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#1 |
Registered User
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: PNW
Posts: 3,587
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Re: "Dixie" 1988 Chevrolet V30 3+3 Dually
Oh I see: The old 3 casters and a jack trick. Good work, and I think you will be glad you got the "back of house" dialed in.
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#2 |
Registered User
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Fairbanks, AK
Posts: 1,830
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Re: "Dixie" 1988 Chevrolet V30 3+3 Dually
I think it’s update time! How’s the project coming?
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-Marcus 1991 V3500 L29 454 4L80E NP205 D60/14 Bolt 4.56's 1984 K30 292 TH400 NP205 D60/14 Bolt 4.56's flat bed 7'6" Meyer Plow 2022 Silverado 3500 L8T Project Daily Driver Project Heavy Hauler Project Plow Truck |
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#3 |
Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: CA
Posts: 846
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Re: "Dixie" 1988 Chevrolet V30 3+3 Dually
Things have been moving along on the truck, however I was in the process of changing jobs and did not have access to a laptop. I received it earlier this week and will update where it is.
__________________
"Dixie" - 1988 Chevrolet V30 CC DRW "3+3" | 7.4L 454 (L19) | TH400 | 4" lift | 35"s "Lucille" - 1949 Chevrolet 3100 (on hold) |
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#4 |
Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: CA
Posts: 846
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Re: "Dixie" 1988 Chevrolet V30 3+3 Dually
Picking this back up..
I ordered a B&W Class V hitch receiver for the truck and began to mock this up. First I wanted to see what holes aligned (typically these will bolt right up) and second I knew I was going to be going from a dual tank setup to a single Blazer tank in the rear and wanted to make sure everything was accessible and cleared after relocating the frame supports. ![]() I also am planning on running the Sport bumper in the rear inside of a larger dropped bumper. I picked up a drop bumper that is in mint condition in case I change my mind, but I like how clean the lines look on this rear bumper. I had to throw it on to get an idea. ![]()
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"Dixie" - 1988 Chevrolet V30 CC DRW "3+3" | 7.4L 454 (L19) | TH400 | 4" lift | 35"s "Lucille" - 1949 Chevrolet 3100 (on hold) Last edited by focusedontheprize; 06-14-2020 at 07:07 PM. |
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#5 |
Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: CA
Posts: 846
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Re: "Dixie" 1988 Chevrolet V30 3+3 Dually
Moving on to the relocation of the fuel tank, I wanted to do it a little different, so I welded up a some 2x2 stock I had lying around for support and to hold everything square and went to cutting the rivets out of the old one.
![]() I also started to plug weld all the unnecessary holes in the frame. I wanted to only have the holes I would be using and would drill the new ones for items that I would be adding (i.e. sway bar links and the air bags). You can also see the Sulastic shackles I would be running. ![]()
__________________
"Dixie" - 1988 Chevrolet V30 CC DRW "3+3" | 7.4L 454 (L19) | TH400 | 4" lift | 35"s "Lucille" - 1949 Chevrolet 3100 (on hold) |
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#6 |
Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: CA
Posts: 846
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Re: "Dixie" 1988 Chevrolet V30 3+3 Dually
While I was waiting on the Blazer tank to arrive, I spent my time finishing the plugs on the rear frame. Each night after work I spent a couple hours go through plug welding and then dressing the welds smooth. A lot of work, but I am very happy with the end result.
The FedEx guy and I are becoming better and better friends via this truck. He delivered my fuel tank and I began to start mocking it up. I had an idea of how I wanted to mount it and built a new shock crossmember along with a rectangular rear frame support which I welded tabs to in order to bolt it up. Ratchet straps are incredibly helpful when you only have two hands to work with. ![]() ![]() Everything tacked in and bolted up.. ![]() ![]() ![]()
__________________
"Dixie" - 1988 Chevrolet V30 CC DRW "3+3" | 7.4L 454 (L19) | TH400 | 4" lift | 35"s "Lucille" - 1949 Chevrolet 3100 (on hold) |
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#7 |
Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: CA
Posts: 846
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Re: "Dixie" 1988 Chevrolet V30 3+3 Dually
Once it was in the garage I finished up plug welding the driver's side frame and threw on primer to hold me over.
