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

[Grizz1963]

Had mate Fil “Sparkplug” from UKGSER.com over this afternoon for a lovely extended visit from Cambridge, also to drop off the engine hoist support bar he picked up in Abingdon for me last week.
Its bigger than expected and not what I thought it was. Need to figure that out.
I thought it was the right size to fit my engine hoist/cherry picker to get the V8 and transmission back into the truck safely and horizontally later when the time comes
Mate Martin said to me recently that this bar is for Front Wheel Drive motors. I have no idea.
Maybe can still make it work for the V8.



Harley took to him instantly.





After tea, chats etc, garage tour and rummage, I had to get onto a 4pm training online, Skype, and we got the bits I managed to force on him, into his campervan that he is building and see him off.



What a great way to spend time.

I had started to watch the Breaking Bad box set this morning as a way to keep me indoors, unfocused and “busy” but its a lot nicer having a likeminded guy about.

Back to the telly next.

At least till ”Nurse Sally” gets here.

[clemdaddy]

Don't like it when my buddy is feeling poorly. Hope you get better real soon. The camper is cool and will only get much cooler in the hands of Grizz.

[Grizz1963]

Originally Posted by clemdaddy

Don't like it when my buddy is feeling poorly. Hope you get better real soon. The camper is cool and will only get much cooler in the hands of Grizz.

Thank you Clem

Trying to take it easy here.


Engine spreader bar traded with mate Martin for a balancer bar for my hoist.


Happy.

[Grizz1963]

I am amazed at just how slowly things are now happening compared to my usual project pace with this whole cardiac thing.

But it still beats sitting in front of the telly 24/7

So today, Sally again put on her “garage clothes”, stolen from Ryan, her younger son and came to help me, shifting, carrying, advising, mocking, teasing and generally being helpful, she also weeded the whole garden and cut the grass for me....... yup, I know it’s going to cost me somewhere in the future.

Looking as unflattering as can be, hair back, old tracksuit, boots, and lugging an engine balancer bar down to the shed.....

My kinda girl.



So.......

Yup, truck still waiting in here behind all this and the rest.



So started to clear out garage, so that I can get to the C10 and it’s parts that are stacked up high in the rear.

Put this in the market as I decided not to build the little kart as planned, sometimes thanklessness deserves a zero......



Removed the small, tall table, and though it does not look it, fitted and fixed this one, made of a kitchen worktop offcut.



Slowly, getting there.



Done, actually got loads of little jobs done.

Tomorrow we will start of the old welding table, not yet started there.

I seem to be doing two hours and call g it a day.

Done for today.





In the mean time, Dennis is now again going full steam ahead with his 66 C10 NASCAR build.

Hendricks Motor is ready to fit.

He got some complete AP Racing brakes all round yesterday, and fitted them today.





NASCAR Spec front end too.



This thing is going to ROCK !!!

Later.

[Grizz1963]

Another day of slow recovery.

Helped by The Little Van That Can.

I needed to do two tip runs, and go dismantle some furniture, then carry it down an alley. Followed by delivery elsewhere.





Packed and ready to run.

Prozac strikes again



Was also asked to sell these cases if interest in them.




Tired tonight

Got @glenanderson visiting tomorrow to collect the blue trolley, and @samta22 on Saturday to collect the red Dino Cars chassis.


Still not to put the 125cc Honda motor up for sale.

[Grizz1963]

Copy and paste from a “Garages at night” thread on Garagejournal.com thread.

Back on track, trying to clear away 3 years of divorce chaos and neglect.

Trust me when I say there has been a lot of clearing already.

More to come, then I can get back to my 66 C10 resto.





And the other side.

Storing some stuff for a buddy but it will change too.

[Grizz1963]

Plan for today included clearing the three work table/benches in the garage, a light, easy job.

This did not happen.

Instead, I dug out some stuff, photographed and documented it, and posted for sale on forums and FB Marketplace

Brand new unused Corsa Combo towbar sold to a guy in Oxford.

Mate Martin popped in to pick up some Mazda MX5/Miata service books to pass on to a friend, and have a cuppa and a natter.

I had a Skype meeting with my team secretary and a finance girl in Poland, so loads done, little achieved.

