MadModder

The Craftmans Shop => PowerSports => Topic started by: Powder Keg on September 30, 2011, 08:33:11 PM

Title: 81 Chevy Beater
Post by: Powder Keg on September 30, 2011, 08:33:11 PM
I had the chance to get a good running not so good looking Chevy 3/4 ton pickup a couple months ago for cheep. A week later my wife bought a old camper for $200. Now we have a camping rig\o/

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/1981%20Chevy%20K20/TruckCamper001.jpg)

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/1981%20Chevy%20K20/TruckCamper002.jpg)

I have a few things planned for it but first there are a few things that need fixed. A previous owner had added a separate fuel tank. The filler hole was mounted to the side of the fender in a hole that was cut in with a hole saw.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/1981%20Chevy%20K20/Fueltankdoor001.jpg)

I went to a wrecking yard and found a Burb with a square door on the passenger side and they let me cut it out. I then cut a hole in the fender on my truck.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/1981%20Chevy%20K20/Fueltankdoor002.jpg)

Here is the new hole fitted. I had the patch sand blasted to clean off the old paint.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/1981%20Chevy%20K20/Fueltankdoor003.jpg)

I spot welded all the way around with my little MIG welder. I'm really happy with the way this turned out. I've never done any body work before. There is only a little wobble in the top of the fender but I think I can deal with it.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/1981%20Chevy%20K20/Fueltankdoor004.jpg)

While at the wrecking yard I got some nicer gauges and an emergency brake pedal that worked. last weekend I installed them and a new speedometer cable. That was quite a job.

Today after work I started on a grill to replace the one that had fallen out. I made a angle iron frame and used a piece of scrap expanded metal and came up with this.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/1981%20Chevy%20K20/Grill001.jpg)

I still need to weld some mounting tabs to it. But that shouldn't take too long.

I have been messing with a paint scheme on Photo shop and have came up with this. Excuse my cruddy photo shop skills.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/1981%20Chevy%20K20/TruckCamper00345.jpg)

We have resealed all the windows and the roof on the camper. It is in really good shape for being made in 1973.

This topic will be updated as money and time allow it.

~Wes~


Title: Re: 81 Chevy Beater
Post by: Marauder on October 01, 2011, 03:33:24 AM
Looking good.I keep on thinking. The A Team . For some reason . :thumbup:
Title: Re: 81 Chevy Beater
Post by: Bernd on October 01, 2011, 09:02:30 AM
Nice one Wes. A true Madmodder.  :nrocks:  :ddb:  :nrocks:

Bernd
Title: Re: 81 Chevy Beater
Post by: Rob.Wilson on October 01, 2011, 02:44:01 PM
 :bugeye: wow Wes ,,,,,,,,,,,, that would be some paint job  :thumbup:


Cool truck  :med:


Rob
Title: Re: 81 Chevy Beater
Post by: jgroom on October 01, 2011, 03:25:18 PM
Well, aside from being a Chevy....  :loco: :)  Looks like it should get the job done.  :thumbup:

Cheers

Jeff

Edit:  BTW nice work on the filler and the grill!
Title: Re: 81 Chevy Beater
Post by: Powder Keg on April 20, 2012, 09:48:09 PM
No pictures but Things have been a little better around here lately. I had some extra money that we spent on the truck. I got some new body mounts and Add-A-Leaf springs front and back. (to help with the camper) Today we got the new body mounds installed. The two front bolts were a bear to get to and get out. They were corroded nearly in two so I replaced them. I'll install the new add-a-leafs in the next week or so.

~Wes~
Title: Re: 81 Chevy Beater
Post by: millwright on April 21, 2012, 02:10:16 PM
Wondered why things had gone quiet on the Penny Farthing build Wes, Now We know. Are You Going to put a bike rack on the back?  Thanks Marauder, got that A Team music buzzing through my head now.
John
Title: Re: 81 Chevy Beater
Post by: Powder Keg on April 21, 2012, 11:42:36 PM
I tend to bounce around a lot:o) But the nice weather is mostly t fault. We have also been doing a lot of yard work. Last fall our sewer quit working and I had to dig up the old line and install a new one. It ruined my whole back yard. There was a giant patch of wild roses and we ended up pulling them all out because the line went right under them. We took the last load of them to the dump today\o/ I've also been working on my shop. The back needed the rest of the Tin installed. We got 3 sheets up today\o/ I might even get the shop done this year?

