A misunderstanding....10 years in the making

[ChevLoRay]

Time I started a build thread on my '69, now that I have had it for 10 years. I'll post a before pix as well as what got me started on this trip. I've posted on here before, okay not the build/project forum, but I've asked many questions and I've fussed about broken dreams.

But, since my truck is disassembled with only the cab mount bolts holding it on the complete chassis (w/o engine/transmission) it seemed like a good time to start some documentation.

The black truck is one I bought for the youngest son per an agreement I made with him, when he started to drive. That was in April of '99. It was sold and went to Ft. Worth. The primered truck is a sister to it, with a few more bells/whistles (P/B, A/C) and it was bought on Halloween, 1999.

[71swb4x4]

I feel like I am listening to Paul Harvey. Where is the rest of the story? Your post ends 10 years ago. The suspense is killing me!

[BossHogg69]

Wow, Don - my '69 stepper looks like another sister to those two fleets! I have the exact same wheels on her too! I've also got mine torn torn, cab sittin' on the frame. I took plenty of pics, just haven't started a build thread yet. If you ever need any help, just gimme a call!

[vegaschevy]

Originally Posted by 71swb4x4

I feel like I am listening to Paul Harvey. Where is the rest of the story? Your post ends 10 years ago. The suspense is killing me!

[100gold]

C'mon now spill the beans. What color is that primer truck going to be?

[ChevLoRay]

Okay, here's a Carter Hickman illustration that is the epitome of my dream look for my truck. It won't be a body-double to the Blazer, but will mimic the look. Black, flames, different wheels.....red 'Vette-style rallys with rings and caps. I'll post a few more with pix of the "before" and add some "present".

[ChevLoRay]

Here are a couple pix of the before.

[ChevLoRay]

To add to the thread, here's what has led to the need for extensive surgery. A previous owner decided to use some non-automotive silicone sealant to "fix" leaks in places that didn't leak, like around the wiper motor and the drip rail on the firewall. He even created a dam with some of his sealer and that has made me eliminate the factory a/c unit in favor of an aftermarket unit to be done in the future. The wiper motor fell out one morning when I was starting off to work. The other damage was revealed as the disassembly was done.
The pix will display what I'm talking about.

[ChevLoRay]

Here's some more inspirational photos. All of these came from the website over several years. The tailgate is showing what I'd like, although different pinstriping is my plan...don't want to copy anyones' artwork. The taillight treatment is interesting but I don't think it's on my to-do list. The firewall is clean and black...both of which are on my list. The shop truck that is also a Carter Hickman design done for PorterBuilt is another idea factory. I know you've seen these but they show where I hope my map takes me.

[ChevLoRay]

I delivered my truck 2 years ago for the body/paint. I picked it up last year and drove it home (minus a lot of sheet metal) and pulled the engine/transmission/driveshaft as well as gutted the interior.

A couple months ago they were ready for me to bring the chassis/cab back so they could get started (2 years, remember?).

Today, I got a call to bring the core support. Said they've been working on it, welding holes, Y3.

I'll get some pix tomorrow to post so we'll know where we're at.....

[CheyenneShop]

Originally Posted by 71swb4x4

I feel like I am listening to Paul Harvey. Where is the rest of the story? Your post ends 10 years ago. The suspense is killing me!

[kev2809]

damn, sounds to me they are jackin around with your time. shouldnt take that long to do that job, unless they are making it absolutely perfect!

[ChevLoRay]

Kinda hard to say for sure. Every conversation is always cordial. His work is impeccable. His talents are amazing. I'm sure it will be done right. My dad used to say "the first one to mention money, loses money". He gave me a price. It is a written agreement. I have no doubt that the work will be done right. Problem is that good workmanship generates demand for that work. Throw in the lymphoma and delays happen. They have never given me any reason to not believe that it will get done. He's talking springtime in getting it back to me. I have a ton of work to do to it even at that....wiring, HVAC system, re-coloring the '98 Tahoe 2nd row seat....it's going to be a labor of love. But I can see where folks can think like that. I did. I thought about cutting my losses and moving on, but that just wasn't going to happen. It will be done and it will be nice. I've seen his work and I've heard his passion for what he does. I think other people will like it, too..

