BUSY BOLTERS Are you one?  The Shop Area
continues to pull in the most views on the Stovebolt. In August alone there were over 22,000 views in those 13 forums.
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Jul 21st, 2025 | | | | Joined: May 2006 Posts: 8,351 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: May 2006 Posts: 8,351 | Haven't done anything on mine since last Wednsday. Been laid up since Friday with a stomach flu. Everybody in my family had it sometime over the last week, got me last. I think my nephew might have brought it home from school.
I did get my weatherstrip, seems UPS left at the basement door since no one answered the front door (Mom was sick, Dad has hearing issues) so we didn't find it until 5:00 Wednsday when we were going to my sisters house for my other nephews birthday party. Still haven't had a chance to install it, but it looks to be the correct weatherstrip.
BTW, for those who were wondering, the supplier was Steele Rubber. They made it right, so I'm happy so far.
Bill Burmeister
| | | | | Joined: Sep 2010 Posts: 695 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Sep 2010 Posts: 695 | Whew! Removed 2 of the three stuck pistons in the 261 block.
The 5 lb. persuasion hammer and 4x4 did the trick and my back's OK.
The last piston wasn't so cooperative. The piston top is bad... it's future doesn't look too promising, but I'll be sure to get it's connecting rod out safely.
I'll pick up where I left off today, weather permitting.
Jerry | | | | | Joined: Nov 2010 Posts: 30 New Guy | | New Guy Joined: Nov 2010 Posts: 30 | Finally got the front fenders off. Took off the inners as well, all the sheet metal finally off the frame, except the cab.
Restoring 1950, 5 window, 1/2 ton, in family since new. Never done one before.
| | | | | Joined: May 2001 Posts: 7,440 Extreme Gabster | | Extreme Gabster Joined: May 2001 Posts: 7,440 | I finally got my '54 running again after 5 months. Swapped out the SM420 for a SM318 with OD, '55 first rear end, and the tranny wouldn't stay in 3rd. Pulled it back out and rebuilt it. While I had the tranny out I decided to pull the engine, replace the rear main seal, all the gaskets, clean and paint, installed Fenton headers. I just put it on the trailer to take to town for pipes tomorrow.
I'm pumped. | | | | | Joined: Apr 2009 Posts: 17 Apprentice | | Apprentice Joined: Apr 2009 Posts: 17 | I got the passenger door removed and cleaned all the rust edges from the remainder of my cab mounts, time for some metal fab. | | | | | Joined: May 2001 Posts: 7,440 Extreme Gabster | | Extreme Gabster Joined: May 2001 Posts: 7,440 | I trailered the burb to town and got the exhaust system on it yesterday then drove it home. Fixin' to take it to a car show at noon. | | | | | Joined: Oct 2010 Posts: 33 Geezer | | Geezer Joined: Oct 2010 Posts: 33 | This week I cleaned out the shop so the old lady would have a clean operating room & I would have more space.
I rolled her out today about 0900 & with the help of a buddy, we stripped her all the way down to the frame... cab off, bed off, totally NAKED...
Frame is going under the knife, with a camaro front clip, 4 bar rear & coil overs.. aluminum tank etc....that is
After a complete sandblast & chemical cleaning with a new POR paint job...
That's all we accomplished today except for BBQing a venison leg & sausage, then drinking beer followed by a good cigar.
Hope yall's (Texican for you all)day went as well..
TC
1966 C20 LWB, 327 4 Bbl., 4 Speed
| | | | | Joined: Oct 2006 Posts: 4,983 Master Gabster | | Master Gabster Joined: Oct 2006 Posts: 4,983 | This week I cleaned out the shop so the old lady would have a clean operating room & I would have more space.
I rolled her out today about 0900 & with the help of a buddy, we stripped her all the way down to the frame... cab off, bed off, totally NAKED...
Frame is going under the knife, with a camaro front clip, 4 bar rear & coil overs.. aluminum tank etc....that is
After a complete sandblast & chemical cleaning with a new POR paint job...
That's all we accomplished today except for BBQing a venison leg & sausage, then drinking beer followed by a good cigar.
Hope yall's (Texican for you all)day went as well..
TC Talks cheap, where's the pictures? 
