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#1 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Fayetteville, GA
Posts: 214
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I'm finally starting to work on Bella.
Bella has been my backup driver since i brought her home. She got a quick carb rebuild to fix the idle problem so i wouldn't have to heel-toe the gas and brake every time i needed to slow down or stop. She also got an HEI distributor to replace the points and make starts more of a guaranteed thing. Other than that, she's just been sitting in the driveway, patiently waiting for her turns when my DD let me down or when i had the occasional need for her bed. She didn't do anything quickly....not take off, not steer, not stop......definitely not stop, actually.....and she reluctantly hit highway speed only in short bursts (and voiced her displeasure by slinging the contents of her crankcase all over the engine compartment and out the exhaust).
Her patience (and mine) is finally starting to pay dividends.....new parts arrived today and her build is finally beginning. Be patient with us.....we're both obviously a bit slow at times.
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1968 SWB Stepside "Bella coming home" "Bella's Build Thread" A master in the art of living draws no sharp distinction between his work and his play. He simply pursues his vision of excellence through whatever he is doing, and leaves others to determine whether he is working or playing. To himself, he always appears to be doing both. L. P. Jack |
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#2 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Fayetteville, GA
Posts: 214
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Re: I'm finally starting to work on Bella.
So.....I said she wouldn't stop well. Stopping was always a 3 pump proposition. One to start the wheel cylinders out of hibernation. Two to see which ditch she was going to dive for. And 3 to actually consider stopping eventually. It made stopping an adventure at times!
The first logical step in this build seemed to be to do the brakes before considering any additions in the power department. I wanted drop spindles and disks.....and needed to stay on a budget (sort of)......so I finally decided to go with the Tomsclassic eBay 4-wheel 6 lug disc kit. (The contents of 5 of the boxes shown previously.) Fortunately, Bella already has steelies that should clear discs......in theory anyway......so hopefully we won't have to immediately go shopping for new shoes. Unfortunately, she also has 45 years of gunk build-up to hack through before shiny new stuff can be installed.
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1968 SWB Stepside "Bella coming home" "Bella's Build Thread" A master in the art of living draws no sharp distinction between his work and his play. He simply pursues his vision of excellence through whatever he is doing, and leaves others to determine whether he is working or playing. To himself, he always appears to be doing both. L. P. Jack |
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#3 |
Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: Indep, MO
Posts: 5,893
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Re: I'm finally starting to work on Bella.
Time to whip the 'ol gal into shape!
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Boppa's Old Yeller Truck Build, Old Yeller's New Heart! Project Buzz Bomb Flyin' Low! |
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#4 |
Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Topeka Kansas
Posts: 2,655
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Re: I'm finally starting to work on Bella.
Do you plan on completely rebuilding the pickup or just doing a few upgrades here and there and drive it?
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#5 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Spokane, WA
Posts: 2,367
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Re: I'm finally starting to work on Bella.
Whatchya got in the boxes?!
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'77 K30 3+3 - "The Crummy" http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=640134 '67 C10 L/SWB - Soon to be daily driver! http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=471776 ![]() |
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#6 | |
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Fayetteville, GA
Posts: 214
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Re: I'm finally starting to work on Bella.
Quote:
![]() It will be a complete rebuild, but it will most likely be done in stages with some driving in between. The first stage is getting the brakes and suspension done so it will steer and stop well. I will probably leave it manual steering for this stage. I already have a 350 short block on the stand in the garage and new heads in the attic that will be gong together for the next stage....I just have to arrange the funds for a 700r4 (or maybe a 2004r) to put behind it before that stage begins. I'll probably convert to power steering at the same time as well. Last will be the body and interior. It's very solid, but the PO apparently didn't have the non-power steering or brakes mastered very well.....he bumped into allot of stuff.....not terribly hard, but it's bumped and bruised all over. Pictures from my previous thread when I got her home:
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1968 SWB Stepside "Bella coming home" "Bella's Build Thread" A master in the art of living draws no sharp distinction between his work and his play. He simply pursues his vision of excellence through whatever he is doing, and leaves others to determine whether he is working or playing. To himself, he always appears to be doing both. L. P. Jack |
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#7 |
Registered User
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Broken Arrow Okla.
Posts: 510
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Re: I'm finally starting to work on Bella.
Good luck with the build. Can't wait to see how she turns out.
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1967 swb 454 cid 700R4 trans SOLD 2006 Chevy Trailblazer SS 2013 Camaro RS convertible the wife's Build thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=573248 |
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#8 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Fayetteville, GA
Posts: 214
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Re: I'm finally starting to work on Bella.