![]() I worked with Hellwig (phenomenal customer service) to source a rear sway bar for the truck and found that their Big Wig F350 bar would be the perfect fit. The Big Wig bars are 1-5/16” diameter, solid heat treated 4140 chromoly steel that are aligned to the heavier duty applications. I ordered it on Amazon and it arrived two days later. ![]()
__________________
"Dixie" - 1988 Chevrolet V30 CC DRW "3+3" | 7.4L 454 (L19) | TH400 | 4" lift | 35"s "Lucille" - 1949 Chevrolet 3100 (on hold) |
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#8 |
Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: CA
Posts: 846
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Re: "Dixie" 1988 Chevrolet V30 3+3 Dually
At this point, I was starting to feel a bit embarrassed working on this outside of my garage. My 1949 Chevrolet frame was in the way so I rented a local storage unit and had a friend help me move the frame and the bed into the unit to make space. My buddy started laughing and said there was no way it was going to fit in the garage. I told him it would have around 1/2" inch of space.
My measurements were spot on.. ![]()
__________________
"Dixie" - 1988 Chevrolet V30 CC DRW "3+3" | 7.4L 454 (L19) | TH400 | 4" lift | 35"s "Lucille" - 1949 Chevrolet 3100 (on hold) |
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#9 |
Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: CA
Posts: 846
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Re: "Dixie" 1988 Chevrolet V30 3+3 Dually
I love these Dewalt clamps, could be one of my favorite tools I have. I started to mock up the sway bar knowing I would be relocating the lower shock mounts behind the bar for clearance and efficiency improvement.
![]() ![]() ![]() I actually really like the hammered color and how it would break all the black up on the rear suspension. I also wanted to tuck the bar as much as possible and spoke to BigWig about this. They said they can always make me longer end links if I wanted to change the layout, but for now I am happy with it how it turned out. I also have three settings on the bar and can always adjust.
__________________
"Dixie" - 1988 Chevrolet V30 CC DRW "3+3" | 7.4L 454 (L19) | TH400 | 4" lift | 35"s "Lucille" - 1949 Chevrolet 3100 (on hold) |
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#10 |
Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: CA
Posts: 846
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Re: "Dixie" 1988 Chevrolet V30 3+3 Dually
While the sway bar installation was going on, I began looking at AirLift's kits. I knew I wanted to run one of their systems and held off on ordering the on-board air unit module (one of the reps told me they would be having a new generation coming out in the next few months). Again, Amazon had the best price and it arrived in two days.
![]() An hour or so later and they were installed. I am looking forward to trying them out soon and will pick up their WirelessAIR system to compliment this. ![]() ![]() Bolted up the wheels to check clearance and everything looked perfect. It was a good feeling to see the truck on all four tires again even if it was temporary. ![]()
__________________
"Dixie" - 1988 Chevrolet V30 CC DRW "3+3" | 7.4L 454 (L19) | TH400 | 4" lift | 35"s "Lucille" - 1949 Chevrolet 3100 (on hold) |
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#11 |
Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: CA
Posts: 846
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Re: "Dixie" 1988 Chevrolet V30 3+3 Dually
The truck originally came with headers and a true dual exhaust system that ran into Flowmaster 40s that terminated right behind the cab. It was a loud system and for me (and my goal with the truck), it was something that would be going when the time came. I picked up a stock set of cast-iron manifolds and a universal kit from Speedway to start mocking up the new system. I opted to go with the Flowmaster 70 series for the mufflers and planned on running over the axle to terminate next to the fuel tank. I wanted something clean, streamlined, and simple.
Here were the exhaust headers I removed. The headers interfered with the front driveshaft to the D60 so that was the other reason I was going to manifolds. ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Full exhaust system.. ![]()
__________________
"Dixie" - 1988 Chevrolet V30 CC DRW "3+3" | 7.4L 454 (L19) | TH400 | 4" lift | 35"s "Lucille" - 1949 Chevrolet 3100 (on hold) |
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#12 |
Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: CA
Posts: 846
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Re: "Dixie" 1988 Chevrolet V30 3+3 Dually
The exhaust was the last thing I needed to check off. I began to disassemble the rear of the truck in preparation for final weld and paint.
![]() ![]() ![]() Wire wheeled and brought it down to bare metal.. ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() I thoroughly cleaned everything and wanted to try out the Magnet Paint Chassis Saver. Here is the first coat.. ![]() ![]()
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"Dixie" - 1988 Chevrolet V30 CC DRW "3+3" | 7.4L 454 (L19) | TH400 | 4" lift | 35"s "Lucille" - 1949 Chevrolet 3100 (on hold) Last edited by focusedontheprize; 06-14-2020 at 09:58 PM. |
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#13 |
Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: CA
Posts: 846
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Re: "Dixie" 1988 Chevrolet V30 3+3 Dually
Today I set out to get the rear suspension fully situated. Installed the air bags, the tow hitch, and the fuel tank with the sending unit.
