Re: Project "Keeper"
 

Great looking ole truck. Definitely a "keeper" :)

Re: Project "Keeper"
 

Thanks! :chevy:

Here are pictures of the cruise-in I went to tonight.

https://plus.google.com/u/0/10694048...ts/X3amadp8ciC

Re: Project "Keeper"
 

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-R...o/IMG_3033.JPG

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-F...o/IMG_3034.JPG

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-s...o/IMG_3035.JPG




And here's a picture from this evening after I put the rad cover on and painted it satin black to match...it looks too glossy in this pic because it was still wet...

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-_...o/IMG_3060.JPG

Re: Project "Keeper"
 

Here's something I needed to repair...

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-O...o/IMG_3004.JPG

Ended up trying out a header repair kit from Advance auto....it came with a fiberglass mesh and a hardening steel (think jb weld) material. I was doubtful but it seems to have worked...I followed directions for it. Mixed it well, sanded and cleaned the surface the best i could, applied with an old screwdriver, let it cure for 30 minutes and then ran it at idle for 20 minutes. Then drove it up to the local cruise-in (10 minute drive with traffic/lights). Ticking is still there but it's very slight now...before it was loud and there were actually flames coming out of the headers at night and backfiring when I let off the gas....it's not doing that any more. It's not pretty, but I can sand it down (will use a dremel) and paint-i'll wait until I detail the engine bay...probably take them off, sand them down and clean them up and apply more if I notice the other leaks, paint them with high temp paint (they are ceramic coated but starting to look old) to make it all one color and call it good....much better than spending 450 on a new set of sanderson headers to match these...or buying cheaper ones and modifying the exhaust to fit. At this point I have $14 and 30 minutes total time invested....

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-U...o/IMG_3062.JPG

Re: Project "Keeper"
 

This is the "before" picture of the tailgate.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/a...1&d=1403485262

Then, the "during" when I took it off and cleaned up behind it. (before the cleaning- you can see the dirt) Was happy to see it's an original stamped gate-not a cheap flat aftermarket (note-the ones available now from triplus/keyparts are nice but when this truck was restored 9+ yrs ago the non-stamped gates available were thin metal and easy to bend...)

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-H...o/IMG_3022.JPG



And the "after"---much better!

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-j...o/IMG_3023.JPG

Re: Project "Keeper"
 

Finally, the wheel covers...

The way the truck looked before

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/a...1&d=1404190006


Comparison (I used flitz metal polish and put the vinyl bowties on the 73-75? covers)
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-J...o/IMG_3021.JPG

Closeup

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-_...o/IMG_3020.JPG

Re: Project "Keeper"
 

Next up will be replacing the old center a/c vent before I do the stereo (for easier access), putting in the stereo- going to be a tight fit with a/c for sure) and then I'm going to take off the wipers and wiper cowl to clean up that area, putting black cowl vent covers to keep the leaves out, and putting new polished stainless wipers/arms I found (matches the polished trim around the windshield)

Re: Project "Keeper"
 

Tried to put on the piece that goes between the grill and rad support to smooth that out but found I had purchased it for 67-68...going to get the correct one for a 72 the next time classic industries does 20% off...

Re: Project "Keeper"
 

Can anyone believe I've held onto this truck for nearly 6 months??? ;) :chevy:

Re: Project "Keeper"
 

It's a nice one; definitely a keeper. Looks much better now with 'correct' covers. You've got the right plan--anything other than subtle changes will ruin this one

Re: Project "Keeper"
 

Thanks, I agree. If I were ever home I'd drive it more ;) Had a few dates in it (with my wife of course) and taken my girls out in it several times...but my sister in law has driven it a lot more than anyone else. Two break downs for her and she's been able to use the truck for her and her daughter so that's been a blessing.

