Omodified's 1970 SWB Custom/10

[omodified]

So, when I went to install the starter, and I found out real fast how brittle forty year old wires can be when they live near the exhaust. I barely touched the starter and relay wires from the harness and they pretty much snapped in half. This could explain why it starter had been making intermittent crazy noises. So, I had to go all the way up to the top of the firewall to find solid wire from these two leads. I cut them there and spliced new wire in using proper connectors and heat shrink.






Starter is installed and wired up!!!

[omodified]

Finally drained the fluids. The engine oil was so black, I couldn't see through it with a spotlight behind it. No metal though! I had an issue getting the transmission pan off. The flange was stuck between the transmission and the crossmember. I had to unbolt the transmission and jack it up a bit and the pan fell right out. The trans fluid was super clean though and no smell. I changed the transmission filter and installed the new gasket. Should have new parts tomorrow.

[omodified]

Got all kind of parts in today. Transmission pan, speedometer housing, longer alternator belt, stainless fuel line and new rubber radiator pads. Time to get busy...












I'm finished with the underside for now. I might revisit the oil pan one day, but only I know it looks like that. Overall, I think it is a major improvement. The transmission is buttoned up. Now it's time to add some fresh fluids!

[VA72C10]

Great progress!

[omodified]

Cut and installed heater core hoses. I ran them as tight as I could.

[omodified]

I wanted to run the new fuel line up and over the manifold so it was aiming toward the carb's fuel inlet. My friend suggested eliminating as much rubber fuel line as possible. However, it seemed to either push down on the heater core hose or push up on it. So, I decided to cut and flare it where it was before and run the rubber fuel line as tight as I could. I think it turned out pretty nice.

[tanman722001]

looks alot better then it did.What part of Statesville you live at.Im in Harmony area.Im the only one that has a truck like mine.

[71Sleeper]

Coming along nicely. Keep on ordering them new parts and you will have a great ride.

[gcburdic]

dang...it has stopped raining now and you're done!!! Nice work....

And looky there you cannot even see the stamped Chevrolet on that timing chain cover Also, there's a place down here in Charlotte called "Whatever It Takes" tranmission parts....I can help with the o-ring if you need me to pick one up for ya

Also, as a thought...are ya gonna replace the front and rear main seals while you are there? It may take you jacking the engine up a little, but would be worth it if ya can...(I have to do it this winter, mine is leaking)

[omodified]

71Sleeper - I wish I didn't have to order all new parts, but it seems to be the name of the game.

Geoff - I hadn't considered changing out the main seals. They don't appear to be leaking. I suppose I will keep an eye on it. As I mentioned, the oil pan will get changed down the road, maybe I'll do the seals then. Also, I got a new o-ring with that new TCI housing. Thanks a million for the offer though!

[omodified]

I installed the radiator tonight. I bought some new hoses to go with it. The lower hose needed to be trimmed but fit well afterwards. The new upper hose had too much of a bend in it and it was pinching the radiator side. So, I will continue to look for a better fitting one. I installed the old one just for the pictures. AutoZone offered me the flex hoses, but I am not sure that I like the looks of those. Also, got the 1/2" longer belt in today and installed it first. I knew it would be easier to install with the fan shroud out. The lower radiator coolant line wouldn't line up correctly. It kept trying to cross thread or maybe the threads are just too corroded. Either way, I didn't want to force it into the new aluminum. So, I'll be pricing new stainless lines tonight.

[gcburdic]

inlinetube.com can hook ya up with that tranny line....http://www.inlinetube.com/Preformed%.../CT-CAT-08.htm

[tanman722001]

Dang i like that radiator.Where did you get it at?Your engine compartment looks good.

