Project Muscle Truck (again!)

[GASoline71]

Well... I have been neglecting my little hot rod for awhile... But I have finally got to tear into it again. I'm sure most of you will remember when I got this thing...

1972 GMC 1/2 ton truck... I'm going to make it into a Pro-street muscle truck hot rod.

The first pic is what it looked like when I brought it home...

The next pics are of the engine on the stand. 350 small block. The cylinder heads, the transmission and the front of the truck completely take apart. With the exception of the A-arms/suspension and steering, which I left intact.

The UPS truck is showing up regularly now, and I have been getting really excited to get this project rollin' again. I will pop back in with more updates as they come...

Lots more to do...

Stay tuned... :)

Gary

[olyman]

gary--nice pink-em-up. question, are you going to go a get a scrap yard truck--and put factory air in it????? and going to put a 700R4 behind the engine??? pro street--neat--but as you get aged--you need air!!!!! and the 700R4 for mileage---(smiley)

[GASoline71]

Thanks mang! :thumbup:

For now the TH350 is gonna have to do... still on a budget.

Around here ya really don't need A/C... Western Washington state stays pretty mild through the summers.

This truck is only gonna be pretty under the hood, and in the cab... Everything else is gonna stay the same for awhile, dents and all... A total rat rod...

Gary

[squisher]

Lol, spin those tires!!!! Man I love those trucks a good buddy of mine had one in highschool and man we had some goodtimes. Cherry red, mags and the four barrel wide open. :)

[GASoline71]

Justin... It was you that kept me in it. A while back you had asked me what I was doin' with it... and I was thinkin' of givin' it up. Then the ol' squisher told me I wuz crazy, and should keep goin'...

...and I did. Thanks buddy. :)

Here is a pic of the mag wheels I got for it. Old school ET slots. They used to be my Dad's. He had them on a 1970 Chevy 1/2 ton. So its kinda cool he passed them on to me. :thumbup:

I love these trucks...

Gary

[Skwerl]

After you get it built and then you get tired of it, call me and I'll buy it from you. But you gotta fly me out there and then I'll drive it home. ;)

[squisher]

Two of those trucks were in my youth both owned by buddys one was ridiculously high geared and I actually outran the cops in it one night :/:. 1st and only time I ever ran(myself) and I'm just thankful to have gotten away with it.

Well one other time I was racing a friend of mine on a local backroad here that's a renowned straight stretch(Buchanan Rd, the 100mph road), he was in front in a kick ass camaro with a tunnel ram through the hood toying with me. Well when we came over the crest and there was the pigs, err I mean cops, the lights came on he hit the brakes and I floored it flew by him and gonzo.:lol:

I still laugh when I think of that. RIP Gerry Schunter you were a true bro, when questioned by the cops he claimed complete ignorance on who he was racing.


Glad I could be of assistance Gary.8)

[Paul B]

ha, I took one for my buds once, three of us turnin donuts etc in a parking lot one night, off duty cop in the lineup at a theater, dialed in my plate, they yanked me over 6 days later with lots of fanfare (I think it was 6 ghost cars and 2 marked), I pulled over he came up to the window and said did you 'etcetc on such and such a night"? and I said, yeah, I guess I did. I got a warning for excessive noise, ha! he said if I was a prick or denied any of it they were going to throw the book at me, excessive speed, reckless endangerment, dangerous driving, you name it. Polite and honest got me OUT of trouble that night.

When I asked him at the end "did you catch any of the other people?" he said no, they only got my plate.
My buddies bought me a beer not long after. :)

[fishhuntcutwood]

Sweet ASSS!

[Al Smith]

Well ,you can tell that's a west coaster .The ones around here of that vintage have long ago rusted to nothing . Lots of salt on the roads in winter .

[GASoline71]

An update... :)

Tonight I cut the old exhaust out with a Sawzall. Also tore the engine down completely. Knocked the rods and pistons out, and took the main caps off...

I left the crankshaft just sitting in the block until I transport it to the machine shop this week. 4-bolt main block... that's cool! :thumbup:

I also tore off the heater box because I have to replace the firewall seals, and I think the heater core is shot. I stuffed rags in the holes to keep the critters out. I guess I need to starve my cats more... I'm findin' mice and rats in the garage again. Bastids!

The UPS guy showed up today as well with more stuff I recently ordered for the truck...

I have a long way to go... but I'm hoping to have it done by mid summer...:D

Gary

[Al Smith]

So what,turn the crank ??? A word of advice,while you have the engine out go ahead and replace the Welch plugs .Old engines it's not a fact of if they rust through,rather when .

A 4 bolt 350 is a good old engine .:D

[sotc]

and the kit is dirt cheap!

[stehansen]

Are those the freeze plugs Al?

[squisher]

4 bolt score man, nice! What size of heads were on that thing?

[GASoline71]

I'm sure he was talking about the freeze plugs Steve. I always replace those after a rebuild. ;)

Yep al, the crank looks good. It will be turned at the machine shop. Block will prolly need to go .030 oversize. No biggee...

It has 1.94's Justin. Since I'm on a tight budget, they will have to do for now. 2.02's are in the future. However the castings that I have now have a larger intake runner in them. They are a fairly desireable head. They were available in 2.02 as well, but I didn't get that lucky... :)

Gary

[sawinredneck]

For the price of finding and working over a set of .202's, look at a set of alum's Gary. Ready to go out of the box and proven.

I was hoping to hear of a 383 build, but then you had to say "budget":lol:

[Al Smith]

I'm sure he was talking about the freeze plugs Steve. I always replace those after a rebuild. ;)

Yep al, the crank looks good. It will be turned at the machine shop. Block will prolly need to go .030 oversize. No biggee...

It has 1.94's Justin. Since I'm on a tight budget, they will have to do for now. 2.02's are in the future. However the castings that I have now have a larger intake runner in them. They are a fairly desireable head. They were available in 2.02 as well, but I didn't get that lucky... :)

Gary Yep ,a Welch plug is called a freeze plug by some although they often don't pop out if the blocks freezes .
The reason they use plugs is so they can shake out the casting sand from inside the block ,head whatever .
Ah too bad you aren't closer because I have a set of 2.02 heads .Although I'm not really sure how good they are . I replaced them with a set of 1.94's on a Chevy van I had at one time ,took off the 4 barrel and replaced it with a two barrel .Damned thing was breaking me up putting gas in it even at 60 cents a gallon back then .

[GASoline71]

For the price of finding and working over a set of .202's, look at a set of alum's Gary. Ready to go out of the box and proven.

I was hoping to hear of a 383 build, but then you had to say "budget":lol:

Aluminum heads are not in the budget right now. So these 1.94's will have to do for now.

