"Root Beer Float" 1976 Scottsdale - Page 2 - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

**LEEVON** · 11-30-2021, 10:03 AM

I don't have a ton of progress to update because unfortunately I hit a snag with the wiring. I obtained two dash harnesses, one from a board member out of a '77 and the other locally that was supposed to be from a '76. The '77 it turns out is quite a bit different and it had some cuts and splices. The '76 harness looked identical and was completely uncut, had all the same connectors, and looked plug and play but after I installed it I had no power. After some investigation I determined that it was actually a '75 harness and the harness is pinned different between '75 and '76. I can make the engine harness match, but it's going to be a chore.

I did get the tires and rally wheels mounted, and did a quickie resto on the gauge cluster. Plus I installed Cerwin Vega 6x9 speakers in new cab corner brackets and a new Retrosound 4x6 dual voice coil speaker in the dash. I found a decent original seat under that cover except a small tear and decent carpet. I also bought some sport mirrors, new sill plates, and door seals. I can't wait to get the electrical sorted and driving again, but this is definitely not my favorite work. It does make me feel good to make everything "work" like it should.

evan · 11-30-2021, 10:20 AM

Wiring sucks.

**LEEVON** · 11-30-2021, 11:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by evan

Wiring sucks.

Truth. The only satisfying part is knowing the truck will be safer and more reliable.

**LEEVON** · 12-02-2021, 10:01 AM

"New" shoes = original rally wheels powder coated, new tires, new center caps, new rally rings. Doesn't get much fresher!

When I look at her though all I see is a lowered short bed with sport mirrors. I'm thinking after that some woodgrain on the cream paint like YG2 option?

evan · 12-02-2021, 10:19 AM

Looking good. I vote you leave the mirrors as-is but that's just me.

wazzabie · 12-02-2021, 02:06 PM

Did you get the wiring figured out?

**LEEVON** · 12-02-2021, 07:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by evan

Looking good. I vote you leave the mirrors as-is but that's just me.

They're not terrible I've just always been a small mirror guy.

Quote:

Originally Posted by wazzabie

Did you get the wiring figured out?

Figured out yes, executed no. I did have a few mintues today to remove all the wiring from the bulkhead connector and dig that stupid asphalt out of it. It guess there are two different size packard connectors? I've never crimped these before, but I do have the tool. Hopefully I can source some male connectors tomorrow and maybe have this put back together this weekend.

Any advice on the male connectors?

wazzabie · 12-03-2021, 01:10 AM

Make sure you have the fusible links to protect the harness.

I would be looking for a good used harness rather then trying to build my own.

**Corts60** · 12-03-2021, 09:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by evan

Looking good. I vote you leave the mirrors as-is but that's just me.

X2. I left these mirrors on my lowered SWB because I towed a lot and needed them. I never had complaints from onlookers.

**LEEVON** · 12-03-2021, 01:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wazzabie

Make sure you have the fusible links to protect the harness.

I would be looking for a good used harness rather then trying to build my own.

My engine harness is fine, it just needs to have the connector locations switched around for the '75 dash harness. That's pretty much my only option right now, it's that or spend $1,000 on new correct '76 harnesses.

**LEEVON** · 12-05-2021, 02:33 PM

Well I got the engine harness re-pinned and repaired with some new packard 56 connectors. Then it wouldn't fire, and I chased my tail for way too long. First I found a difference in the neutral safety connector from 75 t0 76, so I swapped them out but it still wouldn't fire. I isolated the problem to the ignition switch and found the ignition rod out of adjustment.

I also had to buy a new printed circuit because mine couldn't be saved.

I REALLY do not enjoy this kind of work, I'd rather spend time on things that make them look and drive better. Oh well, some tidy-up and interior re-assembly and we'll be driving it again.

rodstored-72 · 12-06-2021, 11:21 AM

Leevon, nice job on the re-wire... I am doing a LS swap with trying to use the '13 OG harness & fuse box!! so I UNDERSTAND how wiring is not enjoying...

! I Like the large scale printout of the schematic, curious as how you did it & still made it readable

? I tried to do that, but it always comes out unreadable...

nice job!

**LEEVON** · 12-07-2021, 10:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rodstored-72

Leevon, nice job on the re-wire... I am doing a LS swap with trying to use the '13 OG harness & fuse box!! so I UNDERSTAND how wiring is not enjoying...

! I Like the large scale printout of the schematic, curious as how you did it & still made it readable

? I tried to do that, but it always comes out unreadable...

nice job!

Thank you. I have a subscription to Alldata, so I emailed them and requested a 1976 wiring diagram which they sent as a .pdf. I had other files but they weren't as clear. This one was good enough to send to the printer on 24x36 format. The engine side is really not complicated, the harness is three parts and the main wires are power, coil, and starter. I think it could be adapted to power an LS swap harness.

