"Elwood" the 77_remix

[lolife99]

Cold Case makes a nice aluminum radiator with aluminum tanks.
Maybe they would be interested in sponsoring your build.
https://www.coldcaseradiators.com/ch...m-radiator-at/

Or Jegs,...
https://www.jegs.com/i/Cold-Case-Rad...T556A/10002/-1

[N2TRUX]

Originally Posted by lolife99

Cold Case makes a nice aluminum radiator with aluminum tanks.

I looked at those along with a dozen others. I decided to give this a try based on the feed back from the guys on the LS conversion feeds.

[N2TRUX]

Friday night I worked on Jake for a while. Take a look here for updates "Crewcab Jake"
I spent some time through the week sanding the layers of primer off of the old bed that came with Jake. I wanted to get a true picture of what was under the multiple layers of paint before selling it.


Friday night I got one side finished so I moved back over to Elwood. I'm waiting on parts from several vendors, so I pulled the grill and headlamp doors off. That gave me access to remove stock evaporator core and related lines. With that area exposed I can get a clear picture of where to install the Restomod Air evaporator and drier.

[N2TRUX]

While waiting for a power steering line kit from Eddie Motorsports, I unpacked the latest shipment from RestoMod Air.

Since my A/C conversion started as a design project, I didnt begin with a true "kit". The inside components of the system are installed and documented here- Link
Now its time to put the pieces in place under the hood.

Heres my latest shipment-

[N2TRUX]

I worked on centering the condenser and modifying the universal brackets that came with the kit. I used rubber bushing to float the mounting bolts. Once everything was mounted, I felt compelled to clean up the look of the universal fit bracket.

[N2TRUX]

I have been trying to map out the cleanest routing of the A/C lines on my RestoMod Air install. I spoke with Gary this week and he gave me some insight that will help with a cleaner install. I'll get back on that this evening.

[N2TRUX]

Last week I got the replacement radiator from Summit. This time it came through unscathed so I set it in place. I bought the Spectra Premium CU730 which is the replacement for the OEM big block equipped trucks. Its a full factory 4 row core thats much bigger than the shorter small block unit it replaced. My research shows that it cools as good as, if not better than the copper care units. I'm skeptical, but the guys that do this for a living swear by them.

This radiator requires changes be made to the radiator filler panel. You will need a GM Spectre Performance Radiator Support Panel #4366 as well as the correct support bushings. I used Prothane Radiator Support Bushings 7-1712-BL

[N2TRUX]

This is where you will need to make some decisions. I did not want to run electric fans. There are many pros and cons that can be debated on this topic. My personal preference on THIS application was to maintain a clutch fan.

To do that and keep the factory small block fan shroud, I would need a to make a filler panel to take up the space above the fan shroud. After a bit of debating on my options I determimined that anything I added to the factory style panel would not meet my expectations. I decided to design something more to my liking instead.

I called Mike Losh at Slosh Tubz and discussed my ideas. He said "make a template and i will build it". So I set about designing a filler piece that functional and fashionable at the same time.

[rustytruck50]

Lookin' good Ken!!! Did you get the broken bolt situation rectified?

[N2TRUX]

Originally Posted by rustytruck50

Lookin' good Ken!!! Did you get the broken bolt situation rectified?

Unfortunately I have not. I was determined not to let that hold up a good day of progress, so I skipped over the one remaining side for the moment. Once I'm done mocking up and do the final tear down, I will have to address the issue.

[rustytruck50]

I'm thinking that was a great course of action...gives some time to calm down & explore the possibilities

[83GMCK2500]

Originally Posted by N2TRUX

This is where you will need to make some decisions. I did not want to run electric fans. There are many pros and cons that can be debated on this topic. My personal preference on THIS application was to maintain a clutch fan.

To do that and keep the factory small block fan shroud, I would need a to make a filler panel to take up the space above the fan shroud. After a bit of debating on my options I determimined that anything I added to the factory style panel would not meet my expectations. I decided to design something more to my liking instead.

I called Mike Losh at Slosh Tubz and discussed my ideas. He said "make a template and i will build it". So I set about designing a filler piece that functional and fashionable at the same time.

Loving the updates, that engine is looking mighty fine. Nice to hear positive things for Spectre radiators, I need one in my '96 and I've been searching high-&-low for a GM/AC Delco one that isn't $700.

With the move to the flat upper radiator support for the taller radiator, why not the fan shroud for the taller opening?

[N2TRUX]

Originally Posted by rustytruck50

I'm thinking that was a great course of action...gives some time to calm down & explore the possibilities

Yes, I needed to walk away for a bit. I'm not looking forward to getting back there, but I'll get it done soon enough.