:)

Gary

[vharrison]

Glad to see you are back on the project!

[stehansen]

With the 1.92 vs the 2.02 I assume you are talking about the diameter of the valves?

[sotc]

intake valves in inches

[GASoline71]

With the 1.92 vs the 2.02 I assume you are talking about the diameter of the valves?


intake valves in inches

Yup...

Gary

[sawinredneck]

Not being pushy or anything;)

http://store.summitracing.com/partdetail.asp?autofilter=1&part=EDL%2D60899&N=700+4294925232+4294838998+4294867081+4294908216+ 4294840140+4294889107+4294867079+4294867028+115&autoview=sku

[GASoline71]

That is exactly what I want Andy... but for $550 apiece, I have to wait. I have a lot of parts for just the truck alone I have to get as well.

Not to mention the trans needs rebuilt, I need an exhaust system, and new tires, and, etc....

Thanks though... ;):)

They are on my list for later... :thumbup:

Gary

[stehansen]

How's the project goin Gary? I don't want to be pushy either.
Here is my dream motor.
http://bankspower.com/twin-turbo-products.cfm

[GASoline71]

I was workin' on it tonight Steve... the new intake manifold got here today. Tomorrow the carb, fuel pump, camshaft, and some other engine goodies are being delivered.

A new front light and alternator wiring harness are on the way too...

I cleaned up the heater box tonight. I need a new heater core as well... I cleaned up the head bolts and all the other fasteners that I am going to reuse.

I started on cleaning up the firewall, and scraped alot of the old greasy junk off of the crossmembers and lower frame. I will push it out of the garage soon, to give it one last pressure washing before i start painting the frame and such.

Engine will go to the machine shop this week sometime. Then I need to clean up the tranny, put a shift kit in it, new seals and bushings, and order a stall converter.

She's comin' along right nicely. :)

Those twin turbos would be cool as hell... but like you said... they are a "dream" of mine too... ;)

Gary

[stehansen]

You can do the tranny? Impressive Gary. I have decided that as a mechanic, I suck. I'll give the details in another thread.

[MasterBlaster]

Somehow I just can't see Gary doing a tranny... :|:

[stehansen]

Guess I left that open to interpretation there.

[MasterBlaster]

The devil made me do it! :evil:

[stehansen]

I miss Flip Wilson.

[MasterBlaster]

Meh, Cris Rock blows him away.

[GASoline71]

Somehow I just can't see Gary doing a tranny... :|:

LMAO... :lol:

Uh... no way.

:P

Anyhoo... I have never gone through the clutch packs or anything like that. But I have installed/changed bushings, seals, pumps, modulators, shift kits, valve bodies, and put in new converters.

I have an old TH350 tranny sittin' at my Dad's place... I am going to try my hand at a complete rebuild/overhaul on that one some day soon. Just to see if it is all that difficult.

Gary

[MasterBlaster]

Did you ever make it to Boogie St. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bugis_Street) in Singapore?

[GASoline71]

Yep... I did.

But there were more trannys in Thailand.

Yuck...

Gary

[Al Smith]

I've done several trannys,the mechanical kind in auto's ,not he-shes . I have reasonably good luck but this damned A4Ld Ford in my Ranger has given me fits .Chevy t-350's are relatively simple and the parts are reasonably inexpensive as compaired to some .

Now regarding the other type,had I encountered one in my wilder days it would have been strictly by accident and outcome would not have been pretty . :(

[GASoline71]

The GM Turbo Hydro-matics (excluding overdrives) are pretty straightforward easy to work on trannys. I just have yet to fully rebuild one. Parts are really easy to get and best part is... they are as Al siad... inexpensive. :)

Gary

[Al Smith]

It may sound odd but what tears most trannies up are soft shifts especially on high horsepower applications . They made them shift soft for the comfort of the users . A harsh bang into the next gear is actually all a shift kit does for them .

Around here what tore up the t-350's was rocking to get out of a snow drift.The reverse brass clutch packs couldn't take that transision from forward to reverse at half throttle . Then reverse would lock up,shift it into forward and tear out the clutchs and maybe the cluster in the process .Voice of experiance speaking on this one . I'm tellen ya,a heavy foot can cost you money at times,how well I know .

[sawinredneck]

LMAO Al!! I had a '75 f-250 with a 429 PI in it. STUPID fast for a truck that size!!
I had it to where I could pull it in the garage, change out the C-6 and back it out in an hour and a half! Actually cracked the case on a couple of them.
The trannys aren't supposed to be that bad to do, but the way I understand it the tools needed kill the deal. I don't know, I've done a shift kit or two:roll: and changed out the seals, but never went deeper.

[GASoline71]

The UPS guy showed up again today... :D

Gary

[stehansen]

Old school!

[Paul B]

my '80 Z28 had a borg warner gearbox in it, I blew the main drive gear twice. oops. Guess the hurst shifter and SUPER heavy clutch in it were not the best combo for learning to drive a stick ?
It had a hopped up 350 with a bunch of stuff I didnt know much about.. edelbrock performer manifold, lumpy dumpy cam, Holley 750 double pumper carb (I think, never did really figure the exact specs beyond eyeballing it), headmann headers, 2.5 inch pipes running through some dinky 10" mufflers, no cats...
should NEVER sold that beast.
seriously.

at least when I traded it in I took it home AFTER making the deal with the dealership, stripped ALL the chrome bits outta the engine bay (engine bay struts, rad hose upper connect, alternater bracket and housing, master cylinder cover....etc) :D, the stereo head unit, the speakers, my airhorns and the airfreshener....
part of the deal of course, not pulling any fast ones... :shifty:

Big G, that pile of parts looks like a brakestand waiting to happen ;)

[GASoline71]

It is Paully... and that is one "lumpy dumpy" camshaft sittin' there too... :thumbup:

Gonna take the engine over to the machine shop today after work... :)

Gary

[Paul B]

I am looking forward to hearing it idle..

One of my favorite sounds is a late 70's corvette (or other muscle car) with a real lumpy cam, one where you it fires a couple cylinders then hesitates so long before the next that you think it stalled :D

[GASoline71]

All the stuff that needed to hit the machine shop went yesterday. A couple days later than I wanted... but oh well. Got busy. :)

So it should be ready for pickup in a couple of weeks or less.

Gary

[GASoline71]

Picked up a lil' bling for the engine today. :D

Chrome, tall valve covers... and some chrome intake bolts.

Gary

[MasterBlaster]

Nice!

[Skwerl]

Gary, how long are you gonna keep that truck before I fly out to buy it and drive it home? :P

[Paul B]

cool, next is rad shroud, alternator mount, master cylinder and cover... engine bay struts, oil check tube...
:D

edit: upper rad house neck, some flashy low pro oil pan... wicked color pluig wires with handy wire seperators...

