If grasshoppers had machine guns the birds wouldn’t mess with them. - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Ruger1 · 11-06-2019, 12:14 AM

In January I purchased this beauty from a gentleman in Oklahoma. It didn’t stay together for long. I immediately started ripping this thing down to the bone. I had a vision for this truck since the day my dad let me drive his 69 when I was 15 years old. I felt I should keep a record of the process and what better way than here with peers that have a passion for the same thing! Here’s the progress so far. Please feel free to voice your opinions and or constructive criticism. I’m all ears!
Posted via Mobile Device

**Steeveedee** · 11-06-2019, 01:10 AM

Interesting. If grasshoppers had red and yellow stripes, the birds wouldn't mess with 'em, either, 'cause they'd be poison, like Amazon tree frogs. Cool truck!

Ruger1 · 11-06-2019, 02:07 PM

Haha. I like the poisonous spin you did there. Thanks.

Ruger1 · 11-06-2019, 01:24 AM

First was tear down!

Ruger1 · 11-06-2019, 01:36 AM

.... and more tear down.

Ruger1 · 11-06-2019, 01:48 AM

Next came the fun stuff. I wanted a short bed so I decided to cut the frame down. I cut 12" from the center and 8" from the rear. With a little welding help from a buddy, I think we got this thing pretty solid!

Ruger1 · 11-06-2019, 01:49 AM

Sorry for the sideways pictures. I will learn this interwebs thing one day.

Ruger1 · 11-06-2019, 02:59 AM

After dipping my toes in the chassis cutting pool. I decided to learn how to swim. Yup, I decided to step notch the rear. I get a little ballsy when it comes to what I think I am capable of. But hey, a wise man once said, "If your gonna get into some ****. You might as well get it all over you."

BlouDon · 11-08-2019, 02:12 PM

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...98&postcount=4

Is that a Carter Thermoquad sitting on that engine? If not, what carb is it?

Ruger1 · 11-08-2019, 09:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BlouDon

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...98&postcount=4

Is that a Carter Thermoquad sitting on that engine? If not, what carb is it?

No sir, that was a Demon 625 carb. Previous owner had installed it.

**bigmac73** · 11-06-2019, 09:18 AM

hey looks good. Do you have the engine specs?

Ruger1 · 11-06-2019, 02:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigmac73

hey looks good. Do you have the engine specs?

Engine is stroked 3.75 and bored .040 to make it a 422. 598tq / 595hp

Attached a picture of the break in on the dyno.

**dmjlambert** · 11-06-2019, 09:34 AM

Good progress. That looks nice. That is an interesting rear bumper on the truck.

Ruger1 · 11-06-2019, 02:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dmjlambert

Good progress. That looks nice. That is an interesting rear bumper on the truck.

Thank you, sir! Man, that bumper was SOLID too! Still have it hanging around. Kinda like it. Lol

phlegm · 11-06-2019, 09:48 AM

Looks like fun, the right tools and space make all the difference in the world.... and Ill play.

If frogs had wings they wouldn't bump there arses when they hopped...

Ruger1 · 11-06-2019, 02:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by phlegm

Looks like fun, the right tools and space make all the difference in the world.... and Ill play.

If frogs had wings they wouldn't bump there arses when they hopped...

Haha! Learned a new one with the frog quote, thanks! As far as tools and space, I’ve found there’s never enough. Lol. Doing everything out of my “2 car” garage. Let’s just say I’m a Tetris master by now. Lol

cornerstone · 11-06-2019, 11:26 AM

Welcome aboard neighbor. For a custom truck I believe you are doing it right! Thems some right purdy welds there. How about a side shot to show us your wheels? Keep the pics a comin' man!
Brian

Ruger1 · 11-06-2019, 02:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cornerstone

Welcome aboard neighbor. For a custom truck I believe you are doing it right! Thems some right purdy welds there. How about a side shot to show us your wheels? Keep the pics a comin' man!
Brian

Thank your, sir! I appreciate the welcome. I plan on posting more pics of the process until I catch up to where I am now. Gonna try to get those up tonight.

Happy_dan · 11-06-2019, 03:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ruger1

Thank your, sir! I appreciate the welcome. I plan on posting more pics of the process until I catch up to where I am now. Gonna try to get those up tonight.

Looking forward to the pictures. Great thread.

