Project: Tiki Express, '65 C10 Panel Truck Build

[chevy_mike]

Doing some test fitting of the center floor panel I got from another member. Got it close but will do the final fitting once I get the trans in. Likely going to use sealer and rivets to install, so semi permanent.

[chevy_mike]

Spent the 4th, 5th and 7th working on the trans swap. Got the trans mocked into place so I could start fabbing up a trans mount and crossmember. Built the trans mount to bolt to the stock mounting points on the trans but use a stock GM mount for the crossmember. Bent some metal on my press brake and welded some pieces to create gussets, to keep it from flexing. Very happy how it turned out.

[chevy_mike]

Next was figuring out the crossmember. I had bought a CPP one years back but in test fitting, the mount was just not sitting in the right place. The more I looked at it, I figure out if I mounted it upside down and to the bottom of the frame rails, then cut the mount itself off and flip that over, it would work out perfect. As I was mocking this all together, I was able to use two factory mounting holes which helped locate it evenly on the frame. Couple more holes drilled and done. Welded up the mount to the crossmember and some quick paint. Works perfect.

[chevy_mike]

Then attention was put on fitting the floor piece and getting the shifter hold cut out. Also got the resurfaced flywheel and new clutch assembly installed. Still working on filling the hack job form the previous owner. Making progress and once installed, covered in sound deadener and carpet, it should all look fairly factory. I also ordered carpet.

That brings me up to date. Dropping off the driveshaft today to get shortened. Hoping by the end of next weekend it will be all back together and driving.

[chevy_mike]

Did a little more sheet metal work to fill the old shifter hole. Fabbed up a piece and welded it in. Hit it and the bottom of the floor piece with some paint. Will use seam sealer to seal things up and then some "peel and seal" floor covering before carpet.

[chevy_mike]

More progress this weekend. A buddy came over Saturday and helped get the trans installed. That ended up taking way more effort then it should have. Figured 30-45 minutes and took us 3 hours. It was just not going in the last 1" or so. Finally got it to slip in completely. Installed the new driveshaft and fits perfect. While trying to hook the clutch linkage back up and test it, I found the PO totally jacked up this. It appears this block does not have multiple ball pivot bosses. The cobbled together a bracket and welded the ball to it. Only held in with one bolt and with all of the leverage of the clutch linkage, it would move around. Top it off, the threaded hole was just about stripped out. Man some people should just never work on vehicles...

Gotta solve that issue now. Also started patching the floor and POR-15.

[chevy_mike]

Sunday was trying to finish up the interior area. Got the tunnel seam sealed and riveted in. Nice and solid. Then did the "peel and seal" floor covering to help with heat and noise. Then I was hoping to finish everything up with new carpet. Well got it laid out and found the color was not going to work with my seat colors. Well crap! I had hoped Medium Saddle would compliment the seats. It looked great with the blue paint but not with the seats. I am returning that and having Fawn Sandalwood shipped out. Fingers crossed it will work. I really don't want to use black as it will make a dark hole even darker. We'll see.

Since I couldn't finish that up, I started looking at options to fix the clutch linkage. Need to get a bottoming tab and see if I can tap the block hole to the next size up. Hope I can sort this issue out. Wasn't counting on this problem.

[Captainfab]

I don't know if it is feasible with the limited room but I would suggest a heli-coil for the ball stud hole in the block.

[chevy_mike]

Originally Posted by Captainfab

I don't know if it is feasible with the limited room but I would suggest a heli-coil for the ball stud hole in the block.

That's the problem, this 305 block does not have the forward ball stud hole or even boss cast in. Guess this was common on 305's of that era ('82 block). If if had the forward one, it would line up perfectly. It looks like the PO drilled and tapped a boss that is on the angle side of the block but either didn't do a good job or with the pressure of the clutch, it was loose and wallowed out the threads.

I am trying to tap that spot to the next bigger size and then I will need to build a bar that will come off the rear ball stud hole and then have an angled piece that will tie into this hole. Then I can weld a clutch ball to that bar. Just a PITA since there is not much room to work with up there.

[Captainfab]

Sorry, I guess I misunderstood what was going on. The hole being used is possible the 1/4"-20 threaded hole typically used to attach the tin plug wire shields.

[chevy_mike]

Originally Posted by Captainfab

Sorry, I guess I misunderstood what was going on. The hole being used is possible the 1/4"-20 threaded hole typically used to attach the tin plug wire shields.

