New guy with 52 AD project.

[52 Rat]

I installed the Grand National fuel tank this weekend. I still need to weld in the cross brace and braze on the AN fittings on the fuel feed and return lines at the tank. I should have the fuel lines installed this week. Then I will put the engine and trans back in the frame, install the radiator and start plumbing all of the lines and wiring.

[99 to Life]

Hey looks great. I'm a bit skeptical on rear tanks though. I just had my s-10 totaled as it was hit from behind, and wow was I glad there was no gas tank
back there, it bent my frame to kindom come and pushed the bed into the cab. So I'd advise on making some cross members to help protect it incase of an accident.

So how much did the tank and sending unit run you?

[52 Rat]

Originally Posted by 99 to Life

Hey looks great. I'm a bit skeptical on rear tanks though. I just had my s-10 totaled as it was hit from behind, and wow was I glad there was no gas tank
back there, it bent my frame to kindom come and pushed the bed into the cab. So I'd advise on making some cross members to help protect it incase of an accident.

So how much did the tank and sending unit run you?

I am in the process of building a cage around the tank. I salvaged the tank from a totaled Grand National form 8 years ago. I'm glad I put it back because it worked out great. I had several turbo Regals in the past so I have a lot of turbo Buick parts.

[reaper71]

Looking good so far keep at it!!!

Mark

[52 Rat]

Originally Posted by reaper71

Looking good so far keep at it!!!

Mark

Thanks Mark.
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[52 Rat]

I finished the fuel tank install and got everything painted. I cleaned the engine and got it back in the frame. The fuel line frame tabs should be here today so I hope to have the fuel lines ran and connected by the weekend. I sent the ECU off for a custom tune. Getting closer to starting the engine.

[reaper71]

OOOHHH yeah looks sweet!!!

[ratrodmiller]

man looking sweet let me tell ya ,You are ganna love the power that 6.0 puts out!! My 5.3 is a beast and its all factory..I amagine a 6.0 with standard trans is ganna be really wild!!

[52 Rat]

Originally Posted by ratrodmiller

man looking sweet let me tell ya ,You are ganna love the power that 6.0 puts out!! My 5.3 is a beast and its all factory..I amagine a 6.0 with standard trans is ganna be really wild!!

Thanks! I must say I was inspired to build my truck after finding your build project from a Google search several years ago. I will have some update pics this weekend. I'm going to put the fan and rad back in. I'm going to install the stand alone wiring harness and start laying out the exhaust. The headers should be back in a few weeks from being hot coated. Here are a few for now.

[ratrodmiller]

Did you end up going with a ls1 oilpan? I had to my truck was kickstanding on that truck oilpan!
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[52 Rat]

Originally Posted by ratrodmiller

Did you end up going with a ls1 oilpan? I had to my truck was kickstanding on that truck oilpan!
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Well I'm a bit frustrated with the build today. I made three trips to the parts house today trying to make a lower radiator hose work. No luck finding a hose to fit. I even tried a universal flex hose. The radiator is so close to the water neck on the thermostat housing. I'm open for suggestions. I will post some pics later.

[derail]

I like to bend a coat hanger to the shape I need and take it with me to the parts house. Usually they'll let you come around the counter and look at what they've got to see if you can find one with similar bends. Even if the bends that you need are in the middle of a hose, you could always just cut the ends off.

[BlueJeep]

Originally Posted by 52 Rat

Well I'm a bit frustrated with the build today. I made three trips to the parts house today trying to make a lower radiator hose work. No luck finding a hose to fit. I even tried a universal flex hose. The radiator is so close to the water neck on the thermostat housing. I'm open for suggestions. I will post some pics later.

Try cutting up some exhaust "U" bends in the size you need, then use rubber to connect to the radiator and to the motor. I did this on mine when the bend was too tight for the flex hose, worked great.

[reaper71]

It's coming together nice!!!
bet you can't wait to hear it for the first time?

Mark...

[oldman3]

Like the fan setup on the rad. Where did the radiator come from, looks nice??....Jim

[52 Rat]

Originally Posted by oldman3

Like the fan setup on the rad. Where did the radiator come from, looks nice??....Jim

Thanks. It came from Reliable Radiator. It is a Champion Radiator. I read a lot of good reviews on this radiator so I decided to give it a try.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Chevy-Truck-...item4600162530

[jasonhall]

What did you use to clean the motor? Turned out very nice!

[52 Rat]

Originally Posted by jasonhall

What did you use to clean the motor? Turned out very nice!

It was not too dirty to start with. I used a commercial degreaser and my pressure washer.
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[ratrodmiller]

52rat.. you'll be very pleased with your champion radiator mine keeps the 5.3 180.all summer,Also glad to hear that I inspired someone out there! The truck has really paid off! I CAN'T GO ANYWHERE WITHOUT BEING STOPPED.LOL EVEN LAW MAN HAS PULLED ME OVER TO TAKE A LOOK
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[reaper71]

looking real nice!!

Mark...

[52 Rat]

Originally Posted by reaper71

looking real nice!!

Mark...

Thanks Mark.

[Kabwe]

Looking really good.

[52 Rat]

Man, I can't get enough of this build!
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[52 Rat]

Originally Posted by Kabwe

Looking really good.

Man, I can't get enough of your build project. I've been following your project since the first thread post. (sorry, I screwed up my first reply)

[ratrodmiller]

You get that radiator hose. Man looking very nice. I like your trailing arms good idea..
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