Well...I don't beleive it, but I actually have time in between customers rides to do something for my-self !!! :metal: :)

Just pulled the 78 Caddy 'HOPPER' off my lift, and rack'd the "CHIEF"

Stay tuned for PICS.....Here's the latest pics....

http://i19.tinypic.com/3yp1usl.jpg
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http://i9.tinypic.com/498edm9.jpg
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http://i7.tinypic.com/2mmtso9.jpg

See ya soon !!

John

Looking good ! Did you lower it some more?

Looking nice

That's a nice truck. where you at in Sj 'Rocka? I think I might've seen you about town.

That's a nice truck. where you at in Sj 'Rocka? I think I might've seen you about town.

San Jose has a good amount of old trucks NICE !

sweet i like it

That's a nice truck. where you at in Sj 'Rocka? I think I might've seen you about town.


I drive it to and from my shop...usually down thru Monterey Rd, Market, then coleman.

I'm also down Santa Clara St....28th & Shortridge...my stomp'n grounds...AKA 'playas club'

John

i love the truck what are the future plans? must be nice to start with something that appears to be rust free i wish that was the case out here on the right coast!!

Looking good ! Did you lower it some more?

No, so far its the same height. Thats all going to be ripped out. The coils were heated from the previous owner. :no: :crazy:

John

Looking good ! Did you lower it some more?

i love the truck what are the future plans? must be nice to start with something that appears to be rust free i wish that was the case out here on the right coast!!

Thanks. Well its on the lift right now. Draining all the fluids, in preperation to yank the engine. The engine runs really well (Kragen 350, w/ 2brl carb)....It just needs a resealing and a 'Krylon' rebuilt.

While it's out, I'm adding a COMP cam (cam,lifters,springs,chain), 4-brl intake, HEI, center dump heads, new valve covers, basically just clean it up little. Steam clean the engine compartment and paint it. I'm retaining the stock 3-speed.....:metal:

After it's back in, I'll install a new exhaust system.

The body will remain in primer, later I will re-do it in mabey the Blitz black or something. This was just rattle can for now.

Later I will give the suspension a taste of my expertize....Full air-ride, HI-PSI, fast stuff !!!

I'll keep the pics coming !!!! Keep checking back for updates !!!!

John

I drive it to and from my shop...usually down thru Monterey Rd, Market, then coleman.

I'm also down Santa Clara St....28th & Shortridge...my stomp'n grounds...AKA 'playas club'

John

I bet I have seen you around then - I commute through that area quite a bit. Your truck does look familiar. Good stuff.

Its good to see someone else from San Jose, I am building the same truck right now!

sick sick sick truck!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! mine looks a lot like yours, And I'm also trying to find a cheap but reliable bag setup, pondered hydro's but don't want my pretty wood bed hidden by a bunch of batteries!! good to see some other rats in here..............CARRY ON!!!!!!!!

sick sick sick truck!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! mine looks a lot like yours, And I'm also trying to find a cheap but reliable bag setup, pondered hydro's but don't want my pretty wood bed hidden by a bunch of batteries!! good to see some other rats in here..............CARRY ON!!!!!!!!

There is many different ways to go about suspension. I like bags...then again theres nothing like the sound of a hydro pump spool'n up !!

If you go bags...I would run an EDC...thats the only way to go. That way you won't have the noisey comp run'n all the time.

With hydraulics...all you would need is like 4 batterys. They can be installed UNDER the bed. Suspension is my bag. I've been doing custom show installs since I was 16...I'm almost over the hill now :lol: (not really, but)

If you have any questions...feal free to ask !!!!

John

bags and draggin!!! sounds like what i am doing cant wait to see the progress

bags and draggin!!! sounds like what i am doing cant wait to see the progress



:metal: :metal: :agree: :agree: :metal: :metal:

http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q290/ruelas53/METH_INTRO.gif
nice truckkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkk

"EDC" is that when you have the compressor hooked up to the motor????

nice ride...looks a lot like mine..need to post some pics one of these days..

