Above 1200 Sq/FT The Warthog Hidey Hole

[Finallygotit]

Great progress JB. I'm stoked for ya!!

 

[OutlawDrifter]

Great work JB! I know the book you speak of, it's one of my 4 yr olds favorites also.

You have completed all the hard stuff...the rest of it is easy!

 

[Bob Heine]

JB, I hope you realize that Corvette suspension doesn't need to be painted. Some people with too much time on their hands have even polished a few pieces...

 

[jbmatth]

You've been quite busy JB. Juggling multiple projects takes a lot of planning when your a one man operation. Nice work on the frame/suspension retrofit. I just finished a 56 Ford pickup frame retrofitted with a Ford crown vic front suspension and a Lincoln Mk 8 rear suspension.

Mike,
I really do have a lot going on and juggling is much easier with projects than chainsaws, just ask my buddy one-armed Ned. I've seen a lot of people doing the crown vic front end swaps in 50's trucks and it seams simple enough. (Famous last words) I'd love to see some photos of how it turned out.

Great progress JB. I'm stoked for ya!!

Thank you Finallygotit, I'm looking forward to the day I get to drive P.P.P. around under it's own power for the first time.

Great work JB! I know the book you speak of, it's one of my 4 yr olds favorites also.

You have completed all the hard stuff...the rest of it is easy!

Outlaw,
I actually really like the book as well, it has big words and is easy to read in a rhythm. The rest of the project shouldn't require as much measuring and remeasuring and moving heavy stuff around at least until I get to the engine and trans. Now easy...we shall see.

JB, I hope you realize that Corvette suspension doesn't need to be painted. Some people with too much time on their hands have even polished a few pieces...

Bob,
I'd be telling a fib if I said the thought never crossed my mind. I will clean them up when I do the "Final" installation but that will have to wait for a bit at least. Your suspension is sharp looking and one I'd love to mimic some day.

JB

 

[Grumblebum]

Man you have been into it JB.

The P.P.P is going to be one nice sleeper.

Cheers GB.

 

[mybigwarwagon]

Since you have so many projects I will just drop my truck off at your house. One more shouldn't take too much more time


P.P.P. Is looking good.

 

[jbmatth]

Man you have been into it JB.

The P.P.P is going to be one nice sleeper.

Cheers GB.

Thank you GB, I'm really pleased with the amount of progress lately. The frame modifications just take a long time and really don't change the look all that much. But you spend an hour installing the suspension and wheels and it looks 100 times better.

Since you have so many projects I will just drop my truck off at your house. One more shouldn't take too much more time


P.P.P. Is looking good.

I may not notice one extra, but who is to say it'll be in better shape than when you dropped it off either. I could still use another engine.



All,
I received word yesterday that I won't actually be going to Texas next month. The decision was made that I will have more value here with upcoming events. That means I get to keep making progress on projects. This morning I piddled around in the shop a bit, fixed a muffler on my mothers car, fixed the hitch on the mower, replaced the thermostat on The Green Dragon, and started disassembly of The LIL Blue Truck.

Have a good day all,
JB

 

[oldironfarmer]

Great progress!!

And great to be appreciated at work.

I know about the environment you work in

 

[dchance]

JB The P.P.P. looks great and it is good that you reached the point that you can roll it aside.

Looking forward for the work on the truck.

Glad that they think that you are more necessary at home.

Dwight

 

[jbmatth]

JB The P.P.P. looks great and it is good that you reached the point that you can roll it aside.

Looking forward for the work on the truck.

Glad that they think that you are more necessary at home.

Dwight

Thank you Dwight, I was very satisfied to get to roll it around the shop a bit, I'm even getting antsy to get back on it and drop the engine in later this year.

The truck is coming along, I've started to disassemble it and after the 4th or 5th time using the jack, stands, and rolling around on the floor I'm ready to get my Mom's Cobalt done and off of the lift to make things easier. As of now the accessories are all off, oil and coolant are drained and pretty close to ready to unbolt the motor from the mounts.