[GASoline71]

Been cleaning parts for the last 2 days... I hate doing this part of the buildup. Next is painting said parts. Painting is a little better, because you get to see some results of the work, and things start to look better. :)

Talked to the machine shop today. My stuff should either be ready Friday, or first thing next week... :thumbup:

But there is still lots of dirty work to do before the engine and trans goes back in.

Gary

[Skwerl]

Are you ignoring my question, Gary? ;)

[GASoline71]

Yep... :P

It is gonna be a pretty cool old truck when I'm done Brian. Think... old farm truck that has been lowered, has nice mag wheels and fat tires, and has a spotless engine compartment.

Next I will tackle the interior...

I want that rat-rod look... but not a hack job. So it will still have the faded paint, the few dents and stuff...

:thumbup:

But... you can drive it if you want... just not to Florida... :lol:

Gary

[stehansen]

Yep... :P

It is gonna be a pretty cool old truck when I'm done Brian. Think... old farm truck that has been lowered, has nice mag wheels and fat tires, and has a spotless engine compartment.

Next I will tackle the interior...

I want that rat-rod look... but not a hack job. So it will still have the faded paint, the few dents and stuff...

:thumbup:

But... you can drive it if you want... just not to Florida... :lol:

Gary

I call shotgun!

[Rotax Robert]

Right on Gary, been following this thread right along.

[Burnham]

Don't dress it up too pretty, Gary. Sleeper status needs to be maintained, ya know :D.

[GASoline71]

Got the tranny cleaned up ,and it's apart on the bench... need to get a fliter kit, shift kit, and front and rear seals.

The crankshaft was shot, so I had to buy another one. $115 bucks I didn't plan on spending... oh well...

More cleaning and painting. Only a few more things to purchase before I can start assembly. I also need headers and to figure out what to do with the exhaust... I'm thinkin' 3" pipe, with Flowmaster 40 series mufflers, then the 3" pipe dumps out just in front of the rear tires at an angle... My neighbors are gonna hate me...

Still more cleaning and painting... tedious, but necessary... :)

More to come...

Gary

[Skwerl]

F the neighbors. :evil:

[NeTree]

What neighbors? :lol:

[GASoline71]

Hell yeah!!! :thumbup:

Gary

[stehansen]

I wouldn't hate you, I would love hearing that thing take off.

[Cobleskill]

I am listening to dirt circle track race 1 1/2 miles away right now. Music to my ears but not everybodys. I love when people move in and build a house close to the track that has been there for 50 years and then bitch about the noise. 1/2 mile track. Streetstocks, sportsman, and modifieds. The modifieds average about 100. The Outlaws used to come but not in the last few years.

[sawinredneck]

2 1/4" pipe should be plenty Gary, and a lot cheaper!

Unless you just want to run 3' sections with turndowns:lol:

Edit, don't forget a crossover!!! It really does help.

[GASoline71]

3" pipe looks waaaayyyyy cooler dumpin' out just in front of the rear tires Andy... :)

Thinkin' about that "H" or "X" pipe... however the '67-'72 Chevy/GMC trucks have a low hanging crossmember right in the way.

Gary

[GASoline71]

Some pics of progress on the TH-350...

First pic is what it looked like when i pulled it outta the truck...

But after 3 days of cleanin' and scrubbin' with a wire brush and some solvents, then a B&M Street/Strip shift kit, a new adjustable modulator, new filter and gaskets, new seals and o-rings... plus a few coats of high temp paint... here it is. Last three pics are finished product. :thumbup:

I'm pretty happy with how it turned out. The engine will look this good too. Now it's time to get this thing off the engine stand and get that small block on there to start the rebuild...

Time for a beer! :drink:

Gary

[sawinredneck]

Gary, there should be room for a crossover right in front of the tranny bellhousing. Weld the crossover onto the damn collectors, keep them short, and all should be good!

[Skwerl]

Gary, my transmission is looking good. I'm looking forward to seeing how you handle the rebuild on my motor. :P :lol:

Andy, you're = you are. ;)

[MasterBlaster]

It's a contraction, dood. :drink:

[stehansen]

Gary, how does what you did change how the transmission shifts. Esplain please.

[GASoline71]

Steve, automatic transmissions are set up from the factory to have soft shifts for more comfortable driving for the average person driving the vehicle. Even back in 1972, when this tranny was made it was set up that way. A "shift kit" modifies how the fluid is sent through the valve body of the transmission.

There are a set of "check balls" in the valve body that limit fluid transfer to allow for softer shifts. So depending on how hard you want the transmission to shift you remove "X" number of check balls. Also the stock seperator plate is replaced with a modified one, to allow more fluid to flow to different areas of the valve body than stock.

After the modifications, the transmission will shift hard. hard enough to "bark" the tires between shifts when under load... or full throttle. Believe it or not... when a transmission is modified with a shift kit it actually runs cooler, because without the check balls, the tansmission is not allowed to slip as much. Less slippage = firmer shifts = less heat.

That's the way it works in a nutshell... :)

Next is a 2000 RPM stall converter for this baby.

Gary

[stehansen]

Thanks Gary. Now, what will the 2000 rpm stall converter do differently than the stock torque converter?

[GASoline71]

It will not fully engage (lock-up) until a higher RPM... letting the engine come up into it's RPM range that it was built for to make it's power.

The engine I'm building will not start making big horsepower until about 1,800 RPM's so I want the torque converter to "stall" around 2,000 RPM and let the engine come up to it's "sweet spot" before full lock up.

Gary

[stehansen]

Sweet! I need someone to work on the Allison in my forestry truck. It shifts from first to second OK but from second to third you have to practically floor the thing and wind it way up or let off the throttle for it to shift then third to fourth is real soft and fourth to fifth is real hard.

[sawinredneck]

Not sure about the cam or inake being used, but I have found the "sweet spot" on SBC's seems to be around 2400 Gary. That was a Comp cams 268H, Weiand Stealth and Holly 600 CFM in a 4x4 Suburban. Just enough to get into power, but not enough to break parts. On this project, I wouldn't be afraid to go higher.

[GASoline71]

Not sure about the cam or inake being used, but I have found the "sweet spot" on SBC's seems tobe around 2400 Gary. That was a Comp cams 268H, Weiand Stealth and Holly 60 CFM in a 4x4 Suburban. Just enough to get into powe, but not enough to break parts. On this project, I wouldn't be afraid to go higher.

It'll make most of it's power near 5,500 to 5,800 RPMs. It'll just start hitting it around 1,800 to 2,000. "Sweet Spot" might have been a poor choice of words.

