Donz '65 SWB Stepper Budget Build...

[likaroc13]

Congrats on the weddings!

[Ta2Don]

Thanks Phillip

[Ta2Don]

Today I received a care package from Rian "Grizz"…
IMG_3386 by Donald Olivo, on Flickr

Here's the unexpected flag now residing in the shed…
IMG_3387 by Donald Olivo, on Flickr

I then cleaned and re-arranged the shed and shelving which houses most of my truck parts…
IMG_3383 by Donald Olivo, on Flickr

A friend of mine, has a local business, Bonehead Customz, was kind enough to order me some Teal Plasti-Dip Aerosol paint… I decided to break up the wheels with this paint for the center caps…
IMG_3381 by Donald Olivo, on Flickr
3 Coats later...
IMG_3384 by Donald Olivo, on Flickr
One installed, another deciding factor in painting the center caps was the fact that 2 of them had blemishes that couldn't be repaired...
IMG_3389 by Donald Olivo, on Flickr

Thans to Rian for the goodies… one of the myriad of reasons this is such a cool place...

[TJ's Chevy]

Looks good brotha!

[1963c-10]

Just playing catch up Don. PS pulley looks toasted....wonder what made that happen.

Rims look great and looks like you stay as busy as I do....!!!!

[Ta2Don]

Thanx Brother… If I don't stay busy I go stir crazy pretty quick...

There was a mark across the grooves of that pulley that I noticed 4 1/2 years ago, I gues that weakened the pulley and finally allowed it to crack...
No other issues with the serpentine set-up…

I am using an OEM serpentine set-up on this project and after this incident with my DD I did go back and check those pulleys for any marks or defects...

Diggin' the paint work you are laying down...

[1963c-10]

Thanks. I'll sure be glad to have a better paint area for the fleetside. Would like to paint my motorcycle also this fall/winter.

Trying to play catch up to you on the engine. Be ready to fire mine up soon. Just waiting on the harness to get back from American Autowire

[Ta2Don]

I recently scored a bunch of gauge cluster parts from another member who unfortunately had to sell his truck...

Here's a pic of the pieces I received… 2 Speedos one OEM lens in real good condition, one lens that he tried to clean, albeit, unsuccessfully...
a set of gauges, a baggie of cardboard tubes and assorted small bit and pieces, one housing, one backing plate, and one painted bezel…

IMG_3393 by Donald Olivo, on Flickr

Thanks Joe!!! Hope you get another truck soon!!!

[1963c-10]

Nice score on the cluster parts. Getting harder to find good OEM parts like gauges and speedometers!!

[Ta2Don]

Now a quick question, what's the best way to check the electrical gauges for operation? Withe the gauges or cluster on the bench...

[siggyfreud]

Not sure if this is helpful or not, but could be?

http://www.modsandrods.tv/2012/03/29...uel-gas-gauge/

For the others I would think you could use a similar method, but not sure how you would simulate a speedo or tach unless you were running an injected setup and the computer had a bench mode.

[rusty76]

Looking good dude.

[dwcardfan]

Looking good brother. Nice touch on the center caps.

[Ta2Don]

Originally Posted by siggyfreud

Not sure if this is helpful or not, but could be?

http://www.modsandrods.tv/2012/03/29...uel-gas-gauge/

For the others I would think you could use a similar method, but not sure how you would simulate a speedo or tach unless you were running an injected setup and the computer had a bench mode.

Thanks for the info...

Originally Posted by rusty76

Looking good dude.

Thanx Brother...

Originally Posted by dwcardfan

Looking good brother. Nice touch on the center caps.

Thanx Brother… When you driving yours down for a visit???

[bj383ss]

Looks like you have a good assortment there Don. Both speedo's look like they don't need the decals. Just paint on the needles. One thing 1963 c10 said is on the back of the gas gauge there is a tube across the bottom. If it is still white is should be good still. Also the oil gauge you can test by hand by just moving the back side it is mechanical. Not sure on your setup but my ammeter can not be used with my new wire harness so it is just there for looks. So that just leaves the temp gauge to test out.

