1972 K5 4x4 modified build

[notsolo]

Nicest Mad Max build Yet ! ( if Mad Max had an HVLP gun and some color paint ) Paint turned out Excellent. Fab skills set a new bench mark, Total package. 10 out of 10. You now have to change your SPID tag to say Extra Heavy Everything.

[fun in dirt]

Dang! There's is so much very slick stuff on this build!!!

[67Steven]

Originally Posted by SONOSADSACK

WOW!

From a wanna be fabricator, how about some advice on shop equipment? What bender are you using? What are you using for making dimples? Etc. I need to start building a better shop and any advice would be much appreciated. I have zero for fabrication tools and my next project is going to be very similar to what you have created. Knowing what equipment is required up front would be great.

Sure, here you go. If you need more info just holler:

For the standard stuff I use a Miller 210 MIG welder and I try to use a DX200 water cooled TIG. I have a ESAB plasma cutter and a Delta Drill press, along with a 13x40 lathe and 20 ton press. A few angle grinders and drills, etc.

For a bender I use the JD2 Model 3 bender with 270* dies from 3/4"-2" in size: https://www.jd2.com/p-32-model-3-bender.aspx
I added a air/hydraulic ram to bend the big tube, but you can bend up to 1" easily by hand. I built my own, but you can get this unit: http://www.ebay.com/itm/SWAG-Tubing-...item3f2afa9fb8.

I use these style of dimple dies. They allow you to use them anywhere in addition to a press: http://www.ebay.com/itm/SWAG-Off-Roa...item3f2dd228d1 I also have a 3" unit which is kinda spendy.

SWAG (dimple die guy above) also has a bandsaw stand and plate that I copied and I use it daily. It uses a Milwaukie Port-a-band and makes it a table top bandsaw. http://www.ebay.com/itm/SWAG-V4-0-Po...item3f2bac5c3b

These jewels are indispensable in my opinion: Greenlee DTAPKITM M3-M10 6-Piece Combination...And add the 5/16" and 3/8" drill taps. I use these to make new and clean out old threads. Buy extras of the ones you use most, and pre-drill with the right size bit before using.

That's about it, really. If you want to know something specific, let me know.

[67Steven]

I am overwhelmed by the compliments, thanks so much. I got a lot out of this site, so I posted not only to have a record of my build, but to help out others or give an idea or two.

I hope someone does copy, it's the sincerest form of flattery, after all.

[mud.man.rj]

So what do you do for a career, build trucks, seems like it with yours, should I drop mine off for a bit of cool fab work. OK to far away. You do have a lot of good ideas to twist to something else, thats what i look for on this site, inspiration, things to sleep on..then build. So thanks.
Mudman.

[notsolo]

I would like to know more about the paint? what brand paint and clear how much did you cut and buff. Also home made paint booth did you blow air in or use exhaust fans...Great photo's also...Thanks.

[67Steven]

Originally Posted by mud.man.rj

So what do you do for a career, build trucks, seems like it with yours, should I drop mine off for a bit of cool fab work. OK to far away. You do have a lot of good ideas to twist to something else, thats what i look for on this site, inspiration, things to sleep on..then build. So thanks.
Mudman.

This was my first real build like this, and although I loved doing the work, and I'd love to pursue a career of auto building, I think I am stuck in construction.

[67Steven]

Originally Posted by notsolo

I would like to know more about the paint? what brand paint and clear how much did you cut and buff. Also home made paint booth did you blow air in or use exhaust fans...Great photo's also...Thanks.

Well, the paint is a single stage urethane PPG mix. I wanted single stage for ease of ding and scratch touch-up, but really the two stage would have been easier to spray, and I really wish I had gone that route.

I used the shop as a paint booth, with a few added halogen light stands- you can't have too much light! I hung plastic around the perimeter and heavy visqueen on the floor. I can't remember who, but someone on this board built 2x2 frames with plastic sheeting- that would be an excellent idea and quite frankly worth the time if you are using it more than once. 4 box fans with filters in front of them became the extraction air movers and a filtered opening at the other end let pressure equalize.

I hung all the small parts on gantry style racks so I could roll them out of the way after painting. The tub was on a rotisserie so I could roll it out of the way and rotate it to spray every spot. These two things let me have a big work area in a smaller space.

It worked well, I do have some dust nibs, but I am not complaining. The two stage would have been a better choice, as you can clean up the nibs before clear and of course cut and buff them out after clear.

[Tom Vogel]

How well does that little port a band saw work for you? Id like an upright metal cutting band saw, but price and space have stopped me so far.

