1979 Scottsdale build

[Jonboy]

I took the truck to get an exhaust leak fixed, and ended up just replacing it all. It had 5 exhaust leaks, and was 2" pipe. Now it is 2.5" all the way back, and is tucked up really nice. Anyone local in the North Dallas/Plano area check out Bills Radiator and Muffler. They did a really nice job, and it was very reasonable. www.billsradiatorandmuffler.com

I think I have the wiring pretty much done, too. I have it all tied up and out of the way, but need to find a little more loom tomorrow at work. I went to drive it today, but have a bad battery. I'll just have to get one of those tomorrow, too.

[JohnC]

Sweet now we need a video of the new exhaust.

[Jonboy]

I can hardly post pictures. I think a video would put me in technology shock. besides, I don't know any 10 year old kids to show me how to take or post one.

[Jonboy]

It works! I have successfully slayed the wiring monster! I took it out for a drive this afternoon, no check engine light (except for the emissions stuff that needs to get tuned out). I'm stoked!

[zimmstoy]

Congrats. I made some progress today on mine too. Can't wait to see it in a few weeks.

[menace121978]

right on bro!!

[Jonboy]

Well, so much for slaying the wiring monster. It has turned into eating an elephant (a little bit at a time). I think I have the starting/charging system better than ever, and should be able to drive it to work next week. That will be a big step.

On the brighter side, I have the rebuilt tilt coulnm and later model steering wheel installed, and most of the junk cleared out.

[menace121978]

eating an elephant! i like that...

[JohnC]

Some things are going to be like that Jon. Lucky for you wiring is usually one of the biggest. So since you are getting that awful elephant taste in your mouth now, it should be gravy from there on!

[Jonboy]

I hope this is the worst of it. The hardest part for me is the questioning what I know. That is irritating, to say the least. I sat here yesterday afternoon pricing new wiring harnesses, I was so twisted.

Hopefully I can drive it to work next week to get some tunes installed.

[JohnC]

[Jonboy]

Since I haven't updated this in almost a month, I figured I might do that. I have managed to get the wiring sorted out for the most part (sounds familiar, huh?), and the interior is completely put together for the first time since I have owned it. I was able to find a better dash pad, and also broke down the A/C vents and cleaned all of that up. Another '91 'burb cluster, and the dash is complete (as complete as it is going to be until I redo it all). I even have a CD player in there.

I have sold a few parts (rear step bumper and wheels) to make way for some new stuff, and she has new shoes. I cleaned up a set of rally wheels for it after seeing Scoti's way cool '74, and wrapped them in Radial T/A's. I think they will work well until I can get the slots I really want on the truck. The drop has been ordered, and hopefully it will all arrive sometime around the end of the month. I can't wait to see it lowered!

[JohnC]

Sweet! What drop did you decide to go with?

[Jonboy]

I talked to Scoti and had him help me plan it out, and ordered everything from CPP. I am going with 2.5 spindles, will cut the springs in the front, with a flip kit (and shackles, if needed), with a C-notch and shock extenders. I am thinking it will end up around 4/6-5/7, since I have the 8 spring pack on the rear. Dealing with CPP has been great so far, and the price is right, too. If you are thinking about lowering your truck, I would definitely give them a shot.

I need to head up north and pick up the rear bumper brackets, too. My truck looks a little goofy with no rear bumper. I see it every night when I open the garage to go inside. Nothing like little hints to get it done.

[Jonboy]

had some help getting the interior together, too.

[JohnC]

Looks like a very good helper too! Looks like you're not the only one excited about driving this truck.

[Jonboy]

Yeah, I think it is actually her truck. She has to pet it every time she walks by it. Makes Daddy proud!

[STOCKISH]

Beautiful little helper you have there. They're lots of fun. Great looking truck too. Glad to see the progress and cant wait for drop pics.

[Driveway Dreams]

Sounds like you (2) are making awesome progress. My daughter is the same silly way with my truck. She loves the thing. And I taught her at about 2 years old that "Real trucks wear bowties". She loves to help in the garage. I figure if they are interested in it...teach them all they will learn. It can only help them in the future.

[Jonboy]

More progress! With the help of Scoti, we lowered the truck this past weekend. It looks absolutely perfect, and rides better that it did at stock height. I can't thank Scoti enough for his help, as I would still be just looking at it without his help. He really went above and beyond to help me, and I really, really appreciate it. Guys like that make me really glad to be a part of this board.

I drove it to work this morning, and was thinking about the progress I have made. When I bought the truck, I had it towed to me just to be on the safe side. I drove to work with the A/C working, getting about 19 MPG, no wind whisling through the doors, listening to Jimmie Vaughan knowing that the truck looks damn good going down the road. Anyhow, here are the pics. Before:

[Jonboy]

after:

[Jonboy]

Here it is next to Scoti's truck. His truck still has about 2 inches front and rear on mine.

[JohnC]

Oh man that looks killer! Great work man, not just on lowering it, but on your whole journey up to now! You have done a lot of work, and should be proud to be cruising it around!

[cochino12]

Turned out great!!

[SCOTI]

Pics came out good. Post updates on the exhaust 're-work' & the front alignment results.