Lurker OrrieG Progress Pics

[OrrieG]

Thanks for the comment. I did my initial conversion in 85 over the fall and winter and drove it until around 2000, no PS or PB. You also know that back then we were mostly on our own, after market for these trucks was still tilted towards original restorations. And not internet to share information, I got mine for finding a couple of truck in SW Idaho that had been converted and using the what I could see.

[Fleet '66]

Originally Posted by OrrieG

Thanks for the comment. I did my initial conversion in 85 over the fall and winter and drove it until around 2000, no PS or PB. You also know that back then we were mostly on our own, after market for these trucks was still tilted towards original restorations. And not internet to share information, I got mine for finding a couple of truck in SW Idaho that had been converted and using the what I could see.

You're right about that. There is so much more information available to builders today and so many more sources for parts. Other than the donor K-10 vehicle, I pretty much scrounged all the wrecking yards for miles around to find the original trim, knobs, wing windows, brackets, etc.... for the original 55-59 body. Took a long time to find everything. Now you can buy all of those parts from a host of vendors.
I was fortunate to have a friends help on the 4x4 conversion. He had previously done another build conversion on a similar vehicle (59 Fleetside as a matter of fact) so it went pretty good.

[Rude Dude]

Beautiful truck and great work, I always look forward to your updates!

[OrrieG]

Got a request for dimensions on my seat frame. Seats are 07 Yukon third row. If yours are different you will need to adjust to fit. I elected to keep the stock snap in and tilt mechanism so I could easily remove the seats and get under and behind them. I cut off the roller parts. I used 1" tube and 1.25" angle I had laying around. Only thing I might change is putting the front piece behind the second rod and keeping the front open. I used the stock mounting holes with a flat bar pivot at the back and threaded rod at the front so I can adjust the angle of the seat. I tacked up the out side frame and front rod, then placed the middle front to back pieces and the other two rods with the seat in place and tacked them. I put the rod on the top since it is all hidden by the seat. Welded it up, ground them fairly smooth, then used JB weld to clean everything up.

[slugo10]

Thanks Orrie! I will save this and for sure use it on my '59!

[bubba327]

Take care of your lungs.
I have been avoiding the body work and bondo as I tend to get sinus congestion and vocal cord issues. My system gets angry with heavy dust or irritants then I get respiratory infections .
I never had a problem until a surgical throat tube a few years ago scratched up my vocal cords.
Oh well I just wear good respirators and have proper ventilation.Take Penicillin when it hits me.
Good luck with the lift-off.
PS: Firebird Fall swap meet is this weekend I am told

[OrrieG]

Thanks Bubba on the heads up, I got tickets to the Emmett Big Nasty Hill Climb Saturday so will skip Firebird. One of my contractors help put it together so have VIP seats! Next spring I am going to gather up all my extra parts and take them out to Firebird, tired of moving stuff around.

[1985-GMC]

Have you thought about doing the fuel filler like this: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...426382&page=80

[OrrieG]

Thanks, were is the thread were trying to get me to? It just drops me in a the start and there are 50 pages. Not that I won't look a them all, but am curious about the filler. I was considering one mounted flush with the top rail but I am going to run a bed cover and do not want to have to lift it every time to fill.

[OrrieG]

I found IT!!! Went to the last page and there is was. That is the direction I am heading but I think I want a door instead of the exposed cab. Nice project, I need to look at the whole thread for ideas. Thanks Patrick

[1985-GMC]

Oh sorry I tried to link it to page 80 which starts at post #1976, im not sure what happened.

I think I would either do it like he did it or do it like the 73-80 chevy trucks are.

[OrrieG]

Thats ok , I found it. I was feeling a little lazy last night but computer at work is a lot faster and whizzed through the thread.

[OrrieG]

Weather cooperated, got some etch and primer on the bumpers and grille, also did the tailgate I had down to metal to keep it from rusting. Little plastic, little sanding and they will be ready for finish paint in the spring.

[mknittle]

Originally Posted by OrrieG

Weather cooperated, got some etch and primer on the bumpers and grille, also did the tailgate I had down to metal to keep it from rusting. Little plastic, little sanding and they will be ready for finish paint in the spring.

Looks good, i always feel like i am getting somewhere when I prime parts.

[oldman3]

Primed parts also look so good.....Jim

[OrrieG]

Good day, got the bed put together and on the frame for trial fit and to figure out the gas filler. Don't recall any one else mentioning it but once I got the end cross sills in I had to pull the side at the center in. I think the sides may have always had the bow and the poor quality of the bed let it get pushed out when I filled it with dirt, rocks, fire wood etc. Anyway the sides are plumb and the box square within a 1/16". Did notice the pads are to thick for the body lines to match.

[bajabob]

Nice work, I hope to have to do the same this summer or spring.
thanks for the update.

[1985-GMC]

It looks really good!

[Kim57]

Looking good OrrieG.
Kim

[longbike]

Wow! Nice, now it looks like your making progress, "unlike me"

[kustombrad]

Awesome! Keep it up!
Posted via Mobile Device

[oldman3]

Looking great....Jim

[Tri5Nerd]

Good job OrrieG, progress is good.

Tri5

[OrrieG]

Thanks guys, hope to build up some momentum over winter now that some distractions have been put to rest.

[rusty58]

Subscribed. Awesome level of craftsmanship in this build.