SGTUSMC '59 build

[sgtusmc]

I messed with the truck yesterday. I pulled off the walmart seat cover to find the seat had been upolstered 5 times. There were 5 layers on the seat. After taking my time removing hog rings and cutting each layer out. The more I dug the worse it got. I ended up with 3 trash cans worth of crap. If I had it to do over. I would have removed the seat, set it on fire and came back for the frame.

[JML55]

Nice truck, its good to start with a running project.

[nickp51chevy]

Originally Posted by sgtusmc

If I had it to do over. I would have removed the seat, set it on fire and came back for the frame.

[OrrieG]

Now that's funny. When I got mine the stock seat rode a little rough. Further investigation turned up a 4x4 on end under the drivers bun location, guess the PO was a pretty big boy.

[sgtusmc]

Thanks JML55, I just came back from driving the truck around the block. There's not to many things that scare me now a days. But, This truck does. I was kind of thinking about keeping the truck close to stock. Well I'm going to throw that out the window. I'm not down with having to pump the brakes before it decides to stop.
I'd like to take the s10 wrought. I haven't done to much research on the swap. I do know my truck has a 114" wheelbase. I'm sure the s10 is to narrow. I did a quick Google on 114" wheelbase and the ranger, Toyota Sienna, and the Yukon look close.

[nickp51chevy]

I haven't done it yet, but for my next AD or TF build I'm planing on just updating the suspension, brakes, and rear end. In my mind that = little to no fab work on the frame, and just bolting up NEW parts; like disk brakes.

Just my thoughts. They make sense to me.

[sgtusmc]

Yeah, I hear ya Nick. I just like the idea of buy'n it as a whole and sitting the old tin on top. I guess that's the lazy mans approach. I guess it would take less time and energy to install a sub frame up front and a 4 link in the rear and be done with it (well,the frame anyways).

[bobinbc]

NIce start Sarge! Up here that truck is what we call rust free! Look forward to seeing what you decide to do with this one, just remember that you CAN eat that elephant
(one bite at a time)

[sgtusmc]

I took the dreaded trip to the DMV today to get the truck under my name and a non-op on it. I've never had good luck there. After waiting an hour and a half. I get to the counter, hand the lady my folder with all my trash in it (bill of sale, pink slip and non-op card) She's to busy talking to another employee about lunch. She goes through my folder hands me back the non-op card and my bill of sale. Prints out a registration and sticker hands it to me, tells me my pink slip will be sent in the mail and continues her conversation. She didn't ask me about insurance or even read or ask about the non-op. I couldn't believe it. I couldn't get out of there quick enough. I giggled like a little girl the whole way home.

[renegade6]

Good for you.

I used to take the extra drive to Shafter to go to the DMV just because of the hassle of the one in Bakersfield.

[98turbls1]

Awesome truck bro. Do you have any pics of the camaros? I'd love to pick one up.

Keep us updated.

Semper Fi

[OrrieG]

Originally Posted by sgtusmc

I took the dreaded trip to the DMV today to get the truck under my name and a non-op on it. I've never had good luck there. After waiting an hour and a half. I get to the counter, hand the lady my folder with all my trash in it (bill of sale, pink slip and non-op card) She's to busy talking to another employee about lunch. She goes through my folder hands me back the non-op card and my bill of sale. Prints out a registration and sticker hands it to me, tells me my pink slip will be sent in the mail and continues her conversation. She didn't ask me about insurance or even read or ask about the non-op. I couldn't believe it. I couldn't get out of there quick enough. I giggled like a little girl the whole way home.

Some times the car gods smile on us. For years I had a local dmv contact that had a 67 Mustang like the one I restored with my daughters. She happened to be the person I got when we reregistered it and after that I never had problems getting things done there.

[Dan in Pasadena]

Originally Posted by sgtusmc

I took the dreaded trip to the DMV today to get the truck under my name and a non-op on it. I've never had good luck there. After waiting an hour and a half. I get to the counter, hand the lady my folder with all my trash in it (bill of sale, pink slip and non-op card) She's to busy talking to another employee about lunch. She goes through my folder hands me back the non-op card and my bill of sale. Prints out a registration and sticker hands it to me, tells me my pink slip will be sent in the mail and continues her conversation. She didn't ask me about insurance or even read or ask about the non-op. I couldn't believe it. I couldn't get out of there quick enough. I giggled like a little girl the whole way home.

I don't "do" the DMV thing anymore if I can possibly help it. I use AAA and try to get the young woman clerk and chat her up about almost ANYTHING than let her think too much about what she's doing.

The kiss of death at the DMV is the older long-time employee who is pissed off at the general level of idiocy he/she deals with everyday and/or his lot in life for working at the DMV all his life!