[omodified]

Thanks Tanman. My friend said tonight that the engine compartment looked the a grand opening at a brothel...all new hose. The radiator came from Champion Radiators out of California. Found them on Ebay. Reasonably priced but I can't tell you much more that that since I haven't used it yet. BTW, I have spent the last few nights working with the radiator. I went to hook up the tranny lines and the bottom line didn't quite line up. It was at a bad angle and wasn't allowing me to thread the fitting in. Not to mention that the previous owner had repaired the line by cutting some of the metal line away and replacing it with hose. So, with all this being the case, we decided to buy new lines and bend them to fit. A five foot section was perfect for the lower line. However, the upper line required a little more than five feet. O'Reillys doesn't stock 6 foot line so I had to buy and 4 foot and 2 foot section and cut to fit. Actually had to cut to fit both lines and make the double flares on the transmission side and they came out perfect. A nice and tight fit. Went to hook the new lines up to the trans cooler. Turns out the bottom threads on the radiator were junk. Called Champion and they are replacing it without question. All I have to do is cover the shipping. Fortunately, they were out of two row radiators, so I was forced to upgrade to a three row. Notice I said fortunately. So, I shipped the old one off and I am waiting for the new one to show up.

[Steve Hafner]

. . . .

According to your SPID, your truck looked just like mine when it was new.

. . . .

[omodified]

Thanks for sharing that Steve! I hope you don't mind if I steal your picture for my collection. Nice original truck by the way.

[Steve Hafner]

Originally Posted by omodified

Thanks for sharing that Steve! I hope you don't mind if I steal your picture for my collection. Nice original truck by the way.

Thanks, there are a lot more pictures of it in my build thread too.

[omodified]

Got a few things done tonight while I am waiting for the radiator to show up.

Already mentioned the new transmission cooler lines...



I just happend to find a Chevy Truck parts superstore 18 minutes from my house. They have everything in stock for our trucks. How did I not know about this place??? Anyways, I visited Dave of Daves Truck Parts in Claremont, NC over the weekend. I picked up some new inner fenders to replace my old rotten ones. I also bought a new battery tray. I am not even surehow the old tray was holding my battery without the bottom falling out. Now, I just need a battery that will fit in the new tray. Apparently the old tray was so weak and pliable, it accept the oversized "used battery" that was in here. Of course now, it won't fit in here at all. Time for an AC Delco! Here is the new tray installed.




I got a GM throttle rod adapter for the Edelbrock carb. Installed it tonight so I could mock up the original throttle rod before I blast and paint it. Also installed the throttle return springs.

[71Sleeper]

how much where the inner fenders? I am needing to buy a pair too.

[omodified]

Inner fenders were $90 each I believe. They are the thicker gauge steel and he says the holes line up perfect unlike the cheaper versions.

[gcburdic]

Hey omodified....another successful evening....BTW, if you are around this weekend, Are you going to goodguys at the speedway? Maybe you should consider visiting us at the Reels and Wheels Cruise in Saturday night in Moorseville....click on the link in my signature for more details.....bring the truck if she's running Hopefully I'll get to meet ya out there!!!

[71Sleeper]

Originally Posted by omodified

Inner fenders were $90 each I believe. They are the thicker gauge steel and he says the holes line up perfect unlike the cheaper versions.

Do you know if he will ship? I need set.

[omodified]

He does ship. His catalog is on his website. http://davetruckparts.com/catalog.pdf

If it was me, I would call him instead of using the order form, just to avoid any delays. He is closed for lunch each day from 12-1 so if he doesn't answer, just try back. Enjoy!

[omodified]

gcburdic...I want to go to GoodGuys this weekend for sure. Unfortunately, the truck will not be ready for Mooresville, but I would like to check in over there. If the family can break away, I will try to find you. Thanks for the invite. Drive-In sure would've been cool.

[omodified]

Finally, the replacement radiator arrived and discovered it's new home. Everything fit perfect and the transmission lines hooked right up, no problems. Definitely worth the wait. Three rows of total coolness!








I know I said I was going with an ACDelco battery and I had full intentions of doing so. After I read about ownership switching hands and also how the lead batteries still corrode (a lot), I quickly remembered why I have installed Optima batteries in my last five vehicles. This truck deserves no less! Did the research and found AutoZone to have the best price. They had it in stock and it was installed that night. (Well, sort of...thanks Geoff ) It is a great fit and doesn't move around at all using the stock battery clamp.





Last, I picked up some heat resistant tubing at the GoodGuys show this weekend. I needed to run the power lead to the electric choke and I thought this stuff would work well protecting that wire. While I was in there, I decided to use it on the lead to the distributor and the starter wires. Turned out pretty decent I think.