Project 'Calico' 72 swb

[Twisted78SS]

My new project came about in a way not unlike many others. While looking over the local Craigslist, and seeing an add that read "67-72 bed parts" I was curious, so I called the guy. Turns out he is a board member who is working on his own build. He had several extra parts, so the following night I made the run to check them out. I came home with a full bed minus a tailgate. It was in pieces, but it wet my appetite for a shortwide.

So, while hanging out talking to a friend of mine, and owner of DCTruckparts, Dave, we got to talking about parts, projects, etc... You all know how those conversations go. Well one thing led to another, and before you know it I was hauling this home.

A 72 short bed frame.



Of course that got me to looking for a cab, bed, front clip and all the rest..
Well, I went back to see Dave, and guess what I found lurking in the back lot..

A pretty nice gmc sierra grande BBC A/C cab.




Next it was decision time, what clip did I want to look for. I am partial to the 67-68 look, so back on the hunt I went. Then, a few weeks later I was helping store some parts for Dave, when we struck a deal on a

nice 67 clip..


So that is where we are at. Oh I did pick up a CPP notch kit too. The current plan is to make it a shop truck / driver. But I have Project 50th ahead of it. It will get attention from time to time, but not a constant build as I don't have time to do two at once.

First thing will be to get the notch installed, the get it powder coated.

More to come.

[OARNGESI]

Really nice start

[Twisted78SS]

Picked up the rear axle today, a narrow coil spring 6 lug. Will have it re-drilled to 5 lug sometime in the future.
Also scored a much better pair of inner fenders, and a fold forward seat frame. Pics soon..

[OARNGESI]

when you get the axles redrilled can you let us know a price im prolly going to have do the same shortly i know know you can get new axles but redrilling old ones should be cheaper

[Hart_Rod]

I think you have A-D-D as bad as I do........

[Twisted78SS]

No doubt!! ADD all the way

I scored a few more goodies yesterday, a 72 402 Big Block, a nice straight tailgate, and a better pair of trailing arms. Of course now its dark out and I didn't take pics today either.. Tomorrow.

[FRENCHBLUE72]

Congrats and nice score...

[Twisted78SS]

Finally took some pictures of the the 1972 402 BB..



And the bed





Lots to do for sure, but now even though its in pieces, it is almost a complete truck.. Just need one more door and some misc. stuff..
More to come.

[nuke1]

wow, how do you guys find all his nice metal, i could only wish, ahh the field of dreams, up here it is all rusty and beaten. so lucky you are, keep going on getting parts for this and making me jealous, oh well.

[mcbassin]

Looks like you have most everything you need for a nice build!

Originally Posted by nuke1

wow, how do you guys find all his nice metal, i could only wish, ahh the field of dreams, up here it is all rusty and beaten. so lucky you are, keep going on getting parts for this and making me jealous, oh well.

We have the same thing here Nuke....just keep an eye on the local Craigslist you can buy lots of "projects" people gave up on for cheap.

Mike

[Twisted78SS]

Originally Posted by OARNGESI

when you get the axles redrilled can you let us know a price im prolly going to have do the same shortly i know know you can get new axles but redrilling old ones should be cheaper

According to their website, Dutchman's charges the following

1. Remove old bearings & Magnaflux inspect bearing journal-most $30 $40 (Mopar 8 3/4 & Set 20 taper roller $50pr)
2. Change pattern-rear rotors or drums $30 $45
3. Change pattern-axle flanges (No plugging or flange buildup) $35 $65
4. Change pattern-axle flanges (Plug old holes) $60 $110
5. Change pattern-axle flanges (Build up flange OD & plug holes) $120 $195
6. Change pattern-front hubs or rotors (Depends on job details) $225pr/up
7. Turn down oversize drum pilot register (If studs are removed) $20 $40

Here is the website http://www.dutchmanms.com/

For me it works, they are only 15 minutes from where I work..

[Twisted78SS]

Found another item I was needing, and I think it was a pretty good score. A Brand new set of McGaughy's drop spindles with new rotors, calipers, ceramic pads, bearings, etc... and brake lines. I picked all of it up for less than the price of the spindles alone. Now I am looking to get some brake and fuel lines. Going to bolt together this thing so I can move it to my shop before the weather sets in. I'll take pictures as it goes together. (only to come back apart for temp storage)

[VA72C10]

Did you get this bolted together? looks to be a nice project!!!

[Twisted78SS]

Working on it. I have about half the frame cleaned and the front suspension apart. I bought some Eastwood rust encapsulator and extreme chassis black, so we shall see how it looks when I get it done. My shop is so stuffed at the moment I don't have room to lay the frame out yet, so I am working on the small parts.

[OARNGESI]

Hows this coming

[Twisted78SS]

Pretty slow, I have several irons in the fire at the moment. It's to bad too, as I really wanted a shortwide driver for the summer. I am pushing to get my sons 2wd Blazer together at least identify what we are lacking as far as parts go. I did score a good core support and a 5 lug rear so the saga continues. Finally the rains have subsided and I hope to finish the frame soon.

[Twisted78SS]

Holy cow, can you believe it.. progress!! Well a little anyway. Been parts gathering and ordering some resto goodies. I finally got the time to finish the frame clean up and today my son and I broke out the Eastwood products and got busy. I used Rust Encapsulator and chassis black (satin). Of course during the work party, we discussed using an after-market cross member, and I convinced him to go for it. So, two things to do, install the c-notch and now a new cross member.. then finish those areas ..





The trailing arms are under way as well.

[OARNGESI]

The frame looks really good

[Twisted78SS]

More work on the frame this weekend, I pulled out the C-notches and lined them up on the frame. Will be installing them this week. Got a bit sidetracked working on my 78 swb for a few hours. Pulled the engine and trans on it for a new one. Got the new motor primed and ready for paint.

While I was digging for parts, I also found the center link, drop spindles, rotors, Calipers and brake pads. Then found rear sport bumper brackets, taillights, backup lights, and some assorted switches and wiring. I started a spreadsheet to track what I have and don't have for the truck, good thing..

[Twisted78SS]

Choke Delete

[Twisted78SS]

A little more work on the truck frame. I just got my bag brackets from JLaird - Thanks! and cleaned them then painted them with two coats of Chassis black. I also broke down the upper and lower a-arms getting ready to start the re-build. I need to press out the ball joints and then blast and paint them. I also got in a new set of bags and the last of the steering parts. Should be a busy week.

We also worked on my 78 swb for awhile. Finished most of the engine install, fired the engine and stood back smiling. Been way to long and to many headaches getting this far. Still waiting for the drop cross member and trans cross member to arrive.. but lots to do in the meantime.

Pics to follow tomorrow

[VA72C10]

cool, keep at it.

[Twisted78SS]

I know it's been a few weeks, but multi tasking takes its toll on you after awhile.

I did manage to get some things done over the weekend. Finished the A-arm tear down and cleaning, sourced all the replacement front suspension parts and got some paint on them.

Zachary actually working! you go boy...



set 1

[Twisted78SS]

A few more

Removing the bump stops


Setup for drilling the holes to retain the bag plates



First coat of Rust Encapsulator.

[VA72C10]

looking good!