I'm curious how long this project is going to take, I'd like to think I could have it running by the end of February if all goes well and the last of the parts on back-order show up in time.

JB

 

[realvc]

Greetings JB
I first read about your goings on when you went to TCOTU to pick up the old table and the saw from Thomas. Then over on OIF's thread when Andy brought Bob over to your place for a visit.

I've read through your thread now from the beginning (read through as in scanned the text and checked out all the pictures)

I really enjoy seeing your helpers Cat and Bear taking care of things for you.

My main project is updating a 62 C10 with a V8, power steering, disc and power brakes.
The 350 I'm using is old school in these days of the LS swaps but it is what I had so I thought I would use.

Thanks for taking the time to share this part of your life. I'm suscribed and will be following along.

Take care,
Vince

 

[jbmatth]

Greetings JB
I first read about your goings on when you went to TCOTU to pick up the old table and the saw from Thomas. Then over on OIF's thread when Andy brought Bob over to your place for a visit.

I've read through your thread now from the beginning (read through as in scanned the text and checked out all the pictures)

I really enjoy seeing your helpers Cat and Bear taking care of things for you.

My main project is updating a 62 C10 with a V8, power steering, disc and power brakes.
The 350 I'm using is old school in these days of the LS swaps but it is what I had so I thought I would use.

Thanks for taking the time to share this part of your life. I'm suscribed and will be following along.

Take care,
Vince

Vince,
Thank you so much for taking the time to wade through my thread, most of the words are rambling statements anyhow so you didn't miss much. I've seen you around and look forward to hearing from you more in the future. I've been very lucky to be able to meet a few great members from this site and it has altered my life in ways I'm probably not even aware of.

Cat and Bear are truly my world and it really makes my day when they come out to help out with things.

I'm still a big fan of the tried and true SBC, and have messed with them more than the LS platform to date. If I had one that would run I'd probably use that in P.P.P. rather than go LS but I also want to learn how to do an LS swap so I'm taking that leap of faith to see where it takes me. Do you have a thread on your C10, or garage as a whole?

JB

 

[jbmatth]

As I've mentioned I'm working on The Lil Blue Truck, if you don't remember here is the photo I took of the truck when I picked it up back in August:
View media item 79906
I've started draining all of the fluids and getting it ready for the upcoming heart transplant by pulling everything off of the engine:
View media item 79907
I was able to install the lower control arm on my Mother's Cobalt last night and made room for the donor on the lift:
View media item 79908
As you can see I've started to pull a few things off in prep for the engine removal. I need to drain everything still but ran out of time this morning.

I made another quick video this morning, this one is a quick overview of the project. Lil Blue Truck
Fun times are ahead indeed,

JB

 

[zmotorsports]

Looking forward to the Lil Blue Truck project JB.

 

[GLTHFJ60]

Excited for the little blue truck build too

 

[Nlped]

I finally got this whole thing read. I started on it last weekend, and spent any slow times at work getting it all read. I initially came over just to look at your concrete work for the lift/lights and then went back to the beginning. I must say... You have a great work ethic! Unfortunately, that is more and more rare these days. I've enjoyed seeing your projects, really dig the "condiment corner" and the great old tools. The S10 will be kinda cool (not really my cup of tea), but the PPP is going to be extraordinary!

I did a modified version of your lift "hole" (also much like the Mohawk specs), but maybe even a bit more overkill. I also just purchased a Drill Doctor 750x off the Bay of E (like literally hit pay now) because of you

I am now subscribed!!

 

[realvc]

JB, I do have a thread going for my truck.
I am a whole lot slower than you and I'm a whole lot more shade tree too.
You can check it out over on the 67-72 Chevy Truck Forum

Thanks for asking
Vince
My Project:

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/showthread.php?t=719086

 

[jbmatth]

Looking forward to the Lil Blue Truck project JB.

Excited for the little blue truck build too

Thank you guys, I am as well and will keep ya'll up to date, it won't be too fast, but will be quick enough to have some fun.