I drove the truck around some today. Those new body mounts are great!!! They got rid of probably 90% of the noise and vibration that the truck had. I can't wait to get the new springs on. That's another project though:o)

Penny parts tomorrow:o)

~Wes~
Title: Re: 81 Chevy Beater
Post by: hopefuldave on April 22, 2012, 10:40:44 AM
Nice camper! The demountables are pretty rare here int he UK, most seem to be panel van conversions or coachbuilt on a truck/cab chassis - any pics of the inside and all the creature comforts? I still miss my old Bedford camper, almost as much as the kids miss it :(

I guess with that grille, it's on the way to being a custom / hotrod camper ;)

Dave H. (the other one)
Title: Re: 81 Chevy Beater
Post by: Powder Keg on May 24, 2012, 10:06:01 PM
Started on the springs today. Good thing that I decided to work on them. One was broke :bang:  It was a long day under the truck. Rusty, stuck, bolts were everywhere. But I got it apart and some replacement springs found so tomorrow she will go back together\o/

~Wes~
Title: Re: 81 Chevy Beater
Post by: Powder Keg on May 26, 2012, 03:46:37 AM
Rear Springs upgraded\o/ Sorry no pictures. Way too dirty for the camera:o) We'll be doing the fronts on Monday probably.

~Wes~
Title: Re: 81 Chevy Beater
Post by: Powder Keg on May 28, 2012, 10:59:25 PM
Took a break from mechanic work. I wanted to weld :zap: Those new back springs raised the truck an inch or so. It was already a little bit of a climb into the cab. So, I decided that some steps were in order.

I cut up a few pieces of scrap metal and welded them up. It still isn't done but it will give you a good idea of how it will look when done. I'll be capping the tubing. I still have to finish the wood and paint it all up.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/1981%20Chevy%20K20/TruckSteps001.jpg)

I'll try and get these done this week:o)

~Wes~
Title: Re: 81 Chevy Beater
Post by: AdeV on May 29, 2012, 04:41:03 AM
8 wheel nuts eh? They really wanted to make it painful to change a tyre in the pouring rain I guess...  :lol:

Nice step - I need to do something similar on my old bus, the first step is a bit of a reach even for me with my long legs...
Title: Re: 81 Chevy Beater
Post by: Powder Keg on May 29, 2012, 06:46:58 AM
3/4 ton has 8 lug nuts and 1/2 ton has 5 lug nuts:o)

I think they'll be nice to use when I get them done:o)

~Wes~
Title: Re: 81 Chevy Beater
Post by: Powder Keg on June 12, 2012, 01:11:53 PM
Trying to finish up the front springs. Nothing but trouble. It's a good thing I can fabricate:o) I'll post a few pictures later.

I was distracted a little yesterday. I made a zombie Apocalypse bumper for the front. Got to play with my welder and new Plasma cutter.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/1981%20Chevy%20K20/Zombiebumper002.jpg)

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/1981%20Chevy%20K20/Zombiebumper001.jpg)

I'll probably end up jamming one of those flames into my thigh at some point :doh:

Made mainly from leftovers from work\o/ 3/8" C channel frame material for the center piece and the ends are made out of 1/4" plate:o) Lots of welding!!! 6018 rod root pass and 7010 rod cover pass ground mostly smooth:o)

~Wes~
Title: Re: 81 Chevy Beater
Post by: Powder Keg on June 12, 2012, 06:23:54 PM
Welded a receiver hitch onto the bottom of the front bumper. I'll be able to put a bike rack or whatever there now:o)

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/1981%20Chevy%20K20/Zombiebumper003.jpg)

It's welded all the way around. Corners and all. (It bugs me when guys weld to a edge and don't go around the corner. I think it looks bad)

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/1981%20Chevy%20K20/Zombiebumper004.jpg)

More later.....

~Wes~
Title: Re: 81 Chevy Beater
Post by: Powder Keg on June 18, 2012, 12:06:20 AM
Got the mounts made and the turn signal holes cut for my new LED signals:o) Here it is all bolted into place.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/1981%20Chevy%20K20/Zombiebumper005.jpg)

Waiting on a new brake line. One was a little bad looking so its being replaced.

~Wes~
Title: Re: 81 Chevy Beater
Post by: Powder Keg on June 29, 2012, 10:18:59 PM
I'm building a rear bumper with swing-out tire carriers.. I've ran into a couple of problems. My camper lacks going in and letting me shut the tailgate by about 3/4". This was going to make my tire carrier funky. I had made some chains that were 4" long to hold the tailgate up. That's as far as it would shut. This would make the tire hang way out over the bumper. I started looking things over.

