The Super Duper Haggis Hauler

[65sub]

Great work Bill. I really like the blue and white paint.

[Grizz1963]

Originally Posted by MacQuigley

Hee Hee! Sorry Martin. I'm just desperate to get it finished and on the road so I can drive it for the first time! Plus, Ive a new kitchen being delivered in a few weeks and I need somewhere to store it while I sort other things out in the kitchen so I need the cab out and onto the frame. Got to do something to keep "she who must be obeyed" happy because if she ever finds out what I'm spending on the truck............

Anyway this weekend has slowed me down, or rather put me back. I had planned to get he last of the clear on but I needed to refit the dash first. For those who wonder why I painted both before the only answer I have is it seemed like a good idea. I wasn't!

First problem was that for whatever reason it wouldn't fit. It was too wide. No idea how or why that should be, but in fitting it I did some damage. Nothing that I couldn't repair easily enough but still that ultimately cost me a day.

I really through I could spot weld it in quickly with minimal paint damage and then only to the area where the windshield rubber would cover. Again I was wrong. So I now need to resprayer a portion just in front of the windshield.

Oh well you live and learn. Anyway the dash is in and most of the damage is well on its way to being repaired.

Great progress Bill, really sorry about the two steps back.

This truck has really fought you every step of the way.

Still, when last did you look at page one of your thread?

You will be amazed at what you have done.

[MacQuigley]

Originally Posted by Grizz1963

Great progress Bill, really sorry about the two steps back.

Cheers Rian, but I wish it was only two steps back.

I'm beginning to hate painting with a passion! Mainly because the problems star of my own doing!

When I repainted the dash, I carefully masked off the A pillars. Never considered the overspray reaching the B pillars!!!!

So as soon as I noticed that I tries to sand it out but that didn't work. Not to worry I thinks to me self, I'll respray! BAD, oh and how BAD, an idea that was. The base coat reacted with the clear and I got a lovely crazed effect!

Several days later I'm still at it but I'm getting close now and should have it repaired over the weekend.

Anyway I moved onto the engine.

So I got the heads on, the manifold on and thought why not fit the serpentine kit.

I have to say its a lovely bit of kit - and it should be for the price - but the instructions could be a lot better.

I eventually figured it all out but I couldnt get the alternator fixing bolt nut on because of the plugs in the head. It was then I noticed that the bracket on the passenger side for the PAS pump was also hitting the plug and had I tightened it all up water would have poured out where the bracket meets the block as it wasn't sealing.

Anyway I thought I could tighten them but guess who doesn't have a 3/4" drive!. So its off t o borrow my dad's tomorrow, though I doubt they will shift and I can see and grinding disc getting deployed.

Anyway I mocked up the engine (minus the alternator and PAS pump pulleys and belt), but you get the idea from this



and if nothing else I'm pleased with how its starting to look.

[mjh1965]

Looking good Bill . I opted for a serpentine belt system on my 350 , but oh for a big block . All I can say is petrol (gas) must be cheaper in Scotland

[MacQuigley]

Maybe a little bit in some places Martin, but so much as to make a difference running a 454!

You only live once. May as well make the most of it!

[ibrown50]

The motors looking great Bill, with a 454 it's not the gas you'll have to worry about in Scotland it's all those speed cameras

[MacQuigley]

Finally got all the March components fitted, but I had to take the manifold off as I damaged the paint and wanted to redo it! Funny how a little black paint reacted with the previous coat but paint stripper wouldn't touch it! Back to sand blasting.



Also got the dash finished. Again loads of painting problems. Who'd work on cars for a living?







Oh and I bought something else! Definitely having a midlife crisis!







Ian/Martin, you fancy chipping in for our own refinery?

[Grizz1963]

Very nice.

You do like them big ehhh?

[mjh1965]

Bill an offshore oil rig might be more appropriate . Very nice , and there's nothing wrong with buying a sports car as you know . It's not a mid life crisis it's an investment

[66-PMD-GMC]

Definitely like the C10 hands down over the little red corvette

[MacQuigley]

Originally Posted by Grizz1963

Very nice.

You do like them big ehhh?

No I'm not compensating!

[MacQuigley]

Originally Posted by mjh1965

Bill an offshore oil rig might be more appropriate . Very nice , and there's nothing wrong with buying a sports car as you know . It's not a mid life crisis it's an investment

Funnily enough I was in Aberdeen this morning with TOTAL. I thought to ask if they had any free samples, about 50,000ltrs!

