huero's project "TRA-BAJO"

[huero]

Hey, guys. If, I may.
I just brought my 69 home finally. I want to start a build thread. This might take some time to do but want to document the progress here. So, with you permission here is my project "TRA-BAJO".





Sorry, for the bad quality pics but it was dark out and I had to use the "night mode" setting on the camera. I guess I am a little excited and could not wait for tomorrow (might rain tomorrow too).
First thing on the list will be to rip out the carpet and clean the interior to see what I got to work with. Wish me luck, huero.

[Kager67]

Very nice! Looks like you could just buff the paint and go rollin.

Kager

[huero]

Thank you Kager. I actually want to keep the paint for as long as possible.
My plans are to have a lowered (low=bajo) truck but, still be able to work (work=trabajo). I want the truck to still be a truck but have lots of fun driving it.
Truck currently has a inline 6 with 3 speed manual. Plans call for a 350/400 combo. I am debating disc brakes in the futur or keeping it all drums.
Oh, and most important for TRA-BAJO will be as low $$$$ build as possible. I have a 68 long bed that will be donating alot of parts to TRA-BAJO.

[Frizzle Fry]

Project "WORK" ? Looks like a nice truck to start with.

[huero]

Thanks Frizzle. You inspire allot of us here with your skills.
Hopefully, I can take more detailed pics tomorrow.

[JOHNORO]

nice truck huero where was this thing
I will keep an eye out for you on the road

[huero]

Originally Posted by JOHNORO

nice truck huero where was this thing

I had purchased the truck in April 07 and had it stored at my parents house. I bought my house recently so it is home now. Can't wait to tear into it. Can't say it will be road worthy any time soon. But, we shall see.

[VDOG]

From the looks of your truck, you seem to have a good start. The body looks straight, and I did not see any rust. One point of advice, add disc brakes at least to the front, if its still going to be a work truck. You can go with 6 lug disc. When I had drums and tried to stop with a load, lets just say I was always in the intersection when I came to a stop. LOL

Also, with that inline 6 you probably have a 3:55 rearend, something you might want to hold on to.

[huero]

Some more pics. I had to remove the carpet as I wanted to see what I had to work with and I had to get ride of some of the stank in it.
Here is the moisture trap.



And some random shots

[timzrides]

very cool!!

[samwise68]

looking good!

it looks like a very solid truck, so it should save you alot of time and money, not having to fight with rust and all that.

i'll be watching this one, for sure.

-Sam.

[VDOG]

Looks real good. Huero, look at your cab corners on the passenger side. The rust build is not that bad, like you were saying, Por-15 should take care of that spot. Man I wish my truck was that clean to start with.

[huero]

Thanks guys. I decoded the truck and it was built in Fremont, Ca.
One reason I bought the truck was do to it looking real solid. Of, course there are always surprises, but so far so good. I have a locking gas cap with no key so, I have to figure out how to get it removed so I can start working on the cab floor. Any suggestions appreciated.
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=272677

[71swb4x4]

Sometimes you can get lucky with those gas caps. Grab a large channel lock pliers or somethig similar and give the cap a good turn.

[ChevyDude]

Estudiarlo espanol para siete anos en la escuela en California. Mucho Trabajo...mucho...ehole'chingada...esse. Cuando no uso, no requerda nada!!! Es muy importante practica practica.

I played soccer in college was the goalie...all the personas de Mexico on the team called me Huero Puertero = White keeper of the gate.

Good luck on your project.

[brianthelion02]

Definetly a clean truck!!!!!!!Unless you just really hate that 6-cylinder i would at least give it a try,they really dont run bad and they get good mileage!!!Just a thought!!!!!!

[VDOG]

Originally Posted by huero

Thanks guys. I decoded the truck and it was built in Fremont, Ca.
One reason I bought the truck was do to it looking real solid. Of, course there are always surprises, but so far so good. I have a locking gas cap with no key so, I have to figure out how to get it removed so I can start working on the cab floor. Any suggestions appreciated.
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=272677

If your not going to keep the stock gas tank, get a long enough prybar and pop out the gas cap. Now if your going to keep the tank,....................................then I need to think of something else. LOL

[huero]

Originally Posted by VDOG

Now if your going to keep the tank,....................................then I need to think of something else. LOL

The tank looks good, almost new. I may want to run with it for a while or else I would like to save it because someone might need it.

[VDOG]

Originally Posted by huero

The tank looks good, almost new. I may want to run with it for a while or else I would like to save it because someone might need it.

You might be able to pry it off with a flathead screwdriver.

[Boog]

Whoa sonnnnnn! What a great start. Around these parts that's a cool old driver as is. I can't believe the cab floor is in such good shape. You know this truck has been kept under a shed most of it's life.
Wash it up, throw on some more wheels and drive it like a brand new one cause it's coooool. Tune up the old 6 cyl and give it some dual packs. You might like it for a while.

[huero]

Originally Posted by Boog

You know this truck has been kept under a shed most of it's life.

It appears to be the case Boog. I bought the truck out in the boonies and the PO told me it was stored in a barn.
Well, It looks like he was telling the truth, check this out. With the help of the guys on the site I got the cowl off. I had noticed after last night rain the cab had become really funky smelling. I had to get the funk out. I thought I did after removing the old carpet it had but noticed a little dirt that settled under the cowl. So, off came the cowl for cleaning.
Here is the dirt under the cowl. I did not notice this till I investigated the stank.



Oh, oh. Allot of dirt and rat poo! Could this have caused rust issues?
Naaa. We are o.k. Whoo dodged a bullet.


Looking good for a 38 year old truck.

[Boog]

Oh yeah. Any substance that will hold moisture will cause it to rot in there. My 69 had an accumulation of pine needles in there and put some rust holes in it. The most damage on mine was around the heater case. Rusted so bad the fan motor wouldn't seal to the firewall. I clipped and replaced my whole cowl/firewall for a better one. Yeah, you've got a nice one. Does it run and drive?

[huero]

Originally Posted by Boog

Does it run and drive?

The truck has no battery and the PO told me the engine started knocking so he stored the truck. I am tempted to connect a battery and give it a go. I am also tempted to pull the engine and trans out and toss them so I can sstart work on the new engine/trans combo. Well, see.

[Boog]

Your truck looks just like my wife's 1st truck. A 68 with 327. Same colors and all. I wish we had kept that one.
Pull the plugs and give em a look, put a battery on it and see what you've got. You may have something to sell there and recoup some money.

[samwise68]

hook up a battery, check the oil, and give it a go. what do you have to lose, especially if you're going to pull it anyway?

who knows, you might decide you like the little six-er.

-Sam.