Alright, I've decided it's time to start my own build thread. It'll be another one of those "slow builds" as I can only work on it as time/funds permit.
Background: I sold my 1988 GMC and decided I needed to lay off of the projects for a while. About a month later A friend of mine took a 1971 Chevy short step as a down payment on a Tahoe he was selling. He knew I wouldn't be able to say no so he offered it up for 1500.00 which I still feel was a good deal. My intention was to fix a few bugs and drive it for a while as it was tagged inspected and streetable but we all know how that goes...
I only have a couple pics before the work started.
1988 GMC
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v412/BACKYARD88/004.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v412/BACKYARD88/MVC-007S.jpg
Orange when I got it(crappy cell phone pics)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v412/BACKYARD88/LOOP/19711.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v412/BACKYARD88/ORANGE/19712.jpg

I installed some Autometer gauges in the factory dash bezel shortly after getting the truck. The hood had a riveted on fiberglass cowl so I swapped it for what turned out to be a beat up hood:( without a cowl.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v412/BACKYARD88/ORANGE/MVC-032S-1.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v412/BACKYARD88/ORANGE/MVC-031S.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v412/BACKYARD88/ORANGE/MVC-030S-1.jpg

Wow, at least you got that cool wood steering wheel, and it's only got 32 miles on it. WHAT A STEAL.....

After driving in the rain for the first time I found out the windshield leaked and dripped on me. I knew there was some rust around the windshield si I decided to pull it out and fix it so I could drive without getting wet. Wrong decision. Once I got the windshield out I found more rust than I thought would be there. One of the POs had filled the drip well with bondo either to fix the rust or create a more sleek/stylish look:rolleyes: but all it did was create more rust. This is what I found,
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v412/BACKYARD88/ORANGE/MVC-032S-2.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v412/BACKYARD88/ORANGE/MVC-050S.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v412/BACKYARD88/ORANGE/MVC-036S-1.jpg
I decided to go ahead and try to repair it, I needed the practice anyhow. I got most of it taken care of and then pulled the rear window:help: , after that I gave up on this cab.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v412/BACKYARD88/ORANGE/MVC-047S.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v412/BACKYARD88/ORANGE/MVC-056S.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v412/BACKYARD88/ORANGE/MVC-053S.jpg
More to come after I fix dinner and eat!:metal:

The truck sat for a few months while I decided what to do with it. Finally I decided to go ahead and prep the frame for air ride. I pulled everything off that wasn't bolted or riveted on. My quick windshield repair ended up looking like this.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v412/BACKYARD88/ORANGE/parts.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v412/BACKYARD88/ORANGE/MVC-011S-1.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v412/BACKYARD88/ORANGE/MVC-012S-1.jpg
Then I got a sweet deal on a cab from shaneschevys so I went to Ft. Worth and picked it up. I couldn't wait so I threw it on the frame for the heck of it.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v412/BACKYARD88/ORANGE/cab.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v412/BACKYARD88/ORANGE/MVC-046S-1.jpg

I sectioned the crossmember 1 1/4 inches while I was saving for some more parts. I forgot to take pics of that part so I'll post some later. Last week I disassembled the bed so it wouldn't take up as muck space.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v412/BACKYARD88/ORANGE/MVC-039S.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v412/BACKYARD88/ORANGE/MVC-041S-1.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v412/BACKYARD88/ORANGE/MVC-043S-1.jpg

looking good.. i liked the size of that cowl hood.. why you ditch it?

Now that I've gotten you all caught up (that was a years worth of progress:crazy: ) heres where I'm at now. I ordered a Thorbecke Brothers four link and two slam RE7s two weeks ago and they are supposed to arrive tomorrow. I went out last night and cut the spring perches off of the axle, removed the shock crossmember, and got the right side of the notch built and started welding it in. I plan to get the rest of the notch built tomorrow and start on the four link Tuesday. I hope the progress from here on out goes faster than the first year:rolleyes: . I just realized my phone takes better pics than my camera.:lol:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v412/BACKYARD88/ORANGE/MVC-042S.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v412/BACKYARD88/ORANGE/MVC-041S.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v412/BACKYARD88/ORANGE/MVC-043S.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v412/BACKYARD88/ORANGE/MVC-050S-1.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v412/BACKYARD88/ORANGE/MVC-052S.jpg

looking good.. i liked the size of that cowl hood.. why you ditch it?

