82 SWB / 454 build
 

I have been gone from the board a long time, but I'm back with a new project. I've been playing with rock crawlers, but broke my leg two weeks ago crawling and that put an end to my year. I've been wanting another cruiser/hot rod and finally found a smoking deal. I paid 400 for the truck and 400 for a fresh 454/400 with most of the accessories. The lady I bought the truck from is going to give me a machine shop fresh 350/350 tomorrow at no extra charge.

The initial plan is to get the truck running, then drop it and work on the paint/body work. Someone started filling all the trim holes, but didn't do a very good job and didn't paint it, so there is some surface rust. Other than a few minor door dings, the body is straight as an arrow. Enogh chit chat, here's a couple pics from picking it up today.

http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t...ket_39193_.jpg

http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t...ket_39194_.jpg

http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t...ket_39191_.jpg

http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t...ket_39195_.jpg
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Re: 82 SWB / 454 build
 

looks like a solid start to a swee project!

Re: 82 SWB / 454 build
 

man thats some pile of parts in the last pic

Re: 82 SWB / 454 build
 

Thanks, that pile of parts came with the engine. It's time to place a big order with Jegs so this thing can start to come together.
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Re: 82 SWB / 454 build
 

The engine is coming together slowly. I did get the manifolds painted and on, but it got to dark for a pic. I'll put the balancer and intake on, stab the distributor and start making plug wires in the morning. The valve covers and brackets will be black and I have a performer RPM going on with a black open element filter. One upside to breaking my leg is I get to work from home and can take more time working on this project. The plan is to have drop the engine in Friday night. I want to have this thing fired up this weekend. I also got a few more trim holes welded up this week.

http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t...ket_42244_.jpg
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Re: 82 SWB / 454 build
 

Lookin good , I like it

Re: 82 SWB / 454 build
 

I didn't make as much progress as I had hoped today. The doc gave me sme bad news about my leg, so I wasn't really in the mood to turn wrenches. I did get the intake cleaned up and on as well as the distributor stabbed. I'll get the pug wires cut in the morning. The plan is still to drop it in Friday evening.

http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t...ket_42656_.jpg

http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t...ket_42662_.jpg
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Re: 82 SWB / 454 build
 

With the help from some great friends, the engine is in. Tomorrow we will work on the plumbing and putting the trans in. Then I can clean up the wiring and work toward getting it started.

http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t...ket_42952_.jpg

http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t...ket_43260_.jpg

http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t...ket_43261_.jpg
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Re: 82 SWB / 454 build
 

I am slowly making progress. Hobbling around on crutches and the heat has me moving at a pretty slow pace. I am going Friday to pick up some carb parts and look at an 800 & 850 DP for pretty cheap. I was hoping to run the tubular exhaust manifolds, but they are too close to the frame and fuel lines, so I will be swapping in a set of Hooker full length super comps. Oh well, I do like the sound of headers, just not the headaches that come with them. I will start on the wiring tomorrow and get the alternator and starter mounted, along with the pulleys.

http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t...ket_44788_.jpg
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Re: 82 SWB / 454 build
 

great progress man keep it up....

Re: 82 SWB / 454 build
 

Thanks, I'm trying. I ran out of wire, but my electrician buddy will bring me more tomorrow. After tomorrow, it will be next week before I can get after it again. I am ready to get this thing fired up, that's half the battle if you ask me. It will be a while before I'm healed enough to drive it, but I sure want to hear it run.
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Re: 82 SWB / 454 build
 

I picked up a good rebuildable 850 DP this morning (4781), a rebuild kit and a base plate for my 3310 all for stupid cheap. After a a few beers and bsing with buddies, I had the 850 rebuilt and on the truck. Unfortunately, this will be the last of the progress for the weekend. My electrician buddy did drop off quite a few rolls of wire though, so I can start rewiring under the hood when I get back.

http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t...ket_45454_.jpg
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Re: 82 SWB / 454 build
 