What year is your truck?

wazzabie · 12-07-2021, 03:33 PM

How is the retrosound 4x6 dual voice coil speaker? If I understand correctly the onld speakers were mono. This speaker provides a stereo output.

Did the speaker use the factory holes?

Also I thought the front speaker in the middle of the dash is 4x10.

**LEEVON** · 12-07-2021, 05:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wazzabie

How is the retrosound 4x6 dual voice coil speaker? If I understand correctly the onld speakers were mono. This speaker provides a stereo output.

Did the speaker use the factory holes?

Also I thought the front speaker in the middle of the dash is 4x10.

Not sure yet, don't have the stereo in but it is 4x10 just with stereo sound (two tweeters?) I'm sure it's crappy but better than original. It will be even worse because the 6x9's I had in the cab corners don't fit with the unique '76 seat belts.

rodstored-72 · 12-08-2021, 12:00 PM

Leevon, I am doing a LS swap in a 1986 C10 SWB and a 2013 4.8 silverado drivetrain. I do have a build page in this section - if interested

. I am just about ready to fire it up. I need to be able to clear the codes & check some wiring issues. The diagram I was trying to plot was from the '86 diagrams...not soo good of quality

, unlike the 2013 diagrams. those I could see printing in good clarity

.
keep up the updates!

LT7A · 12-10-2021, 12:12 AM

I don't know if you want opinions on this, but I think that's a very cool color combination and I hope you'll consider leaving it as a sporty long bed truck. It's a great looking truck and you are getting all the bugs worked out. It does look like the back of it could come down a few inches, but I would say, level it out, and let 'er rip.

Low Elco · 12-10-2021, 12:20 AM

Too bad you weren't up here, I've done 2 full rewires and have a bunch of those blades.

**LEEVON** · 12-31-2021, 06:12 PM

Got the re-wire done. I put the interior back together with a bluetooth stereo and new dual channel center speaker and of course the seatbelts restored by TKCR. It's not much to look at but now everything works and it's probably not going to burn to the ground. I decided just to run the seat without a cover, it had a split that I temp patched (ugly I know) but it's functional. If the truck progresses to paint with me I'll re-do the interior completely.

I also changed the coolant temp sensor, the one that was installed in the '91 TBI 350 in the truck was the wrong resistance. And I removed a crap job done on the 700R4 lockup. There was vacuum switch (right idea but poorly executed). That also fixed a vacuum leak and now the trans locks up directly in 4th gear. It will bog a little on hills, but some gas will downshift it to third no problem. It drives way better than it did before, constantly going in and out of lockup.

After all that I'm finally comfortable driving the truck around. I put about 100 miles on it this week and it starts, chokes/idles and runs great. I got her up to about 80mph and it tracks straight and is quiet enough.

**LEEVON** · 12-31-2021, 06:18 PM

Next up:

1) Brakes
2) Door seals and sill plates
3) sport mirrors
4) SHORTBED

**lolife99** · 12-31-2021, 07:04 PM

Great job on everything.
Looking forward to the short bed conversion.

**TKCR** · 12-31-2021, 09:46 PM

Lookin good!

**LEEVON** · 02-12-2022, 03:17 PM

DISAPPOINTMENT ALERT:

I sold Root Beer Float. It was really nice to drive after I had the bugs worked out and cruised at 80mph no problem. But It shipped out to Phoenix last week, from there to LA then on it's way to Australia.

But I bought a cleaner/cooler/better truck, a '79 GMC k15 400/350/np203. Look for the new thread!

**lolife99** · 02-12-2022, 04:45 PM

Congrats on the sale!
Nice looking k10.

**LEEVON** · 02-12-2022, 06:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lolife99

Congrats on the sale!
Nice looking k10.

Thanks Keith, been wanting a 4x4 for awhile!

11-30-2021, 10:03 AM	#26
LEEVON Moderator Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Ozark, MO Posts: 4,888	Re: "Root Beer Float" 1976 Scottsdale I don't have a ton of progress to update because unfortunately I hit a snag with the wiring. I obtained two dash harnesses, one from a board member out of a '77 and the other locally that was supposed to be from a '76. The '77 it turns out is quite a bit different and it had some cuts and splices. The '76 harness looked identical and was completely uncut, had all the same connectors, and looked plug and play but after I installed it I had no power. After some investigation I determined that it was actually a '75 harness and the harness is pinned different between '75 and '76. I can make the engine harness match, but it's going to be a chore. I did get the tires and rally wheels mounted, and did a quickie resto on the gauge cluster. Plus I installed Cerwin Vega 6x9 speakers in new cab corner brackets and a new Retrosound 4x6 dual voice coil speaker in the dash. I found a decent original seat under that cover except a small tear and decent carpet. I also bought some sport mirrors, new sill plates, and door seals. I can't wait to get the electrical sorted and driving again, but this is definitely not my favorite work. It does make me feel good to make everything "work" like it should. Attached Images __________________ '20 Silverado Trail Boss ~ '17 Tahoe ~ '79 K15 Sierra Grande ~ '76 Blazer 2wd ~ '71 Cheyenne swb ~ '55 Pontiac Safari ~'50 3100 bagged ~ '80 Wife ~ Late model kids Last edited by LEEVON; 11-30-2021 at 10:14 AM.