The front of the bed had been really beat up by a PO. Today I pulled the bed part way off so I could get to the bolts holding the bed front panel on. It was pretty beat up. Here you can see how crooked it is. The piece of ten gauge under it is my new bed front\o/ I just have to make it.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/1981%20Chevy%20K20/bedfront001.jpg)

It looks like someone took a battle axe to it :wack:

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/1981%20Chevy%20K20/bedfront002.jpg)

I plan on adding a piece of 2" X 1/2" channel as a stiffener between the bed and the cab. This will give me an extra 1 1/4" of room in the bed.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/1981%20Chevy%20K20/bedfront003.jpg)

Then I can get back to building bumpers\o/ and the camper will fit right\o/

Later,

~Wes~
Title: Re: 81 Chevy Beater
Post by: Stilldrillin on June 30, 2012, 02:12:29 AM
It's beginning to shape up nicely Wes.

I particularly like the indicator mounts, in your previous post.

Watching/ appreciating quietly.......  :thumbup:

David D
Title: Re: 81 Chevy Beater
Post by: Powder Keg on July 01, 2012, 08:02:59 PM
Today I managed to get the front of my trucks bed made and installed. Yesterday I was able to use the brake at work and cross bend the piece to help dampen vibration. I made a lip out of 1/2" X 2" channel to reinforce the top edge. The top edge had  a arch to it from the cross bend. I clamped the two parts to a short piece of I beam to straighten them out while they were welded.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/1981%20Chevy%20K20/bedfront004.jpg)

I was pretty excited\o/ My welds are getting better I think?

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/1981%20Chevy%20K20/bedfront005.jpg)

Here it is with the clamps off. It stayed pretty straight. It had quits a bend to it because I broke it a little more than I should.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/1981%20Chevy%20K20/bedfront006.jpg)

Here it is installed. I think It looks a lot better than the old one. It is bent just a little. But it's not bad.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/1981%20Chevy%20K20/bedfront007.jpg)

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/1981%20Chevy%20K20/bedfront008.jpg)

I'll paint it when I do the rest of the truck

We were measuring today and I might still not have enough room to shut the tailgate? I was going off memory and didn't actually take any measurements till today. I'll have to put it in to see for sure. I'll try and do that tomorrow. But the piece needed fixed and that's done. I might have to make some new hinges if the gate wont shut?

~Wes~
Title: Re: 81 Chevy Beater
Post by: Powder Keg on July 01, 2012, 08:16:17 PM
Just a reminder for everyone to be careful when your working on your stuff. We were moving the bed front today and that I beam slipped off the saw horses it was sitting on. It would have hurt the lead for my TIG welder if it hadn't hit my foot.  :doh: :doh: :doh:

 :worthless:

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/1981%20Chevy%20K20/Dropedapieceofmetalonmyfoot.jpg)

I'll probably live

~Wes~
Title: Re: 81 Chevy Beater
Post by: AdeV on July 02, 2012, 05:43:58 AM
Nice looking bends there - and the metalwork ain't bad either  :lol:

Look on the  bright side - your foot will heal for free, whereas if you'd damaged the TIG leads you'd have been paying $$$ to replace them...
Title: Re: 81 Chevy Beater
Post by: Powder Keg on July 07, 2012, 11:58:56 AM
A quick update. A little slow going around here. Still limping around. I did install some new shocks a couple days ago. Just some Monroe's but they should make the ride a little smoother. I might get some parts for the rear bumper cut out today. We'll see:o)

~Wes~
Title: Re: 81 Chevy Beater
Post by: Mayhem on July 08, 2012, 07:45:18 AM
3/4 ton has 8 lug nuts and 1/2 ton has 5 lug nuts:o)

I think they'll be nice to use when I get them done:o)

~Wes~

Yes, but 4 of those 8 are optional!

I grew up around wrecking yards and mechanic shops and it wasn't uncommon for the 'work' vehicles to have half the lug nuts, share one battery and require fuel to be siphoned from another before driving!

Good work there Wes - keep it going.
Title: Re: 81 Chevy Beater
Post by: Powder Keg on July 11, 2012, 10:07:43 PM
I managed top get the steps all built and bolted up. What a job!

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/1981%20Chevy%20K20/TruckSteps002.jpg)

I capped the square tube to make it look a little better. You cant see the brace underneath. It bolts from the square tube to the truck frame.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/1981%20Chevy%20K20/TruckSteps003.jpg)

Getting closer\o/ I like how the wood steps look.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/1981%20Chevy%20K20/TruckSteps004.jpg)

 I need to make some tabs to weld to the grill. Then it will be bolted on. Then back onto the rear bumper with swing out tire carrier.

