project 'kick-start'

[454HO]

I have been stalled on the '77 Silverado rebuild that is cronicled in my signature for about 2 years now. Some time ago, I decided that a long bed was not what I really wanted. But when I bought the truck it was such a good deal plus it was an emmissions exempt factory big block. Then I got the cab striped down and saw just how much work it needed to make it into my dream truck. So the project has been 'simmering' on the back burner, getting very little attention. All the while the expensive parts I have bought are just sitting around the garage collecting dust.

So what to do????

Well, I decided to go out and buy a short bed truck in decent shape to swap my drivetrain and other parts into. This way I can at least start to get some fun out of all the money I've spent.

Then, I will part out all but the cab from the '77. The cab will get new floors, rockers, cab corners, some firewall massaging, etc. as I have time. And hopefully some day in the next couple years it will get swapped onto the new short bed truck. And will hopefully be registered as a '77 again. Sound like a plan??

Here is the truck I bought -





And this is the engine I have to go in it -





It will get the rebuilt TH400 tranny and the 12-bolt rear with 3.40 gears and Detroit Locker out of the '77 too.

And I also have a completely rebuilt front end I can swap over to it. New ball joints, control arm bushings, tie rod ends, Bell Tech 3" drop spindels, 1-1/4" rotors, big block springs, Monroe shocks, and a C20 1-1/4" sway bar.



My goal is to have all the part swaped over and the truck drivable by Labor Day. Wish me luck!!

[N2TRUX]

Dang dude I wondered what happened to you. I think it's a great plan if you don't get sidetracked again. You put that sweet motor in the new truck and your not going to want to tear it down again.

What year is the new swb?

[bigblock79]

nice 454

[Pyrotechnic]

What kinda A/C compressor is that ? I need something tiny like that.

[454HO]

Thanks Ken. I've sold off all but one other project car (I used to have 5 projects plus my 10 year old daily driver ). So hopefully I will be able to stay focused.

The SWB is an '86 Chevy Scottsdale. It has a tired 305 V8 and TH350. The body is fairly straight, but the rear cab corners are rusting and it has a crappy paint job. Otherwise it's pretty clean. I'll try and get some better pics of it tomorrow.

[454HO]

Originally Posted by Pyrotechnic

What kinda A/C compressor is that ? I need something tiny like that.

That is a polished Sanden 508 compressor on an Alan Grove bracket.

[N2TRUX]

Cool. It's hard to stay focused on one when there are others in the way. I know how that goes.....

[454HO]

More pics of the 'new' project.

[454HO]

More





Anyone know where I can get a replacement for this dented wheel??

[454HO]

Last

[68GMC454]

thats a decent looking truck..good luck with your project...nice to have all or most of the parts to do it on hand..

[MylilBowTie]

I'm sure the truck would love to have the 454. I'm also sure that the truck is in way more capable hands now.

[N2TRUX]

Originally Posted by 454HO

Anyone know where I can get a replacement for this dented wheel??

I can see the dent, but can't tell how bad the second lip is hurt. If it's just the outer lip, it can be repaired.

Take it by Tire & Wheel Connection on 1960 by Beck & Masten. Have Jack take a look at it and see what he can do.

Did the truck come with a spare front clip?

[streetstar]

"SWEEEEEEEET" woodgrain dash in that one

just kidding -- that 454 does need a home tho

[454HO]

Originally Posted by N2TRUX

I can see the dent, but can't tell how bad the second lip is hurt. If it's just the outer lip, it can be repaired.

Take it by Tire & Wheel Connection on 1960 by Beck & Masten. Have Jack take a look at it and see what he can do.

Did the truck come with a spare front clip?

I know TWC very well. I've been doing business with them for over 20 years... even when their shop was over on hwy 149 (before it became 249) just north of the mall.

Yes, it came with an extra front clip, '83-'84 vintage. It has already been sold. I will eventually put the '73-'79 tilt front I have on it.

[454HO]

Originally Posted by streetstar

"SWEEEEEEEET" woodgrain dash in that one

Yeah, but only the instrument panel. But hey, check out the freshly upholtered seat.

Originally Posted by streetstar

that 454 does need a home tho

I've been dreaming about about cruising with this 454HO engine for almost 5 years now. I can't wait to get it dropped into this new truck!!

[N2TRUX]

Originally Posted by 454HO

I know TWC very well. I've been doing business with them for over 20 years... even when their shop was over on hwy 149 (before it became 249) just north of the mall.

So you remember when it was Duane and a few of his buddies working out of a chicken coop.

When they widened 149 and it became 249 he was scared to death to move way down 1960 because he thought it would hurt his business....