69, no wait, 71 C10 Project

[flipper58]

More dis-assembly photos. Doors apart and off tomorrow. Cab and doors to the body shop this week, hopefully. Garage now has room for the crate engine and trans. Gonna try to have it delivered this week. Unseasonably nice day today allowed plenty of work outside. Go global warming.

[flipper58]

Whole body is now finally at the painter. Leaving me to do some cleaning and mocking. You mocking me?

[flipper58]

Delivery today from local Chevy dealer. Time for me to get the chassis done to give this thing a home. Can't get that last photo to rotate.

[MMcMasters]

Very Nice!

[flipper58]

Two steps forward, a few steps back. I had the frame blasted then I painted it with Hammerite. I did not like the look and decided to take it all apart and get it powder coated after having a few components (engine mounts, front and rear bumper brackets) powder coated in gloss black. Very nice finish. While my ride is not intended to be a show truck or trailer queen, I did not want to regret not powder coating the frame every time I was under the truck working on it--despite the "no one will see it" comments from many folks. So, next week it's off to the powder coater, along with bed sills and apparently everything that isn't tied down in my garage. Oh yeah, I am having the stock LS3 exhaust manifolds ceramic coated in a silver that looks pretty sweet. Just more wait time.

[Smittee]

Originally Posted by flipper58

Two steps forward, a few steps back. I had the frame blasted then I painted it with Hammerite. I did not like the look and decided to take it all apart and get it powder coated after having a few components (engine mounts, front and rear bumper brackets) powder coated in gloss black. Very nice finish. While my ride is not intended to be a show truck or trailer queen, I did not want to regret not powder coating the frame every time I was under the truck working on it--despite the "no one will see it" comments from many folks. So, next week it's off to the powder coater, along with bed sills and apparently everything that isn't tied down in my garage. Oh yeah, I am having the stock LS3 exhaust manifolds ceramic coated in a silver that looks pretty sweet. Just more wait time.

All well worth the wait! Very nice project you have there!

[flipper58]

Originally Posted by Smittee

All well worth the wait! Very nice project you have there!

Thanks Smittee. The hardest part is waiting to drive this. I need to be patient.

[webberjames95]

sub'd

[flipper58]

Group photo of the drivetrain components. They seem to get along just fine. Rear end now has a 3.73 Detroit Tru Trac and Wilwood pads, rotors and calipers. Came out nice.

All are waiting patiently for the chassis, which I just picked up today from the powder coater. Pics later on that, but it looks awesome. So, being worried about placing the newly coated frame onto jackstands for reassembly, I decided that the container of Plasti Dip I had laying around could come in handy. Dipped the jackstand tops in for 4 coats. It may not last forever, but it will last long enough for reassembly.

[flipper58]

Frame powder coated. Time for reassembly.

[meenaggie]

Looking good! If your plasti-dip does not hold up then I can suggest the jack stand pads from Harbor Freight. I have them on all my jackstands and seem to keep from marring the finish on my frame.

https://www.harborfreight.com/rubber...-pc-63373.html

[NewType72]

Nothin beats a freshly coated glossy frame! Love the goodies going into this one

[flipper58]

Originally Posted by meenaggie

Looking good! If your plasti-dip does not hold up then I can suggest the jack stand pads from Harbor Freight. I have them on all my jackstands and seem to keep from marring the finish on my frame.

https://www.harborfreight.com/rubber...-pc-63373.html

Thanks Aggie. Next trip to HF and I will score some. Those are a lot more durable I suspect.

[flipper58]

Originally Posted by NewType72

Nothin beats a freshly coated glossy frame! Love the goodies going into this one

Thanks Dylan. I know it may seem weird, but it is quite exciting seeing all the chassis and other components cleaned up, painted, powder coated and ready to come back together.
Phil

[NewType72]

Originally Posted by flipper58

Thanks Dylan. I know it may seem weird, but it is quite exciting seeing all the chassis and other components cleaned up, painted, powder coated and ready to come back together.
Phil

Oh bud you have no idea, my truck may look pretty on the outside but the frame underneath has always upset me with its lacklust appeal being still factory paint and 100k miles of rust, oil, and grime. Changing shortly as I'm redoing my rear suspension currently and the frame is bare right now so she'll get a nice treatment.

[flipper58]

Some reassembly progress.

[Smittee]

Originally Posted by flipper58

Some reassembly progress.

Looking great! You have to be excited about the progress. Wish I could be at that point right now! Have to remind myself to take my time and DO IT RIGHT!

[flipper58]

Getting closer. The chassis is pretty much done. I just need to plumb the fuel lines and brake lines. It was a very nice Friday here so I wheeled it out for some sun.

[flipper58]

Dog days of summer for sure. I have been making very slow progress. Fuel tank is plumbed up to the regulator/filter. I'm waiting on installing the engine and trans so I can plumb the feed line to the engine. Swapped out the oil pan that came on the Connect and Cruise LS3 with the CTS-V one. Windage trays were the same part number and no real noticeable difference. But I still used the "newer" one. I hope to get the engine in within the next week or two, finish the brake line and fuel plumbing and send the rolling chassis to the body guy to install the cab, bed sides and fenders (which are all done and painted waiting for me!) and align everything. I have avoided the urge to go check out the new paint. That's been tough.

[flipper58]

Brake lines are mostly plumbed. I had to order a few more 3/16" line clamps. Working with the Nicopp lines sure was a piece of cake. Next step--engine and trans installed.

[builtbyKane]

This has to be the first time ever... paint was finished before the chassis. The project is moving along nicely.

[flipper58]

Originally Posted by builtbyKane

This has to be the first time ever... paint was finished before the chassis. The project is moving along nicely.

I was thinking that myself. And I blame myself and work. All that work stuff gets in the way of project progress. But, drive train is now sitting pretty---but still not ready for the waiting painted body.

[flipper58]

Wires, wiring and more wired stuff. Connected all the wiring on the engine and trans just to get a feel for the layout, etc. Also, installed coil relocation bracket on inner frame rail. Other side is next.

Both sides in now. Time to cut the MSD wires to fit.

[flipper58]

And now the TMI seat has arrived. Looks sweet. All is coming together except my completion of the chassis. No hurry, but the matching door panels are back ordered.

[Ol Blue K20]

Nice seat, I like it