Grizz's Redneck Express 1966 Chevy Short Fleetside RESTO-GO!

[Braunschweiger]

You put your arm wax to good use, this turned out to be a head turner. Good work.

[Grizz1963]

Originally Posted by Braunschweiger

You put your arm wax to good use, this turned out to be a head turner. Good work.

Thank you very much Harald.

I knew it would be improved, but the second polishing with the Poorboys really made the wheels sparkle even more.

The before and after is proof.

[Grizz1963]

Another weekend gone.

Got loads of bits done, had a few visitors as well.

Drove the S10 around and went food shopping in it on Sunday.

Got stopped by a young guy and his lady in Morrisons Carpark to tell me he really liked the truck.

He was driving a 22 year Old Ford Puma on nice wheels, fitted with ST170 brakes and a few other modifications.

Nice when younger guys know what you are talking about. He also knows his endurance racing cars, right down to the model numbers etc.

Also showed him a pic of the Rezin Rockit, and he instantly recognised the RX7 seats and liked the fact it was MX5 in there.


My old lodger, John who is a driving instructor, came over on his full power Yamaha V-Max powered Trike on Saturday.

He wanted to see the van of course, and had helped a lot with morale boosting when I built the RR as well as sorting some wiring issues out for me.

One of the jobs I was doing just when he got here, was making a little temporary release handle for the fuel filler door which had long since lost its tab.

Being replaced with a small pair of side cutters the seller showed me how to poke it into the hole, pull the cable and release the filler door.

What a terrible solution.



So I took some welding wire, made a finger sized loop and a small tab to crimp onto the nipple on the release cable.

This is temporary until I can find a correct part to purchase either online or on my road trip to the USA.

STORY HERE: https://forum.retro-rides.org/thread...023-road-again

Shaping it.





Fitted and crimped in place.



John is like a Magpie, not much goes unnoticed or misses his scrutiny, so it was a pleasure having him there.

Rear door stop, one missing off the drivers side door.

Anyone got one to sell or donate?





Aircon/blower controls missing a small button.

Got one?



We also tested out some Autosol on the alloy wheels, that was reported before, so John cost me 3-4 hours of my life.

For the better though.

I crawled, well, poked my head under the van, as it has been professionally lowered when “The Drop Shop” built it originally.

I will just post a bunch of photos of the undersides.

The lack of rust, and even just minimal surface rust attests to the fact that this was a show van, and pampered for most of its life.

Removable tow hitch is a huge bonus as one can use the van as a real tool.

Also never seen a leaf spring quite like these……..














Looking at the sills as well…….

Starting to feel at this point, like I may have got lucky again, like the S10, only 78k miles, and a body that is hard to believe the condition of.

Yes, it was a Texas van before it came here, but it is good.

IMMACULATE SILLS TOO.



Last task for yesterday was to use some Auto Glym bumper and plastic restorer gel on the small lower lip/spoiler.

Result was again even better than expected.

Before.



Result shows in the video.



VIDEO HERE:


https://youtu.be/JF-kFzSQlFs


Thanks for checking in.

Now back to work.


.

[Grizz1963]

Well………

Any road trip sees me “IN”

This time……

I was the destination.



As David Bowie sang……..

Ch-Ch-Changes.

Today part of a multi vehicle churn started.

@glenanderson , @craigrk and I were initiating a multi vehicle trade and swap around.

Todays phase was Glen returning a lawn tractor that came though here a few years ago, that his son has used to earn his Duke of Edinburg award.

The Lawn tractor, along with the one I fetched from @frankenhealey last year, or was it this year, will be headed to Craigs home in Shropshire.

He originally wanted the Canta, and had first refusal on it, but also realised that his wife has a glass jar on the kitchen window sill that is reserved for his testicles.

So choosing to not walk like John Wayne, he let Glen take the Canta on as a new father and son build, continuing with what I started (I just cleaned it up a bit)

Mate Fil, “Sparkplug” had to step out of the race, having had second refusal as his Sprinter camper van blew up its engine.

So Glen and son Fin have a Canta, and Craigs collection of lawn tractors continues to grow.

I have gained a bit of space. Which will increase once the Rezin Rockit is sold. And then the Blue Van will be stored in the carport as it is in such good condition.

Hopefully the S10 finds a good home as well.


Video to be edited later and uploaded even later.



But suffice it to say that as always, having Glen pop over was a great pleasure.

His,Son Finlay was very taken wit the S10 and Rezin Rockit, as he should be.

But the Canta had both of them laughing like madmen when they saw it, got in it and drove it.


This little car really does bring a load of joy for what it is.

So the tractor as delivered, used to be red……..

