Re: 1977 Chevy K30 Crew Cab Build
 

Ok cool, im glad to hear that. Why are you going to use a fiberglass hood instead of a steel one?
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Re: 1977 Chevy K30 Crew Cab Build
 

I used it primarily due to the weight savings - the same reason I used an aluminum radiator. I went with a Harwood bolt-on show quality hood, so I didn't just get a "cheapy" one that wouldn't fit well or hold up over time. Mario will make it fit perfect & prep it right so the paint lasts for a very long time.

Re: 1977 Chevy K30 Crew Cab Build
 

Might put a newer radio in there.
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Re: 1977 Chevy K30 Crew Cab Build
 

Well, the radio I am using is new - it just has the classic appearance. It's all digital & puts out 240W - even has pre-amp outputs & iPod connections.

Re: 1977 Chevy K30 Crew Cab Build
 

Those old style new era radios are pretty cool!

Re: 1977 Chevy K30 Crew Cab Build
 

Well, good news for me - I ended up getting those 4 Suburban power doors for the awesome cost of free ninety free!!! More good news too - the ididit column FINALLY arrived at the shop... Hoping to get pics of it soon to put on here.
The complete Snow system should arrive by today (Wednesday) at the shop & they are getting the supercharger goodies ordered. Looks like I am going to replace my balancer & pulleys with the 8-rib kit from ATI for a little added grip for the belt under load.
I should get a few update pics by Friday with any luck.

Re: 1977 Chevy K30 Crew Cab Build
 

Your truck is getting better and better!

Re: 1977 Chevy K30 Crew Cab Build
 

Heard back from Jesse at Greening Auto Company - they were measuring my hinges yesterday & are hoping to get me some kind of quote on what it's going to take to fabricate them today. I am hoping that I will get some sort of 3D model of it, but not holding my breath... Will let ya know what I find out either way though - not looking forward to seeing the price tag, but oh well I guess!

Re: 1977 Chevy K30 Crew Cab Build
 

Like I said, the ididit steering column arrived at the shop & here's some shots of it. Of course it'll look a lot better once it's all painted & the little keyless start button is glowing green! Sure is nice though!!!

Re: 1977 Chevy K30 Crew Cab Build
 

This is the Tuffy center console we went with. It still needs to have the front & rear cup holder attachments installed to be complete. We're going to make a nice front panel to hold my 3 lighted rocker switches & are thinking about "frenching" in the Snow control module so you could see the face of it.

Will also have the armrest area recovered in matching leather material when the interior gets going.

Re: 1977 Chevy K30 Crew Cab Build
 

Did in fact get the hood hinges estimate back from Greening today - needless to say that broke my heart.... They think it'll take $4,500.00 to make a set - personally I think that's WAY high! Most aftermarket billet hinges run between $550-950.00 a set - therefore I had sold myself on something near $2,500.00 to custom make a set - but am NOT willing to shell out close to 5 grand for them....

Not giving up, but definitely need to research other directions!!!

Re: 1977 Chevy K30 Crew Cab Build
 

You know, I have never been a big fan of the 73-80 dual-pivot hinges. Are gas struts and single pivots out of the question?

Re: 1977 Chevy K30 Crew Cab Build
 

At this point nothing's out of the question. Any link to what you're talking about?

Re: 1977 Chevy K30 Crew Cab Build
 

I believe he means the struts like you see on the newer vehicle hoods and liftgates.

Looking good, man!

Re: 1977 Chevy K30 Crew Cab Build
 

Not the right application, but this is what I was referring to

Re: 1977 Chevy K30 Crew Cab Build
 

If it was me... I would just stick to the stock hinges and springs, they will pretty much last forever if taken care of. Ever seen what happens to the gas struts on 2003ish trucks... they stop holding up the hoods after about 8 years, so why try to invent the wheel? Just stick with what works.





My .02 :)

Re: 1977 Chevy K30 Crew Cab Build
 

Yeah but a gas strut takes about 35 seconds to swap out & are usually available at most parts stores, so for the look & ease I would still find it worthwhile.

Re: 1977 Chevy K30 Crew Cab Build
 

Yeah, I've seen those before - only issue I have with them is how much they cut down on how far the hood opens... Great for shows & the like, but in the real world if you need to get in there & turn a wrench it'd be a freakin' nightmare!

Haven't given up my hopes of getting something custom made, just gotta find a different vendor or approach I guess...

Re: 1977 Chevy K30 Crew Cab Build
 

What about just taking out the spring part of the hing, and leaving the pivot part, then adding a strut someplace like the newer pickups and cars. I think it looks better, and you can still open the hood all the way, maybe even more depending on how.big they are, and were you mount them.
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Re: 1977 Chevy K30 Crew Cab Build
 

Flip Front end ?

Re: 1977 Chevy K30 Crew Cab Build
 

I will be looking into this option as well if nothing else comes to fruition.

Re: 1977 Chevy K30 Crew Cab Build
 

Uh, no....

Re: 1977 Chevy K30 Crew Cab Build
 

I think that's what im going to do with mine just because the stock ones are known to be to stiff and make the hood buckle.
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Re: 1977 Chevy K30 Crew Cab Build
 

Well, it seems as though WFO wants a shot at making me a set of hinges for the hood now!!! They have the 3D modeling program to design it & can get with someone local who has a CNC mill to get 'em cut. Actually not sure why I didn't just approach them about it before really since fabrication is one of their specialties... Now just gotta get my factory hinges sent back from Greening.

Re: 1977 Chevy K30 Crew Cab Build
 

have you thought about pushing WFO to try for a SEMA slot? Maybe one with your truck in it?