~Jim
| | | | | Joined: Sep 2010 Posts: 695 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Sep 2010 Posts: 695 | Got the last stuck piston out of the 261. Mic'd the crank, cam and cylinder bores... all standard (whew). Hopefully I can hone the block back into shape. If not... I know my new over-size piston set will make a nice Christmas gift once I get the block bored!  Jerry | | | | | Joined: Oct 2010 Posts: 33 Geezer | | Geezer Joined: Oct 2010 Posts: 33 | May be cheap talk, but the finished product will be pretty darn good...
I have been too busy to publish pics, but I will do so in a while..
Today, bed disassembled, started sanding & preping for epoxy primer, cleared out instrument panel getting ready for Dolphin instruments & new painless wiring system..
That's all for now... frame next.. Oh yeah, getting the new Vortec SBC ready to install along with the 4 bar rear suspension...
Gotta go now so I can have a scotch & cigar then go see the CPA in the morning to see if I have enough $ to finish this Geezer Project...
See Ya'll later,
TC
1966 C20 LWB, 327 4 Bbl., 4 Speed
| | | | | Joined: May 2006 Posts: 8,351 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: May 2006 Posts: 8,351 | Been working on getting the weatherstrip in the doors. At first, while the set I have now do fit properly on the door, I still had the same problem, the door not shutting correctly. The gasket would "pack up" on the forward edge and not allow the door to shut all the way, or at least not without slamming it. I've been working on readjusting the door (a fun job on a TF truck) to get the fit right. I'm close, not perfect, but workable. Still need to move the door up about 3/16" to get it better. Then I still have the drivers side to do. So far, though, the rubber from Steele is much better than what I had before, at least it is sealing properly and letting me get the doors adjusted. Couldn't do that with the other stuff.
Bill Burmeister
| | | | | Joined: Nov 2009 Posts: 33 New Guy | | New Guy Joined: Nov 2009 Posts: 33 | I managed to get the rear engine crossmember cut out to make room for the sb350 and t-400 trans. this weekend. hope to get the area cleaned and painted tomorrow | | | | | Joined: Oct 2010 Posts: 111 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Oct 2010 Posts: 111 | Got the T5 installed today. Also, the dropped axle and 10 bolt rear. | | | | | Joined: Oct 2006 Posts: 4,983 Master Gabster | | Master Gabster Joined: Oct 2006 Posts: 4,983 | FINALLY my radiator fan arrived, an Ebay purchase Lincoln/Tarus 2 speed. Then I checked the fit and found it's too deep to fit as a puller so I'll have to do some fabrication to do to mount it ahead of the radiator.
Next week I'll try to get the rear window and windshields in.
~Jim
| | | | | Joined: Feb 2001 Posts: 4,109 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Feb 2001 Posts: 4,109 | I had installed an alarm system and it was draining my battery so hooked a battery maintainer from Deltran. i try to drive it all winter at least a couple times a week but i hadn't so the battery went down.
Ron, The Computer Greek I love therefore I am.1954 3100 Chevy truckIn the Gallery 2017 Buick Encore See more pix1960 MGA Roadster Sold 7/18/2017
| | | | | Joined: Sep 2009 Posts: 105 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Sep 2009 Posts: 105 | Got my engine torn down today. I've decided to go with a complete tear down and a visit to the machine shop. It's been one thing after another and I'm tired of the band aids on this old girl. Time to do it right.
Tomorrow I hope to get the tranny back off it and get it in the back of my truck. | | | | | Joined: Nov 2010 Posts: 21 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Nov 2010 Posts: 21 | scored a cab full interior bed and front clip brake master cyl. and a bunch of other parts today, started taking every thing apart for clean up and rust repair not too bad of shape nothing a few patch panels wont fix 
Just say no to "BONDO" learn to lead, save a trade Make something idiot proof .... and they'll make a better idiot ! some days i feel like im living proof Schubert all things come to those who waite.. as long as they go get it .... Poppa Dave
| | | | | Joined: Jan 2003 Posts: 64 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Jan 2003 Posts: 64 | I had all the brake parts on my '41 3/4 ton zinc plated and couldn't find one of the short heavy springs that hold the centering brackets onto the brake shoes. Thought the plater lost it. Two weeks ago, I found the missing spring in the bead blaster. Was going to have the plater run it through. Carried it around in the chest pocket of my bib overalls so I'd have it if I happened to drive by the plater. Drove by the plater, but the spring was gone again. Looked all over for another two weeks and lo and behold, it was in the very last place I looked for it. Under a pile of papers on my desk. Said to myself, no plating for this piece. Sprayed it with zinc rich and put it right on the shoe assembly where it can't get away from me again. All this means that there is a chance that tomorrow I will have a ROLLING CHASSIS. HOORAY!
Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls
and looks like work. - Thomas Edison
1941 AL 3/4 ton 125-1/4 WB, bought by my Great Uncle Matt in 1942. Still in the family.
| | | | | Joined: Mar 2003 Posts: 1,132 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Mar 2003 Posts: 1,132 | Took the electric choke off the Edelbrock. Need to now fab some bracketry so I can install the hand choke.
Weeds | | | | | Joined: Dec 2005 Posts: 2,554 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Dec 2005 Posts: 2,554 | Too cold out to work on the suburban.I'm still collecting parts for it,never ending.
Tim
1951 3100 Chevrolet1951 Chevrolet Suburban CarryallImage"A house is built with boards and beams. A home is built with love and dreams." "Look deep before you leap !!!" / "Everything is Everything" "If I say a mouse can pull a house, hitch him up"
| | | | | Joined: Jun 2001 Posts: 775 Bondo Artiste | | Bondo Artiste Joined: Jun 2001 Posts: 775 | New standard king pins installed in my freshly paint front axle. Can't wait to install it on my freshly re-arched and painted springs. Gotta hit the blast cabinet to clean up the u-bolts and sway bar brackets.....
~ Phillip
1949 GMC Suburban - 10 year project
1952 Pontiac Chieftain Convertible straight 8 hydramatic
1945 GMC half ton truck - Driver
1946 Chevy COE - Might restore one day...
1959 GMC Half ton long bed NAPCO
| | | | | Joined: Jan 2003 Posts: 64 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Jan 2003 Posts: 64 | Didn't get my rolling chassis today for two reasons, most importantly, it was Christmas cookie baking annual extravaganza. Wife, daughter, granddaughter and friend over to bake hundreds and hundreds of 15 varieties of cookies. So was enlisted for a couple of runs to the store.
Back to the '41. Went to put the new brake shoes on the rear along with the sleeved cylinders etc. My drums are at the limit for turning so when I found a set of bonded linings that seemed a little thicker than the riveted ones, I went through the hassle of putting them on only to find out that they were too large to get the drums on!! That ever happened to anyone? So back to the riveted linings and all is well. Wheels and tires can wait for another day. Must be about time for cookies and cocoa.
Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls
and looks like work. - Thomas Edison
1941 AL 3/4 ton 125-1/4 WB, bought by my Great Uncle Matt in 1942. Still in the family.
| | | | | Joined: Mar 2008 Posts: 3,750 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Mar 2008 Posts: 3,750 | I didn't get much done today,but I gave the engine a run for 20 mins or so to keep the vital fluids flowing.(oil & anti-freeze).
I did finally find out my TH350C trans actually works though!
It's the first time I've been able to run it the with column shift and drive shaft attached.
I've still to wire the neutral safety switch though.
1950 Chevy Advance Design 3100 in ScotlandIn the Stovebolt GalleryMore pix on Flickr. I've definately got this truck thing in my blood ... my DNA sequence has torque settings"Of all the small nations of this earth,perhaps only the ancient Greeks surpass the Scots in their contribution to mankind" Winston Churchill.
