Tennessee newb kid. - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

chevysnbuicks · 05-10-2007, 12:05 AM

Hey people. Several people at FSC told me to come here with my questions about my '77 silverado long bed restoration/customization project. I've still got a few unanswered Q's that I'll post on the 73-87 general board.

A little about me: I'm 16 years old, finishing up my sophomore year. My dad has always wanted me to get into cars. Once I got my drivers liscense, I actually got into them, and have been ever since. When my grandfather died, we got the '77 work truck. It isn't in exactly perfect condition. He [grandpa] used it to haul fresh cut firewood at least twice a week. The engine went out in 2003, and we took the motor out to send to a buddy for rebuilding in mid '04. We still haven't gotten it back yet, but there is kind of a story to that, too long to explain here.

The ridges in the bed are almost gone, and they are rusted pretty bad. The rocker panels are nearly gone, most of the lower fender on the passenger side is gone, and the driver side is in a little better condition, but not worth saving, when I can get reproduction panels from Classic Industries for $70. I'll have to replace most of, if not all of the bed panels.

Anywho, a short list of plans for the '77.
1. Modified 350, between 350 and 400 hp.
2. Either 5 speed tremec TKO or a beefed up T-56 6 speed
3. beefed up rear end. No way stock will live through the hell it's going to be going through.

4. Shaved body, relocated LED tail lights to the rollpan, door poppers, the whole sha-bang.
5. Air bags. It should lay frame by the time I get done with it, and it'll be close to laying body. (minimal modifications to the body for these, gotta love it)
6. Custom interior complete with custom grab handles, door panels, gauges, custom bucket seats, center console box, and of course, a sound system.
7. Fiberglass tonneau cover, with a custom bed setup under the cover. I will have a folding bench seat, separate sound system for the "bed interior", 17" flip down monitor wired into the sound system. The tonneau should lift vertically using 4 linear actuators, at least 14 inches, probably 16.
8. Suicide doors, you know the drill.
9. probably a 2" cowl hood.
10. Fuel Cell that will (hopefully) fit under the bed out of the way of the air management system for the bags, and not stick up into the bed at all with the exception of the filler and possibly breather. I would rather have a regular gas tank, but, eh, the stock comes down too low on the passenger side, so it wouldn't lay frame with that in the way.
11. Powder coated frame (probably) coated blood red, suspension coated black.
12. Glossy jet black paint, with custom air brushing on the tonneau cover. Black carpet inside, with black and red leather buckets and door panels. custom air brushing on dash also. Yes, I'm going for that gothic look.
13. Possibly rear disk brake conversion, and front upgrades for sure.

Alright. What's better is I hope to be able to drive this to my senior prom spring '09. Maybe no paint, because I'm not going to cheap out on paint, and probably no bed modifications, but I hope to have it drivable by then. I know I've got quite an expensive list going here, but I'll work for it, and it'll pay off, and when I stand back and look at it, I'll be able to say, "Look what I did."

Anywho, here is an old picture of how it looks
Name: mytruckside1.JPG
Views: 151
Size: 67.9 KB

Name: mytruckside1.JPG
Views: 151
Size: 67.9 KB

krue · 05-10-2007, 12:11 AM

Welcome to the board from South Mississippi! Looks like you've got your act together and it should be a sweet ride when you're done!

navybear70 · 05-10-2007, 12:12 AM

Do it to it! ...and welcome aboard. You won't find a nicer group of guys. ...and gals(sorry Liz!)

jsbgump · 05-10-2007, 12:31 AM

Welcome to the board from Texas

chevysnbuicks · 05-10-2007, 12:37 AM

Thank for the replys people. Yeah, I've got a plan, but I seem to lack three things: Tools (welder, angle grinder, and cutting tool), skill (Welding and body work), and money (ha ha, aren't we all?)

And yeah, I hope and pray it'll look sweet when it's finished. I'll keep y'all posted. First comes finishing my basement clean out.

shaneschevys · 05-10-2007, 12:47 AM

Welcome from FT Worth TX.

L0WRIDE · 05-10-2007, 01:18 AM

Welcome to the board from New zealand

CAL 58 GMC · 05-10-2007, 02:39 AM

Welcome to the board from central California!

*rage'nrat638* · 05-10-2007, 06:13 AM

welcome to the board from chicago

86swb · 05-10-2007, 10:26 AM

Welcome to the board from Western Kentucky.

redneckgirl · 05-10-2007, 01:41 PM

Welcome to the Board from Maryland!

smirch9 · 05-10-2007, 03:41 PM

Welcome to the board!

tshaw72low · 05-10-2007, 04:26 PM

from East Tn.

**Ron 586** · 05-10-2007, 10:36 PM

Welcome to the board from West Tennessee.