Man, I love those fat white walls

With all the talk about suspension I thought I would lay it on the rockers.

Pulled the engine this morning.....

http://i9.tinypic.com/2j44y75.jpg
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http://i3.tinypic.com/2lu3pl1.jpg
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http://i7.tinypic.com/2mcyee1.jpg
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Ripped out old exhaust system...
http://i8.tinypic.com/35irqqp.jpg

A few more pics....this was one greasy engine and engine bay !!!!

http://i11.tinypic.com/4d6auro.jpg
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http://i6.tinypic.com/3ywbub7.jpg
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http://i12.tinypic.com/2s6a2cz.jpg
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http://i10.tinypic.com/2wly2it.jpg
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http://i13.tinypic.com/4c3im3d.jpg
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http://i12.tinypic.com/43c56j8.jpg

Hella of a greasy tranny !!

http://i9.tinypic.com/30v0g8l.jpg
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http://i10.tinypic.com/47984z8.jpg
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http://i1.tinypic.com/4d5dlbr.jpg

More soon....

John

"EDC" is that when you have the compressor hooked up to the motor????

Yes..."EngineDrivenCompressor"


John

With all the talk about suspension I thought I would lay it on the rockers.

Nice photo work !!!!! Eventually !!!

John

http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q290/ruelas53/METH_INTRO.gif
nice truckkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkk

YEah...this is my forum !!!! Go back to Lay-it-low !!!!

:lol: :lol: :lol:

J/K.....That pic is spooky !!!

Who is that ??

You know who he reminds me of, right ??

John

My buddy d_cheese ran the block and head casting numbers on this Krahen rebuilt 350...and we found some good and bad news.

The block is a 4-bolt 350, but the heads are small CC heads used from 75-79 small CI V-8's 262-305 used in Monzas (****ty as can be!!) These will not work with cam I want to drop in.

I'm trying to score some Camel-hump heads right now. Once I get these heads...cheese can order me up the correct springs.

More pics soon.


John

OK...I'm back. Just scored some 202 heads from a nice fella off Craiglist. Ready to go !! Check it out.....

http://i5.tinypic.com/48hia7r.jpg
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http://i5.tinypic.com/2lwt37q.jpg

Aren't those NICE !!!

I degreased the engine, now I'm ready to reseal it, and throw it back together.

The guy who gave me this truck told me it didn't run much after the new engine. You can still see the tops of the pistons and the hone marks.

http://i5.tinypic.com/2ajwdvt.jpg
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http://i15.tinypic.com/498ik52.jpg
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http://i9.tinypic.com/2d8rvpx.jpg

Last one for today.....

Here are the SUPER-FLOW 305 heads that came off

Later

John


http://i5.tinypic.com/3z68ie9.jpg

That's a great looking truck. Rat rods rule.

:agree:

Thats not grease. It just General Motors engine bay rust proofing. :lol:

o yea, well then mine will never rust cause my engine compartment is covered. im fixin to do the same thing to my truck, reseal, krylon treatment, new 4bbl intake and carb, HEI, cleaning!!!! anyways, great job and very nice work.

:agree:

Thats not grease. It just General Motors engine bay rust proofing. :lol:


You know it works darn good too !!!!:lol:



o yea, well then mine will never rust cause my engine compartment is covered. im fixin to do the same thing to my truck, reseal, krylon treatment, new 4bbl intake and carb, HEI, cleaning!!!! anyways, great job and very nice work.



Thanks....the Chief has been put on hold for about 2 to 3 days...Installing a Painless kit on a 68 NOVA.......This is a quick and easy $2500 !!!!

Gotta do it !!!

MOre pics hopefully in a week or so....

John

OK the Nova is done....my customer had me fab up some bucket seat mounts while the car was here...did those last night.

I only have a week to get the engine back in the truck...and get it out of the way. I have another major project thats coming....father-n-laws 69 Stingray.

