Markeb01 Build Thread

[markeb01]

It’s hard to believe myself but mounting the new fender emblems took a full 8 hour Saturday. In my youth the same task would probably have taken 30 minutes, but these days I strive to put a little more quality into everything I undertake. The photos don’t always exactly match the text, but following are the sequence of events:

Although my truck rides high in the front by contemporary standards, it is still somewhat nose down overall, even on a garage floor with a substantial uphill slope toward the front. To make sure the emblems came out level on the fenders, the first thing I did was level the truck (along the line of the front fender) by jacking up the front end.



The next step was measuring down 3” from the body crease and running a horizontal tape line so I could capture consistent vertical dimensions in the emblem area.



From this line, all measurements off the flag emblem were on center at the top of the V area between the flags.



Next was extending another tape line down from the corner hood seam, for front to back emblem measurements. To make sure this remained the same on both sides, I confirmed the distance from the rear of the fender (at the tape line) on both sides of the truck.



I then set about placing the magnetic photo emblem in various places, taking 3 angle photos (3/4 front, side, ¾ rear) of each position while noting dimensions for each spot. Front to back measurements were taken from the center of the V.



There were at least 6 or 7 different positions, high, low, forward, and back. Next the photos were downloaded and studied. Once I arrived at the perfect position, I pulled the tape to get clean photos before drilling.



Removing the tape changed the whole perspective and I didn’t like the looks at all.



So I started over without any tape this time. When I was finally satisfied again with the positioning, it all had to be retaped to get the dimensions needed to replicate the other side.



The most critical aspect (at least to me) is the alignment and spacing between the 327 and the V in the center of the flags. A Google search will show more crooked installations than those leveled and aligned. And those are the glaring details that drive me nuts when not done correctly.

So the flags were done first and taped in place. A line was marked ¼” above the true top of the V to insure alignment and spacing. Since the pins on the 327 emblem are not equally spaced on the mounting bar, I flipped the emblem to where it was pointing face down, and placed the mounting bar under the 327 numbers directly on top of the V. This centered it perfectly with the flags. I then outlined the mounting pins on the tape with an ink pen (shown in the photo above).

The next step was simply center punching the marks at the intersection of the pins on the line ¼” above the V, drilling, pulling tape, and bolting everything in place.

And after all that, here are the actual emblems, which don’t look all that much different than the photo magnet (at least not in pictures)!





The truck is covered in sheets at the moment to keep it clean until we get a decent weather day to attempt capturing a Post Card quality photo (which may take a few days).

I’d really like to capture at least one fantastic photo worth framing, because unless I win the Lottery, the truck is cosmetically done at this point. I’d like one great photo the way it looks right now because it’s unlikely to ever look any better in the future, after wear and tear have taken their toll.

Although the snapshots aren’t at all impressive, standing back and looking at the overall truck I’m glad the emblems are in place and the Moon Equipped decals are gone. To me at least they seem to add a more balanced look with the stainless windshield trim and the bed rails.

[MARTYZ]

Nice work, Looks great!!

[Ta2Don]

Awesome, Love the Attention to Detail... You are an inspiration Sir!

[piratexpress1369a]

looks killer nice job

[likaroc13]

great job once again! looking forward to your Post Card quality photo

[1963c-10]

Great job as usual Mark. I like the magnet trick to mock up. Looks great.

[CRGRS 66]

Looks awesome Mark, can't wait to see more pictures of the finished project.

[markeb01]

Thanks for all the comments guys. I do consider myself fortunate having such a willing and supportive partner. It’s a nice benefit of marrying a country girl with a passion for horses. They’re never put off by hard work or getting dirty.

As for JB Weld and gas tank necks, that’s actually how I eliminated the filler neck hole in my cab. Details are shown on post #9 (starting with the 6th picture) on the first page of my build thread. It may not be very clearly spelled out, but picture #6 is the patch I made from part of an original front filter (shown inside the cab).

The patch was slathered with about ¼” of JB Weld and held in place for 24 hours with duct tape. The outside face of the hole was covered in wax paper and more duct tape. Once everything went off, the coverings were removed and a few pinholes found in the surface were also filled with JB Weld. Once that cured, a small amount of Rage body filler blended the surface for primer.

After thousands of door slammings since 1998, the fact the hole was closed with JB instead of welding cannot be detected.

[markeb01]

Finally got a chance to take a picture in between rain showers. I think I'm about ready to call it done (if that's even possible):

[CRGRS 66]

Originally Posted by markeb01

Finally got a chance to take a picture in between rain showers. I think I'm about ready to call it done (if that's even possible):
URL]

Looks very distinguished Mark. Done... for now anyways!

[glos55]

Originally Posted by markeb01

Finally got a chance to take a picture in between rain showers. I think I'm about ready to call it done (if that's even possible):

Looks Great Mark!!!!

[Ta2Don]

Very Nice! Looking forward to saying that myself some day... Awesome Pic
Posted via Mobile Device

[clemdaddy]

your truck is beautiful and mean looking at the same time... great build mark.

soooo, whats next?

