1977 Chevy K30 Crew Cab Build

[my4by2]

Here's a couple of shots of the bumper finally bolted back onto the truck. I think it came out really nice without being "over-the-top" or being so large that it's an eyesore to the overall look of the truck.

Probably would look a little better if my darn tailgate weren't so freakin' dusty...

[my4by2]

Another shot of the back-up camera assembly & the LED license plate bolts he used.

[my4by2]

And here's a "full width" shot of the truck with the new bumper installed.

The rear suspension still needs a little more lift as I want the rear wheel well height just a tad above the front at full vehicle weight (i.e. fuel tank installed & filled).

Still not 100% sold on the angle of the spare tire carrier at this point - I think it's just to high up right now & I feel that the top of the tire should barely be visible from the side view & right now it's pretty up there...

What do you guys think about it??????

[JPalmer81]

I think it is lookin good man, I agree on the angle of the spare, might look better if your tool box sat on top of the bed. And an inch or so of lift wouldn't hurt in the back. When are u gonna put the new shoes on, that will make a big difference i bet. Glad to see this bad boy getting closer to being done, I bet u are getting really excited.

[jlsanborn]

To be honest, I don't like the tire carrier. I know it's as sweet as all the other fab work and I know you won't be hauling cord-wood in there. I think it'd be better out of sight. Just looks like a whole lotta truck to be hauling a tire around with.

I've worked in metal shops over the last 15+ years and know some stellar fab guys. (Worked for USNR there in Hot Springs in fact!) Kevin is top notch!

[my4by2]

Originally Posted by jlsanborn

I've worked in metal shops over the last 15+ years and know some stellar fab guys. (Worked for USNR there in Hot Springs in fact!) Kevin is top notch!

Believe me, I am WELL aware of Keven's fabrication skills first hand!!! He is the main reason that my truck is still there at WFO & hasn't been pulled out to head to Mario's shop already! Not only are his fabrication skills extraordinary, but he also shares a lot of the same vision for the truck as I do & has lent a great deal of input as we've gone along in the build!!!

I sincerely regret that for most of the first year or so of this build he was basically not even involved in the project for the most part... Would've probably already been done had he been, but guess that's "water under the bridge"...

[my4by2]

The "new shoes" are already bought & one is on the spare tire mount - it's Mickey Thompson Classic Lock's with their Baja ATZ tires. Had them powder coated black & the bead lock rings are still in the polished aluminum finish. They won't be installed though until all the paint & body work is done - so still a ways off...

[my4by2]

Yeah, that's personally why I don't like the current angle/height of the tire carrier itself - it shouldn't be all that visible from the side of the truck - should almost need to look into the bed to see it. Originally was going to use a flat version, but I am fond of the angled one - just not this high...

As for making the spare "out-of-sight" - that really isn't a possibility any longer given the 40 gallon fuel tank living in the factory spare tire location now... The bed is about the only place I can store/mount it any longer.

[jlsanborn]

That's what I was thinking too. I knew the fuel tank was living there now and that you probably wouldn't toss it in the back seat or hang it on that bad azz front bumper. "Out of sight" meaning what you said - you'd have to look in the bed to see it.

[my4by2]

Moment of weakness on my part.................. Anyone interested in buying this project away from me?

Things change in life & not sure if I should go through with completing this whole ordeal or not. Priorities have somewhat shifted as of late...

Believe me, I know I'd lose a TREMENDOUS amount of money on the whole thing, but sometimes that's just the way it goes.

Will work on listing it on eBay & stuff, but wanted to post it on here first.

[jbclassix]

Man, when I see something like that I fear the worst, and the worst always means family. I hope everything is ok with you and your family.

[my4by2]

Yes, all is well - just a change of heart more than anything. Don't need to sell it per say, just think it's the right thing to do at this point.

[1985-GMC]

I hope everything is alright, I would sure hate to see this one not get finished...

[Evil Trailblazer SS]

WTF!?!? Man, this had to be a hard decision to come to but you clearly had your reasons...I hope it works out the way you want it to!
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[my4by2]

Nothing is set in stone as of yet - I just feel like I want out from under it & that finishing it may not be the right choice for me.

[3r!c84]

push it away for a while. you dont have to rush and finish it. do as time and expenses allow. give it time.

[Evil Trailblazer SS]

I understand, but one thing I have always felt it, nothing makes a the pain and heart ache and frustration of building a truck like this worth every bit, like taking the first drive in it after you finish it...I almost gave up on my Trailblazer SS a few times and although I sold it shortly after I finished it, the greatest feeling was the accomplishment of finishing it...plus I made a butt load of money in selling it as well, that didn't hurt the situation at all!
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[JPalmer81]

Man I definitely wouldn't let that thing go, just give it a break for a while, and work on it as you feel like it, I think you would be kicking yourself if you let it go after putting all that time and $$ into it. But you have to do what is right by you so whatever your decision is, I hope it all works out for ya!

[arrover]

Wow, I didn't expect to hear this news.... I don't blame you for being a little burnt out. This has been a very involved and long build. What if you just pay WFO, pay Mario for his time, then ship the truck back to AR and put it in storage till you get back? That would give you some time to get a fresh perspective on it (and it would let you drive it again and get hooked on the power!). You could probably find a qualified shop in Little Rock, or somewhere close, to finish it off right. I think you said in the beginning of this build that you have always wanted to build this truck. It's turning out amazing and I hate to see you not get your dream truck or have to start over sometime. Of course, we are just stating our personal "behind the keyboard" opinions. You're the only one that knows your life and what needs to happen. Whatever you decide, thanks for sharing the build!

[AntiGov]

some things in life seem so important ......until their not......maybe set aside for a while, focus on what ever you need to then re-visit....just my 2 cents..........hope all is well........

[my4by2]

Yeah, Keven actually read the post & was none to happy about it either.............

Have given it quite a bit of thought & think a break is indeed in order - at the very least just to get everyone on the same page as I am right now & to also talk about lowering some of the lofty goals I've been adding as this has all gone along.

Specifically I want to talk to Mario about the paint, body, interior, etc & reeling it back to "driver quality" & get the hell away from making a show vehicle. I've sent him an email talking about all of this & want to hear back from him & get his thoughts before I move the truck to that stage so we'll see.

WFO is almost done with their end, so no need to hold them up really or change anything we were doing there as the mechanical end is already locked-in & staying the same. Keven's SUPER busy right now so even working on my truck is a problem right now, but maybe after the Jamboree deal it'll be better for all of us.

I've got so much invested in this darn thing that there's really not many options on the table aside from finishing it... Stay tuned & I'll keep everyone abreast of what transpires & what's going to be happening.

[OLDIRON69]

I have been in the same frame of mind with cars and trucks before and some times "scale back" makes the most sense. Good luck and thanks for your service.

[Dieselwrencher]

Man I feel for ya, I've been on both sides of this fence and it is a tough decision. Don't rush and do some thing you will regret. Even if your truck had a nice not show quality paint job, it'll still win at shows. The innovative technology put in it alone will win the people over. Good luck with your decision.

[nekkidhillbilly]

id trade my dmax to it as is............but dont sell it man

[MTCK]

My vote is for finishing a driver! It'd be an awesome truck to cruise every day, rain or shine. I'm sure you'd get many many years of satisfaction out of it. But I don't pay the bills, so good luck to you deciding how to go forward.