Re: Knomadd '71 SWB C-10
 

That's just it, I don't like it. I like the idea, but not what it looks like. Maybe a different scoop, but I don't know. I like how the cowl hood looks so I'll probably stick with that, but if I can find the right scoop, I might play with this idea some more. Just not with that one. :lol:

Oh, and it might be forward (closer to the grille) compared to where I dropped it in paint. I really have no idea where exactly it would sit. This was just a quick way to put an idea on "paper"

Re: Knomadd '71 SWB C-10
 

Hey whenever you install the VA kit if you haven't I would be glad to come and help you out if you need it. I am from down in El Campo originally and am between there and Pearland all the time. Trying to decide if I am going to try to Frankenstein together my own system with existing AC box etc or if am just going to go VA. Would like to check it out first hand. Also if I were you instead of messing with ball joint press and such I would just buy a hydraulic press from HF as it is extremely useful for many many things unlike a ball joint press and doesn't cost just a heck of a lot more. Ball joints go in easy as pie with a 20 ton jack on a press. Plus you can do all your own u joints etc then also. Just my unsolicited 2 cents haha.

Re: Knomadd '71 SWB C-10
 

That's not a bad idea. I've been wondering if a hydraulic press would help install bushings too. like when I try to install my lower control arms, will it work to install new bushings or will I mess them up. How do you protect the ball joint from damage in a press? scrap pipe (which I don't have) or would I still need to buy ball joint adapters?

Re: Knomadd '71 SWB C-10
 

Happy birthday belated birthday bud, hope my truck looks as good as yours one day!!

Re: Knomadd '71 SWB C-10
 

I always have a bunch of random scrap pieces laying around so can usually find what I need. A press works great for bushing too. You would need some sort of pipe I think, can not remember right off. I could actually do it for you if you don't need it done today. I have to do mine anyways and could do all at once. You wouldn't owe me a cent for it. I have used one for everything from pressing bearings into a Harley front wheel to u joints to pressing bushings into 75 lower control arms to pressing off neck stem on Harley triple trees to removing wheel studs.

Re: Knomadd '71 SWB C-10
 

Well then, I guess I'd be going that route. Only problem is garage space... I'm out of it. I don't have room for much anymore. My wife has a 2013 explorer that FILLS one side of the garage, and makes using any space next to her drivers side completely useless. I still get dirty looks and sighs of frustration when I see her getting out. :lol:

I know it would benefit me to just go buy a press and make some room for it since I'll eventually need to be replacing my bushings on the truck arms, and likely on my GTO when I switch to tubular control arms. I'm sure I'd find a use for it many times. I've wanted an engine hoist for a year now so I can pull my engine to clean and paint it, but I can't find room for it either.

I'm not in a hurry to get them done. The truck is still together and the LCA's are sitting on my work bench. They've been painted with rattle-can etching primer and semi gloss black to keep them from rusting, but that's it. Haven't been willing to deal with this heat to get them installed. I'd be glad to bring them to you, or meet you somewhere if you're on your way through town. I'd be glad to do it on your schedule since I'm not doing anything with it right now anyway. You'd save me a few headaches too.

Re: Knomadd '71 SWB C-10
 

Ok let me let you know when I am doing mine and could get them then. Wouldn't mind picking them up as I go through on 59 anyways and would like to see your project. I have to order some balljoints up myself and then can get on it.

Re: Knomadd '71 SWB C-10
 

That works for me. I'm not too far from 59 and 36. Probably 2-4 miles. I've driven it so many times but I've never really checked distance.

My wife has family in Wharton and El Campo, so I could bring them to you when we go that way one of these times if you'd rather. Whatever works better for you. Since you're doing this for me, I'll be happy to bring them to you.

Re: Knomadd '71 SWB C-10
 

So here's a very minor update. I went and had my door windows tinted on Friday. It looks better in my opinion and it will help keep things a bit cooler in this awful Texas heat.

It looks darker than it actually is. The windshield shade makes it look really dark. Sorry, these are the only pics I have right now.

Re: Knomadd '71 SWB C-10
 

Oh man that looks sharp!!!! Definitely got to be tons better! I like it, it makes that paint job pop more too!! What did you put tint on it, looks like 20%
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Re: Knomadd '71 SWB C-10
 

it's the darkest legal tint for Texas. I believe it's 32%. I have about 20% in the back. I think they told me they don't have 20%, but it might be 16%... not really sure but it's close to 20%, or slightly darker.

