Retro-Tech- 77

[N2TRUX]

Retro is a culturally aged style, or trend from the overall postmodern past, that has become functionally or superficially the norm once again.

Tech is the process by which we modify an item to meet current technology standards

With the objective to apply a culturally aged style, or trend to meet current technology standards, my 1977 Chevy Cheyenne pickup is undergoing a transformation to become “Retro-Tech”

To acquire an optical perspective on several proposed retrogrades, a visual aid would be implemented. A vast quantity of data was transferred between myself and Eastside Design Lab’s lead Technical Artist Joseph Durant. Patience and persistence persevered as Joseph analyzed the quantum level of revisions required to complete his digital task.

The project will be approached in multi phase segments. Each segment will be documented in depth and posted here on 67-72chevytrucks.com as well as www.73-87chevytrucks.com. Once the process is completed each phase will be submitted to Travis Noack for future Tech articles in Street Trucks magazine.

The initial stages of the transformation were accomplished with the contemporary fuel injection system that was included with the Ramjet 350 and 700r4 upgrade. The increase in performance, efficiency and reliability offered by this GM crate motor are documented in my article titled “77 Cheyenne meets Ramjet 350”

More recently, the suspension went from Groovin 70’s to Y2K compliant with a totally tubular package provided by Ride Tech Suspensions. The installation of the Cool Ride system with StrongArms, Musclebar, and Airbar components are covered in my article “DO NOT OPEN- Air Ride Technologies inside” and documented in printed media by Travis Noack in the July 2010 issue of Street Trucks magazine.

With a vision to integrate a digital interface powered by a high speed ECU viewed through a transflective display, the suspension system is currently downloading the Ride Tech e3 revision. This LevelPRO electronic control system features digital ride height sensors that intelligently utilizes both air pressure and ride height information to accurately adjust vehicle suspension level on demand. An article following that process can be viewed here “e3 Level Pro + Big Red x4 ≈ 77 Air Square” with the print version scheduled for an upcoming Tech segment in Street Trucks Magazine.

To read the article go here-
"Retro-Tech- 77 Cheyenne gets retrogrades"

[nerphin]

I can't believe no one has commented on this!?! I like it.

Do you know what headlights and driving lights you are going to use?

[LiveAnimals]

I am so ready for this. That grill is awsome, as well as the rest of the truck
Posted via Mobile Device

[Leedogg]

Bad ass truck getting even more bad ass.

[lolife99]

Ken are you going with the 73-74 grille?
What about that COOL "1-year only" yellow trim that the '77 model trucks are famous for?
I like the 73-74 grilles,... but your's is a '77,... don't do it!

[KMK454]

The grill looks awesome, but I prefer the 77-78 style grills.

[f.monroe]

Any more details Ken? I see the sponsors . Grille , air ride, etc. but it looks like new wheels are in the works . Salt flat style? Something like Hazels' rollers? Come on man!
I am also curious about the trim. I know you are sitting on a black NOS trim set . Sounds like you have been a busy little planner.
Frank

[N2TRUX]

Originally Posted by nerphin

....Do you know what headlights and driving lights you are going to use?

I plan to use the 7" conversion headlights sold by "Round Eye" (Pic below)

Originally Posted by LiveAnimals

....That grill is awesome, as well as the rest of the truck

What about that COOL "1-year only" yellow trim that the '77 model trucks are famous for?

The trim stays intact. I will be using that as an accent color on others areas, possibly under the hood.

Originally Posted by KMK454

The grill looks awesome, but I prefer the 77-78 style grills.

Yeah, I know but you are biased. Great to see you back again, and thanks for keeping us safe.

Originally Posted by f.monroe

Any more details Ken? I see the sponsors . Grille , air ride, etc. but it looks like new wheels are in the works . Salt flat style? Something like Hazels' rollers? Come on man!
I am also curious about the trim. I know you are sitting on a black NOS trim set . Sounds like you have been a busy little planner.
Frank

I have been slowly working on this for a while. I have a full set of renderings, but some of the changes are still undecided. The wheels are not set yet, but I do look the retro looks with gray centers to match the gray grill and headlight surround.