Gary

[sawinredneck]

You're fine, just throwing out suggestions. The only way to get a true stall is to lock the brakes and hold the throttle just below lockup.
In the case of what you are building, 3000 stall will really kick in at around 2500, unless you brake it in some way. A 2000 will kick in around 1200-1500 under normal driving.
It's funny, you can buy what ever stall you want, but until you put all of the variables in place, it doesn't mean anything until you hold the brake and rev it until the tires try and turn. Converters act differently with different torque factors.

[GASoline71]

Yep... rear end ratio, vehicle weight, suspension setup, tire size, engine size and performance... lots of variable.

Gary

[GASoline71]

I dropped the cam, crank, and pistons in the small block today. Here are a few shots of the block with just the crank in it, putting the rings on the pistons, and the finished block with the shiny new pistons in it... :)

Gary

[Cobleskill]

Looks beeyootifull Gary!! Wish it was mine.
Why don't pistons come already balanced at exactly the same weight? It would seem to be pretty simple operation at the factory.

[sotc]

looks AWESOME gary!

[Burnham]

VROOOOOM!!

[stehansen]

Looking good Gary.

[Rotax Robert]

personaly I think Gary is building next years latest and greatest unlimited hotsaw and just holding out on us.

[GASoline71]

I wish Robert. LOL... :)

You know that green '70 Chevy 1/2 ton hot rod truck that my dad drives that he hauled the Termite in? This truck will be dang near the same... :thumbup:

Gary

[GASoline71]

Bolted the cylinder heads on today... Almost ready for the Chevy Orange paint... :thumbup:

Gary

[Frans]

Looking real nice, Gary.
If you are doing any towing, you may be disappointed in the low end torque below 3 grand on the tach. That is if the trailer is fully loaded...But maybe you will haul the hotsaw in the p-up bed?

[sotc]

awww, thatll pull darn near anything. mine are near stock and push 14-15k and pull 7500 pounds at the same time. its no turbo diesel but does the trick

[lumberjack]

Willie a high end engine with a higher stall converter sucks for towing.

Low end is where it's at for dat ;)

[sotc]

ahhh, gotcha, back to my hole:)

[stehansen]

You don't want to do any towing with that do you?

[Frans]

ahhh, gotcha, back to my hole:)

Thats right, don't listen to me, ya idjit! :):):)

[GASoline71]

The only thing this thing is gonna haul is ASS... ;)

This truck isn't gonna be towing much of anything. It's just supposed to go fast in a straight line for about a 1/4 mile or so...

...and sound real snotty too... :thumbup:

Gary

[sotc]

http://badwraps.phpwebhosting.com/stickerheads/images/GASGRASSASS542354.jpg

[GASoline71]

4 stinkin' coats of Chevy Orange high temp paint. I hate how high temp engine paint coats. Basically... it doesn't. LOL... :)

I mocked up the manifold and carb... plus dig the old school aluminum Holley valve covers I scored from a super tuner buddy of mine... for FREE!!! :thumbup:

Gary

[Skwerl]

You're doing a fantastic job on my truck, Gary. Keep up the good work, and don't forget the air conditioning compressor bracket! :P
I'll be out there in a year or two to pick it up, right after I climb a giant redwood with Frans and Jerry. :D

[MasterBlaster]

Damn Gary, that looks nice.

[sawinredneck]

Nice work Gary!!! I am a bit late with my tip, but if you don't want paint on it, coat it with vaseline. Paint it, then the caseline just wipes right off, paint and all. Sorry.

[sotc]

keep at her!

[stehansen]

Awesome Gary. What is the HP going to be?

[GASoline71]

A guesstimation is somewhere around 380 or more...

Gary

[Rotax Robert]

I am almost certain Gary told me it would be 387.73623 bhp at sea level.

[lumberjack]

Looking nice very Gary!

[Burnham]

Whooo hoooo!! Lookin' fine.

[stehansen]

A guesstimation is somewhere around 380 or more...

Gary

Sweet!

[GASoline71]

Hit the frame with a few coats of paint this week... :)

Gary

[squisher]

Looking good Gary.8)

[Skwerl]

Hey Gary!
Are you too busy with your truck and your girlfriend to come visit us any more? You've made one post in the last week, WTF? :?







8)

[GASoline71]

That would be a yes Brian... ;) lol

Plus I'm headed back to court with my ex... it never ends... :X

Gary

[MasterBlaster]

Good luck, Gary!

[GASoline71]

Thanks Butch... I actually had to retain a lawyer this time... :(

Gary

[sotc]

sorry to hear gary:(

[RIVERRAT]

Hey, Gary sorry to hear about the issues with your X.

What an emotional, financial drain it can be. It can always be worse man. Keep your head up, & try & stay healthy inside your head.

[GASoline71]

Thanks you'se guys... I have a good support group through all of this... My mind is right... :)

I have to fight back. No way is that woman going to keep my kids from me...

Anyways... back to the truck, the engine and transmission should be going in today... :thumbup:

Gary

[RIVERRAT]

I have to fight back. No way is that woman going to keep my kids from me...

Gary
Whoa!! Based on the pics you post of your girls I cant believe they want that either....:(

[sawinredneck]

Does Gary need a hug?:P

[Al Smith]

That would be a yes Brian... ;) lol

Plus I'm headed back to court with my ex... it never ends... :X

Gary Ex wifes may someday be on the endangered species list .:what:

[GASoline71]

Finally slid the transmission and the small block in today... now I can start gettin' this thing back together... :thumbup:

Dude in the pics is my buddy Matt... He has a killer 1972 Chevy Monte Carlo with a small block 350 in it that I built for him... Sweet car, fast as hell too... :)

Gary

[Paul B]

sweet big G, looking good!

[Skwerl]

The powerplant looks super sharp, Gary. No paint on the firewall though? Part of the 'rat rod' thing?

[GASoline71]

Yep... you got it exactly Brian... The underhood and firewall are gonna stay that way. I even left the overspray on the firewall from the factory undercoating. I cleaned up the heater box and put a new heater core in it, but it looks bone stock and was only cleaned and not repainted. I will install it on the firewall tomorrow.

The inner fenders and battery box are gonna be painted along with the radiator and the radiator support... I will eventually do some cool stuff to the interior as well.

There will also be a brand new power brake booster and master cylinder bolted to the firewall as well. All the new goodies will contrast well with the old parts... :thumbup:

It's gettin' there... :)

Gary

[Frans]

Nice work Gary. Too bad about the 'x'.

My friend (who is a mechanic) has a nutso x. she already has been brought up on contempt charges for lying to the judge.

The kids are the first to suffer in all this

[sotc]

Ex wifes may someday be on the endangered species list .:what:

not unless theyget poached:lol:

[stehansen]

Good luck Gary. Truck is looking good.