Thanks for watching,

~Wes~
Title: Re: 81 Chevy Beater
Post by: Powder Keg on July 13, 2012, 02:21:20 PM
Today I got a little done on my Rear bumper. It started as a flat piece of 1/4" plate. At work I broke it into a C shape. When I got it home I cut a couple wedges out of each end and pinched the ends together. I then beveled the edges that were welded. They were then welded and I ground the outside smooth. After that I made a couple mounts to bolt it to the truck and welded them on the inside of the bumper. This is where I started this morning.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/1981%20Chevy%20K20/Rearbumperwithswingout001.jpg)

I made a couple cardboard templates and traced them onto my steel. I cut out the pieces and cleaned them up with a grinder. Here is one end clamped and ready to be Tacked into place. The piece on top is to keep the top flat.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/1981%20Chevy%20K20/Rearbumperwithswingout002.jpg)

Last weekend I had cut out a couple piece's of pipe to form the corners for my bumper. Here one is tacked into place. I was going to try and keep it smooth looking but I think it looks better with the corner recessed a little.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/1981%20Chevy%20K20/Rearbumperwithswingout003.jpg)

That's as far as I was able to get today. I did get both sides this far though\o/

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/1981%20Chevy%20K20/Rearbumperwithswingout004.jpg)

Next I'll cut out a couple end pieces and tack them into place. After I weld it up, I can start on the swingout for my spare tire\o/

Thanks for watching(o:

~Wes~
Title: Re: 81 Chevy Beater
Post by: dsquire on July 13, 2012, 02:38:45 PM
Wes

If you keep working on that truck like you have been it is going to be one super nice rig. You definitely will be able to go camping in style. I have been following along since the start and really see an improvement in the truck.

Thanks for sharing it with us.  :D

Cheers  :beer:

Don
Title: Re: 81 Chevy Beater
Post by: Powder Keg on July 14, 2012, 12:45:09 PM
I don't have much time today. But I'm always thinkin.

The tailgate has been bugging me. It would almost close before. I couldn't believe that I was still too short. I started checking things out. It turns out that the rear pillar in the box is slanted forward and the tailgate lip hangs inside the box when closed. So the 1 1/4" I gained in the front I loose in the back when the gate is fully closed. Grrrrrrr!

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/1981%20Chevy%20K20/Tailgate.jpg)

This will let me make a proper tailgate(o:  \o/ Plus the old gate will donate some material to the front of the truck. I'll save that for a surprise(o:

~Wes~
Title: Re: 81 Chevy Beater
Post by: dsquire on July 14, 2012, 12:50:57 PM
Wes

I have confidence in you that you will get it all sorted out.  :doh: :D

Cheers  :beer:

Don
Title: Re: 81 Chevy Beater
Post by: Powder Keg on July 15, 2012, 11:15:10 PM
I got the axle for my swing out tire carrier drawn up today. I had bought some bearings a week or so ago. I rummaged through my scrap and have located a suitable piece of shaft to turn it out of. Let the machining begin!!!

Stay tuned(o:

~Wes~
Title: Re: 81 Chevy Beater
Post by: Powder Keg on July 17, 2012, 12:14:19 AM
Here is my material. A piece of 2" shaft(will be the pivot axle), A piece of 3" shaft about 1.75" long(will be the dust cap and support), and a piece of heavy walled tubing (will be the hub).

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/1981%20Chevy%20K20/Rearbumperwithswingout005.jpg)

Got the pivot axle roughed out. Here is a hundred thousands deep roughing pass with a hand ground HSS bit on a LeBlond lathe made in 1932.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/1981%20Chevy%20K20/Rearbumperwithswingout006.jpg)

I'll try and get this piece finished up tomorrow evening. If there re any questions please feel free to ask(o:

~Wes~
Title: Re: 81 Chevy Beater
Post by: Powder Keg on July 17, 2012, 09:16:53 PM
Tonight I managed to get the hard bits done on the axle for my rear bumpers swing out. I turned and polished the bearing surfaces, tapered the middle, and threaded the end for the castle nut. I just need to cut it off and turn the other end down to size.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/1981%20Chevy%20K20/Rearbumperwithswingout007.jpg)

I'll start boring out the hub next. I want to see if I figured everything out right(o:

Later,

~Wes~
Title: Re: 81 Chevy Beater
Post by: Stilldrillin on July 18, 2012, 02:30:17 AM
Hi Wes.
It seems, everyone's watching you, but no-one's got anything much to say......... 

Personally, I'm trying to figure out...... Just, what is a rear bumpers swing out??  :scratch:

Never mind, it will all become clear, in time. Nice work on the axle!  :thumbup:

David D

Title: Re: 81 Chevy Beater
Post by: Kjelle on July 18, 2012, 04:46:00 AM
Hi Wes!
Been following this, and the Penny thread, you are sure motoring along! Wish I had your truck, with those bumpers, over here, just to intimidate the tailgaters and cut-off artist that seems to come out when I go to-and-fro work!