11-30-2021, 10:20 AM	#27
evan Registered User Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: SK, Canada Posts: 488	Re: "Root Beer Float" 1976 Scottsdale Wiring sucks. __________________ Evan B.

12-02-2021, 10:01 AM	#29
LEEVON Moderator Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Ozark, MO Posts: 4,888	Re: "Root Beer Float" 1976 Scottsdale "New" shoes = original rally wheels powder coated, new tires, new center caps, new rally rings. Doesn't get much fresher! When I look at her though all I see is a lowered short bed with sport mirrors. I'm thinking after that some woodgrain on the cream paint like YG2 option? Attached Images __________________ '20 Silverado Trail Boss ~ '17 Tahoe ~ '79 K15 Sierra Grande ~ '76 Blazer 2wd ~ '71 Cheyenne swb ~ '55 Pontiac Safari ~'50 3100 bagged ~ '80 Wife ~ Late model kids

12-02-2021, 10:19 AM	#30
evan Registered User Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: SK, Canada Posts: 488	Re: "Root Beer Float" 1976 Scottsdale Looking good. I vote you leave the mirrors as-is but that's just me. __________________ Evan B.

12-02-2021, 02:06 PM	#31
wazzabie Registered User Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: WA Posts: 378	Re: "Root Beer Float" 1976 Scottsdale Did you get the wiring figured out?

12-03-2021, 01:10 AM	#33
wazzabie Registered User Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: WA Posts: 378	Re: "Root Beer Float" 1976 Scottsdale Make sure you have the fusible links to protect the harness. I would be looking for a good used harness rather then trying to build my own.

12-05-2021, 02:33 PM	#36
LEEVON Moderator Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Ozark, MO Posts: 4,888	Re: "Root Beer Float" 1976 Scottsdale Well I got the engine harness re-pinned and repaired with some new packard 56 connectors. Then it wouldn't fire, and I chased my tail for way too long. First I found a difference in the neutral safety connector from 75 t0 76, so I swapped them out but it still wouldn't fire. I isolated the problem to the ignition switch and found the ignition rod out of adjustment. I also had to buy a new printed circuit because mine couldn't be saved. I REALLY do not enjoy this kind of work, I'd rather spend time on things that make them look and drive better. Oh well, some tidy-up and interior re-assembly and we'll be driving it again. Attached Images __________________ '20 Silverado Trail Boss ~ '17 Tahoe ~ '79 K15 Sierra Grande ~ '76 Blazer 2wd ~ '71 Cheyenne swb ~ '55 Pontiac Safari ~'50 3100 bagged ~ '80 Wife ~ Late model kids Last edited by LEEVON; 12-05-2021 at 02:39 PM.

12-06-2021, 11:21 AM	#37
rodstored-72 chevy truck fan Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Gilbert, arizona 85298 Posts: 2,008	Re: "Root Beer Float" 1976 Scottsdale Leevon, nice job on the re-wire... I am doing a LS swap with trying to use the '13 OG harness & fuse box!! so I UNDERSTAND how wiring is not enjoying... ! I Like the large scale printout of the schematic, curious as how you did it & still made it readable ? I tried to do that, but it always comes out unreadable... nice job!

12-07-2021, 03:33 PM	#39
wazzabie Registered User Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: WA Posts: 378	Re: "Root Beer Float" 1976 Scottsdale How is the retrosound 4x6 dual voice coil speaker? If I understand correctly the onld speakers were mono. This speaker provides a stereo output. Did the speaker use the factory holes? Also I thought the front speaker in the middle of the dash is 4x10. Last edited by wazzabie; 12-07-2021 at 03:56 PM.

12-08-2021, 12:00 PM	#41
rodstored-72 chevy truck fan Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Gilbert, arizona 85298 Posts: 2,008	Re: "Root Beer Float" 1976 Scottsdale Leevon, I am doing a LS swap in a 1986 C10 SWB and a 2013 4.8 silverado drivetrain. I do have a build page in this section - if interested . I am just about ready to fire it up. I need to be able to clear the codes & check some wiring issues. The diagram I was trying to plot was from the '86 diagrams...not soo good of quality , unlike the 2013 diagrams. those I could see printing in good clarity . keep up the updates!

