Crusty Rusty Leaky Squeaky 67 Step

[swamp rat]

Lotta work, looks great!

[Ol Blue K20]

Looks fantastic.

[69CST-V]

Last time for the cab to come off. Man that's got to feel good.

[Xeen]

It looks great Vic, this is exciting, I hope I get a chance to ride in this beast some day.

[Vic1947]

Thanks, guys.

After much hand wringing, I came to the conclusion that the Mango Tango color wasn't working with the silver/pale green on the rest of the truck. So I prepped all the components and squirted them with House of Kolor Platinum Pearl. I think they'll look better under the hood now. More conservative, I know, but not so much out of place either. I also shot the tubing for the air intake to match. I still need to fabricate a support bracket for the tube that attaches to the fan shroud.

Also need to redo the bumpers and inner fenders in the same platinum color. I feel the matte clear on the silver makes them look like they were painted with a rattle can. My main concern is the gloss clear over all that filler. I ain't what I used to be when it comes to bodywork. Fingers crossed!

[jlsanborn]

Oh, I think you've still got the touch man. Looks outstanding!! I like it way better. CLEAN like your Shop! Nice work there.

[Low Elco]

Oh, I bet a Kandy would look good over that Platinum. "specially if you threw some chunky stuff in it.

Much better look.

[Vic1947]

Originally Posted by jlsanborn

Oh, I think you've still got the touch man. Looks outstanding!! I like it way better. CLEAN like your Shop! Nice work there.

Thanks, John, I believe it looks better too. The Mango Tango was just stuck out there all by itself looking like a redheaded stepchild. The engine compartment and surrounding parts are now all machined aluminum and shades of silver.

Originally Posted by Low Elco

Oh, I bet a Kandy would look good over that Platinum. "specially if you threw some chunky stuff in it.
Much better look.

Dang, Chip! I bet any kind of Kandy won't be happenin'. The pearl tint is as crazy as it gets.

I got the stainless trim around the drip rails, but not without a fight. The bottom on both sides wouldn't stay snapped in place, so I used some tiny watch screws to hold it and then ground the heads down and polished them. Barely can tell they're in there.

Also finished installing the AC evaporator. Once I had the upper two hard lines more or less in place, I removed the unit and worked the heater lines until they exited the holes dead center. Scott dropped by this afternoon just in time to help me with an extra pair of hands for the final installation. Thanks, Scott! Now for the wiring. The cruise control system arrived this week, so I have to figure out how to loom all of the wires under the dash along with the stereo, AC, dash cam and etc. Should be treat.

[jeh]

I just got caught back up on your build Vic, looking good!!! A lot of work has been done since I checked in last

[sduckworth13]

I'm always glad to lend a hand Vic.

[jlsanborn]

More amazing detail! Can't wait to follow all this wire you need to sort out and hide.

[Vic1947]

The wiring is turning out to be a bit formidable. Integrating the stock wiring harness with non stock gauges, heater/AC, engine and trans, cruise and all the other gizmos I want to run makes my noggin ache. Add to that the 10 lb of sh*t in a 5 lb bag factor. I'm making progress (slowly) but it looks like I'm going to have to cave in and contact a few vendors to get some advice.

The push button start I bought back in Nov 2013 came with remote keyless entry. The one piece side windows relocated the window channel and I really don't have the real estate for power locks. So I need to separate the wiring harness for the two boxes (start and locks) into just one. Also, there are at least three devices that want to control the cooling fans. The ECU, the built in fan controller and the Vintage Air. Plus, after all this time, it turns out my stereo head unit has independent front, rear and subwoofer preamp out connections. Of course, the amp uses a single input with crossovers to drive all the speakers.

I'd really like to make all this work without additional expenditures. I once worked for a guy that reminded me regularly that "anyone can smother a fire with money."

[builtbyKane]

I am not looking forward to this in the coming months. Yours is looking great though.

[knomadd]

Oh man.... I remember all of that wiring, confusion and months of planning to integrate the existing wiring, the LS wiring and the new items I added. That was a lot of "fun". That's exactly whey I never installed my viper alarm/remote start I bought almost 2 years ago. So many things to add and figure out... I couldn't wrap my brain around it all.

I wish you luck, Vic.