David D,  Wes is making a spare wheel carrier that swings out to let him open the bed gate (on the truck, that is...). I gather those wheels are quite heavy, and the dimensions for the carrier (and the bumper) need to be quite, eh, substantial...

Kjelle
Title: Re: 81 Chevy Beater
Post by: AdeV on July 18, 2012, 05:13:58 AM
That's looking really nice Wes, class work. Did you make the castle nut yourself (I would have done)?
Title: Re: 81 Chevy Beater
Post by: Powder Keg on July 18, 2012, 07:40:34 AM
I keep the spare tire in the bed most times. But, when the camper is back there there is no room. It gets heavy lifting it in and out when we are camping. There used to be a spot under the bed to carry it but a previous owner changed the exhaust to a dual exhaust and the larger than stock wheels won't fit.

My swing out will hold the tire, a couple extra fuel cans, a Hi-lift jack, and a table to cook on. It will be removable from the truck (If you know how) It looks a little heavy but there will be a lot of weight bouncing around back there.

I bought the bearings, washer, castle nut, and cotter key. A friend of mine made some tiny cotter keys once. He showed me how to mill the wire in half. That might be fun to try(o:

Kjelle is right!

Thanks for watching.

~Wes~
Title: Re: 81 Chevy Beater
Post by: Powder Keg on July 18, 2012, 11:04:00 PM
A few days ago I found a couple of short pieces of 2" stainless in my junk bin\o/ I started thinking they would work good to plug those two ugly holes in my front bumper. During break and lunch today I drilled and tapped one end of them and then shaped the outside a little. A little polish after work today and they are bolted on(o:

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/1981%20Chevy%20K20/Zombiebumper007.jpg)

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/1981%20Chevy%20K20/Zombiebumper006.jpg)

After those shenanigans. I got back to work. I cleaned up the outside and roughed out the bore of my hub.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/1981%20Chevy%20K20/Rearbumperwithswingout008.jpg)

Then I roughed out where the bearing will sit.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/1981%20Chevy%20K20/Rearbumperwithswingout009.jpg)

At this point everything was pretty hot so I'll let it cool off and try and finish it up tomorrow after work.

Thanks for watching.

~Wes~
Title: Re: 81 Chevy Beater
Post by: Stilldrillin on July 19, 2012, 02:21:40 AM
A fine bit of machining Wes!  :thumbup:

But, are those spikes legal, over there? They look pretty lethal, to me.........  :bugeye: :bugeye:

David D
Title: Re: 81 Chevy Beater
Post by: Powder Keg on July 21, 2012, 11:07:07 AM
I managed to get the hub and dust cap turned last night\o/ Everything looks great!!!

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/1981%20Chevy%20K20/Rearbumperwithswingout010.jpg)

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/1981%20Chevy%20K20/Rearbumperwithswingout011.jpg)

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/1981%20Chevy%20K20/Rearbumperwithswingout012.jpg)


I have a little left on the spindle and then I can get back to making the bumper.

Later,

~Wes~
Title: Re: 81 Chevy Beater
Post by: dsquire on July 21, 2012, 11:12:46 AM
Wes

That is looking good. By the looks it will be one strong unit. We're continuing to watch.

Cheers  :beer:

Don
Title: Re: 81 Chevy Beater
Post by: Powder Keg on July 22, 2012, 05:46:02 PM
Went to the local Pick A Part this weekend and found a nice door. There is a small amount of rust on the bottom but it will be way easier than the door that is on it now. As soon as my new hinge springs get here I'll put it on.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/1981%20Chevy%20K20/Bodywork001.jpg)

There was a giant wasp nest in the truck that held the door. I was amazed that I didn't get stung!

~Wes~
Title: Re: 81 Chevy Beater
Post by: Powder Keg on July 24, 2012, 08:11:02 PM
With the extra 2" lift that I got with the skyjacker springs I think getting the camper in will be a little tough. I could barley lift it high enough before. So I built some cribbing for jack extensions. They are 8" square and 12" tall. Glued and screwed together. I made them out of pallet wood from work so they were nearly free\o/ They should store in the front cubbyholes of the camper when it's loaded also.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/1981%20Chevy%20K20/woodjackfeet.jpg)

Before I lode it up there are a couple little things that I want to do. The front corner is splitting a little. I knocked it back together last time we used it but it came apart again. I bent up some 20'ish gauge at work that will be corner brackets. these should make it pretty strong.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/1981%20Chevy%20K20/Cornerrepair001.jpg)

The truck was running a little rough so I'm having the carb rebuilt. I bought a kit last week and its at a friends shop now. I hope to have it back in a couple days. I know how you guys like pictures so here is one more.

