1965 LWB Stepside Build

[roll_the_dice]

OK slowly moving along between raindrops.

I have never bent or run or flared brake lines before. I had heard nightmares with the rental flaring tool from an auto parts store...so I spent the $ on a used Eastwood flaring tool. I know this won't be my only build, so I figured it would be worth it to get good flares. This tool is simple to use and the flares are ...dare I say...beautiful. Fortunately, all I had to do was bend lines for the rear from the front Tee to the prop valve and from the Tee that connected the front to the prop valve. Since my other lines were garbage and twisted like a root from a tree...I couldn't use them as a guide. So after lots of on my back under the truck, bend, test, bend, test...etc etc...I finally finished both lines. I don't think it looks too bad for a novice. I had visions of being fancy and doing a coil, but that quickly went out the window...to let's get them run and functional. Anyway, here are a few pictures...one of the flaring tool, one of a sample flare and finally the finished look with the copper nickel lines. Now I just need to bleed them.

[J Williams]

Originally Posted by roll_the_dice

OK slowly moving along between raindrops.

I have never bent or run or flared brake lines before. I had heard nightmares with the rental flaring tool from an auto parts store...so I spent the $ on a used Eastwood flaring tool. I know this won't be my only build, so I figured it would be worth it to get good flares. This tool is simple to use and the flares are ...dare I say...beautiful. Fortunately, all I had to do was bend lines for the rear from the front Tee to the prop valve and from the Tee that connected the front to the prop valve. Since my other lines were garbage and twisted like a root from a tree...I couldn't use them as a guide. So after lots of on my back under the truck, bend, test, bend, test...etc etc...I finally finished both lines. I don't think it looks too bad for a novice. I had visions of being fancy and doing a coil, but that quickly went out the window...to let's get them run and functional. Anyway, here are a few pictures...one of the flaring tool, one of a sample flare and finally the finished look with the copper nickel lines. Now I just need to bleed them.

Looks great to me! I have flared brake lines before with the “cheap” flaring tool and haven’t had issues in the past..... that being said I hope my brake lines don’t have any issues.
Posted via Mobile Device

[roll_the_dice]

Originally Posted by J Williams

Looks great to me! I have flared brake lines before with the “cheap” flaring tool and haven’t had issues in the past..... that being said I hope my brake lines don’t have any issues.
Posted via Mobile Device

I was really looking for an excuse to buy that tool! I am in process of maybe buying another truck right now and know I will need it again! This was also the first time I had to do anything with brake lines, I wasn't interested in getting a line bent and then mucking it up. I thinking bending brake lines is an art form and I am no artist! I can't even draw stick people well!

[cwcarpenter98]

Dadgum, that flare looks nice! I guess I'll need to get one of those tools whenever I have to do lines again

[roll_the_dice]

OK, so I made a deal tonight to buy a new truck. It is getting delivered in a few weeks. A matching numbers 64 GMC 1 ton Dually. It runs, needs a new master cylinder...no idea what I am going to do with it. Probably put a flatbed on it eventually. Not going to touch it (much) until I finish my current truck. I will start a new build thread when I get it and start on it. Here is a teaser picture...

[J Williams]

Originally Posted by roll_the_dice

OK, so I made a deal tonight to buy a new truck. It is getting delivered in a few weeks. A matching numbers 64 GMC 1 ton Dually. It runs, needs a new master cylinder...no idea what I am going to do with it. Probably put a flatbed on it eventually. Not going to touch it (much) until I finish my current truck. I will start a new build thread when I get it and start on it. Here is a teaser picture...

That looks like a good time!
Posted via Mobile Device

[Johns 66]

Originally Posted by roll_the_dice

OK, so I made a deal tonight to buy a new truck. It is getting delivered in a few weeks. A matching numbers 64 GMC 1 ton Dually. It runs, needs a new master cylinder...no idea what I am going to do with it. Probably put a flatbed on it eventually. Not going to touch it (much) until I finish my current truck. I will start a new build thread when I get it and start on it. Here is a teaser picture...

I have seen this truck somewhere......hmmmmm

[roll_the_dice]

Originally Posted by Johns 66

I have seen this truck somewhere......hmmmmm

Thanks for taking a look at it for me John! Glad you were close enough to do that! Sorry the 59 didn't work out for you.

Got my brakes bled this morning! WOOHOO I need to get the clutch bled and get the exhaust on...1 thing down...not as many to go!

[straight6chevyguy]

Keep up the great work it's looking good!
And the dually looks like the beginning of another great project!

[roll_the_dice]

Originally Posted by straight6chevyguy

Keep up the great work it's looking good!
And the dually looks like the beginning of another great project!

Thanks! I think the dually will be fun, but I won't start anything on it until I finish my current one.

Going to bleed my brakes tomorrow morning. I went around and made sure all the bleed valves would open yesterday. Got the 2 for the rear drums cracked...the fronts would not budge and one broke. I tried PB Blaster, heat, etc etc and multiple times...I tried everything. Then I went out and spent $22 per wheel for new brake calipers! So today I swapped out my front calipers and put in new pads at the same time. Was worth the $ not to fight with the bleed screws any longer. Probably should have swapped out rotors also, but I will down the road.

