My long term 57 project

[Kim57]

Looks real clean.
Kim

[Scottish58chev]

Nice! It looks like brand new, nice score indeed.

[Dan in Pasadena]

Originally Posted by ChuckDriver

....I think I'll paint the iron block black and clean and detail everything up. Will try to make it look like a factory install...

This is what I did, but Mike talked me into leaving the heads natural aluminum. In hindsight, I'm not positive I like that but I hate painted gaskets so I won't repaint them soon. Way in the back of my pointy little head is the idea of turbocharging my engine someday and if I ever do that, the heads will have to come off anyway to open the top ring gaps some.

I would have left the stock truck intake on my engine too but I frankly find it kinda ugly - YMMV. On YouTube there is a short video of someone who "shaved" the crap off the top of the plastic cover and painted it. Looked much better.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=cg9bc2vJL9A

[ChuckDriver]

Thanks guys, should clean up nice.

Dan, shaving the manifold makes it look better for sure, but man that's a lot of work!

[RockinKees]

Nice motor!!
Quite an automatic behind it...six trap??
The shaved covers really cleans it up but the Delmo covers are my favorite!

[dug224]

Love Copart! Can't wait to see that fresh drive train in place. A buddy of mine has a late model truck like that. It goes from 8 cylinders to 4 cylinders when trying to save gas. Will yours have that or will you override it? dug

[Dan in Pasadena]

Originally Posted by RockinKees

....The shaved covers really cleans it up but the Delmo covers are my favorite!

Kees, the "shaved cover" and Delmo parts are two different things.

The YouTube video shows a "shave" of the plastic intake manifold. I like how it makes the engine looks simpler, cleaner. But I agree with JJ that it IS a lot of work....but then again, what that looks good ISN'T?

Delmo sells adapters to allow the use of conventional SBC valve covers instead of factory LS covers if you relocate the ignition coils.

I'm using those on my truck and not using the factory intake - even though I thought to shave it per the video - except Mike advised that the ones he'd seen didn't look well done. I'm kinda anal about stuff like that so I got the Holley intake and throttle body instead. NOW? I wish I'd saved the money and done the shave- if nothing else just to see if I could make it look good.

[Dan in Pasadena]

JJ,
I asked Mike if I HAD to have drive-by-wire since I've now gone to the Holley HP Dominator engine management system? Reading their online info it seemed like it was saying I'd have to. He said no. That if you have drive-by-wire you have to have limp mode and said even though he didn't think it would ever happen, he didn't want me to ever be miles from home and go into limp mode. Before we started the work I'd told him priority No. 1 was reliability for me.

Also, one of the features of the HP system is the ability to control dual electric fans, have independent on/off temperatures for each of them, etc. I'm using a mechanical fan for reliability - which I like of course, but that necessitated the fabricated fan guard - which I'm still not overjoyed about. We'll see how we can put some lipstick on that pig via polish, paint or a combo. Just a couple notes to you as you decide all the smaller details about your engine.

When yours is done with custom frame and Cameo conversion it is going to be absolutely KICKASS beautiful. Can't wait to see it. - Dan

[ChuckDriver]

Thanks for the positive remarks guys!

Yep it's a 6 speed!

My plan is to use the GM computer as they have spent millions of dollars getting it right and millions of vehicles on the road with no issues. Besides a good tuner can make it even better!

Dan, I think you'll have to trust your builder. Here's a pic for your inspiration!

[RockinKees]

Originally Posted by Dan in Pasadena

Kees, the "shaved cover" and Delmo parts are two different things.

Yes, I know, my bad...
Should have said it different, you make such misstakes when it's not your first language. I had to say the shaved cover with the Delmo valve covers...sorry.
I have seen some one here on the board do the same thing with the manifold, but can't remember who? Maybe it was Reaper71 on one of his many projects?
Although not in this extent..

[Dan in Pasadena]

I apologize Kees. I didn't realize English is not your first language. I didn't mean to sound critical.

JJ, I like the blue, not so sure about the gold/orange but I DO like it all one color. From what little I can see that looks like a really nice truck!

[RockinKees]

You don't have to apologize Dan!
I just have to read again what I write before hit the send button
It's a learning curve

[ChuckDriver]

Completed a small project on the dash. I had a piece of trim for the dash that goes over the Headlight and Wiper knobs. It was bent and had a few scratches and since I didn't have a complete set I decided to cut it down a bit.

First I put a steel strip in the hollow back side, used some JB weld to attach a few small rare earth magnets I picked up from Radio Shack, and also filled the ends.

Finally cut it down to the length I wanted and polished it up with 00 steel wool and WD-40. Turned out pretty nice!

I think it completes the dash as I already had the trim over the ignition switch. What do you think?

[Dan in Pasadena]

Everything looks great JJ. Hey i forget if you mentioned it but is your Belair steering wheel the stock size? It looks much smaller. I THINK there are aftermarket ones offered in maybe 15"? Or did you cut one down yourself?

[oldman3]

Look super JJ...Jim

[Roadkill58]

I think it looks great! It does look more complete.


.

[Kim57]

Very nice looking.
Kim

[RockinKees]

Beautiful JJ !!!

[ChuckDriver]

Thanks guys!!

Dan, the wheel is a smaller diameter one I picked up from ebay years ago.

[duallyjams]

I seen your truck at run to the sun.

[ChuckDriver]

Originally Posted by duallyjams

I seen your truck at run to the sun.

Cool! I hope you enjoyed the show!!

[Dan in Pasadena]

Originally Posted by ChuckDriver

Thanks guys!!

Dan, the wheel is a smaller diameter one I picked up from ebay years ago.

Thanks JJ! I knew it looked small.

Hey, I'm about to do a "mix-and-match" of parts from two TF bench seats to make one good one, then blast & powder coat the whole thing.

On yours "they" (or you?) pulled all the springs out and replaced with plywood & straps. Is that because your springs were broken or missing? Or was it the upholsterer's decision so he could shape the foam how you wanted it?

[ChuckDriver]

Dan, I pulled all the springs off to make it easier to get out to Cali and the upholstery guy was good with it, as he builds a lot of his seats that way.

[Dan in Pasadena]

Thanks for the info, JJ.
I wondered why you did that. I hadn't considered the cost and hassle of shipping. I just assumed there was damaged/missing parts.

I found an example of what I'd like my seat to look like stitch and shape wise, just not sure how "doable" it is. I've found a local upholstery guy I've been recommended to but if you're still happy with your results I'd like a reference to him too - if you don't mind. If I remember correctly I think you posted he is in Glendale and that's literally right next door. It's the next suburb west of Pasadena. A 10 minute drive at most.

[ChuckDriver]

Dan, the guy in Glendale is Sean Johnston. Last time I spoke with him he talked about moving, not sure if he has or not. He did a great job, just took much longer than I had hoped.
PM sent!