Big Tex's 83 Chevy 2wd to 4wd Conversion - Page 3 - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Hankster · 06-22-2014, 09:54 PM

Anymore on Big Red?

Big Tex · 06-23-2014, 09:49 AM

Well, not too much. But i did manage to get it drug home. And with a battery charger it starts, and runs. It won't move under it's own power becuase it doesn't have enough transmission fluid. I've got to get the correct o-ring or bushing for the fill tube and get that corrected.

I did replace the bed's front panel. Like so many of these trucks that were "used" over the years, the bed panel was bent in towards the cab. I ordered this one years ago from LMC, and finally installed it Father's Day weekend. The quality was......meh....I mean, I know it's a repop part, but there was a definate difference in the guage of the metal. The new one is noticably lighter than the old one. Looks good though.....

I've also been taking all the trim off of it, and i've DA'd the driver bed side.

Hankster · 06-23-2014, 09:59 AM

Glad to hear an update! Keep working at 'er.. Little at a time!

2000Limited · 06-23-2014, 09:26 PM

Very Nice build. I like the progress you have made.

y5mgisi · 07-17-2014, 12:46 AM

Shop looks awesome!

Big Tex · 09-09-2015, 10:32 AM

It's only been a little over a year.....but finally got some progress made on this thing. You guys know how life happens, and the projects get put on the back burner. That was ok, because it allowed me to save some money up to get this thing painted.

I am loving it. I should get it back today, but here are some pics of it at the paint shop.

Thanks to forum member 355Bullet for the color, Navy Blue Effect, which is from a 2002 Trans Am. Paint code 352E.

Arriving at the painter's shop:

Then getting some color....

That's it for now. I'm excited to get it back, but kind of nervous about putting it all back together. I didn't have to worry about scratching it taking it apart!

TheWhiteElephant · 10-20-2015, 12:25 AM

Right on, Brent! Quite a project you it there. I can empathize with your feelings--I took a long hiatus from here to let life happen. I just freshened up my K20, passed inspection, and got new plates, and I have a couple plans for it. Keep up the great work!

MTCK · 10-20-2015, 02:22 AM

Not sure how I missed that last update but the paint looks awesome!!! Got it all back together yet?

ryanroo · 10-20-2015, 07:32 AM

looks great!

Greenlee · 10-20-2015, 08:29 AM

Paint looks great!

Use lots of tape when putting her back together to avoid scratches - especially around the door windows. Don't ask me how I know.

Big Tex · 10-20-2015, 09:34 AM

Thanks Guys! It's not back together yet, well the bed and doors are on. Spent all my money on the paint job, so it's been sitting in the garage waiting on me. Finally scraped up enough to order a complete rubbers/weatherstrip kit. It just arrived, so I'll slowly start putting it back together.

Hankster · 11-01-2015, 04:40 PM

Looks great! I do believe I just figured out what color I want to paint mine!

Greenlee · 12-08-2015, 09:34 AM

Got any new pics?

Big Tex · 12-08-2015, 09:57 AM

Here it is after paint with the bed and doors on. I've got the taillights in, the back glass installed, and new tailgate bumpers. Just been messing with little stuff as time allows. Got the inner fenders almost ready for a coat of semi-glosss. I hope to get more done over Christmas.

I think the red you can still see in the cab makes the blue have a purple tint in the pictures. When you see it in person it doesn't do that, it's just a dark navy.

Still got the sweet rims on it too!!

Greenlee · 12-08-2015, 10:18 AM

Sweet! I had an 83' GMC about that color. Looks great!

A little bit of work here and there adds up. Before you know it, you will be driving it.

quadzero · 12-27-2015, 05:04 AM

Beautiful work! What did you use for the box liner? Looks perfect.

Big Tex · 01-04-2016, 10:06 AM

Thanks Green.

Quadzero - the painter used Raptor Liner in the bed.

Hankster · 04-03-2016, 12:08 PM

Alright now, its been a few months, what does she look like all buttoned up?

El Dorado Jim · 04-04-2016, 02:37 AM

great job, can't wait to see finished truck!

Big Tex · 04-05-2016, 08:45 AM

I appreciate you guys checking in, it gives me motivation. I've been working on rebuilding the vent windows. What a pain.