Ah!!! Good call. Totally forgot about that spot. It appears they must have used that spot and drilled/tapped it larger. Really wish this was an earlier engine that had the forward spot. Problem would be solved.

[chevy_mike]

Had a productive weekend. First order of business was to figure out the clutch linkage issues. Not the easiest thing to do when laying on your back looking up at everything. Had to think about direction of things a lot but it worked out.

Started mocking up a bracket for the block. Used some thick bar stock to make the main piece to hold the ball stud. Used my press brake to bend it and it mounts to the rear ball stud hole in the block. Then I make another bracket to tie into the bell housing bolt and welded everything together. Worked out great and super strong. Then I found the clutch pedal was loose on the shaft so I removed that and welded up the end again. Got all of the linkage in and adjusted. Very happy with the results.

[chevy_mike]

Next up was getting the new carpet in. Got the replacement that was a better color. It's not matching but it is one that works together. I wanted to make clean holes for the seat mounting bolts and not try to cut the carpet with a knife, I did a test on an area of excess carpet that worked great. I make a piece of tubing where I ground the edge sharp. In each of the floor holes, I put a bolt in so I could feel there they were under the carpet. Then I heated the end of the tube with a torch. Then I just pressed the tube down over the bolt head and bam I have perfect holes cut that seal the edges. I have never had an easier time installing seats after new carpet in my life. I used the same idea for the dimmer switch and the gas pedal studs (though I used an old socket for a smaller hole). Very happy how this all turned out.

[chevy_mike]

And last thing for the weekend, my buddy Michael came by and painted my front bumper for me, so I could work on the other projects. I have an out of town car show in less than 3 weeks and trying to get things buttoned up and some test miles on it before the trip.

Front looks so much better than before the bumper was painted.

[chevy_mike]

Got my new Mooneyes blue metal flake steering wheel installed.

[midnight rambler]

that steering wheel is sweet...

[cwcarpenter98]

Just got caught up on the recent progress. Looks great, and I love that wheel!

[pdxhall]

The truck is looking great. I just recently fired mine up and moved it in and out of the shop. It's a great feeling.

[chevy_mike]

Originally Posted by pdxhall

The truck is looking great. I just recently fired mine up and moved it in and out of the shop. It's a great feeling.

Awesome. Feels great to get them out on the road again, even if that is just the driveway.

[chevy_mike]

This weekend was finishing up a lot of little details. The PO had removed the backup lights but left the holes there. I found some trailer lights that looked appropriate and were cheap ($5 each). I didn't wire them but at least no holes in the back. Installed drive side sun visor. Installed the pass. side wiper arm and a new set of blades. Got the shifter boot screwed down and installed a inside rear view mirror that I had left over from another project. Then took it out for a 80 mile shakedown drive and all seems to be good. Need to adjust a little of the play out of the steering box but otherwise everything seemed good.

[chevy_mike]

Did a little clean up of the engine chrome stuff using 000 steel wool and WD40. Not perfect but cleaned up nice enough to not feel bad when popping the hood open. Nice surprised was there is a K&N filter in the air cleaner. Washed that and waiting for it to dry and re-oil.

[66c10Steve]

Truck is looking awesome.

Love that tip for putting holes in the carpet!

[chevy_mike]

Originally Posted by 66c10Steve

Truck is looking awesome.

Love that tip for putting holes in the carpet!

Thanks!

I used the same trick for putting holes where the shifter boot screws were going. This kept them from grabbing the carpet and backing pad. I used a piece of 3/16" brake line and heated up the end.

[chevy_mike]

Well had the first big trip for the panel. Drove up to the Big Bear fun run this past weekend. It ran great, love having the overdrive and lot of compliments. Basically ran 185-195* almost all the time (pulling up the mountain about 30 miles ran 195* and 185* most everywhere else). Only time it got a little warmer (205*) was in 20 minutes of stop and go around the lake but once moving, cooled down.

Trip back to San Diego I was able to do a mileage check and cruising 65-70 mph it averaged 16.5 mpg. Very happy with that since we are moving a giant brick. Here's a pic from being in the show.

[chevy_mike]

It's time for me to let this go to a new home so I can start on my next project, my '55 Chevy 210 wagon. Here is the Classified Ad on this site for it.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=793550

Hope someone on here takes it home and enjoys the heck out of it. Here are a few recent pics.