One of a kind (I think) 630 HP LS7 (07 ZO6 engine, modified) and 6-speed conversion.

That will take up most of my time for the next couple of months I guess.

I want to build up my suspension as well...just have no time....I will be there in September though.....

Pics soon...

John

you sir are one busy man !

Tell me about it.....

Well I'm back with a few more pics. I threw my 202's on and went with RED engine paint.....

http://i19.tinypic.com/30sjajs.jpg
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http://i19.tinypic.com/29e5fzc.jpg
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http://i18.tinypic.com/43hdkw6.jpg
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http://i15.tinypic.com/44umypx.jpg
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http://i16.tinypic.com/34djvpf.jpg

Thats it for now....the engine actually already has the intake, pan and dist. on. More pics hopefully tonight...

John

That looks great John, you do good work!

nice , what type of headers, is there room to put a socket on the spark plugs , I have a 72 nova that is a pain to change plugs...

Here'a a few more pics.....

http://i17.tinypic.com/2qiv7d4.jpg
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http://i19.tinypic.com/2mdkqgy.jpg

These are the valve covers that are going on the engine....

Big thanks to my buddy Rich from the Speed Merchant.....
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http://i19.tinypic.com/40646s6.jpg

nice , what type of headers, is there room to put a socket on the spark plugs , I have a 72 nova that is a pain to change plugs...

Should be no problem on the plugs...as far as type...its a center dump.

72 Nova ? COOL...I have a 71 SS.


Well it's obviously taken me longer than what my previous post said of a week to get it back together....

My next customer is being patient (father-n-law).....:rolleyes:


Just built an adapter to use my VW Type 1 towbar on the truck...

Hopefully will be able to tow it tommorow to San Jose Steam Clean to remove all the 'GM Rust-Proofing'.....:lol:

I wish I had the time to do it right...and drop the frame on this thing.....

OH well

John

looking good!!! Man the valve covers are awesome.....

the sight of you motor makes me all warmy and fuzzy on the inside!

Me too...:lol:

Got it looking good Chief!!

That looks great John, you do good work!

Thanks.....

Got it looking good Chief!!

Thanks again guys

John

i like it, i like it alot!!!!!!! very nice work.

Nice score on the heads. What size cam is going in? You going to have the rocker studs threaded?

I wasn't planning on threading the studs...ya think it'll be ok?? Im running a 480 lift comp cam.




John

Ok..here we go I am back on my truck FINALLY !!! I took it to San Jose Steam Cleaners yesterday afternoon.....HERE ARE SOME PICS !!!!

http://i12.tinypic.com/4hhk6xs.jpg
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http://i13.tinypic.com/2s820e8.jpg
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Even though the black primer hides alot...I just realized this thing need a lot of bodywork....Never had it on a lift outside in the sun.
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http://i13.tinypic.com/2aaekok.jpg
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http://i9.tinypic.com/2wod27b.jpg
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http://i3.tinypic.com/30kd9bs.jpg
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...alot of body work....:o :o....I can't complaint the truck was FREE...overall, not too bad.....
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http://i9.tinypic.com/29krr0x.jpg
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Here's some after shots...look closely at the Custom Lowered Spring !!! :lol: :lol:
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http://i9.tinypic.com/2mp040z.jpg
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http://i9.tinypic.com/4hlcz6t.jpg
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http://i7.tinypic.com/308irn8.jpg
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and the last one...kinda like the OG color....
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http://i10.tinypic.com/2h4vlas.jpg

John

A lot of bodywork is usually referred to as "character". I really dig the look of your truck as it is, even with all of the "character".

Basically I had the undercarriage (from tranny forward) and the engine bay done.

There were CLUMPS falling off of that darn thing !!! He was bitch'n the whole time....I guess he figures he under-quoted me.

Anyway...it is 98% better than what it was.

As soon as I get my flywheel resurfaced, and get some paint going...the engine will be back in !!!!

John

A lot of bodywork is usually referred to as "character". I really dig the look of your truck as it is, even with all of the "character".

