Grizz's Redneck Express 1966 Chevy Short Fleetside RESTO-GO!

[Grizz1963]

Awake since 03.00

Insomnia sucks.

But 90 minutes later I just remembered that I did this short walk around for a certain friend in the USA who,asked about the motor in the truck.

CLICK LINK

https://youtu.be/rkdj0tMFBEM


Back to yesterday.

Once I had done all the yard and house work, it was time to take some photos of the truck formthe photoshop challenge of creating some designs to possibly use on it when the mechanical side meets my expectations.

http://forum.retro-rides.org/threads/recent/206591

Thank goodness for my Snap On low level jack, bought used years ago for £25.00 or $30.00 it certainly makes life a lot easier.

Up she goes. Or is it a he??



Made safe-ish.



I knew what was there.

Just not how much of it there was.

The rust is really weird, it seems to attack some parts and leaves others completely untouched.

Some hammer, chisel, and screwdriver action helped me find the starting points.



Flap wheel action.



When I had cleaned up the whole inside panel at the expense of one 40 grit flap wheel to tear off the thick layers of underseal, and a scotch wheel on my cordless drill on the lower spot welded seam, it became apparent that these inside panels were only spot welded every few inches, with drainage incorporated.
So I decided to remove the majority of the 900mm by 90mm strip, but to leave enough of the strong material to plug weld my repair and then randomly “spot weld” along the top and bottom of the patch, in order to allow drainage as before out of the sill area.
Before that I wire brushed the inside, applied Vactan rust converter and used one of my hot air guns to speed up the drying process before welding in the patch.

At this point it was 4.30 and progress had been much slower than planned, but of course I had all the yard work and a run to the gas station with four jerry to show. I had no idea how much gas was in the truck when Lee the seller delivered it for me, as he had told me he drove it basically between £10.00 to £20.00 fills, and never filled it up unnecessarily

Only the rear primered with the Weld through stuff as the front would get worked a bit after my ****tty welds, upside down with a large mask in that space had me swearing a lot, a really big lot of swearing, including blasphemy, which I never do.

Once prepped and ready, Mr Welder came out to play.





Bit of grinding will be needed to just top the welds and then primer, seam sealer at the top and finally some fresh underbody seal.



Mickey had come around earlier when I was cutting the trees back and had asked if I would let him insure Prozac for both of us and then we could share it, I had to be really nice to tell him no, not happening.
Not sure he understood.

He came around later around 5.30 to check up on progress and was impressed with the welded in plate.

He even took a pic of me crawling about.



At this point I was about to start on the outrigger patch panel that has aspects in all sorts of directions.

I had got some thicker steel from Craig on Friday evening that was going to be just right for the patch panel there.

More bending, hammering, cutting and swearing plus a bit of head scratching coming.

[Grizz1963]

So much for more sleep, got another hour in.

Got up to feed Harleyat 07.00, who was asking since 05.00 to be fed, only to then lick the gravy off the wet food and walk away in disgust. Cats.

Was planning on getting the underside of the truck finished today before heading out.

Rain had different plans by 07.30 so it’s on hold for the moment.



Back to last night before I shut shop to get ready for my “Meals on Wheels” from Joy.

Craig had given me some nice thick folded steel plate, part of a high end gas BBQ construction that I had eyeballed on his pile of stock.

It’s the same gauge as the outrigger, so would be just fine, if I could incorporate some of the bends.




So in with Sharpie under the truck, some cardboard and scissors, lay out, mark out, cut out and transfer onto the metal.

Leaving me with a stightly oversized panel to trim back and fit once I cut away what is left of the outrigger.

Folding vise.



Once you copied the template, cutting and folding goes easy.



Happy??

Yes, very happy.



Because the outrigger is angled in some planes, it looks cockeyed, but is meant to be so.

I need to just infill the little gusset piece before offering it up a last time and cleaning off the metal, getting primer on the hidden side and adding the Vactan rust converter stuff that I still don’t know if it makes any real different, but I am happy to just add into the mix to the insides of the outrigger where I can reach.

Amazing how long it takes to do every piece.



Seems not too bad........





Now if the rain would just go away and let me get this little job done.


Later guys.

[clemdaddy]

Very nice work my friend. You are becoming quite the metal worker and it seems to make you very happy. Could this be a career change in the budding phase? And by the way, the Blazer is very cool and you have given it a new lease on life. Just a note on the graphics if I might... go subtle.

[Grizz1963]

Originally Posted by clemdaddy

Very nice work my friend. You are becoming quite the metal worker and it seems to make you very happy. Could this be a career change in the budding phase? And by the way, the Blazer is very cool and you have given it a new lease on life. Just a note on the graphics if I might... go subtle.

Hi Clem

Thanks for the reply.

Subtle......??

Me..??

I seem to recall a saying along the lines of “Go Loud or Go Home”

The truck does make me smile though. Despite being butt uglee.