The size was OK, but it was riveted on. The bondo was cracking and the hood was rusting on the underside where the rivets went through. The hood I swapped for wasn't any better though:rolleyes: .

Made some more progress last night. I was disappointed Monday when all that showed up was the bags so I didn't work on the truck at all, went out to eat instead:metal: . Last night I built the other side of the notch and got it welded in(not finished welding yet) and cut out the section under the notch. I called suicidedoors and they say the four link should go out sometime this week. I went by today and picked up a sheet of plate to do some reinforcing and box the frame around the notch. Hopefully I'll get started on that tonight.
Edit: Anyone know how I can add a "T" to project on my title?
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v412/BACKYARD88/ORANGE/bags.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v412/BACKYARD88/ORANGE/bag.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v412/BACKYARD88/ORANGE/notch4.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v412/BACKYARD88/ORANGE/notch1.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v412/BACKYARD88/ORANGE/notch3.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v412/BACKYARD88/ORANGE/notch2.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v412/BACKYARD88/ORANGE/section.jpg

Lookin good man!

go back to your first post and hit edit then when that comes up hit edit again and you'll be able to change it.

also is it me or does the right side look in more?

looks great
seeing your progress is getting mw more motivated i am going to spen a few hours out at the shop tonight after work

cant wait to see how things go

go back to your first post and hit edit then when that comes up hit edit again and you'll be able to change it.

also is it me or does the right side look in more?

Thanks for the edit info. As far as the right side being in more it looks like that to me in the pic too. I measured over and over from all different angles and it all comes out perfect so I'm hoping it's just the way I was standing when I took the pic. I'm going to measure some more before I finish weld and brace it all up just to make sure though.

I'm sure it will be a sight to behold when its done.

Finally some progress to report. Saturday I made a trip to Ft Worth through Greenville and Dallas. I picked up a step bed, hood, chrome vent windows, and a frame horn to repair my cracked one. Sunday I welded on some bracing on my notch and boxed the section of frame in front of the notch for a little added security.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v412/BACKYARD88/ORANGE/reinf1.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v412/BACKYARD88/ORANGE/reinf2.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v412/BACKYARD88/ORANGE/box.jpg
Monday my four-link arrived so I went home and bolted the fenders on my newly acquired bed and got it lined up and bolted on. Then I got the rear end all centered up.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v412/BACKYARD88/ORANGE/linkparts.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v412/BACKYARD88/ORANGE/rearbed.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v412/BACKYARD88/ORANGE/sidebed.jpg
Tonight I plan to start getting the four-link put together and installed. I hope to have the rear metal work done by this weekend.

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c263/normb_1983/1034709919_s.gif

GR8 progess. I'm tuned in. Look like some bigger wheels would look good on there now. RJ22

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c263/normb_1983/1034709919_s.gif

Just realized I can't move the pics to a different sub album without editing the link.

Here's where I'm at so far. Got the four link in and one bag mount welded up. I couldn't mount the bags on the lower bars where I originally wanted them due to clearance issues so I moved them over the axle. Not as much lift but it was the only choice I had. I'm going to do the other bag mount tonight and then it's on to the front.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v412/BACKYARD88/ORANGE/IMAGE_161.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v412/BACKYARD88/ORANGE/IMAGE_160.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v412/BACKYARD88/ORANGE/IMAGE_159.jpg

NICE, I like that 4-link setup!

