69 GMC "Ol' Blue"

[mjensen]

Thanks Rick! I'm pretty happy with how it turned out. Not too bad for a computer geek

Today, I'll be working on the drag link, AC Vents and firewall, possibly a little of the wiring harness. I'm trying to get all of the cab modifications done so that I can send this puppy down to a friend to get some paint on it. I still have a ways to go for that, but hopefully I can be done slicing and dicing this weekend.

[mjensen]

Yesterday felt pretty productive. I was able to get the drag link fitted, as well as the side AC vents cut. I'm going to try and get the center one cut today.





Not too bad considering all I had was an air saw and hand file.

[mud.man.rj]

Don't envy you on the dash holes, looks like lots of fun, man the suspension looks so nice being all new.

[mjensen]

Originally Posted by mud.man.rj

Don't envy you on the dash holes, looks like lots of fun, man the suspension looks so nice being all new.

Yeah, I was really nervous about cutting these holes. But I'm pretty happy with how it turned out.

I was able to get the center vent cut and fitted in. I also started working on the patches to the firewall. The big one needs some more work, but the fuse panel block off is ready to tack.

[7dee2]

Nice work Mike looks perfect! Glad to see you back at it. I'm really interested to hear your thoughts on the A/C kit. We need to go this route with my 1/2 ton project.

[rgunlock]

Hacking and chopping! Looking really good, but I have to tell you that your tag is showing. I only feel comfortable telling you that from one computer geek to another

[mjensen]

Well, I was going to work on the truck but I decided to work on my welding cart instead. BTW, I am very happy to be able to post this update. As I was tearing down my old cart, I pulled the mig off of it which caused it to tip, and the bottle fell to the floor. The gauges missed the wall by about an inch. Had it knocked that gauge off, who knows what would have happened.

Tore down the old cart






I'm pretty happy with how these welds turned out.

[mjensen]

I finally finished my welding cart project last night. One less side project taking up valuable garage space . I may get some time today to work on the truck. I think as far as modifications are concerned, all I need to do is patch the firewall, and get the AC box mounted. I then need to turn my attention to the door skins. After that is completed, I think I'll be ready to turn it over to a painter friend and start getting some color on this beast!

[rgunlock]

Very nice job on the cart Mike! Looks like it fits the bill.

[mud.man.rj]

Very nice welding cart, what do you have on there, mig, tig and plasma cutter.

[mjensen]

Originally Posted by rgunlock

Very nice job on the cart Mike! Looks like it fits the bill.

Thanks Rick! Yeah, it's working out great so far

Originally Posted by mud.man.rj

Very nice welding cart, what do you have on there, mig, tig and plasma cutter.

Thanks mud man! Yeah, you nailed it.

Today I ran out of steam on the truck. I was able to get the fuse panel hole patched, but that was it.

[mjensen]

Well, I'm finally admitting to myself that I need help. Admitting is the first step right?

I have a friend of mine who is starting a new shop coming down to take a look and give me some pointers and possibly some costs to do some work on it. With August being so busy from work, I would really hate to stall this project any more. If he is reasonable in his assessment and cost, I may just farm out some of the remaining bodywork and such.

[7dee2]

Hey me too Mike! I'm done with what body work I'm going to be doing on both the C10 & the K30 projects of mine. If you get a chance PM me his info!

[rgunlock]

If you aren't set on knowing you've done it yourself, go for it! I'll vouch that bodywork can take a LONG time, even if you put in time most weekends (and are like me having to do everything multiple times) I think you'll feel good to know progress is happening on Ol' Blue.

[mjensen]

Well, I got out and worked on the truck today! The firewall is done except for a few pinholes I still need to fill. What a difference .023 wire made in the welder! I was using .030, and that stuff is tough to work with on this thin sheetmetal. I'm pretty happy with how it turned out, the grind job isn't the best, but after filler you'll never see it

[7dee2]

Nice!

[mjensen]

Thanks Brett! It really does look better in person, I promise LOL

[mcbassin]

Very nice work on the firewall!

[7dee2]

It's gonna work just fine good job.

Hey do you still have that shock mockup tool you used when installing your 14 bolt? We need to rework our shocks mounts like you did. And I got a seat for you try remember?

[mjensen]

Originally Posted by mcbassin

Very nice work on the firewall!

Thanks Mike!

Originally Posted by 7dee2

It's gonna work just fine good job.

Hey do you still have that shock mockup tool you used when installing your 14 bolt? We need to rework our shocks mounts like you did. And I got a seat for you try remember?

I'll look next time I'm out in the garage. I may have cut it down, but I think it's still out there I do remember. I think after measuring this seat, I'm just going to run it. At the 6" post height, I'm going to have to modify the bottom frame a bit, but we'll make it work

[7dee2]

Originally Posted by mjensen

I'll look next time I'm out in the garage. I may have cut it down, but I think it's still out there I do remember. I think after measuring this seat, I'm just going to run it. At the 6" post height, I'm going to have to modify the bottom frame a bit, but we'll make it work

No biggie we can make one.

I think any seat you choose you should be able to raise the pedestal a little and if that doesn't get it your probably looking at notching the seat frame to add clearance. You are still welcome to try the seat to see if it will work better for you. If your sure you don't want it it's going out in the sandbox for the grandkids those little buggers will make short of it.

[Dieselwrencher]

Nice work on the firewall! Keep at it!

[mjensen]

Originally Posted by Dieselwrencher

Nice work on the firewall! Keep at it!

Thanks Ryan! I'm hoping to make some progress with the exhaust this weekend!

Originally Posted by 7dee2

No biggie we can make one.

I think any seat you choose you should be able to raise the pedestal a little and if that doesn't get it your probably looking at notching the seat frame to add clearance. You are still welcome to try the seat to see if it will work better for you. If your sure you don't want it it's going out in the sandbox for the grandkids those little buggers will make short of it.

Yeah, it would probably be easier. I've got stuff scattered in my garage worse than a mad woman's sh...

Yeah, I'm sure I'm just going to stick with this seat for now. I'm sure the kids will love it

[7dee2]

Sounds good looking forward to some more progress on this beast!

[mjensen]

Well, today I'm going to start on the exhaust. Currently the flanges that come off the headers are 2-1/2", and the kit I have is 2-1/4. I think I'm going to try reducing the collector by cutting slits in it to collapse it down to fit inside the next piece. Does anyone think this will be an issue? They do make reducers, but nobody in town carries them. I did talk to a muffler shop that could make the transition for me, but it would cost me 60 bones.