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__________________
"Dixie" - 1988 Chevrolet V30 CC DRW "3+3" | 7.4L 454 (L19) | TH400 | 4" lift | 35"s "Lucille" - 1949 Chevrolet 3100 (on hold) |
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#14 |
Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: DALLAS,TX
Posts: 21,979
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Re: "Dixie" 1988 Chevrolet V30 3+3 Dually
I like the updates. That rear end of things is looking VERY clean & well thought out.
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67SWB-B.B.RetroRod 64SWB-Recycle 89CCDually-Driver/Tow Truck 99CCSWB Driver All Fleetsides @rattlecankustoms in IG Building a small, high rpm engine with the perfect bore, stroke and rod ratio is very impressive. It's like a highly skilled Morrocan sword fighter with a Damascus Steel Scimitar..... Cubic inches is like Indiana Jones with a cheap pistol. |
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#15 |
Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: CA
Posts: 846
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Re: "Dixie" 1988 Chevrolet V30 3+3 Dually
Thanks SCOTI, I am trying to fit 10 pounds of stuff in a 5 pound bag and still needed to make sure everything was easily serviceable. The photos of your rear suspension were a large influence on keeping things clean and simple.
__________________
"Dixie" - 1988 Chevrolet V30 CC DRW "3+3" | 7.4L 454 (L19) | TH400 | 4" lift | 35"s "Lucille" - 1949 Chevrolet 3100 (on hold) |
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#16 |
Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: DALLAS,TX
Posts: 21,979
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Re: "Dixie" 1988 Chevrolet V30 3+3 Dually
I look forward to your review of the Sulastic shackles.
__________________
67SWB-B.B.RetroRod 64SWB-Recycle 89CCDually-Driver/Tow Truck 99CCSWB Driver All Fleetsides @rattlecankustoms in IG Building a small, high rpm engine with the perfect bore, stroke and rod ratio is very impressive. It's like a highly skilled Morrocan sword fighter with a Damascus Steel Scimitar..... Cubic inches is like Indiana Jones with a cheap pistol. |
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#17 |
Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: CA
Posts: 846
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Re: "Dixie" 1988 Chevrolet V30 3+3 Dually
I painted on 3 coats of the Magnet Paint Chassis Saver and topped it with 2 coats of Flat Black Rustoleum out of the gun..
![]() Next was to do the same to the rear end suspension parts (rear axle, rear leaf springs, shackles, U bolts, and all the hardware).. ![]() ![]() I left everything cure for a few days and then went out one night for re-assembly. ![]() ![]()
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"Dixie" - 1988 Chevrolet V30 CC DRW "3+3" | 7.4L 454 (L19) | TH400 | 4" lift | 35"s "Lucille" - 1949 Chevrolet 3100 (on hold) Last edited by focusedontheprize; 06-14-2020 at 08:47 PM. |
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#18 |
Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: CA
Posts: 846
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Re: "Dixie" 1988 Chevrolet V30 3+3 Dually
The last outstanding thing I needed to do for the rear suspension was order new shocks. I moved the mounts and the other shocks would not work. Ordered a pair of Bilstein 5125s for the rear and they should arrive by Monday.
When I purchased the truck it had step side nerf bars on it and at the time it also had a 8" lift that I have since removed. I never liked the look of nerf bars and originally cut them off with a Sawzall, but left the mounting plates for another day. I would like to finish the bottom of the truck and the frame this week so that day came. The person who installed them just pushed as much wire until they held so I have some metal work to do. ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() I ran out of time last night and will get to the other side tonight. I have a few outstanding brackets to remove and then I can start with the metal work.
__________________
"Dixie" - 1988 Chevrolet V30 CC DRW "3+3" | 7.4L 454 (L19) | TH400 | 4" lift | 35"s "Lucille" - 1949 Chevrolet 3100 (on hold) |
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#19 |
Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: CA
Posts: 846
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Re: "Dixie" 1988 Chevrolet V30 3+3 Dually
Tonight I started by removing the nerf bar plates on the passenger side. I will have to do some metal work later on, but not now. I can get clear access to this once the truck is up and running again so it is for another day.
![]() Next was removing the remainder of the brackets. These two muffler brackets were next on the list. I mounted the tailpipes to a different location and they were no longer needed. ![]() ![]() Tomorrow I am going to wire wheel the frame and inside of the floor to prepare it for paint. Magnet Chassis Saver and then top coat it. That will let me run the new EFI fuel line and brake line on clean rails. My objective is to get this truck running by the end of June.
