NorCal Cruiser - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Rich916 · 11-08-2010, 01:49 PM

Ok, so im starting a build thread.
First let me introduce myself. My name is Rich and I live in Rancho Cordova, (near Sacramento) CA. I have been lurking around this forum for a wile and trying to determine what direction I want to take my truck., I can’t believe the amount of information on here.

I came upon this truck on Craigslist. It’s a California “black plate” 71 short/step with a L6 250c.i. and three speed manual column shift. This project will be a D/D typ build and I will be keeping the L6 motor. Plans are to install a static 4/6 drop, c-notch the frame, repair rust, rebuild motor and clean up the Saginaw.

projected 10 month build time.

Im looking forward to getting to know everybody and relying on your knowledge! I will be asking a lot of questions.
Stay tuned...I will update as much as I can.

sandnuriz · 11-08-2010, 01:54 PM

Welcome to the site From Bakersfield,Ca.
Great start

Rich916 · 11-08-2010, 02:00 PM

Getting Started...

Rich916 · 11-08-2010, 02:07 PM

Moving along...

Rich916 · 11-08-2010, 02:13 PM

Looking for rust!
This will be my first time doing rust repair/Rocker replacement.

Pop's C-10 · 11-08-2010, 02:16 PM

looks clean..

Rich916 · 11-08-2010, 02:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pop's C-10

looks clean..

Not to bad

Rich916 · 11-08-2010, 02:19 PM

Cant get more basic then this!!

C low · 11-08-2010, 02:26 PM

wow man all that in one day!! looks good. that is a base model fo sure. yeah i had a ten month plan over a year ago..

steppside69 · 11-08-2010, 07:29 PM

Moving fast!!!!

**SactoJim** · 11-15-2010, 10:27 PM

Welcome from another Rancho Cordova guy.

67chevylongbed · 11-15-2010, 10:49 PM

Nice progress. Welcome from another Sacramento guy (I'm in Carmichael)

gearys 5600 · 11-16-2010, 02:18 AM

Nice start..

Rich916 · 11-16-2010, 01:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SactoJim

Welcome from another Rancho Cordova guy.

Hey thanks Jim & 67chevy. Nice to see some locals.
BTW, Amazing truck you got there SactoJim.

Rich916 · 11-16-2010, 01:34 PM

Had a little time this past week to get the cab up on a dolly.
Made the dolly out of some scrap 2x4's. Attached some casters and lagged screwed through the cab mount holes.

The cab wasn’t as heavy as I expected. My self, my 17yr. Old son and a couple of the neighbor kids managed it.

Rich916 · 11-16-2010, 01:47 PM

I’m getting ready to tackle my rust. So far looks like Rocker, possible inner rocker, some floor patch and small amount on the firewall.

I wire wheeled my drip seals...Looks ok.

Altogether happy with the lack of rust.

Rich916 · 11-23-2010, 11:18 AM

Ok, so now im venturing into some rust repair. Cutting out the rust and making a patch was not to much of a problem.

DBear · 11-23-2010, 11:20 AM

nice job bud....I like the basic stuff.

Rich916 · 11-23-2010, 11:31 AM

Now this is embarrassing!

I haven’t welded in a long time and my only experience with welding is arc.
I really debated posting this but I decided to post up the good with the bad.

I ended up pulling out the patch and starting over.
I need some advice...I noticed on other post that most patch work is a multitude of spot welds as opposed to welding a continuance bead.
What is the problem? Am I to close? To hot? Just need more practice?

1956cameo · 11-23-2010, 01:44 PM

To me it looks like you may still have weak metal on the cowl. Even though you cut out the rust holes there still could be thin/pitted metal behind what you see. If that is true it will cause the welder to burn thru very easily. You may need to cut the cowl out wider to get to solid metal. You could also have your welder turned up too high. I don't know a whole lot about welding so I am sure someone else will be able to help you much more than me.

**superflysteiny** · 11-23-2010, 01:58 PM

Welcome to the board I am in orangevale.

Bruce88 · 11-23-2010, 02:08 PM

You didn’t say what type of welder you’re using? MIG with gas or shield core wire, what size wire. Most welders have a chart to set up the welder for different size metal that you’re welding, this just gets you in the ball park and may need minor adjustments in wire speed or power. If I remember right that area is 18 gauge metal.

One thing that I’ve found a great help is backing up the seam with a copper backing plate. You can find some at Eastwood (hand held or magnetic) or go to the hardware store and pick up some copper tubing flatten it in a vice and have someone hold it in place when welding (make sure to wear gloves when holding it, it gets hot) You might find some additional tips on my build thread (post # 76 and more thru out the build) http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=318544&page=4

Rich916 · 11-23-2010, 02:56 PM

Thank you Bruce and 1956cameo,
The welder is a Harbor freight purchase with shield core wire. I new when purchasing it wasn’t going to be the ideal set-up but im hoping it will get the job done. Looks like I need to read up on all the settings. Bruce, I will try the copper backing. Great idea! Thanks for the advice guys, ill let you know how the rest of the repairs turn out.