Perfect name too.



While,Glen looked the van over, he remembers the rear door stay, opened it and poked a finger in the hole…….



Producing a door stop……

Like magic.



And of course Fin was taken with the van as well, I let him start it and rev it on the driveway, though, given a choice I suspect he would have the truck.

Happy chappie

.

All too soon it was time For them to head home……

Glen to face Mrs Anderson, who is not impressed.

But I am sure she prefers him tinkering, rather than drinking or doing silly stuff.

Happy team, headed out.



Looking forward to seeing how Glen and Fin progress and proceed with the Canta.

[realvc]

Cool find on the rear door stop.

I had an Astro van around 91 or so it was about a year old when I got. It had widows and seats, more of a family thing. I liked everything about that van but alas and alack I lost custody of it in a divorce.

[Grizz1963]

Originally Posted by realvc

Cool find on the rear door stop.

I had an Astro van around 91 or so it was about a year old when I got. It had widows and seats, more of a family thing. I liked everything about that van but alas and alack I lost custody of it in a divorce.

Divorces are bastard things.

The only people who really score are lawyers and greedy wives.

I was relatively lucky that Nicola wanted to protect all of her pensions and left my crap alone.

But I have paid dearly before.

[Grizz1963]

Speaking of paint……


Another 75 minutes of my life, taken by the van.

With Amazing results.

@braaap had done some pointers toward the worst damage, done by someone removing songwriting and not completing the job.

I love washing cars and sometimes just sitting next to them in the sun and shade, to identify damage, marks, things that you miss on photos, or even when excited to make a purchase.

Once washed and dried, I saw more marks all the way around the van.





Looking at the drivers side with the sun behind me.

Clearly not a good thing.



And from the other side, looking toward the sun.

Part of the van was in the shade,,so it also shows how well this paint reacts with light.

Damage



I have two bottles of polishing compound.

Went with the G3 as I have used it a few times before.



Then Started to polish by hand, again a two finger job, much repeating, back and forth.

First section looking a load better.



Took my time and got many many passes over the damage, also broadened my strokes so as to blend with existing paint.

Passenger side has been painted over, the masking lines wire never buffed back or blended, so I did that as much as I could, and the improvement was vast, though one will always be able to see that there is a line, fortunately, being high up, it misses most scrutiny.

I also did the lower side on both sides were careless box moving, driving, parking too close to whatever caused scuffs, left marks, which now are gone.

Side panels both look a lot better.



Drivers side front fender seems to have had some wet and dry over it, but not cut back and polished either, so I gave that a go with great results.




Final result.

BOOOOOOMMM…!!






After dinner the sunset was amazing, and I wished the van was out front.

It plus have made a great photo.





And for those following on YOUTUBE

VIDEO.



https://youtu.be/BKX3Q-QOJMA


Thanks for checking in.


.

[Grizz1963]

Sometimes the camera does not quite capture the changes.

Went out after work last night for a few minutes.

Polished the indicators and side repeaters with some G3 as I was on a roll.

Both actually showed an improvement.



And after of course.

Still convinced I need a pair of clear lenses.




More small jobs waiting.




.

[Grizz1963]

Just how small has the world become.

My buddy Stas in Siberia sent mr this pic.

He was watching my youtube channel.





A friend, JB Math in Oklahoma gave me what I regard as a lovely compliment yesterday, saying that I have an innate ability to find those little imperfections that when corrected, make a nice impact.

To me, some of the bodges and repairs I see, make me wonder why people did not just do it right in the first place, as the effort is the same as doing it right.

Yesterday’s small jobs would have @nickwheeler rubbing his hands together in glee.

The black gloss paint came out…….

A few small jobs to do, necessitated some masking up, and also dismantling weather seals in the door frames, but with a nice impact.

First job, mask up the cut and shut Recarro seat bases. Welded, ground and left like that……

Nice job mr Craftsman.





Masked and painted.



Surely looks better already.




Next job was the A-Pillars, weirdly missed when painted blue and so obvious.

After poking and prodding, realised I could remove the door seals on both sides, passenger side is a long one including the sliding door.

Then washed many years of accumulated dirt and muck from there.



Cleaned up.



Painted.



At the same time I prepped the rear door, that is missing some trim.

The other door needs its upholstery to be fixed back neatly as well, maybe a weekend job.

But plans include driving and enjoying the van, and making up for forgetting Sally’s birthday.



Left the masking tape in place till this morning and was pleasantly surprised at the changes.

Looks much better imho.



Doors….

I had to look twice at where the yellow was sticking out so obviously before.

Really pleased with the result. Seals back in place.