__________________
"Dixie" - 1988 Chevrolet V30 CC DRW "3+3" | 7.4L 454 (L19) | TH400 | 4" lift | 35"s "Lucille" - 1949 Chevrolet 3100 (on hold) |
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#20 |
Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: CA
Posts: 846
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Re: "Dixie" 1988 Chevrolet V30 3+3 Dually
Next order of business is to clean the rails. I couldn't run new fuel line over dirty rails I guess. I am running Earl Vapor Guard EFI fuel line in case I decide to add an EFI setup.
Now comes the fun part - put the wire wheel on the 4" grinder and suit up. The truck is solid which is a positive except there was 3/4" of dirt caked on that needed to come off. Dixie hasn't had a bath in quite some time. What I started with: ![]() Couple hours later: ![]() You can even see the before and after here. I am okay working with caked on mud instead of rust. ![]() This was my 4th time sweeping the floor. ![]() I am not the biggest fan of these dirty jobs, but I'll deal with it for now. My Bilsteins arrived today for the rear, tomorrow is going to be a "short-work-time-on-the-truck" day, so I am going to bolt those in and that will tie up the rear suspension.
__________________
"Dixie" - 1988 Chevrolet V30 CC DRW "3+3" | 7.4L 454 (L19) | TH400 | 4" lift | 35"s "Lucille" - 1949 Chevrolet 3100 (on hold) |
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#21 |
*************
![]() Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Pensacola, FL
Posts: 17,846
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Re: "Dixie" 1988 Chevrolet V30 3+3 Dually
Just read your whole thread. Nice build, I like your style!
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Rob - https://www.instagram.com/hart_rod_c10 As Iron Sharpens Iron, So One Man Sharpens Another. Proverbs 27:17 FOR SALE: DBW pedal bracket - http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=651123 FOR SALE: Hood Brackets http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=679945 1987 Silverado SWB - 34.5K original miles http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=801834 1969 SuperBurb - http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=200387 1968 Farm truck - http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=358692 1968 SWB - http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=551258 1948 Chevy - http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=122164&page=3 |
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#22 |
Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: DALLAS,TX
Posts: 21,979
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Re: "Dixie" 1988 Chevrolet V30 3+3 Dually
It is dirty work but worth it in the end. Yours is going to be sweet.
__________________
67SWB-B.B.RetroRod 64SWB-Recycle 89CCDually-Driver/Tow Truck 99CCSWB Driver All Fleetsides @rattlecankustoms in IG Building a small, high rpm engine with the perfect bore, stroke and rod ratio is very impressive. It's like a highly skilled Morrocan sword fighter with a Damascus Steel Scimitar..... Cubic inches is like Indiana Jones with a cheap pistol. |
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#23 | |
Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: CA
Posts: 846
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Re: "Dixie" 1988 Chevrolet V30 3+3 Dually
Thanks Hart_Rod.
Quote:
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"Dixie" - 1988 Chevrolet V30 CC DRW "3+3" | 7.4L 454 (L19) | TH400 | 4" lift | 35"s "Lucille" - 1949 Chevrolet 3100 (on hold) |
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#24 |
Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: CA
Posts: 846
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Re: "Dixie" 1988 Chevrolet V30 3+3 Dually
Since my Bilsteins arrived yesterday and today was a short work day - I figured I would bolt those in and call it a day. Happy to finally have the rear suspension all tied up, but the frame is filthy from all the wire brushing underneath.
![]() Hoping to have the bottom all cleaned up this week and I will start on the metal work on the inner rockers. I am leaning to spray the bottom with Raptor liner and continuing to finish the frame rails with Magnet Chassis Saver topped with matte black Rustoleum.
__________________
"Dixie" - 1988 Chevrolet V30 CC DRW "3+3" | 7.4L 454 (L19) | TH400 | 4" lift | 35"s "Lucille" - 1949 Chevrolet 3100 (on hold) |
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#25 |
Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: CA
Posts: 846
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Re: "Dixie" 1988 Chevrolet V30 3+3 Dually
Last week I finished cleaning and painting the frame rails up to the front leaf springs. I want to get the truck running and am focusing on the fuel system now.
I wanted to clean up the fuel pump before connecting the new fuel line so I pulled it off this afternoon and cleaned it. A couple coats of paint and we are back in business. What I started with: ![]() Cleaned and painted: ![]() I’ll install it this weekend with the new fuel line. ![]()
__________________
"Dixie" - 1988 Chevrolet V30 CC DRW "3+3" | 7.4L 454 (L19) | TH400 | 4" lift | 35"s "Lucille" - 1949 Chevrolet 3100 (on hold) |
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