The old Bulletin Board has been removed from the server. And with recent "spring" cleaning, we are removing links back to it. The BB is still out in cyber space (to some extent) thanks to The Wayback Machine.
Thanks TUTS, The color is "Empire Blue" . It is an original 56 Chevrolet color, but the truck was originally "Crystal Blue" Kevin felt the OE color was a bit light. I have to say I am digging the color. The white roof was my idea to help keep it cooler in the sun. The visor will be blue at this time, but we could be open to making it white also. While I have not had any firm completion deadline, I hope we can be driving it by the 4th of July.
I am thinking the focus in the near future should be to get the new hydrovac in, bleed the brakes, get the intake/exhaust manifold on. Finish installing the heater assembly, etc. All that will free up space and make it easier to work.
I remember when I used to hear folks who were retired that "they didn't know how they found time to work!". I now understand what they meant. I have been darn near sun to sun in something for the last month. Luckily some of that time was spent on the 56 6400.
A lot of small things got done and some big ones. I had brazed up my original exhaust manifold after we found that the junk yard one was also cracked. With that ready to put on, Kevin and I went to the huge Jefferson Wisconsin Swap Meet.
As we were heading back to the Suburban, we came across another manifold set. $10, and it was perfect. It sure beats the $75 I spent on the cracked set.... The new set is now in the truck and the exhaust system is back on. Kevin did install the hydrovac, and We flushed the vacuum lines to/from the vacuum manifold and the two speed rear. The leaking hydrovac put brake fluid into all those lines. We also replaced all of the rubber hoses in the vacuum system.
We also found a non cracked dash guage face plate, heater knobs and better turn signal handle. Of course I had to buy another outboard...I only have 93 if them...(At least this one is not staying here!). All in all a good event and glad to be more normal again. Everyone in the house has now had at least 1 vaccination, so things are looking up.
I had a lot of trouble finding someone who was willing to install the windshield. Kevin has been swamped with school and work so his time on the truck has been limited. He used the new ultrasonic cleaner to rebuild the carb. He also utilized a vacuum brake off of a 2-jet to replace the speedo switching gear for the two speed. So a lot of things got done. As far as the glass situation, I sure didn't want to try it alone. After about 10 shops, I found a fellow who was willing to help. Yesterday they came and installed it and the rear sluding window also. I also was finally able to get the doors and visor painted. The truck is back on wheels, and the seats are back in the cab. A new radiator should come tomorrow. Lots to keep track of.
It's been a while since I posted an update, so I will add a quick one here.
We ordered a new radiator, but it turned out to not fit. As much as I looked, I could not find one that was correct, so I ended up having it recored. It was $600, but at least it is oem. After that, we discovered that the heater control valve was leaking. It only leaked in one position, but that was not going to work. So, the heater assembly came back out and we ordered a new one. I also ended up having to replace the temperature sending unit. We added an aftermarket oil pressure guage and also a small tach. Both fit under the dash nicely and Kevin likes having a real number on the oil pressure vs 3 dots on the guage. We adjusted the valve lash, they were all a bit tight, so perhaps a previous owner did it while it was not hot. In any event, the engine runs nice and quiet and smooth.
We now have the front fenders and hood on. I was surprised how much work it took to get the hood to fit. I am still not thrilled with it,but it is close. The fit lines on these were not great when built, and now we try to make them live up to today's standards.
We also removed the front bumper, as that is the last item to restore. I had some straightening to do on it, and weld up two large cracks from a previous collision. The hood and both fenders had some levels of damage from that impact. I spent a significant amount of time getting them straight.
I still have to paint the white inserts on the fenders adjacent to the grill. That and the bumper will be some of the last items to paint.
Hope to get a few more photos. But that is enough for now.
1970 Chevrolet C10 - Grandpa’s- My first truck.—in progress to shiny 1972 Chevrolet C20- Rusty- the puzzle box lid for the C10. 1950 Chevrolet 1300- in progress to shiny. 1962 AMC Rambler American- my wife’s
Parts trucks- 1951 GMC 9300 1951-GMC 9430 1951- Chevrolet 1300
Well, we have gone out on the road with the 6400. Everything seems to be working with a few exceptions. We still do not have the fuel gauge working, and the speedo did not switch when we shifted the two speed rear end. The rest is pretty close.
Kevin now has to decide what he is going to do about the dump assembly. While it would be very neat to have a dump option, there are some significant drawbacks to keeping it. For one, the dump frame makes a LOT OF NOISE when you drive it. Every tar strip results in a loud CLANK! The other issue is that the bed will be about 9" higher with the dump frame in place. Wr would have to cut the current flat bed where the dump frame cylinders mount. It can be done, but it would be hard to undue the cutout. Hard, but still doable. I want Kevin to make the choice, and feel good about it. Right now, he is leaning toward removing the dump so that driving can be more enjoyable. I am good with that. U also know that having to lift things an additional 8" does make a difference in having a usable truck.
In any event, the door windows and weatherstrip had been installed. It was fun to take a ride to the gas station. He received his first "Nice truck" from a customer there.
Finally installed the door panels. I am pleased with the look with caring the dash top color into the door panel.