BACKYARD88 · 05-10-2007, 10:56 PM

from South Texas.

58 gmc · 05-11-2007, 12:27 AM

Welcome to the board from OKC, sounds like you got a nice project there, good luck.

GREASEMONKEY72 · 05-11-2007, 03:22 AM

to the board

i hope you get your questions answered and that you enjoy your stay here

pat66 · 05-11-2007, 06:37 PM

welcome from middle TN

droppedgmc · 05-11-2007, 07:28 PM

welcome from WA

19GMC63 · 05-11-2007, 09:02 PM

welcome from Fairview,TN.

Where is friendsville?

**Canadian694x4** · 05-11-2007, 10:44 PM

Welcome To The Boards From The Great White North!

chevysnbuicks · 05-11-2007, 11:29 PM

Hey! Thanks everyone for such a nice reception! In case you missed it, here is a link to my questions thread: http://www.67-72chevytrucks.com/vboa...d.php?t=240360

Well, Rock on And God Bless people!

LUV2XCLR8 · 05-20-2007, 08:12 AM

From West TN

Check out the REGIONS are also

tshaw72low · 05-27-2007, 12:57 AM

Welcome from East Tn..

c-mack · 05-27-2007, 03:01 AM

hey man welcome to the site from east texas. i hope you enjoy it and get a lot out of it. it is an extremely helpful thing to have when doing a resto project like you are. well good luck!!

05-10-2007, 12:05 AM	#1
chevysnbuicks Registered User Join Date: May 2007 Location: Friendsville, TN Posts: 27	Tennessee newb kid. Hey people. Several people at FSC told me to come here with my questions about my '77 silverado long bed restoration/customization project. I've still got a few unanswered Q's that I'll post on the 73-87 general board. A little about me: I'm 16 years old, finishing up my sophomore year. My dad has always wanted me to get into cars. Once I got my drivers liscense, I actually got into them, and have been ever since. When my grandfather died, we got the '77 work truck. It isn't in exactly perfect condition. He [grandpa] used it to haul fresh cut firewood at least twice a week. The engine went out in 2003, and we took the motor out to send to a buddy for rebuilding in mid '04. We still haven't gotten it back yet, but there is kind of a story to that, too long to explain here. The ridges in the bed are almost gone, and they are rusted pretty bad. The rocker panels are nearly gone, most of the lower fender on the passenger side is gone, and the driver side is in a little better condition, but not worth saving, when I can get reproduction panels from Classic Industries for $70. I'll have to replace most of, if not all of the bed panels. Anywho, a short list of plans for the '77. 1. Modified 350, between 350 and 400 hp. 2. Either 5 speed tremec TKO or a beefed up T-56 6 speed 3. beefed up rear end. No way stock will live through the hell it's going to be going through. 4. Shaved body, relocated LED tail lights to the rollpan, door poppers, the whole sha-bang. 5. Air bags. It should lay frame by the time I get done with it, and it'll be close to laying body. (minimal modifications to the body for these, gotta love it) 6. Custom interior complete with custom grab handles, door panels, gauges, custom bucket seats, center console box, and of course, a sound system. 7. Fiberglass tonneau cover, with a custom bed setup under the cover. I will have a folding bench seat, separate sound system for the "bed interior", 17" flip down monitor wired into the sound system. The tonneau should lift vertically using 4 linear actuators, at least 14 inches, probably 16. 8. Suicide doors, you know the drill. 9. probably a 2" cowl hood. 10. Fuel Cell that will (hopefully) fit under the bed out of the way of the air management system for the bags, and not stick up into the bed at all with the exception of the filler and possibly breather. I would rather have a regular gas tank, but, eh, the stock comes down too low on the passenger side, so it wouldn't lay frame with that in the way. 11. Powder coated frame (probably) coated blood red, suspension coated black. 12. Glossy jet black paint, with custom air brushing on the tonneau cover. Black carpet inside, with black and red leather buckets and door panels. custom air brushing on dash also. Yes, I'm going for that gothic look. 13. Possibly rear disk brake conversion, and front upgrades for sure. Alright. What's better is I hope to be able to drive this to my senior prom spring '09. Maybe no paint, because I'm not going to cheap out on paint, and probably no bed modifications, but I hope to have it drivable by then. I know I've got quite an expensive list going here, but I'll work for it, and it'll pay off, and when I stand back and look at it, I'll be able to say, "Look what I did." Anywho, here is an old picture of how it looks

05-10-2007, 12:11 AM	#2
krue Designated A-hole! Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: South Mississippi Posts: 36,448	Re: Tennessee newb kid. Welcome to the board from South Mississippi! Looks like you've got your act together and it should be a sweet ride when you're done! __________________ "If it ain't broke, fix it 'til it is!" Being stupid ain't illegal. We're Still Debt Free Except for the House!!! www.daveramsey.com 70 GMC SWB Stepside project "Green Booger" soon to be 6.0l/4l80e 93 S-10 "Poppaw's Truck"