12-10-2021, 12:12 AM	#42
LT7A Registered User Join Date: Oct 2015 Location: PNW Posts: 3,625	Re: "Root Beer Float" 1976 Scottsdale I don't know if you want opinions on this, but I think that's a very cool color combination and I hope you'll consider leaving it as a sporty long bed truck. It's a great looking truck and you are getting all the bugs worked out. It does look like the back of it could come down a few inches, but I would say, level it out, and let 'er rip.

12-10-2021, 12:20 AM	#43
Low Elco Registered User Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Indep, MO Posts: 5,893	Re: "Root Beer Float" 1976 Scottsdale Too bad you weren't up here, I've done 2 full rewires and have a bunch of those blades. __________________ Boppa's Old Yeller Truck Build, Old Yeller's New Heart! Project Buzz Bomb Flyin' Low!

12-31-2021, 06:12 PM	#44
LEEVON Moderator Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Ozark, MO Posts: 4,888	Re: "Root Beer Float" 1976 Scottsdale Got the re-wire done. I put the interior back together with a bluetooth stereo and new dual channel center speaker and of course the seatbelts restored by TKCR. It's not much to look at but now everything works and it's probably not going to burn to the ground. I decided just to run the seat without a cover, it had a split that I temp patched (ugly I know) but it's functional. If the truck progresses to paint with me I'll re-do the interior completely. I also changed the coolant temp sensor, the one that was installed in the '91 TBI 350 in the truck was the wrong resistance. And I removed a crap job done on the 700R4 lockup. There was vacuum switch (right idea but poorly executed). That also fixed a vacuum leak and now the trans locks up directly in 4th gear. It will bog a little on hills, but some gas will downshift it to third no problem. It drives way better than it did before, constantly going in and out of lockup. After all that I'm finally comfortable driving the truck around. I put about 100 miles on it this week and it starts, chokes/idles and runs great. I got her up to about 80mph and it tracks straight and is quiet enough. Attached Images __________________ '20 Silverado Trail Boss ~ '17 Tahoe ~ '79 K15 Sierra Grande ~ '76 Blazer 2wd ~ '71 Cheyenne swb ~ '55 Pontiac Safari ~'50 3100 bagged ~ '80 Wife ~ Late model kids Last edited by LEEVON; 12-31-2021 at 06:20 PM.

12-31-2021, 06:18 PM	#45
LEEVON Moderator Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Ozark, MO Posts: 4,888	Re: "Root Beer Float" 1976 Scottsdale Next up: 1) Brakes 2) Door seals and sill plates 3) sport mirrors 4) SHORTBED __________________ '20 Silverado Trail Boss ~ '17 Tahoe ~ '79 K15 Sierra Grande ~ '76 Blazer 2wd ~ '71 Cheyenne swb ~ '55 Pontiac Safari ~'50 3100 bagged ~ '80 Wife ~ Late model kids

12-31-2021, 07:04 PM	#46
lolife99 67-72 parts collector,… Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Mid-MO Posts: 22,700	Re: "Root Beer Float" 1976 Scottsdale Great job on everything. Looking forward to the short bed conversion. __________________ Keith Convert to disc brakes. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=444823



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12-31-2021, 09:46 PM	#47
TKCR Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2014 Location: Ohio Posts: 6,979	Re: "Root Beer Float" 1976 Scottsdale Lookin good! __________________ FB Page for my Seats Belts https://www.facebook.com/73-87-Chevy...9439407476735/ Restoring Seatbelts: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=809750 SOLD My 86 Build:http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=654972 Past Restored Bench Seats:http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=715398 PayPal link to pay for your items: https://www.paypal.me/TKCR

02-12-2022, 03:17 PM	#48
LEEVON Moderator Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Ozark, MO Posts: 4,888	Re: "Root Beer Float" 1976 Scottsdale DISAPPOINTMENT ALERT: I sold Root Beer Float. It was really nice to drive after I had the bugs worked out and cruised at 80mph no problem. But It shipped out to Phoenix last week, from there to LA then on it's way to Australia. But I bought a cleaner/cooler/better truck, a '79 GMC k15 400/350/np203. Look for the new thread! Attached Images __________________ '20 Silverado Trail Boss ~ '17 Tahoe ~ '79 K15 Sierra Grande ~ '76 Blazer 2wd ~ '71 Cheyenne swb ~ '55 Pontiac Safari ~'50 3100 bagged ~ '80 Wife ~ Late model kids Last edited by LEEVON; 02-12-2022 at 03:27 PM.

02-12-2022, 04:45 PM	#49
lolife99 67-72 parts collector,… Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Mid-MO Posts: 22,700	Re: "Root Beer Float" 1976 Scottsdale Congrats on the sale! Nice looking k10. __________________ Keith Convert to disc brakes. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=444823

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