[GASoline71]

Had to pull the water pump off today... the pulley/fan mounts on the hub are wrong. The diameter of the hub is too small... my mistake for not checking this prior to assembly.

Gotta take it back to the parts store and get the correct one... :X

Oh well... bound to have a few glitches in this whole build. LOL

Gary

[Skwerl]

Better get some more paint. The water pump has to match the block. ;)

[GASoline71]

Got lots of paint left over from the batch I used to paint the block...

Got the water pump today... might get it on tonight or tomorrow...

Gary

[Paul B]

I am getting tired of hearing about it Gary, I wanna HEAR it..... idling (you did get a nice lumpy dumpy cam right?), high rpm (lets see what Edelbrock can do at revs), shredding tires, smokin out the neighbors, come on already! :D

[fishhuntcutwood]

Don't be ridiculous Paul. We all know Gary won't drive it beyond the speed limit, break any noise ordinances or drive it irresponsibly. He's building it for going and picking up groceries and running errands.

:lol::lol:

[fishhuntcutwood]

Really though Gary, that thing looks awesome. Wish I was still out there and I'd be able to come check it out with you over a couple of Alaskans.

[GASoline71]

I am getting tired of hearing about it Gary, I wanna HEAR it..... idling (you did get a nice lumpy dumpy cam right?), high rpm (lets see what Edelbrock can do at revs), shredding tires, smokin out the neighbors, come on already! :D

Ahh... patience grasshopper... LOL :lol:

It's gettin' there Paully... I will get some vids to put up when I start it, and of the first smoke show...

The cam is a nice lumpy-dumpy cam too... :thumbup:

Gary

[GASoline71]

Heater box installed tonight... new heater core and new gaskets...

Gary

[Burnham]

You be jammin', Gary! Keep it rolling!

[GASoline71]

Got the transmission mount bolted up, starter bolted in, drive line back in, I had to adjust the inlet of the fuel pump to match where the fuel line comes to the pump, and I got the new water pump painted and bolted on. Oh... also got the radiator core support cleaned up and painted... More progress. :)

Gary

[Paul B]

good stuff G! I call shotgun!, when do I get a ride?

[GASoline71]

When it's done... you can be the first Paully... :thumbup:

Gary

[Paul B]

SWEET!

[Frans]

I think you mentioned this but- Did you paint that frame with POR or is it a two part paint? I have something I am considering doing a frame up build on and have been looking into getting the entire frame galvanized

[stehansen]

What's it like, working on something so clean?:)

[GASoline71]

I think you mentioned this but- Did you paint that frame with POR or is it a two part paint? I have something I am considering doing a frame up build on and have been looking into getting the entire frame galvanized

Frans... I only POR15'd a couple of areas that were rusted on the inner fender and the radiator support. I did not use any POR15 on the frame. I did however use a product made by the same company as POR15 called "Marine Clean" on the frame and firewall. It is a biodegradeble degreaser that works like friggin' magic. I have used it on other stuff since then and it is great stuff. :)


What's it like, working on something so clean?:)

Steve... It is sweet. The teardown is my least favorite part of any project just for the reason that it is just a greay dirty mess. This is the fun part. Puttin' all the clean/new stuff back together. :thumbup:

Gary

[Frans]

Thanks Gary. You live in the pacific northwest and it is wet. I live further south of you so it is even drier.

Guys on the east coat galv. their frames but I was questioning that for my re-build. Seems excessive.
If it is good enough for you to not worry about it, it will work for me.

By the way, POR is some messy stuff! I will check into that 'marine clean', been looking for a better product for awhile thanks for the tip.

[GASoline71]

Had to get a little creative with the grinder tonight. To get the vacuum port that the transmission modulator line goes into to clear the rear fuel bowl of the big Holley carb.

No sweat! :thumbup: EZPZ

Gary

[Skwerl]

That works, although why wouldn't you just add an extra gasket or thin spacer between the carb and intake? Last time I messed around with Holley carbs, they had different size risers to go between the carb and intake for the appropriate clearance.

Not questioning your actions, just asking to learn. :)

[GASoline71]

From experience... the more crap you stack under the carb... the bigger chance for a vacuum leak. So I try to keep it as simple as possible... :)

Gary

[fishhuntcutwood]

Cool Gary. Geez, you're some kind of mechanic or something. ;)

[woodworkingboy]

Very nice Gary, to have been away for awhile, then come back and see how the project has progressed. Not to rush you, but looking forward to the vehicles debut.

[Frans]

...Very nice Gary... Not to rush you, but looking forward to the vehicles debut.

:lol: I frequent another site where a guy is re-building a vehicle, and I have to say that I feel the same way. Seeing a project coming together is alot of fun. and I get impatient to see how it all turns out.

One thing I like about your project Gary is that your gonna have a 'sleeper'. Original looking but with some real muscle hidden away in there. Keep up the good work!

[GASoline71]

Thanks you guys... I'm trying to get 'er done soon. I don't want to rush, because thats when mistakes happen. Once again, I know that from experience... :)

Gary

[Frans]

Reminds me of learning the hard way about how to tighten steel bolts into alum. :)

[GASoline71]

Ha! Yep... no gorilla torque needed. Being the size I am, I have to really pay attention to how much I tighten fasteners. I have developed a pretty good "feel" over the years. Stripped out my fair share of aluminum bolt holes.

On the other hand... I got really good at installing heli-coils... ;)

Gary

[Jonseredbred]

From experience... the more crap you stack under the carb... the bigger chance for a vacuum leak. So I try to keep it as simple as possible... :)

Gary

Should have gone with the tunnel ram, would of given you all the hose clearance you need.;)

[GASoline71]

Yeah Andrew... I seriously thought of that... or even an Edelbrock Victor Jr. But I stuck with the Edelbrock RPM Air Gap... a bit more streetable.

:)

Gary

[GASoline71]

Had to get a little creative with a coarse bastard file to get the valve covers to clear the intake runnuers. Since I had the heads shaved the intake sits a little higher. So the aluminum valve covers were leaving a gap where they were hitting the intake runners. Not sealing very well...

Problem solved. :thumbup:

Also I have the power brake booster and master cylinder all spiffed up and mocked in. I will finish bolting it in later tonight... I was going to buy a new booster/cylinder combo... but money is gettin' a little scarce nowadays... this one still works, so I just cleaned it up and painted it. Eventually I will put a new one in there. :)

Gary

[Paul B]

the rat rod continues :D

[RIVERRAT]

I am really liking these project threads.
Its just cool hearing or reading as it is the anticipation & pride of Gary & Carl in their respective builds.

[sotc]

the rat rod continues :D

you mean mouse right?