05-10-2007, 12:12 AM	#3
navybear70 hometown heroes! Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Ewa Beach, HI Posts: 487	Re: Tennessee newb kid. Do it to it! ...and welcome aboard. You won't find a nicer group of guys. ...and gals(sorry Liz!) __________________ 2009 Silverado 2wd, 121k as of 04APR13. I love my truck 29 days out of the month. The payment is due on the 30th... Do your duty in all things. You cannot do more, you should never wish to do less. -Robert E. Lee "Never give up ground you've already taken." -Unknown

05-10-2007, 12:31 AM	#4
jsbgump Gone Fishing Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Fort Worth, Texas 76135 Posts: 12,361	Re: Tennessee newb kid. Welcome to the board from Texas __________________ 68 Chevy Short Fleetside LSX Swap Under Way 3.73 posi 2.5/4 drop Frame of resto has been started 2022 Hyundai Tucson Limited 2019 Chevy Traverse Redline Edition Wifes Ride Build Thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=1#post3483616

05-10-2007, 12:37 AM	#5
chevysnbuicks Registered User Join Date: May 2007 Location: Friendsville, TN Posts: 27	Re: Tennessee newb kid. Thank for the replys people. Yeah, I've got a plan, but I seem to lack three things: Tools (welder, angle grinder, and cutting tool), skill (Welding and body work), and money (ha ha, aren't we all?) And yeah, I hope and pray it'll look sweet when it's finished. I'll keep y'all posted. First comes finishing my basement clean out. Last edited by chevysnbuicks; 05-10-2007 at 12:38 AM.

05-10-2007, 12:47 AM	#6
shaneschevys Its always something! Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: FT Worth,TX Posts: 4,992	Re: Tennessee newb kid. Welcome from FT Worth TX. __________________ 79 p10 stepvan 72 Short Fleetside 72 Suburban 67 GMC One Ton Flatbed 64 Short Fleetside 57 Chevy 2DR Hard Top 57 Chevy 2dr wagon 65 f* short fleet 63 C 60 Flatbed Member of the patina club**

05-10-2007, 01:18 AM	#7
L0WRIDE Registered User Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND Posts: 2,166	Re: Tennessee newb kid. Welcome to the board from New zealand __________________ 49 CHEVROLET 1/2 TON, 52 CHEVROLET SEDAN 62 HARDTOP NOVA 65 CHEVROLET BB LWB FLEETSIDE 90 CHEVROLET EXTRA CAB CHEVY ONLY - NZ Chapter http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=137984

05-10-2007, 02:39 AM	#8
CAL 58 GMC Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Clovis Ca. Posts: 3,311	Re: Tennessee newb kid. Welcome to the board from central California! __________________ Classic Trucks Link http://www.classictrucks.com/feature...uck/index.html 1958 GMC.Project Build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=162816 1966 Chevelle Build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=443576 Video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=prrNKo8F7Zw#GU5U2spHI_4

05-10-2007, 06:13 AM	#9
rage'nrat638 Account Suspended Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: THE FALL GUY CHICAGO IL Posts: 5,883	Re: Tennessee newb kid. welcome to the board from chicago

05-10-2007, 10:26 AM	#10
86swb Born a Chevy Man Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Navarre, Florida Posts: 10,221	Re: Tennessee newb kid. Welcome to the board from Western Kentucky. __________________ John or 86 (Viet Nam combat Vet-BIG RED ONE) '65-'66 1986 Chevy SWB Silverado 1984 Chevy Longbed Silverado New Kia Sportage (Wife's car and she loves it) CHEVY, American made w/pride! If you can read this, YOU NEED TO THANK A TEACHER! If you can read this in ENGLISH, PLEASE THANK A SOLDIER! GOD BLESS AMERICA AND BLESS OUR FIGHTING TROOPS

05-10-2007, 01:41 PM	#11
redneckgirl Registered User Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Bel Air, Maryland Posts: 4,853	Re: Tennessee newb kid. Welcome to the Board from Maryland! __________________ The place where you made your stand never mattered. Only that you were there... and still on your feet. Stephen King

05-10-2007, 03:41 PM	#12
smirch9 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Coweta, Oklahoma Posts: 2,389	Re: Tennessee newb kid. Welcome to the board! __________________ 1999 GMC 2500--Natural Gas Powered baby! 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe Have you subscribed? Click here. Order your site t-shirts and apparel here!

05-10-2007, 04:26 PM	#13
tshaw72low Registered User Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: East, Tennessee Posts: 54	Re: Tennessee newb kid. from East Tn.

