Grizz's Redneck Express 1966 Chevy Short Fleetside RESTO-GO!

[Grizz1963]

OUT EARLIER THAN USUAL ON SUNDAY.

Started by 9.30, thinking this will be a quicky……..

Errrrrmmmm… NOPE.



As usual, not calculating the three steps forward and two steps back nature of this job, it took a lot longer.

So I added a 50mm or 2” strip around all the stepped edges.



Completed the rear door close in, hopefully wont need to go back in there.



Better.



Next up, measure, cut and start on the central part.

Managed to get the radio aerial removed, no intention of fitting one again, but may as well leave it there.



Then taped the vinyl to the front edge and started with a 100mm strip of glue to get it to stick to the roof.





WELL…..

That was a complete failure.

Too many curved in the inverted roof meant bunching and eventually I tore it off, much swearing done.

So I had some coffee, custard creamer and watched a bit of YouTube travel video while I rethought it all.

Decided to go back, cut it in half down the length and start at the front…..

Another fail.

So I tried starting in the centre and working outward.

Something like this.

Not perfect.



And for all of you who zoom in….. unless you were helping me fit the vinyl, which would have improved the look and finish, keep the criticism to yourself.

This was as good as I could get it, including a strip along the join.








Next job, after another coffee and cleaning the inside out, was to get the seatbelts and also the grab rails refitted.

Amazing how these bits being refitted changes the look because they do manage to some extent to cover up some of the joints etc.





Grab handles look so much tidier as well with the new paint.



Next job will be to figure out where the screws for the sun visor and broken rear view mirror are, and refit them.

Followed by refitting the seats.

Maybe a new steering wheel too, from the stash.

Lastly

VIDEO LINK:

https://youtu.be/VXEV6t1qjx8


Have a great week

Thanks for checking in.

[Grizz1963]

Ticket bought.

International driving licence done.

Looks like 2023 USA road trip will be happening.

Unfortunately I will be without my sidekick @craigrk this time.

Poor guy is off to a Spanish holiday island with his kids and sons in-laws


Possible plan for week one…….





I have also been offered this camper on the banks of the Mississippi River by Eve, my buddy Ray’s widow, to use as a base for further exploring and travels.

RIP buddy.




There may be food again……. A lot of food, for those interested in food.





It is parked at McGregor Iowa, but puts Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana in reach on the return leg.







This could turn into a killer run as far as distance goes, but more importantly for me is actually seeing and learning more.


.

[realvc]

Looks like a great plan to me. You have a lot of folks wanting to see you again.
It's funny how many people I feel like I know through your posts on here, even though some I've neer met. Happy motoring through the states!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Grizz1963]

Originally Posted by realvc

Looks like a great plan to me. You have a lot of folks wanting to see you again.
It's funny how many people I feel like I know through your posts on here, even though some I've neer met. Happy motoring through the states!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Vince, we only met in 2015.

But as you say, many people become part of our extended family.

I am hoping to expand my horizons this year.

New roads, new people.







Road trip dedicated thread link here:

https://forum.retro-rides.org/thread...023-road-again

​Youtube reports later.






.

[Grizz1963]

My younger brother “Dozer” retired in February after more than 41 years in the military.

So being a pensioner means he has lots of time to create random stuff.

Todays creation was a flower and bug, after servicing his motorcycle.





As a first time for something like this, he says most of the time was spent swearing and 25% of it making up and welding it.

.

[realvc]

I really like your brother's art project. That is my favorite kind of art, welded sculptures.

My plan was to restore my truck and take care of my other vechicles when I was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis.

Then this past Feb. I started passing out for no reason. After many doctors and a couple of hospital stays they implanted a pacemaker on June 9.

Since then everything is better but the heart surgen said no welding and being around altenaters on running engines. So now I have a new wire welder that may not get used and a new plasma cutter that may not get used.

Anyway all of that is to say I'm still going to do shop stuff that I can, but probably not any welded sculpters like I planned, and all these old parts to sculpt. with.

I'm getting other opinions what I can and can't do with a pacemaker.

Also I've gone old school and will learn the weld and cut with oxyaceylene.

There is hope for some art anyway.

[Braunschweiger]

A beautiful piece of art,
I also like these welded pieces of art.
I'm sorry about your illness, but if the medical art gets you back on your feet,
that's also a chance to start something new, you have the ideas.
One of my friends died of a heart attack at the age of 62 last week,
and he still had big plans.
Everyone stay healthy and enjoy life.

[Grizz1963]

Originally Posted by realvc

I really like your brother's art project. That is my favorite kind of art, welded sculptures.

My plan was to restore my truck and take care of my other vechicles when I was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis.

Then this past Feb. I started passing out for no reason. After many doctors and a couple of hospital stays they implanted a pacemaker on June 9.