[stehansen]

I am really liking these project threads.
Its just cool hearing or reading as it is the anticipation & pride of Gary & Carl in their respective builds.

Me too!

[lumberjack]

Looking good Gary!

[GASoline71]

Been busy as all get out... Here are a few shot of 'er...

Got the carb on, headers bolted up and the brake booster/master cylinder all in... the radiator core support isbolted to the frame... and, oh yeah, an aluminum radiator to boot!

:)

Gary

[Skwerl]

Lots of inspiration there, Gary. You're really making me want to try building something like that for myself one day. :)

[darkstar]

Very impressive.
I bet that baby is a cash eating machine , how do you afford it all.
Looks cool and fun.

[GASoline71]

That's why it took me 2 years to even begin this project. Had to rat hole money away. Now that's all gone, and I have stuff kinda nickle and dimin' me.

Gary

[darkstar]

Its defffinatly worth it huh.
Most anybody would give alot to have that baby sitting in their garage.
Nice thread to follow.
Good pics to

[stehansen]

That's a good looking radiator. Are you going to have to make a custom shroud?

[GASoline71]

The stock shroud will work... I just have to get one. The truck did not have one on it when I bought it. :)

Gary

[Paul B]

starting to look smart G, keep it up! :)

[GASoline71]

I wuz at work tonight until 10:30... so when I got home I put an advance kit in the HEI distributor and then tossed it in the engine... I was gonna do plug wires tonight too... but they are custom cut to fit jobbers. I'm tired and need to hit the hay... So this will have to do for tonight.

I took a few pics... one of the advance weights, the HEI distributor now in the truck, a shot from above lookin' into the barrels of that big 750 cfm Holley, and while I was up there... I took another shot of the engine from above.

I'm so close... but yet still so far away... soon. :)

Gary

[Burnham]

Gettin' ready to rock and roll, Gary!

[MasterBlaster]

I sure looks nice. I'd hate to get it dirty!

[GASoline71]

No pics today... but my Dad and I did some work on the hot rod this weekend. Should be ready to fire off very soon... :thumbup:

I will keep ya posted... will have a vid of the thing runnin'. :)

Gary

[Bodean]

Awesome looking, can't wait to hear the vid.

At least, it's more Chevy than ford.

Just Joshing ya.

[Frans]

Nice Gary. Sure like that big 'ol Holley. We just stuck on of those on a guy's boat. Now the boat damm near comes all the way out of the water except for the prop.
Yours is that nice gold color. goes well with the alum. manifold and rocker covers.
Chicks dig that stuff.

[GASoline71]

A lot of these pics kinda look alike of the engine... but there are subtle changes... Like now there are plug wires and all the fluid systems are plumbed. Mounted the alternator and belt too...

All the parts like inner fenders and battery box and stuff are all painted... gonna start puttin' it all back together...

Gary

[Jonseredbred]

Gary did you go with a timing chain or (I hope) did you put a gear drive in it??

We had a 406 in one of our late models with gear drive, nothing beats that whine.

[Bodean]

Hey, I didn't mean to be a heckler, now I'm the backpeddler. :)

though, nothing could take away from that pretty motor.

I like the orange, I ran all edelbrock on my El camino.

[GASoline71]

Gary did you go with a timing chain or (I hope) did you put a gear drive in it??

We had a 406 in one of our late models with gear drive, nothing beats that whine.

No gear drive... just a double roller. :)

Gary

[GASoline71]

IT'S ALIVE!!!

Will post vids later on... headed out the door to a high school soccer game... prolly see vids tomorrow...

Gary

[Burnham]

I knew this was gonna happen...teasing us again :D.

Good for you, Gary!

[fishhuntcutwood]

SUUU-WEEET!!!

[Cobleskill]

It sure is fun breaking in a fresh engine. And then feeling like its broke in enough to see what it will do is fun too!

[stehansen]

What a big tease.

[Al Smith]

It sure is fun breaking in a fresh engine. And then feeling like its broke in enough to see what it will do is fun too! Ease into it for a short period .Use a combo of higher rpm ,mid range etc until the rings are seated --Then run that puppy like you stole it .:)

[GASoline71]

I kicked it over yesterday afternoon for the first time, and it spit and sputtered for a bit. So I gave it more advance and it liked it... however I ended up turning the distributor all the way to where the vacuum advance is now hitting the intake and I can't turn it any further. So I need to pull the distributor and move it over "one tooth" so I can get about 3 more degrees of advance.

I started it again, and kept 'er runnin' by setting the throttle to about 2,000 rpm's and let it go for about 20-30 minutes to break in the cam and lifters, and to start the ring seating process... Good thing I don't have close neigbors... 2,000 rpms with open headers makes a tad bit of noise... :thumbup:

The vid I took yesterday sucked. I was by myself and was holding the camera out of the window kinda trying to point it at the engine. So the vid turned out a little too "herky-jerky". My buddy Matt is gonna stop by later tonight and help me out and take some better video. Then I will put it up on youtube and link it here.

Sorry for the tease... but this thing is gonna be a monster. Paully... that camshaft in there is one "lumpy-dumpy" mo-fo. :)

I'll be back later tonight with some vids!!!

Gary

[Burnham]

Alrighty!!

[Skwerl]

Lookin forward to it, Gary. :D

[woodworkingboy]

Just hitting the sack here, hope to see the beast in the morning.

[Frans]

Al: Use a combo of higher rpm ,mid range etc until the rings are seated


Gary: kept 'er runnin' by setting the throttle to about 2,000 rpm's and let it go for about 20-30 minutes


Well, congrats. Nothing like the feeling of seeing all your hard work pay off!


Al knows what he is talking about. Varying the rpms is essential. What it does is work the cylinder evenly. Holding specific rpms will create a worn part in the cylinder at the top of the stroke. An edge or rim in the cylinder. Not to big of a deal in your case, as the time ran barely let the engine warm up. But still, keep that engine moving through the rpms.

Looking forward to some more pictures, and congrats again buddy.

Were you scared to fire it up for the first time? :)
Many is the time that I got everything bolted up and then hesitated to turn the key- the moment of truth. Did I bolt it up right? Or did I drop a little nut here or there in some essential spot (like inside the piston hole?)

[Paul B]

Cool Gary, looking forward to a bit of near stall idling, accompnied by the vroom vroom of the get up and go rpms... :)

[GASoline71]

Al knows what he is talking about. Varying the rpms is essential. What it does is work the cylinder evenly. Holding specific rpms will create a worn part in the cylinder at the top of the stroke. An edge or rim in the cylinder. Not to big of a deal in your case, as the time ran barely let the engine warm up. But still, keep that engine moving through the rpms.

Looking forward to some more pictures, and congrats again buddy.

