James and Rachael's Full Service '64

[boat]

Looking good man

[Ta2Don]

Sorry for the Hijack…

Good to see Boat surface out here...

[TypeSL2]

So, hit a huge snag today. Not sure how I am gonna fix this, but the NV3500 with external slave does not look like it is going to work behind the LQ. The slave cylinder does not look like it is going to clear the oil pan. I have been looming everywhere for an answer to this, but coming up empty-handed at the moment. Hopefully I will come up with something soon. I really wanted to have the engine in the truck tonight.

James

[TypeSL2]

Well, I tried notching the bell housing and grinding the oil pan to allow more clearance.

Went from this...


To this...


Woops. Good thing my buddy is a TIG welder. I have sourced another oil pan to avoid having to buy another $7-800 transmission. Traded some extra parts I had for the pan, so I am not out any money there. Basically gonna put a notch in the pan in that spot to allow clearance for the slave. Pics to follow of course.

James

[TypeSL2]

Just to give myself some more motivation, I set the motor down next to the truck for a quick photo.



James

[NEWFISHER]

Wow! Nice pic. If that doesn't motivate you, it sure motivates me.

[Grizz1963]

That pic is deskto or wallpaper material.

I really do like the choice of truck you guys made.

[bj383ss]

That LS looks like a monster. Great photo. I love the red wheels and wide whites.

Bret

[TypeSL2]

Thanks guys. I really love the red wheels with white walls, but unfortunately they aren't going to work with the disc brakes that I picked up. They are gonna be too small apparently. I have some newer model Tahoe wheels that I will be temporarily running until I can afford the wheels and tires that I really want. This LS swap is soaking up quite a bit of my money, so the Tahoe wheels may be on there for a while.

James

[markeb01]

Thought I commented earlier but see that I didn't. Love what you're doing and have a partner in the build. That shot above with the engine is very cool. Looking forward to your progress. And welcome to the forum a bit late!

[1963c-10]

Cool build...watching for more pics and progress.

[TypeSL2]

Dropped my the pans off at my welder last night. Hoping he will get some time to knock it out this weekend. If that happens, test fit will begin the same day I get it back. If all goes well and transmission bolts up like I need it to, then hopefully the combo will be going in next week. I have already received my exhaust pipe kit and flex pipes. Just waiting on my x-pipe and figuring out which mufflers I will run. Then I will have all the pieces to mock up the exhaust after I get the combo dropped in. More pics when I get them.

James

[TypeSL2]

Finally, I have made some more progress. Got the engine and trans bolted together finally. Had to have a notch welded in the side of my factory truck pan for the slave cylinder to fit. I guess I did not realize the transmission I have was going to be such a pain in the ass, but oh well. I am still only in this whole transmission swap for around $600 including the hydraulics, welding, transmission and throwout bearing. I am totally fine with that. Saved around $400 on getting a newer NV. I guess we will see how well this all works out eventually. In the mean time, here's a pic of the great progress.



Finally got the engine/trans set in the truck last Saturday night. Set the intake on for the picture and bolted up the accessories. I ordered a bunch of stuff last night, including the radiator and hoses. So hopefully I will have more progress pics later this week.

James

[1963c-10]

engine looks great in there.

[TypeSL2]

Thank you. I have a couple other random pictures I am planning on adding later.

James

[McMurphy]

Originally Posted by TypeSL2

Thank you. I have a couple other random pictures I am planning on adding later.

James

Looking forward to that

[TypeSL2]

It seems I can't edit one of my older posts and the picture appears to be broken, so here is the updated pic of our engine bay. Hoping to get back on it later this week.



James

[TypeSL2]

Installed my new wheels and tires and also swapped on my front disc brake knuckles. Still gotta address the tie rod and brake lines, but much progress has been made.





James

[TypeSL2]

Been working on this a lot lately. I am getting closer by the day. Someone mentioned the 91-93 Caprice cluster in another thread, so I figured I would finally post up what has been taking up so much of my time lately. Hopefully these pictures work.

First test fit


Test fit with all of the gauges in there. I am converting to all of the Caprice Gauges. I don't know yet if this will work, but I am gonna try.


Starting the wiring


Everything minus turn signals, hi-beams and illumination wired up.


Built a connector for the cluster that will mount to the back of it to allow easy removal of cluster later.


Obviously, I will be cutting a new plate to allow use of the odometer/trip meter. There is still much work ahead, but I am getting there. I will make sure to update this with more pictures later. I have been focusing almost all of my time on rewiring the whole truck. There is a lot of ruined wiring in this truck and even more rigging than I was comfortable with. Wire nuts and bare wires everywhere under this dash. Was not surprised to find a couple melted connectors. All will be better soon.

James

[MalibuSSwagon]

James, thats some nice work you have done there! I am surprised not more people know about the Caprice electric speedo. Maybe I'll have to grab a few..

[MalibuSSwagon]

How about a squarebody fuel gauge movement? It swings the correct way for you.......

[TypeSL2]

Thanks man, I replied to your pm. I am so ready to get this thing running, but I still got quite a few things on my list.

James

[TypeSL2]

Here's an updated shot of the engine bay.



And the beginnings of my new harness.


James

[C@rnut001]

Your engine is looking great in your truck. Keep up the amazing job, you will get it together!

[TypeSL2]

Thanks man. This wiring is a nightmare. I love wiring, but this is almost overwhelming. All of the hacking and rigging is nuts. I am hoping to have all this wiring knocked out quick.

James