[piratexpress1369a]

can you take some shots of the lights just under the window where you came in on the inside

[markeb01]

Thanks to everyone for taking the time to look at my build and all the comments that have been offered. They are greatly appreciated.

Originally Posted by clemdaddy

your truck is beautiful and mean looking at the same time... great build mark.

soooo, whats next?

Your observation is exactly what I was trying to accomplish. Thanks for seeing it.

What’s next is a good question, and thanks for asking. I’m kind of in a state of transition at the moment, having put so much attention into the truck over the last 20+ years, I’m not sure what I want to do next. I hate to admit it to myself, but there won’t be any more street rods or restorations. I’m just too worn out and broken to start over on another build.

Although the truck is essentially done, there are a couple of trinkets left on the “maybe” list. Chrome vent windows and chrome metal door glass frames, (if I ever find any in great shape and affordable – which is unlikely). Exhaust cutouts behind the tires are a possibility. And a new engine would be nice if it ever fits in the budget. But none of these are very high on the priority list.

During the winter months I’ll be making progress on model cars, trucks, and dioramas. I’ll also be constructing a new basement bathroom, and diamond tufting an antique rocking chair. Then next spring and summer I’m looking forward to hitting a bunch of local rod runs and taking the truck on some longer day trips up to a couple hundred miles from home.

Originally Posted by piratexpress1369a

can you take some shots of the lights just under the window where you came in on the inside

Is this what you’re looking for? Details of the installation can be found at the thread below. If you’re looking for something else let me know.





http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=401449

[piratexpress1369a]

that works perfect thanks

[cdt4307]

was wondering what model and size are your spot lights

[markeb01]

They are identified as Unity Model S6, and are generally referred to as 6” spotlights. In truth that is the diameter of the widest part of the head. The actual diameter of the bulb that shows through the rim is closer to 5” across.

Here’s a thread that shows all the details of the lamps:

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=403869

And here’s a thread that shows how to install them in a 60-63 cab:

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=401449

[McMurphy]

It really does look awesome Mark!
By any chance you ever get up to Arbor Crest winery up above Plants-Ferry?
The old mansion and the view up there are fantastic. Your latest photo just reminded me of it.

[markeb01]

Good eye Mike! Indeed that is where the latest picture was taken. They’ve made a lot of improvements to the grounds and parking area making it even more enjoyable to visit.

[pdxhall]

Your truck looks great Mark! The last few final touches have really made a huge difference in the truck. I'm not saying that it didn't already look fantastic, but now it's perfect. I kinda wish you weren't done. I'll miss following your projects. They're a great source of motivation and information. Thanks for sharing.

[Corts60]

Hey Mark, you should seriously consider coming to Billetproof in Chehalis next year. It is an awesome time and your truck would do very well. Plus I'd like to see it in person
Posted via Mobile Device

[McMurphy]

Originally Posted by markeb01

Good eye Mike! Indeed that is where the latest picture was taken. They’ve made a lot of improvements to the grounds and parking area making it even more enjoyable to visit.

Ha !!
You totally beat me to it, awesome!
You will probably recognise the back drops for these photos then as well....
They were just quick captures on a cheap digital camera, sadly all my big photo $$ is into my old 35mm SLR (lenses and filters and such)...

My 66...


The wife's 72...

[melhilburn]

Really nice story and great looking truck to boot!

[markeb01]

Thanks again guys for all the comments, compliments, and suggestions. I’ve finally reached a point where I can start enjoying more of what everyone else is doing. I’m surprised when I find there are some really great build threads that have been progressing for a long time, and I’ve never seen some of them before. There are just too many to keep up with.

The Chehalis Billetproof event sounds like it would be fun and just the kind of stuff I like. Regrettably my back is so deteriorated I haven’t traveled more than an hour from home in over 10 years, but a new medication is really helping. Who knows, maybe next year?

Spent much of today changing over to snow tires on both the daily driver Honda and the truck. I was hoping to leave the mags on a while longer and maybe get some additional photo opportunities, but I’ve got a slow leak in a rear tire that needs attention. We’re also supposed to have subfreezing temperatures and snow by next weekend, so I figured I’d rather change over now when the weather is more agreeable.

I also finally discovered the source of the chirping windshield trim squeak. Previously I mentioned I hadn’t made any other recent changes to the truck, but I forgot about one and that was the culprit. It turned out to be the chromed steel Hurst shifter handle. I’d never had that mounted up against the shifter adapter plate before (shown in post #39, only the aluminum handles had been used. Since there are no serrations in the adapter, even under maximum fastener torque it still managed to wiggle enough to squeak. Rather than cutting serrations in the plate, I just went back to the aluminum handle for now, and thankfully the irritation is completely gone. The windshield trim was a minor contributor, but that noise was eliminated on the first attempt. Amazing how hard some of those things can be to diagnose.