Mean Green "Bob County Edition" Build

[panhandler62]

That's looking really good.

I have to say though, up in the original disasembly pics -- That is a truly phenomenal amount of dirt you released when you stripped the front end! lol

[topnos]

Here are a couple of pics from the Body Shop. I also included a pic contining the new Goodmark feders and core support. Unfortunately, as you all probably know and understand, the Body Shop is a couple of days behind. Even though the Body Shop is behind, I expect to be able to pick up the cab and frame later this week so I can continue working on the project. As you can see, the frame is on the machine, and is straightened. In regards to the cab, you can see both cab corners and both (left and right) inner & outer rocker panels have been replaced. The firewall has been smoothed, and all holes that will not be used have been filled in as well (including the clutch rod, etc…).

I hope to have some painted and progress pics in the next couple of weeks.

Time to answer some questions:

KSBEATTY – I am using a custom stainless steel transmission linkage from Kugel Komponents. I am not going to use a floor shifter; rather I am utilizing a column shifter. I want to make sure to keep the factory look as much as possible.

PANHANDLER69 – You are correct, that pic shows a lot of dirt released during the tear down process. However, the pic does not reflect the extent, nor the severity, of the amount produced from tear down. I can honestly say, I was not making friends at the curb with the amount (and weight) of the trash bags containing yard fill.

Have a great week!!!

[OLDIRON69]

Wow! Making great progress, at this rate you should be done by September!

[topnos]

It has been a while since I posted some pics and provided an update, so here it is. As you can see from the pics, the cab is mounted and mock up before paint is in the process. To date, fuel cell is installed (waiting on some pieces to finish the fuel plumbing), sound deadener is installed, Old Air A/C kit is being set in place, A/C compressor, p/s, and alternator is installed, radiator is being set in place, new plug wires are being routed and made, brake system is installed (including bleeding system), instrument cluster is together and in place, brake and emergency pedal is set up and in place, and the wiring harness is being laid out and ran. I have a couple of parts I am still waiting on, but I am hoping to hear the engine (of course with open headers) start in about a month. I'll let you guys know how things go and give you an update as soon as I get some more time ti get some work done.

By the way, you might see the new A/C window unit I installed in the garage. I have to say, it makes the hot and humid summer days in Houston a little bit more comfortable.

[topnos]

Here is some more pics to keep you up-to-date.

[OLDIRON69]

How did you like the fitment of the brackets for the compressor and alt.?? I still want to go serpentine, but not have not found a set up local yet...

[topnos]

oldiron69,

The fitment of th brackets was nice. However, I had to do some modification to the p/s set-up. I too would like the serpentine set-up, but at the same time I want to kkep some originality.

[1LoC10]

lookin great

[72CSTC5]

I like it, looking good.

[FRENCHBLUE72]

Damn you have made some fast progress..

[OLDIRON69]

Was the cab as solid as it looked? It sure looks good now..

[topnos]

OLDIRON69,

The replacement cab was pretty solid, considering the usual replacement items (L&R Cab Corners, L&R Inner/Outer Rockers). in regards to the doors, both doors received new lower panels, however, I do not have any new pictures of these because they are still at the body shop waiting for paint time, which I am looking forward to having completed.

[OLDIRON69]

Heck, I guess that is better than $5-6K to repair your origional cab...Great build and story!

[topnos]

Just wanted to let everyone know I was still here. Things have been pretty busy with the baseball and soccer schedule for the boys. Also, the body shop ran behind, and I just picked up the cab and frame. The bed and hood should be painted in the next week or two. Time to get in gear and get this truck done before Christmas.

I know, words and actions without pics are useless. However, rest assured, pics will be coming shortly in the next couple of days. I look forward to hearing the comments and suggestions.

[OLDIRON69]

Looks like your gonna have some late nights ahead of you.

[Shock_Me]

Topnos,
I've been following your build since the beginning, and have to say you're doing a great job. Can't wait to see the latest pics.
Is your father in law still oblivious about this truck you're building for him??

Pete

[topnos]

Oldiron69,

You are correct, there are going to be a few late nights before the Christmas deadline.

Shock_me,

I can honestly say yes. My father-in-law is still oblivious to this project, even though hes has been to the house many times during this build (including Thanksgiving)!

Just to give you all a little more detail, the a/c is n and set-up. Also, the exhaust is complete, including the pipes exiting near the rear mounted gas tank. I am waiting in a couple of more parts to be delivered so the final work can begin. However, he are some pics of the build as we sit.

I hope you all had a great Thanksgiving, and look forward to your comments and suggestions!

[topnos]

more pics

[topnos]

and more pics

[Boog]

Wow. You have really been after it. Time is getting short. Are ya confident you will make it on time? He is a lucky man.

[gringoloco]

Those artillery wheels are cool. Have you thought about painting the needles on the dash cluster? Picky- I know, but one of the details that will make an already good looking truck great. Lookin' good and I hope you meet the deadline.

[CG]

Originally Posted by gringoloco

Those artillery wheels are cool. Have you thought about painting the needles on the dash cluster? Picky- I know, but one of the details that will make an already good looking truck great. Lookin' good and I hope you meet the deadline.

I agree, those wheels are very cool. I wouldnt mind having a set of those laying around.

[OLDIRON69]

Looks awesome!

[Shock_Me]

Holy cow, nice work! You're father-in-law is gonna flip! This is a great gesture you're doing Topnos. Can't wait to see it done.
Oh yeah, I love that color combo. My dad's 69 is the same color.

Pete

[topnos]

Just a quick update, but pictures will be provided this weekend. Currently, the engine runs and sounds really good. A couple of issues to work out: set timing (only set by ear), fix the temp gauge (goes to hot real quick but the gauge at the radiator only reads about 150-170 and the t-stat opens and the water pump is working), hook up transmission shift linkage, and button up all of the loose ends. Most of the interior is done, except for the interior light circuit (which can't be completed until the doors are hung), seat install, stereo box, etc.... Just little things that tend to be time consuming, but minor in detail to the grand scheme of things. I dropped the truck off this morning to get the alignment done, and it will go back to the body shop afterwards for touch up and final installationof the hood, doors, and bed. Pictures will be uploaded this weekend to let you gus see how things are coming, and hopefully it will look more like a truck by then.

My father-in-law is still oblivious to this present, but I would like some ideas on how to give it to him on Christmas. What do you think about the following options:
1. leave to go get ice and bring it back leaving a couple of marks down the street.
2. raise the garage door while it is started and pump the throttle as the door goes up.
3. open the garage door and have him remove the car/truck cover, with a big bow on the cover
4. have him go to the garage to take out some trash with the grandkids in the garage

Any ideas or suggestions for a great Christmas delivery will be truly appreciated.

Until the weekend.