[Grizz1963]

I gotta hand it to you all.


This truck is bringing my head and enjoyment back to where I can recognise it as a positive influence.

After work.



Before shower last night.



This morning it was raining, so I could not get out in a hurry to get the non structural outrigger cut and welded in.


Prepared




I also had to get to take some stuff including a bunch of numberplates from various people including Andy in Oklahoma, down to Faversham fo Neil who had helped me buy my welder from Rallyart before.

I have to make up some new inner panels for the rear of the truck as they are missing too.

Amazingly, 6 foot long and 2 foot high.

I had contacted my regular carpet guy, Shane, to see if he had any useable offcuts to cover the panels and also a spare piece of 6x6 foot carpet for the rear floor.



Got to Neil’s place and we exchanged gifts, he had made me a California black plate wall clock.

Thank you mate.



He also gave me a bunch of registration plates for my collection.

The small,Belgian plate will,head out to Moscow, Missouri for Dave to put in his restaurant.



Also from Neil.

Love this small set.



Then we went out to his garage to look at his Valiant, a lovely car, awaiting its engine transplant.

And he offered me some red, very RED show carpet, thin, lightweight and perfect for the use I had in mind.

Thanks mate, perfect.

[ibrown50]

You've done a really nice job fabricating that outrigger repair section I can't wait to see it welded in place

[Indian113]

Your going to Doll that Blazer up then you will have to Finish it UP!

[Palf70Step]

That is RED.....that will pop in the Blazer. Glad you are getting the fever back Rian!

[Grizz1963]

Originally Posted by ibrown50

You've done a really nice job fabricating that outrigger repair section I can't wait to see it welded in place

Thank you Ian.

It has been in 18 hours, Martin approved of it as an MOT standard repair.

I am not happy or proud, it will hold the truck together, but looks poop.

Originally Posted by Indian113

Your going to Doll that Blazer up then you will have to Finish it UP!

Of course Ray, the dolling parts are the nice to do things.

Originally Posted by Palf70Step

That is RED.....that will pop in the Blazer. Glad you are getting the fever back Rian!

Certainly is RED Bill.

And it was free, well for the 80 miles fetching cost



[quote author="@littlepixel" source="/post/2454470/thread" timestamp="1539551120"]@grizz As per your request via PM:



[/quote]



THIS....


Is what I like.

It took a while to get there for me, and without all you guys raising opinions and views, it would not have happened.


I think it is a bit loud with all that green and the contrast on the white.


But why be quiet and retiring when LOUD AND PROUD is all you have left?



Let’s see what the collective has to say.


I have loved the whole Sinclair Gasoline theme ever since I had my 1963 Ford Taurus Transit van.


So this is a good way of rebirhing that idea.


Thank you all for adding to this trucks magic.


There may be other variations too, like the 76 Union gas station theme with Orange and Blue or others that you feel could work.


I think solid colours and no more than three max added to the white, works here.





Monday.......


Back to reality.

[Palf70Step]

Sinclair!!

[Grizz1963]

Originally Posted by Palf70Step

Sinclair!!

I hear you Bill.





Thank you all for the responses so far.

This really is a great community to be part of.

Thought I would add the last two renderings in orange.

I like this too.



And inverted




In my opinion Sinclair vs 76 Union orange roof vs last Bigtruk Grey bottom are the SHORTLIST


WHATSAMANTODO ??

[ibrown50]

Martini colours like the old LeMans Porsche’s ?? It would work well with the white?

[Grizz1963]

Originally Posted by ibrown50

Martini colours like the old LeMans Porsche’s ?? It would work well with the white?

Agreed Ian.


However, there was this, once.


URL=http://s294.photobucket.com/user/niknakpix/media/niknakpix045/a148_zps57bbe133.jpg.html][/URL]

Other side......

[Grizz1963]

Suspension bushes, front and rear, excluding U.K. import duty, tax and shipping.

Need an airplane carrier or courier.



Took me two hours to do 30 miles home tonight which is always frustrating, as I lost an hour of garage time.

As Stas in Siberia observed, I seem to spend a lot of time there, but it’s just about using the time I get to get stuff done.
It’s a return to the real me.

So after work, I was straight down to the garage, assistant security cat leading the way.

Opened the Chevy up and got going making up a patchwork cardboard template for the rear body side panels, they seem to have been gone a long time.







Cutting, fitting, fettling cardboard, eventually sorted



Patchwork template with ply.



Quick Castscan to ensure all is good.

Note, shoes...l,l



6 foot by 2 foot tall.

Shows you how deceptive these things are.




Job done.



Next up will be to finish and sand the edges and screw to the body.

Then add the thin red automotive carpet.



Should work well with upholstery and Sinclair colours.

Bed time.

[Grizz1963]

Having done all the thinking around the graphics, and settling on either the Green Sinclair or Orange 76 Union design, my next question is this.



Would you buy this truck, were it painted or covered in vinyl like that.




