1965/73 Cheap Build Up

[Strodder]

Originally Posted by daverod

Every time I come to this sight I spend my time looking at the posters then your truck.

Maybe that's why I don't get much work done.

[kizer]

Originally Posted by Strodder

I'll start the body work after I get it running and on the road. I want to be able to drive it while I'm working on the body. I got the idea from the 47 Studebaker Truck I owned. They came stock this way. Here's a picture of it. It's hard to see. Look close, and you can see the flare on the roof edge, and A pillar.

Man thats a killer looking truck.

[Strodder]

Originally Posted by kizer

Man thats a killer looking truck.

Thanks. If you look close you can see the casters in the front of the frame. The wheels are just sitting there with no suspension. I was going to bag it. It would have looked that way eventually if I keeped it. I'm definitely bagging the 65.

[Strodder]

Looks like it will be an easy job after I mount the pedal assembly. I will radius the lower dash bigger so the column will fit tight. Found a FREE steering wheel. It will work for now, and doesn't look bad.

[jason65]

Woohoo! Progress pics.

[Alan's Classic]

Can you use the neutral safety switch still? Just curious for future refrence. Looks good

[Strodder]

I should. Of course I'll let you guys know when I wire it. I'm using the 73 wiring harness. Even the power windows and all the other accessories should plug right in. I HOPE.

[4dranch]

Originally Posted by Strodder

I worked a little on my GMC headlights, and they fit like crap. There's that gap between the Grill support and the grill. To make it look good I would have to tunnel the complete grill support, to sink the grill in to get rid of that ugly gap on the side of the headlights. What do you guys suggest? I'm thinking of s**t canning the whole GMC Grill idea all together, and go with a stock Chevy 2 headlight grill.

Dennis,
I agree with you, I think you should s**t can the whole GMC grill peice of crap, and ship it to 38053. and to help you out, because thats just the kind of guy I am...I will pay for the shipping...no no I insist.

[Strodder]

Originally Posted by 4dranch

Dennis,
I agree with you, I think you should s**t can the whole GMC grill peice of crap, and ship it to 38053. and to help you out, because thats just the kind of guy I am...I will pay for the shipping...no no I insist.

It has some small dents in it. It was given to me. A stock grill is about $300.00. I thought it would get me by until I could get a Chevy grill. If you want it, it will be $150.00 for shipping & handling. The grill will be FREE. And no, no I insist

[4dranch]

Trade you a gloss black one for it.....

[Strodder]

Originally Posted by 4dranch

Trade you a gloss black one for it.....

What's the point. I'll still have a GMC grill that fits like s**t. Me likie chrome.

[4dranch]

Originally Posted by Strodder

What's the point. I'll still have a GMC grill that fits like s**t. Me likie chrome.

What are you looking for?
I will start looking for one for you around here.

[Strodder]

Not ready yet. If I sell more crap around here, I'll buy a new one. Unless it's a great deal, and in good shape.

[Strodder]

Drilled the fire wall today for the booster bracket. I had to trim the old bracket off from the inside, and modify the back side of the fire wall where it's a double panel. I also cut parts of the 73 bracket to look, and fit better. I could only use 3 studs through the fire wall. It should be OK. The rest of the bracket will fit to the lower dash panel. Next I have to modify the dash so the upper steering column will bolt on.

Before I cut the bracket off




After

[Strodder]

I sand blasted the Brake bracket, and painted it. Big mistake. I had to modify the bracket. Here's one of the pieces I had to cut off. The one sticking up.

[Strodder]

I first cut the stud off, then after this picture I cut the lower left part of the bracket off because it was hitting the double support bump. Now it fits flush on the firewall


Next is making the 1/2 circle for the old column to fit the wider Camaro Column
I forgot to mention if I cut that bump out like I did on the right lower, it would over lap the lower steering column mount.

[TR65]

Hey Dennis,

If the booster bracket doesn't turn out rigid enough for you, I backed mine up with a piece of 1/4" plate bolted to the 3 bolts above the steering column, the 2 bolts up the side and the 2 bolts for the original master cylinder. Then welded 4 studs to the plate to pick up the upper and lower booster bracket holes. I like rigid and that really stiffened everything up. Just an idea.

Truck is looking good. Thanks for sharing.

TR

[Strodder]

I was thinking of doing something like that but on the inside. I want to see how it feels first.

[Captainfab]

That looks like a lot of work.....as long as your booster is bolted to the under dash pedal bracket it should be good and solid.

[Strodder]

I will drill for more bolts, and not have only 3. The pedal bracket is also connected to the dash. It should be solid. Not a big problem, and an easy fix if it doesn't feel right. But now that I'm thinking of it. The power brake unit will be doing all the work, not my foot pressure.

[joe231]

Scotts62 did the same thing with his '62...dunno if he has driven it with it in it or not though..

[Strodder]

I made the notch bigger under the dash so the column will fit nice and tight. I only cut the outer sheet metal. The inner support fit good and I didn't have to cut that at all. Next I'll have to modify the pedal bracket so the column will bolt on to it.
The column height is perfect, as the steering shaft length fits exactly where it should be. That means I don't have to modify that at all.

[Alan's Classic]

Nice progress Dennis.

[jason65]

Your giveing my ideas.

[Strodder]

Thanks. I''m trying to do a little each day. There's so much more to get done yet. I have to keep the momentum going.