GRIZZ’s English 2001 S10 Extra Cab 4.3 V6 Truck

[Grizz1963]

Originally Posted by Palf70Step

Always liked the look of those wheels. Good luck and hope you can fetch them soon Rian

Thanks Bill, so did I but I NEVER EVER expected to find a set here, let alone for sale for $260.00

With the whole of England under lockdown and house arrest, with $260,00 fines for being more than 10 miles from home without a real valid reason from the police, I will just have to wait.

BUT...... mate Martin works nearby an auto auction house dismantling disability converted cars one day every two weeks removing hoists, hand controls etc, and the wheels are 2-3 miles from there, so he may pick them up and bring them back 100 miles to his place, 15 miles from me. Then we can figure the next step out.

[Grizz1963]

Next bit of crazy, on the back burner for the moment, but it is on simmer.



Look again.....



Horney Horney Horney



What those are attached to.

So can I make one up myself, just need 15mm rebar or solid rid and an Oxy-Acetelyne flame to warm and bend to shape, then drill, tap and fit in place of the original.



And then......

My shifter, knob is part of a cast in place plastic rubber unit.

Stanley Knife, cut off, fit the new aluminium shifter knob









Another random posting that surfaced after someone in the USA saw my dash and enquired.

Thats expensive.in my book, but personally, I like it.

[Grizz1963]

Carport news.

This morning after trying unsuccessfully to contact some clients, I put on the kettle for a coffee.

Then thought that while that came to the boil, I would take the 6 steering wheels, boss’s and a quick release that I have brought up to the house last night, for the wheels guy to look at, back to where they live,

Got there, packed them away, and then looked up......

Still need to gutter the woodwork shed.



Was given a length of rain gutter by the guy I bought the S10 from as he had a pile of offcusts and I needed a bit.

So blocked the end with half a margarine tub lid (It is going under cover completely, and also strapped it with Ducktape after glueingit in place.



Then created some pretty horrible, underslung wooden supports to rest it, and my length that I already had, glued the overlapped, down tilted join and tested it.

Works a charm.

Next job will be to create a 30th offshoot to carry the water back into the garden behind the compressor room.



More dry workspace guaranteed

[Grizz1963]

A question that has been asked before.

Originally Posted by oblertone

So what can I do today to keep busy?

How about deleting the ‘Fleetside’ emblem as I notice none of the pictured trucks have kept it ...

Ahhh yes, those badges.

100% don’t like them, I am with you there.

However, there are 4 holes where they are mounted through each side.

So unless a full respray and repair,was on the cards, it cannot happen.





In the mean time I just need to live with them.

.

[Grizz1963]

Messed around with the truck, and in the garage today

Tried to find the two original hooters so that I could reroute the power to the Klaxon.

Failed on that as it seems they are obscured behind the inner arch and wheel arch liner. I could be very wrong.

So plan B will be to find a sensible, safe, dry mounting point for the horn and to route the power into the truck.

Get a decent push button and add it to this little blanking plate.

Also move the toggle switch for the rear fog light from below the dash to this area.



So I want to find another one of these s a spare for the truck in case someone wants to -it it back to standard one day.



Fog light, works but body is rotten.





Something I was not aware of when buying the ZQ8 wheels, was that they come with locking nuts ( I hate them) and the seller wanted to keep them for himself.

Not sure Iever worked with nuts like these before. Outside thread locks the centre cap in place.



And then of course, just to make it more interesting, they have covering caps to find too.



I think I have sourced some wheel nuts from the guy selling me the airbag steering wheel.


So, bit by bit the truck is coming together.

[Just call me Sean]

The lug nut looks correct, it holds the rim. The cover in your picture doesn't look correct, it is supposed to screw to the threads on the lug nut to hold the cap on.

[Grizz1963]

Originally Posted by Just call me Sean

The lug nut looks correct, it holds the rim. The cover in your picture doesn't look correct, it is supposed to screw to the threads on the lug nut to hold the cap on.

Thanks for the heads up.

I will just have to order some in.

[Grizz1963]

Chilly day outside today.

View from London this morning, photo credit to Aaron French.



Sally was working all day from 07.00 so it was up to me to entertain myself.

Had a long chat with @craigrk about travel, cars and other things including the snow that started falling, quickly adding a lovely blanket on amongst others, Lil his 47 Chevrolet



Once we were done, I showered and headed out to fill the car up and get some food.

Then home, watched a bit of recoded telly, got very bored very quickly.

Also surfed the web, and dug around on EBay.com to look for wind deflectors for the truck.

I have never had them, or wanted them on a car, but these trucks actually seem to suit them.

Got to look closely.



Hardly visible on the truck that looks like mine.



Finding some for sale, I realised that I would be doing without them for the foreseeable future, based on the price of shipping.

Take a look at the fine print.



So thought what could I do, as it was raining intermittently and playing outside was not ideal.

Ahhh yes, we have a Chevy S10 , still waiting for its front grille to be completed and returned. Patience needed there.

Truck is on the driveway, so what can be done, that won’t have me wet in a hurry.

[Grizz1963]

Cuppa coffee, cookies.