I finally got this whole thing read. I started on it last weekend, and spent any slow times at work getting it all read. I initially came over just to look at your concrete work for the lift/lights and then went back to the beginning. I must say... You have a great work ethic! Unfortunately, that is more and more rare these days. I've enjoyed seeing your projects, really dig the "condiment corner" and the great old tools. The S10 will be kinda cool (not really my cup of tea), but the PPP is going to be extraordinary!

I did a modified version of your lift "hole" (also much like the Mohawk specs), but maybe even a bit more overkill. I also just purchased a Drill Doctor 750x off the Bay of E (like literally hit pay now) because of you

I am now subscribed!!

Glad to hear you made it through without going crazy and giving up on humanity just yet. I don't know that I have a great work ethic or I just don't like sitting on the couch when there is something to be done. As for the Lil Blue Truck, PPP, BP 2.0 and the Warthog I'm sure you can tell I have varying tastes and like just about anything, but can't seem to leave well enough alone and I change every vehicle I own in some way. I may even own a Mopar of my own some day.

Do you have a link to a thread on the lift install, or if not please share a couple of photos here. You will love the Drill Dr, I constantly use it and don't have to worry about getting the wrong angles. I have found it is tough to use on about 3/16" and smaller.

I look forward to hearing more from you in the future.

JB, I do have a thread going for my truck.
I am a whole lot slower than you and I'm a whole lot more shade tree too.
You can check it out over on the 67-72 Chevy Truck Forum

Thanks for asking
Vince
My Project:

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/showthread.php?t=719086

Vince,
Just like eating an elephant, take it one bite at a time, even slow progress is still progress. If I don't make really fast progress either, I make up for it by working more hours to get it done to look like it though. I'll check it out, I like that site and have spent a lot of time over there in the past.

JB

 

[Nlped]

Thank you guys, I am as well and will keep ya'll up to date, it won't be too fast, but will be quick enough to have some fun.







Glad to hear you made it through without going crazy and giving up on humanity just yet. I don't know that I have a great work ethic or I just don't like sitting on the couch when there is something to be done. As for the Lil Blue Truck, PPP, BP 2.0 and the Warthog I'm sure you can tell I have varying tastes and like just about anything, but can't seem to leave well enough alone and I change every vehicle I own in some way. I may even own a Mopar of my own some day. [emoji4]



Do you have a link to a thread on the lift install, or if not please share a couple of photos here. You will love the Drill Dr, I constantly use it and don't have to worry about getting the wrong angles. I have found it is tough to use on about 3/16" and smaller.



I look forward to hearing more from you in the future.

JB

My “overkill” just means my hole is bigger-5’x15’6” (1.524m x 4.724m...see what I did there [emoji4] ), and now a tad deeper at 14”(35.56 cm). I laid some crushed stone about 2” thick, did 18” dowels every 8” and then tied my 1/2” rebar that’s every 8” both directions to the dowels, but spaced down about 4”. I also dug out about 6” under the existing slab to get the extra support/stability for both the new lift slab and the surrounding THIN slab (3-4.5”).

And as far as varying tastes... I’m that guy too.

Short list:

1956 Ford F100 (my wife’s grandfather bought it New in Bowling Green Ky) that is 3rd in the queue.

1963.5 Ford Falcon Futura Sprint that is the process of receiving a new heart. 347 EFI, 4r70w, explorer 8.8. With a plethora of additional upgrades and improvements.

1966 Mustang fastback GT. This one runs & drives. Only added a/c and better front disc brakes. Oh, and rebuilt all of the steering & suspension &... on & on

1967 Chevy C30 flatbed (known as Chubby...was a rotted out camper when I bought it). It’ll hopefully find a new home once I finish stealing parts off of it for Walter.

1968 c10 swb fleetside 2wd...this is Walter and is 2nd in the queue.

1974 Bronco...this is Ralphie and is 1st in the queue.

Then my 2011 gmc cc 4wd (my wife likes driving it) a highly modified Audi A4 Avant, and, finally...my 2002 Toyota Camborghini (its my beater/commuter). And the wife’s Subaru Outback.