Once the brakes and clutch are bled, I am going to start buttoning up the front end and getting things back together! Shouldn't be long before I am driving it.

[roll_the_dice]

BIG DAY today! I got the clutch bled and hooked up the battery and installed the Steering Wheel...and backed it out of the driveway and pulled back in! First time it has moved under its own power since June 2017! I have a small leak on the hydraulic clutch line I need to get straightened out, then I will start putting the front end back on it...then take it to the exhaust shop to get new exhaust put on...so close to being able to take it for a cruise...a few more weeks!

[J Williams]

[QUOTE=roll_the_dice;8774013]BIG DAY today!

That’s awesome man! So jealous! Haha way ahead of me! Let’s see some pics of that thing!
Posted via Mobile Device

[roll_the_dice]

Originally Posted by cwcarpenter98

Gotta love when it moves again after not moving for awhile! You could probably get the front end back together in about 1 and a half full days of work. That's basically what I did on my truck a couple weeks ago

Originally Posted by J Williams

That’s awesome man! So jealous! Haha way ahead of me! Let’s see some pics of that thing!
Posted via Mobile Device

Thanks guys....it was a huge day. I am stoked! I have a video of it moving, but I will get a better one soon...I ran it for 30 seconds...no radiator was hooked up so I didn't want to go crazy with it! I literally backed it into my cul-de-sac and drove it back in...Main thing I was checking were the brakes and the clutch.

[cwcarpenter98]

Gotta love when it moves again after not moving for awhile! You could probably get the front end back together in about 1 and a half full days of work. That's basically what I did on my truck a couple weeks ago

[roll_the_dice]

Just ordered my seat belts from Seatbeltplanet.com Thanks Christian for the correct items to order and the discount code...from last year. It still works! Some pricing went up, but not a lot...

☑ Bleed Brakes
☑ Bleed Clutch
☑ Order Seat belts
☐ Install front end
☐ Install wood in bed
☐ Drive & Enjoy

marking more and more off the list!

[cwcarpenter98]

That's funny that the code still worked I hope the belts serve you as well as they have served me. I feel much more comfortable driving around with the shoulder belt than I did with just lap belts. I'm sure my passengers feel the same way with my driving

[roll_the_dice]

Originally Posted by cwcarpenter98

That's funny that the code still worked ...

I know...saved me about $20. I think all 3 belts were $266 delivered...including all new hardware and I did what you did and upgraded the buttons to the GM logo...the look was worth it to me. I went with charcoal gray belts to go with my black seats and silver interior. Should look good, but as long as they secure me in the vehicle...it's worth it!

[cwcarpenter98]

They do lock fairly quickly compared to modern cars, so whenever my friends ride with me, I always have to tell them that the belt has to be pulled out a little slower than what they are used to. It doesn't really bother me though, so I have no complaints with them

[roll_the_dice]

OMG...I have never done anything with drum brakes before. So today I tackled replacing the parking brake cable for the passenger side. It frustrated me for longer than I care to admit. I got the drum off easily, which surprised me. Then I was "hoping" I could just get the cable out and replace...but I couldn't figure out how to do that...so I had to disassemble the shoes to get to the cable. Then it took me forever to finagle everything back together correctly. So happy I got it back together without throwing any tools!

[roll_the_dice]

Trying to finish the A/C install...got the heater hoses installed. I also put the drier on the condenser. I was about to drill the radiator support when I realize I don't have a 1 1/4" hole saw...thought I did! Will pick one up and finish up. Going to install the inner fender gaskets also, so I can get those installed...then go from there.

[roll_the_dice]

Just found out the seat belt GM logo buckle is backordered until the end of August. So I called and changed the order to the starburst logo. A little disappointed, but can't wait that long since my truck will be finished before then.

[roll_the_dice]

So before I put on my inner fenders and radiator support I thought I would clean up some of the engine bay wiring. Much easier to get to now with no fenders on than later. Here is a before and after picture...still need to connect the green temp gauge wire and the alternator wire, but much better!

[roll_the_dice]

Quick question...figured someone could answer here instead of creating a new thread on the main board. Never had a 1 wire alternator before.but I have a 1 wire alternator now and the AAW wiring harness. I am "assuming" the 1 wire from the alternator goes to the battery post on the starter or directly to the positive terminal on the battery?

[72cs20]

Originally Posted by roll_the_dice

Quick question...figured someone could answer here instead of creating a new thread on the main board. Never had a 1 wire alternator before.but I have a 1 wire alternator now and the AAW wiring harness. I am "assuming" the 1 wire from the alternator goes to the battery post on the starter or directly to the positive terminal on the battery?

My instructions say to the battery post on the starter.

[roll_the_dice]

I got a text today from my buddy John who milled my bed wood for me. Here are a few pictures of them in process. The wood is walnut. I am just going to use marine grade sealant. I am also going to fill any knot holes or imperfections with black two part resin...I should have it first week of August.