Well….2018 is almost done and I wanted to update everyone. It was a year of some small accomplishments. I did not get as much done as I wanted, but I learned a lot. I learned that parts are going to be more trouble than I hoped. Here is a summary:

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Radiator and Cooling: It took me three radiators to get one I think will cool properly. I still will not know that until I get out on the road. It cools in a hot garage and standing still, so that is promising. I will pressure test it soon and that will prove that there are NO leaks. I feel pretty good about that since there are no drips.

I had to get upper radiator mounts made and that took a month. I had to get these made since I could not find a stock sized radiator that worked. There is one out there but it was beyond my budget at this time. I will get some pictures when I pressure test the system.

Brakes: I have all the parts to redo all the brakes, but it took so long to get the radiator part done I did not get that done yet. Maybe in a couple months.

Driveline: Rear shocks are changed so NO clearance issues. Driveshaft has been rebuilt with new universal joints and center bearing and repainted, It looks new and is safe now. New speedometer gear….the correct one. Transmission pan has been painted and new filter, gasket and fluid installed. New transmission oil cooler line have also been installed. I decided to order an upgraded shifter linkage that is supposed to be smoother. I will be installing when I change out the steering column.

Steering: I have a 1972 OEM rebuilt steering column that is TILT….original is not. All new parts inside and its ready to go in (picture below). If I get some warm days I will change that out and document. I still have to get a new steering wheel…that one that came with the truck it is way too small…12 inches, it takes a lot of force to turn it even with power steering. A larger wheel will make that easier. I am going for a 15 or 16 inch wheel. I found a guy on a Chevy truck forum that rebuilds truck columns and got one from him. This is the rebuilt like new steering column:

Engine: Just new sparks plugs and I set the timing since it was way off though..now its at 12 degrees as that is a good starting point. The carburetor still needs tuning and when that is done timing can be set to what this engine likes. Its still running rich (too much gas) but is a little better after I set the timing. I had to replace one spark plug wire, but really need to change them all. I am looking at that now. Must be the correct length to route like I want too, so they do not get close to the exhaust manifolds which could melt them. Will post pictures when I do that.

I also changed the fuel filter. This was the old one.

Interior: Dash lights are working now after replacing fuses and bulbs.

All those little black knobs hold the bulbs. They were replaced and new bulbs put in. “Below”

New circuit “board” installed with the bulbs put in. They insert with a turn to hold down the Circuit “board”.

Actually made in the USA. WOW…..

Old fuses….All new ones put in. This WILL be updated to a modern fuse block later one along with new wiring during the total rebuild stage.

Wipers are a mess. One of the previous owners changed the wiper motor mount, probably due to rusting out. They did use a correct mount, although old, but they did not mount it in the right direction. So………..working on a plan to get that fixed. Plus I will need to either get a new motor or mine rebuilt. This will be a spring project because I must have wipers to drive it.

That is about all I got done this year, due to delays on parts and getting some things made and painted (driveshaft).

On to 2019, since cold weather will probably be here soon and my garage is not heated. 2019 will be better I hope to get it driving again and get my Dodge Dakota painted and then I can tear down the old Chevy for the real work and transformation to begin.

Everyone have a Happy New Year!!!!

Mikey