51 Chev on a S10 frame, named Dale

[fear_nothing]

Looks like you are moving right along. Curious to see if you have test mounted the bed on the s-10 frame? Watched several similar builds end-up with almost a cosmetic bed [floor sits really high] due to the contours of the S-10 frame. But you mentioned this will be a cruiser so maybe you are not really worried about the bed?

[jed971959]

Hi I used a rear window wiper motor off a jimmy/blazer and switch they work great
Jim

[Tempest67]

Just a quick update, ....here she is during surgery, the oil pan is now on, and waiting for a new coat of paint and some accessories.....stay tuned.

[Tempest67]

Since I welded up my drain hole in the firewall, I needed to find a way to drain any water from the cowl vent out of the interior of the truck.

So, I purchased some plastic hose, attached it to the drain tube, ran it across the passenger side of the firewall, into the kick panel cavity, down the cowl, and out the hole at the bottom of the cowl panel.

[8man]

That should work.

[Tempest67]

Been busy doing things that are not 'exciting', but need to be done.

Installed new brake lines

Installed new rear shocks

Changed Rear Diff fluid

Insulated firewall, as I am getting prepared to install new Wiring harness.


Motor is not in yet, as waiting for paint, and want to change trans fluid before install.




step by step....inch by inch

[joedoh]

nice work on the gauges!

[Tempest67]

Thanks Guys,

I hooked a battery up (no sending units attached) to send power and ground to each gauge and I think all worked. The voltmeter went to just off center, the fuel gauge went to the top , and the temp and oil gauge went to the bottom.

[joedoh]

when I did that on a couple trucks, the fuel gauge and oil pressure read backwards, I just wrote the right values in with a gold sharpie on the glass

[Tempest67]

if they read backwards, change the power and the ground (polarity) and it should read correctly.......... I think??

[8man]

Nice work on the gauges. Now to see how the speedo works.

[joedoh]

I have worked with steppers before and it did not work to reverse the polarity of one or both sets of coils on the steppers, they only swung when connected the same as original, so I am guessing the firmware knows they are inverted (self test when plugged in, full sweep) and does not operate. mine were the 98+ s10 variety with an IP that reports back to the BCM/PCM, so older ones may work.

my opinion is, when it comes to modern gauges, it makes more sense that the gauge natural state is in the middle. so high or low readings will catch my eye anyway.

[Tempest67]

Thanks Russ, these gauges were from a 94 S10, I am hoping they work, as it will be a PITA to access them once they are in.

8man - not sure what to do with Speedo, as the trans in a NV3500 and electronic. I am hoping that someone makes an adapter of some kind?? ...but an electronic signal turning a cable?...don't know if that is possible

[joedoh]

94 s10s with 4.3 came with an nv3500, why not use the speedo stepper the same as your 4 gauge? thats what I did

IMG_1070 by Joe Doh, on Flickr

(I see it was my temp and oil press that were backwards, I think I said fuel before, my error)

you have to be using the pcm/ip to drive your steppers for your 4 gauge too, so the parts are there

[Tempest67]

My S10 was an automatic, I trashed the engine and trans and bought the NV3500 separately.

I like how you used the S10 speedo needle..... maybe I can make mine work too??

Thanks for the pic

[Tempest67]

just an update, I have installed the heater (Vintage Air Gen II) and the fuse box.

I am now into the wiring, taking my time, 1 wire at a time.... so far so good.... I think??

Have a good weekend everyone

[8man]

Keep working at it.

[olcarguy]

One wire at a time will get it done, keep up the good work....

[Ol Blue K20]

Nice build with a good name...lol. Keep plugging away at it.

[Tempest67]

the name 'Dale Aitken' is carved into the side of the hood, so I figured I would name it Dale.

I found several old insurance slips and they are all in his name. (from the 60's and early 70's)

So, if Dale Aitken, from Grandview Manitoba is out there, your truck will ride again.

[fear_nothing]

Originally Posted by Tempest67

the name 'Dale Aitken' is carved into the side of the hood, so I figured I would name it Dale.

I found several old insurance slips and they are all in his name. (from the 60's and early 70's)

So, if Dale Aitken, from Grandview Manitoba is out there, your truck will ride again.

Well that's one way to deter thieves

[gigamanx]

Originally Posted by Tempest67

the name 'Dale Aitken' is carved into the side of the hood, so I figured I would name it Dale.

I found several old insurance slips and they are all in his name. (from the 60's and early 70's)

So, if Dale Aitken, from Grandview Manitoba is out there, your truck will ride again.

Haha, that's awesome. I love when the truck gods give you a sign something is right. In your case, literally a sign carved into the metal.

[joedoh]

haha nice!

[Tempest67]

I have been working on the wiring harness, and things are progressing.

But, I did take a break from wiring to play with paint.

The original plan was to paint the truck a pale green, with lots of patina, but once we saw the truck outside in the sun in it's "natural' patina, we decided to leave it alone.

I had already experimented on the tailgate with colors and patina, so now it was time to take it back to original.

Don't know why some trucks have the Chevrolet letters in white, and some have the rectangle in white.


.........and now back to wiring

[Tempest67]

Making progress, the engine and trans are in their final resting place, for the last time, I hope.