| | | | | Joined: Apr 2009 Posts: 252 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Apr 2009 Posts: 252 | I got the bed on and some sheet metal hung. I started fabbing swing arm for brake pedal. There's still plenty left to do. Also got to do some metal work to the rear fenders yesterday. | | | | | Joined: Aug 2010 Posts: 96 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Aug 2010 Posts: 96 | Here is a link to my 66 GMC start to now. It is moving along. Kieth Too cold out to work on the suburban.I'm still collecting parts for it,never ending. http://kieth.smugmug.com/Trucks/66-GMC/13311086_gRF57#967555158_RNLWEIssues that I have run into that I have not found help on. 1. 91 suburban engine perches in a 66 frame, having to notch the fram and relocate the lower mounting hole. 2. Air bags on the rear.. 3. Angle of the steering box to a transfered front crossmember. The adaptor plates are designed for using the stock front end. Tim
66 GMC SWB
65 Chevy LWB
65 GMC SWB
918-446-2245
| | | | | Joined: Nov 2010 Posts: 21 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Nov 2010 Posts: 21 | aligned the cab with the frame , mounted radaitor core support , installed radaitor, shroud , headlights, removed old steering box, installed new box/column, steering wheel, not a bad 3 hours
Just say no to "BONDO" learn to lead, save a trade Make something idiot proof .... and they'll make a better idiot ! some days i feel like im living proof Schubert all things come to those who waite.. as long as they go get it .... Poppa Dave
| | | | | Joined: Aug 2010 Posts: 96 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Aug 2010 Posts: 96 | Installed: shocks airbags front tires and wheels front brake lines tightened all front end nuts installed headers after grinding away a few places on the frame http://kieth.smugmug.com/Trucks/66-GMC/13311086_gRF57#1128723713_zsmuL
66 GMC SWB
65 Chevy LWB
65 GMC SWB
918-446-2245
| | | | | Joined: May 2001 Posts: 7,440 Extreme Gabster | | Extreme Gabster Joined: May 2001 Posts: 7,440 | I changed the intake manifold on my Suburban. The one I had on it wouldn't seat right and I had to run about half choke. Now it runs right. | | | | | Joined: Oct 2010 Posts: 45 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Oct 2010 Posts: 45 |
| | | | | Joined: Sep 2010 Posts: 695 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Sep 2010 Posts: 695 | As I type this, I'm at work but on break.  Sitting out in the company parking lot, is my Toyota Prius that has two contractor bags with the following contents: 261 engine block 235 head The plans are to drop them off after work, to be checked/acid bathed. I'll pick them up hopefully Monday! Unless bad news from this process, I'm excited that I'm a step closer to building the powerplant for my truck! Wish me luck! Jerry | | | | | Joined: Oct 2006 Posts: 4,983 Master Gabster | | Master Gabster Joined: Oct 2006 Posts: 4,983 | Good luck! Don't take any wooden nickles.
~Jim
| | | | | Joined: Sep 2010 Posts: 698 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Sep 2010 Posts: 698 | http://s783.photobucket.com/albums/...%20pickup%20project/?albumview=slideshowI finally got the cab mounted to the donor frame (’86 Chevy). It took a few tries to get it in the correct place and everything to line up. Initially I tried starting with mounting the radiator support and working back, but nothing would fit. Then switched to mounting the cab, then hung the hood, then mounted the radiator support to match the hood. And then I mounted the inner and outer fenders. One side mounted perfectly using existing holes, but the other fender needed every hole tweaked. I strongly suspect that this fender was not originally on this truck. I guess this is what you get when you buy someone else’s project. But I’m on my way. I have to do a little repair work to the inner fenders and then it all comes apart again for painting. Pictures to follow……….. John
My Fleet: 19411953195919651966 1953 Willy's Pickup John Vegetarian- old Indian word for bad hunter
| | | | | Joined: Oct 2006 Posts: 4,983 Master Gabster | | Master Gabster Joined: Oct 2006 Posts: 4,983 | Looking mighty fine John. Keep the pics coming!
~Jim
| | | | | Joined: Jul 2010 Posts: 10 New Guy | | New Guy Joined: Jul 2010 Posts: 10 | | | | | | Joined: Mar 2008 Posts: 3,750 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Mar 2008 Posts: 3,750 | I hope to get some garage time later today,to fit my new mirrors, an early Christmas present from Mrs Jock. Just depends when I get home from work,it's snowing.....
1950 Chevy Advance Design 3100 in ScotlandIn the Stovebolt GalleryMore pix on Flickr. I've definately got this truck thing in my blood ... my DNA sequence has torque settings"Of all the small nations of this earth,perhaps only the ancient Greeks surpass the Scots in their contribution to mankind" Winston Churchill.
| | | | | Joined: Mar 2008 Posts: 3,750 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Mar 2008 Posts: 3,750 | As I type this, I'm at work but on break. Sitting out in the company parking lot, is my Toyota Prius that has two contractor bags with the following contents: 261 engine block 235 head Wow! A Prius with three motors!
1950 Chevy Advance Design 3100 in ScotlandIn the Stovebolt GalleryMore pix on Flickr. I've definately got this truck thing in my blood ... my DNA sequence has torque settings"Of all the small nations of this earth,perhaps only the ancient Greeks surpass the Scots in their contribution to mankind" Winston Churchill.
| | | | | Joined: Oct 2006 Posts: 4,983 Master Gabster | | Master Gabster Joined: Oct 2006 Posts: 4,983 | As I type this, I'm at work but on break. Sitting out in the company parking lot, is my Toyota Prius that has two contractor bags with the following contents: 261 engine block 235 head Wow! A Prius with three motors! I'm surprised a Prius would haul all that. 
~Jim
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