[98turbls1]

Originally Posted by Dan in Pasadena

I don't "do" the DMV thing anymore if I can possibly help it. I use AAA and try to get the young woman clerk and chat her up about almost ANYTHING than let her think too much about what she's doing.

The kiss of death at the DMV is the older long-time employee who is pissed off at the general level of idiocy he/she deals with everyday and/or his lot in life for working at the DMV all his life!

That's why I'm glad we have just the little ole tag agencies here. I have a long time friend that works at one that I went to school with her sons. If something isn't legit she lets us know but doesn't become a road block to our goal.

[bjcaldwe]

Yup the small town tag agencies are nice here in OK. They are usually a lot friendlier.

[sgtusmc]

Hey Guy's, yesterday my son and I were removing the old wood out of the bed and messing with the truck. My son was asking me about the four headlights, and why they went with 4 instead of 2. He was telling me it would be cool to get 2 regular high/low lights for the outside and run off-road light for the inner lights. I'd tie them into the high beams via a relay, so they'd come on when the high lights are applied (that's how my Toyota is set-up) Has anyone ever done this? Just thought I'd throw this out there.

[nickp51chevy]

I think it's a great idea, and you should give it a shot......see what happens.

[bobinbc]

Originally Posted by sgtusmc

Hey Guy's, yesterday my son and I were removing the old wood out of the bed and messing with the truck. My son was asking me about the four headlights, and why they went with 4 instead of 2. He was telling me it would be cool to get 2 regular high/low lights for the outside and run off-road light for the inner lights. I'd tie them into the high beams via a relay, so they'd come on when the high lights are applied (that's how my Toyota is set-up) Has anyone ever done this? Just thought I'd throw this out there.

I had this on car years ago, (my first car actually, a 68 Merc 2drht with a 428) if I left the high beams on too long it would overheat the circuit breaker for the headlights and they would ALL go OUT!! Then it would reset itself and they'd come back on - damn near dirtied my shorts the first time it happened

[OrrieG]

Sounds like a plan if you can get the dual function in the smaller dia lamp. To solve the overheat breaker problem convert to relays so power goes directly to the lights, not thru the switch, thats what I am doing when I rewire. I'd be interested in doing this too, please post the lamp you find.

[sgtusmc]

Hey Guy's, I'm slowly tearing this truck apart. I've been soaking bolts with PB for the last week. I've managed to get 2 loose and free...the other 20 or so, snapped. Good thing I have a really good EZ out set. I've decided to take the swap route (Caprice). I'm building this one for my wife. I'll feel a lot safer with newer running gear. I refuse to scrap the original running gear, and I won't have room for it. What would you say the running gear is worth? Engine starts and idles, tranny shifts, brakes now work, and the frame looks to be straight. I'm not looking to get rich off it, I just don't want it to get crushed.

[LEEVON]

I'd put it up on CL for $400 to keep the scrappers away and sell it for almost anything to somebody that you have an idea will make good use of it. I have a hard time scrapping good stuff too, but like you have no room to store it. Better to find a good home for free than get scrapped for $50 IMO. I keep finding deals this way too, when they hear about my project the prices go way down. Kind of pay-it-forward if you will.

Curious to see how the Caprice works out, that would be great if you find one complete w/ 5.7 and 4l60e. Those are solid reliable cars.

['58Patch]

Originally Posted by sgtusmc

Hey Guy's, I'm slowly tearing this truck apart. I've been soaking bolts with PB for the last week. I've managed to get 2 loose and free...the other 20 or so, snapped. Good thing I have a really good EZ out set. I've decided to take the swap route (Caprice). I'm building this one for my wife. I'll feel a lot safer with newer running gear. I refuse to scrap the original running gear, and I won't have room for it. What would you say the running gear is worth? Engine starts and idles, tranny shifts, brakes now work, and the frame looks to be straight. I'm not looking to get rich off it, I just don't want it to get crushed.

Could you direct me to some info on the Caprice swap?
Thanks

[OrrieG]

I kept mine and tried to sell it for 15 years (I have lots of room for storage) but ended up scrapping it when metal was high a few years ago. Stovebolt.com might be a good source they tend towards stock and restoration. Last weekend I got $18 for my rebuildable 235 long block, could not give it away locally.

[sgtusmc]

This is the only company I know of that makes a kit. I'm not sure if there's more. May be someone else could chime in. I'm plan on using a newer Caprice. Hopefully I can get it to work.

Thanks Guy's, I feel the same. I'd like the frame to get used and not scraped. I don't think my wife would allow me to keep it for as long as you Patrick.

[OrrieG]

Trick is to keep it greasy so she won't get to curious. and build a shop with a second floor storage area.