Project "Keeper"

[VA72C10]

Thanks,

Decided to order a black tailgate band to match the trim instead of adding woodgrain to the exterior. Keeping it simple... Waiting for a price from one person before ordering one from the truck shop.

Found my AM/FM radio that looks similar to the stock radio but isn't exact...likely going to use that since I already have it but still considering one I saw on ebay that has more power and the correct knobs...

Found the NOS mirror for the broken passenger side. Also found another pair on ebay NOS in the box for relatively cheap so I bought those as well

Looks like it'll be later in the week before I can work on the truck. Had to move it today and it's amazing how enjoyable it can be to be able to jump into a truck that hasn't started in a couple days, pump the gas a couple times, start it up, let it warm up for a few seconds and run it down the street...windows roll down and up like butter...just need to get the power steering squeal fixed. Going to open up the pump and turn lock to lock to see if it was air from when the fluid was low. Next up will be the A/C

[lolife99]

Great truck!
I'd like to find one in the same condition.

What ever happened to the swb truck project you were building for another board member?

[VA72C10]

Originally Posted by lolife99

Great truck!
I'd like to find one in the same condition.

Thanks, been looking for months.

Originally Posted by lolife99

What ever happened to the swb truck project you were building for another board member?

I sold it and most of the parts and reimbursed the board member a few months ago. I just didn't have the time to finish a frame off project....when I first started I was working for myself. A lot of my contract work dried up and I got recruited by my present employer at around the time I was struggling to find more contract work.

I tried all I could to complete the project as promised and purchased a second truck project further along to try to accomplish it, but lost my body shop contact and have been working long hours/traveling a lot more than I planned so the project would have taken years and the buyer didn't want to wait and I didn't want to further disappoint them. In the end, I sold what I could and broke just short of even on the parts and wasn't paid a penny for the countless hours I'd invested in the project (actual building, commute to the body shop (over 60 hours alone there) and planning/buying parts/picking up parts) ...but things all balance out....I've found some great deals in the past on parts and trucks.

[VA72C10]

Itching to work on this thing....been spending time at night looking for parts I don't have and a little time going through what I already have so when I get time I have parts together...

[VA72C10]

Found some more parts this evening and did my second work on the truck (first was checking fluids and adding ps fluid )
Took off the yellowed/cracked dome lens cover and installed a loose NOS one I had and a LED bulb I bought from a board member years ago. Man what a difference in light! I was going to add courtesy lights but I don't need them now. The PO also installed a dimming rearview mirror with map lights so I have those if needed also. But they don't even show up when the LED dome light is on!

After that LED success and finding a single LED tail light assembly I got for free by accident years ago with an order and was told to keep it. I jumped on eBay and found another single for $22 shipped. Will swap those in when the second one arrives.

Only other lighting change will be swapping out the side markers if they are originals (they look perfect). Will sell those and install an aftermarket set I got cheap with other parts with clear fronts and red rear (after I glue the trim rings back on). I don't like yellow lenses...unless I was doing a 100pt resto. Just one of those things..... I will also change out the turns in the bumper for clear lenses with silver bulbs that flash yellow.

[VA72C10]

My wife noticed this dragonfly on my antenna yesterday. Got a surprisingly good picture with my iPhone.

[VA72C10]

Swapped out the passenger side mirror with my NOS mirror head (date code April 71)-paid $10 shipped for it off eBay a few yrs ago. Forgot to get a picture of the new one....will get that later...

[VA72C10]

Took a pic to show how clean the mirror arms are. Also notice the rubber is new in the windows, doors, and vent windows. That's a huge bonus to me!

[VA72C10]

Here's a picture of one of the two bad areas on the truck. Both corners of the drivers door showing bubbles. Just in the outer skin. Door bottoms are solid. Passenger door is solid.

[VA72C10]

Took the rubber floor mats out and straightened up the belts for an interior shot. Carpet can use a little cleaning and I need a radio (going am/fm). I ordered a glovebox door and bezel with woodgrain from csm today

But great door panels with woodgrain, great dash pad, love the seat cover, and belts are nice.

[litew8]

Nice 'keeper' Johnathan , and great dragonfly shot.

[jeh]

Defiantly going to make a nice ole truck

[aggie91]

Interior looks great!

[Tinkermc]

Johnathon I'm glad to see you got a real keeper for you. I have an am/fm/cb with mic and antenna if you are interested.

[VA72C10]

Originally Posted by litew8

Nice 'keeper' Johnathan , and great dragonfly shot.

Thanks!

Originally Posted by jeh

Defiantly going to make a nice ole truck

Originally Posted by aggie91

Interior looks great!