BB72CHEVKT · 11-06-2019, 03:05 PM

I had Kim Barr build me a big block for my 72 and ended up selling it 10 years later and just now getting back to doing something with the 72.

Ruger1 · 11-06-2019, 07:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BB72CHEVKT

I had Kim Barr build me a big block for my 72 and ended up selling it 10 years later and just now getting back to doing something with the 72.

Kim really knows his stuff. Glad your finally getting back around to it. Good luck!

Ruger1 · 11-06-2019, 08:32 PM

After getting the front end mocked up and the frame setting at ride height I moved to the rear triangulated 4 link. This was a fun learning process with lots of tedious research. Everything is still tacked in until I can test full articulation.

Ruger1 · 11-06-2019, 08:47 PM

Next was to get the air bag and shock brackets installed. In order to do this i needed to get the pinion angle nailed down. To make this a little simpler I went a head and set the engine and transmission. Ran into some problems with the transmission crossmember and had to modify it to get the intake manifold setting level. Lots of measurements but I finally got it.

Ruger1 · 11-06-2019, 08:51 PM

Here’s what the wheels look like. 9.5x22 in front and 11x22 in the rear.

Ruger1 · 11-08-2019, 01:43 AM

I used this evening to get the step notch cross supports put in place. Next up is shock tab and bag brackets.

11-06-2019, 12:14 AM	#1
Ruger1 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2019 Location: Texas Posts: 25	If grasshoppers had machine guns the birds wouldn’t mess with them. In January I purchased this beauty from a gentleman in Oklahoma. It didn’t stay together for long. I immediately started ripping this thing down to the bone. I had a vision for this truck since the day my dad let me drive his 69 when I was 15 years old. I felt I should keep a record of the process and what better way than here with peers that have a passion for the same thing! Here’s the progress so far. Please feel free to voice your opinions and or constructive criticism. I’m all ears! Posted via Mobile Device Attached Images

11-06-2019, 01:10 AM	#2
Steeveedee Who Changed This? Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Simi Valley, CA Posts: 10,625	Re: If grasshoppers had machine guns the birds wouldn’t mess with them. Interesting. If grasshoppers had red and yellow stripes, the birds wouldn't mess with 'em, either, 'cause they'd be poison, like Amazon tree frogs. Cool truck! __________________ ~Steven '70 Chevy 3/4T Longhorn CST 402/400/3.56 Custom Camper Simi Valley, CA

11-06-2019, 02:07 PM	#3
Ruger1 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2019 Location: Texas Posts: 25	Re: If grasshoppers had machine guns the birds wouldn’t mess with them. Haha. I like the poisonous spin you did there. Thanks.

11-06-2019, 01:24 AM	#4
Ruger1 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2019 Location: Texas Posts: 25	Re: If grasshoppers had machine guns the birds wouldn’t mess with them. First was tear down! Attached Images

11-06-2019, 01:36 AM	#5
Ruger1 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2019 Location: Texas Posts: 25	Re: If grasshoppers had machine guns the birds wouldn’t mess with them. .... and more tear down. Attached Images

11-06-2019, 01:48 AM	#6
Ruger1 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2019 Location: Texas Posts: 25	Re: If grasshoppers had machine guns the birds wouldn’t mess with them. Next came the fun stuff. I wanted a short bed so I decided to cut the frame down. I cut 12" from the center and 8" from the rear. With a little welding help from a buddy, I think we got this thing pretty solid! Attached Images

11-06-2019, 01:49 AM	#7
Ruger1 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2019 Location: Texas Posts: 25	Re: If grasshoppers had machine guns the birds wouldn’t mess with them. Sorry for the sideways pictures. I will learn this interwebs thing one day.

11-06-2019, 02:59 AM	#8
Ruger1 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2019 Location: Texas Posts: 25	Re: If grasshoppers had machine guns the birds wouldn’t mess with them. After dipping my toes in the chassis cutting pool. I decided to learn how to swim. Yup, I decided to step notch the rear. I get a little ballsy when it comes to what I think I am capable of. But hey, a wise man once said, "If your gonna get into some ****. You might as well get it all over you." Attached Images