My truck will get the "Grammy" for best character!!!!!!!!!!!!


Thanks man


JOHN

...look closely at the Custom Lowered Spring !!! :lol: :lol:
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I have made a few of those "custom" springs in my day.:rolleyes:

The best was a '69 chevy I got from a guy and he cut the rear springs to lower it, therefore it just floated there.:crazy:

I have made a few of those "custom" springs in my day.:rolleyes:

The best was a '69 chevy I got from a guy and he cut the rear springs to lower it, therefore it just floated there.:crazy:

Yeap...I've done many !!!

$50 to lower your car that way...no dissasembly..just sick the torch thru the wheel well !! :rolleyes:

or $150-$200 to disassemble and cut....What is the kid gonna choose ??

:lol:

John

Hey John did you find an older hood? I know you mentioned you wanted one.

Hey Chief
awesome photos, nice little mouse motor, It sure would be nice to have one of those inground hoists, No crawling around.Your truck looked good before you started ripping it apart, I can't wait to see it finished.

Ang

Hey John did you find an older hood? I know you mentioned you wanted one.

Yeah...as a matter of fact Slepy turn me on to a link on Craigslist...I emailed him couple days ago....He finallly replyed....theres what looks like a complete 61 at a nearby wrecking yard.

Gonna check it out soon...hopefully still there....

John

Hey Chief
awesome photos, nice little mouse motor, It sure would be nice to have one of those inground hoists, No crawling around.Your truck looked good before you started ripping it apart, I can't wait to see it finished.

Ang

Thanks, Ang.....

I enjoy my two-post very much !!!

Well, the look wont change much.....gonna re-paint with the real stuff (primer/Blitz)...and paint more of the roof white.

Thats about it......

I can't wait to see it finished too !!!! :metal:

Have a good day guys...I'm off to the shop......

John

hey i really like the work your doin. keep it up. cant wait to see er finished.
John

Sweeeeeeet !!! great job

Nice job John! I'm gonna have to hire you one of these days!

It's funny, the guy I bought my truck off of did the same thing with the coils, it's one of my many projects I'll have to take care of.

Thanks for keep us updated! Great photo's!

Ray

looks good so your also part of the drum brake club!! ha ha

ha ha thats cute!!!!!!! someone thinks their clever!!!

My truck will get the "Grammy" for best character!!!!!!!!!!!!


Thanks man


JOHN

I'll vote for it!!!

62shortstep I PM'd you.

Thanks to ALL here for the compliments !!!!!

Here is a few from this evening......

I must of welded up....no joke...35-40 holes in the engine compartment....

I'm not trying to go show, just cleaning up some un-used holes. I also need a new grommet for the clutch rod....when I got the truck, it had major exhaust leaks, so it was extremely noise in the truck....Now it will all be nice. My kids love the truck, so I don't need any 'fumes' in the cab !!

Few pics....

http://i9.tinypic.com/4fvnn84.jpg
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(I knew I should of worn my hat....so thats what the wife been making fun of !!:rolleyes: )
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http://i10.tinypic.com/2uojmhi.jpg
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....there isn't really time right now for body-off, so I just have to make the best of it....1st coat of primer/satin
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BEFORE.......
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http://i5.tinypic.com/2afipn6.jpg
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AFTER.....
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http://i14.tinypic.com/47xrvci.jpg


John

So what's that little thing floating in the engine bay ???

Oh thats the BEEFY master cylinder !!!:crazy:

That single line crap has got to go soon.....All my rubber lines were changed as well as the wheel-cylinders...for now...that will have to do.

Yes...I am part of the Drum Brake CLUB !!!! :metal:

John

I wish I had the resources to do all the stuff your doing.

Awesome work man, keep up the good work, can't wait to see it finished. The Chief is an inspiration.

So are you going to thread your rocker studs? I wouldn't think it would be necessary, but I probably would do it just for peace of mind, but I don't know what i'm talking about, lol.

I am thinking about it......Thanks again

John