I have a few other pieces & parts of vehicles, but I’m NO HoRdER.

Also of note...I’ll hopefully get too meet you at the Hoover AL stop of the HRPT. If I get the Falcoon up & running, I may even join in on a few legs.

I don’t really have much of a shop (yet), but hope to remedy they soon. But I will certainly
keep plugging away in my current shack.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[mybigwarwagon]

I think you need a real challenge

 

[jbmatth]

My “overkill” just means my hole is bigger-5’x15’6” (1.524m x 4.724m...see what I did there [emoji4] ), and now a tad deeper at 14”(35.56 cm). I laid some crushed stone about 2” thick, did 18” dowels every 8” and then tied my 1/2” rebar that’s every 8” both directions to the dowels, but spaced down about 4”. I also dug out about 6” under the existing slab to get the extra support/stability for both the new lift slab and the surrounding THIN slab (3-4.5”).

And as far as varying tastes... I’m that guy too.

Short list:

1956 Ford F100 (my wife’s grandfather bought it New in Bowling Green Ky) that is 3rd in the queue.

1963.5 Ford Falcon Futura Sprint that is the process of receiving a new heart. 347 EFI, 4r70w, explorer 8.8. With a plethora of additional upgrades and improvements.

1966 Mustang fastback GT. This one runs & drives. Only added a/c and better front disc brakes. Oh, and rebuilt all of the steering & suspension &... on & on

1967 Chevy C30 flatbed (known as Chubby...was a rotted out camper when I bought it). It’ll hopefully find a new home once I finish stealing parts off of it for Walter.

1968 c10 swb fleetside 2wd...this is Walter and is 2nd in the queue.

1974 Bronco...this is Ralphie and is 1st in the queue.

Then my 2011 gmc cc 4wd (my wife likes driving it) a highly modified Audi A4 Avant, and, finally...my 2002 Toyota Camborghini (its my beater/commuter). And the wife’s Subaru Outback.

I have a few other pieces & parts of vehicles, but I’m NO HoRdER.

Also of note...I’ll hopefully get too meet you at the Hoover AL stop of the HRPT. If I get the Falcoon up & running, I may even join in on a few legs.

I don’t really have much of a shop (yet), but hope to remedy they soon. But I will certainly
keep plugging away in my current shack.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Wow, I think you have it covered on the lift foundation, good plan and you won't have to worry about it anytime soon.

That is a pretty good size collection of vehicle too and you will have a lot on the to do list for some time yet. If you make it out please let me know, I won't check GJ while I'm gone but can PM you my phone number ahead of time.

I think you need a real challenge

Haha, that would be a real challenge, that car needs a lot of work but would be pretty cool to hear the V12 singing.

JB

 

[Nlped]

If you make it out please let me know, I won't check GJ while I'm gone but can PM you my phone number ahead of time.

JB

Oh, me and spouse will at least be at the Hoover stop. I keep telling her we have to do the whole tour, but dang if life doesn’t always get in the way.



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Mike.ASC]

JB, Here are a few pics that you asked for, best I could do with a cell phone but you can get the idea. It was in fact a straightforward procedure. The owner dropped off the rolling frame with all the old suspension and I removed all the necessary parts then I cut & welded in the newer stuff. Owner picked it back up and he has a place that will be disassembling everything then blasting & cleaning up everything and reinstalling the bed and cab.

 

[oldironfarmer]

Congratulations on 100 pages, JB!

You are really making progress!!

 

[jbmatth]

Oh, me and spouse will at least be at the Hoover stop. I keep telling her we have to do the whole tour, but dang if life doesn’t always get in the way.



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Great to hear, and I hear you on life. I was all set up to get a lot done Saturday morning but my wife was pretty sick and the girls decided to wake up early so it cut my shop time short. I'll shoot you a PM with my number.

JB, Here are a few pics that you asked for, best I could do with a cell phone but you can get the idea. It was in fact a straightforward procedure. The owner dropped off the rolling frame with all the old suspension and I removed all the necessary parts then I cut & welded in the newer stuff. Owner picked it back up and he has a place that will be disassembling everything then blasting & cleaning up everything and reinstalling the bed and cab.