Rich916 · 11-23-2010, 02:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by superflysteiny

Welcome to the board I am in orangevale.

Im following/followed your build threads. Amazing work bro!

DBear · 11-23-2010, 03:21 PM

should not have a problem with an inexpensive mig welder....use .024 wire and just spot weld it all the way around the seam.....JUST ALTERNATE EACH SPOT WELD TO THE OTHER SIDE....THIS WILL KEEP IT FROM WARPING THE METAL.

11-08-2010, 01:49 PM	#1
Rich916 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Rancho Cordova, CA Posts: 274	NorCal Cruiser Ok, so im starting a build thread. First let me introduce myself. My name is Rich and I live in Rancho Cordova, (near Sacramento) CA. I have been lurking around this forum for a wile and trying to determine what direction I want to take my truck., I can’t believe the amount of information on here. I came upon this truck on Craigslist. It’s a California “black plate” 71 short/step with a L6 250c.i. and three speed manual column shift. This project will be a D/D typ build and I will be keeping the L6 motor. Plans are to install a static 4/6 drop, c-notch the frame, repair rust, rebuild motor and clean up the Saginaw. projected 10 month build time. Im looking forward to getting to know everybody and relying on your knowledge! I will be asking a lot of questions. Stay tuned...I will update as much as I can. Attached Images Last edited by Rich916; 11-12-2010 at 08:31 AM.

11-08-2010, 01:54 PM	#2
sandnuriz Registered User Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Bakersfield,Ca. Posts: 340	Re: NorCal Cruiser Welcome to the site From Bakersfield,Ca. Great start __________________ 57 Chevy shortbed,327,Muncie 4 speed,12 Bolt rear end(current project) It's your ride build it the way you want !!!!!!!!!!

11-08-2010, 02:00 PM	#3
Rich916 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Rancho Cordova, CA Posts: 274	Re: NorCal Cruiser Getting Started... Attached Images

11-08-2010, 02:07 PM	#4
Rich916 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Rancho Cordova, CA Posts: 274	Re: NorCal Cruiser Moving along... Attached Images

11-08-2010, 02:13 PM	#5
Rich916 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Rancho Cordova, CA Posts: 274	Re: NorCal Cruiser Looking for rust! This will be my first time doing rust repair/Rocker replacement. Attached Images

11-08-2010, 02:16 PM	#6
Pop's C-10 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: memphis Posts: 2,537	Re: NorCal Cruiser looks clean..

11-08-2010, 02:19 PM	#8
Rich916 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Rancho Cordova, CA Posts: 274	Re: NorCal Cruiser Cant get more basic then this!! Attached Images

11-08-2010, 02:26 PM	#9
C low Registered User Join Date: May 2010 Location: Albany Oregon Posts: 71	Re: NorCal Cruiser wow man all that in one day!! looks good. that is a base model fo sure. yeah i had a ten month plan over a year ago..

11-08-2010, 07:29 PM	#10
steppside69 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Rossford,Ohio Posts: 291	Re: NorCal Cruiser Moving fast!!!! __________________ 69 chevy stepside (project) 2006 Silverado Z71 Ext. cab 2005 Saturn VUE (wifes dd)

11-15-2010, 10:27 PM	#11
SactoJim Registered User Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Sacramento, CA Posts: 1,970	Re: NorCal Cruiser Welcome from another Rancho Cordova guy. __________________ 72 Cheyenne SWB Fleet Nut & bolt frame off in progress...99.9999% - supercharged 383 - 4 wheel discs - relocated fuel tank - My Build Thread

11-15-2010, 10:49 PM	#12
67chevylongbed Registered User Join Date: May 2009 Location: Carmichael, California Posts: 576	Re: NorCal Cruiser Nice progress. Welcome from another Sacramento guy (I'm in Carmichael) __________________ Eric 1967 C10 LWB SOLD.... 1995 Ford F-250 4x4 Powerstroke, 342k "Each generation goes further than the generation preceding it because it stands on the shoulders of that generation. You will have opportunities beyond anything we've ever known." -Ronald Reagan

11-16-2010, 02:18 AM	#13
gearys 5600 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: tulsa,ok Posts: 1,085	Re: NorCal Cruiser Nice start.. __________________ MY BUILD THREAD http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=423629 1969 custom/10 swb--SOLD 1968 swb 50th anniv.--SOLD 1967 camaro ss/rs..LS-6-speed, 16-year long project 1956 chevy nomad 1955 chevy 210 2-dr sedan 1978 el-camino ss 1-owner

