The Farm Fresh 72

[biggestlittle55]

More progress today with the charging system primarily. Did some research and ultimately just went for it as far as picking an alternator upgrade. It is a 10si style 100amp unit, wired up in a factory Chevy 3 wire setup. All of the factory external regulator and alternator wiring has been bypassed and am running a basic blue LED in the dash for my charge light, conveniently where the choke cable was.

In order to bolt it in, I had to do quite a bit of modifying to the factory alternator mount off the block and another bracket to extend the tension bracket down. The whole factory mount got extended with new holes drilled and massaged to get my pulley alignment correct.

New charge cable is 4/0, kinda overkill, but cant hurt. This unit should have no problem keeping up with the fuel pump/Sniper, lights, future stereo, 2 way radio and any modest amount of AUX type stuff.

 

[PabloCruise]

Does your frame have provisions for mounting two transition blocks on the passenger side?
It would be really interesting if it did.

View attachment 3890612

Now I'm curious!!!

 

[biggestlittle55]

Now I'm curious!!!

On my 72, I put my transition block down low on the passenger side of the firewall, than used nutzerts on the frame to hold the plate that goes from hard line to flex line. So hardline on the firewall from the MC, than hardline to the frame. If you were asking me, there were no factory provisions for another transition block.

Honestly was a good move to do it there, access was limited snaking in my custom bent lines around everything else going on in there.

 

[biggestlittle55]

Lots of miscellaneous work done mostly this weekend. New City Racer Booster/ Advics master is installed and adjusted/working. Only had to redo two flares on the new passenger side front brake circuit. Moved the Sniper trigger wire to the factory ignition circuit so no more dropping out/starting issues when the head unit loses power from key on to key start. Also managed to get the stock speedo working. I purchased a new t case gear a while back but that did not initially fix it. Ended up the plastic section of threads behind the instrument cluster was cracked and not allowing the cable to stay screwed in. Wasn't sure how to fix it so I used a hose clamp to (fix) the threads and was able to get the cable to screw in nice and snug. Speedo and Odo both work which is super helpful . As I understand, there are a couple of different gear options, possibly to correct for tire size. I got a 16 tooth and have 33" tires but had not had a chance to compare with GPS.

Mock up has started on my rock sliders. As you might expect, the original rockers were both rusted out and trail damaged. I cut them all the way out to just under the door sills. I had an old set of Jerp sliders that actually were the perfect length for the 55 so I will be using them. Of course, will need to make all new kickers from the frame using 1 3/4" DOM. I temporarily attached the 2 landing plates with big self tappers for mock up and initial fab, but will likely end up using grade 8 hardware and sleeves since the frame is boxed. Rock sliders will sit high and tight to the body.

Stock AM radio antenna hole on the passenger side fender has also been modified for a common NMO style antenna.

Considering it's more together than it has ever been in 25 years, its nice to see it come to shape and in one mostly functional truck. Plenty more to do of course.

 

[Ol Yeller]

On my 72, I put my transition block down low on the passenger side of the firewall, than used nutzerts on the frame to hold the plate that goes from hard line to flex line. So hardline on the firewall from the MC, than hardline to the frame. If you were asking me, there were no factory provisions for another transition block.

Honestly was a good move to do it there, access was limited snaking in my custom bent lines around everything else going on in there.

1974 pass frame rail for reference

 

[biggestlittle55]

Fairly productive weekend as in I was able to put in a little over 100 miles on this crusty pig. Chasing issues with front brake drag despite messing with the booster adjustment at the master and adjusting the front shoes. I will have to dig into it tomorrow. Other than my ignition switch harness somehow working loose and my speedo needle falling off, it was rather uneventful as far as issues. The truck likes to stall on occasion coming to a stop but that may be related to a Sniper tuning issue. Blipping the throttle keeps it running but something to look into. I do plan to do the fluids in the trans, tcase and diffs now that its a runner. Probably also worth doing a rebuild or check of the front wheel bearings, especially now that it got hot from the brake issue.


When the 55 died cruising through town (due to ignition switch loose connection), of all people a fellow stopped to help. Turns out it was a fellow pig owner. Small world.

 

[biggestlittle55]

Its far from Bob M quality but the passenger side floorboard no longer has a quick escape hatch. Took a good chunk of the day but its more metal than was there previously.

Also added the first of many sheets of the sound deadening stuff. I'm not expecting Lexus quality NVH, but it would be nice to tone it down just a bit. Once I remove the old factory insulation off the roof, I plan to put it there as well and in the doors.

 

[biggestlittle55]

Since I'm currently working on some front wheel bearing maintenance now, it might be good to do the diffs, trans and tcase fluids. Objectively that stuff is not super important when just getting it running, but now that its got some miles, not changing them will probably make me twitch.

I did have a great time taking it on it's first jaunt in the woods last weekend.

 

[sahelzer]

Since I'm currently working on some front wheel bearing maintenance now, it might be good to do the diffs, trans and tcase fluids. Objectively that stuff is not super important when just getting it running, but now that its got some miles, not changing them will probably make me twitch.

I did have a great time taking it on it's first jaunt in the woods last weekend.

View attachment 3922868

Dog Valley?

 

[biggestlittle55]

Dog Valley?

You got it!

 

[biggestlittle55]

Bit of a catch up. Lots of little items I am trying to sort of button up. Both sliders welded up and mounted, though I still need to drill and sleeve for 1/2" mounting bolts though the frame. Reverse lights wired, cheapo universal center console bolted in. Tie rod was bent so I ordered a new one from Cruiser Outfitters along with new ball joints for the tie rod and drag link. Driver side fender rust and crappy bondo/fiberglass temp repair has been cut out and replaced with new metal. Yaeseu 2m radio is installed and working.

 

[greenbeast]

I’m digging the console. Nice arm rest in middle when not shifting.

Clyde has roll of duct tape to hold my drink but I like yours better!