Since then everything is better but the heart surgen said no welding and being around altenaters on running engines. So now I have a new wire welder that may not get used and a new plasma cutter that may not get used.

Anyway all of that is to say I'm still going to do shop stuff that I can, but probably not any welded sculpters like I planned, and all these old parts to sculpt. with.

I'm getting other opinions what I can and can't do with a pacemaker.

Also I've gone old school and will learn the weld and cut with oxyaceylene.

There is hope for some art anyway.

Dang Vince !

I was not aware you had more than the average bucket of issues to deal with.

I guess there are no medically proven ways to circumnavigate the welding threat.

Originally Posted by Braunschweiger

A beautiful piece of art,
I also like these welded pieces of art.
I'm sorry about your illness, but if the medical art gets you back on your feet,
that's also a chance to start something new, you have the ideas.
One of my friends died of a heart attack at the age of 62 last week,
and he still had big plans.
Everyone stay healthy and enjoy life.

Thank you Harald.

I have passed your message to Deon.

[Grizz1963]

Canta was short changed and gets no video today.

I heard a collective sigh of relief there.

Spent some time doing yard work, throwing balls and took the Rezin Rockit for a decent drive.

Yard work included weeding, mowing lawns and chatting with this guy.

I always feel so privileged to have a variety of creatures in the garden.



Headed out in the Rezin Rockit……..

Then came home by 3.00pm.

Checked the Rezin Rockit over to see if anything had fallen off on the drive.

All there.

Then found my left over window tinting from the S10 truck side glass, or Not a Project Blazer, or Prozac the Berlingo, I cannot recall.

But there was enough to measure and cut for the Canta side small glass.

The doors have horribly worn Perspex sliding screens.

Cut to size, and also cut a strip that I will try to fit as a sun screen on the front glass.



Before.



After.

Faaaar from perfect, but somehow fools the eyes when you look inside past the badly fitting body panels and glass.



The hairy bum Supervisor on standby of course.



And the other side done.



This is miles from spectacular, but it is another minor improvement, maybe.

More tomorrow.


.

[Grizz1963]

Today was a “Me day” with grass cut, weeding done etc, the took the Rezin Rockit out for a drive.

Not done this for a few weeks.

Popped in to check up on @fordDan68 .

Found him on the drive.

Always busy.

Then around to Sally’s place to throw balls for Bonnie for half an hour.

After that I went for a further drive, popped in to see UncleBob the Hoarder, but he was away helping Mr Hunt the farmer.

So I carried on driving, enjoying the briskness and acceleration of the car while recording some of the trip.

I will try to make up a short video of the drive tomorrow.





Eventually made I home and checked the whole car over, top and bottom, because I am still looking out for anything that may have been missed.

Not had the hood open in anger in months.



Found nothing scary, coolant, oil etc all correct.

So I parked it up and got onto the Canta to get the rear side glass tinted.

Must I sell the car to make space for something bigger?

[Grizz1963]

First preamble or even preemptive post on the trip.

Most of you know Dennis by now, a selfless, funny man and friend, closer family than my own brother, whom I love and have a load of time for.

But as Dennis’ partner told me in 2016 when I met her the first time, Dennis has never met a stranger.

And this friendship has evolved over time.

We chat pretty much every day, and then it is 2, 3, 4 or more times a day.

This morning Dennis, who is 6 hours behind me was chatting, he was headed to a local car show and would have liked me there to see the stuff on display.

A few pics sent:













When at the show, he sent a message……

The number is 1457

In my name.





The prize……..





So who knows….. Road trip in a rough as hell Ratrod?


I know I am stupid enough to take the challenge on head first.


Of course one needs to win first.


ROAD TRIP 2023 LINK https://forum.retro-rides.org/thread...023-road-again


Video:


https://youtu.be/GnwIMS87dSw


A while to go before heading out, but yes….. excited already.

[Grizz1963]

A good friend, Bob Heine, in Florida found these…….

He suggested the following Rian, the Canta has come so far. I know you mentioned alloy rims a while back but have you considered wheel spinners? While on your road trip, you might be able to source a set. These are meant for a VW but the description sounds like it might work:




Simple Photoshop and it does change the look somewhat.

I do like it enough.



No more Canta action this weekend.

But the Rezin Rockit had more than its fair share of attention and use.

[Grizz1963]

So this weekend saw little,Canta action.

Which left me with a load of guilt to be processed, in the shape of using the RR.

I really do enjoy driving it.

The lowered suspension can be jarring on the terrible roads and potholes, but I wanted a lowered plastic car I guess.

Today I went to Asda (Walmart) to buy some groceries and a bottle of Fireball in case I needed it.

When I came out, there was a note (card) on the windscreen, so someone must have clocked that it is not a 4x4





I did quite a lot more driving, went to Sallys place to upload the Rezin Rockit video I edited after midnight last night.

My internet at home sucks big time.