Were you scared to fire it up for the first time? :)
Many is the time that I got everything bolted up and then hesitated to turn the key- the moment of truth. Did I bolt it up right? Or did I drop a little nut here or there in some essential spot (like inside the piston hole?)

Runnin' the engine for 20-30 minutes at that RPM is now damn near essential to breaking in camshafts. It had nothing to do with the rings. The oils that are made now days have no zinc in them... so you have to run zinc additives with old school flat tappet cams (like I have). I have seen first hand what happens to cams that have not been broke in with the zinc oil additives. It eats the lobesof the cam and dishes out the lifters... not pretty.

I will finish seating the rings later when the truck is on the road. Runnin' the engine for this short amount of time at a constant rpm does no damage to a new engine... to save my camshaft and lifters it's vital nowadays... this ain't my first rodeo when it comes to all this stuff... lol :)

Yeah... the first turn of the key always has that "butterflies in the stomach" feel to it. You are going through all the mental checklists in your head... but then when it lights off, and everything is hunky-dory... it is very satisfying indeed :)

Gary

[Paul B]

vid. vid. vid. vid. vid. vid.........

[stehansen]

Can't wait Gasoline.

[GASoline71]

Here ya go... Didn't get to do anything else on it today. So here is the cruddy vid I took yesterday. The engine wasn't timed all that great. But you can definately tell it has a radical cam in it... this was the second time I started it... open headers. :evil:

Enjoy... :thumbup:

<object width="425" height="350"> <param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/1K2GeFyDN8M"> </param> <embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/1K2GeFyDN8M" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="425" height="350"> </embed> </object>

Gary

[Paul B]

wicked.

Gary, your hot rod idle is set about 400 rpm too high, the mid idle is good and the gas peddle rev is your call.

Still looking forward to the bumpa bumpa.........BUMPA...bumpa cam noises :D

[GASoline71]

Yeah Paully...It is set waaayyyy too high. Actually I had my foot in it the whole time during this vid holding it there just to keep it runnin'... No choke, and since it was the second time I started it... it was still a little cold blooded... ;)

I have yet to time it and settle it down to curb idle... that vid is comin' soon...

I like it to be around 750 rpms or so at idle...

:)

Gary

[Frans]

Gary: I will finish seating the rings later when the truck is on the road. Runnin' the engine for this short amount of time at a constant rpm does no damage to a new engine... to save my camshaft and lifters it's vital nowadays... this ain't my first rodeo when it comes to all this stuff... lol

Thanks for schooling me on that. I am a mechanic about as much as a fry cook is a chef!

I know how to bolt and unbolt stuff, but dont really know the ins and outs.
Sounds good Gary

[MasterBlaster]

Thatsa gonna be one bad effing truck! :rockon:

[Paul B]

G, sorry, I wasnt serious about the 400rpm high at curb idle, I dont know from cars....(anyone remember Gods must be crazy?). I cant remember exactly where my old camaro idled, I think it was near 650 or 750. I do know that it redlined at 5000.

Neat project, thanks for sharing :)

[GASoline71]

Thanks for schooling me on that. I am a mechanic about as much as a fry cook is a chef!

I know how to bolt and unbolt stuff, but dont really know the ins and outs.
Sounds good Gary


G, sorry, I wasnt serious about the 400rpm high at curb idle, I dont know from cars....(anyone remember Gods must be crazy?). I cant remember exactly where my old camaro idled, I think it was near 650 or 750. I do know that it redlined at 5000.

Neat project, thanks for sharing :)

Hope I didn't come across as a poo-poo head knowitall... :wall:

Paully... from what you have told me about that Camaro you had... it sounds like it was pretty wicked... :)

Gary

[Paul B]

twas a fun and dangerous (to the 19 year old punk that owned it) car but alas its long gone, now that slightly older punk is living vicariously, watching your muscle truck build. :)

[squisher]

Awesome! Next vid, the smokeshow!:D

[stehansen]

It's all about the timing. Nice truck Gary.

[Frans]

Hope I didn't come across as a poo-poo head knowitall...

No, you didn't (at least in my mind)
A little knowledge is a dangerous thing, I have screwed up more mechanical stuff than I care to remember.

Last time was replacing valve stem seals in an old mercedes. I got the parts and thought to myself "hey these things are tiny, must be an easy job". Yea right. The book says a 14 hour job for a professional shop. I got it done in about 8... twice :) 16 total, plus buying the parts double

[GASoline71]

As per Paully's request to hear the "lumpy-dumpy" cam... I have another vid for you'se guys.

Nice wicked idle. Also check out the throttle response. Oh man, I can't wait to get this thing on the street. :)

<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/lwKAGo3P5_8&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/lwKAGo3P5_8&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>

Gary

[MasterBlaster]

Sweet!

[Skwerl]

YEE-HAW! Coming together nicely, Gary. 8)

[GASoline71]

Here is a before and after pic of the engine bay...

Holy cats what a difference!

Gary

[Paul B]

awesome. EXACTLY what I was hoping to hear. what a beast!

very well done big G. Kudos.

:D

I shall listen to that before I go to sleep, what a lullaby!

[woodworkingboy]

I haven't heard a sound like that in many moons, like the last time I was at the drags. Nice work, Gary!

[sotc]

wow, she smooths right out quickly! nice gary

[GASoline71]

Been awhile since I posted pics... Got the BFG Radial T/A tires delivered yesterday... had them mounted today. :thumbup:

P275/60R15's out back, and P245/60R15's in the front.

Mocking up the exhaust now. What you see is all that is gonna be there as far as exhaust goes... my neighbors are gonna really dig me!

Gonna bleed the brakes, mount the hood, and it should be on the road Saturday!!! Keep yer fingers crossed... :)

Gary

[Tree Reb]

Just a single pipe? She's gonna be LOUD. 8)

[GASoline71]

LMAO... I only got to one side tonight... HAHAHA! :lol:

Gary

[MasterBlaster]

Why the different tire sizes, Gary?

[GASoline71]

It gives it a cooler stance Butch. Kinda brings the front end down a bit.

Main drawback is ya can't rotate the tires. But when you don't put many miles on a hot rod... it's usually not that big of a deal... :)

Hot Rodders call 'em "Bigs an' Littles"...

Gary

[fishhuntcutwood]

Awesome! TOTALLY FRIGGIN AWESOME!

[Paul B]

Ha! on my first car, a '75 firebird, it had big radial T/A's on the back and skinny tires on the front, I forget the sizes but if I had to guess I think they were 325/60 on the back and 185 60 on the front, mounted on goofy looking (by todays standards) chrome rims..
One of these days I gotta go find my photo albums...