HONEST ANSWERS ONLY.


THANK YOU.

[ibrown50]

I would definitely buy the truck in the orange livery but not the green ( green is a very unlucky colour for me )

[Grizz1963]

Originally Posted by ibrown50

I would definitely buy the truck in the orange livery but not the green ( green is a very unlucky colour for me )

Looks like you will have to call out Mr Heatgun for the vinyl then Ian.

But thank you for the reply, I always try to remember not to get emotionally attached to cars.


Though Prozac has become a bit of a pet.



Got a photo just now by WhatsApp


Hazard a guess as to what it could be...??


Should be in the mail some time this week if the seller/sender can get away from work during business hours.





And yes, I am excited, a vital part of the puzzle, coming together.

Thank you seller.

[Palf70Step]

Are we there yet?

And yes for a toy I would get either one.....Now whether the wife would ride with me or not, that is another question

[Grizz1963]

Originally Posted by Palf70Step

Are we there yet?

And yes for a toy I would get either one.....Now whether the wife would ride with me or not, that is another question

Soooon Bill, Sooooon.

Just got home from meeting up with PaulY in Essex to pick up some parts.


However.....


I do have a question someone on here may know the answer to.



Well

The question is in the title.

Anyone know how tall standard or even known lowering springs are please.

I have been given a set with correct 20mm thickness

Tbe ones on the truck are 5 1/2” or 140mm outside size.

I have been given a pair that are 14” tall

But the ones on my 79 2WD Blazer look like this.

Truck is in England.

[Grizz1963]

Bunch of small things came together yesterday.

Seam sealer mate Martin had ordered off eBay for me, arrived. Bulk buys work out cheaper.
To be used once all the welding is done.

Supposed to be good and not crack, the stuff on th C10 has cracked.



Then some underbody sealer.



And once all is done, every cavity, doors, tailgate and bed sides are all getting a load of this stuff too.



That should keep my head happy on a 40year old.

It won’t stop rust, or any existing stuff, but hopefully slow it all down.


For the wood panels and carpeting on the sides, spray glue which is said to be easier to work with than brush on, on larger surfaces.



While in the garage last night, I also sanded down and trimmed back the ply side panels.

Next job is to trim the top and bottoms by 5-10mm to get an easy fit in order to screw them down on the mounting plates and top edge, after which I will precut the red carpet and prep it for glue.

I plan on glueing over the screws once placed, but to leave it unglued around the screws with just tension keeping the carpet flat there.that way I can access the screws but not see them once mounted.

I have always disliked the open headed flat chrome screws in hotorod door panels etc.



I think I have a dinner date tonight, so may not get around to getting anything done.

But always optimistic I can find an hour or so to go play.

[Grizz1963]

Last night after work, I drove over to Brentford in Essex to meet up with PaulY to do a service station pickup of parts.

Paul has been into and onto old cars for a long time, preferring V8’s or fast stuff.

His current toy, awaiting good times.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...ighlight=Woody


When I bought the Blazer, he reached out quietly from the side lines to offer me some springs and shocks he had.

Pretty much anything would be better than the tired units fitted right now.

The springs came from somewhere else, surgically enhanced, but never fitted.
I wrote the description he gave on the box.
Means nothing to me.
But they are 14 inches tall, and same size as what’s fitted to the truck at the moment, so worth a try.

Anyone have any ideas??



As unpacked.



Cleaned all of them with degreaser and then some paint, just to make them a bit prettier.



Afterward, ready to go on.





So the question is...........


Anyone game to come over and lend a hand and spring compressors to get the springs in over the weekend??


Let me know.

[Grizz1963]

Screwed..........??



Not really.

Dry run on the ply, to recess the flat head screws.





Somfollowing that, I got back onto the plymsides, fine tuning the fit, drilling pilot holes for the screws into the sides, and then came up to the house to lay out the carpet and cutting to fit.

Catscan.




Cut to size.

At this point I decided to call it a night, rather than glue the carpet down.




Pretty pleased so far.

Mojo headed back.

[flashed]

Looking good .

[Grizz1963]

Originally Posted by flashed

Looking good .

Thank you John,

Good to see you back here.

Been watching all your truck shenanigans on FB.

[Grizz1963]

Well, for this who tried to guess the contents of the box posted to me this week.

They were in fact original lights, generously sold to me by MrS (Martin with the very rusty K5) as he had a spare set.







Complete with bodies and lamps.





To replace these ugly burgers.



Double, in fact triple whammy of good news today.


Lights arrived in the post, as did V5C in my name, but unable to SORN truck online for some reason.




Third thing was getting a VW Polo Towbar from mate Martin to try fit on the truck where Lee had removed the original.

Yes, I want o e but most people do not.

Worked in London today, doing a lecture in Kings College Hospital to the Stroke team, before I started, this view greeted me, sometimes there are bonuses attached to earning your keep.



Towbar update in a bit.