Also, who are you using for photo hosting? I was using Snapfish, but they have revamped their site, and it's not friendly anymore. The photos are huge, and you can't right click them to copy the URL anymore. I need to find another way.

**LEEVON** · 04-05-2016, 10:43 AM

imagur.com works great.

Big Tex · 05-20-2016, 10:52 AM

Alright guys, here's a few pics:

**Dieselwrencher** · 05-20-2016, 02:08 PM

Very nice truck you are building here! It shines so nice!

Greenlee · 05-21-2016, 11:14 AM

Looking good Big Tex!

MTCK · 05-21-2016, 11:49 AM

Very nice. Looks like you're almost on the road.

06-22-2014, 09:54 PM	#51
Hankster Registered User Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Nacogdoches, Texas Posts: 895	Re: Big Tex's 83 Chevy 2wd to 4wd Conversion Anymore on Big Red? __________________ Current Build 89 s10 ecsb 2wd 4.3/700r4 50k OG Miles Instagram- shaggin_s10 '86 Chevrolet C10 Custom Deluxe - Gen V 454 - 4l80e - welded 12 bolt (Build thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=611611 ) SOLD

06-23-2014, 09:49 AM	#52
Big Tex Registered User Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Rockwall, Texas Posts: 113	Re: Big Tex's 83 Chevy 2wd to 4wd Conversion Well, not too much. But i did manage to get it drug home. And with a battery charger it starts, and runs. It won't move under it's own power becuase it doesn't have enough transmission fluid. I've got to get the correct o-ring or bushing for the fill tube and get that corrected. I did replace the bed's front panel. Like so many of these trucks that were "used" over the years, the bed panel was bent in towards the cab. I ordered this one years ago from LMC, and finally installed it Father's Day weekend. The quality was......meh....I mean, I know it's a repop part, but there was a definate difference in the guage of the metal. The new one is noticably lighter than the old one. Looks good though..... I've also been taking all the trim off of it, and i've DA'd the driver bed side. __________________ 1990 K5 Blazer (sold) 1983 SWB C-10 to K-20 Conversion

06-23-2014, 09:59 AM	#53
Hankster Registered User Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Nacogdoches, Texas Posts: 895	Re: Big Tex's 83 Chevy 2wd to 4wd Conversion Glad to hear an update! Keep working at 'er.. Little at a time! __________________ Current Build 89 s10 ecsb 2wd 4.3/700r4 50k OG Miles Instagram- shaggin_s10 '86 Chevrolet C10 Custom Deluxe - Gen V 454 - 4l80e - welded 12 bolt (Build thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=611611 ) SOLD

06-23-2014, 09:26 PM	#54
2000Limited Registered User Join Date: May 2014 Location: Perkins, Ok Posts: 100	Re: Big Tex's 83 Chevy 2wd to 4wd Conversion Very Nice build. I like the progress you have made. __________________ 2014 Dodge Charger SXT 100th Anniversary Edition 2009 Chevy Silverado Z71 1978 Chevy Scottsdale 4x4-Project "Colonel"- Build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=632039

07-17-2014, 12:46 AM	#55
y5mgisi Second Chance Program Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Portland, OR Posts: 2,642	Re: Big Tex's 83 Chevy 2wd to 4wd Conversion Shop looks awesome! __________________ 90 Chevy Suburban 2500 5.3 swap/th400/np241/14bltSF/10blt. 77 C20 crew cab Silverado. 396/th400. In work.

09-09-2015, 10:32 AM	#56
Big Tex Registered User Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Rockwall, Texas Posts: 113	Re: Big Tex's 83 Chevy 2wd to 4wd Conversion It's only been a little over a year.....but finally got some progress made on this thing. You guys know how life happens, and the projects get put on the back burner. That was ok, because it allowed me to save some money up to get this thing painted. I am loving it. I should get it back today, but here are some pics of it at the paint shop. Thanks to forum member 355Bullet for the color, Navy Blue Effect, which is from a 2002 Trans Am. Paint code 352E. Arriving at the painter's shop: Then getting some color.... That's it for now. I'm excited to get it back, but kind of nervous about putting it all back together. I didn't have to worry about scratching it taking it apart! __________________ 1990 K5 Blazer (sold) 1983 SWB C-10 to K-20 Conversion

