"Elwood" the 77_remix

[N2TRUX]

Originally Posted by jkk

Looks good..............don't know I would be able to start cutting up super clean stock sheet metal........... no going back to "stock" if the air bag deal runs it's course as other fads have done in the hobby.Keep up the good work!!!

I understand your concern. I was apprehensive as well until I installed these on my last build. With the fender open like it is I was able to clean and coat the entire area with undercoating, so there is less chance of rust than with a stock fender. I thought about structural integrity as well. Theres no doubt it might be reduced with the cut. On the other hand the additional strength add by bolting in the replacement tub makes a much tighter package. I am anal, and I was satisfied enough to do this truck too.

Regarding the air suspension fad, I dont see it going away any time soon. As Scoti mentioned even if I replaced the air suspension with coil overs like I have on Scarlett, the fender liners would be the same. As much as I LOVE the exteriors appearence of a stock GM truck, I have no reservations about updating suspension and drivetrain.

[N2TRUX]

Originally Posted by SCOTI

Air bags? Possibly.
A lowered truck? Very doubtful.... They've been around way too long to be called a 'fad'. Even static dropped trucks can utilize the mods for a much more pleasant driving experience.

With the advancements and availability of coil over kits I have noted a shift from air suspension to adjustable spring suspension. Unfortunately the cost is a concern on any adjustable system so I imagine relatively inexpensive static drops will never loose their appeal.

[PowerdbyChevy79]

looking good Ken..your build threads give me motivation to get Lucy going.

[N2TRUX]

Originally Posted by PowerdbyChevy79

looking good Ken..your build threads give me motivation to get Lucy going.

Thats my intentions Ruben.

[N2TRUX]

I'm still chasing down brake line fittings, so I put that on hold for now. Instead I made more progress on the Slosh Tubz install. The drivers side is done, so I tackled the passenger side. Its a bit of a wrestling match to get them in place with out a spotter, but it can be done.

The cut on this side is a bit smaller this time. I spent time dressing the edges with a flapper disc so I can clean up inside the fender once I'm done with the mock up. I will protect the cuts and inside the fender with undercoating when finished.

I got the tub in place and drilled the two front holes. I used longer than stock bolts to hold them in place while working the perimeter holes. Mark the center hole and drill it out. Use a longer bolt again to align the liner. I have found if alternate front to back its easier and you get a more precise hole location.

[67cheby]

Originally Posted by N2TRUX

I'm still chasing down brake line fittings, so I put that on hold for now. Instead I made more progress on the Slosh Tubz install. The drivers side is done, so I tackled the passenger side. Its a bit of a wrestling match to get them in place with out a spotter, but it can be done.

The cut on this side is a bit smaller this time. I spent time dressing the edges with a flapper disc so I can clean up inside the fender once I'm done with the mock up. I will protect the cuts and inside the fender with undercoating when finished.

I got the tub in place and drilled the two front holes. I used longer than stock bolts to hold them in place while working the perimeter holes. Mark the center hole and drill it out. Use a longer bolt again to align the liner. I have found if alternate front to back its easier and you get a more precise hole location.

Cant wait to see it at LONESTAR THROWDOWN!!

[N2TRUX]

Originally Posted by 67cheby

Cant wait to see it at LONESTAR THROWDOWN!!

Me too buddy.

[N2TRUX]

Last night I discovered two things. One is, I will never earn a living as a template maker. Two is I am a persistent SOB, and persistence pays off. Mike Losh needed a set of templates made for Mild Tubz filler panelz to fit the 73-80 fenders. He asked if I would help him out, and I jumped on the opportunity to return a favor.

What I discovered is these panels are multi-dimensional and its a task to get them right. Instead of a pretty pattern, I created a Frankenstein cut out thats patched together with multiple layers of paper and tape. Its pretty scary, but it is functional.

[67cheby]

Originally Posted by N2TRUX

Last night I discovered two things. One is, I will never earn a living as a template maker. Two is I am a persistent SOB, and persistence pays off. Mike Losh needed a set of templates made for Mild Tubz filler panelz to fit the 73-80 fenders. He asked if I would help him out, and I jumped on the opportunity to return a favor.