[swamp rat]

I don't envy you on this one....

[Vic1947]

I share everyone's dread where it comes to wiring. Seems like I have to relearn everything when I get into this part of the project.

I made a small box that fits in what's left of the glove compartment to house some of the modules that aren't suited for stashing in the console. I modified the wiring harnesses for the push button start module and the encryption module that goes with it. Brian Wen (tech support at Advanced Keys) was very helpful and sent me a couple of diagrams marked with the relevant connections. I think I have everything spliced the way it should be.

Also mounted in the box is the DBW cruise control from HotRod Therapy. I opted for the dash controls instead of the turn signal controls. The column is a bear to disassemble and I've probably already used up my quota of good luck getting it back together the first time without breaking anything. The last module in there is the Sirius/XM module for the stereo. I plan to route the wires for the Sirius/XM and GPS antennae thru a small hole in the dash above the box. There's enough wire to mount them on the rear bumper if I wanted to, but they can't be spliced, so I'll just have to bundle the excess.

I also received the Pioneer secondary amp for the stereo today so I'll have to figure out a spot for it. I think the panel behind the passenger seat is too full for it, so it will likely end up behind the driver seat.

More to come...

[knomadd]

With the work you've done so far, I have no doubt you'll get the wiring taken care of and make it look good too. Just be patient and if you get confused or frustrated, walk away for a bit. I've had to walk away for a week a couple of times, just to give my brain and nerves a break. I'm not sure how much help I can offer, but feel free to ask if you have a question. I might have an answer or be able to point you in a direction to find an answer.

[builtbyKane]

I just ordered my Advanced Key push button start system last week. I may hit you up for questions if I get confused. Your wiring is looking extremely clean and organized. Random organized wiring pictures really get me pumped to work on mine for some reason.

[jlsanborn]

Oooh boy! That looks like a challenge but you will kill it. I have little patience for automotive wiring and the goofy block diagrams.

[Trackman101]

The extensive planning and detail that has gone into this build is amazing.

[Vic1947]

Originally Posted by knomadd

With the work you've done so far, I have no doubt you'll get the wiring taken care of and make it look good too. Just be patient and if you get confused or frustrated, walk away for a bit. I've had to walk away for a week a couple of times, just to give my brain and nerves a break. I'm not sure how much help I can offer, but feel free to ask if you have a question. I might have an answer or be able to point you in a direction to find an answer.

Thanks, Duane, took your advice and worked on something else for a while. Helps greatly!

Originally Posted by builtbyKane

I just ordered my Advanced Key push button start system last week. I may hit you up for questions if I get confused. Your wiring is looking extremely clean and organized. Random organized wiring pictures really get me pumped to work on mine for some reason.

I'd be glad to share any and all info I've assembled on this. The instruction book made a lot more sense after I got a couple of diagrams from their tech support. Most of the features are optional and my setup ended up being pretty simple.

Originally Posted by jlsanborn

Oooh boy! That looks like a challenge but you will kill it. I have little patience for automotive wiring and the goofy block diagrams.

I know it, John! What kills me is how wires go into a box one color and come out another. Dang!

Originally Posted by Trackman101

The extensive planning and detail that has gone into this build is amazing.

Thanks! However, as others can attest, it's drifted a long way from the original plan.

Taking Duane's advice, I hung the doors and installed a few interior parts instead of working on wiring the last couple of days. The aftermarket door handles gave me fits. The angle of the threaded holes didn't line up with the reinforcing plates on the inside of the door skin. I ended up using fender washers and socket head cap screws to make it work. Also wasn't able to use the rubber gaskets that go between the skin and the handle. Clear RTV was my sealant of choice. Hope I never have to remove the handles.

My painter called and the bed is finished. He offered to redo the front inner fenderwells, front and rear bumpers and a few other pieces for me. Decided to change color on some of the parts and it's too cold and crowded for paint work here at the house.

[Low Elco]

Coming together! I gotta swing by and see in person one of these days. Call if you need help with the bed, or a trailer.

[sduckworth13]

Awesome to hear it's all painted now! Looking good Vic!

[Ol Blue K20]

It's coming together and looking awesome.

[swamp rat]

Can ya do my truck next? Lol! Looks great!