Gary, maybe a brakestand with the fronts mounted to the rear to scuff them up a bit?:evil::D8)

[MasterBlaster]

It gives it a cooler stance Butch. Kinda brings the front end down a bit.


No shit, people do that? I've always thought that would be a cool thing to do, but I didn't know people actually did it. How much is the diff in inches? I'm not sure if I'm reading those numbers right.

Do people ever put lift kits on the rear to achieve the same effect?

[Thor's Hammer]

Digging the old skool slotmags Gary. This is going to be one cool truck.

[GASoline71]

No shit, people do that? I've always thought that would be a cool thing to do, but I didn't know people actually did it. How much is the diff in inches? I'm not sure if I'm reading those numbers right.

Do people ever put lift kits on the rear to achieve the same effect?

It is probably close to 1 1/2 to 2 inches in height difference...

People do block the back to raise the ass end up... but that is kinda ghetto.

When I was in high school, I knew guys that would put blocks of wood between the axle and the springs to raise the vehicle... now that is ghetto! :lol:


Digging the old skool slotmags Gary. This is going to be one cool truck.

Thanks Ed... looking forward to this thing being done... :thumbup:

Gary

[Skwerl]

No shit, people do that? I've always thought that would be a cool thing to do, but I didn't know people actually did it. How much is the diff in inches? I'm not sure if I'm reading those numbers right.

Do people ever put lift kits on the rear to achieve the same effect?

Butch, there are three numbers in a typical tire size designation. The first number is the tire width, the second is the tire profile (expressed as a percentage of the width) and the third number is the inside diameter (wheel diameter).

P275/60R15's out back, and P245/60R15's in the front.

Gary's rear tires are 275 (something metric) wide, the profile height is 60% of the width and the rim diameter is 15". The front tires are about 11-12% skinnier and about 7% lower profile.

As far as your other questions about whether or not people have ever done this stuff, I assume you were not aware of any muscle cars during the 70s, 80s or 90s. That's ok, some people never look at cars or notice different styling effects.

[MasterBlaster]

People do block the back to raise the ass end up... but that is kinda ghetto.


Getto? It seems the same to me, what's the visual difference? And what if you did BOTH?


I assume you were not aware of any muscle cars during the 70s, 80s or 90s.

Sure, but they usually had obviously larger rear wheels and obviously smaller front tires. I wasn't aware that people did the same thing, but much less obvious. I'm gonna do that next time, just for the cool factor.

[sawinredneck]

The 275 is the tire profile, edge of rim to edge of rim, in mm's.

Never seen the wood blocks, I've seen alum. blocks, shackles on the rear eye of the leaf spring, and who can forget air shocks! Jack it up on Friday, lower it back down Monday morning.

[GASoline71]

What I meant by ghetto... is that it is a way to jack the ass end up in the air and it looks terrible.

The effect I'm getting by runnin' bigs and littles, is that I can still tuck the tires in the fenderwells. When you jack up the suspension, you raise the fenderwell away from the tire. Not the desired effect.

So when I drop the suspension another 2 inches I will still have a slightly lower front end than the rear. :)

Gary

[MasterBlaster]

Thanks for a'splaining!

[GASoline71]

You bet mang... just remember if you do run bigs and littles in radial tires... you can't rotate them. So that can be a PITA for a daily driven vehicle that sees normal tire wear.

Gary

[brendonv]

Or a 4X4!

[lumberjack]

You can rotate a 4x4 eh B? Unless the tire is specific on it's rotation and you don't want to remount them.

Blocks also increase leverage on the spring, which can lead to axle wrap/wheel hop/busted parts. More of an off road kinda problem though.

[brendonv]

You can't have 2 different sized tires on a 4x4, one will fight the other, was what I meant. Kinda like having a different gear set in the front axle, than the back.

Just stating the obvious for a lurker.

[MasterBlaster]

Just stating the obvious for a lurker.


Damn, we have to do that now? :what:

[lumberjack]

You can't have 2 different sized tires on a 4x4, one will fight the other, was what I meant. Kinda like having a different gear set in the front axle, than the back.

Just stating the obvious for a lurker.

Ah, yeah. Different sized tires on a 4x4 is a nogo.

:/:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v639/10mmsheepdog/DSC05029.jpg
Like the tires on my tractor :P

ETA, but yeah, unless the gearing compensates, it's a nogo on most surfaces.

[brendonv]

Ha, shit thats true. Hmm, what am I picturing in my head then? You'd have to have a different ratio in the front then right?

Say the rears are twice as big as the fronts, then everytime the rear axle goes around once, the tires not moving as fast as the front. So wouldn't the fronts want to drag the rears?

[lumberjack]

Yeah, the front axles ratio is alot higher than the rears, but it works out to the same with the different sized tires.

With a rear tire bigger than the front, with the same gearing, the rear would push the front.

[Paul B]

I have seen shackle lifts too, I did that on the rear of my forerunner as the leafs had begun to sag under wear and tear.

Buddy of mine in highschool did the shackle lift on his older dodge dart, looked dumbass.

[stehansen]

Looking good Gary!!

[GASoline71]

Well... the truck is pretty much done for now... it's all stuff like a tach, some interior stuff, lowering it 2", posi-traction with 3.73's, and a small list of other stuff.

I am glad I got to share this build up with you guys. It has taken me almost 2 years to get this thing to this stage... It is driveable and hauls ass... I will put up a couple more youtube vids up soon, along with the rest of the stuff I do to it. Thanks for all the nice comments... :)

There will be more to come...

Here it is... engine and tranny broke in, and finally outside of the shop and posin'! :thumbup:

Gary

[squisher]

Awesome man!!!! Man I'd love to do a brakestand with that thing!!!!!!:D

[MasterBlaster]

Paint job time!!!

[squisher]

Primer.:evil:

[Paul B]

nice Gary!

[stehansen]

Are you going to drive it to work?

[GASoline71]

Are you going to drive it to work?

I drove it to work today Steve... :)

Gonna drive it to work tomorrow too...

Gary

[stehansen]

Sweet! I'm assuming the girls (your daughters) like it also?

[blue]

lookin sweet;)

whats it sounding like with an exhaust on it now? sounded like a top fueler on tickover in the vid:O

[fishhuntcutwood]

BADAZZZZZZZZ!

[sotc]

cool gary!

[woodworkingboy]

Glad you got it done, Gary, looks super good. Just maybe needs a hood ornament.

[MasterBlaster]

That looks like something the president of NAMBLA might have. :/:

[woodworkingboy]

Had to look up NAMBLA.... :|:

[MasterBlaster]

Most people have to...

[Al Smith]

Had to look up NAMBLA.... :|: Me too --yuck and double yuck .eeew.:(

[MasterBlaster]

Ain't that something else? South Park did a hilarious episode on it.