What I discovered is these panels are multi-dimensional and its a task to get them right. Instead of a pretty pattern, I created a Frankenstein cut out thats patched together with multiple layers of paper and tape. Its pretty scary, but it is functional.

the important part is......if they dont fit right i can blame you! LOL

[N2TRUX]

Originally Posted by 67cheby

the important part is......if they dont fit right i can blame you! LOL

Gee thanks, but I knew that was coming. Hows that saying go? "Trim to fit, paint to match"

[N2TRUX]

Round two of my pattern making went much better. I thought I might be able to use the drivers side and flip it over. No such luck, but it did give me a starting point. This time I made it in three sections and adjusted accordingly. It did require a couple of add ons, but its not the Frankenstein pattern like the other side.

[67cheby]

well i approve!!

[N2TRUX]

Originally Posted by 67cheby

well i approve!!

Does that mean you signed off on them? My legal team says I may have a loophole.

[N2TRUX]

Switching gears last night I worked on the exhaust again. It's the last thing that needs to be done under the rear of the truck.
I plan to put the bed on soon so I want this completed. It doesn't do justice to the Deeds Engineering hangers, but it will work for now.

[N2TRUX]

Saturday I located the last two fitting I needed for the Wilwood proportioning valve. I bent the lines that were waiting for fittings and mocked them up.

With all the lines complete I pulled it apart one last time. Now I can clean and prep the area for paint

[N2TRUX]

I prepped and painted the bracket I made along with the crossmember its mounted to. The brake lines were complete, so I pulled them out and painted those as well. The brake lines were a lesson in frustration, so I'm praying they dont leak.

[N2TRUX]

I had a paint mishap that prevented me from painting the exhaust Friday night. A word of caution. Always verify you have a supply of cleaning solvent "before" you load your gun. I had a clog in my color gun and no way to clean it out. It didn't end well as I used my last drop of Brake Cleaner to clean up the mess.

With a fresh batch of supplies, I was able to get the exhaust sprayed with Cerekote on Saturday. The instructions say it doesnt require reduction, but I feel its a bit thick straight from the can. I reduced it with DT 885 and it flowed fantastic. I layed down several thin coats it went on super smooth.

[rustytruck50]

Nice!!!! It's really coming along!!!!

[N2TRUX]

Originally Posted by rustytruck50

Nice!!!! It's really coming along!!!!

It seems like I'm loosing ground rather than gaining, but thanks for the motivation.

[N2TRUX]

Last night I made the final install of the exhaust system. I had difficulty location a collector gasket that was the right size. I also decided to use larger rivits to hold the system together. Initially I had used medium stainless rivets, but a head popped off one so I went much larger.

Once I get the LST and Goodguys behind me, I'll have to to have a pro built system. Till then, my parts and pieces system will get the job done. Thanks again to Kevin Deeds at Deeds Engineering for the beautiful hangers.

[aggie91]

That has to be the best looking temporary exhaust I have ever seen. Now it I can get Owen motivated to work on his interior all would be good. Hoping to have it mostly done on the interior for LST.

[N2TRUX]

Originally Posted by aggie91

That has to be the best looking temporary exhaust I have ever seen. Now it I can get Owen motivated to work on his interior all would be good. Hoping to have it mostly done on the interior for LST.

I was fortunate that I had a few pieces from the previous system that could be used. Dont look too close, its far from perfect.

[N2TRUX]

The brake lines are complete! I wont say I hated doing it, but it was a valuable lesson in frustration. The hardest part was finding all the fittings I needed to make it work. Once those were located it was a matter of getting the bends tight enough to fit.

I learned a trick that help with the tight bends. I put a 1/2 drive extension in my bench vise to, the slid a deep socket with an extension over the fitting to use for a handle. I slowly pulled the line around the curve of the extension till I hade the bend that I needed. It took a couple of tries to perfect the technique, but it got my bends much tighter than a traditional tubing bender.

[N2TRUX]

Last night I bleed the brake system and checked for leaks. Out of 16 new flares I only had one bad. Apparently I tightened it to much and it split. I replaced another one because I had stripped the head on the fitting trying to get it tight enough to seal.

I need to bleed it again and double check my work. Once I verify its all good i can clean up my mess and do paint touch ups. I feel its a little better than what I started with.

[daddyjeep]

Originally Posted by N2TRUX

Apparently I tightened it to much and it split.

I think I saw this on one of those car shows on the tube... Instead of continuing to tighten until a leak stops you should loosen a half turn and tighten it again. Repeat this until it is good. I haven't done any brake lines in a while, but this method seems to make sense.