My new build thread: Stage 4!

[VA72C10]

Moved the thread per your request

[swyfor5]

Thank you, VA! Looks to be a good idea for the forums! Hopefully more progress and pic's to come here on my thread!

[swyfor5]

Got a new to me rear hatch coming for my double hardtop! SWEET!

[swyfor5]

Got a new to me used rear hatch coming here soon, can't wait! It needs some work,but way better than what I have now. I'll take two and make one!

[swyfor5]

Anybody got any new links, or ? on fixing up these old fiberglass tops and hatches?

[swyfor5]

Love this new sub-forum. Great idea! My build has slowed down again right now, but is gonna really take off again this spring! Concentrated on key build parts- axles, t-case, skid plates, rear disc conversion,1 ton brake upgrade, HAD drivelines w/e- brake. Can't wait to start ripping again come spring!

[my90k5]

Originally Posted by swyfor5

Anybody got any new links, or ? on fixing up these old fiberglass tops and hatches?

Here ya go, also another link within this one. Great pics and detail.

Hatch pics

[swyfor5]

Thank's MY90, already ck'd em all. Anybody got any new stuff for this repair area? It's amazing there's not more info on this much needed subject area of 1st gen fiberglass top/hatch repair. The tops/hatch on most of these K5's have some kind of issue or two, let's hear it guy's! Show your pic's!

[swyfor5]

Looks like I've got some take-off parts sold next week. Looking at my crossover/high steer upgrade. I know I need to purchase a 2wd steering box for the conversion, and am looking at Brothers 2wd quick ratio box. It has 2-2.5 turns compared to the stock 3-3.5 turns. Have any of you guy's run a quick ratio box? I think this is what I want for my upgrade, just looking for some experienced input?

[swyfor5]

Paypal bucks just came through for some of my take-off parts and am wanting to order up the Brothers 2wd quick ratio steering box. Sure could use some input here guy's, going with Ballistic's high steer/crossover setup. Ballistic has everything but the steering box. I really don't see why the Brothers box wouldn't work, just wondering about the need or want for the quick ratio setup? Want to get it all ordered up, but one piece at a time. Is anybody running a quick ratio 2wd box that can give me feedback or advice on this conversion?

[Bentblazer]

Originally Posted by swyfor5

Thank's MY90, already ck'd em all. Anybody got any new stuff for this repair area? It's amazing there's not more info on this much needed subject area of 1st gen fiberglass top/hatch repair. The tops/hatch on most of these K5's have some kind of issue or two, let's hear it guy's! Show your pic's!

Dont't have many on my top, it was in decent shape. What area are you looking for? My hatch is ready to be put back together, the latest pic are of the hardware in place.

[swyfor5]

Hey Bentblazer did you attach pic's?

[swyfor5]

Well, I went and did it. Ordered up the Brothers 2wd power steering box for my high steer upgrade. Big chunk of change, but not quite half of what I need, as in Ballistic's high steer/crossover kit. That's next on the list, along with the HAD shafts! Anybody know of any problems with the power steering hoses going from a 4wd ps box to a 2wd ps box? Oh, by the way, did end up going with the quick ratio box, any comments?

[swyfor5]

Brothers 2wd box will be here next week. Going with Ballistics high steer kit for the dana 60 king pin axle. Also going with Ballistics tie rod end steering kit for this app. Anybody done this recently on a 1st gen, and can give advice and or post up some pic's?

[swyfor5]

My new to me rear hatch arrived today, pleased. It needs some work, but very restorable. Still looking for some more pic's of the crossover/high steer setups. Anybody?

[VA72C10]

pics?

[swyfor5]

Will post some up as soon as my order from Brothers comes in! Here's a couple pic's of my original hatch. My new one has some issues also, but not in the same areas, should be able to make one good one out of two.

[seanantucket]

Looking good, I just put my 72 in for paint!!!! looking forward to cruising it on the beach this summer!!!

[VA72C10]

Thanks for the pics! Sounds like a good plan putting the two into one!

[swyfor5]

I have a new habit. I have a refigerator in my man cave/basement/ apartment. I have been printing out some of the next in line needed parts for my build in order of money coming in. I post up the next part to purchase on the face of the fridge with a magnet, and replace it with the next one in line when that one arrives. Keeps me focused on what is next, and maybe keep the wife up to date! Still looking for some new pic's of the high steer/crossover conversions?

[swyfor5]

Wow, I just went from page 1 through this thread and almost fell asleep. I really need to get busy on this build! I am really bummed out about my progress here. I have bought a lot of needed parts so far, but just not making much forward progress. I know it will come fairly soon, but am getting depressed. Way too much month at the end of the money! On a better note, I will try to post up some new pic's as soon as my Brothers order gets here.

[71blazerdetroit]

Originally Posted by swyfor5

My new to me rear hatch arrived today, pleased. It needs some work, but very restorable. Still looking for some more pic's of the crossover/high steer setups. Anybody?

What pics exactly do you need of the high steer? I just finished mine last week.

Bought the box from local store, ballistic high steer and 1 ton hardware.

As for your hose fittings, they will be fine.

Disclaimer, when you go to bleed the power steering system, jack up the front end and cycle left and right without the motor running 10 or so times. If you do it with the engine is running, you will be there all day getting air out.

Ask me how i know.

[chevy2racr]

Originally Posted by 71blazerdetroit

Disclaimer, when you go to bleed the power steering system, jack up the front end and cycle left and right without the motor running 10 or so times. If you do it with the engine is running, you will be there all day getting air out.

Ask me how i know.

LoL Uhhhhh I bet someone told you cause that just doesnt sound like the words of a man that found out himself

[swyfor5]

Any pic's 71! You said you used 1 ton hardware, refering to the tie rod ends? The info I have from Ballistic says the high steer arms are tapered for the 7/8" 18tpi Chevy 3/4 ton tie rod ends. Say's they can be drilled to a 3/4" bolt hole for additional cost. That would make the 7/8" 3/4 ton, and 3/4" 1 ton?

[71blazerdetroit]

Grrr, your right its misleading, I purchased this http://eastcoastgearsupply.com/i-427...ering-kit.html and even though they call it 1 ton kit, they are 3/4 tie rod ends.

I purchased the steering arm front off road design. I will post pics tomorrow for you, since i was busy tonight swapping out tires.

P.s. for CHEVYRACR, After reading 3 different tech articles on how to do it, all of them said you could with the motor running....yeah wasn't happening.
I did figure it out myself after 4 failed tries and a quart of power steering fluid all over.....pffft. (that doesn't make me feel any better about it)