At the Pick A Part where I got my fancy door there was a T Bucket that they had built as their parts runner. It must be nice to have an unlimited supply of free tires. They did about 5 burnouts while we were there(o:

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/Tbucket.jpg)

Thanks for watching\o/

~Wes~
Title: Re: 81 Chevy Beater
Post by: AdeV on July 25, 2012, 06:53:33 AM
Looking good Wes, it must be almost ready for paint now?

Don't forget getting in & out of your camper when you're using it, that extra 2" off the floor might mean you need to make a step; unless you take it off the truck to camp of course...

Most of the stuff built in 1981 in ths country has already rusted into oblivion - or is well on its way...
Title: Re: 81 Chevy Beater
Post by: micktoon on July 25, 2012, 10:56:08 AM
 Nice work Wes   :thumbup:, I am missing the Penny Farthing project mind. As Ade said not much survives the rust here in the UK, even cars that were really common in the 1990's are a rare sight on the road these days, the Likes of Ford XR3i Escort that were ten a penny. The Landrover Defender has stood the test of time and all ages going back to the 1960's are still a common sight on the roads, I am glad to say  :D

As Stilldrillin said are those bumper spikes legal ? , you would be pulled over first trip out here and made to remove them and probably be fined and get penalty points on your licence too  :bugeye:,

 Keep up the good work , Cheers Mick.
Title: Re: 81 Chevy Beater
Post by: BiggerHammer on July 25, 2012, 06:10:09 PM
I really like the bumper spikes. They look very nice. I think matching sets for the rims would be in order.  :thumbup:.
Title: Re: 81 Chevy Beater
Post by: steamer on July 28, 2012, 05:55:57 PM
An Awesome Reclaimation!   I think your shins are going to look like your toe though next time you check the oil.... :D

Great Job Powder Keg!

Dave
Title: Re: 81 Chevy Beater
Post by: Powder Keg on September 06, 2012, 04:48:59 AM
Here is my new door with less rust than the old one(c: We had to nearly take off the front fender to get it to fit.There is some previous damage that has the fender needing a little more work.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/1981%20Chevy%20K20/lessrustydoor.jpg)

The grill I like! I turned some threaded bushings that were welded onto the back so I could use the original mounting holes. I'll get a picture of that when when I pull it off to blast and paint.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/1981%20Chevy%20K20/Grill002.jpg)

I have new power steering hoses that I am trying to find time to install next. Then back on the rear bumper\o/

~Wes~
Title: Re: 81 Chevy Beater
Post by: Brass_Machine on September 06, 2012, 11:22:27 AM
The grill looks good as do the flames on the side of the bumper!

Eric
Title: Re: 81 Chevy Beater
Post by: Powder Keg on September 07, 2012, 12:59:00 PM
Thanks Eric!!

New power steering hoses installed. Check! (I'm sure that the return line was malfunctioning. one of the clamps was loose. But it has all new stuff now\o/)
Clutch adjusted. Check!

Now maybe I'll cut out a couple more pieces for the rear bumper:o)

~Wes~
Title: Re: 81 Chevy Beater
Post by: Powder Keg on September 07, 2012, 08:21:29 PM
I got distracted again. Those Junkyard rims are in the way.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/1981%20Chevy%20K20/Junkyardrims001.jpg)

I scrubbed them for about four hours with simple green, water, some grease remover, and Scotch-brite. Now they are ready to paint:o)

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/1981%20Chevy%20K20/Junkyardrims002.jpg)

I'm going to try and do that tomorrow\o/

~Wes~
Title: Re: 81 Chevy Beater
Post by: Stilldrillin on September 08, 2012, 03:55:32 AM
They look a fine set of wheels!

Good luck with the decoration Wes......  :thumbup:

David D
Title: Re: 81 Chevy Beater
Post by: Powder Keg on September 08, 2012, 05:52:54 PM
I went out early this morning and got everything ready to paint. I wiped the wheels down one last time in preparation for paint. I then started carefully mixing things:o) I'm learning to paint and have been doing things on the cheep here lately. The paint and thinner are from a local farm supply store. It ran me $30 for a quart of paint and a gallon of thinner. I'm using a harbor freight paint gun that runs about $14. I think it does a fine job.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/1981%20Chevy%20K20/Junkyardrims003.jpg)

All ready to go\o/

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/1981%20Chevy%20K20/Junkyardrims004.jpg)

I mixed it a little too thin. But it went on pretty good. I'll make the second coat a little thicker.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/1981%20Chevy%20K20/Junkyardrims005.jpg)

Here is the first coat nearly dry.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/1981%20Chevy%20K20/Junkyardrims006.jpg)

I'll wet sand them and spray another coat tomorrow. I'm using http://www.vansicklepaint.com/index.html (http://www.vansicklepaint.com/index.html)tractor paint on these rims and the truck. It is pretty cheep and looks like it will work pretty good for an old truck.