Also had Glen Anderson over for an hour or two to collect stuff, and drop off some license plates for my collection.

But after Martin and the online work, I went up into the garage loft and found two fans, one I was looking for did not get used, but the other one I had forgotten about completely.





So,I tried various positions and configurations......



At this point,,Sally got back from work, so again, distraction for a few minutes, then back to the job in hand.



Using wooden wedges I made years ago as shelf supports and a Kansas license plate, along with the extractor fan unit and a spare caravan window, we closed the hole in the caravan,

Holes drilled.



Supervisor not impressed with progress.



The rain will run wide from the front of the extractor.



Of course on the inside, there now is a blower unit floating exactly where I want to work, but I felt placement in the centre of the camper was the right thing to do.
I will move the table to the left hand wall, and box in the unit to create a small shelf, possibly for a coffee mug and Digestives.



Last job.

Water testing the license plate roof over the blower.




I think that was a good result.

More slow work tomorrow.

[Grizz1963]

Spent most of today online, training modules and legal stuff for work. Yes, meant to rest, but some stuff does not happen that way.

Anyway, Sally came over after work at 4pm, and only then did I make it to the garage for a hour.

Quick summary of yesterday’s progress.

https://youtu.be/WV511Iptk1s

Then.

Sorting, bottling and packing away screws, tools and that was it.

Then cooked dinner..... telly, while she fell asleep by 6.30 (yes it’s a daily thing)

Harley seems to think she is a meerkat.



Been chatting with Dennis tonight, he has been over at Ethyls to make sure they are ready for Adam and Hanna’s wedding is ready.

Funny, there was also this interloper tonight....






Kelly forever

[Grizz1963]

More slow progress....

Was a busy day, doctors visit, pharmacy, haircut (overdue) and managing some work meetings.

Spent an hour or so in the garage.

Then ran out of steam or want.

Started clearing one table, that lasted about 10 minutes, then distracted and started to fit electrical stuff, including an extension plug bank, and new LED strip light. 2x 5’ sealed unit.



Not that easy to see in daylight.



Better later in the day.



Should work well in winter darkness.



Happy with the result of the bits I did do.

Got @Samta22 over at 07.30 in the morning as we both like getting going early.

Then Hospital appointment at 09.00 for Echocardiogram

And dependant on lots of variables, possibly a quick trip up to Northampton later in the day.

Could be interesting

[Palf70Step]

Keep on there Rian. It is a bother for those of us that are use to being on the go so much, but it will pay off in the end.

[Grizz1963]

Originally Posted by Palf70Step

Keep on there Rian. It is a bother for those of us that are use to being on the go so much, but it will pay off in the end.

Never easy.


Postman rang at the door today.

Parcel for you, please sign here.

Opened the box...... sender: Ernie “PedalcarJoe

Thank you very much.



Aftershave bottle in case you could not figure it out.

[Palf70Step]

That made a huge difference already

[Grizz1963]

Originally Posted by Palf70Step

That made a huge difference already

Getting there bit by bit Bill.

I do it all slow motion and short sessions, before this silly cardiac thing, it would be a days work so far.

Now........

Slowly, Slowly.

[realvc]

It is good to see you getting things together for your truck. Having a helper is always nice.

You will get it all done in due time.

Vince

[Palf70Step]

Slow and easy....need you around a while for sure. Help, especially those that look better than us, are always a welcome!

[Grizz1963]

Originally Posted by realvc

It is good to see you getting things together for your truck. Having a helper is always nice.

You will get it all done in due time.

Vince

She rocks Vince.

Originally Posted by Palf70Step

Slow and easy....need you around a while for sure. Help, especially those that look better than us, are always a welcome!

Agreed













.


So Sally supervised, helped and mocked me all day, well, after 12.00 when my guest Michael who also has a bunch of older aircooked VW’s including a split bus.

He came from Southend to collect the Hazet trolley and another toolbox I had.

Two hours later he left.

I really love this community, we are all connected.

After a cuppa and chat with Sally, we headed down to start the slow ask of sorting, packing and clearing logically the work benches in the garage.



Paint cans for storing.



SomI used a modern woodworkers vies.



One of the jobs was to make a safer step for the caravan using some Oak that we already inside of Prozac for the tip.

