1976 CCSB Duramax Project #trucknamedsue

[RADustin]

Originally Posted by Indyfab

After going through your build a third time or so, what are you thinking for towing mirrors? I have 81 cc I’m building, and want very usable towing mirrors that don’t look out of place, that aren’t west coast/camper style. I’d like something that functions like a late model but looks right on these trucks.

I'm the same. I want a two piece tow mirror, like the newerish ones with the standard mirror glass at the top and a lower curved at the bottom. I refuse to use new mirrors though, although some guys have. I'll probably end up with the mini camper style, the tripods or whatever. I really want the blinker in the mirror glass, so I have to think about it some more.

[Indyfab]

I’ve had the tri-pod style and I hated how they destroyed the doors, and that you couldn’t fold them tight. The pre ‘81 can pull them off looks wise better than the later style in my opinion.

[RADustin]

yeah my current un-restored doors are all torn up from the mirrors over the years.

The tripods and bigger ones really point load the door where its not supported.

I'm not sure if they are west coast or not, but I have seen some smaller versions of the ones that bolt at the top and bottom of the windows. I'll have to try and find pics.

[RADustin]

a little update to catch everything up to current.

kept working on the core support, it's mostly done.

welded out the vertical supports.



knocked them smooth and planished back flat



bent up a lower pan. had to do 2 pieces and weld together because my brake is short.











the pan actually passes up the top of the body bushing, I had to do this because of the height of the intercooler.



dimpled it for strength.





my plan is to use the stock battery mounts for the '76, so I had make that work with the cutting I've done. kinda cool for the 2nd battery tray the core support is center punched for the holes but they aren't drilled.







made pieces to finish off the bottoms of the vertical supports.





also made caps to finish the very bottoms



top IC mounts are machined and welded in the top of the core support bar.







got everything welded up and did a test fit.







had to modify the top header panel









lengthen the grill mounts



reshape the bottom of the hood latch support









I could get everything put on the truck now, so I shifted focus back to the front suspension. I needed to make the truck a roller so the shop floor could be painted.

The front coil bucket laser parts can in so I got them bent, fit, and welded up.









installed

[tinydb84]

Everything about this is impressive.

[SCOTI]

Loving this. Thanks again for sharing your build details.

[RADustin]

thanks!

fighting the pictures sizing but it looks better now.

I'll keep going..

[RADustin]

with the coil buckets done I moved to rebuild the front axle. All new seals, modified brackets, warn hubs, brakes, paint, etc... ready to go. also installed the Reid Racing high steer knuckle.

what I started with-





axle needed a rebuild. hubs were leaking water.



disassembled- diff cover cleaned up. welded up some scarring.





swapped out the stock panhard bracket for one I made.





also added the sway bar mounts





wire wheeled everything



washed off



painted



painting knuckles







finally reassembled







I was able to toss the finished axle underneath and bolt up the coil overs and had a roller for the first time.



since I had to move for a little while I loaded most my tools in the truck. It held the weight fine- probably around 1500lbs of stuff.



while I was displaced I went ahead and reamed the pitman and machined a spacer for the TRE.



also planned out all my trailer hitch stuff.

the front hitch has recovery padeye on each end. then a standard receiver in the center. padeyes are 5/8" plate to 3/8" mounts. much heavier than I'm used to working with but I made it work.









rear hitch is a late model GM hitch cut down width wise. Made the frame brackets from some scrap 6x6x1/4" material I had laying around the shop.











I have a little bit of work left on the rear hitch then I'll be working on a steering brace/crossmember for the front.

I'll try to update more frequently to keep things manageable.

[aggie91]

Awesome fabrication work. Really enjoying your build.

[Devilman]

Yay!!!!!!! Truck Porn!!!!!!!!!!!

[rharris]

Geez. I was proud of myself for putting on an intake, lowering springs, and a power brake booster. Then guys like RADustin gotta come along.


Amazing work. You have got to be a fabrication Genius. Girlfriend is a square body and Duramax nut - can't wait to see this one done. Beautiful work

[RADustin]

Thanks guys- glad yall are enjoying the progress.

[Advanced Design]

Impressive design and fabrication....great welds too!

[Wraith]

Unbelievable work, can't wait for more updates!

[Palf70Step]

[cruizin01]

super awesome.

[Devilman]

Bump!!!! It's time for some updates!! Hopefully you're done with my copy of your suspension

[83GMCK2500]

I've seen some cool updates on instagram! Hoping they make it here...

[Dieselwrencher]

Amazing work you're doing here! I'm really jealous of the 3d scanning and the planning it all in solid works. You are doing an awesome job and your fab work is excellent! Do you work in a body shop full time?

[RADustin]

Originally Posted by Devilman

Bump!!!! It's time for some updates!! Hopefully you're done with my copy of your suspension

I'll get an update put up. Been working off the list everyone hates- all the small detail/odds/ends parts.

Originally Posted by 83GMCK2500

I've seen some cool updates on instagram! Hoping they make it here...

Originally Posted by Dieselwrencher

Amazing work you're doing here! I'm really jealous of the 3d scanning and the planning it all in solid works. You are doing an awesome job and your fab work is excellent! Do you work in a body shop full time?

Thanks! No I have access to a body shop(my fathers) but I don't work there. I worked summers growing up but my day to day is design engineering.

I treat fabrication as a craft and a hobby. It's something I'll never be good enough at and always push to get better. At the same time, I'm not sure yet how to sustain my current income and do it as a job- so it remains a hobby.

[Dieselwrencher]

By looking at your work I'd beg to differ that you couldn't do it for a living. But I know all to well what you mean. The costs of equipment to get going is no cheap deal nor a small feat. Either way, keep up the great work!

[SBTork]

Awesome work! Love the fab work

[daddyjeep]

I will certainly follow along with this one. That is the suspension that I will build some day. I am sure mine will net be as pretty though.

[Low Elco]

Fantastic update! I love this build.

[RADustin]

Originally Posted by Dieselwrencher

By looking at your work I'd beg to differ that you couldn't do it for a living. But I know all to well what you mean. The costs of equipment to get going is no cheap deal nor a small feat. Either way, keep up the great work!

yep! and I have a certain way I'd want to do things- and being picky costs even more $$.

Originally Posted by SBTork

Awesome work! Love the fab work

thanks

Originally Posted by daddyjeep

I will certainly follow along with this one. That is the suspension that I will build some day. I am sure mine will net be as pretty though.

you may be able to buy this exact setup, with instructions on the installation