I'll wear my mask next time:o)

~Wes~

Title: Re: 81 Chevy Beater
Post by: Powder Keg on September 16, 2012, 08:23:10 PM
Hit a snag today. We were 20 miles out of town and the truck hesitated, backfired, then died:o(

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/1981%20Chevy%20K20/brokedown.jpg)

A good friend came and got me.

I suspect the ignition system. No spark:o(

~Wes~
Title: Re: 81 Chevy Beater
Post by: 75Plus on September 17, 2012, 10:26:10 AM
You might pop the distributor cap off and see if the distributor is turning. A broken timing chain can cause that problem and they do break sometimes due nto hi8gh milage.

Joe
Title: Re: 81 Chevy Beater
Post by: Powder Keg on September 17, 2012, 03:14:03 PM
Thanks! That was the first thing I checked out. It spins when I crank the engine. Thank goodness!!! I think it's the module. I'll do a little more testing.

~Wes~
Title: Re: 81 Chevy Beater
Post by: Powder Keg on September 22, 2012, 09:38:36 PM
I've been swamped lately. When my truck broke we were headed to get a surprise. A friend of my uncle has had a camper for sale all summer. No one came to look at it and he decided he just wanted it gone. It happens that it would be a perfect fit in my truck\o/

This weekend we ran over and got it with my uncles boat trailer. It's at my folks' house now. As soon as I get my truck running I'll go get it and bring it home.

It is a Rancho ElRae made in 1978. It's bigger at 10 feet long and a little heavier. But the upgraded springs on my Chevy should hold it fine. I was told everything works but the power inverter. A quick look shows that the vents need sealed and one needs repaired where it had been leaking. The missing door is inside. The lock was broke with it open and I couldn't close it. My wife is excited because it has a potty:o)

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/1981%20Chevy%20K20/120922_090_zps9df470e3.jpg)

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/1981%20Chevy%20K20/120922_091_zps56d3964c.jpg)

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/1981%20Chevy%20K20/120922_092_zpsbf0db9b0.jpg)

Like I said I've been swamped and haven't had time to fix my truck. I've been reading up on it and I think the ignition module inside the distributor is the culprit. I'll have to check it out.

~Wes~
Title: Re: 81 Chevy Beater
Post by: jgroom on September 24, 2012, 05:46:18 PM
Yeah, women kinda get hung up on the potty thing..  :) 

Looks like you'll have quite the rig when you're done.  :thumbup:

Cheers

Jeff
Title: Re: 81 Chevy Beater
Post by: Brass_Machine on September 25, 2012, 10:41:38 AM
Stinks to hear about the truck Wes. I hope it is going to be something simple (pretty sure it is). Great score with the rancho!
Title: Re: 81 Chevy Beater
Post by: Powder Keg on September 25, 2012, 09:56:48 PM
I'm still playing with my truck.

The distributor still turns when the engine is cranked. There is power on the battery side of the distributor. (Turns on and off with the key) I pulled the ignition module and the parts guy tested it OK. (He even tested a new one to double check that he was doing it right) I guess that leaves the ignition coil and the pickup coil. I think I can get a used ignition coil to try out. To test the pickup coil I have to pull the distributor. I'll continue when I get some time:o)

~Wes~
Title: Re: 81 Chevy Beater
Post by: Powder Keg on September 27, 2012, 11:26:18 PM
Truck's fixed!!! Distributor was wore out. Bought a new one for $110 and she runs better than ever:o)

~Wes~
Title: Re: 81 Chevy Beater
Post by: dsquire on September 27, 2012, 11:31:23 PM
Wes

Glad to hear that there is still life in the old girl. With the TLC that you are giving her she should be good for another 100,000 miles.

Cheers  :beer:

Don
Title: Re: 81 Chevy Beater
Post by: Powder Keg on September 28, 2012, 11:19:49 PM
Well, I drove the truck about a hundred miles today. Everything worked great! She hasn't ran this good since I bought her. I found something at the Junk yard to put under the hood(o: I'll get pictures of it tomorrow.

