Project: Rufus Restoration

[sduckworth13]

Awesome, glad to see your able to drive your truck now while your planning upgrades.

[Rusbuilt]

Originally Posted by shearjs

Well, I guess the saying is true...these projects are never really complete. I've started gathering parts for the next round of upgrades. As quick as the truck feels after the gear swap, I'm on the quest for power. I have a set of LS2 heads that will be getting ported as well as swapping in a new cam. I've been told that a properly tuned 6.0 with these upgrades is capable of 400+rwhp. I can only hope this is true! More updates to come soon...

Oh yeah!

[mcbassin]

I like the plans for more HP. 400 to wheels...wow

[shearjs]

Had a chance to get the truck out this weekend and give her a bath. I also picked up one of those fancy radiator covers with the dimple die holes in it. Of course it would have been too simple to just bolt in. After a little too much trimming, then some re-welding, it fits pretty well.

[shearjs]

...

[shearjs]

Picked up some panels to fill that area between the grill and radiator support. I always liked how these clean up that area.

[JRANGER]

looking good

[Rusbuilt]

I like that!!

[Bennett68C10]

I have both of those waiting to install on mine, they look great. Nice job on modifying the radiator cover, hope I don't have to do that to mine.

[shearjs]

Originally Posted by sduckworth13

Awesome, glad to see your able to drive your truck now while your planning upgrades.

Thanks buddy. It's definitely nice to be able to drive it for a change. If only the weather would cooperate.

Originally Posted by mcbassin

I like the plans for more HP. 400 to wheels...wow

Thanks Mike. I was surprised to hear that a "simple" cam and head swap would push out 400+ at the wheels. For the added hp, it's a fairly inexpensive upgrade.

Originally Posted by JRANGER

looking good

Thanks buddy!

Originally Posted by Rusbuilt

I like that!!

Thanks man!

Originally Posted by Bennett68C10

I have both of those waiting to install on mine, they look great. Nice job on modifying the radiator cover, hope I don't have to do that to mine.

The look grew on me from watching hart_rod's s/c 68 progress. I went a little over board on my trimming of the radiator panel. It was hitting the electric fan shroud and really only needed about 1/4" trimming. Can't wait to see some paint on your truck!

[shearjs]

Before and after...more big updates coming soon.

[JRANGER]

Its sooo shiny!!!

[Rusbuilt]

Thats def a big difference!! lol

[thelonerife]

Those are great before after shots. Congrats on the not so finished yet truck lol.

[mcbassin]

Originally Posted by shearjs

Before and after...more big updates coming soon.

Awesome transformation

[shearjs]

Almost time for some more fun...

[Rusbuilt]

Nice!!!

[shearjs]

Not much of an update, as spare time is at an all time minimum these days, but I did take off the taillight trim. It just never really looked right to me without the trim pieces across the top of the tailgate. I picked those trim pieces up recently, but I just can't talk myself into drilling holes in a freshly painted tailgate. I've been stock piling some new goodies that should make driving this old heap a lot more fun, and enjoyable. More updates coming soon!

[mcbassin]

Hey no sweat, I've been drilling the heck out of my fresh paint.... j/k it's some scary stuff to drill into virgin paint. I have to build my confidence up and triple check everything first.

I have a few questions, are you running 6-1/2 or 7" rallies on the front and 8" on the rear? What size tires front and rear? Where did you order them? I really like your setup and may run the same on mine.
Thanks

[shearjs]

Originally Posted by mcbassin

Hey no sweat, I've been drilling the heck out of my fresh paint.... j/k it's some scary stuff to drill into virgin paint. I have to build my confidence up and triple check everything first.

I have a few questions, are you running 6-1/2 or 7" rallies on the front and 8" on the rear? What size tires front and rear? Where did you order them? I really like your setup and may run the same on mine.
Thanks

You're exactly right. I think I'll keep the trim pieces laying around in case I build up the confidence later on. The front rallies are 6-1/2" and the rears are 8". I had a difficult time finding 7's, as most people do I guess. Tires are 225/70-15 front, and 275/60-15 rear. We did have to clearance the upper and lower control arms a little for the 6-1/2" wheels due to some rubbing. I've been considering some tubular control arms at some point, but that'll probably wait for now. Here's the thread that I used for trimming the control arms. Overall I've been happy with it so far. Hope this helps. Your ride is looking killer by the way!

[screaminchevypickup]

Looking good!

[shearjs]

Originally Posted by screaminchevypickup

Looking good!

Thanks Kyle! Lucy is looking beautiful by the way.

[mcbassin]

Originally Posted by shearjs

You're exactly right. I think I'll keep the trim pieces laying around in case I build up the confidence later on. The front rallies are 6-1/2" and the rears are 8". I had a difficult time finding 7's, as most people do I guess. Tires are 225/70-15 front, and 275/60-15 rear. We did have to clearance the upper and lower control arms a little for the 6-1/2" wheels due to some rubbing. I've been considering some tubular control arms at some point, but that'll probably wait for now. Here's the thread that I used for trimming the control arms. Overall I've been happy with it so far. Hope this helps. Your ride is looking killer by the way!

Thanks Jason, I had already nailed down the rear. I dig the 275-60 just wasn't sure about the front. My fronts are 6.5 as well. Where did you find the best deal on the tires?

I have already ground my control arms for the 8" rallies. But after looking at the link I'm assuming I'll have to do more for the narrower rims? I haven't trimmed any off the bump stop mount yet either. I haven't ever tried turning lock to lock with wheels mounted.
Thanks again.

[shearjs]

Originally Posted by mcbassin

Thanks Jason, I had already nailed down the rear. I dig the 275-60 just wasn't sure about the front. My fronts are 6.5 as well. Where did you find the best deal on the tires?

I have already ground my control arms for the 8" rallies. But after looking at the link I'm assuming I'll have to do more for the narrower rims? I haven't trimmed any off the bump stop mount yet either. I haven't ever tried turning lock to lock with wheels mounted.
Thanks again.

When I was looking to purchase tires I had some trouble finding the front tires in stock. About the only place I could find that had both sizes at the same time was tirerack.com so I just ordered from there. I think the fronts were around 128 each and the rears were 156. I've been trying to fight the urge to go for some large shiny wheels. The rallies should do well for a while though. Look forward to seeing your truck reassembled and beautiful.

[shearjs]

Forgot to mention, I think the 6.5 and 8s have 4" backspace so your trimming for the 8s will probably work. Someone please correct me if my numbers aren't accurate.

Edit: I found the thread with the correct information. The 8's have 4.25" backspace, and the 6.5's have 4" backspace. Rally Wheel FAQ