[Project] JUST ENUFF

I have been slacking haven't I??
Been taking advantage of the "early" summer weather up here in Washington and have not progressed as quickly as I originally intended. Progress HAS been made though.
Here's some pics I snapped today:

(http://i678.photobucket.com/albums/vv144/journeyman66/IMG_4131.jpg)

(http://i678.photobucket.com/albums/vv144/journeyman66/IMG_4129.jpg)

(http://i678.photobucket.com/albums/vv144/journeyman66/IMG_4132.jpg)

All that's left right now is to:
* align and fasten the bed to the frame.
* install tail lights, harness, roll pan, tailgate.
* Install the muffler and a little bit of pipe
* Route the gas filler neck to a STILL undetermined location.
* adjust the major amount of toe-out that the spindles created.
* Put some gas in it, hook up the battery, and start the bitch!
* then I can drive it to an alignment shop, get an exhaust bent up, and finish off the work needed to do on the bed at my work.

It all sounds so easy doesn't it??? I can only hope it WILL be!

Bed looks even better installed.
That list isn't terribly long. Fuel filler location might be a PITA.

Glad I'm not the only one with a messy shop

Here's what I decided for the fuel filler location. Wish I had a gas nozzle to check clearances. I think I'll be alright though.

(http://i678.photobucket.com/albums/vv144/journeyman66/IMG_4139.jpg)

(http://i678.photobucket.com/albums/vv144/journeyman66/IMG_4140.jpg)

I just have to modify the filler tube and give it a 90 degree bend. Might hafta bust out the TIG welder for that alteration.

The cost for this mod will be $0.00. Which is my exact budget!!

I like that spot. Nice and clean.

I got the filler tube modified. Here it is before I gave it a coat of paint.

(http://i678.photobucket.com/albums/vv144/journeyman66/IMG_4153.jpg)

I just tack welded it together w/ the MAG welder, using 75/25 gas & .023 ER70S wire. Then I brazed it up the rest of the way w/ some .030 silicone bronze and Argon. After giving it a leak test to ensure it was water-tight, I chased all the welds w/ some gutter seal as extra insurance to no leaking.
Here is the filler components all roughed in, welded up and installed. I'll put the finishing touches on it later. I haven't decided on an access door or not.

(http://i678.photobucket.com/albums/vv144/journeyman66/IMG_4169.jpg)

looks awsome man. mag welder? you mean mig. what kind of mashine are you runnin?

I use Lincoln machines. My 110v is a 2 year old Lincoln Power Mig 140C. My 220v is a 10+ year old Lincoln Wire Matic 255. I also have a spool gun for aluminum w/ this machine (but rarely use it). I use the Miller TIG welder at my work when needed.

Useless facts:
MIG= stands for Metal Inert Gas
Inert gases are non reactive to heat and flame. Argon is an example of a non-reactive inert gas.
CO2 is a reactive gas. So if you use 75% Argon and a 25% CO2 mixture, you have an active gas mixture due to the CO2.
MAG= Metal Active Gas

So when I used the Silicone Bronze wire with the Argon, I MIG welded.
When I used the steel wire with 75/25, I MAG welded.

very nice man!

can't wait to see it on the road...vid of first drive and burnout is required of course.

Quick update:
The front ZQ8 bump stops were installed. As I suspected, they are too tall and make contact at ride height. I guess that would be okay if I didn't already have shocks (haha). So I took them back out. Trimmed down the OEM bump stops and re-installed those. I now have about 1.5" of clearance before contact is made.

Maybe I'll use the ZQ8's on the rear end, but will need to come up with a design to account for ride height adjustability. With the stiffness of my rear springs, I doubt bump stops will be of a concern at this point. (sorry no pics!)
If I decide not to use the ZQ8's at all, I'm sure somebody will be willing to take them off my hands (?). I also have 3 plastic IROC wheel centercaps that I won't be needing. Before I put them on Craigslist for $15 -$20 each, I might see if anyone in this site is interested in picking them up for a drastically reduced price.

The truck will be getting pulled out of the garage today (Sunday). It will be the first sunshine the truck has seen since mid-January. The beast REALLY needs a bath! This week I'll be making an appointment at a reputable alignment shop and drive it in.

At this point... I'm getting pretty damn excited!

Looks a little better now:

(http://i678.photobucket.com/albums/vv144/journeyman66/IMG_4182.jpg)

(http://i678.photobucket.com/albums/vv144/journeyman66/IMG_4181.jpg)

(http://i678.photobucket.com/albums/vv144/journeyman66/IMG_4173.jpg)

(http://i678.photobucket.com/albums/vv144/journeyman66/IMG_4174.jpg)

(http://i678.photobucket.com/albums/vv144/journeyman66/IMG_4175.jpg)

I'm really liking this build. I love that ass-end too. no homo

Cool awsome!. the only thing is, and im sorry for being so anal but it looks like the front bumpers bent.

looking good man!

hows it handle?

Damn I miss my first gen...
Stance is perfect, truck looks killer.

Got a 4-wheel alignment done today.
What a huge difference. I was able to put the suspension thru it's paces today. Some curvey roads. Bumpy roads. A few good launches. Some hard breaking. The suspension performed great. Nice articulation. No noticeable bump steer. Even the coilovers seem to have a good setting w/ the progressive rate springs. The ride is firm, but not harsh. I went over some railroad tracks and was pleasantly surprised (my wifes SUV hates these tracks). I thought for sure the springs would be too stiff, but so far I'm really happy w/ my choice.
Having understeer is a very noticable difference!!! When I would gas it midway thru a corner.... the ass end would've normally wanted to kick out.... NOPE!!! The rear tires now feel like they are following the same track as the fronts... almost like it's pushing itself into the corner.... a very different feel than what I'm used to.... but wow!

Next is some exhaust work and then I'll get that bed finished up.
-CHEERS!

just amazing man. looks great. Glad its performing above your expectations.

X2
Always good to hear positive results.

My test runs in the rare 90 degree weather revealed some cooling issues I've always had w/ my V8.
I got a new 3 row, all aluminum vette radiator, and two 1400 cfm 12" cooling fans for $270 shipped (great deal!!!).......

(http://i678.photobucket.com/albums/vv144/journeyman66/IMG_4214.jpg)

(http://i678.photobucket.com/albums/vv144/journeyman66/IMG_4215.jpg)

Plus I will install the new grill and bumper I've had laying around.....

(http://i678.photobucket.com/albums/vv144/journeyman66/IMG_4213.jpg)

This shit is almost too nice for my truck!!!! I guess I'll live w/ it though.

that is a pretty good deal on the rad and fans.

def will look better with the new parts.

$270, really? you mind giving me the part #'s. i ve been looking for a set.