Crusty Rusty Leaky Squeaky 67 Step

[Low Elco]

Looks good! I need me one of those face shields.

[mcbassin]

Very nice work on the rear diff and cab.

[Bubba4spd]

Just started following this build last night, there was a lot to catch up on and just as many things to learn. Looking forward to following you in Vic1947.

[Possmguts]

Hey Im pretty sure I figured out what the top of your hood came off of... but I forgot now (sigh).... racking my brain right now and I smell smoke!

[knomadd]

Hey Vic, looks like you're still making headway. I hope the frame gets straightened out for you. Have fun on Power Tour!

[Vic1947]

Brief update...

After returning from Power Tour, I went down to the "resto" shop where I had an appointment next week to straighten the frame. They looked a lot more like a regular body shop than the website portrayed. After speaking with one of the counter guys and showing him the pictures of the frame, he went to the back and spoke with their frame tech. The frame tech said he didn't want to mess with it since someone else had already worked on it and, get this... he didn't want to have to push it up onto the rack since it has no engine. Later I got to thinking, what happens when they have a vehicle that's been involved in a front end collision? 9 times out of 10 the car isn't running and needs the frame fixed before the mechanical work can be done. I reckon it was just their way of saying they have more lucrative stuff to work on.

So, I took a chance and called Leroy's back. He was very congenial and said he would try to get it in the shop next week. He will call me a day or two ahead of time so I can arrange for a trailer to haul it to him. Meanwhile, I've been searching online for a SWB frame just in case, and missed two by less than 24 hours. If the deal with Leroy falls thru, I'll have to resume my search. It's been an uphill climb getting this fixed, but it ain't over till the fat lady sings.

[sduckworth13]

Vic, I have you covered on the truck and trailer just let me know when and I'm there.

[Vic1947]

Originally Posted by sduckworth13

Vic, I have you covered on the truck and trailer just let me know when and I'm there.

I'm counting on it, Scott. Thanks!

[jlsanborn]

Glad you're back Vic. It seems like it shouldn't be such a big deal with it being a naked, rolling chassis and all. I sure hope you can get it fixed and not have to take those steps back. On the other hand, a never wrecked chassis might be the most peaceful route too. Either way, I'm watching!

[Low Elco]

Well, if he doesn't pan out, I may have another place. All they do is rebuild totals. Kinda hard to catch, but they probably would'nt bat an eye.

[Vic1947]

Originally Posted by Low Elco

Well, if he doesn't pan out, I may have another place. All they do is rebuild totals. Kinda hard to catch, but they probably would'nt bat an eye.

Thanks, Chip. If he doesn't contact me next week, I'll give you a call.

[Elliot949]

You gotta love body/frame/mechanical shops... they really have a different outlook on things..

[Possmguts]

Hey bud... the holes in the fire wall for the vintage air... is that a panel or do you have to drill those? Thanks

[Vic1947]

Originally Posted by Elliot949

You gotta love body/frame/mechanical shops... they really have a different outlook on things..

Ain't that the truth!

Originally Posted by Possmguts

Hey bud... the holes in the fire wall for the vintage air... is that a panel or do you have to drill those? Thanks

Mine is a panel that came with the kit and the holes were predrilled. If I'd started with a blank sheet of material, I might have relocated them, although you run the risk that the lines to the evaporator may not work as well.

[Vic1947]

I'm past ready to get going with the LS3 install, so even though the frame isn't 100% just yet, I decided to mock up some stuff and just see how it all might fit... just in case the frame ever gets fixed.

I needed some help getting the trans out of the shipping container and attached to the engine, so I called Scott and he was at the house before I could hang the phone up. Together we rassled the trans into position and dropped the assembly between the frame rails. I was pleasantly surprised to find that everything cleared all the obstructions and the Caddy oil pan doesn't hang below the front crossmember. The CPP sheetmetal towers and their adjustable motor mounts took some finessing to get into position, but I think once the frame is tweaked back into position, I shouldn't have to massage them too much to line up with the stock holes.