11-08-2019, 02:12 PM	#9
BlouDon Registered User Join Date: Feb 2019 Location: Centurion, Gauteng, South Africa Posts: 228	Re: If grasshoppers had machine guns the birds wouldn’t mess with them. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...98&postcount=4 Is that a Carter Thermoquad sitting on that engine? If not, what carb is it? __________________ Best regards, Philip Chev: '70 C10 (350 V8 / 700R4 ) & '59 Apache ( 235, 3-sp ) Jensen Interceptor '74: Mopar 440(EFI'ed) / 4L60e Jaguar: '72 E-type Coupe V12 & '74 E-type V12 Convertible & '80 XJS V12

11-06-2019, 09:18 AM	#11
bigmac73 Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Chesapeake, Va Posts: 1,275	Re: If grasshoppers had machine guns the birds wouldn’t mess with them. hey looks good. Do you have the engine specs? __________________ Mike 72 C-10 Cheyenne off frame resto and Upgraded to 4 wheel disk, Tilt, Dakota Digital Dash / Rear slider. 421 SBC / TH350 3000RPM Stall Progression Ignition /Holley 750 DP/3:73 gear Eaton Limited Slip unit / 2 1/2 exhaust glasspacks

11-06-2019, 09:34 AM	#13
dmjlambert Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2016 Location: Cypress, TX Posts: 3,817	Re: If grasshoppers had machine guns the birds wouldn’t mess with them. Good progress. That looks nice. That is an interesting rear bumper on the truck.

11-06-2019, 09:48 AM	#15
phlegm Still Green but learning Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Central NC Posts: 1,895	Re: If grasshoppers had machine guns the birds wouldn’t mess with them. Looks like fun, the right tools and space make all the difference in the world.... and Ill play. If frogs had wings they wouldn't bump there arses when they hopped... __________________ -- Cory 71 Cheyenne 10 - SWB, 350, "3 on the tree" AC cab 07 Suburban LTZ 4x4 2010 Acura TL 98 Mastercraft "FrankenStar" 225 27253 UPS/USPS IIOY....nope never was

11-06-2019, 11:26 AM	#17
cornerstone Registered User Join Date: Apr 2014 Location: Azle,Texas Posts: 2,248	Re: If grasshoppers had machine guns the birds wouldn’t mess with them. Welcome aboard neighbor. For a custom truck I believe you are doing it right! Thems some right purdy welds there. How about a side shot to show us your wheels? Keep the pics a comin' man! Brian __________________ Brian 1972 C10, "Loyd", LWB to SWB, 5.3, L83/6L80e, 4:11 Tru Trac, Air Ride, VA, DD, 20" Coys, 4 wheel disc, A quick LS swap turned into a 6 year frame off resto-mod. Last edited by cornerstone; 11-06-2019 at 11:38 AM.

11-06-2019, 03:05 PM	#20
BB72CHEVKT Junior Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Hideaway, TX Posts: 4,950	Re: If grasshoppers had machine guns the birds wouldn’t mess with them. I had Kim Barr build me a big block for my 72 and ended up selling it 10 years later and just now getting back to doing something with the 72. __________________ 71 Suburban 350/700R4 Project Trixie 72 CHEVY,Highlander,SWB,396,T400

11-06-2019, 08:32 PM	#22
Ruger1 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2019 Location: Texas Posts: 25	Re: If grasshoppers had machine guns the birds wouldn’t mess with them. After getting the front end mocked up and the frame setting at ride height I moved to the rear triangulated 4 link. This was a fun learning process with lots of tedious research. Everything is still tacked in until I can test full articulation. Attached Images



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11-06-2019, 08:47 PM	#23
Ruger1 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2019 Location: Texas Posts: 25	Re: If grasshoppers had machine guns the birds wouldn’t mess with them. Next was to get the air bag and shock brackets installed. In order to do this i needed to get the pinion angle nailed down. To make this a little simpler I went a head and set the engine and transmission. Ran into some problems with the transmission crossmember and had to modify it to get the intake manifold setting level. Lots of measurements but I finally got it. Attached Images

11-06-2019, 08:51 PM	#24
Ruger1 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2019 Location: Texas Posts: 25	Re: If grasshoppers had machine guns the birds wouldn’t mess with them. Here’s what the wheels look like. 9.5x22 in front and 11x22 in the rear. Attached Images

11-08-2019, 01:43 AM	#25
Ruger1 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2019 Location: Texas Posts: 25	Re: If grasshoppers had machine guns the birds wouldn’t mess with them. I used this evening to get the step notch cross supports put in place. Next up is shock tab and bag brackets. Attached Images

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