Retro-Tech- 77 Cheyenne gets retrogrades

[N2TRUX]

Retro is a culturally aged style, or trend from the overall postmodern past, that has become functionally or superficially the norm once again.

Tech is the process by which we modify an item to meet current technology standards

With the objective to apply a culturally aged style, or trend to meet current technology standards, my 1977 Chevy Cheyenne pickup is undergoing a transformation to become “Retro-Tech”

To acquire an optical perspective on several proposed retrogrades, a visual aid would be implemented. A vast quantity of data was transferred between myself and Eastside Design Lab’s lead Technical Artist Joseph Durant. Patience and persistence persevered as Joseph analyzed the quantum level of revisions required to complete his digital task.

The project will be approached in multi phase segments. Each segment will be documented in depth and posted here on 67-72chevytrucks.com as well as www.73-87chevytrucks.com. Once the process is completed each phase will be submitted to Travis Noack for future Tech articles in Street Trucks magazine.

The initial stages of the transformation were accomplished with the contemporary fuel injection system that was included with the Ramjet 350 and 700r4 upgrade. The increase in performance, efficiency and reliability offered by this GM crate motor are documented in my article titled “77 Cheyenne meets Ramjet 350”

More recently, the suspension went from Groovin 70’s to Y2K compliant with a totally tubular package provided by Ride Tech Suspensions. The installation of the Cool Ride system with StrongArms, Musclebar, and Airbar components are covered in my article “DO NOT OPEN- Air Ride Technologies inside” and documented in printed media by Travis Noack in the July 2010 issue of Street Trucks magazine.

With a vision to integrate a digital interface powered by a high speed ECU viewed through a transflective display, the suspension system is currently downloading the Ride Tech e3 revision. This LevelPRO electronic control system features digital ride height sensors that intelligently utilizes both air pressure and ride height information to accurately adjust vehicle suspension level on demand. An article following that process can be viewed here “e3 Level Pro + Big Red x4 ≈ 77 Air Square” with the print version scheduled for an upcoming Tech segment in Street Trucks Magazine.

To Discuss this topic go here- LINK

[N2TRUX]

The current suspension segment is near completion, so the next phase will be super-facial. This is a visual enhancement that includes, contemporary headlights and driving lights for optical clarity, combined with a reproduction 73-74 grill and bumper revision.

[N2TRUX]

The parts have started to arrive so it's time to offer a sneak peak. I recently had a conversation with Tim Christian of Top Banana Restoration Parts. He knew I was searching for a an NOS 73-74 Chevrolet grill, and he gave me the inside scoop on a new product coming to the market.

Top Banana has spent several months and a lot of bananas to bring a "GM Restoration Parts" certified 1973-1974 Chevrolet Truck grill, complete with the correct bowtie installed.

[N2TRUX]

I have known Tim to be a really stand up guy with a great reputation for quality parts and service. Could he really pull off a replacement grill that would meet the stringent standards enforced by GM? Having seen my fair share of so called reproduction parts, I reserved judgment until the grill was in my hands.

My trusty shipping delivery guy made his daily stop last week and brought me several boxes. Many of them were torn, dented, crinkled and crushed. On top of the stack of beat up boxes in its place of prominence was a clean crisp box with no visible signs of damage.

[N2TRUX]

As you might imagine the adrenaline was flowing in anticipation of the contents inside. Would I be greeted by a pleasant surprise, or sadly disappointed. I opened the box and slowly slid the grill out. The smile on my face was quickly replaced with a grin.

The packing was designed extremely well, and did a superb job of safely defending the parts they protected from the shipping goons. I took the packing off of the grill to partially revel a true automotive masterpiece.

[N2TRUX]

It takes a lot to impress me with truck parts, but I am truly impressed. I closely inspected the grill and was stunned at the quality of the product. I compared it to a used grill I keep hanging in my garage and can honestly say this is better than OEM.

I was not able to properly capture the overall quality with several failed attempts. It may have been the battery dieing a slow death in my camera, or possibly me shaking from excitement. I'm going to blame the camera and try again later. In the meantime enjoy the one closeup that did come through with clarity.

[N2TRUX]

Progress has been limited on this projects due to scheduling conflicts. It seems someone put a real job in my way, and unfortunately it has taken a priority. In the meantime I have been digging through my parts stash to see what I have to go with this install.

Knowing that quality headlight bezels are not reproduced for the 73-87s, I found a pair on eBay a while back and picked them up. They don't match each other, or the color of the grill surround at this time. I plan to change that once I get a color match of the grill.

I need to look at my NOS trim inventory and see if I have the upper and lower grill pieces. It's would be a travesty to put this nice shiny pieces together with old trim. I need an NOS 350 emblem too.

[N2TRUX]

The bumper arrived this week, but the headlights did not. They are on back-order due to the earthquake in Japan. I was told they are on the boat and will be here soon.

The bumper was ordered through Chris Lucas (Capt Kaos) who is a Vendor here. He is the site owner at 73-87chevytrucks.com, and has an online storefront there. He is well known for selling quality parts, and great customer service.

I have known Chris for several years, so I gave him a call when the idea for this project first started. He and I discussed many of the options I had been considering, and he suggested the bumper with built in driving lights. Since my plan included contemporary styled lighting, this would fit my needs.

I was concerned with the quality of the bumper meeting my standards. Chris knows how demanding I can be and assured me I would be pleased. I was a bit concerned when the box arrived and looked like it had shipping damage.

[N2TRUX]

I opened the box expecting to find the contents scratched or dented. Fortunately the damage the box sustained did not transfer to the contents. I was greeted by a well protected part that had made the journey in great condition.