And the rear door needs me to make up a piece of trim, probably in black, or dark grey to go with the upholstery trim.

For all the zoomers, yes there is damage to the rear glass tinting and some genius sprayed some black aerosol paint on it.

Not ideal, but a good solution, especially looking from the outside, until,I get to replacing the tint.

Possibly both sides at the same time.






As I get the small jobs done, I am getting to like the van more and more.

Realising that it has essentially had a very good life to date.

Friday…….. last day of the week.

.

[Grizz1963]

After work a quick few small jobs.

WD40 in the lock barrels, got all three doors to lock. In a secret sequence.

Also went back to the garage and fetched the G3 and some cloths.

The rear end, roll pan and lights were not as tidy as I would like them.

So rear end paint polished, followed by the rear lights that were less than good.



After quite a bit of buffing, the results were satisfactory, or a bit more than that to be honest.



Plan is to go out for a drive with Sally tomorrow.

No idea where to go really, and @glenanderson will possibly have advice on Dover and Folkestone, I hope.

Not really interested in Dover castle, expensive and done recently..

Any ideas for greater Kent gang?

No tight car parks of course.




.

[Braunschweiger]

The Van has already become a jewel. Hmm... recommending something to an Englishman in his home country, that can only go wrong,
you know every blade of grass in your corner, lol

[Grizz1963]

Originally Posted by Braunschweiger

The Van has already become a jewel. Hmm... recommending something to an Englishman in his home country, that can only go wrong,
you know every blade of grass in your corner, lol

Morning my friend,

I am actually a real “Go home from work” kind of guy.

Off to America for three weeks on Thursday, but at home I tend to be happy doing the stuff I do.

A suggestion from Texas was to use Tripadvisor but it is clear from the prices to visit anything here, they are raping the tourists, and locals.

So maybe a trip to Aldi and Walmart are in order.

[Braunschweiger]

As a German tourist,
I would have Leeds Castle or Canterbury as sights on my list,
or Botany Bay, is certainly more relaxed by the sea with the high temperatures.
I envy you for your USA tour and wish you a lot of fun and a great time.

[Grizz1963]

Originally Posted by Braunschweiger

As a German tourist,
I would have Leeds Castle or Canterbury as sights on my list,
or Botany Bay, is certainly more relaxed by the sea with the high temperatures.
I envy you for your USA tour and wish you a lot of fun and a great time.

Thank you very much for the well wishes on the tour.

The America I see is filled with kind, generous, open, honest and straight people.

They remind me of the Africa I grew up in.

In Africa, and over here, my door is always open.

I have a suspicion that Michael McMurphy and his wife Patricia, both retired soldiers, will be living in my house the first two weeks of September.

His build thread here: https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=487100

They stayed here a few years ago as well.

[Grizz1963]

Took the new van and Sally for a ride today.

One of the places we ended up was on the Isle of Sheppey, at good friend Darren’s engineering shop.

Always one to look for other avenues of revenue, and also liking a project or two on the side.

This is current with great potential.



After making a full round of his newest car, engineering and fun stuff, I searched his massive dumpster/skip in case there were treasures in there……

No luck.


But, associated with one of his current engineering projects, was this……..

We got into a quick negotiation and a sensible price was agreed.

This may end up being a fart in a wind storm, or it could become real thunder.


SO ANY INPUT, PAST EXPERIENCE, PHOTOS, DESIGNS, WARNINGS ( fiscal and H&S) are welcome.

At this point Sally just said OMG, Really? And carried on on her Instagram.



So we were discussing me taking ownership of this beauty after it has served its purpose here……

And turning it into a 4 wheeled drivable vehicle.

If Barstools, Ammo cases, lawn tractors and mobility scooters can…… then why not a Jetski.






Steering wheel, rear view mirrors, comfy seat.

WHAT MORE COULD YOU WANT?





So right now, it is just an idea fuelled by a lot of cannabis and beer.


Input welcome.


Don’t be negative, get with the madness.

[Grizz1963]

Up early, as usual, then went to fill the van up to its neck, suspect 75 litres or 15 gallons, too lazy to search Google right now.


Local gas station is still running a manned forecourt, so you may not fill your own car/truck.



Likes the Dino-Juice.

Let’s see how much it likes it.



Once Sally got here, we set off.

She took a pic of me because of my silly grin most of the way.




One of the places we ended up was on the Isle of Sheppey, at good friend Darren’s engineering shop.

Always one to look for other avenues of revenue, and also liking a project or two on the side.

This is current with great potential.



After making a full round of his newest car, engineering and fun stuff, I searched his massive dumpster/skip in case there were treasures in there……

No luck.