4-wheel disc brake kit, with drilled and slotted 6-lug rotors, McGaughy's 2" drop spindles, e-brake cables, calipers, bearings, etc. And a 7" booster and master cylinder/prop valve too. (pictures to come later this afternoon)
Oh.....and 4 new shocks in the opened box in the corner.
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1968 SWB Stepside "Bella coming home" "Bella's Build Thread" A master in the art of living draws no sharp distinction between his work and his play. He simply pursues his vision of excellence through whatever he is doing, and leaves others to determine whether he is working or playing. To himself, he always appears to be doing both. L. P. Jack |
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#9 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Fayetteville, GA
Posts: 214
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Re: I'm finally starting to work on Bella.
Thanks! Me neither!
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1968 SWB Stepside "Bella coming home" "Bella's Build Thread" A master in the art of living draws no sharp distinction between his work and his play. He simply pursues his vision of excellence through whatever he is doing, and leaves others to determine whether he is working or playing. To himself, he always appears to be doing both. L. P. Jack |
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#10 |
Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Topeka Kansas
Posts: 2,655
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Re: I'm finally starting to work on Bella.
I noticed you haven't mentioned anything about a front swaybar, you can most likely find a used stock GM swaybar and brackets locally for cheap about $20 then just buy new bushings and you are in business.
It will really change the way the truck drives it will have much better manners. |
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#11 | |
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Fayetteville, GA
Posts: 214
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Re: I'm finally starting to work on Bella.
Quote:
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1968 SWB Stepside "Bella coming home" "Bella's Build Thread" A master in the art of living draws no sharp distinction between his work and his play. He simply pursues his vision of excellence through whatever he is doing, and leaves others to determine whether he is working or playing. To himself, he always appears to be doing both. L. P. Jack |
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#12 |
Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Topeka Kansas
Posts: 2,655
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Re: I'm finally starting to work on Bella.
If you find a 1 1/16" swaybar locally you can buy new bushings here.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Energy-Suspe...1aabdf&vxp=mtr They have it in black also if you prefer that color. |
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#13 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Spokane, WA
Posts: 2,367
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Re: I'm finally starting to work on Bella.
3/4 ton stuff uses a 1-1/4" sway bar. I got mine of a Burban in the boneyard for $9. ECE offers a couple kits with all the brackets, bushings and hardware but that'll set ya back about $50
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'77 K30 3+3 - "The Crummy" http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=640134 '67 C10 L/SWB - Soon to be daily driver! http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=471776 ![]() |
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#14 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: San Antonio, Texas
Posts: 1,374
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Re: I'm finally starting to work on Bella.
Sounds like a good place to start..., or stop, as the case may be
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1972 C10 LWB, 350/350 Deconstruction began 5/2009, mostly completed restoration, 5/2017 |
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#15 | |
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Fayetteville, GA
Posts: 214
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Re: I'm finally starting to work on Bella.
Quote:
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__________________
1968 SWB Stepside "Bella coming home" "Bella's Build Thread" A master in the art of living draws no sharp distinction between his work and his play. He simply pursues his vision of excellence through whatever he is doing, and leaves others to determine whether he is working or playing. To himself, he always appears to be doing both. L. P. Jack |
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#16 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Fayetteville, GA
Posts: 214
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Re: I'm finally starting to work on Bella.
OK, so progress is relative.....today netted alittle. Stuff is cleaner, at least clean enough that nuts and bolts have a hex shape again so they can come apart.
And there's the spare that finally saw the light of day...... And pics of new, shiny stuff.
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1968 SWB Stepside "Bella coming home" "Bella's Build Thread" A master in the art of living draws no sharp distinction between his work and his play. He simply pursues his vision of excellence through whatever he is doing, and leaves others to determine whether he is working or playing. To himself, he always appears to be doing both. L. P. Jack |
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#18 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Spokane, WA
Posts: 2,367
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Re: I'm finally starting to work on Bella.
Ah, that's great work man! Grab a 4-1/2" grinder and some wire wheels. You'll be painting that stuff. Oh, don't forget some safety glasses too! Box of new spindles is like fresh baked bread... Mmmmmm!
__________________
'77 K30 3+3 - "The Crummy" http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=640134 '67 C10 L/SWB - Soon to be daily driver! http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=471776 ![]() |
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#19 | |
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Fayetteville, GA
Posts: 214
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Re: I'm finally starting to work on Bella.
Quote:
The right front fender cup is rusted and gone below the battery, but it is "gonked" badly enough that I don't think I could have saved it anyway.
