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Phase 2, the Transformation |
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After about a year of driving the truck to and from work and everywhere else, it became apparent that a nearly 40 year old design suited to life on the farm was a chore to deal with in the big city. Keeping up with freeway traffic using a 235 and a 3 on the tree was exciting. Coming to a stop from autobahn speeds with 4 wheel manual drum brakes was even more entertaining. The decision was made to transform the country boy into a city slicker. The list of major changes goes like this: 350 V8 engine, 700R4 automatic transmission, Power brakes with front disks, Power steering, New climate control and refresh the rattly windy noisy doors and windows. |
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First off I got a great deal from a friend on a new 300hp 350 GM Performance crate engine. He had it in a 50's Willys Jeep Commando he was building up, but opted for an LT1 before it was finished. Nice leftovers! Fortunately I had most of the pieces the long block lacked stashed in my garage. |
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After browsing dozens of catalogs and web sites, several major purchases were made:
Brakes from Classic Performance.
Air Conditioning From Vintage Air.
Power steering conversion, Weather strip kits and other misc items from Chevy Duty.
I contracted a local Auto trans guru to build the 700R4.
Other misc parts were procured from the local NAPA. I'm lucky to have a good parts guy (Bart) at NAPA. He's one of the few that understands that most of what I'm looking for doesn't fall under an standard "application" listing.
With a bed full of parts and a cleared garage, the stage was set to begin the "Project" |
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Out with the old |
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Home |
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