[Palf70Step]

Love to watch them grow. Time to watch yous now.

[Thealien]

Interested in seeing more!

[ChevLoRay]

Haven't been to check on it in several weeks....been sick. Time to go see what's shakin'.

Ever feel like throwing in the towel?

Right now, my plan is to just get the body/paint done and get it to the house so I can finish it up. This is in contrast to the original plan for a turn-key job. Things have changed so much since this began, that the original plan won't work....money isn't the reason, this time.

Must be depressed....

[nickp51chevy]

Originally Posted by ChevLoRay

I have no doubt that the work will be done right. Problem is that good workmanship generates demand for that work. Throw in the lymphoma and delays happen. They have never given me any reason to not believe that it will get done. He's talking springtime in getting it back to me. I have a ton of work to do to it even at that....wiring, HVAC system, re-coloring the '98 Tahoe 2nd row seat....it's going to be a labor of love. But I can see where folks can think like that. I did. I thought about cutting my losses and moving on, but that just wasn't going to happen. It will be done and it will be nice. I've seen his work and I've heard his passion for what he does. I think other people will like it, too..

Don't through in the towel yet. You said that it takes time, and you know whey you get it back it will be done right. Everyone goes through this at some point in there build, I think.

[ChevLoRay]

What sucks for me is that when I get the body/chassis back, it will be painted and essentially a finished shell on a rolling chassis. All it will need is "finishing up". Since I had my "little" stroke 3 years ago, there have been residual effects that are subtle and sometimes troubling. This said, my thoughts have been along the lines of selling the completed rolling project that will be black inside and out. All of the holes for trim on the sides will be filled, as will the marker light holes and stake pocket holes. There will be a flip kit to reverse the handle on the tailgate. The cowl will be filled. There will be a new windshield and new rubber on both front and back glass. The bed has been coated with Vortex, in black.

The problem is that I no longer have the strength or endurance to do the work and the money that it would take to pay someone to do it, just isn't there. Clearly, it is a job for a healthier person. I have everything for the interior....in bright red vinyl. I have a 2nd-row leather seat from a '98 Tahoe. I have all of the parts/pieces to redo the window winders....regulators/handles, etc. I have weatherstripping for the doors as well as the "fuzzies" for the window sills and the window track. The list goes on. And on. And on. It has chrome front and rear bumpers that are a match. Mirrors that I had on it are peep mirrors, but I had the holes in the doors filled where the original mirrors mounted.

At present, the plan is to do a flame paint job, ala Goodmark vehicles. An alternative is the Carter Hickman blazer above. It may be that the better way to try and sell it is with a solid black finish. Black is the original color from the St. Louis factory when it was built. The original interior was black cloth, but that much black needs some red to off-set the outside and maintain the old school hot rod look I am after.

Getting older is more high-maintenance than I ever dreamed.

[nickp51chevy]

I'm sorry to hear that. Hopefully you could get some help by some younger guys, like your son, and maybe some other guys form here might help out also. Either way I hope that you end up with a truck that you want. Good luck.

[ChevLoRay]

Thanks for the sentiment. I'd like to think my son could and would want to finish it but the last thing I'd want is to have it somewhere nearby and not be able to drive it. I think a dose of reality is starting to kick in and working on that project is not part of the real world that I have to live in.

[mcbassin]

Great looking truck! Looks like you have some big plans!

[ChevLoRay]

I wish I could take the picture I like out to the driveway and pour enough proper liquids onto it and make it grow into a the real thing. Plans have a way of getting way-laid.

[ChevLoRay]

Gonna go look at a cab that HavinSomeFun has picked up.....or will have it soon. Hopefully, it doesn't need what the '69 needs. It isn't an air cab, but that's alright.

[mcbassin]

Originally Posted by ChevLoRay

Gonna go look at a cab that HavinSomeFun has picked up.....or will have it soon. Hopefully, it doesn't need what the '69 needs. It isn't an air cab, but that's alright.

No update on the body work? sure has been a long time between posts. I was hoping to see some pictures of the finished truck..