10-20-2015, 12:25 AM	#57
TheWhiteElephant God is good! Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Texas Posts: 689	Re: Big Tex's 83 Chevy 2wd to 4wd Conversion Right on, Brent! Quite a project you it there. I can empathize with your feelings--I took a long hiatus from here to let life happen. I just freshened up my K20, passed inspection, and got new plates, and I have a couple plans for it. Keep up the great work! __________________ Mando *"It takes a smart man to know when he's stupid." -- Barney Rubble* My build thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=430367

10-20-2015, 02:22 AM	#58
MTCK Registered User Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Fairbanks, AK Posts: 1,830	Re: Big Tex's 83 Chevy 2wd to 4wd Conversion Not sure how I missed that last update but the paint looks awesome!!! Got it all back together yet? __________________ -Marcus 1991 V3500 L29 454 4L80E NP205 D60/14 Bolt 4.56's 1984 K30 292 TH400 NP205 D60/14 Bolt 4.56's flat bed 7'6" Meyer Plow 2022 Silverado 3500 L8T Project Daily Driver Project Heavy Hauler Project Plow Truck

10-20-2015, 07:32 AM	#59
ryanroo Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: sw colorado Posts: 2,720	Re: Big Tex's 83 Chevy 2wd to 4wd Conversion looks great! __________________ 72 K20 12v build 72 K20 "parts truck" A place for your diesel swap questions

10-20-2015, 08:29 AM	#60
Greenlee Registered User Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: El Lago, TX Posts: 1,668	Re: Big Tex's 83 Chevy 2wd to 4wd Conversion Paint looks great! Use lots of tape when putting her back together to avoid scratches - especially around the door windows. Don't ask me how I know.

10-20-2015, 09:34 AM	#61
Big Tex Registered User Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Rockwall, Texas Posts: 113	Re: Big Tex's 83 Chevy 2wd to 4wd Conversion Thanks Guys! It's not back together yet, well the bed and doors are on. Spent all my money on the paint job, so it's been sitting in the garage waiting on me. Finally scraped up enough to order a complete rubbers/weatherstrip kit. It just arrived, so I'll slowly start putting it back together. __________________ 1990 K5 Blazer (sold) 1983 SWB C-10 to K-20 Conversion

11-01-2015, 04:40 PM	#62
Hankster Registered User Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Nacogdoches, Texas Posts: 895	Re: Big Tex's 83 Chevy 2wd to 4wd Conversion Looks great! I do believe I just figured out what color I want to paint mine! __________________ Current Build 89 s10 ecsb 2wd 4.3/700r4 50k OG Miles Instagram- shaggin_s10 '86 Chevrolet C10 Custom Deluxe - Gen V 454 - 4l80e - welded 12 bolt (Build thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=611611 ) SOLD

12-08-2015, 09:34 AM	#63
Greenlee Registered User Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: El Lago, TX Posts: 1,668	Re: Big Tex's 83 Chevy 2wd to 4wd Conversion Got any new pics?

12-08-2015, 09:57 AM	#64
Big Tex Registered User Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Rockwall, Texas Posts: 113	Re: Big Tex's 83 Chevy 2wd to 4wd Conversion Here it is after paint with the bed and doors on. I've got the taillights in, the back glass installed, and new tailgate bumpers. Just been messing with little stuff as time allows. Got the inner fenders almost ready for a coat of semi-glosss. I hope to get more done over Christmas. I think the red you can still see in the cab makes the blue have a purple tint in the pictures. When you see it in person it doesn't do that, it's just a dark navy. Still got the sweet rims on it too!! __________________ 1990 K5 Blazer (sold) 1983 SWB C-10 to K-20 Conversion

12-08-2015, 10:18 AM	#65
Greenlee Registered User Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: El Lago, TX Posts: 1,668	Re: Big Tex's 83 Chevy 2wd to 4wd Conversion Sweet! I had an 83' GMC about that color. Looks great! A little bit of work here and there adds up. Before you know it, you will be driving it.



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12-27-2015, 05:04 AM	#66
quadzero Registered User Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Red Lake, ON Posts: 106	Re: Big Tex's 83 Chevy 2wd to 4wd Conversion Beautiful work! What did you use for the box liner? Looks perfect.