Out of the house, brrrrr... chilly fresh.

So the key to keeping busy.



Every time I look up under the truck, I am amazed at how clean it is.

Keyway.



Not too impressive



I had been warned that the underslung spare wheel on these trucks could have a failure of their wind up, hanging mechanism.

So I decided that was a dry job I could do today.

20 years under the load bed would make most of us look a bit tired.

Wonder where this gravel could be from, Missouri, Norwich......





Washed and scrubbed.

Amazing, as a 16” wheel, how tall it actually is against the wheelarch.

[

Cold and wet, carried down to the garage and used a heat gun to dry it and warm up the steel.

Quick bit of a sanding and a wipe down, followed by primer, more drying with the heat gun.



Inside of the rim painted, did not bother with masking this side.



While waiting for the paint to dry naturally, I went up and crawled around again and greased up the cable, spring and mechanism with lithium grease.



After a coffee, I went to check the pressure, certain to be low.

Correct.



Pumped up to prescribed pressure.



And back to the truck.

Much better.

Fitted.



At least this made me feel that my day was not completely wasted.

Weekend over, again.

[Palf70Step]

Nice job on the wheel. I did not realize that any US trucks came with a temp type spare. I have never had nor seen on in use. That aught to keep it for another 20 years of hanging under there.

[Grizz1963]

Originally Posted by Palf70Step

Nice job on the wheel. I did not realize that any US trucks came with a temp type spare. I have never had nor seen on in use. That aught to keep it for another 20 years of hanging under there.

I think a lot of them here may have it as a specific thing.

I would prefer to throw a full size wheel in the back.




While doing the spare wheel refresh I looked at the rear bumper again.

The truck actually has facility for a specific tow ball mounted on the step.

I have no idea on what size it needs to be and what fittings it takes.







Hard to read but it says “REMOVE FOR TRAILER BALL”

So ine removes the whole rubber cover. And I assume you fit the ball through a hole.



And on another of the pads there was this: “350 LBS TONGUE LOAD MAXIMUM”

[Palf70Step]

I gave up on bumper hitches. Of course I tend to pull things with mine, so having a frame mounted receiver means I don't bend the bumper when I try to pull tree stumps or other big items. Otherwise they work great if you are doing smaller trailers.

[Grizz1963]

Originally Posted by Palf70Step

I gave up on bumper hitches. Of course I tend to pull things with mine, so having a frame mounted receiver means I don't bend the bumper when I try to pull tree stumps or other big items. Otherwise they work great if you are doing smaller trailers.

I am hoping that my small garden trailer or the teardrop will be within it’s capability



Post man dropped by today.

Small parcel.

After all the various opinions and input on here and elsewhere, I decided that a white front placement lamp and an amber indicator would satisfy the jobsworth, anal and anyone else whose farts don’t smell.

So I ordered a set of “Switchback” lamps on Friday evening.



Tried them out, and impressed no end.



Once the colour matched grille is back, I will reassemble it and the clear lenses.

Should look good.


In the mean time I have also investigated colours for the ZQ8 wheels, they are often Silver, Anthracite and rarely gold with machined faces.

I really like this look.

Not sure how it will look on the truck I have.




Think about it.

[Grizz1963]

So when I was wanting to test the new Switchback LED lamps, I found that not having driven the truck for the last 10 days or more, the battery was almost dead.

Interestingly, dash lights came on, ignition made a Krrrrrrr ! Sound, and ultimately after fetching a second set of jumper leads, as the first fancy set were not able to bite the terminals, I got it jump started from the company car.

This resulted in a new 75-60 battery for £79.00 after a 10% discount.

Note the side terminals, so no throwing just any battery in there.

I have no time for tired, dead or lazy batteries, so replacing was the only way.

48 hr delivery will be good to see.



While I am still waiting for the shop to call back about the push fit fittings I ordered two Fridays ago for the side repeaters, I decided screw that, and found some on EBay that should be here by 08 February.

Then I can wrap that job up too.

In retrospect, should maybe have gone there first, but I do like supporting local business.

Cheap enough.



That’s it for now.

[Grizz1963]

When I bought the truck, there were a few little things I wanted to change.

Not one of them was necessary, just a personal itch to scratch.

Aesthetically I really wanted to get rid of the amber position/indicator lights.



So I mentioned that I was looking for a set of clear indicator lenses to buy, preferably not in the USA

Next thing, Simon Mayes from Essex offered the set from his truck as he was going to convert his to smoked lenses.



So these arrived, £25.00 posted.

Pleased as punch.



Also on the cards were the amber side repeaters, to be done once the light fittings get delivered.



After much thinking and consideration due to all the various opinions being raised, I bought set no 3 of lamps, LED Switchbacks, clear driving lights most of the time, and amber indicators when needed.



I was getting quite excited at the thought of reassembling the front end.

In other news, I need to get a tow ball to fit the rear step.



I may have one in the garage. Photo from 8 years ago when I fitted this one to the C10, which has subsequently removed.



It may just still be in my garage somewhere to be found, if it fits the hole, we are sorted on this.

[Grizz1963]

So part two of the new smile on the S10’s face reported.

