Crusty Rusty Leaky Squeaky 67 Step

[swamp rat]

Originally Posted by Vic1947

Thanks for the tip, Duane! I went to Menard's today and bought some 3/4" MDF and will use it for the sub box. I'll probably graft some sheetmetal onto it to finish out the rest of the console forward of the enclosure. The instructions for the JL Audio sub said a sealed box needs slightly over .75 ft3 internal volume. I don't want a rectangular box where it sits, so I drew up what I wanted and sized the panels to give me the same inside volume as their suggested dimensions. I hope the shape of the box isn't as important as the volume. I'm half deaf anyway, so I'm not sure why I'm even worrying about it.

Just the volume from everything I read when doing mine back when I could hear better! LOL!

[Vic1947]

Originally Posted by swamp rat

Just the volume from everything I read when doing mine back when I could hear better! LOL!

That's what I'd assume too, but when it comes to audio stuff, I have to defer to the youngsters.

The sub enclosure is coming along. I borrowed my neighbor's table saw for a bevel cut I needed on one of the panels, but was able to use my Smart Guide tool for the rest of the straight cuts. After roughing in the speaker hole, I put the panel up on the mill and used a boring tool to finish out the opening. Man, does that MDF ever make a mess. After reading up on how best to assemble the panels, I elected to go with wood dowels and Elmer's glue. I'm saving that for tomorrow.

[Low Elco]

Looks very nice!

[69CST-V]

Nice work as always....Keep up the good work.

[Vic1947]

Thought I'd take a short break before starting work on the console. The sub box turned out better than it should have given my lack of woodworking skills. I had to remove the center gas tank mounting tab so the box would sit all the way back to the rear cab wall. I went ahead and rounded the corners on the front edges of the box, but I'm not sure if that will help or hinder the upholstery guys. I figure they've seen it all and the good ones can make a silk purse out of a sow's ear.

I plan to tie into the sub box with sheet metal for the console going forward. It's a lot less bulky and a few of the shapes I have in mind would be difficult with MDF.

[sduckworth13]

Nice carpentry work Vic!

[Vic1947]

Lest you think I've been slacking, here are some shots of the console in progress. The pattern I laid out in my CAD program underwent numerous revisions and an intermediate transfer to a 1/4" plywood panel to iron out all the fitment issues. I then traced it onto the sheet metal and cut it out. I spot welded angle pieces in those places where it wasn't possible to use the finger brake. Still a ways to go, but it's starting to take shape.

[jlsanborn]

This all looks super nice Vic! Wish I could keep a closer eye but life has me away from the scene. Only for a while though!

[Low Elco]

Saaaaayy.... that's nice!

[swamp rat]

[Vic1947]

Thanks, guys! Here's a progress shot of the console. I still need to figure out the best way to mount it and the sub box to the floor, but at least the basic shape is set.

Took a day off today and drove 2.5 hours south of here with Kathy to MoKan Dragway for some baseline runs on our 392 Charger. It was mostly disappointing. First two runs were time trials. Massive wheel hop with the street tires in sport mode and traction control off. Ran back to back 14 flat @ 107. MPH indicates a lot of room for improvement. Figured I'd only get one more run in eliminations, so I left the TC on this time. Left better but still had a lot of hop. Ran a 13.49 on a 13.95 dial so we loaded up and came home to do some research on the traction issues. These cars typically run mid 12's so I need to sort out the problems before we go again. Probably won't be until next spring anyway. Gotta lotta truck left to build.

[Low Elco]

I always enjoy the "Old School" feel at MoKan. Jet cars there were Awesome!

[jlsanborn]

Looks like winter is shaping up to be good on this thread! We need to get Vic GoPro! Sounds like a fun weekend to me. 12's would be cool, way cool!

[Vic1947]

Originally Posted by Low Elco

I always enjoy the "Old School" feel at MoKan. Jet cars there were Awesome!

It was my first time there, and I agree it's a throwback to the old days. Nice folks, though. We'll probably go back on a Friday night next spring. One of the regulars said that's when the street cars congregate. Going to a full on DR for a test and tune wasn't all that smart. Made someone really happy first round, though.

Originally Posted by jlsanborn

Looks like winter is shaping up to be good on this thread! We need to get Vic GoPro! Sounds like a fun weekend to me. 12's would be cool, way cool!

I agree, John! Currently waiting for the traction setup to go on sale come Black Friday. I do have a Lukas Ace camera stashed away for CRLS. Just didn't think to hook it up for the digs.

I'm still deep in the console project, although I'm just about out of stuff to do on it. I did a CAD drawing of the top plate that goes around the shifter and e-level control. Emailed the .dxf to a local shop in Independence for a RFQ but haven't heard back as yet. The part is tapered, has rounded corners and a 1/8" radius around all the top edges. Needs to be done on a CNC and my guys in Houston have been busy lately. So hopefully this will work out.

[Low Elco]

If they don't work out, let me know. I work with a machine shop infested with hot rodders and drag racers. Progress looks good!

[swamp rat]

Love the counsel Vic!

[Vic1947]

This probably doesn't look much like progress, but trust me, it's a big step forward. The underside of the cab is officially finished. Taped everything off and shot the 3M Body Schutz into all the cracks and crevices. Before doing that, I filled any potentially leaky seams with 3M Strip Caulk. Hopefully, that will ward off any rust well into the future. The cab is now ready to go back on the chassis for the last time.

I also continued with the Rattle Trap on the topside of the floor but had to stop and order some more off eBay. Still have a long way to go to get the firewall covered as well as the panels I built for mounting stuff. The only noise I want inside the cab is the stereo... and open exhaust when I flip the switch.

[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.