I am making progress, but nothing worthy of pics. I rewired the majority of the engine bay, installed the trans mount, got the headers in and did some soldering on a four core radiator I got from a buddy. I'm waiting on studs to show up for the starter, need to install the radiator and a few other misc. things then she'll be ready to fire up this weekend.
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Re: 82 SWB / 454 build
 

I was able to get the truck fired off long enough to drain the fuel bowls, but not long enough to get the rest of the system primed, then the bendix in the starter took a crap. I ordered a mini starter today and it'll be here Monday. I also found some leaks in the radiator. I had three sitting here that were given to me, so I took them to the scrap yard and got $135 for them. I found an aluminum Griffin on CL this morning and picked it up for a mere $70. I'll get it mounted up tomorrow and clean up more of the wiring while I wait on the starter. I also have a buddy coming out on Sunday to help with the 3/5 drop. I'll post pics when that's done and video once it fires.

On a side note, wish me luck tomorrow. I get xrays of my leg done in the morning and find out if I have to have another round of surgery or not.
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Re: 82 SWB / 454 build
 

I typed incorrectly, the radiator is a Howe. I made the mounts for it Saturday, but ran out of time getting ready for the drag races, so I'll weld them in this week. They are overkill, but I refuse to pay for something that I can build myself when I have the steel to do it. I had a couple buddies come by today and help with the drop. I did a spring under on the rear and cut one coil for the front. I figured with the BB and a coil cut, I would end up with close to a 3" drop. That didn't happen. I'm guessing the front springs are pretty wore out, because by cutting them, I barely got an inch and a half drop, plus the inch the BB dropped it. I cut the springs so I would know what drop springs to buy, so I got it right the first time. I'm thinking a 3" spring will sit where I want it. While it was apart, I threw some paint on the wheels. Between that and the drop, I think it looks tons better. I also had a buddy drop off some goodies for me.

http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t...ket_51356_.jpg

http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t...ket_51478_.jpg

http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t...ket_51479_.jpg

http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t...ket_51480_.jpg

http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t...ket_51518_.jpg
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Re: 82 SWB / 454 build
 

Making some good progress. That heat is a killer, eh?

Re: 82 SWB / 454 build
 

The heat is a pain, but I would rather this than cold, any day. I have a large fan and put misters on it, so that helps cool it down some.
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Re: 82 SWB / 454 build
 

dang that is looking good man!!! Keep up the awesome work I am deff going to be watching this thread. Good luck with the leg I hope it comes out well for you

Re: 82 SWB / 454 build
 

You have a nice project started, and look forward to seeing progress. That big block should be fun! :metal:

Re: 82 SWB / 454 build
 

Thanks guys! The mini starter arrived today, so I'll get that in and the radiator mounts welded sometime this week. It was too damn hot to mess with it today, so the wife, son and I went to dinner instead. This is a fun little project and best of all, the wife likes this one!
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Re: 82 SWB / 454 build
 

Looking good bro....

Re: 82 SWB / 454 build
 

Thanks. Well, it was cool enough today that I got more work done. I put the starter in and welded up the radiator mounts. After topping off all the fluids, it was time to fire it up. It didn't go quite so well, but at least I didn't get my hopes up too high. I bought the engine off CL and was told it was a running engine. When I pulled all the tin off, everything looked good inside, but what concerned me was the very sloppy timing chain on what was supposed to be a fresh engine. I figure they used the old chain while cutting corners. I put a new chain set on and went about my way. I had it running for about 10-15 minutes. It had a slight clatter after startup which got worse and as soon as I brought the RPM's up, all hell broke loose. I stopped counting at four bent pushrods on the left bank and two on the right. I'll start tearing it apart tomorrow and should have it down to a short block by the weekend.

I'll find a better flowing set of heads, solid FT cam, roller rockers, pushrods, etc...while it's apart. Check out how small the starter is. It works amazingly quick too!

http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t...ket_51910_.jpg
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