Got the other bracket on last night. I will turn the truck around and start on the Z this weekend!
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v412/BACKYARD88/ORANGE/IMAGE_162.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v412/BACKYARD88/ORANGE/IMAGE_163.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v412/BACKYARD88/ORANGE/IMAGE_166.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v412/BACKYARD88/ORANGE/IMAGE_164.jpg

A little progress this weekend. First I cleaned up all of the mess/tools from the four link install. Then I pulled the cab for easier access to do the frame Z.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v412/BACKYARD88/ORANGE/IMAGE_167.jpg
Here's a shot of the 1.25 inch sectioned crossmember.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v412/BACKYARD88/ORANGE/IMAGE_168.jpg
Next I cleaned the frame and marked for the Z.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v412/BACKYARD88/ORANGE/IMAGE_170.jpg
Then, I wacked it off with a sawzall and grinder and tacked it back together. I still have to plate the sides.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v412/BACKYARD88/ORANGE/IMAGE_174.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v412/BACKYARD88/ORANGE/IMAGE_175.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v412/BACKYARD88/ORANGE/IMAGE_173.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v412/BACKYARD88/ORANGE/IMAGE_176.jpg
My body mount kit also came in from GMCPauls so I can get the cab bolted on and see how much I need to drop the cab mounts.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v412/BACKYARD88/ORANGE/IMAGE_178.jpg

Damn you do good work and fast! How many times have you done this?

Thanks for the compliment. This is the third time I've bagged one of my personal vehicles but I've probably done ten or so total. As far as the speed, I'm glad it seems fast for you cause it seems like it's taking forever for me:lol: Right now I only get to work on it for a few hours a week in the evening(hence all of the dark pics) and one day on the weekend(family time the other day).

I've had my '69 for about 6 months and the most I've gotten done is a used engine installed and swapped the rear 6 lug to 5. Your super quick!

I'm moving through this pretty quickly, when it's time to start spending some real money progress will come to a screeching halt:lol:

Tell me about it. I'm about ready to sell plasma to fund my front disc.:agree:

looks good keep it up.

what kinda setup you gonna run in the back to keep the rear centered.

The triangulated four link centers itself, that's the only reason I went this route. A parallel four link is much easier to set up but I didn't want my rear end kicking over with a pan hard and I think a watts link is too bulky. This way I have four bars, two bags and that's it.

Made a little more progress. I forgot to take some pics of the plates after I welded them on to the Z :rolleyes: but I did, in fact, weld them on. I bolted the cab and front suspension on to see what kind of clearance I had between the pinch weld and the ground before I dropped the cab mounts.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v412/BACKYARD88/ORANGE/IMAGE_180.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v412/BACKYARD88/ORANGE/IMAGE_186.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v412/BACKYARD88/ORANGE/IMAGE_184.jpg
There was only a half inch or so of clearance so I decided to stick the bed on also and check just in case:gi:. Good thing I did, there's only about 1/4 inch with the bed on so I won't be doing a body drop:Own: My steps sit flat on the ground and I don't want to go hacking up a bunch of sheet metal for an extra inch:but:, this is a driver so I don't think it'll be necessary.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v412/BACKYARD88/ORANGE/IMAGE_188.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v412/BACKYARD88/ORANGE/IMAGE_187.jpg
I think I might do a little body work and give the frame a rest for a while. I'm getting tired of cutting and welding:crazy: More to come...

Nice project and nice cab. Where did you find the cab?

Looking good and low! One question that has me thinking is the way you Z'd the frame. After you made your first cut did you then take out a small section of the frame before welding it back together? Reaseon I ask is because it looks like if you did not then your frame just grew about 1 1/2" because of the angle cut and sliding the frame up to get your drop. I hope this makes sence.

Kevin
LFD Inc.

I did cut it at an angle. I did it to move the tire to the center of the wheel well. I'm going to section an inch out of the frame directly in front of the gear box to bring the core support back to where it needs to be. I was wondering if anyone would notice.:cool:

Nice project and nice cab. Where did you find the cab?
Thanks! I got it from a member here, shaneschevys, in Ft Worth. He's a great guy and has helped me out a lot.