[jaros44sr]

You, Sir have a very creative mind, enjoyed watching your build, and it has been a beautiful build.....but, we need more pics of the semi-finished progress so far, looks great out in the snow, congrats

Is the ECU ok mounted in the engine bay? Wasnt sure if i could mount mine in there

[67Steven]

Originally Posted by Tom Vogel

How well does that little port a band saw work for you? Id like an upright metal cutting band saw, but price and space have stopped me so far.

It is awesome, and I use it daily when I work in the shop. I mostly use it to cut smaller tubing, flat stock and sheet metal designs. The only drawback is the small space to the left of the blade (where the motor is) but you can work around it.

I have entertained the thought of buying and modifying an old wood band saw, but this has done well for me so far I haven't pursued it.

[67Steven]

Originally Posted by jaros44sr

You, Sir have a very creative mind, enjoyed watching your build, and it has been a beautiful build.....but, we need more pics of the semi-finished progress so far, looks great out in the snow, congrats

Is the ECU ok mounted in the engine bay? Wasnt sure if i could mount mine in there

Thanks! I've been busy, but I will get more pics this weekend while I work on it.

The ECU for the Hummers is actually mounted vertically down by the steering pump in the engine bay, so no worries. Of course it's cleaner in the cabin, but I did the best I could. If there seems to be an issue with the way mine is mounted, I will build a cover of some sort.

[jaros44sr]

Originally Posted by 67Steven

Thanks! I've been busy, but I will get more pics this weekend while I work on it.

The ECU for the Hummers is actually mounted vertically down by the steering pump in the engine bay, so no worries. Of course it's cleaner in the cabin, but I did the best I could. If there seems to be an issue with the way mine is mounted, I will build a cover of some sort.

Yeah, thats where i mounted it, didnt think it could get wet.....thanks for the info.
So, how does it run?

One more question, could you post up more info. on your bump stops when you get time

[67Steven]

Originally Posted by jaros44sr

Yeah, thats where i mounted it, didnt think it could get wet.....thanks for the info.
So, how does it run?

One more question, could you post up more info. on your bump stops when you get time

It runs great. I have only done a 3 mile shot to set the speedo, but I can tell it wants to scoot.

I built the bump stop mounts out of scrap 11ga sheet metal and tubing. The cans themselves are Daystar Stinger bump stops: http://daystarweb.com/productdetail.php?productID=1089

I have read mixed reviews, but the mounts will hold the standard air stops if I choose to upgrade. This truck probably won't see high speed desert runs, so I think what I have will be sufficient.

Hope that helps, if you need pictures or more info on them let me know.

[jaros44sr]

Thanks, just what i needed

[wannabefastcrf]

this is defiantly my new favorite k5 on here!

How did the wiring on the NP241 VVS go. I believe you use two of the three wires right?

[67Steven]

Originally Posted by wannabefastcrf

this is defiantly my new favorite k5 on here!

How did the wiring on the NP241 VVS go. I believe you use two of the three wires right?

Thanks!

You only need two wires, ground and signal. My 241 only has provisions for two wires. I think the drivers drop ('88-??) have a three wire bundle, so you might need to verify connection if that's what you have. Signal runs into the back of the speedo, and you calibrate it by driving the two miles. I grounded it on the frame rail near the cross member mount. Very simple.

[mtully79]

Sick build, love the orange/gray combo. Very nice work and an awesome truck!

[tomtuna1978]

Sweet build. !!! Wish I was as talented as you !!!

[boonedogs72]

were did you get the led turn signals?

[Eat Soot]

Very nice build! Love all the fab work! Hope to see you around town sometime.

[67Steven]

Originally Posted by boonedogs72

were did you get the led turn signals?

Actually found them on Summit. https://www.summitracing.com/parts/upd-fpl3201led

They work great, but they are not super bright in the light of day.

[jim harig]

Very nice fab work! That's one "Bad to the bone" Blazer.

[rwhite692]

Great Build, just read the whole thing and subscribed...any updates? Also interested in your opinion of the Monstaliner and durability thusfar, I plan to use it in my 72 as well.

[67Steven]

Originally Posted by rwhite692

Great Build, just read the whole thing and subscribed...any updates? Also interested in your opinion of the Monstaliner and durability thusfar, I plan to use it in my 72 as well.

Well, no real updates, as I have been chasing a stupid transmission gremlin here:http://www.67-72chevytrucks.com/vboa...d.php?t=630004 so I haven't gotten it out to the trails yet.

In the mean time, I have built a couple of door map pockets, which are extremely handy! I am planning on lining the inside with felt or vinyl of some sort to absorb vibrations.





I also made some dash, door and turn signal knobs:





Monstaliner so far is great. It went down with the shutz gun easily and quickly, but you can roll/brush it on if needed. I don't see any wear under the pedals at all, and it is still staying 'stuck' down everywhere! Go on to PBB for a whole thread on it.