Mike, that does look simple enough, although I'm sure it was more work than it looks like. I'm a big fan of modernizing the suspension and engine when warranted in older cars and trucks. More modern suspension technology is leaps and bounds better than most traditional means.

Congratulations on 100 pages, JB!

You are really making progress!!

Thanks Andy, I hadn't even noticed I hit 100, it only took 3 years. At this rate I'll have to stop doing anything or the thread will get too long.

All,

I did manage to get some work done but have hit a few tough patches, it took longer than I expected to pull the cab off of the white truck but eventually it came off:
View media item 80066
I did get the engine pulled and off to the side, even though I drained the trans for a day I guess it wasn't long enough. I now have a puddle of trans fluid on the floor the size of a small pacific island. I have Lil' Blue on the lift now pulling some parts off of it, slow going but still progress I guess.

JB

 

[jp828108]

JB,

your constant work on projects is amazing. not sure where you find the hours in the day to get everything done. Nice work on the white truck.

 

[jbmatth]

JB,

your constant work on projects is amazing. not sure where you find the hours in the day to get everything done. Nice work on the white truck.

Thanks for the kind words JP, I have been waking up earlier than normal lately because I'm so excited about projects which then gives me more hours to work. This morning I was out there by 3 am with a fire roaring. If I only needed 2 hours of sleep a day I'd be able to really make some progress.

JB

 

[jbmatth]

I have not made much picture worthy progress lately, I had no idea it would take longer for me to pull the engine in the S10 than it did in the 2500 truck. I think part of it is I'm just not as familiar with the S10 as I am with the full size trucks. I came to the realization that I don't want to be on my back installing a transmission, so off with the body. The first big hurdle I came across was that this truck is fitted with the extreme body kit which has these side skirts:
View media item 80153
They are held on with some plastic retainer clips, not hard at all to remove and off came the skirt, but I'm then left with this:
View media item 80154
That metal piece is held on with ~15 rivets, oh how I love rivets. Oh well, I started to drill them out but quickly realized that was going to take longer than I wanted to spend, the quick solution would be a grinder, that is too destructive so next up was a hammer and chisel. Done and done in 5 minutes and now I can really clean it up before reinstalling them.

The next big hurdle and one I'm still fighting is the ABS module (not my photo):

I don't want to disconnect the brake lines and have to re-bleed them down the road so I'm trying to move it out of the way, sadly it doesn't have enough room to move with the inner fender still in place. The inner fender is bolted to EVERYTHING on this side of the truck and is most likely structural. I'll come up with something but most likely I'll give in and take the lines off. I'm sure the brake fluid has never been changed. Hey when did this snowball show up in the truck?

JB

 

[krcoomer]

JB: I just caught up on the last few pages and you are kicking it. PPP has a pretty good look with the front high. Kind of like a gasser. I suspect an engine and ****** will weight it down considerably. There is a guy around here with a '56 Bel Air that has about the same look to its suspension. If I see him out on a decent day I will try to snap a pic. Now that I said it, I won't see it again for a few years.

You mentioned wondering if the inner fender is structural on the S-10. I am sure it is. I have had several older ones and just about everything is structural on them, kind of like a spider web. Good luck worming your way around the brake system. It may be best to go ahead and crack it open and teach your girls how to bleed brakes.

 

[OutlawDrifter]

It might be easier to take the ABS off and round file it. I'm not sure if it's worth the headache.

 

[jbmatth]

JB: I just caught up on the last few pages and you are kicking it. PPP has a pretty good look with the front high. Kind of like a gasser. I suspect an engine and ****** will weight it down considerably. There is a guy around here with a '56 Bel Air that has about the same look to its suspension. If I see him out on a decent day I will try to snap a pic. Now that I said it, I won't see it again for a few years.

