Project truck dream 65"

[lenguini]

Managed to get down to Mission Raceway this weekend.Some amazing times with the alcohol cars, Harley dragsters and pro mods.

Oh ! Look what I found !........My bike never looked so good !

[rusty_67]

Truck's lookin' sweet Ed! Gonna look real clean under the hood, I dig it.

Bike doesn't look bad either

[lenguini]

Originally Posted by rusty_67

Truck's lookin' sweet Ed! Gonna look real clean under the hood, I dig it.

Bike doesn't look bad either

Thanks bud,been workin hard on it as Im trying to get to paint by year end.

[lenguini]

Finally made a decision on rubber,nothing like good ol Mickey Thompsons.This is the second set I have purchase in my lifetime...,were always in my opinion a great tire.

[Bomp]

Can't go wrong with a set of Mickey's

[lenguini]

Originally Posted by Bomp

Can't go wrong with a set of Mickey's

You are correct,I had looked at many throughout the build and feel at rest now!

[lenguini]

I drew up a blueprint for my line clamps and had them fabbed them up shortly after.Using the old rad mount holes...everything is uniform and tight with no worrying about stainless braid rubbing anywhere.

I also was able to put the hood springs on just after.For any of you who need to do this...a buddy with a winch is the only way to go ! I recommend powder coating,it is flexible and does not crack where most paint finished will.

[lenguini]

Started on the bumper filler panel. I always though these look unfinished with the 2 factory panels that rest over this area.

Im going to have my homework ahead as I have to be able to fit the license plate in its original location,along with another 1/4 up with the whole piece.

Ill figure it out !

[lenguini]

Working on the exhaust now. I made up a template based on the flowmaster tips I just ordered,to get an idea of the look.

Im running 2.5" 304 .065 tubing to the electric cutouts followed by more tubing to the back of the cab,then Porter shortie's just behind the cab and hopefully having enough room to dump out in front of the rear wheels.

Trying to decide on a small push button switch that will open and close the cutouts....,so anyone with opinions on this give me your feedback please.

I ran a similar shape and size muffler years ago and found it to be to loud having them right under the cab.

[rustbucket66]

I really like that custom made splashpan for the rear bumper, some cool engineering and shaping there. As far as the cutouts, it's your truck man, do what you think is right. I think it looks good, and all your detailing on everything and your unique ideas are all cool. I hope to see that truck up close someday, there are lots of things on yours that none of the others have.

[lenguini]

Originally Posted by rustbucket66

I really like that custom made splashpan for the rear bumper, some cool engineering and shaping there. As far as the cutouts, it's your truck man, do what you think is right. I think it looks good, and all your detailing on everything and your unique ideas are all cool. I hope to see that truck up close someday, there are lots of things on yours that none of the others have.

Thanks Bud,appreciate the good words.I'm trying like hell to get this completed less paint by the end of the year.I think I have done all that I'd hoped so that I dont look back later and wish I had changed something.

I'm just waiting fo my exhaust cutouts and then I can start planning out the rest of it.........

[FRENCHBLUE72]

Beautiful truck I just spent most of the day reading your build thread. Your attention to detail is amazing and has given me many ideas for my own build thanks..I see white engine bay with polished aluminum and purple fittings,the truck is going to be green correct? Im not sure where the purple ties into everything? Also will the truck be blown all the way back apart for final paint?

[lenguini]

Originally Posted by FRENCHBLUE72

Beautiful truck I just spent most of the day reading your build thread. Your attention to detail is amazing and has given me many ideas for my own build thanks..I see white engine bay with polished aluminum and purple fittings,the truck is going to be green correct? Im not sure where the purple ties into everything? Also will the truck be blown all the way back apart for final paint?

Thanks,glad my build caught your attention.Truck is going white and partially coming apart when ready to spray.

[FRENCHBLUE72]

White is a great color choice and now I can see where the purple fittings fit into the picture. Thanks for the info and keep up the good work..

[65Gregg]

"Trying to decide on a small push button switch that will open and close the cutouts....,so anyone with opinions on this give me your feedback please."

I was going to suggest you convert the choke cable to operate the cut outs but if I remember correctly that operates your hood release. Maybe convert the lighter knob to a push on/off button.

[lenguini]

Originally Posted by 65Gregg

"Trying to decide on a small push button switch that will open and close the cutouts....,so anyone with opinions on this give me your feedback please."

I was going to suggest you convert the choke cable to operate the cut outs but if I remember correctly that operates your hood release. Maybe convert the lighter knob to a push on/off button.

Thanks for the input. I have decided to mount a rocker switch under my armrest on the door panel. Its easy access and no more holes in the dash.

[lenguini]

A busy Saturday for the build. We started with the wiring end of things today, Airwolf auto electric is doing the job and will be working out of my shop. The kit is a 28 circuit with ample extras for possible additions down the road.

I spent a couple nights this past week making up a mount for the fuse box bracket that comes with the kit. Its hidden out of site but easily accessible with some spin off studs I made up.

I also ordered my Porter shorty mufflers.I ordered them in polished stainless to go with the rest of the exhaust....and yes it will be polished as well !

I also cut out templates for my box to bumper panel for the lower corners and had the pieces fabricated after the fact.


Tonight I made two more templates to fill the tailgate hinge pockets,while my buddy stood buy on the shop couch and watched !

Tom I will make the remaining templates to box in the corners and fill the back of the panel where the license plate rests

[Bomp]

Dig that fuse box bracket.

[lenguini]

Originally Posted by Bomp

Dig that fuse box bracket.

Thanks bud,the black portion you see in the pic came with the kit,what its mounted to I built out of aluminum.Painless wire is a great way to go,they don't overlook anything !

[duallyjams]

Very cool build

[lenguini]

Originally Posted by duallyjams

Very cool build

Thanks bud !I'm lovin the last month as is really rollin toward a start up and down the street !

[pdxhall]

The truck is moving right along. I'm diggin' the bumper panel. Very nice.
You'll be driving that thing in no time.

[lenguini]

Originally Posted by pdxhall

The truck is moving right along. I'm diggin' the bumper panel. Very nice.
You'll be driving that thing in no time.

Thanks,burning the midnight oil lately....it should pay off soon.Wednesday was a big day as I finally got it registered here.I had a lot of sleepless nights worring about it,with all the time and money already spent.Im a lot more relaxed now !

Spent the last week plus finishing off the brake and fuel lines....and wire conduit all in stainless 304.

Tom the harness gets started so another day in the shop....Ill post some pics here throughout the days work.

[Ta2Don]

Been a minute since I checked in...
all I can come up with is

Really dig the whole nine yards!!!

[lenguini]

Now mocking up the exhaust 304 065 stainless with forged stainless mandrels, Pypes stainless collectors, Aeroflow billet hangers and Flowmaster stainless tips.....,going to be one good looking undercarriage when complete.

All the wiring conduit for taillights ,trailer etc. in 3/8 stainless 035 now in place with a feed wire already inside ...,along with all the stainless brake and fuel lines complete.

Don't mind all the dust, the complete frame will be polished once all is ready.