8; 10-26-2011 at 03:41 PM.

10-26-2011, 06:03 PM	#5
VA72C10 VA72C10 Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Midlothian, VA Posts: 25,269	Re: Project "My Happy Mess" hmmm....not sure on the alt bracket other than the custom aluminum ones march makes (or cheap knock-offs of that one ebay ) __________________ Looking for a 67-72 swb or blazer project in or around VA.

10-26-2011, 08:25 PM	#6
litew8 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Des Moines, Iowa Posts: 3,016	Re: Project "My Happy Mess" Seems others have had the same problem. Looks like we will have to modify. See post #24, but I think my circumstances are more severe. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=485705 __________________ project: "my happy mess"

10-26-2011, 08:38 PM	#7
litew8 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Des Moines, Iowa Posts: 3,016	Re: Project "My Happy Mess" My older Brother (thanks!) is suggesting this - "This bracket is low profile for vehicles with little hood clearance. Short water pump small block Chevy. Tall valve covers are ok." http://www.nostalgicairparts.com/air...r-side-237.php or this one (but I don't think it'd clear the frame) - We'll try and mod the heck out of the original first! __________________ project: "my happy mess" Last edited by litew8; 10-26-2011 at 09:00 PM.

10-26-2011, 09:12 PM	#8
litew8 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Des Moines, Iowa Posts: 3,016	Re: Project "My Happy Mess" ^ Not to mention, PS wouldn't be able to bolt up with the last pic. __________________ project: "my happy mess"

10-26-2011, 09:18 PM	#9
JDeere550 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Sacramento, California Posts: 79	Re: Project "My Happy Mess" you should try a longer belt, and push that top bracket piece down, that's what i did with mine lol. __________________ 1970 C/20 4x4, 350, sm465, np205(She tipped over... total rebuild from the frame up!) ya gotta keep on keepin' on, Life's a garden, dig it!

10-26-2011, 09:50 PM	#11
litew8 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Des Moines, Iowa Posts: 3,016	Re: Project "My Happy Mess" I think this is the one you recommended VA, looks like it'd work, for $139!!! http://www.jegs.com/i/March+Performa...20133/10002/-1 PDF http://www.marchperf.com/instruction...structions.pdf __________________ project: "my happy mess"

10-26-2011, 09:59 PM	#12
VA72C10 VA72C10 Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Midlothian, VA Posts: 25,269	Re: Project "My Happy Mess" This is the one I was thinking of (39.95 shipped) but it's passenger side. LWP http://www.ebay.com/itm/SBC-Chevy-Bi...f#ht_755wt_905 __________________ Looking for a 67-72 swb or blazer project in or around VA.

10-26-2011, 10:13 PM	#13
litew8 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Des Moines, Iowa Posts: 3,016	Re: Project "My Happy Mess" Okay, thanks. Don't want to get into changing much else. We'll see how a modification works first then I guess go from there if nobody has any other suggestions. Wow, why they make this stuff so incompatible is beyond me. __________________ project: "my happy mess"

10-26-2011, 10:39 PM	#14
litew8 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Des Moines, Iowa Posts: 3,016	Re: Project "My Happy Mess" Just noticed, the March product, same numbers - different diagram in PDF __________________ project: "my happy mess"

10-26-2011, 10:42 PM	#15
litew8 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Des Moines, Iowa Posts: 3,016	Re: Project "My Happy Mess" My older Brother also suggested this one... http://www.classicchevy.com/chevy-al...1955-1957.html Chevy Alternator Bracket Kit, Small Block, Short Water PumpExtra Clearance, 1955-1957 Mounts Alternator On Driver's Side Requires Use Of 1969-Up Cylinder Heads Extra Clearance For Tall Valve Covers, Multiple Carburetors & Fuel Injection Mounts High Over Valve Cover Also Works With Vortec Heads Will Not Work With Power Steering Pump P/N 53-28 __________________ project: "my happy mess"

10-26-2011, 10:46 PM	#16
litew8 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Des Moines, Iowa Posts: 3,016	Re: Project "My Happy Mess" PICKUPMAN posted the different styles for our trucks (longer = 72' ?) That longer one looks like it might actually work. __________________ project: "my happy mess"

10-26-2011, 10:58 PM	#17
litew8 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Des Moines, Iowa Posts: 3,016	Re: Project "My Happy Mess" This engine has the longer bracket from a 72' I think. Look how much more movement it could have to the right. __________________ project: "my happy mess"