01-04-2016, 10:06 AM	#67
Big Tex Registered User Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Rockwall, Texas Posts: 113	Re: Big Tex's 83 Chevy 2wd to 4wd Conversion Thanks Green. Quadzero - the painter used Raptor Liner in the bed. __________________ 1990 K5 Blazer (sold) 1983 SWB C-10 to K-20 Conversion

04-03-2016, 12:08 PM	#68
Hankster Registered User Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Nacogdoches, Texas Posts: 895	Re: Big Tex's 83 Chevy 2wd to 4wd Conversion Alright now, its been a few months, what does she look like all buttoned up? __________________ Current Build 89 s10 ecsb 2wd 4.3/700r4 50k OG Miles Instagram- shaggin_s10 '86 Chevrolet C10 Custom Deluxe - Gen V 454 - 4l80e - welded 12 bolt (Build thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=611611 ) SOLD

04-04-2016, 02:37 AM	#69
El Dorado Jim Registered User Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: El Dorado Ca Posts: 3,374	Re: Big Tex's 83 Chevy 2wd to 4wd Conversion great job, can't wait to see finished truck!

04-05-2016, 08:45 AM	#70
Big Tex Registered User Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Rockwall, Texas Posts: 113	Re: Big Tex's 83 Chevy 2wd to 4wd Conversion I appreciate you guys checking in, it gives me motivation. I've been working on rebuilding the vent windows. What a pain. Also, who are you using for photo hosting? I was using Snapfish, but they have revamped their site, and it's not friendly anymore. The photos are huge, and you can't right click them to copy the URL anymore. I need to find another way. __________________ 1990 K5 Blazer (sold) 1983 SWB C-10 to K-20 Conversion

04-05-2016, 10:43 AM	#71
LEEVON Moderator Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Ozark, MO Posts: 4,893	Re: Big Tex's 83 Chevy 2wd to 4wd Conversion imagur.com works great. __________________ '86 GMC C30 Crew ~ '86 C20 Crew ~ '79 K15 Sierra Grande ~ '76 Blazer 2wd ~ '74K10 ~ '71 Cheyenne swb ~'50 3100 bagged ~ '80 Wife ~ Late model kids

05-20-2016, 10:52 AM	#72
Big Tex Registered User Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Rockwall, Texas Posts: 113	Re: Big Tex's 83 Chevy 2wd to 4wd Conversion Alright guys, here's a few pics: __________________ 1990 K5 Blazer (sold) 1983 SWB C-10 to K-20 Conversion

05-20-2016, 02:08 PM	#73
Dieselwrencher 6>8 Plugless........ Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Prairie City, Ia Posts: 17,142	Re: Big Tex's 83 Chevy 2wd to 4wd Conversion Very nice truck you are building here! It shines so nice! __________________ Ryan 1972 Chevy Longhorn K30 Cheyenne Super, 359 Inline 6 cylinder, Auto Trans, Tilt, Diesel Tach/Vach, Buckets, Rare Rear 4-link and air ride option Build Thread 1972 GMC Sierra Grande Longhorn 4x4 1972 Chevy Cheyenne Super K20 Long Step side tilt, tach, tow hooks, AC, 350 4 speed 1972 C10 Suburban Custom Deluxe 1969 Chevy milk truck 1971 Camaro RS 5.3 BTR STG3 Cam Super T10 1940 Ford 354 Hemi 46RH Ford 9" on air ride huge project *Tired of spark plugs? Check this out.*

05-21-2016, 11:14 AM	#74
Greenlee Registered User Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: El Lago, TX Posts: 1,668	Re: Big Tex's 83 Chevy 2wd to 4wd Conversion Looking good Big Tex!

05-21-2016, 11:49 AM	#75
MTCK Registered User Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Fairbanks, AK Posts: 1,830	Re: Big Tex's 83 Chevy 2wd to 4wd Conversion Very nice. Looks like you're almost on the road. __________________ -Marcus 1991 V3500 L29 454 4L80E NP205 D60/14 Bolt 4.56's 1984 K30 292 TH400 NP205 D60/14 Bolt 4.56's flat bed 7'6" Meyer Plow 2022 Silverado 3500 L8T Project Daily Driver Project Heavy Hauler Project Plow Truck

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