Through the day I was chatting with Andy “OldIronFarmer” in Oklahoma and Sennis in St Louis.

All good.

Andy also shared this lovely seat tree he had seen.






One of the jobs was to create space for my panel beaters hammers and dolly’s.



It is great having company in the form of Sally and also Harley, who always comes to wherever I am busy.



Security cat seems to approve too.



And lastly, painted this guy and put him at the door.



Closed shop before 4pm as I had had enough.

Tired again.

[Palf70Step]

Like the indian head alot! You're making good progress on the ole trailer/caravan (I always ferget what you folks call it over there)

[Grizz1963]

Originally Posted by Palf70Step

Like the indian head alot! You're making good progress on the ole trailer/caravan (I always ferget what you folks call it over there)

Thanks Bill, as Ta2Don always said “Progress is Progress “




Got a few bits done today.

Almost nothing to show, but I know it’s done.

Also created a fire hazard.



Picked this up.......

Want to see if it will work as an extractor for the shed-van.




Also pulled this Dino Cars frame out of storage, it was planned to be powered by a CG125 Honda motor which along with it, will be for sale.



Rear view.



I approved of the chassis and wagon in mid 2014.



Bought this in March 2015 to power the Dino Cars frame.



Stippped it......

Treasures all boxed up and ready for storage.




Bike engine and Dino Cars Frame now for sale.


And pulled the cage out, used it when my truck had no front or rear l








So technically an easy day.

[Palf70Step]

Looking good Rian. WE can see much more of the ole girl again!

[Grizz1963]

Originally Posted by Palf70Step

Looking good Rian. WE can see much more of the ole girl again!

Bought these years ago for the truck.....

Well, they were delivered from America when I was replacing all the steering and suspension parts.

Wrong parts.

So need to find out if anyone can identify them by the numbers on them.






In other news, @glenanderson and his young slave came to visit and collect his trolley.

Always time well spent.

Can you say Fake Patina??

Not this time.

[Palf70Step]

Good to see the little steps being accomplished. Way better than me, I have been watching rain and the internet.

[Grizz1963]

Originally Posted by Palf70Step

Good to see the little steps being accomplished. Way better than me, I have been watching rain and the internet.

Bill, as Ta2Don always says.....

Progress is progress




Been an interesting day.

Started at 07.30 with Sam picking up the Dino car frame.

Fitted into his Land Rover Discovery.



Left here by 8.30 for Hospital and Echocardiogram

Done by 9.30, then had some shopping to get done, and home, knackered after that.......

Thought I would have a snooze as I was really tired, but mate Paul messaged to ask if he could fetch the hydraulic press @PaulY and I had used for the Blazer bearings.

At least it cleared the garage a bit more for the reemergence of the C10

More space for sure.



Was then having dinner later on that Sally made, Cajun chicken kebabs, coleslaw, corn and pita bread, when mate Gary from Florida callers on Whatsapp video.

Bloody Florida weather.......

That was some serious rain.

[img width=810 height=1080]http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/mm90/niknakpix/France-Grizz-Goose/015E3281-AD7B-451C-8D6C-9648E5DBF3D1_zpsmohk2j5u.jpg[/img]

PS. Dinner made by Sally was pretty good too.

Cajun chicken kebabs.

[img width=1024 height=605]http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/mm90/niknakpix/France-Grizz-Goose/A23738A1-F607-4C6A-BEA4-F54E3AF50F46_zpsukph6v3t.jpg[/img]

Following dinner, Stas from Siberia messaged too, seems their summer is over now as well.







Followed by an irate Dennis in St Louis, where the Florida rain is getting blown to.

Another unhappy camper.





Looks like a lot of rubbish weather, raining here in Kent too tonight.

Hope it clears by the morning

[Grizz1963]

I continue to chat with Andy where the Road trip has taken us two years running for all sorts of learning, daily.

By text and video while we share progress, dinner reports and the weather plus many other shared interests and humour.

He continues to carve out a new life and existence after having 40 years of a most magnificent life with Sharon, his late wife, Not an easy task.

I think some days are tougher than others, though he does not ever complain, being both practical and pragmatic, he is getting on with stuff that needs doing as that’s the kind of guy he is.

