69 GMC "Ol' Blue"

[mjensen]

Originally Posted by rgunlock

Very nice job on the cart Mike! Looks like it fits the bill.

Thanks Rick! Yeah, it's working out great so far

Originally Posted by mud.man.rj

Very nice welding cart, what do you have on there, mig, tig and plasma cutter.

Thanks mud man! Yeah, you nailed it.

Today I ran out of steam on the truck. I was able to get the fuse panel hole patched, but that was it.

[mjensen]

Well, I'm finally admitting to myself that I need help. Admitting is the first step right?

I have a friend of mine who is starting a new shop coming down to take a look and give me some pointers and possibly some costs to do some work on it. With August being so busy from work, I would really hate to stall this project any more. If he is reasonable in his assessment and cost, I may just farm out some of the remaining bodywork and such.

[7dee2]

Hey me too Mike! I'm done with what body work I'm going to be doing on both the C10 & the K30 projects of mine. If you get a chance PM me his info!

[rgunlock]

If you aren't set on knowing you've done it yourself, go for it! I'll vouch that bodywork can take a LONG time, even if you put in time most weekends (and are like me having to do everything multiple times) I think you'll feel good to know progress is happening on Ol' Blue.

[mjensen]

Well, I got out and worked on the truck today! The firewall is done except for a few pinholes I still need to fill. What a difference .023 wire made in the welder! I was using .030, and that stuff is tough to work with on this thin sheetmetal. I'm pretty happy with how it turned out, the grind job isn't the best, but after filler you'll never see it

[7dee2]

Nice!

[mjensen]

Thanks Brett! It really does look better in person, I promise LOL

[mcbassin]

Very nice work on the firewall!

[7dee2]

It's gonna work just fine good job.

Hey do you still have that shock mockup tool you used when installing your 14 bolt? We need to rework our shocks mounts like you did. And I got a seat for you try remember?

[mjensen]

Originally Posted by mcbassin

Very nice work on the firewall!

Thanks Mike!

Originally Posted by 7dee2

It's gonna work just fine good job.

Hey do you still have that shock mockup tool you used when installing your 14 bolt? We need to rework our shocks mounts like you did. And I got a seat for you try remember?

I'll look next time I'm out in the garage. I may have cut it down, but I think it's still out there I do remember. I think after measuring this seat, I'm just going to run it. At the 6" post height, I'm going to have to modify the bottom frame a bit, but we'll make it work

[Dieselwrencher]

Nice work on the firewall! Keep at it!

[7dee2]

Originally Posted by mjensen

I'll look next time I'm out in the garage. I may have cut it down, but I think it's still out there I do remember. I think after measuring this seat, I'm just going to run it. At the 6" post height, I'm going to have to modify the bottom frame a bit, but we'll make it work

No biggie we can make one.

I think any seat you choose you should be able to raise the pedestal a little and if that doesn't get it your probably looking at notching the seat frame to add clearance. You are still welcome to try the seat to see if it will work better for you. If your sure you don't want it it's going out in the sandbox for the grandkids those little buggers will make short of it.

[mjensen]

Originally Posted by Dieselwrencher

Nice work on the firewall! Keep at it!

Thanks Ryan! I'm hoping to make some progress with the exhaust this weekend!

Originally Posted by 7dee2

No biggie we can make one.

I think any seat you choose you should be able to raise the pedestal a little and if that doesn't get it your probably looking at notching the seat frame to add clearance. You are still welcome to try the seat to see if it will work better for you. If your sure you don't want it it's going out in the sandbox for the grandkids those little buggers will make short of it.

Yeah, it would probably be easier. I've got stuff scattered in my garage worse than a mad woman's sh...

Yeah, I'm sure I'm just going to stick with this seat for now. I'm sure the kids will love it

[7dee2]

Sounds good looking forward to some more progress on this beast!

[mjensen]

Well, today I'm going to start on the exhaust. Currently the flanges that come off the headers are 2-1/2", and the kit I have is 2-1/4. I think I'm going to try reducing the collector by cutting slits in it to collapse it down to fit inside the next piece. Does anyone think this will be an issue? They do make reducers, but nobody in town carries them. I did talk to a muffler shop that could make the transition for me, but it would cost me 60 bones.

[rgunlock]

No harm in trying!

[Dieselwrencher]

Since it's only a 1/4" difference, I bet you can do it and have it look nice too.

[mjensen]

I think I'll give it a shot. I had another roadblock yesterday. I guess I didn't read the fine print when I ordered the exhaust kit. It doesn't fit trucks with the 221 in it. Now I'm going to have to figure out how to overcome this obstacle.

[mjensen]

Well, I'm pretty much stuck with my build. Every time I go out in the garage, I just get overwhelmed and can't even motivate myself to work on the smallest of items. I know just making one small step forward would really help, but I'm just struggling to figure out what that small step would be. I'll figure it out, but it's just going to take some time

[americanmusc1e]

1. make a list of every freakin thing you need to do to get the truck on the road. (if you already had a list, make another)

2. do one item and check it off.

3. repeat


that's what I did when I got stuck. Just don't change plans when you are nearly done like I did

[americanmusc1e]

Originally Posted by mjensen

Well, today I'm going to start on the exhaust. Currently the flanges that come off the headers are 2-1/2", and the kit I have is 2-1/4. I think I'm going to try reducing the collector by cutting slits in it to collapse it down to fit inside the next piece. Does anyone think this will be an issue? They do make reducers, but nobody in town carries them. I did talk to a muffler shop that could make the transition for me, but it would cost me 60 bones.

2 1/2 to 2 1/4 was the difference between my collectors and exhaust tubing on the 4x4. I made up the difference with the MIG probably not the best way, but I've done exhausts like that before. in the picture it looks like there is a reducer because I welded the inside to smooth out the transition. I'd take some close ups for you, but the exhaust is gone with the frame.

[swamp rat]

Originally Posted by mjensen

Well, I'm pretty much stuck with my build. Every time I go out in the garage, I just get overwhelmed and can't even motivate myself to work on the smallest of items. I know just making one small step forward would really help, but I'm just struggling to figure out what that small step would be. I'll figure it out, but it's just going to take some time

I know the feeling, hang in there, what you have shown looks great!!

[mjensen]

Thanks all! I was out in the garage last night just trying to get my bearings. If all goes well I'm going to get out there to clean and organize the garage. I will probably work on that list I did find some reducers for the exhaust that I think are going to work slick. Maybe I can mock up the driver's side.

[7dee2]

There you go, make it RUN Mike!

[mx289]

I know how your feeling Mike.
Very easy to get overwhelmed.Just keep at it.

Being organized always helps.
And a running truck is great motivation !

Just remember,
it takes a long time to eat an elephant.