S10 Build getting started
- Thread starter Meili
- Start date
Meili
Adventurer
Well the evil voice in my head got the better of me, I went and checked out the utility bed.
All I say is crap,crap crap, and did I mention crap. Not the bed, my build, going to have a hard time not getting it, crap!
Took all sorts of measurements and looks like I can definitely make it work, crap.
He even has a nice aluminum cabover rack that goes with it.
It will have to be mounted backwards to get the wheel arch in the right spot but I was going to have to rework the ends for the doors anyway.
Gonna do some sketches tonight.
Sometimes I can be my own worst enemy.
Someone talk me out of this!
2427
I whipped up a quick rendition of what it would look like using MSpaint.
Be nice, using paint is like asking an artist to draw with crayons!
All I say is crap,crap crap, and did I mention crap. Not the bed, my build, going to have a hard time not getting it, crap!
Took all sorts of measurements and looks like I can definitely make it work, crap.
He even has a nice aluminum cabover rack that goes with it.
It will have to be mounted backwards to get the wheel arch in the right spot but I was going to have to rework the ends for the doors anyway.
Gonna do some sketches tonight.
Sometimes I can be my own worst enemy.
Someone talk me out of this!
2427
I whipped up a quick rendition of what it would look like using MSpaint.
Be nice, using paint is like asking an artist to draw with crayons!
Attachments
Last edited:
02rangeredge
Adventurer
going to keep the tailgate? it looks like it would fit from your mock ups and could allow for a sort of porch/bench/table
Meili
Adventurer
If I get the utility bed, there would be about a 7 inch ledge in the back of the bed.
I think I would rebuild my swing-out spare carrier so the tire would "sit on" that ledge.
The bed also has a nice aluminum step bumper that goes with it, so many possibilities.
Did a fix to the rear of the front wheel wells. The oversize tires catch the bottom and pull it out, making it easier catch, repeat.
You can see the rub marks highlighted in the pictures. The offending area is trimmed just below where there is a fender brace behind.
A old set of mudflaps were trimmed down and mounted to keep from filling the fender with mud, salt, etc.
Still have a slight polishing of the frame and swaybar at lock, thinking a 1/2 inch spacer will fix that.
Fixed the window, they rattled and would cock going up. 4 of the attaching screws were missing! Nice to have an easy fix every now and then.
Also mounted the wiring panel under the hood. It is supported by 3 L brackets. Will be getting covers for the breakers. May make a standoff cover out of
Plexiglas to avoid surprises from dropped tools!
Ran a #8 gauge hot and ground from the battery/junction block.
Wired the under-hood light and air horn up to the panel.
The air horn is not something I would see myself buying but since it was on the Blazer I parted....
Still need to get some more clear hose for the other horn, running one of two right now.
The stock horn will remain operational since there is a slight delay using the air horn. This way I can still give a "gentle" nudge with the stock horn or hold it
and go full bore!
I think I would rebuild my swing-out spare carrier so the tire would "sit on" that ledge.
The bed also has a nice aluminum step bumper that goes with it, so many possibilities.
Did a fix to the rear of the front wheel wells. The oversize tires catch the bottom and pull it out, making it easier catch, repeat.
You can see the rub marks highlighted in the pictures. The offending area is trimmed just below where there is a fender brace behind.
A old set of mudflaps were trimmed down and mounted to keep from filling the fender with mud, salt, etc.
Still have a slight polishing of the frame and swaybar at lock, thinking a 1/2 inch spacer will fix that.
Fixed the window, they rattled and would cock going up. 4 of the attaching screws were missing! Nice to have an easy fix every now and then.
Also mounted the wiring panel under the hood. It is supported by 3 L brackets. Will be getting covers for the breakers. May make a standoff cover out of
Plexiglas to avoid surprises from dropped tools!
Ran a #8 gauge hot and ground from the battery/junction block.
Wired the under-hood light and air horn up to the panel.
The air horn is not something I would see myself buying but since it was on the Blazer I parted....
Still need to get some more clear hose for the other horn, running one of two right now.
The stock horn will remain operational since there is a slight delay using the air horn. This way I can still give a "gentle" nudge with the stock horn or hold it
and go full bore!
Attachments
chilliwak
Expedition Leader
Good to see you are still at it Meilli! I can see where you want to go with the utility bed. Your scetch up looks like it could work quite nicely. I wont try to talk you out of it because I think you could make it work even though it requires starting all over again. Wiring is looking good as is your little fender repair. Keep us posted as we enjoy following your build. Cheers, Chilli..
What about three inserts? Shrink your two inserts above a bit to leave an opening big enough to still get through. Two people could easily sleep up top that way. Could still have a third insert should you want to have a complete floor.
Great build, keep going!
Meili
Adventurer
Not sure how the third would work out only being supported on the ends. I'll knock the idea around, plenty of time until I get to that point.
Attacked the dash today. At night, it was like driving in a cave, dark. Turned out 6 of the dash 9 bulbs were burnt out! Also replaced some
mismatched/missing hardware.
Gave the cluster a good cleaning, looks much better. The stock tach does not work, there is a big burnt spot on the circuit board on the back of it.
Looks like a junk yard run is in my future.
The previous owner had a aftermarket tach on the lower right below the column, right where my right knee goes. It also is totally blocked by the steering
wheel. He must have been very short!
