LockDoc's "Low Budget", "Low Maintenance" Project Thread

[LockDoc]

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I haven't posted anything for a few days but I have been working on the truck. Mostly wiring. I had to change the NSBU (neutral safety back-up) switch on the side of the transmission. There are two different connector configurations and the one that was on the 2 wheel drive tranny was the wrong one. All I had to do was swap the one from the 4x4 transmission, but I had to disassemble all of the linkage again to do it.....

I got my 8 place fuse box the other day so I can go ahead and get my circuits figured out and get them wired up. I also picked out the doors I want to use so I can get them ready and put them on if the weather ever straightens out. It has been cold and miserable here. I still don't want to put the front clip on until I get most of the wiring done, heater box on, and brake booster installed. It really makes it a lot easier with it off.

I took enough time off on the Dually to install the cruise control turn signal lever in the '67 Panel Truck. It has a tilt and the install is a little more involved with that. Member "pjmoreland" set me up with a cruise lever for it. Thanks Patrick! I hope to get the rest of the cruise installed next week.

Later,
LockDoc

[pjmoreland]

Sounds like you've got your hands full. Lots of great progress. My dad used to build houses, and he always commented on how there's so much dramatic progress when doing the framing, and then progress becomes much less obvious once electrical, plumbing and finish work started. I guess that's the phase you're in. I'm interested to see how the rest of the cruise control install goes.

[LockDoc]

Originally Posted by pjmoreland

Sounds like you've got your hands full. Lots of great progress. My dad used to build houses, and he always commented on how there's so much dramatic progress when doing the framing, and then progress becomes much less obvious once electrical, plumbing and finish work started. I guess that's the phase you're in. I'm interested to see how the rest of the cruise control install goes.

That is correct about the phase of the work at this point. Nothing earthshaking but I still want to document the progress.

I will probably start a new thread in the Suburbans and Panels Forum or LSx Swaps Forum when I get serious about finishing up the cruise on the Panel Truck.

LockDoc

[LockDoc]

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I'm still plugging away on this thing, mainly wiring. I finally installed a computer out in the shop and that helps for looking stuff up.

Man, I wish the weather would straighten up for a few days, I need to get the doors painted and I will have to do it outside. It's been cool and rainy the last few days. Rain most of the day again today and a possible storms tonight.

I got the under hood fuse block all wired up but I still need to wire the constant hot circuit for the computer. Also wired up the ALDL (diagnostic port) and MIL (check engine light). Glad to get that done. I only have about 6 wires left to hook up and that will be done. (I hope)....

I installed the cruise control/turn signal lever on the Dually today and I managed to break the horn contact tower off of the cancel cam, taking the steering wheel off. That kind of bummed me out. Seems like I am doing dumb stuff like that a lot lately.

Day off tomorrow, my boy had surgery so we have to go to see him. Hopefully I will make some good progress next week.

Sorry about the no pictures but not much to take pictures of right now.

LockDoc

[68Gold/white]

Leon, I pray you and my Iowa friends are safe, after yesterday’s weather. We had some I f and, here in Oklahoma.

[LockDoc]

Originally Posted by 68Gold/white

Leon, I pray you and my Iowa friends are safe, after yesterday’s weather. We had some I f and, here in Oklahoma.

Thanks, The storms kind of ran out of steam before they got this far East, so western Iowa got the brunt of it again. Those poor folks over there can't catch a break this year.... We got lucky again on the East side of the state.

LockDoc

[Dieselwrencher]

This wind surely can let up at some point. The weather would be nice to be consistent but it sure won't cooperate. I hope everything went well with your son's surgery. Tell him we wish him a speedy recovery.

[LockDoc]

Originally Posted by Dieselwrencher

This wind surely can let up at some point. The weather would be nice to be consistent but it sure won't cooperate. I hope everything went well with your son's surgery. Tell him we wish him a speedy recovery.

Thanks Ryan, So far so good.

LockDoc

[CG]

In the picture with the box sitting on the chassis it looks like its sitting perfectly. Were the wheel tubs rubbing on the tires at all? You said you wouldn't have to widen them much, can you elaborate on that. Seems they are making some crazy heavy duty wheel spacers these days, if it isnt much would that be an option so you wouldnt have to mess with the tubs. I personally like the idea of the rubber flares on there, if done right =)

[LockDoc]

Originally Posted by CG

In the picture with the box sitting on the chassis it looks like its sitting perfectly. Were the wheel tubs rubbing on the tires at all? You said you wouldn't have to widen them much, can you elaborate on that. Seems they are making some crazy heavy duty wheel spacers these days, if it isnt much would that be an option so you wouldnt have to mess with the tubs. I personally like the idea of the rubber flares on there, if done right =)

Hey Mark,

They were not rubbing in that picture but once I got it in the shop and started putting some of the extra parts for the truck in the bed, it settled down on the tires. It looks like widening the tubs 2 1/2 or 3" would be plenty.