Renewing old friendships, hobbies, interests, and at the same time, honouring his past while keeping his hand on all the responsibilities he has on the farm, and elsewhere.

He makes me laugh daily.

But........

Yesterday he found this beautiful Copperhead in his burn pile.....

He let it go.

Copperhead snakes are some of the more commonly seen North American snakes. They're also the most likely to bite, although their venom is relatively mild, and their bites are rarely fatal for humans.

These snakes get their name, fittingly, from their copper-red heads, according to the biology department at Pennsylvania State University. Some other snakes are referred to as copperheads, which is a common (nonscientific) name. Water moccasins (cottonmouths), radiated rat snakes, Australian copperheads and sharp-nosed pit vipers are all sometimes called copperheads, but these are different species from the North American copperhead (Agkistrodon contortrix).

Copperheads are pit vipers, like rattlesnakes and water moccasins. Pit vipers have "heat-sensory pits between eye and nostril on each side of head," which are able to detect minute differences in temperatures so that the snakes can accurately strike the source of heat, which is often potential prey. Copperhead "behavior is very much like that of most other pit vipers," said herpetologist Jeff Beane, collections manager of amphibians and reptiles at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences.





On a slightly more personal note.

Andy has a real thing for mentoring people and has taken many under his wing over time.

One of them is this young man, introduced to Andy when he was 18 and now 38 with a wife and family of three kids.
The wife was one of those carers who made life just a bit easier for Sharon and Andy,
Andy has mentored them for a lifetime.
Now that he is rebuilding his life in various areas, he also has a grandad role by proxy.

So over the weekend, this was the Andy most of us do not get to see, with a pumpkin and team of “mentorees”



Jobs done.......

The one on the right is Andy’s work.

Sadly, one of the lanterns did have a head on collision with the floor.



In other news,

Dennis has put this complete NASCAR race truck front end aside for me.

Not sure how it will fit in my baggage but it is waiting.

He has been back onto his 66 C10 NASCAR truck build with a vengeance, welding up the roll cage and frame.

More on that later.



My progress conversely, is frustratingly slow.

In the last three weeks, I have done less than what would previously taken me two days.
Given that some days, especially the first week, I just sat in my chair indoors, feeling knackered and in a bit of a daze
All of this is so very unusual to me, I generally am not one to slow down too much unless something makes me.
I guess this even has done that.

I had hoped to have this table cleared by last weekend, but after sorting out screws, or hammers, I find myself walking away, shutting shop and coming in to rest.
This probably is exactly what I should be doing, resting, and it has taken me a while to get my head around it.

So this was yesterday’s end of day, I know it’s different, but it looks just like a week ago.

Still, it will happen.



One of my many tea breaks (coffee is kind of out of bounds now)
Harley there, ready to do CPR
Funny creature she is, hanging around and keeping an eye on me.



Mate Kevin came around to drop off the welding curtain, and for a couple of hours nattering and tea.

He also replaced the garage hi fixed for me, a job that was months overdue, and that I weirdly was just not up to.

This will work.



After she got in from work, she was going to cook for us, We took a gentle stroll up to the farm, which my head was desperate for, it gets crazy boring indoors.

Sunset




Back to work tomorrow as my certification showed inclusive of today, and my contract manager asked me in the nicest way on Friday to respect doctors orders and rest as they have a duty of care to me.

Again, restores faith in humanity.

Have a good week guys.

[Grizz1963]

Moment of introspection or surprise

October 2015 I unpacked my baggage after flying back from Dallas, Texas.



Just a quick random bit of rustic fabrication today, I had got Sally a 5 drawer tall chest for her home, but one of the pulls were missing the little backplate.

Used a bit of metal from a 65 C10 cab......



Holes drilled,



Shaped.



Bit of paint.

Job done.



Then, while on slow goin the garage, I carried on with clearing the three tables.

One



Two



Three



Taken two weeks to get to the bottom of all that.

Pretty chuffed.

[Grizz1963]

While Craig and I were out on our own in Oklahoma, I missed out on one of the route numbers that had me chuckling like a rude schoolboy.

Andy from Tulsa in Oklahoma sent this one through yesterday.

We had headed through there as well.