05-10-2007, 10:36 PM	#14
Ron 586 RIP Mr Ron Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Big Sandy, Tn. 38221 Posts: 8,150	Re: Tennessee newb kid. Welcome to the board from West Tennessee. __________________ Ron (Mr Round Tuit) Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle TN Message Forum TN Facebook Group SETN Truck Show My Photobucket

05-10-2007, 10:56 PM	#15
BACKYARD88 On the fast track to nowhere.. Join Date: May 2006 Location: Splendora, Texas Posts: 5,316	Re: Tennessee newb kid. from South Texas. __________________ -Mike Owen- Support the board here! 71 Chevy short fleet build thread Double D Norwood, Houston, Cecilia, Jackson, Monroe and counting



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05-11-2007, 12:27 AM	#16
58 gmc ToTM Winner Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: okc Posts: 243	Re: Tennessee newb kid. Welcome to the board from OKC, sounds like you got a nice project there, good luck. __________________ ToTM Winner

05-11-2007, 03:22 AM	#17
GREASEMONKEY72 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Bakersfield,CA Posts: 7,893	Re: Tennessee newb kid. to the board i hope you get your questions answered and that you enjoy your stay here __________________ -steven Alte Seele S.S. "Allison" '72 C/10 LWB 350SB/TH350 - DD PITBULL IS NOT A CRIME

05-11-2007, 06:37 PM	#18
pat66 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: antioch tn Posts: 71	Re: Tennessee newb kid. welcome from middle TN

05-11-2007, 07:28 PM	#19
droppedgmc Truck Enthusiast Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Arlington, WA Posts: 1,346	Re: Tennessee newb kid. welcome from WA __________________ '85 swb

05-11-2007, 09:02 PM	#20
19GMC63 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Nashville, TN Posts: 1,510	Re: Tennessee newb kid. welcome from Fairview,TN. Where is friendsville?

05-11-2007, 10:44 PM	#21
Canadian694x4 Born To Lose Club Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Calgary, Alberta/Oxenden, Ontario, Great White North Posts: 13,307	Re: Tennessee newb kid. Welcome To The Boards From The Great White North! __________________ Brian Smith - "Born To Lose" 1969 Chevrolet K10 LWB Fleetside - Proud Owner For 22 Yrs - 1 of 208 Built & Sold In Canada!- 283 V8/350TH/NP208, 2" All Spring Lift, 32" Good Year MT/R's. 1972 GMC K2500 Custom LWB Fleetside - Proud Owner For 3 Yrs - 1 of 571 Built & Sold In Canada! - 350 V8/SM465/NP205, 4” Rough Country Lift, 33” Interco TSL Thornbirds 2007.5 GMC Sierra SLE 2500HD 4x4 - Proud Owner For 17 Yrs- 6.6L V8 Duramax Diesel/Allison 1000, 2" Lift, 33" Mickey Thompson MTZ's. 2008 Yamaha Raptor 700r - Proud Owner For 15 Yrs - ITP Mud Lites. 2015 John Deere 1025R - Proud Owner For 8 Yrs - 24HP Diesel/H120/54D/260B/SB1154.

05-11-2007, 11:29 PM	#22
chevysnbuicks Registered User Join Date: May 2007 Location: Friendsville, TN Posts: 27	Re: Tennessee newb kid. Hey! Thanks everyone for such a nice reception! In case you missed it, here is a link to my questions thread: http://www.67-72chevytrucks.com/vboa...d.php?t=240360 Well, Rock on And God Bless people! __________________ Chevy makes a fine truck, but a really BAD airplane! (haha, long story.)

05-20-2007, 08:12 AM	#23
LUV2XCLR8 The LuvShack Garage Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Maple Grove, TN (West Side) Posts: 30,468	Re: Tennessee newb kid. From West TN Check out the REGIONS are also __________________ Owner/Op: "TN Classic Transport Carriers" The Toy: "Square Vette" 72 Hybrid Blazer Toy Barn: "LuvShack" 40 x 60 x 20 Shop Tow Piggy:"Maddy" 88 Silverado 3500 Hauler: "Feathers" 14 Aluma 8218T

05-27-2007, 12:57 AM	#24
tshaw72low Registered User Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: East, Tennessee Posts: 54	Re: Tennessee newb kid. Welcome from East Tn..

05-27-2007, 03:01 AM	#25
c-mack Registered User Join Date: May 2007 Location: Crockett, Texas Posts: 581	Re: Tennessee newb kid. hey man welcome to the site from east texas. i hope you enjoy it and get a lot out of it. it is an extremely helpful thing to have when doing a resto project like you are. well good luck!! __________________ 1967 chevy truck 350 V8 1973 VW Transporter/Hippy Bus 1964 VW Baja Bug "When the power of love overcomes the love of power the world will know peace"- Jimi Hendrix

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