[MacQuigley]

Originally Posted by 66-PMD-GMC

Definitely like the C10 hands down over the little red corvette

In all honesty Chris, so do I! But I wanted something else and Ive never had a sports car or open top car (Other than a canvas topped Land Rover), so I thought this was a good choice.

And if I don't like it there are no shortage of buyers in the UK.

[Grizz1963]

Originally Posted by MacQuigley

In all honesty Chris, so do I! But I wanted something else and Ive never had a sports car or open top car (Other than a canvas topped Land Rover), so I thought this was a good choice.

And if I don't like it there are no shortage of buyers in the UK.

Always the right car to buy.......

One with buyers waiting Bill.

PS. Martin lives a mile from Claremont Corvette.

[MacQuigley]

Originally Posted by Grizz1963

PS. Martin lives a mile from Claremont Corvette.

Oh that's handy to know!

Martin, when I start texting you to collect parts, its all Rian's fault!

[MacQuigley]

Well knock me over with a feather!

The cab is FINISHED!!!!!

Thats the last of the clear on. It still needs to be flattened and there is one very small area that needs a bit of work but its done!







The photos dont do it justice but I hope to get it out onto the frame at the weekend where it should show its full colour.

Also got the engine more or less done. Just got the sump to change.



Now while Im on, can anyone remind me where the hell this goes?



Im sure it goes under the dash somewhere but I really cant remember where and its about the only part Ive not go 50 photos of!

[rvrfoot]

I like what you did with the clock.

[MacQuigley]

Couldn't decide whether to put there or central between the vent controls and the edge of the instrument panel. In the end the bracket for the ashtray decided where it was to go.

Still to decide whether to go for a retro look radio or put a standard radio somewhere else and make a switch panel to cover the radio slot. being in Scotland it seems sensible to do that so in the event I want to change my radio I'm not having to have one shipped 3000+ miles.

[rvrfoot]

[ATTACH]1619373[/ATTACH Yeah i just put one in my truck. With flow masters 40 i cant here it anyways.

[mjh1965]

Originally Posted by MacQuigley

Oh that's handy to know!

Martin, when I start texting you to collect parts, its all Rian's fault!

Bill no problem it's right on my doorstep. Always happy to help .
The truck is looking good , and the speed you are going it won't be long before you have to decide witch one to drive

[MacQuigley]

Originally Posted by mjh1965

it won't be long before you have to decide witch one to drive

That's a problem I'll be happy to have Martin, but right now that seems like its a long way off!

I seem to be having issues with he simplest of things. Right now I cant get the correct sump/oil pan gaskets. The set I had had 9 holes in, by pan/block have 11, but everyone I try and get a set from tell me, no should have 9! Well Ive got 11!

No wonder I drink!

[MacQuigley]

If I had a brain Id be a danger not just to myself but everyone!

9 holes! 11 Holes! Yes the pan has 11 and the block has 11 and the 2 side gaskets have 9 but the front and rear have one each end/2 each side, making - wait for it - 11!!!!!!

It didn't help when I put one side on the wrong way around thinking it wasn't handed when it was.

A whole week wasted cause I'm a fecking MUPPET!

Think I'll go back to Land Rovers. They are MORON friendly!

[MacQuigley]

I have a desperate need right now to see bits going back together. Other ethan the fact I need to convince myself of worthwhile progress, I'm out of space and terrified of parts getting broken or damaged. So tonight the rear window went back in.





Not that happy about the fit. In my opinion its too small and bearly seals in the bottom corners. Maybe I should have cut the rubber slightly longer but I'm not convinced that's the issue, however, its in and will do for now (may get another rubber at some point and try again).

Also drilled for Captainfab's booster bracket, fitted that, the brake booster and clutch master cylinder. The booster and master cylinder I will take off on Saturday before moving the cab out onto the frame but I wanted to see what they looked like.



The booster and master cylinder are very close but I think I can do something about that easily enough.



They touch but only just.

[Captainfab]

When you assemble for the final time, don't forget the spacer behind the clutch master.

[MacQuigley]

Ah! Thanks John. I had forgotten all about that.

Everything, except the bracket will be off tomorrow morning anyway. No point in adding extra wait when we lift the cab on the frame.