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10-26-2011, 11:07 PM	#19
Dieselwrencher 6>8 Plugless........ Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Prairie City, Ia Posts: 17,139	Re: Project "My Happy Mess" Why don't you just cut that upper bracket and add 1.5" more steel in there? __________________ Ryan 1972 Chevy Longhorn K30 Cheyenne Super, 359 Inline 6 cylinder, Auto Trans, Tilt, Diesel Tach/Vach, Buckets, Rare Rear 4-link and air ride option Build Thread 1972 GMC Sierra Grande Longhorn 4x4 1972 Chevy Cheyenne Super K20 Long Step side tilt, tach, tow hooks, AC, 350 4 speed 1972 C10 Suburban Custom Deluxe 1969 Chevy milk truck 1971 Camaro RS 5.3 BTR STG3 Cam Super T10 1940 Ford 354 Hemi 46RH Ford 9" on air ride huge project *Tired of spark plugs? Check this out.*

10-26-2011, 11:21 PM	#20
litew8 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Des Moines, Iowa Posts: 3,016	Re: Project "My Happy Mess" Hence the "modification" I've been mentioning. Pay attention Ryan! Though, not certain the structural/aligning integrity would be adequate if we extend it. That 72' bracket looks like candy! Meaning I might have to find me one. __________________ project: "my happy mess"

10-27-2011, 02:01 AM	#21
litew8 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Des Moines, Iowa Posts: 3,016	Re: Project "My Happy Mess" Update, "The Fixer" had/has taken care of the bracket fitment issue... Relocation __________________ project: "my happy mess"

10-27-2011, 03:21 PM	#22
litew8 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Des Moines, Iowa Posts: 3,016	Re: Project "My Happy Mess" Spoke too soon. Updated today, the relocation of the bracket still did not extend enough to clear the valve cover. This option may have worked for another build, without the E-Tec heads - but not for me. So we decided to mod the bracket and extend it out. To do that, the furthest we could extend the bracket would require a 54"+ v-belt to work. 55" is too long because pivoting the alt. that far would end up loosening the belt past adequate tension needed/required. Therefore, we need a 54"+ belt - which NOBODY has. __________________ project: "my happy mess"

10-27-2011, 04:04 PM	#23
Dieselwrencher 6>8 Plugless........ Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Prairie City, Ia Posts: 17,139	Re: Project "My Happy Mess" Yep, that sounds like my kind of luck. __________________ Ryan 1972 Chevy Longhorn K30 Cheyenne Super, 359 Inline 6 cylinder, Auto Trans, Tilt, Diesel Tach/Vach, Buckets, Rare Rear 4-link and air ride option Build Thread 1972 GMC Sierra Grande Longhorn 4x4 1972 Chevy Cheyenne Super K20 Long Step side tilt, tach, tow hooks, AC, 350 4 speed 1972 C10 Suburban Custom Deluxe 1969 Chevy milk truck 1971 Camaro RS 5.3 BTR STG3 Cam Super T10 1940 Ford 354 Hemi 46RH Ford 9" on air ride huge project *Tired of spark plugs? Check this out.*

10-27-2011, 06:10 PM	#24
litew8 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Des Moines, Iowa Posts: 3,016	Re: Project "My Happy Mess" ^ Guessing you don't have the same setup as I do. Update - Found a 54.5" Goodyear V-Belt at Midwest Wheel on the East side of town. Will try tomorrow and see if I can still get away with using Stock brackets. Also painted the steering gear box. __________________ project: "my happy mess" Last edited by litew8; 10-27-2011 at 06:18 PM.

10-27-2011, 08:38 PM	#25
litew8 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Des Moines, Iowa Posts: 3,016	Re: Project "My Happy Mess" If all else fails, supposedly these brackets for Corvettes are interchangeable with ours. The lower bracket pushes the alt. out towards the driver's fender (what I'd need) - per forum member Tx Firefighter. Copyright ©2011 Corvette Central All Rights Reserved ----------------------------------- ALTERNATOR ADJUSTING BRACE (UPPER) Description 1975-1976 Corvette Central #: 303360 Original GM #: 460754 Corvette Central .com Copyright ©2011 Corvette Central All Rights Reserved ALTERNATOR SUPPORT BRACKET - 327 / 350 (LOWER) Description 1964-1971 Part# 302016 Copyright ©2011 Corvette Central All Rights Reserved Corvette Central .com Unless there's a different LOWER bracket than pictured above - this is the one shown in the diagram above. Not sure if the LOWER bracket is what TX Firefighter was referencing (no part number provided for LOWER). Maybe he'll be kind enough to show up and provide details. __________________ project: "my happy mess" Last edited by litew8; 10-27-2011 at 08:55 PM.

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