53 3100 - complete rebuild and upgrade . . . .

[big_dan]

Thanks all! Should be plenty of progress in the near future. More later -

Dan

[6DoF]

much sexy

[big_dan]

One last update - should have the rear together in the next weeks, hanging the tank as well. Using a 15 gallon universal tank from "Tanksinc" with internal pump. Customer service was outstanding with them. Rear will be a 31 spline 9in, Detroit Truetrac with 3.89 gears. With 28.4" tires and 0.68 OD should turn around 2k at 65 - not too bad.

More later -

Dan

[dsraven]

wow, thats a lot of work that went into the structure back there. should be stiff for sure.
keep postting up those pics, curious to see what thats gonna look like with a diff in there and all connected up.

[big_dan]

Playing around with hanging the gas tank while waiting for the rest of the rear end parts to show up. One bite at a time . . .

Dan

[dsraven]

be sure to insulate the straps and anything that touches the tank. I'm sure you have that already in mind.

[big_dan]

Originally Posted by dsraven

be sure to insulate the straps and anything that touches the tank. I'm sure you have that already in mind.

I'll make sure there's no metal to metal, yes. It'll still have to be grounded though.

Dan

[dsraven]

yep, ground the tank to the frame and the filler spout, at the spout end, to the frame as well. static kills.
ever been at the airport and seen a fuel truck? they ground everything. the vehicles sit on rubber, so insulated from the actual ground, so making a complete circuit from the filler to the tank is essential.
this is a step forgotten by most. good thinkiing on your part.

[big_dan]

Continuing along on a rainy day so starting assembly on the 9in. True-trac, 3.89 gear, etc. Whipped up some brackets to hold everything still, just enjoying the day. One of my favorite parts. More later -

Dan

[57FleetsideC4]

It's nice spending time on something you enjoy. Steve

[slammed57]

great work! doin it right. lookin good and with a Bass boat in the back, dont get much better than that!

[Rickysnickers]

I wish I knew how to set up rear gears.

[dsraven]

thats my favorite diff to set up, so much adjustment is built in.

[big_dan]

Originally Posted by 57FleetsideC4

It's nice spending time on something you enjoy. Steve

Absolutely. That's why we have this hobby for sure!

Originally Posted by slammed57

great work! doin it right. lookin good and with a Bass boat in the back, dont get much better than that!

Agreed - I love my rig. Got to have sunny day AND rainy day pursuits!

Originally Posted by Rickysnickers

I wish I knew how to set up rear gears.

All it takes is practice- dive in! There's tons of literature available and it's rewarding, plus saves $$!

Originally Posted by dsraven

thats my favorite diff to set up, so much adjustment is built in.

Infinitely better than an 8.8 or Chevy for sure.

Thanks for the input, fellas. More later-

Dan

[big_dan]

I've been studying EFI for months now. Finally made a decision and had a day off, so made a quick road trip with my Dad to Summit in McDonough, GA and picked it up. Going with Edelbrock ProFlow-4, 550hp kit. Looks nice, will be a little different than the"log" style, and I've always had great service with Edelbrock if needed. Still moving along - thanks for looking-

Dan

[Rickysnickers]

I have a PF4 and it works really well! I'm sure you will like it.

[dsraven]

curious, what do you need in the system leading up to that. fuel pump etc?

[big_dan]

Originally Posted by Rickysnickers

I have a PF4 and it works really well! I'm sure you will like it.

I hope so. Looks to be exactly what I'm looking for.

Originally Posted by dsraven

curious, what do you need in the system leading up to that. fuel pump etc?

Nothing fancy - 58psi to the rail. I'll have the pump in the tank, filter and regulator right at the tank.

Thanks for looking -

Dan

[big_dan]

A few evenings and the 9in is ready to go. Started with a 0.015" pinion shim, set backlash at 0.008", marked it up and it fell right in where I wanted. I've set up a ton of these and was tickled to not have to chase it for days. A little loctite, install the keepers and it's ready for paint. More later - thanks for looking -

Dan

[dsraven]

nice work.
I like your assembly fixture, looks like ti was cheap and can be re-purposed. haha.

[big_dan]

Originally Posted by dsraven

nice work.
I like your assembly fixture, looks like ti was cheap and can be re-purposed. haha.

Yep - most things in my shop have multiple uses!

Dan

[big_dan]

Still making a little progress. Painted the axle housing and third member, finished mocking up the gas tank and tacked in the upper straps. More later-

Dan

[big_dan]

And a few more from the weekend. Excited to say this is the first part that's finished! On to finishing up the chassis -

More later-

Dan

[dsraven]

looks great. did you put oil in it already? if not better tie a string around your finger, wouldn't wanna forget that little step.

[big_dan]

Originally Posted by dsraven

looks great. did you put oil in it already? if not better tie a string around your finger, wouldn't wanna forget that little step.

No oil yet - but I keep a "start up checklist" just for such items.

One last pic / test fit before going on the road for a week - gonna have to relocate that alternator! There's no interference, but it looks gaudy hanging out where it is.

Thanks for looking -

Dan