I miss having a nice old car.

[Cookie Monster]

Damn son you really cleaned that interior up.

[giant_mtb]

Yeah, nice work!

[shp4man]

Thanks, figure on repainting the interior one section at a time, then a new floormat, then a real seat reupholstery job.

[FoMoJo]

Looks nice, but don't scrub off too much of that patina .

What's that big handle looking thing under the driver's side dash?

[MrH]

If you ever want to get rid of that truck, let me know. 

[shp4man]

Looks nice, but don't scrub off too much of that patina .

What's that big handle looking thing under the driver's side dash?

E-brake lever.

[shp4man]

If you ever want to get rid of that truck, let me know. 

[shp4man]

Got the drivers door resprayed today. Next is the dash. I've already done the glove box lid and ashtray. Need to remove the instrument cluster, restore it, and mask off the other shit. This will down the truck for a while. Guess I'm riding the Harley. My hair and clothes are full of metal flakes from overspray.

[CaminoRacer]

Metal door panels are the best.

[shp4man]

Came out nice. I was impressed with the quality of the mail order seat upholstery kit.

[FoMoJo]

Very nice .

[CaminoRacer]

Now put the blanket back on.

[Tave]

It looks super clean, good work!

I agree the mexican blanket was a nice touch.

[giant_mtb]

Is it legal to carry the rifle like that or is it just for show?

[shp4man]

Is it legal to carry the rifle like that or is it just for show?

You can transport a firearm in California, but the ammo has to be in a separate compartment and it can't be concealed. I'm sure they'd find a reason to stop me if I made it a habit.

[shp4man]

It doesn't have to be pre- 1970 to be cool, or even super expensive. This is I believe an '81 model. But way cool.

[shp4man]

Put a new radiator in the old truck today. So the old Harrison original radiator was starting to leak at the top seam, it already had a bunch of other leaks, and the only thing keeping it going was a crapload of stopleak. So.. did a bunch of research. There are brass radiators available (likely Chinese, too), but $450 is above my Ramen eating price range.    I figured out the aluminum radiator that was available at Rockauto and other places was the same Chinese part, so ordered the cheapest one.
The part is listed as fitting a six, but in reality, it's a V8 radiator. Surprise.
After unpacking it, you can see the thing is fully half again bigger that the OE Harrison.

So I figured I would make it work. You have to completely remove all the old six banger shroud tin. 3 of 1/2 head bolts on each side 3 of 3/8 head bolts on the top.  The "U" shaped bottom radiator brackets are riveted on, and you have to grind the rivets off (not easy) to move them to the higher V8 position on the crossmember they mount on. Just used 5/16 bolts and nuts to re-attach them.

See the square holes? Those are the six banger radiator lower mount holes. Also had to get a new top radiator hose, as the old one was too short.
I used new rubber on the lower mounts and the OE rubber from the original six cylinder mounts on my "homemade" top bracket.

The advantage of this is nothing is butchered and the OE stuff could be bolted back in.
Also, there's room for an A/C condenser in front of the bigger radiator.


Now I can drive the truck uphill, in the desert at 112 degrees, no problem! Plus, if Mr. Six explodes, I may have enough cooling capacity for my dream engine, a big ass, premium guzzling, 375 horse 455 Olds! Zoom Zoom! 

[FoMoJo]

Looks good.    on the 455.  You'll end up with a real rat rod.

[shp4man]

Like the baby moons? They're more different than I thought they'd be. Some outfit out of Salt Lake is selling them on fleabay for $40 a set, no shipping. Not awful quality, made in Taiwan. At least all the hubcaps match now, and they aren't Ford ones. 

[FoMoJo]

Looks good .


Seeing that you're start modifying now, you can drop in the 455; or maybe a spare coyote engine that might be lying around the dealership.

[shp4man]

Looks good .


Seeing that you're start modifying now, you can drop in the 455; or maybe a spare coyote engine that might be lying around the dealership.

The coyote motor would be a hell of a conversation starter. 

[FoMoJo]

The coyote motor would be a hell of a conversation starter. 

Basically, I'm not keen on switching engine brands, but it would get the GM guys in a tizzy.

[CaminoRacer]

He could spend a lot less money and get a 383 with the same horsepower.

[shp4man]

He could spend a lot less money and get a 383 with the same horsepower.

I know what you're talking about,  a stroked SBC. But to my old ass, a 383 is a Chrysler engine. Besides, the low end torque of one of these is awe inspiring! 

[CaminoRacer]

All I know about Mopar 383s is that supposedly they aren't very good.

A big block would work in the truck. I don't usually care for them since I'm looking for high HP + low weight, but this isn't a race truck

[FoMoJo]

I know what you're talking about,  a stroked SBC. But to my old ass, a 383 is a Chrysler engine. Besides, the low end torque of one of these is awe inspiring! 

Better get some fat tires to put on the back then.

[Morris Minor]

How about fuel injection for the current engine?
http://www.67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/showthread.php?t=337554&highlight=fuel+injection[/font]

[Soup DeVille]

I know what you're talking about,  a stroked SBC. But to my old ass, a 383 is a Chrysler engine. Besides, the low end torque of one of these is awe inspiring! 

The Caddy 472 is better in most ways than the Olds 455. Not a lot of support for it, but if it's a mild build it will do great.

[shp4man]

How about fuel injection for the current engine?
http://www.67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/showthread.php?t=337554&highlight=fuel+injection[/font]

That's my truck forum.    Those guys do all kinds of mods on these old trucks.

[shp4man]

The Caddy 472 is better in most ways than the Olds 455. Not a lot of support for it, but if it's a mild build it will do great.

The Caddy motor is supposed to have some kind of special cylinder wall hardening process from what I hear.