5.3 Turbo swap 68 Stepside C10-Project Sky Dogggg maannnnn

[downbytheriver]

Moved the motor mounts back an inch, and everything lines up perfectly now. I didn't even have to drill any holes for the transmission crossmember!

Got the cab and bed off, too so now I can really get down to business. The bed had two sheets of plywood, and the original bed wood underneath. This weekend will be cleaning the frame, and possibly doing the c notch and air bags.

[mcbassin]

Good progress.

[502ms]

wow! you have been busy! looking good! let me know if you have any questions

[downbytheriver]

Originally Posted by 502ms

wow! you have been busy! looking good! let me know if you have any questions

Question: can I borrow (have) about 3 large??

Slow going right now, almost done with the ugly work.

Did get a chance to clean up a little and see how the bags will sit though.

[knomadd]

I just came across your build. I like the progress you've made so far. one question... how does the A/C compressor fit in the stock location? It looks tight.

[downbytheriver]

It's definitely pretty tight in there. I think there's a way to make it work though. Moving the engine back an inch actually helped out clearance in that area. I can get you a picture later tonight.

I saw this thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s....php?p=5696727 with part numbers for compressor blocks that help the lines clear the frame.

[downbytheriver]

Got a little bit of work done tonight. Only got to wirewheel the outside of the frame. Hopefully my buddy will be able to make it over this week and help do the notch and airbags.

Should I use the rusty metal primer I have, or the clean metal primer??



Circle D stall should be in monday...278mm 3000-3200 stall.

[downbytheriver]

Man, I really hate this. Next project is getting sandblasted.

Need to get cranking if I want this thing done by March though.

[downbytheriver]

Circle D stall came in today! Looks...like a torque converter.

I will say that their packing is excellent. Chris was very helpful when I talked to him. Went with the 278mm 3000-3200 stall.

[downbytheriver]

Got some more done yesterday.

Buddy came over and we got the notch done and all the nasty rivets out. I really, really, REALLY hate rivets. An air chisel, sawzall and drill made work of them, but I really hate those evil bastards.

Need to finish up cleaning the frame, do some more drilling for the remaining notch bolts and air bag bolts, then get the shock relocators, shocks and bags installed. Hopefully I'll have the majority of this done this weekend.

[downbytheriver]

Also, I got into the harness the other day. The wire has been heat cycled so much that it's pretty brittle and stiff. Not really sure if it's feasible to use, but I'll be able to tell more when I start getting the wires split up. Debating making a harness from scratch. Really don't want to deal with gremlins later because of broken wiring.

For now, just labeled everything and started getting familiar with it. Seems pretty straightforward. I'm hoping it'll reach through the firewall into the area under the glovebox without having to lengthen it, but I doubt it.

[67cheby]

great project , and fast too, looks like fun !

[downbytheriver]

Thanks, The goal is to be done by March, bodywork and all.

Got the firewall welded up. Isn't pretty but hopefully it will be soon

[downbytheriver]

Took several hours (and later, most likely years) out of my life to deal with the rest of this frame cleaning. I plan on doing a 69 camaro as my next project, and I promise you it'll be sandblasted. Anyway, after transporting all of the rust from my frame to the other areas of my garage via angle grinder, wire wheels, and brushes, I got the frame primed.

Still have to deal with the u bolts and trailing arms, and it seems as though they've gotten very used to each other, and are now one. Tomorrow the divorce proceedings begin with the cutoff wheel. Hopefully I'll get everything painted and ready for bags by Sunday.

[downbytheriver]

The rear end was a real pain in the ass. The driver side trailing arm was basically welded to the u-bolt. This has been the only difficult thing on this truck so far, so I can't really complain too much. The passenger side came right out, but the driver's side had to get its' nuts cut off

I still have to clean up the rear end, but everything else is primed and ready for paint tomorrow morning. So excited that the terrible work is almost over! Airbags and the rest of the rear suspension will get done Monday.

[Redhouse]

subscribed

[downbytheriver]

All done with the dirty stuff! So relieved that it's done. Tomorrow I should be putting the rear end back together and getting the airbags done. Have a few little things to wrap up, but the frame is mostly done...should be rolling now!

[mcbassin]

Very nice work on the frame. I totally understand the sandblasting comment. It sucks too though. Ask me how I know.

[downbytheriver]

Ha, you end up with several pounds of sand in areas where sand shouldn't be?

[Mr Chevorlet]

Looking great so far, great progress.

[mcbassin]

Originally Posted by downbytheriver

Ha, you end up with several pounds of sand in areas where sand shouldn't be?

everywhere you think sand can't get, it does. But the end result is nice clean metal.

[downbytheriver]

Got the airbags in last week, but forgot to post the pictures. Everything is good and without leaks. I need to finish up a few things on the frame, and get the fuel cell mounted. Ignore all the temporary wiring/air lines!

Next comes the body work :/

[mcbassin]

Killer progress on the chassis. I like the new tires too.

[downbytheriver]

Thanks man!

I need to clean the extra plastidip off of them, but I'll wait until the end to do that.

Gotta paint the axle and trailing arms, put new drums on the back, run new brake line and fuel line and finish bolting in the notch. Should have a lot of that done by this weekend.

[Low Elco]

Good lookin' work!