On the wheel spacers, I really don't want the tires to set out any farther than they do now. Cutting and welding the tubs won't be that bad and I have extra tubs on hand.

Picture below is what I was thinking on the flares. Like member "72freak" did his in this thread.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=307114

LockDoc
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[CG]

Yeah those look good. I personally like the idea of being able to lay a sheet of 4x8 anything flat in the back of a truck. But I think three inch spacers would be overkill and possibly not safe? I know its going to be perfect for you when you're done.

[LockDoc]

Originally Posted by CG

Yeah those look good. I personally like the idea of being able to lay a sheet of 4x8 anything flat in the back of a truck. But I think three inch spacers would be overkill and possibly not safe? I know its going to be perfect for you when you're done.

Thanks.

I had to pick up some sheets of OSB with the Panel Truck before I had the '72 Dually running, so I made a 2x4 framework that was the same height as the widened wheel tubs and just laid the OSB on top of that. It worked really well and it was removable.

LockDoc

[Dieselwrencher]

Originally Posted by CG

Yeah those look good. I personally like the idea of being able to lay a sheet of 4x8 anything flat in the back of a truck. But I think three inch spacers would be overkill and possibly not safe? I know its going to be perfect for you when you're done.

I've ran 3" spacers on a few DRW trucks and never had an issue. You have to be diligent about the install and I believe that is the key. These trucks were diesels, had over 450hp, and had 315/75r16 tires. Caught curbs and every pot hole on the road. Towed trailers, pulled sleds, and drag raced. We never had a problem with the expensive spacers or the cheap ones. I was really surprised about that.

[CG]

Originally Posted by Dieselwrencher

I've ran 3" spacers on a few DRW trucks and never had an issue. You have to be diligent about the install and I believe that is the key. These trucks were diesels, had over 450hp, and had 315/75r16 tires. Caught curbs and every pot hole on the road. Towed trailers, pulled sleds, and drag raced. We never had a problem with the expensive spacers or the cheap ones. I was really surprised about that.

Interesting, I guess all I hear are the arm chair fellas. Good info!

[LockDoc]

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So after a delay on this I am going to try and get back on track. My Son has had some health problems so we have had to deal with that. He is doing OK now so that is a load off my mind.....

I sorted out the grille, fenders, hood, core support, and inner panels I want to use today. I was going to put a '69 complete front clip on it that I have but decided I would rather have the '67 look for this.. I have a 4 core radiator for it so I needed to modify the core support so the longer bottom radiator support brackets would fit.. The green door has a shallow crease just below the door handle, otherwise the doors are pretty decent. The inner fender panels will need a little work but not too bad., & the core support needs the normal repair.

I guess I will have to quit building. I am running out of useable parts, but I have saved the better stuff back for the '70 Short Bed.....

LockDoc

[LockDoc]

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Couple more pictures. I will have to add the hood picture tomorrow.

LockDoc

[Getter-Done]

I am Glad your son is doing Okay.

[Palf70Step]

Good to hear your son is doing better. Also glad to see you back on this.

[CG]

Good to see you back at it, family is always first. Happy to hear your boy is doing better.

[LockDoc]

Originally Posted by Getter-Done

I am Glad your son is doing Okay.

Originally Posted by Palf70Step

Good to hear your son is doing better. Also glad to see you back on this.

Originally Posted by CG

Good to see you back at it, family is always first. Happy to hear your boy is doing better.

Thanks guys. It feels good to be working on it again.

LockDoc

[LockDoc]

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No sandblasting today. It rained some early this morning and is overcast but it is warm and the humidity is almost unbearable. I will try to get the core support and grille done tomorrow.

Wife and I drove the '36 Ford Coupe in a parade this morning so I only have a half a day to work on the truck stuff....

Located the park light collection and picked out the best pair for the Dually. The top row are the good ones and the bottom row all have some missing studs. I also dug out the hood. I only had 2 left so picked out the best one.

Removed the mirror from the passenger side door. No problem after I heated up the screws with the propane torch and used the hand held impact driver to break them loose. It was pretty crusty underneath it.... The backing plate will work OK if I blast it.

LockDoc

[Yerboogieman]

Those inner fenders look terrible. You better let me have them lol

[LockDoc]

Originally Posted by Yerboogieman

Those inner fenders look terrible. You better let me have them lol

.... It is really hard to find good ones here in Iowa. I have 4 or 5 pair of them but most need quite a bit of work.

LockDoc

[Yerboogieman]

Originally Posted by LockDoc

.... It is really hard to find good ones here in Iowa. I have 4 or 5 pair of them but most need quite a bit of work.

LockDoc

Under the battery I'm guessing. Same as mine. And wallered out mounting holes.

[LockDoc]

Originally Posted by Yerboogieman

Under the battery I'm guessing. Same as mine. And wallered out mounting holes.

Yep. I can fix them but it isn't my favorite job....

LockDoc