You mentioned wondering if the inner fender is structural on the S-10. I am sure it is. I have had several older ones and just about everything is structural on them, kind of like a spider web. Good luck worming your way around the brake system. It may be best to go ahead and crack it open and teach your girls how to bleed brakes.

Coomer,
Thanks for catching up with me, it was a lot of fun and a lot of work getting PPP to where it is now and I'm looking forward to getting back on it later down the road. I've really been debating on what to do with the ABS module but the more I think about it the more I'm convinced I need to just pull it and change the brake fluid.

It might be easier to take the ABS off and round file it. I'm not sure if it's worth the headache.

Outlaw,
Could you explain a bit more what you mean here?

JB

 

[oldironfarmer]

He means throw it away so you won't be having to fix it.

 

[OutlawDrifter]

He means throw it away so you won't be having to fix it.

Andy is smelling what I'm stepping in!

Some people like to say '86' it. I prefer "round file" (trash can).

 

[jbmatth]

He means throw it away so you won't be having to fix it.

Andy is smelling what I'm stepping in!

Some people like to say '86' it. I prefer "round file" (trash can).

Outlaw/Andy,
Got it, the coffee must have worn off, I was racking my brain all night trying to figure out how a round file (rat tail file) could possibly help me. No fears, I came up with a solution, but thanks for spelling it out for me, a little slow on the uptake.


All,
I spent some time this morning staring the problem head on and came up with a solution, remove the bracket from the module. (I know, DUH.) Well that went easy enough, I unhooked a few more electrical connections and Bob's your uncle:
View media item 80208
I thought this shot was kinda cool, I can imagine the 2.2L shaking in fear knowing it was be scrap metal soon enough looking out at the 6.0L knowing who is going to win this battle.
View media item 80209
Have a good one y'all,
JB

 

[Finallygotit]

I am just in awe of the amount of work you get done JB. Are you sure you don't have any help out there??

Great job!

 

[jbmatth]

I am just in awe of the amount of work you get done JB. Are you sure you don't have any help out there??

Great job!

I appreciate the kind words Gotit, I know most days it feels like I barely get anything done but bit by bit things come together, or in this case come apart. I do have a shop cat for rodent control but she doesn't even do that very well more or less help me out. The girls occasionally help but I'm too busy keeping them from getting into stuff they shouldn't to get them to really accomplish much. We will see how things go in the future, but I'm enjoying things as they are for now with no helpers.
JB

 

[oldironfarmer]

I was amused at your penchant for removing the body to change spark plugs (or whatever) but I'm starting to warm up to the idea. While I'm not one for changing good parts, this looks like a good time for a new fuel tank sender.

Amazing progress!

I'm assuming you don't have a transmission jack...

 

[jbmatth]

I was amused at your penchant for removing the body to change spark plugs (or whatever) but I'm starting to warm up to the idea. While I'm not one for changing good parts, this looks like a good time for a new fuel tank sender.

Amazing progress!

I'm assuming you don't have a transmission jack...

If this truck were as easy to pull the body on as the full size trucks and I could save the fluids and not spill them all over the floor I'd be all for doing just that to change the plugs. The sender is under the bed and I have no desire to pull the bed just yet. Why do you need a fuel level gauge anyway, isn't that what the odometer is for.

I had a past car die on me with a quarter tank on the gauge, I pulled the fuel pump and replaced it with no luck starting after the fact, turns out the gauge wasn't reading right. Oddly the gauge was never wrong again after that but I still never trusted it.

I do have a transmission jack adapter for my big 4 ton Blackhawk but it is so much more fun doing that on my feet than my back. I guess you could say I'm getting weak in my old age. Besides if I don't use the lift as often as possible why did I spend the money on it?

JB

 

[oldironfarmer]

It's the transmission jacks which install while the lift is up you could use. Or not.

 

[jbmatth]

It's the transmission jacks which install while the lift is up you could use. Or not.

That would be great to have, and I've looked into getting one but haven't ever pulled the trigger obviously. I'd like to buy/make some screw jacks for working on exhaust as well. I've kept it in the back of my mind as a dream tool and some day it will show up.

JB