Big Block Build is what I'm calling mine. New pics inside

[ChiefRocka]

Good job !!

[AcampoDave]

Did you get the Tank's inc universal installed yet? 'm curious to see how you bolted up the straps. I started on mine today.

[kieth]

Originally Posted by AcampoDave

Did you get the Tank's inc universal installed yet? 'm curious to see how you bolted up the straps. I started on mine today.

We started by welding nuts to the frame so we could bolt the tank in before the straps went in to place..
Just click on the individual thumbnails to take you thru the process:
http://kieth.smugmug.com/Trucks/66-GMC/i-svjGkRJ



We then modified the straps so they would stay attached to the rear crossmember and be removable from the front crossmember.....just click on the thumbnails for next picture.....Kieth
http://kieth.smugmug.com/Trucks/66-GMC/i-GHLg7T2

[Chevy Fleetside]

I started it but have not had any time to finish it. The tank is going into my work truck. I am still thinking about where to put the straps. I might get some time to do it next week.

[1963c-10]

Originally Posted by Chevy Fleetside

I got the Headers Thursday and tried fitting them tonight. Seems for me to get the left one in I will have to take the plugs out and I have to cut the frame a little for more clearance on the right side as you can see in this picture. They will bolt up but 1/16 of an inch clearance from the frame is not enough. I still have to patch the firewall on the left side also...

Did you trim the frame front the motor mount back to the cab for clearance? Im at the point where I'm ready to do the frame mods and it'd be nice to know where to trim prior to engine/frame mock up. Thanks in advance for any help. And I'm guessing about 1/4" - 3/8" to trim?

[Chevy Fleetside]

Originally Posted by 1963c-10

Did you trim the frame front the motor mount back to the cab for clearance? Im at the point where I'm ready to do the frame mods and it'd be nice to know where to trim prior to engine/frame mock up. Thanks in advance for any help. And I'm guessing about 1/4" - 3/8" to trim?

For the motor mounts I trimmed back about 1/2 inch. I used the rear holes but cut the firewall. As for the headers... I just put them in and made some marks on where to trim the frame. I think I just used a grinder. It wasn't very much if I can remember.

[1963c-10]

Originally Posted by Chevy Fleetside

For the motor mounts I trimmed back about 1/2 inch. I used the rear holes but cut the firewall. As for the headers... I just put them in and made some marks on where to trim the frame. I think I just used a grinder. It wasn't very much if I can remember.

OK ,thanks. I'm using the CPP tubular mounts, so I won't have to trim the frame for them, but I will have to drill a hole in the crossmember for the lower bolt to go through. I guess I'll set the block in and see where it needs trimmed prior to doing any trimming. Was trying to save some time and pre trim, but with all the big block swaps I've seen everyone has different mounts, mounting locations, headers...etc. So safe bet will be to trim where I need to once the engines in. I've got a grinder so that's no problem there. I have an air nibbler too that I though might work, but I like the grinder better.

Fixing to drop a 1st gen 348 big block into the fleetside too....check it out if you haven't already. Will be a fun build.

I'm sure more questions will pop up as I go on with it. Thanks again.

[Chevy Fleetside]

I put my engine and trans in and out of my truck probably 10 times before I painted it. It was really nice to stick it back in the last time and just be able to bolt it up and leave it...

[1963c-10]

Originally Posted by Chevy Fleetside

I put my engine and trans in and out of my truck probably 10 times before I painted it. It was really nice to stick it back in the last time and just be able to bolt it up and leave it...

I hear you there.....I've already moved it a half dozen times and it hasn't made it into the frame rails yet. Was musical engines around here trying to juggle the 230, 348 and the 427around in a small space.

[Chevy Fleetside]

The Tanks inc tank is differnt then the one you have. I have one of those tanks in my blue truck and I ran the straps from left to right on the frame.

[Chevy Fleetside]

They both finally stood still for a photo... its like a truck get together in front of my house.

[earl84]

Very nice, Chevy Fleetside. Great to get it on the road and start building confidence with some longer drives.
Questions for you, what fan and shroud combination did you go with? I am assuming your serpentine system was the stock setup from the BB, right? Any issues with getting too hot?

[Chevy Fleetside]

I have no fan shroud right now. I also don't have a temp gauge hooked up and that is the reason I don't go very far. I have some gauges coming and will know how the heat is doing. I am running a stock fan with clutch.

[earl84]

Thanks for the reply. I ask because I am in the final stages of installing a 454 in mine. Initial measurements said that the stock fan wasn't going to fit, but I was holding the radiator support in place and it was difficult at best. So I ordered up a Mark VIII fan after doing research, but I don't think that is gonna fit. So I grabbed an old fan and clutch off a 350 and it fits fine, but close. I did some searching and found measurements for a Hayden severe duty fan clutch and fan, should work fine. Gonna have to build a shroud. It is such a big deal cuz I fitted a SBC serpentine system on and had to use a long water pump to do it. I just like to make things super hard on myself on this very first attempt at doing a restomod on anything, you know. Why make it easy, ha?

[Chevy Fleetside]

Been working on my gauge panel. I am leaving for Yosemite today for a week so I will get back to it when I get back.. Made that out of a piece of 3/8" oak and stained it.

[RockTonka]

That looks nice! Are you going to have any other oak accents in the truck?

[Chevy Fleetside]

Originally Posted by RockTonka

That looks nice! Are you going to have any other oak accents in the truck?

not sure. I just had this wood laying around. I think some oak door pulls would work

[Sick5]

Originally Posted by Chevy Fleetside

Been working on my gauge panel. I am leaving for Yosemite today for a week so I will get back to it when I get back.. Made that out of a piece of 3/8" oak and stained it.

WOW
i like this idea.. Best gauge cluster ive seen in a long time

[Chevy Fleetside]

all lit up...

[MisterC]

That looks fantastic! Well played.

[cff]

Hi. I don't know if I missed it , but where did you get your motor mounts from? Thanks, Ron.

[Chevy Fleetside]

truckandcarshop.com ..

[Chevy Fleetside]

just adding a few pictures of some progress.

[Chevy Fleetside]

I found this picture of my truck on the internet and just thought I would post it in my thread. This is at the Drive In movies for the Hot San Jose Nights Car Show. I really need to get going on the bed.

[Chevy Fleetside]

rollin down the freeway. Thanks for the Freeway shot Slow Build.