Since I had everything apart, Moved it. It now in mounted on the 4 wheel console. I can actually see it better now then before.
An update to an ongoing issue, the roof rack rattle. Tried a few fixes, thought I had it "fixed" a few times.All they seem to do is change when the rattle
happens but never completely eliminated it.
I added door bubble weatherstrip about 2 weeks ago. No rattle and it is paint friendly. Not sure how it will hold up in the long term,time will tell.
2749
Attacked the dash today. At night, it was like driving in a cave, dark. Turned out 6 of the dash 9 bulbs were burnt out! Also replaced some
mismatched/missing hardware.
Gave the cluster a good cleaning, looks much better. The stock tach does not work, there is a big burnt spot on the circuit board on the back of it.
Looks like a junk yard run is in my future.
The previous owner had a aftermarket tach on the lower right below the column, right where my right knee goes. It also is totally blocked by the steering
wheel. He must have been very short!
Since I had everything apart, Moved it. It now in mounted on the 4 wheel console. I can actually see it better now then before.
An update to an ongoing issue, the roof rack rattle. Tried a few fixes, thought I had it "fixed" a few times.All they seem to do is change when the rattle
happens but never completely eliminated it.
I added door bubble weatherstrip about 2 weeks ago. No rattle and it is paint friendly. Not sure how it will hold up in the long term,time will tell.
2749
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chilliwak
Expedition Leader
Meilli that Nissan emblem on your roof rack sure looks different. Do you think the rattle might be a protest from your GM truck getting parts from another manufacturer? Ok, all jokes aside it looks like the tach position is much better for you. Also, you would be surpised at all the goodies you can find from a trip to the junk yard. Thanks for posting up. Cheers, Chilli..
chilliwak
Expedition Leader
Meili
Adventurer
Did some "indirect" work on the S10.
First sold my old race motor (630 hp 600# torque of Pure Pontiac). Kinda had a lump in my throat as I let it go.
It's going in a good friends 69 TA for some low 9 second runs.
So know I have a nice fat envelope of greenbacks to spend.
Also talked to my landlord and he is fine with me taking up extra room if I decided to do the utility bed deal.
I think the universe is telling me to get the bed!
First sold my old race motor (630 hp 600# torque of Pure Pontiac). Kinda had a lump in my throat as I let it go.
It's going in a good friends 69 TA for some low 9 second runs.
So know I have a nice fat envelope of greenbacks to spend.
Also talked to my landlord and he is fine with me taking up extra room if I decided to do the utility bed deal.
I think the universe is telling me to get the bed!
Attachments
Meili
Adventurer
Remember you asked:
Destroked 455 = 440 cu in so I could rev it, 7200 rpm shift point
Filled block to freeze plugs
2 bolt block converted to billet 4 bolt splayed caps
Moldex billet crank
Oliver rods
Custom SRP pistons
Ported Edelbrock Rpm aluminum heads
Hyd roller 271/281 .666 lift on 104 LSA , nicknamed the devils cam!
1.72 roller rockers, braced
Victor intake with 2" HVH spacer
Holley Dominator, 2 circuit
Custom TCI 8" converter
Th400, 210 first to "soften" launch to be consistant bracket car
12 bolt 4.11 spool with 30x9 inch radial slicks
Leaving with wheels 6 inches in the air,would run 10 flat @ 131 mph in 3450# Gbody.
No bottle ,all throttle!
It was fun spanking race cars with my "street" car!
Destroked 455 = 440 cu in so I could rev it, 7200 rpm shift point
Filled block to freeze plugs
2 bolt block converted to billet 4 bolt splayed caps
Moldex billet crank
Oliver rods
Custom SRP pistons
Ported Edelbrock Rpm aluminum heads
Hyd roller 271/281 .666 lift on 104 LSA , nicknamed the devils cam!
1.72 roller rockers, braced
Victor intake with 2" HVH spacer
Holley Dominator, 2 circuit
Custom TCI 8" converter
Th400, 210 first to "soften" launch to be consistant bracket car
12 bolt 4.11 spool with 30x9 inch radial slicks
Leaving with wheels 6 inches in the air,would run 10 flat @ 131 mph in 3450# Gbody.
No bottle ,all throttle!
It was fun spanking race cars with my "street" car!
Attachments
Meili
Adventurer
Mocked up the first "insert" before it started to drizzle.
Yes, I am painfully aware the trim is 2 different sizes but it is what was on hand. Plus, caulk and paint will make it what it ain't!
Also I did not have my jig saw at home so the insert is not fitted at the front.
Even though it was only supported on the 2 ends, it held my weight fine with a slight bow. Plenty of room for 6' 2" 245# of me,
although I would not jump on it!
Once it is fitted and supported on 3 side I am confident it will be good and solid.
It is nice that the guts of the tent stay up now when the tent is closed.
Yes, I am painfully aware the trim is 2 different sizes but it is what was on hand. Plus, caulk and paint will make it what it ain't!
Also I did not have my jig saw at home so the insert is not fitted at the front.
Even though it was only supported on the 2 ends, it held my weight fine with a slight bow. Plenty of room for 6' 2" 245# of me,
although I would not jump on it!
Once it is fitted and supported on 3 side I am confident it will be good and solid.
It is nice that the guts of the tent stay up now when the tent is closed.
Attachments
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