[Ta2Don]

Originally Posted by bj383ss

Looks like you have a good assortment there Don. Both speedo's look like they don't need the decals. Just paint on the needles. One thing 1963 c10 said is on the back of the gas gauge there is a tube across the bottom. If it is still white is should be good still. Also the oil gauge you can test by hand by just moving the back side it is mechanical. Not sure on your setup but my ammeter can not be used with my new wire harness so it is just there for looks. So that just leaves the temp gauge to test out.

Thanx for the info, I will check the gas gauge and the others...

[Ta2Don]

A little while back, Rian (Grizz) sent me a text with a pic of 3 Crosses he'd welded up…
IMG_3413 by Donald Olivo, on Flickr

He then was kind enough to send those my way with some other goodies… I then found a branch, that suited my needs, and got to work… A trip to the table saw, drilling 5 holes, some gloss clear spray paint…
IMG_3396 by Donald Olivo, on Flickr
IMG_3397 by Donald Olivo, on Flickr
IMG_3399 by Donald Olivo, on Flickr

It's now hanging in our living room and this will be off to Rian tomorrow… A small token to say thanks...
IMG_3404 by Donald Olivo, on Flickr

[Grizz1963]

Thanks Don

That looks great. I kove the way the branch created a hill as well.

I hope its a Bud Light in the tube.

[TJ's Chevy]

Nice score on the gauge clusters brotha.

[Ta2Don]

My weekend started off with big plans...
Had the use of a plasma cutter, that decided to quit after cutting about 5% of what I'd planned on cutting...
After the Plans to cut a bunch of stuff were scrapped, I spent the remainder of Sunday starting the filling process of the pool and spending time with the wife...

Today I rolled the cab into position to get started on preparing it for re-installation…
IMG_3441 by Donald Olivo, on Flickr

After uncovering the tarp, and discovering a colony of ants had taken up roots on the roof… a bit of ant spray and off to work…
IMG_3443 by Donald Olivo, on Flickr

I began by removing the heater box and wiring harness… This switch will have to be replaced…
IMG_3445 by Donald Olivo, on Flickr

Spaghetti...
IMG_3447 by Donald Olivo, on Flickr
IMG_3450 by Donald Olivo, on Flickr

Good plan on replacing the 50 year old wiring… these wires hooking up the turn signal flasher have obviously been overheated…
IMG_3449 by Donald Olivo, on Flickr

Then it was on to the floor… The hole for the Automatic shifter had to be welded up and a new hole for the 5 Speed shifter cut… Then weld up 44 various bolt holes that had been drilled into the floor...
IMG_3451 by Donald Olivo, on Flickr
IMG_3453 by Donald Olivo, on Flickr
IMG_3453 by Donald Olivo, on Flickr
IMG_3455 by Donald Olivo, on Flickr
IMG_3456 by Donald Olivo, on Flickr

Next is to grind the welds a bit, prep the floor for the sound deadener, sand and paint interior, install yet to be purchased wiring harness… and on and on…

Moving forward...

[TJ's Chevy]

Good work brotha. Hoping to start painting my frame this weekend. Lets see who gets their "planned painting" done 1st. lol See ya bro.

[dwcardfan]

Looking good brother!!!! I used peal and seal from lowes it was a lot cheaper than some of the other stuff and it looks just like it. I think it was $16 dollars roll and I used 3 rolls on the floor.

[clemdaddy]

good work don. i just got my harnesses from classic truck parts in kansas city. pricey but fit and function were very good. i'm not a rewire guy, much prefer to just plug up repro wiring and be done with it.

the floor in your truck looks in great shape... keep rocking on bro.

[Jeff La]

Yes the floor looks great

[markeb01]

I've been a little behind in staying current on everything going on. Belated congrats on the wedding ceremonies. That has to be a gratifying feeling for everyone involved. Hope everyone is having a productive week. Regards, Mark.