~Wes~
Title: Re: 81 Chevy Beater
Post by: Powder Keg on September 29, 2012, 11:33:43 AM
Said Goodies :ddb: :ddb: :ddb:

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/1981%20Chevy%20K20/YorkonboardAir001.jpg)

It's an old York A/C compressor. They have their own oil reservoir and don't rely on lube in the freon. They make great on-board air compressors\o/

~Wes~
Title: Re: 81 Chevy Beater
Post by: 75Plus on September 29, 2012, 08:25:47 PM
That is a great score Wes. That electric clutch will be handy too. I installed several hundred of those back in the 50's and 60's.

Joe
Title: Re: 81 Chevy Beater
Post by: Powder Keg on September 30, 2012, 12:27:57 PM
I paid just a little extra for the compressor($50). But It was OK because it came with the clutch\o/ I have 2 or three air tanks lying around and a couple air horns. They will be the first add-ons:o) I would really like to get air lockers for the differentials. But that will have to wait.

I need to see If I can find some compression fittings that fit the compressor and convert them to a 1/2" NPT. That will make it easier to plumb things up. I think I have a pressure switch to run the clutch. That leaves me needing a check valve and a pop off valve and a fancy gauge for the dash:o)

There will also be a couple of quick connects and hose storage to run air tools:o)

~Wes~
Title: Re: 81 Chevy Beater
Post by: Powder Keg on October 06, 2012, 09:42:55 AM
The truck has been running really good lately. But the radiator has sprung a leak. Looks like I'm getting new parts again\o/ I found a nice aluminum radiator that is all TIG weleded together, for not too much. I'll order it in a week\o/

~Wes~
Title: Re: 81 Chevy Beater
Post by: Powder Keg on December 09, 2012, 05:06:00 PM
Well I finally got a radiator and put it in. It's been pretty hectic with the house and work taking up a lot of time. I ended up getting a Champion all aluminum radiator for my truck. This one was a inch too tall so I'm going to have to make a couple new brackets for the top but it wont be a big deal. Out with the old and in with the new!!!

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/NewRadiaror001.jpg)

Thanks for watching:o)

~Wes~
Title: Re: 81 Chevy Beater
Post by: Powder Keg on February 02, 2013, 10:25:20 PM
It was nice enough to finally get my radiator brackets made for my truck. This is what I came up with :clap:

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/1981%20Chevy%20K20/NewRadiaror002_zps7b3f25c5.jpg)

I can finally drive it again\o/

~Wes~

 :wave:
Title: Re: 81 Chevy Beater
Post by: dsquire on February 02, 2013, 10:57:28 PM
Wesley

That looks like a nice way to clean out the tool box and make a bracket at the same time. I always knew those old wrenches would be good for something, I just didn't know what. Now I do.

Cheers  :beer:

Don
Title: Re: 81 Chevy Beater
Post by: vtsteam on February 02, 2013, 11:19:46 PM
Really enjoying this!
Title: Re: 81 Chevy Beater
Post by: Stilldrillin on February 03, 2013, 04:08:26 AM
All those old, black Whitworth spanners I haven't used in decades.......... Love it!  :D

Well done Wes!  :clap: :clap:

David D
Title: Re: 81 Chevy Beater
Post by: AdeV on February 03, 2013, 05:51:27 AM
It was nice enough to finally get my radiator brackets made for my truck. This is what I came up with :clap:

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/1981%20Chevy%20K20/NewRadiaror002_zps7b3f25c5.jpg)

I can finally drive it again\o/


What a brilliant idea! I'd be far too precious about my spanners to have thought of that idea, but now I will be on the lookout for where I can do something similar.

I think the _only_ thing I'd try and do differently (and I don't know if it would work or not....) would be to drill through the brackets, and then weld the spanner up from the underside; so from the top it just looked like it was sat there... then again, I'd probably get confused every time I had the bonnet (hood) up & would be trying to pick them up...
Title: Re: 81 Chevy Beater
Post by: ieezitin on February 03, 2013, 08:21:16 AM
Wes

Are you from Maryland?

If not you should be.

Anthony.
Title: Re: 81 Chevy Beater
Post by: Powder Keg on February 03, 2013, 09:46:54 AM
I'm glad everyone likes my new brackets:o)

AdeV, I welded them in place, so it would have been harder to weld and have them accurate. But they would have looked cleaner, plug welded, for sure.

Later,

~Wes~
Title: Re: 81 Chevy Beater
Post by: Analias on February 03, 2013, 12:19:01 PM
It was nice enough to finally get my radiator brackets made for my truck. This is what I came up with :clap:

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Powderkeg3418/1981%20Chevy%20K20/NewRadiaror002_zps7b3f25c5.jpg)

I can finally drive it again\o/

~Wes~

 :wave:

Heehee - I think that would drive me crazy. I would keep reaching for it if I was working on the engine or clearing the engine bay when finishing work. :-)