Then I drove over to The Isle of Grain to look at the fruit trees I usually get my plums from, almost nothing, guess it’s been too dry.

Took a couple of photos of the car as well.

Eventually came home, having thoroughly enjoyed the day.



Still enjoy seeing the silly thing.



Video

https://youtu.be/QG8nZMs8DZE

Almost Monday.

[Grizz1963]

I’m was chatting with Dennis Over the weekend about a load of stuff.

He has just sold off his whole sprint car racing setup, a load of engines, frames, trailers, specialist tools, race cars etc.

And it reminded me, before I had my “New YouTube Channel “ I had a channel where I loaded some stuff.

This is mainly just for some of you guys, girls who have not seen these clips for Lake of the Ozarks racieway.

Startup and preparation.

A typical Missouri Friday night.


https://youtu.be/BDuAjh1JQ1s




At the track.

https://youtu.be/rlbJoXj-BVM


https://youtu.be/p70y8zpR628


https://youtu.be/LfrF0c4FZh4


https://youtu.be/tH1LVazhdMo


https://youtu.be/0jUTFGEGSJM



.

[Palf70Step]

I remember those vids. Been a little while. Never even paid attention it wasn't on your current channel.

[Braunschweiger]

Yes, that's really great

[Grizz1963]

Originally Posted by Palf70Step

I remember those vids. Been a little while. Never even paid attention it wasn't on your current channel.

I actually forgot, and did not realise.

Originally Posted by Braunschweiger

Yes, that's really great

Thank you.




So I am interested in a 1990 Chevy Astro shorty van.

Currently for sale over here, they seem to be rare.

This one seems to also have had its interior done by “THE DROP SHOP” (one registered business in Mission, Texas)

Looks like the air bag steering wheel is changed. Old corvette bucket seats and homemade interior.


It seems to be pretty in the photos.


Details: 1990 model, 4.3 V6, alloy wheels, repainted. 77k recorded miles. Temperature gauge fitted under dash.

Any opinions on this specific model, year and engine that I could or should know?


Thank you.

[Palf70Step]

I know many people love them, but I am not a big fan. Rather it be minimal in the back and useful for hauling stuff if I had one.

[Grizz1963]

Originally Posted by Palf70Step

I know many people love them, but I am not a big fan. Rather it be minimal in the back and useful for hauling stuff if I had one.

100% agreed on functionality Bill.

Thanks for the reply.

Other than front crossmember/core support rust, they seem to be reasonably well regarded.

[Grizz1963]

So this is a winters weekend.

Rain most of the day.

But I did refit the seats, as well as sun visor, rear view mirror.









And sun visor, rear view mirror.





Video:

https://youtu.be/5akhii7KPDw

Who knows, tomorrow has more rain forecast.

Maybe I can figure out the missing ignition barrel and anything else.

[Grizz1963]

Been doing what I usually do…..

Researching, lusting after a load of stuff.

Missed out (sort of) on that red SAAB last week, or was it two weeks ago.

So tomorrow I will ask the contracts boss for a day off on Tuesday to do a short road trip.

£68.00 for a one way train ticket via London and then up country.

The road route coming back registered as 200 miles.

So hopefully a decent run to show it is good.

With this new arrival, the S10 with 40k miles will be for sale.

RULEZ IS RULEZ. One out, one in to keep balance.

Though I still have to shift another.

Destination: S****HORPE

Excited.







So this weekend very little was done other than much telephone and internet time.

Oh, and cut the grass.

Weekend gone.

[Grizz1963]

No turning back now.

[Braunschweiger]

Good luck and have a fun train ride

[Grizz1963]

Originally Posted by Braunschweiger

Good luck and have a fun train ride

Thank you Harald.

Just need to make space for the new Chevy now.


Chevrolet S10 pickup.

Colour: Sandalwood metallic
Extra-cab
4.3 liter V6
2WD not 4x4
Decent condition
MOT 23 December 2023
Mileage today: 40319 miles. That can change as in use.

Registration Y853WJE

Personal plate getting removed.

You know that saying: “FIND ANOTHER ONE LIKE THAT” This may be one of those.

I would like to see £6800.00 for it.

Truck is in Rochester, Kent.

PM please.

[











Personal plate will be removed.





Little bit over 40k miles now.





Can work as well.





Price is firm, if you want to pay more, let me know.

Please PM if interested.

[Grizz1963]

Well, insurance to get sorted for a day.

A week is £75.00 which is steep just to drive 200 miles.

In the mean time……

The very important road trip snacks have been bought, a few bottles of beer water/soda to be added.



Oh, and we have a toll crossing over the Thames river at Dartford, collection and management recently went to a new company, so it is a total cluster$£€# as nobody seems to be able to get payments and admin done.
I have tried repeatedly to get the new car registered and failed, despite it recognising it by brand, colour and model.

Modern times, modern tech ehhh.