But, associated with one of his current engineering projects, was this…….. Check the last two entries https://forum.retro-rides.org/thread...-real?page=179


Once we’re done at Darren’s it was off to some shops.

Now we all know the saying, “If you don’t look back at your car when you walk away, you bought the wrong car”

Well, I never expected to hear the words from a usually reserved, noncommittal Sally.

Half way to the shops, she stopped and looked back, saying “You,did get lucky finding such a nice looking van”

High praise indeed from the Queen of Yeah, it’s OK.

Coming back, I felt compelled to take another pic of the same blue van, these colours really do love a bit of light.




Lastly, an early morning message from Dennis……

Looks like it is going to continue being hellishly hot in the USA.




I don’t really care, as long as I get there.

[Grizz1963]

There you go.

So someone did a similar thing before.

https://youtu.be/v3uDoqDAKRg

[Grizz1963]

Small jobs.

They keep on popping their little grubby heads up.

Today, after taking the day off yesterday to do a very belated and apologetic birthday BBQ, Sally went home to clean her already clean house and various other tasks.

This made her a lot happier than a fist full of cash I gave her as an apology for forgetting her birthday.



So this morning I got going early because time slips away quietly and quickly.

Steering wheel has irked ,e from day one, just the way paint had flaked over time.



So I polished the ally boss, masked the plastic section and flatted the ally section.

Then wrapped most of the interior in T-shirts and an old sheet in order to apply some satin black.

Result.

Improved.




Video.

https://youtu.be/GXNDFWaGBW4


Once again, not a 5 minute job, but a small one that makes for the right result.


Back to work tomorrow.

.

[Grizz1963]

Remember the USA Road Trip ?

https://forum.retro-rides.org/thread...023-road-again

I am looking forward to three weeks away from work, though I never stop thinking about it.

Dennis just sent this, this morning.

40’C when I get there on Friday.

Add in some humidity, and it seems I will be flying in shorts and flip flops.

I know how the heat hits you in the face as you step out of the buildings.



Luckily even the workshop has air conditioning

And beer.

[Grizz1963]

Seems Someone used an angry badger to enlarge the radio hole.
Fitted is a unit I want to remove as I do not understand it, and also the bottom of this dash surround has been cut.
I will be in the USA soon, with a very large case. And scrap yards are always included in my road trips.
But I was wondering if anyone knew someone who was stripping a Mk1 van, this one is a 1990 short panelvan Astro.

Any pointers are much appreciated.

.

[Grizz1963]

RIGHT

NEXT SMALL JOB, WITH A BIT OF RISK, THAT BUGGED ME FROM THE DAY I COLLECTED THE VAN, WAS THE DOORS.

Sorry, caps lock.

After all the years the van has been on the road, the fabric used is actually incredibly well preserved.

But it is grubby, more so to the naked eye, than the camera lens.

So I decided to use some fabric and carpet cleaner, along with a nail scrubbing brush, at the risk of messing it all up.

Before.

Dirty, dull.




After.



Graphics, faded and dusty.



After, certainly much better.




Another job, one I usually do the day I wash a new car, is to clean the interior surfaces, knobs, stalks, controls and all grooves with an ammonia based cleaner like Jif/Cif/Handy Andy whatever, and then using some form of plastic or leather or even wax based wood polish.
This time it was Auto Glym, because I have bottle I bought previously.

Result is a distinct improvement.




VIDEO

https://youtu.be/qxjT2TBaXq0


That is where we are up to today.

A cleaner van.

[Grizz1963]

Off on my USA road trip in the morning.

George seems to know.

That’s last night.

Unusual.




​Woke this morning, him curled up next to me on the bedside locker.

Seriously unusual behaviour.

Poor guy.

[Braunschweiger]

The little guy feels that what is different, he will miss you.
I wish you a lot of fun on your USA trip.

[Grizz1963]

Originally Posted by Braunschweiger

The little guy feels that what is different, he will miss you.
I wish you a lot of fun on your USA trip.

Yes, animals sense stuff.

I hope he managed with the tin opener to get his food every day, and can open the taps to drink.

The trip will hopefully be a good one, especially if I can get some footage filmed.

[Grizz1963]

After Glenn commented about the dash, and after I cleaned it up, I was wondering if there was anything missing here.

It looks like there should be a mesh grille over the 6 holes, but there are no mounting holes, clips or grooves.



However, I was thinking, if I cut to shape painted some of this scrap plastic mesh I found on a discarded laundry drying rack, and just dropped two long strips into the groove, one each from the centre, it could look factory and be a slight improvement.




Of course I have no clue what the original Mk1 vents looks like up front.

Any pics out there?