No real progress to report, just test fitting some body panels.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v412/BACKYARD88/ORANGE/IMAGE_194.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v412/BACKYARD88/ORANGE/IMAGE_195.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v412/BACKYARD88/ORANGE/IMAGE_196-1.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v412/BACKYARD88/ORANGE/IMAGE_197.jpg

looks great so far...when i first started reading this one, i was like man that notch is huge, but with the bed on it looked ok..thought maybe you were trying to put it under the ground..lol..good work..

what did you take out of the cab mounts.

Looks like the hood fit needs some work. :lol:

looks nice... good job

what did you take out of the cab mounts.
Factory style cab mounts from GMCPauls. I thought I was going to have to lower the mounts on the frame but with everything bolted down I can't get my fingers under the pinch weld and that's low enough for me.

Looks like the hood fit needs some work. :lol:
I decided I'd rather have a cab visor than a hood:lol:

any new updates on this?

any new updates on this?

Not yet. My wife got rear ended so I've been working on her truck (see rear ended:()it as well as lifting a Blazer for a customer and building a winch bumper for my Dad's Samauri. Hopefully when I get back from the meet in Missouri I'll have some time to get back on it.:gi:

ttt to go to builds section. I got some new parts in too, look for updates in the next week or so:sexy:

ttt to go to builds section. I got some new parts in too, look for updates in the next week or so:sexy:


About time... I was about ready to doze off...;) J/K

LockDoc

About time... I was about ready to doze off...;) J/K

LockDoc

It's killing me to not work on it but there's been so much going on I haven't had much free time. I did manage to get the gearbox section of frame replaced(holes torn out) but don't have any pics yet.

good looking progress, keep pluging away, eventually it will get done

Nice Job! ....so thats "Z-ing" the frame!

Little bit of an update. All of the stuff to install and plumb the suspension(except for shocks) is in. I'll worry about tanks and compressors after all of the fab work is done. I've got enough to get it on air for now.
1983 C10 front cont control arms
8" pipe for bag pockets
Slam RE7s
Parker 3/8" valves
Stainless 1/2" lines and fittings
1/2" leader hoses for front bags
FBI digital air gage

I got the broken part of the frame replaced and the front horns moved down, back, and tacked in place. I should make some good progress this weekend.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v412/BACKYARD88/ORANGE/IMAGE_055.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v412/BACKYARD88/ORANGE/IMAGE_054.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v412/BACKYARD88/ORANGE/IMAGE_053.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v412/BACKYARD88/ORANGE/IMAGE_052.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v412/BACKYARD88/ORANGE/IMAGE_051.jpg

Made a little progress this weekend. Got the control arm bag pockets finished, the upper plates built and hooked them up for a quick test.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v412/BACKYARD88/ORANGE/MVC-025S.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v412/BACKYARD88/ORANGE/MVC-028S.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v412/BACKYARD88/ORANGE/IMAGE_056.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v412/BACKYARD88/ORANGE/IMAGE_058.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v412/BACKYARD88/ORANGE/IMAGE_061.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v412/BACKYARD88/ORANGE/IMAGE_057.jpg

I pulled it back inside and removed the cab and bed, again.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v412/BACKYARD88/ORANGE/IMAGE_059.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v412/BACKYARD88/ORANGE/IMAGE_060.jpg
I rolled the frame back out, pressure washed the suspension and got it back inside. I tore all of the suspension back off for a final cleaning and painting. I flipped the frame over to finish weld the underside. Hopefully over this week I'll have all of the suspension cleaned, painted, reinstalled and plumbed.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v412/BACKYARD88/ORANGE/IMAGE_062.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v412/BACKYARD88/ORANGE/IMAGE_063.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v412/BACKYARD88/ORANGE/IMAGE_064.jpg