Re: Knomadd '71 SWB C-10
 

Yeah that back tint looks darker but it looks great man! I like it!!
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Re: Knomadd '71 SWB C-10
 

Tint looks good. I'm doing mine too when the time comes. I know a lot if people don't like it on classics but I agree that south of Harris County it is a necessity!
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Re: Knomadd '71 SWB C-10
 

Well, I've got to shake down some electrical gremlins with my turn signals, but otherwise she's running great. I've got a pile of parts growing now so I'll need some cooler weather to get outside and start wrenching. May need to buy some new tools to help make life easier too. :D

I now have my AC waiting to be installed, air bags for all 4 corners, PorterBuilt 1" forward series LCAs, front sway bar from ADDCO for the PB LCAs, upper bag plates for the front, upper cups for the rear (no notch in this frame...plan to tow in the future), Schrader valves for now, until I make it further through my priority list on both vehicles and the house. I have the under hood filler panels for the grille to core support area, and I still need to patch the bed floor from the old fuel cell and go have the liner resprayed.

I'm also working on my GTO. Just replaced my valve covers to a finned aluminum cover. Check my sig for that thread. I think I've got pics uploaded. I have an electronic ignition conversion from Pertronix and have a Tripower set-up that I'm getting ready to swap in. Still have a few things to do to it before I can make the swap though. I have new Dakota Digital VHX gauges and a complete AAW harness for the Goat as well.

Too much to do, too much heat/humidity, not enough time. :waah:

Re: Knomadd '71 SWB C-10
 

Wow sounds like you got quite the list of good going on over there man!

Yeah Lord help us Texas folk for the weather we endure :lol:

Re: Knomadd '71 SWB C-10
 

Well, Thanks to Steve (Zoomin) and his truck Tom, I've found that Scott's Hot Rods makes upper shock relocators that work with the factory style shocks for our trucks. Steve told me to contact Justin with Scott's Hot Rods to get a set, so I did. Just placed my order and the best part is they should be here by Monday. Maybe even Friday! Justin was very informative and told me they will never stop carrying the relocators as they are the parts they use for their IFS kits. Good to know, in case I ever get another C10. :lol: I can here my wife telling me HELL NO!!!

Re: Knomadd '71 SWB C-10
 

Sweet!!! Got to love fast and awesome shipping!! If it makes you feel any better I've yet to tell my gf I plan on getting a c20 & c30 in the future after my c10 is done that's going to be a lovely conversation! :lol:
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Re: Knomadd '71 SWB C-10
 

9 inch Wilton vice+Porterbilt control arm
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Re: Knomadd '71 SWB C-10
 

Now that's a vise! :metal: :sumo:
http://junkyardtools.com/tool_history/wilton

Re: Knomadd '71 SWB C-10
 

Got them done for you Duane! These suckers were tight! I promise that you will never have to worry about getting loose in there. Went ahead and put the grease zerks in while was at it also. Good to meet you today btw! Nice looking truck!
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Re: Knomadd '71 SWB C-10
 

That's awesome, thanks Matt! And that's a nice vice! They sure don't make 'em like they used too.
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Re: Knomadd '71 SWB C-10
 

Not an update, sorry... I've got the itch to get back on the truck. The weather was gorgeous yesterday and it's still pretty nice today. Took it to work this afternoon since I won't die of heat exhaustion with the temps in the mid 80's and considerably lower humidity.

I've got so much to do and everything is going to take some time to complete. I'm not sure where to start. :lol:

Re: Knomadd '71 SWB C-10
 

Oh yeah, and the Scott's Hotrods front upper shock relocators are not a standard piece. Their parts are just like the Porterbuilt parts that use a stud mount shock instead of a bushing mount. Had to send them back and am now waiting on them to make me a custom set of relocators. If I knew that in advance, I probably would have had PB make me a set.

Re: Knomadd '71 SWB C-10
 

Funny you say that, I was just thinking that today, is I wish I had a bed and some insurance on my truck for that exact same reason it's such beautiful weather good enough to take the old truck out and actually drive it!

But I don't have a bed so kind of screwed :lol:

Glad your able to enjoy the truck man, always nice to see the classics get out for some fun in the sun.

Re: Knomadd '71 SWB C-10
 

Nice to hear you get to enjoy your ride. Post some pics of the relocators when you get them. Been awhile I have alot of catching up to do!!!

Re: Knomadd '71 SWB C-10
 

ddubbs, I'll post some pics when I get to the install. It will likely be a little while before I start that project though. My wife and I will be celebrating our 5th anniversary on November 1st and she had requested a patio swing, which I'm going to be attempting to make. Bought a book on outdoor furniture, so I've already got the instructions on how to do it. Also picked up a new jigsaw, router and palm sander for the project (bonus - new tools for me) and I'll be borrowing a table saw from a guy at work. Hopefully I didn't "bite off more than I can chew".

