72 GMC Short Step Build

[Z10]

First Radiator Test Fit

Car Boss installed the radiator and is sorting out the upper and lower hoses. Also fitted the passenger side wheel well to make sure that the surge tank didn't interfere and it fit like a glove. We also got the drive shaft back from being shortened and new heavy duty u-joints installed.
Mean while Double E is working on the intake wiring. More pics to follow on this a bit later.

[Z10]

Originally Posted by Z10

F.I.R.S.T TPI Manifold and ZZ4 Head Mismatch

We ran into a bit of a mismatch with the F.I.R.S.T TPI intake manifold and the aluminum heads on the ZZ4. The ZZ4 heads have a protrusion that interferes with the intake seating properly. Car Boss and I have another friend who owns a machine shop, He machined enough off for the intake to fit properly. So, for those of you contemplating using this intake on a ZZ4, be aware that you'll need to make this modification.

*****Update***** Double EE spoke to Ken at F.I.R.S.T. and he has a modification for the ZZ4 head. He'll mill down the manifold to fit the head. We just didn't tell him what we were installing on. So, if you order one, let him know before he ships.*****

[Z10]

Custom Trans-Cooler Mount

Car Boss decided zip tieing the trans cooler the radiator just wouldn't cut it. No surprise to me, so...............the creation of a very slick very elegant cooler mount.

[Z10]

Coil Bracket 2.0

We picked up a new HEI coil and discovered it did not have a bracket attached to it like the one Car Boss had used to fabricate the first mounting bracket. So, a redesign was in order.

[Z10]

Oil in the Engine!
Milestone day today, we've got oil in the engine, some nice clean Castrol 10-30 and a nice pint of Comp Cam Engine Break-In Oil Additive.

Yep, we buttoned it up. Comp roller rockers, hardened push rods, and guide plates installed and the F.I.R.S.T TPI intake, torqued down to the top of a brand new ZZ4.

Also installed the rebuilt steering shaft and rag joint.

[Bomp]

Sweet lookin motor.
Can't wait to see it in between the fender wells.

[Z10]

Originally Posted by Bomp

Sweet lookin motor.
Can't wait to see it in between the fender wells.

Thanks Bomp, it won't be long now.

[FRANKENSTEINC10]

looking outstanding

[Z10]

Heater Hose Heat Shield

Car Boss is doing something a little different with the heater hose on this engine. Instead of coming off the water pump, he's coming out of the block near the rear of the block and then into the Vintage air unit. He was a bit concerned about the heat from the headers, so time to fabricate a heat shield.

[Z10]

Dome and Curtesy Light Switch Installed

My Truck came with a Dome light but no door switch, so Double E installed the proper wiring, the switch and curtesy lights. It's the little things that make the difference.

[Z10]

Last Wiring Fitting
Double E is about to complete the wiring under the hood and did one last final fitting before the connectors are installed, it's wrapped, and hides inside the loom. Lot's of time has been spent studying, fitting, and restudying and refitting this harness. Here's a couple of pics.

[FRANKENSTEINC10]

wow man. I need those kind of friends around here lol. my motor night only be controlled by 6 wires and yours is still cleaner.

[HSRACER]

Fun to watch, I am joining in.

[knomadd]

Nice work so far. I'll be following along.

[Z10]

ECM Harness Finished!
Is this not a thing of beauty? Double EE has out done himself building this one of a kind, custom fabricated ECM harness. The next time you see it, it will be installed.

[FRANKENSTEINC10]

awesome man.

[Z10]

It's finally in the Truck (for the last time)

Another milestone day today. Car Boss, Double E, my Son-in-Law, and I all pitched in and lowered the engine into the engine bay for hopefully the last time. Stay tuned as we continue
[URL=http://s20.photobucket.com/user/wtz10/media/IMG_0868.jpg.html][/URL

[FRANKENSTEINC10]

wow!! if you are ever near Dallas let me know. I would love to see this thing in person.

[Z10]

No off the shelf air intake on this build

Car Boss was hard at work again today working on ideas for an air intake.
He also bolted in the under-dash Vintage Air unit. We also pulled the wheels and tires to have new taller rubber installed. Anybody need a pair of Nitto 555 in 245/30/R20, let me know, I'll let them go cheap, less than 200 miles.

[Z10]

Plumbing the AC & Heater hoses

AC & heater hoses are coming along. We are not using the hoses that came with the Vintage Air kit, but instead fitting and routing them custom lines.

[Z10]

ECM Harness is Complete and Installed

Busy weekend. Well at least for Car Boss and Double E. I on the other hand skipped out Saturday to attend my grandsons first birthday. While I was gone, the ECM harness was installed, the fuel injectors were tested, and a vacuum was put on the AC system to check for leaks. We passed the vacuum leak test but failed the injectors. A couple were dripping under pressure and another shot out a stream of fuel even though it wasn't firing.

Friday I got the Boss 338's mounted with taller rubber, now I just need to decide how much I'm going to lower the truck. Also got the drive shaft installed and the last inner fender installed.

Bonus Pic of my 72 and "Hank" the 58

[Z10]

Seat Covers and Air Intake Delivered!

I've been waiting a couple of months for my seat covers to arrive from Truck Seats and they were dropped off today.


I also received the AEM air filter and 4" Aluminum tubing that Car Boss will turn into something special.

[nds1968]

Coming together nicely

[Z10]

Originally Posted by nds1968

Coming together nicely

Thanks, we're getting closer. If I can get Car Boss back home from Barrett-Jackson, we just might get this thing running in a couple of weeks.

Oh, Car Boss.....parts are stacking up on your bench.

[Z10]

Truck Seat is at the upholsterer

I took the seat and the new houndstooth seat covers to the upholster Friday. Here's a pic of what it looked like before. Strangely I don't have any pics of the black mouse fur cover? Must be because I didn't like it. So here's the only photo that shows a bit of it.