Next plans are get the stereo installed (install new upper A/C vent first) (Will need BMERDOC's help as I tried and can't access it w/out disassembling a lot of my dash)

Then plan to take off the wipers/cowl and clean out that area, fix the spot of rust near the A/C box, put the screen on the underside of the cowl, put on the cowl and some new polished wipers I found for it (think they look great with the polished stainless trim around the windshield)

Final little tweaks are adjusting the parking break and working on the door locks so they function more easily and match the ignition key.

Re: Project "Keeper"
 

Updates?

Re: Project "Keeper"
 

I've collected a few small parts for it. Mainly watching it sit outside and starting it every month or so and driving it around the cul-de-sac... I haven't been home very often due to my work schedule. Have spoken w/ BMERDOC who is going to help me knock out some of the punch list items soon. After that....we will see. I really want a blazer for the family but this would have to go to fund a blazer purchase....

Re: Project "Keeper"
 

diagnosed the fuel gauge. tried the printed circuit first. it's good and connections are all good. Traced the wire and it's all tucked up nicely (had to take the carpet loose off the gas tank). Wire was on the fitting....took it off and grounded it to the tank and presto-full tank. :waah: So....that means either the float is off or sending unit is bad. Good news is I actually have a new one in my parts collection. Tested it and it's good and fuel gauge reads correctly as I cycle the sending unit with it grounded. So....now I get to take the seat out and carpet off to fix it.

Also diagnosed the parking brake (as in I have none). Looks like the cables are just loose- so that should hopefully be an easy fix when I get it up on the lift next time at Nick's (BMERDOC) work...

Got a new AC drier to make sure the system is optimal. Will hopefully be able to use his equipment to capture the R134 and refill after we swap that out.

Re: Project "Keeper"
 

Here's a recent picture after my daughters surprised me by washing the truck for my Birthday.

Attachment 1396872

Re: Project "Keeper"
 

BMERDOC helped me get the drier swapped (looked old and heard it was best to replace). System had held the charge perfectly so he used his machine to collect, vacuum, and then re-charge the system. Running nice and cool and should run well for a long time.

Got all the locks changed out...had two different keys and no key for the outer locks when I bought the truck. Now one key for the locks, ignition, and glovebox door.

Got the center A/C vent switched out by BMERDOC....thankful as I couldn't get my hands inside the radio hole to try to get it done....

Ordering a radio tonight...going with something modern and simple with correct knobs. The nice thing is the modern ones aren't as deep so should make installation a little easier with the A/C and everything else in place.

Re: Project "Keeper"
 

The truck still looks great!

Re: Project "Keeper"
 

Well, you all know me...."keeper" was a bad name for one of my projects :lol:

I've decided to sell this truck. Want to end up getting a blazer or suburban so I can fit the whole family. Hate having to take only two of four kids and deal with the disagreement on who rides which time....and take a second vehicle to get to a show. Can't afford both at this point...and don't want the truck to sit outside.

Posting on the forum and on craigslist. I did keep it for over a year...barely ;)

Someone is going to get a very nice truck.

Re: Project "Keeper"
 

Blazers rock, I would own one in a heartbeat, go for it man! :)

Re: Project "Keeper"
 

Here's the ad for anyone interested....

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/c...p?product=8461

Re: Project "Keeper"
 

Thanks...always hated that I had to sell the 71 Blazer (project "finishing touches" on here). Loved driving that with the top off of it.

Re: Project "Keeper"
 

Had an offer to trade for this 79 Corvette today. Not bad but not quite room for 6 in it ;)

Re: Project "Keeper"
 

Lowered the price...

Re: Project "Keeper"
 

Nice truck! Someone will be very lucky to end up with Project Keeper!

Is that the 523 Dark Blue? It sure looks light in some pictures but really dark in others.

Thanks,

Chris

Re: Project "Keeper"
 

Took some pictures tonight as I cleaned up the truck. Put in the old air products cowl screen and a set of polished wipers I found on eBay. Have a gentleman coming tomorrow who says he's buying the truck...