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1968 SWB Stepside "Bella coming home" "Bella's Build Thread" A master in the art of living draws no sharp distinction between his work and his play. He simply pursues his vision of excellence through whatever he is doing, and leaves others to determine whether he is working or playing. To himself, he always appears to be doing both. L. P. Jack |
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#20 | |||
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Fayetteville, GA
Posts: 214
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Re: I'm finally starting to work on Bella.
Quote:
Quote:
![]() Seriously though, that is something everyone should make a note of: Getting metal slivers pulled out of your eyeball is NO FUN! (trust me on that one) And that's nothing compared to the other worse possible outcomes! Quote:
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1968 SWB Stepside "Bella coming home" "Bella's Build Thread" A master in the art of living draws no sharp distinction between his work and his play. He simply pursues his vision of excellence through whatever he is doing, and leaves others to determine whether he is working or playing. To himself, he always appears to be doing both. L. P. Jack |
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#21 |
Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: Indep, MO
Posts: 5,893
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Re: I'm finally starting to work on Bella.
If you're upgrading, the big swaybar is a good deal, also, there's a cheap shock mount mod for the rear ( search the Crusty Rusty Leaky Squeaky thread) that makes 'em work a lot better for peanuts, especially if you use Monroe Sensatracs. I recently found a thread on a 3rd gen Z28 rear swaybar mod that I'm hot to try. Congrats on all the yummy new parts! That's a clean 'ol truck!
I'm a machinist as well, my wife's always hollerin' that I need to put my glasses on! Ironically, the one time I got a spiky piece of Bondo in my eye that required professional removal- I was wearing my glasses.
__________________
Boppa's Old Yeller Truck Build, Old Yeller's New Heart! Project Buzz Bomb Flyin' Low! |
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#22 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Fayetteville, GA
Posts: 214
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Re: I'm finally starting to work on Bella.
I have the drawing of the rear shock mount mod laying on my tool box. It is definitely on the to-do list for the rear. At the moment I have re-labeled Monroe Gas Magnums 'cause they were cheap ($6.77 ea) at RockAuto.com. I hoped that opting for the bargain wasn't going to bite me too hard. We'll see! I figured it was a cheap enough gamble.
Sway bars are also on the list. I've been looking at various rear sway bar designs and configurations to try to come up with one I like....both in function and looks. (it is a curse!) I'll share if I come up with something useful.
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1968 SWB Stepside "Bella coming home" "Bella's Build Thread" A master in the art of living draws no sharp distinction between his work and his play. He simply pursues his vision of excellence through whatever he is doing, and leaves others to determine whether he is working or playing. To himself, he always appears to be doing both. L. P. Jack |
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#23 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Fayetteville, GA
Posts: 214
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Re: I'm finally starting to work on Bella.
I have pictures......but my phone is refusing to allow me to get them, edit them, and post them.......so I guess they'll have to wait 'til it's in a better mood.
So far, all of my time on the truck has been spent chipping Georgia clay off of stuff......disassembling the stuff........and then chipping more Georgia clay off of other stuff....disassembling some more........and then I broke out the angle grinder and wire wheel and let it eat. I thought my wife was going to have a heart attack when she came outside! ![]() The good news is that the front suspension is completely disassembled and ready for a serious cleaning, painting and rebuilding. It's amazing how sloppy and loose things got when the red glay and grease mixture started breaking free. Pictures to come later.......and hopefully reassembly to follow soon!
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1968 SWB Stepside "Bella coming home" "Bella's Build Thread" A master in the art of living draws no sharp distinction between his work and his play. He simply pursues his vision of excellence through whatever he is doing, and leaves others to determine whether he is working or playing. To himself, he always appears to be doing both. L. P. Jack |
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#24 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Fayetteville, GA
Posts: 214
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Re: I'm finally starting to work on Bella.
Time lapse pictures......sort of....I obviously have lots more to do before reassembly but I'm sneaking up on it.
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1968 SWB Stepside "Bella coming home" "Bella's Build Thread" A master in the art of living draws no sharp distinction between his work and his play. He simply pursues his vision of excellence through whatever he is doing, and leaves others to determine whether he is working or playing. To himself, he always appears to be doing both. L. P. Jack |
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#25 |
Registered User
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Spanaway
Posts: 8,451
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Re: I'm finally starting to work on Bella.
Sweet little truck!
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Mike. Swamp Rat build thread : http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=595019 72 3/4T 4X4 4" BDS Lift 33" BFG's |
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