Thanks! So nice having a clean interior to start with. Last two projects I restored the interiors in cost me 1200-1500 for the interiors and I searched for deals and did most of the work myself

Originally Posted by Tinkermc

Johnathon I'm glad to see you got a real keeper for you. I have an am/fm/cb with mic and antenna if you are interested.

Thanks! and thanks for the offer but just wanting am/fm (factory preferred or I'm getting a new aftermarket one that looks close on ebay for $279)

[TBONE1964]

Originally Posted by VA72C10

Thanks, gathered up a bunch of parts for it and spent about 4 hours last night looking for ideas. Going to start a thread to ask about woodgrain vs black and another idea I have for the truck (two tone white between trim with white roof- drip sealant is cracking and needs re-done but no rust yet)

Also planning to add a wood wheel- I will sell the one that's on it.

Hey Jonathan,

The truck looks great. You have a nice project there. I am wondering if you have any information on the wood steering wheel. Where did you get it from? I am interested in one just like it for my 72 Cheyenne.

Keep up the good work there.
Take care,
Tom

[yote1234]

very nice !!!!

[VA72C10]

Originally Posted by TBONE1964

Hey Jonathan,

The truck looks great. You have a nice project there. I am wondering if you have any information on the wood steering wheel. Where did you get it from? I am interested in one just like it for my 72 Cheyenne.

Keep up the good work there.
Take care,
Tom

I found it on ebay but it was 179 plus shipping (197 total) Searched google, found a good deal through there on Amazon and found the part number...searched that and came up with a better deal I had to order an extra horn button to get the blue chevy one I wanted but it was only $9. (117.28 total with free shipping- $71 savings for 5 minutes of searching )

Here's the link and I was able to pay via paypal (bill me later if wanted but I used my paypal balance)
http://www.streetsideauto.com/

• 1 Grant 213 - Classic Series; Classic Wood Steering Wheel; 13.5 in. Diameter; 3.75 in. Dish; Walnut Finish w/Anodized Aluminum Rivets Chrome 3-Spoke Design; $89.99
  
• 1 Grant 5630 - GM Licensed; Horn Button; Chrome; Chevrolet; Blue/Silver; Classic/Challenger Wheels; $8.81
  
• 1 Grant 3196 - Steering Wheel Installation Kit; Matte Black; Not Designed for Vehicles w/Air Bag or Telescopic Column or Radio Controls/Cruise Controls Mounted on Steering Wheel; $18.48

[TBONE1964]

Originally Posted by VA72C10

I found it on ebay but it was 179 plus shipping (197 total) Searched google, found a good deal through there on Amazon and found the part number...searched that and came up with a better deal I had to order an extra horn button to get the blue chevy one I wanted but it was only $9. (117.28 total with free shipping- $71 savings for 5 minutes of searching )

Here's the link and I was able to pay via paypal (bill me later if wanted but I used my paypal balance)
http://www.streetsideauto.com/

• 1 Grant 213 - Classic Series; Classic Wood Steering Wheel; 13.5 in. Diameter; 3.75 in. Dish; Walnut Finish w/Anodized Aluminum Rivets Chrome 3-Spoke Design; $89.99
  
• 1 Grant 5630 - GM Licensed; Horn Button; Chrome; Chevrolet; Blue/Silver; Classic/Challenger Wheels; $8.81
  
• 1 Grant 3196 - Steering Wheel Installation Kit; Matte Black; Not Designed for Vehicles w/Air Bag or Telescopic Column or Radio Controls/Cruise Controls Mounted on Steering Wheel; $18.48

Thank you for the information Jonathan

[VA72C10]

Originally Posted by yote1234

very nice !!!!

Thanks!

[leddzepp]

Putting an LED light in the dome of the cab makes a WORLD of difference doesn't it?

[VA72C10]

Originally Posted by leddzepp

Putting an LED light in the dome of the cab makes a WORLD of difference doesn't it?

It really did. Now my OCD self wants to find matching LED's for the map lights in the rear view mirror and add them to my dash as well...lol It's bright white light vs yellow...

That and changing the really yellowed lens for an NOS one...

[VA72C10]

Originally Posted by TBONE1964

Thank you for the information Jonathan

You're welcome! I just ordered it earlier this evening so if you wait a bit I can make sure it comes in good/no issues since I have no clue about the seller....but I did buy with Paypal and got a google guarantee if that means anything...

Also, it's a 13 1/2" wheel. That's what I have now and I liked the size but the wheel didn't fit the interior to me... They also make them in 15" and they make them in a satin finish also if you don't want the chrome....but I think the chrome will look good with the chrome pieces on the interior of the truck....

[jocko]

looks great! congrats!

[VA72C10]

Originally Posted by jocko

looks great! congrats!

Thanks, headed out to tinker on it a bit now.

Just got this google "auto-awesome" photo on my g+ app. Pretty cool.