Originally Posted by 83GMCK2500

Loving the updates, that engine is looking mighty fine. Nice to hear positive things for Spectre radiators, I need one in my '96 and I've been searching high-&-low for a GM/AC Delco one that isn't $700.
With the move to the flat upper radiator support for the taller radiator, why not the fan shroud for the taller opening?

I considered using the big block/diesel shroud. I looked at pics of them and didnt care for the height. I felt it would over power the motor that I'm trying to show off. Combine that with the knowledge of the more you change, the more you have to change.

I was astounded at the cost to recore a copper tank. I can buy three new ones for the same price. I want a big fan of the plastic and aluminum radiators, but thats all they are using in new cars and trucks for the last decade (or more) so I my as well get in this new millennium before its over.

[83GMCK2500]

Originally Posted by N2TRUX

Yes, I needed to walk away for a bit. I'm not looking forward to getting back there, but I'll get it done soon enough.

I considered using the big block/diesel shroud. I looked at pics of them and didnt care for the height. I felt it would over power the motor that I'm trying to show off. Combine that with the knowledge of the more you change, the more you have to change.

I was astounded at the cost to recore a copper tank. I can buy three new ones for the same price. I want a big fan of the plastic and aluminum radiators, but thats all they are using in new cars and trucks for the last decade (or more) so I my as well get in this new millennium before its over.

Thankfully the radiator in my '83 was re-cored about 12 yrs ago when it was still affordable and I've kept the coolant clean/fresh. The modern aluminum/plastic ones seem to be holding up better than when they first came out, but I totally understand the frustration in sending a brass tank with Harrison stamped in it to the recycler.

Caution, the diesel shroud is different, it's another 5" wider or so...a fairly asymmetrical beast of a shroud. Ever notice the other set of bolt holes on the top driver side of the core support past the ones that your (new) flat radiator support bolts to? Those are for the driver's side radiator hold down, it has separate metal hold downs with a plastic filler that spans them, the shroud bolts to the plastic filler on top.

[N2TRUX]

Originally Posted by 83GMCK2500

......Caution, the diesel shroud is different, it's another 5" wider or so...a fairly asymmetrical beast of a shroud.....

Honestly I have almost zero knowledge of the diesels. I "thought" it shared the same shroud as the BBC. It seems I have now learned more than little about them.

[SCOTI]

Originally Posted by N2TRUX

Honestly I have almost zero knowledge of the diesels. I "thought" it shared the same shroud as the BBC. It seems I have now learned more than little about them.

My dually w/the 7.4l/4-row brass OE radiator uses the 2nd set of holes 83GMCK2500 described. I ordered a new cover from LMC for a 88-91 Burb w/a BBC & it would not work for my set-up.

[N2TRUX]

Originally Posted by SCOTI

My dually w/the 7.4l/4-row brass OE radiator uses the 2nd set of holes 83GMCK2500 described. I ordered a new cover from LMC for a 88-91 Burb w/a BBC & it would not work for my set-up.

Thanks, Scot.
I guess I'll have to research all of the options when I start under the hood of Jake. Till then I am going with my custom set up on Elwood.

[N2TRUX]

Chris and I have been diligently working inside the cab, but heres where I'm at under the hood. I received my cover panel from Slosh Tubz last week. mike was extreemly quick at turning my idea in to a reality and shipping the part back to me.

He revised my bead roll design and included a place to add a Slosh Tubz billet badge.

[N2TRUX]

The panel Mike made fit the look I was after perfectly. I could not bring myself to install the factory panel with all of the ribs pressed in. This piece will blend in nicely when painted, and the bead roll matches the pulleys and my wheels.

[rustytruck50]

Wow...major difference!!!

[Advanced Design]

The panel came out very nice. Provides a clean look to the area.

[Jaysonb]

The radiator panel looks nice! Are you going to incorporate the top support cushions somhow?

[mcbassin]

Very nice progress Ken! Looks great!

[N2TRUX]

Originally Posted by rustytruck50

Wow...major difference!!!

Originally Posted by Advanced Design

The panel came out very nice. Provides a clean look to the area.

Originally Posted by mcbassin

Very nice progress Ken! Looks great!

Thanks guys.

Originally Posted by Jaysonb

The radiator panel looks nice! Are you going to incorporate the top support cushions somehow?

The cushions are there. Currently they are just sitting in place. I plan to add a way to secure them in position.

[N2TRUX]

I dropped the radiator panel off to be painted, so I moved inside the cab. I wanted to get the interior wrapped up so I could focus my attention under the hood when my parts are painted.

I received a huge shipment from Brothers Truck Parts last week. It included a new dash pad, and a complete set of vents assemblies.