I truly appreciate all the kind words and compliments. My truck is clean, but it could use a good refreshing, so I decided to take it a step further. All of the external changes will be "bolt on". I plan to keep all of the original parts in the event that I ever want to reverse the process.

[Jonboy]

You need to go ahead and rock the woodgrain, too. No sense in just going half way. What do you have planned for the interior?

[aggie91]

Ken, I really liked your truck as is, but I really think your refresh is going to just make it better! I plan on using the same head lights in my '65 when I get to that point. Can't wait for more updates...
Posted via Mobile Device

[nekkidhillbilly]

Originally Posted by KMK454

The grill looks awesome, but I prefer the 77-78 style grills.

same with me. they look awesome blacked out with the stainless strips added

[justinburnett]

Considering mine's a '73 I would love to have that one instead of the butt-ass ugly P.O.S. of a grill that I have on mine. Looks nice, and have fun with your project.

[BIG KRIS]

When the nice gets nicer.

[blazinzuk]

That grille makes me happy. I looked for quite a few years for a decent grill and now I have one, but if it ever gets damaged its nice to know I can get another one.

Very cool

[N2TRUX]

To read the article go here-
"Retro-Tech- 77 Cheyenne gets retrogrades"

[moneyeater]

What can be cooler than this!?
Volker

[menace121978]

WOW! congrats on the decision to 'refresh' the cleanest square on the board! you know i've always loved your 77 but i think your just showing off now buddy


seriously though, your future mods are things i have been considering and pondering over for the last few years. its going to be sweet to see everything come together and it'll make my decisions a lot easier when the time comes.

keep plugging away... you have given me some much needed motivation for Silver! i apprieciate that

[softballnrd27]

First off I want to say that I really don't like you , ok now that I have got the jealousy out of the way, awesome truck!! I can't wait to see where it goes next!! You are a cool dude by the way, answered alot of questions from me and you always provide constructive criticism without the flame.

[N2TRUX]

Originally Posted by N2TRUX

....I haven't been pleased with the communication I have gotten from Chris Coddington.

I recently found out why Chris Coddington stopped calling me on this project. It seems that he was let go from the company. I have no idea how you get fired from a company that your are part owners of, especially when the other owners are your brothers.

Originally Posted by menace121978

.....your future mods are things i have been considering and pondering over for the last few years. its going to be sweet to see everything come together and it'll make my decisions a lot easier when the time comes.

keep plugging away... you have given me some much needed motivation for Silver! i apprieciate that

I'm pleased that my truck provides inspiration to others. I have contemplated many changes for several years. Any time I mention them, the common response is "Why?". I had to convince myself that it was time to do something a little different. With the support of a few close friends, and a rendering by Joseph I was able to see my vision and decide to move forward.

Originally Posted by softballnrd27

.... I can't wait to see where it goes next!! You are a cool dude by the way, answered alot of questions from me and you always provide constructive criticism without the flame.

I have been blessed with some great mentors in my life. I know now that they were very patient with me along the way. Out of respect to them and what they taught me, I try to offer the knowledge I have acquired in the same manner.

[N2TRUX]

My bumper has arrived...

To read the article go here-
"Retro-Tech- 77 Cheyenne gets retrogrades"

[travo77]

seeing your truck in pics is one thing but up close and personal is a whole other ball game and seeing Frank's truck too just gave me more motivation to finish mine someday and now that your going more towards what i wanna do i can't wait to see yours finished
Posted via Mobile Device

[72BlckButy]

Good luck with the future progress Ken; subscribed my friend.

[Summabish]

I did the 73-74 grill update on my old 75 around jan time frame.... I just wish I was smart enough to make a tech thread about it... But everything is the same as yours just before they decided to remake them.

[aggie91]

Well its been almost 6 months. Anything more on your changes?

[TheWhiteElephant]

Thanks for the review of the grille. I'm hoping to get one soon. Great choice to go with the '73 grille.