Finally "Silvers" build thread!! ('78 swb 2wd silverado)

[jdurant]

Wow, man. You've got a bunch done since last I checked in. Looks like it is coming along great. And congrats on the promotion.
The only advice I can give for your engine detailing is this--Did I miss if you are keeping the exhaust manifold? If so I think you should spend the money and have them coated. Cause they aren't gonna look so great after just a couple of miles. And that would be a real shame.
Also I think plastic stuff and most underhood stuff looks better semi black than glossy--especially things you don't want to draw attention to.
Also I'm a big fan of black crinkle powder coat--It would go really well with the silver and red.

[nlped]

^^^ Uuummmm, yuck!!! I hate the cold!

Project is coming along really well, Dennis. How many days do you have left on the clock

[nlped]

"i'm actually way ahead schedule as long as i give 6 months to a year for the body and paint"

LOL!!! Well then, it sounds like I am on the same schedule as you

[menace121978]

i'll let you know on those covers buddy. it may be awhile... i'll make sure you have plenty of quality time with them.

[Jonboy]

Yeah, but Bob did that monumental build and went AWOL. See what happens with that level of planning? You have to have a bunch of stuff pop up to keep it interesting.....

[menace121978]

yea, i'm still amazed at how his swap unfolded. 1 day he says "hey, i got a square body!" the next day, "i think i'll throw a gen III in him this winter!" next day "hey, i bought a ls combo!" and the next day he's driving it making rolling burn out videos and say'in how easy it was!!

[JohnC]

Yeah that's why he's an inspiration to all of us! He's a square body legend in the making!

[Jonboy]

Maybe he is missing to solidify his "legend" status.

[menace121978]

exactly!

even though he's not around he'll always be close to our hearts! TRUE LEGEND!

[JohnC]

He's around he's just lurking!

[Driveway Dreams]

I know that he is busy with work and stuff. I just learned how that can be. My posts have slowed drastically since I got a job where I actually have to work. But Bob created a monster and did it in the time that it takes most of us to swap a seat out or get a sport bumper and put it on. And I can tell you all that Fred does not look like a cobbled up mess though even in that quick time. I guess that is where the reading and planning helped. And I am sure that Dennis' truck will be as impressive if not maybe even a little more so, based on the overall goals of it.

[menace121978]

much apprieciated buddy

small update: the new '87 fuel sending units and high psi switching valve arrived today and the original '78 shop manual got here the other day. i'll take some pics soon! still waiting on the fuel pumps and trying to figure what mounts to go with.
i think i'm gonna end up using the plates like Bob did and buy the high mount a/c brackets and compressor and just reuse the stock tranny crossmember.

BRP really let me down. they dont know for sure that the a/c compressor and lines will clear and they want me to mail my compressor and lines to them. to much B.S. then he goes on to say that 98% of the plate swaps wont work with their headers. they just missed out on at least a $500 sale and maybe a grand if they knew FOR SURE that the stock a/c compressor would work. anyways, i'll get it figured... need to find a top mount a/c bracket that isnt all chromed up like s&p's..

[Driveway Dreams]

If all else fails, buy the chromed one and sand and paint it. That is easy, if you can only find that one from S&P.

[menace121978]

we're on the same page man. we will see how it goes.

got to slow down a bit and save again. just paid off my card today. total so far for the 6 oh is right about $3100. just a few more little things like the adaptor plates, intake gaskets, knock sensor harness, vette regulator, and high psi hoses. (been reading about what to replace on the ls motor since i got'er down so far)

[Driveway Dreams]

Dang...$3,100?!?! Wow, I could "finish" my truck for that. Of course it is never really finished. But good job getting it all coming. If you can't tell I am closely following your build. I have a feeling that I am gonna love your truck when you get it done.

[menace121978]

ya i hope EVERYONE loves her... btw, i didnt get that tax break on the motor/trans i was hoping for! so that inflated it a couple hundred.

man, you sure know how to make me feel good... you could FINISH yours for that!

that entire statement you just made is kinda like pulling the dogs tail and petting her at the same time!!

j/k bro, nothing but love!!

[Driveway Dreams]

But that would not have all the work that you are putting into yours. But it would look pretty damned cool even still for that. Sorry I couldn't help you bargain for that discount. The guy who I am building the Biscayne for has still not said to do it.
You know there is love. Especially after the whoopin' the 9ers put on the Cards last night.

[menace121978]

GO 9'ERS!!!

we both know what the key is though... PAINT & BODY! being that just so happens to be what you do that $3k would finish yours off!

[STOCKISH]

So, I take it from reading yours and Bobs build that NO stock compressor will fit in the stock location in our trucks? With the LS engine I mean. What about the smaller TBSS A/C compressor?

[menace121978]

i dont know buddy... 79gmc5.3 is going to take a stock compressor and lines over to brp and have them test fit it. i'm hoping it works... if not, the best solution is the conversion plates and high mount a/c bracket and compressor. that is maybe another option though(tbss compressor)

[Jonboy]

I thought Bob looked at a TB compressor, and it was a no go? IIRC, it was close, but the frame still needed to be notched a little bit for clearance, and it was about an inch from the idler arm. I thought that was why he decided to go with the high mount compressor.

[JohnC]

Yeah I think you are correct. Someone did look into the TBSS compressor, but don't remember what the issue was.

[rongstad]

Originally Posted by JohnC

Yeah I think you are correct. Someone did look into the TBSS compressor, but don't remember what the issue was.

If I recall correctly; not able to find the correct 90 degree output and/or adaptor. I will look at my bookmarks once I get home.

Dennis;

Codys87 has the BRP engine mounts and it appears he is using a 96 compressor.

Originally Posted by Codys87

Heres the pics of my a/c compressor, but I haven't gotten the adapter yet. Honestly didn't know if it would work until I found your thread and found the link to the adapters on here. I have about 2 inches of clearance from the a/c compressor to the frame so I'm not sure why it wouldn't work. I am using the brp motor mount conversion kit though. But it looks like we both may have about the same clearance.



Let me know what you think. I was going to order the adapter tonight.

[menace121978]

rongstad, thanks alot for posting those and checking your book marks. i'm going to pm Cody and see what the deal is...

[78-5.3]

very nice build!!!!