Ross took the grille and the paint that the seller had supplied when I bought it to go paint it to body colour for me.


This morning I had to be in a shopping centre, so we met in the carpark and he responsibly handed it to me, before heading to work.



Massive improvement on where we started with the 20 year old grille.



Stainless central bars refitted.



So from this when removed..........



To this finish today.

Centre bar refitted, and looking at it outside, I was again pleased.



Grille refitted.



Clear indicator lenses fitted.



Headlights fitted.

BUT..........

Wrongly placed, will need to go redo them tomorrow. Missed a side tab that would seat them fully squarely.



1/4 front view.

[Just call me Sean]

Looking good. It's going to look really nice when the new rims are on.

[Palf70Step]

Very nice work on the front end Rian. Looks great!

[Grizz1963]

Originally Posted by Just call me Sean

Looking good. It's going to look really nice when the new rims are on.

Thanks mate, Looking forward to the wheels once the lockdown allows for them to be collected 120 miles away.

Right now te police will hit you with a $260 fine for being 5 miles from home without a valid reason.

Originally Posted by Palf70Step

Very nice work on the front end Rian. Looks great!

Thanks Bill, actually even better tonight.

Report later.

[Grizz1963]

Sleepless nights.........

Usually work or backache causes it.

Not last night.

Observation within minutes of posting on an S10 group on FB and showing mate @craigrk summarised below.

Had me wonder whether I would get it sorted.



Woke to this....

Photo taken while @pauly and I spoke with him herding his wild bunch over a muddy field



Day job kept me busy from before 08.00

Been thinking also where would I find a low level canopy to fit the truck.... something like this.






Around 11.00 I made a coffee and took it out to the truck.


Headlights fitted.

BUT..........

Wrongly placed, will need to go redo them tomorrow. Missed a side tab that would seat them fully squarely.



So with the drivers side light refitted and the passenger side still to be done, it became obvious how wrong it was.



Challenge if course was to get too lower tabs in, and push the two tabs through the holes in the front panel and slide home the two sliding retainers

Note the space, battery clamped in place......

So how do you get dozen into this slot without removing the battery?

Using the handle of a long steel fork, I twisted it so push/force the wiring and its sheath away, then gripping in a death grip with some extra long rat nosed pliers, I slipped the hole over the pin and then slid the slot down it. Home dry.



Job done, much happier, I think.



So I had to wait for the new battery to be delivered, then I could test the lights up front.

I also got onto another small repair job.

Specifically a redneck repair.

Unlikely to be guessed.

[Grizz1963]

Remember this.....??

Armrest come backrest when you go three up front.





So I removed it today.

Removed all the old manky, sticky foam and backing sticker in the kitchen.



This truck was originally a Missouri truck, so rather than use some flat sheet metal, I thought one of the license plates from Dennis seemed a better idea.



Cut and bent to fit the interior, and this will support the inside of the armrest.



And then glued in place using a couple of G-clamps, backing plates to keep it all in place a 5 litre jug of water, earmarked for the radiator flush and recharge, but perfect to keep it all tight while the glue dries overnight.



I am sure that this will make the armrest feel solid, rather than squidgy when I do use it, either as a rest or as a pivot when getting in or out the car.

Refit some time tomorrow when it is well dried.

[Grizz1963]

Perfectly timed delivery when I walked up to the house.



Unbolted the old battery.

Removed it.......

Found a puddle, and a small rubber mat.

Not good.

Anyone got a good battery tray to sell, or am I making my own ? Done it before for the C10 relocated battery



Plan is to remove the battery and tray sometime, clean up, weld up and seal and paint the tray.

After fitting the new battery of course the best part was starting the engine up, and testing the lights, and indicators.



Happy to say that they really look much better in real life.

Money and time so well spent.

Indicator.



After 11.00pm methinks its bedtime.

Thanks for checking in and all your comments.

Later.

[Grizz1963]

So......

Tried these today, after refitting the side repeater as it was out in anticipation of the new fittings getting delivered.

HOWEVER.......


THIS:

https://youtu.be/hJ-Czr-ext0


Advice, tips, laughter, mocking, all welcome.

But tell me how to slow them down.

Thanks.

[Palf70Step]

Requires a special flasher unit I believe Rian. Adding the LEDS to the older Chevys seem to do this on most all them. I do NOT have a model# or what not for ya.

This may work though

https://www.amazon.com/1998-2004-Che.../dp/B00KQUXTXO

NOTE: Heard this was the place to check
https://www.superbrightleds.com/blog...rflashing/275/

[Grizz1963]

Originally Posted by Palf70Step

Requires a special flasher unit I believe Rian. Adding the LEDS to the older Chevys seem to do this on most all them. I do NOT have a model# or what not for ya.

This may work though

https://www.amazon.com/1998-2004-Che.../dp/B00KQUXTXO

NOTE: Heard this was the place to check
https://www.superbrightleds.com/blog...rflashing/275/

Went shopping in the truck today.

Big grin all the way.

Bought some resistors. Fitting tomorrow if weather and Sally permits.

Also got a toot and thumbs up on the way home.

Perfect.