Project "Leon "

[Xeen]

Sounds like the engine was a good find.
When you go to install the engine I recommend relocating the A/C compressor using a Holley bracket kit if you plan on running A/C anyway.
You can buy the CPP sheet metal engine perches and stock location LS adapter plate that way you can use TBSS, Camaro or Truck exhaust manifolds and just about any headers out there without any interference issues.
I have been down this road with mine and you will save yourself major headaches by going that route.
I would be happy to answer any questions you have on exactly what stuff to buy if you need me to.

[texasld]

Originally Posted by Xeen

Sounds like the engine was a good find.
When you go to install the engine I recommend relocating the A/C compressor using a Holley bracket kit if you plan on running A/C anyway.
You can buy the CPP sheet metal engine perches and stock location LS adapter plate that way you can use TBSS, Camaro or Truck exhaust manifolds and just about any headers out there without any interference issues.
I have been down this road with mine and you will save yourself major headaches by going that route.
I would be happy to answer any questions you have on exactly what stuff to buy if you need me to.

I saw a post where a guy trimmed about an inch or 1 1/2" out of the frame rail with no problem. I was going to try to go that route. I think with the cross member bolted directly under the rail, it wont be a big issue. I have also seen where they heated the frame rail and bent it. That would be an option too.

[Xeen]

Originally Posted by texasld

I saw a post where a guy trimmed about an inch or 1 1/2" out of the frame rail with no problem. I was going to try to go that route. I think with the cross member bolted directly under the rail, it wont be a big issue. I have also seen where they heated the frame rail and bent it. That would be an option too.

The issue isn't whether or not the compressor can be made to work in that location it's that it is more trouble than it's worth, I'm just trying to save you a lot of trouble.

[texasld]

This single photo took forever to take. I think I have about 32 hours in disassembly, cleaning, and reassembly thus far.

As always. Excuse the mess. I promise I clean my garage all the time.

[texasld]

It's been awhile since I have posted but I have been trucking along.

I have cleaned, painted, rebuilt, and mounted the power steering box.

I'm so tired of cleaning parts. I think I'm done for a little, but it seems to be wort it. I'm pretty proud of how this turned out!

Cleaned, new seals, and painted the 4l60e


Here she is mounted in the frame with the headers mounted up and ready to go to the exhaust shop.





I don't know how I could be so lucky with the AC compressor. I used TransDapt LS adapters. (Did have to trim my A/C compressor bracket to clear the adapter plates.) My truck was originally a 396 so I have the 69 BBC stands. Everything worked out and all I have to do is a SLIGHT trim for the hose. The Trans X member even lined up in the stock holes. Couldent ask for a better 2 days off from work.

[mcbassin]

Your engine and tranny look great! Where are you mounting your coil packs?

[texasld]

Originally Posted by mcbassin

Your engine and tranny look great! Where are you mounting your coil packs?

Thanks, Man!

I'm thinking low on the firewall or inside the frame rail behind the motor mounts. I'll probably build a heat shield for them to protect from the headers.

I guess I could get REALLY crafty and mount them behind the firewall, and make some type of connector, but under dash space is limited, and that just increases the length of plug wire...


These are the adapter plates I got for them off of ebay. I should be able to figure something out.

[texasld]

Little slow on the uptake with posting these pictures. But I have made some progress. I have some great pictures of what NOT to do with Bondo. The PO really tried to polish this turd. Lots of rust repair to do here. It's do or die time here, Friends.

[texasld]

DANG IT!!!! The site will not let me upload these pictures!!!!!!!

[texasld]

[texasld]

Finally got them up. I have more coming.

[sduckworth13]

This is a awesome build you have, glad I peeked in on it. You do some very nice work.

[texasld]

Originally Posted by sduckworth13

This is a awesome build you have, glad I peeked in on it. You do some very nice work.

Thank you Scott! Nice to hear that i'm doing something right!



Spent some more time last night working on the driver side rust issues. Vic, if you are reading this, I fully now understand why the patch panel relationship is a love hate one! They are sorta the same shape... Had to cut off the bolting plate from my new patch and make a new one. Here is a side by side shot to show the difference. I measured the OEM plate and it was ~ 1.5 inches. the "replacement" was .75. Not even big enough to hold a bolt. Good thing I kept my old pieces. Glad I read that here.



Then I got it all welded in and smoothed out. I'm going to wait on bolting it together until i get the front welded in and the put the rocker up to them and see how they all fit together.

[Vic1947]

Originally Posted by texasld

Vic, if you are reading this, I fully now understand why the patch panel relationship is a love hate one! They are sorta the same shape... Had to cut off the bolting plate from my new patch and make a new one. Here is a side by side shot to show the difference. I measured the OEM plate and it was ~ 1.5 inches. the "replacement" was .75. Not even big enough to hold a bolt. Good thing I kept my old pieces. Glad I read that here.

I''m with you, Mike. It's a dirty rotten shame the repop parts are so lousy. Obviously, the individuals producing them are not actual restorers, or they'd be more concerned with how they fit. But you're doing great work revising the parts. It will all pay off in the end.

[texasld]

Originally Posted by Vic1947

I''m with you, Mike. It's a dirty rotten shame the repop parts are so lousy. Obviously, the individuals producing them are not actual restorers, or they'd be more concerned with how they fit. But you're doing great work revising the parts. It will all pay off in the end.

I really am surprised with how well they don't fit. These trucks are so darn popular. Figure they would spend more time on making these right because the demand is so high.

[Sickfast1964]

Nice build. Us local guys need to get together.

[texasld]

Thanks, Bud.

Give me a shout and come on over.

[texasld]

Little more rust battle. Not finished with this piece, but getting there. Had to wait on some new kick panels to come in. They were Triplus, seemed to be the best fitting ones so far. Got them from Summit for about $15 each.

[sduckworth13]

Nice work Mike.

[texasld]

Originally Posted by sduckworth13

Nice work Mike.

Thank you, Scott!

[texasld]

Well, christmas has it's way of pulling you away from projects, but I got some small stuff done. I picked up a Sandblast cabinet from HF and really dug into some more powder coating. Just finished up a write-up in the paint and body section on how to do it at home. Let me know what you think http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=654423

Here are some pictures of my cabinet and before and after.

[texasld]

And some more.

[Marty68]

it looks like you used the same trans cross member did you have to modify it?

[Vic1947]

Originally Posted by texasld

Well, christmas has it's way of pulling you away from projects, but I got some small stuff done. I picked up a Sandblast cabinet from HF and really dug into some more powder coating. Just finished up a write-up in the paint and body section on how to do it at home. Let me know what you think

Nice write-up, Mike. I have a very good friend in the powder coating business, so I've never rigged up to do my own, but you make it look easy.

[texasld]

Originally Posted by Vic1947

Nice write-up, Mike. I have a very good friend in the powder coating business, so I've never rigged up to do my own, but you make it look easy.

Thanks, Vic. I don't make it look easy, it is easy. You are the one who makes stuff look easy.