[N2TRUX]

I peeled back the protective layers and the blueish luster of fresh chrome was reveled. It looked a bit hazy in some spots, but a bit of glass cleaner resolved that issue. As I wiped away the filmy residue, I started to visualize how nice this will look on my truck.

The bumper came with the driving lights already installed. Not only are the lights included as a package deal, but it comes complete with a wiring kit as well.

[N2TRUX]

This is a factory grill, bumper and headlight bezel. Those purist among us will notice that the accent color of the headlight bezels is not correct for this 1977. I had considered changing them in the past until I discovered the correct colored bezels were no longer available. The updated version will be color keyed to match the Top Banana reproduction grill.

To establish a baseline, I wanted to get some clear shots of the front end. My schedule has not allowed me to be available at a time when the light was compatible with my equipment. Today I managed to get a nice front view to show you the current version.

[N2TRUX]

I pulled the headlight bezels and set them aside. This allowed access to the screws that hold the grill in place. Once it was removed I had a clear view of the parts that I needed to replace. At a glance, it seemed as if this was going to be a fairly simple job. I think we all know that means its probably not going to happen that way.

[N2TRUX]

These are 73-74 center brace, along with left and right support brackets. Also pictured is a era correct hood latch. This one is designed for external release. My research suggested that I might be able to modify my internal release system to accommodate the 73-74 center brace. Once I started the mock up process I discovered that to be incorrect.

These look crusty, but are in excellent condition considering their age. They will make a trip to the bead blasting cabinet before receiving a fresh coat of satin black.

[N2TRUX]

My truck came with the optional internal hood release. I had intentions of modifying it to work with the 73-74 components. Once I started the mock up process I discovered that might be more difficult than it seemed. After several ideas were scrapped, I decided to hit my parts stash again and see what I had that would work.

Fortunately I had a complete set of components from a truck with an external release latch. That set includes the hood latch, the catch assembly, and the core support filler panel. These pieces are completely different from the internal latch parts and will not interchange.

Pictured below are three center braces. On the left is a 73-74 which only came as a external release, in the center is a 77 external release, and on the right is a 77 internal release.

[N2TRUX]

I initially thought I would be able to modify my core support filler panel. After comparing the difference between the two panels, I knew that was not feasible. Although it is possible to mount the external latch assembly on the internal panel, there is a difference in spacing between the mounting holes that would require modifications to work. Even though using the correct panel meant I would have to prep and paint it, the extra effort will be easier than making the wrong one work.

Below you can see the two types of filler panels. The upper panel is a 77 external release part. Note the location of the rectangular opening on the right. This hole is for the safety catch. Compare it to the panel below it.

The lower filler panel is for a 77 internal release. Note the rectangular opening for the safety catch is to the front of the panel. Also notice that it goes in the opposite direction of the one above it.

[N2TRUX]

Here we have one last comparison of the components. This set is the internal release latch assembly, safety latch, hood catch, and center brace. They are not compatible with the 73-74 grill swap.

[N2TRUX]

And finally the set of components that will work with the early grill conversion. They include the external release latch assembly and safety latch combined, hood catch, and center brace.

[N2TRUX]

With the old grill and headlight bezels removed, you will need to remove the center brace as well. This is held in place by two bolts through the filler panel, two more below the grill, and another two at the bottom of the core support. These are not visible unless you slide under the front bumper.

[N2TRUX]

The old filler panel must be removed as well. There are several bolts on top of and behind this panel. There are also two hidden underneath in each corner. Once the old panel is removed, test fit the new panel.

Install all of the bolts to secure the panel in place and bolt in the 73-74 center brace along with the external release hood latch. You will also need to install the corresponding hood catch under the hood.

[N2TRUX]

Next I installed the outer support brackets. Since my brackets were used and a bent up a little, I could not determine if there is a left and right bracket. They appear to be the same. I located the two dimples stamped in the core support near each headlight, and drilled the holes.

Be sure to verify that you have plenty of clearance before drilling. The passenger side holes come through behind the battery. I unbolted the battery and slid it forward to ensure I didn't drill through it.

The support brackets were installed using bolts and nuts and lock washers. I drilled the holes large enough to allow for some adjustment. This will prove to be necessary on the final install.

[N2TRUX]

Utilizing an old grill and a spare set of headlight bezels, I test fit the pieces before moving on to the next step. The larger holes I had drilled to mount the side brackets proved necessary. The grill needed to be shifted to adjust the gaps top to bottom.

To gain access to the bottom bolts on the center brace I pulled the bumper. This step is not necessary if all you are doing is a grill swap. Knowing that I would need to pull the bumper to replace it, I pulled it now.

[N2TRUX]

The bumper is a simple swap to accomplish as long as the old bolts aren't rusted. Mine were in good shape so a quick blast from the impact and the old bumper was on the ground. I laid the new bumper on its face to get a clear look at the driving lights.


The chrome that comes on these bumpers is very nice. I have had many parts chrome plated in the past, and I feel the quality was on par to a custom shop. Even though the back side won't get much attention, I plan to paint it silver before final assembly.

[N2TRUX]

With the new bumper in place, I was able to get an idea of what the conversion was going to look like. I decided to ensure that all the new pieces were going to line up so I gave them one final adjustment before cinching down all of the bolts.

[N2TRUX]

With everything fitting like I wanted, it was time for a final tear down. I pulled everything apart one last time and bagged and tagged the small parts. I have a buddy that has a bead blasting cabinet that I plan to visit. The used pieces that I incorporated in the conversion will be thoroughly blasted, primed and painted satin black. The filler panel will be dropped at a buddies body shop. I want several small holes welded up, and the top side will be high gloss black once again.

[N2TRUX]

To Discuss this topic go here- LINK