Started cleaning up suspension parts and installing them on the frame this week. I'll have some more pics after this weekend, here's a few of one of the control arms finished up and clearanced for the steering and one of a cleaned and painted spindle.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v412/BACKYARD88/ORANGE/IMAGE_124.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v412/BACKYARD88/ORANGE/IMAGE_126-1.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v412/BACKYARD88/ORANGE/IMAGE_127-1.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v412/BACKYARD88/ORANGE/IMAGE_125-1.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v412/BACKYARD88/ORANGE/IMAGE_128-1.jpg

wow, don't know how i kept missing this thread! It's looking really good, Mike.

Dude, lets see the new front on this puppy !!!

It's gonna be a while, I can't bolt it to the bare frame:lol:

:lol: :rolleyes:

damn sweet truck finally took the time to catch up on it!

Dang, I need all that bag equipment you have. I will have to wait on all that for a while till the funds catch up with me. Keep it up.

I will have to wait on all that for a while till the funds catch up with me. Keep it up.

I know the feeling:(

why is the tip of one side of each a-arm trimmed off? Was there a clearance issue there?

That part of the arm was contacting the pitman arm on the drivers side and the idler arm on the passengers side because of the crossmember section. I don't think there would be an issue with the 67-72 style arms as they aren't as wide as the newer models.

Few new pics but nothing much to write about. Maybe something after this weekend:rolleyes:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v412/BACKYARD88/ORANGE/4L2.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v412/BACKYARD88/ORANGE/4L1.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v412/BACKYARD88/ORANGE/4L3.jpg

I just don't understand why anybody would want to screw up a perfectly good truck by driving it so low













































lol JK

nice!!!

Mike, we need an update dude !!!

Update: There is no update:D. Actually, here's the story. I've been considering resetting my rear end so I can run a 20" wheel. I happened to run across a 9" disc rear out of a Linclon the other day for 15.00. I'm going to change my upper bars and bag/shock brackets for more lift and the ability to run a taller tire and change over to the 9" in the process. I should be able to do some work on it this weekend.

Your truck is comming along real nice.I was wondering how tall the 8" tube was that You grafted into Your lower a arm?What did You use to make the round holes? did You cut Your own bottoms out or buy them pre cut?Do You think I could get away with grafting Mine 3".The reason I ask is i already have 8" tube cut into 3" slices?Did You work through Your steering yet?Thanks for Your help.

Yes, 3" is what I did. On the bottom plates I cut my own and drilled a hole in the center for the bag. I bolted the bag to the plate and then tacked it to the bottom of the tube that way I could get the bag centered perfectly in the opening since there isn't much room to play with.

As far as I remember we both did our cups 3" deep

You can also read my build thread, as I have a link in it to how I did mine

Though I'd give a little update. Been busy at work alot latley so I'm a little behind. I got the F@rd rear end in and most of the metal work finished up on the rear. I don't have any pics of it finished but hopefully I can get some this weekend after work. Here's a few after getting the bars welded up.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v412/BACKYARD88/IMAGE_424.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v412/BACKYARD88/IMAGE_427.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v412/BACKYARD88/IMAGE_428.jpg

Looks good mang !!!

Refresh my memory if you will, what was the ride height you're shooting for, are you running drop spindles, did you section your X-member & how much did you Z the front

Just trying to get a feel for what Ima do on my black truck

The frame should be about 3.5" off off the slab at ride height. I did a 3" Z and 1.25" c/member section. I'll have to run drop spindles with 20s but not with the current 17s.

Thanks

Got a little update. I took some pictures of the frame work that's been finished for a couple weeks now:rolleyes:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v412/BACKYARD88/ORANGE/MVC-035S.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v412/BACKYARD88/ORANGE/MVC-037S-2.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v412/BACKYARD88/ORANGE/MVC-038S-1.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v412/BACKYARD88/ORANGE/line1.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v412/BACKYARD88/ORANGE/lthorn.jpg