On the truck side, I asked my wife for a new tonneau cover. It's over her budget so I offered to pay half to keep it under her budget and she agreed! I placed the order today from CraftecInc.com. They have a nice soft cover that's pretty close to flush and I've seen it on a few other C-10s on here. That's likely to be my next install, so I can show her I am using her gift, and because it's easier than the other things I have on my list. :lol:

Re: Knomadd '71 SWB C-10
 

That's awesome early congrats on the 5 year anniversary. Patio swing sounds like a lot of fun to me. I've started reading instructions myself for almost everything :lol: a man can never have too many tools.

Sweet can't wait to see it man!

Re: Knomadd '71 SWB C-10
 

So I got the tonneau cover on Friday. I started the install that night. Got the frame all put together and couldn't get the vinyl stretched and since the sun had started to go down, I couldn't finish that night. Saturday, I laid it out in the yard to have the sun heat it. I finally got the vinyl on (that was a PITA). I took pics, but not with my phone, so I'll have to upload them when I get home tonight. Unfortunately It's not 100% complete. I still have to mount the gas shocks that help hold it open and do some final adjustments when the vinyl stretches some more, but all in all, it looks good. Definitely not water tight, but looks good.

Re: Knomadd '71 SWB C-10
 

pic as promised

Re: Knomadd '71 SWB C-10
 

I like that Duane!!!! Looks flush!! Didn't you say it was button to where if you want to move it just unbutton it and fold it up?

Re: Knomadd '71 SWB C-10
 

nope. Have to remove the entire cover. It's attached to a solid frame and it was a big PITA to get the vinyl on. I wouldn't be inclined to take off the vinyl unless I was in a bind.

Re: Knomadd '71 SWB C-10
 

I wouldn't blame you man if it was that much of hassle, it looks really good though.

Re: Knomadd '71 SWB C-10
 

Took a pic this morning. For all of you pic hounds, like me.

Re: Knomadd '71 SWB C-10
 

Looks great on there brother man. What color is your truck? I am considering blue for my 68.

Re: Knomadd '71 SWB C-10
 

It's pretty!!! I like it man!!! If I ever get another C10 it's going to be because of you! :lol:

I love your truck man!

Re: Knomadd '71 SWB C-10
 

Thanks Chad. That's a base/clear respray of the factory code 510 Medium Blue. If you're open to non factory colors and like a royal blue, check out my GTO (link in sig) it's a '94-'95 Corvette GS color called dark cloisonne blue. Absolutely gorgeous in the sun.

Thanks Korwin. Glad you like it

On another note, just finished watching the Aggies play UTEP, at Kyle Field in College Station. Turned out to be a beautiful day for football and a nice Anniversary celebration. Tomorrow my plan is to wrap up the swing I promised my wife for my anniversary gift to her. Hopefully I will succeed. I'm pretty close. Once that's done, I can focus on the truck again. I think I'm going to install the air bags and Schrader valves next. Wish me luck!

Re: Knomadd '71 SWB C-10
 

It's been far too long since I've done any updates with actual work on the truck, so here's one small one.

I tore the grille and bumper off so I could replace the outer grill supports. The hood bumpers were gone because there weren't any nuts to screw into, and I wasn't about to try and sandwich the grille between a pair, just to have hood bumpers. Plus, I really wanted to add the filler panels and trying to adjust hood bumpers when you can't get to the nuts is impossible.

While tearing the front end apart, I found out the drivers side turn signal had been getting water inside. It was all rusty and damp, so I took it apart and scuffed it and painted it white to slow the process, if water gets in next time. The gasket was fine, but I did find that the wires were the weak link in the sealant department. Had to put some silicone in the end of the plastic sleeve that wraps around the wires to keep the water out. Went ahead and did it to both sides so the passenger light doesn't have the same fate.

My computer at home screwed up over the weekend, so I lost a bunch of pictures I had taken with my camera. Thankfully, I pulled the SD card before it ruined them all. I was able to save one pic. The last one I took... So here it is. Filler panels installed and drivers side light fixed. Looks like I need to take the passenger side turn signal out and paint it too. Looks odd. :waah:

Re: Knomadd '71 SWB C-10
 

Love the filler panel!! It's simple and sleep makes it look good!!

Re: Knomadd '71 SWB C-10
 

You sure have made a bunch of progress on this truck since I last checked in. Jealous of you getting to drive it all the time. Sometimes it makes me want to go buy a driver so I can experience it....Keep the pictures coming.

Re: Knomadd '71 SWB C-10
 

Filler panels look good!