11-16-2010, 01:34 PM	#15
Rich916 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Rancho Cordova, CA Posts: 274	Re: NorCal Cruiser Had a little time this past week to get the cab up on a dolly. Made the dolly out of some scrap 2x4's. Attached some casters and lagged screwed through the cab mount holes. The cab wasn’t as heavy as I expected. My self, my 17yr. Old son and a couple of the neighbor kids managed it. Attached Images __________________ 71 Short Step Build Thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=429946

11-16-2010, 01:47 PM	#16
Rich916 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Rancho Cordova, CA Posts: 274	Re: NorCal Cruiser I’m getting ready to tackle my rust. So far looks like Rocker, possible inner rocker, some floor patch and small amount on the firewall. I wire wheeled my drip seals...Looks ok. Altogether happy with the lack of rust. Attached Images __________________ 71 Short Step Build Thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=429946

11-23-2010, 11:18 AM	#17
Rich916 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Rancho Cordova, CA Posts: 274	Re: NorCal Cruiser Ok, so now im venturing into some rust repair. Cutting out the rust and making a patch was not to much of a problem. Attached Images __________________ 71 Short Step Build Thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=429946



Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.

11-23-2010, 11:20 AM	#18
DBear Registered User Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Rowlett, TX Posts: 867	Re: NorCal Cruiser nice job bud....I like the basic stuff.

11-23-2010, 11:31 AM	#19
Rich916 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Rancho Cordova, CA Posts: 274	Re: NorCal Cruiser Now this is embarrassing! I haven’t welded in a long time and my only experience with welding is arc. I really debated posting this but I decided to post up the good with the bad. I ended up pulling out the patch and starting over. I need some advice...I noticed on other post that most patch work is a multitude of spot welds as opposed to welding a continuance bead. What is the problem? Am I to close? To hot? Just need more practice? Attached Images __________________ 71 Short Step Build Thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=429946

11-23-2010, 01:44 PM	#20
1956cameo Registered User Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Angleton, TX Posts: 2,219	Re: NorCal Cruiser To me it looks like you may still have weak metal on the cowl. Even though you cut out the rust holes there still could be thin/pitted metal behind what you see. If that is true it will cause the welder to burn thru very easily. You may need to cut the cowl out wider to get to solid metal. You could also have your welder turned up too high. I don't know a whole lot about welding so I am sure someone else will be able to help you much more than me. __________________ I don't always drive trucks; but when I do I prefer Chevy's. Stay driving my friends. '72 blazer 2wd build 67-72 Factory Big Block Registry Last edited by 1956cameo; 11-23-2010 at 01:45 PM.

11-23-2010, 01:58 PM	#21
superflysteiny Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: orangevale ca Posts: 4,630	Re: NorCal Cruiser Welcome to the board I am in orangevale. __________________ Tootsie build T Shirts (Supporting Colon Cancer research) Tootsie- a truck for my mother Pops 72 Cheyenne Dropmember build 67 Second Chance project from hell

11-23-2010, 02:08 PM	#22
Bruce88 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Everett, WA Posts: 326	Re: NorCal Cruiser You didn’t say what type of welder you’re using? MIG with gas or shield core wire, what size wire. Most welders have a chart to set up the welder for different size metal that you’re welding, this just gets you in the ball park and may need minor adjustments in wire speed or power. If I remember right that area is 18 gauge metal. One thing that I’ve found a great help is backing up the seam with a copper backing plate. You can find some at Eastwood (hand held or magnetic) or go to the hardware store and pick up some copper tubing flatten it in a vice and have someone hold it in place when welding (make sure to wear gloves when holding it, it gets hot) You might find some additional tips on my build thread (post # 76 and more thru out the build) http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=318544&page=4 __________________ My Build Thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=318544

11-23-2010, 02:56 PM	#23
Rich916 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Rancho Cordova, CA Posts: 274	Re: NorCal Cruiser Thank you Bruce and 1956cameo, The welder is a Harbor freight purchase with shield core wire. I new when purchasing it wasn’t going to be the ideal set-up but im hoping it will get the job done. Looks like I need to read up on all the settings. Bruce, I will try the copper backing. Great idea! Thanks for the advice guys, ill let you know how the rest of the repairs turn out. __________________ 71 Short Step Build Thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=429946

11-23-2010, 03:21 PM	#25
DBear Registered User Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Rowlett, TX Posts: 867	Re: NorCal Cruiser should not have a problem with an inexpensive mig welder....use .024 wire and just spot weld it all the way around the seam.....JUST ALTERNATE EACH SPOT WELD TO THE OTHER SIDE....THIS WILL KEEP IT FROM WARPING THE METAL.

Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.