I took some photos of Yeller one day when Vern dropped by, and I can tell I have my engine back about 1.5" to 2.0" from where Chip dropped theirs in. Since I plan to run an aftermarket front drive assembly, I have no need to worry about the stock A/C compressor location. My main concern at this point was to see if I could use my existing driveshaft without modifying it. I swapped out the yoke yesterday and it looks like it will fit perfectly.

[Vic1947]

The stock exhaust manifolds that come with the C&C package should work great. Normally I'd pop for headers, but I'm so over budget, I'm going to skip them for now. There are a few hiccups which is to be expected. The sheetmetal towers from CPP don't want to line up with the holes in the crossmember. Plus, the passenger side tower is lifted up off the frame rail somewhat. Hopefully, when the frame gets pulled back into position, some of the misalignment will self correct. If not, I have a BFH that will make it work.

The other thing that's a bit more unexpected is the CPP tubular transmission mount. I'm using an Energy Suspensions poly trans mount and when bolted up in the stock location, it appears that the rear of the trans is hanging down too far. I have a jack under it at the moment, and it could use a 3/4" spacer between the trans mount pad and the crossmember. Spacing it upward like that gets the transmission pan level and even with the frame rails. It also gets the driveshaft in a slightly better position where it goes thru the loop. Nothing is set in stone right now, so I'll have to measure the angles and see what's what later on.

[sduckworth13]

Glad that driveshaft is going to work out for you Vic.

[jeh]

Mock up looks good Vic, it's a shame with whole frame tweak thing going on. I bet your ready to get her on the road!!!!

[snipescastle2]

Looking great Vic! You'll be interested to know my whole alignment issue was a "Brain Fart" on my behalf....had the upper control arms swapped, right for left.
So, we'll try the alignment shop once again, this time should be a pretty quick visit! Your LS1 install looks to be a very straight forward process. Did they pre program the pcm for your engine mods, or do you have to take it somewhere for that?
Have a great 4th!!!!!
Ben

[Vic1947]

Originally Posted by snipescastle2

Looking great Vic! You'll be interested to know my whole alignment issue was a "Brain Fart" on my behalf....had the upper control arms swapped, right for left.
So, we'll try the alignment shop once again, this time should be a pretty quick visit! Your LS1 install looks to be a very straight forward process. Did they pre program the pcm for your engine mods, or do you have to take it somewhere for that?
Have a great 4th!!!!!
Ben

Don't feel bad, Ben. I had the relay rod rotated 180 degrees on the silver truck. It aligned okay, but never really felt quite right and would scrub the tires when you turned while backing up. Sometimes that stuff happens when you buy a project in boxes or don't take enough photos. Or in my case, take the photos but don't refer to them.

The LS setup came with a preprogrammed module and all I should have to do is hook it up. GM calls it Connect and Cruise, but there's a lot of little stuff that isn't included. However, the main components are.

[Possmguts]

Originally Posted by snipescastle2

Looking great Vic! You'll be interested to know my whole alignment issue was a "Brain Fart" on my behalf....had the upper control arms swapped, right for left.
So, we'll try the alignment shop once again, this time should be a pretty quick visit! Your LS1 install looks to be a very straight forward process. Did they pre program the pcm for your engine mods, or do you have to take it somewhere for that?
Have a great 4th!!!!!
Ben

LOL... Im really glad to know Im not the only one to do that lol... was just told mine was wrong and I got it all fixed up yesterday. Before and after pic...

[Vic1947]

Originally Posted by Possmguts

LOL... Im really glad to know Im not the only one to do that lol... was just told mine was wrong and I got it all fixed up yesterday. Before and after pic...

Step by step, inch by inch, looks like you're making it happen. I'm lovin' the hood and the louvered visor!!!

[Elliot949]

Man Vic... that is looking GREAT!!!!....

[mcbassin]

New power plant looks right at in your frame Vic! Sweet!

[Xeen]

Vic when I installed the CPP sheet metal mounts they lined up perfectly, so yeah when you get your frame fixed you will be golden.