'69 overhaul- CV, 8.8, and more.

[WhitsEnd]

Enjoy watching and reading your build, very nice work. If I may ask, where did you source the c notches from? They are as nice as I have seen on several different project forums.

Thx! The c-notches are from eBay, seller dchopshop.

The notches do look like good quality and your welds are very nice as well. Did you think about additional support (boxing) on the inside? Structural analysis I've seen makes me nervous about this type of notch without an inner vertical member. Perhaps I'm sensitive because I intend to tow with my truck.

[rms]

Thank you. It’s hard to see when painted, but I did add a 1/4” plate “mini-box” to add some rigidity.

[rms]

I finally got the engine mostly buttoned up, mated the transmission, and put them in the truck. The engine is a LQ9 6.0 from a 2003 Cadillac Escalade. I went through it replacing the cam, lifters, valve springs, oil pump, and obviously gaskets. The cam is a 224/230@.050 and .550". I've dumped the factory EFI in favor of a carb. It should be pretty stout. The transmission is a BOP TH400 with a manual valve body and 3000 stall. I had this trans from a previous project, so for now it's getting used, although I see OD before too long.



This is just mocked up, but I'll probably go with it.



They don't make a LS to BOP TH400 adapter plate so I had to modify a SBC to BOP TH400 adapter plate. It required welding on 3 studs and offering clearance for the LS rear cover bolts.



Lastly, I decided to replace the wiring harness. That should be fun.

[Manny]

Looking good. Ron Francis wiring has a pretty good reputation. Curious to see what you think of it during your install.

[rms]

Looking good. Ron Francis wiring has a pretty good reputation. Curious to see what you think of it during your install.

Thx! Electrical isn’t really my thing, so I’ll be glad when it’s done.

[Manny]

Looking good. Ron Francis wiring has a pretty good reputation. Curious to see what you think of it during your install.

Thx! Electrical isn’t really my thing, so I’ll be glad when it’s done.

You'll be fine ain't nothing to it!

[rms]

Got a bit more of the engine assembled, mounted the MSD box, and installed the universal transmission crossmember. I couldn’t use the factory crossmember as the exhaust would hit it.

[crazyhorse]

Mr RMS, It is looking good.

Thank you for posting all the photos and information, I have enjoyed it.

[rms]

Making some progress on the truck. I’ve now have it wired enough to start it. Think I’ll fool anyone with the 289 air cleaner?



I have one side of the exhaust done.



Starting customizing my Holley digital dash.

[DuckRyder]

Well, that seems to be coming right along...

I do agree it was pretty cool before... Considering that exact wheel/tire set up for mine, wish I had known they were for sale...

Anyway, keep up the good work!

[rms]

Well, that seems to be coming right along...

I do agree it was pretty cool before... Considering that exact wheel/tire set up for mine, wish I had known they were for sale...

Anyway, keep up the good work!

Thank you, and I have trouble leaving anything alone!

I could fiddle with the customization of this Holley dash for days. I started with a blank screen and ended up with this, which I like better than the preloaded option above. Pictures don’t really do the display justice.

[rms]

I have the fuel system pretty much completed. I’m pretty close to firing her up, hopefully not too much longer.







Started plumbing brake lines.



And of course made a new dash display.

[yarko]

As for the rear shocks, I just went out to verify the Explorer shock plates line up...and they do. These shocks are from an 87-95 Jeep Wrangler. They have the same mounting holes as the F100, but are shorter for the truck being lowered.

Do you remember the shock mounts being hard to keep centered on the leaf? I put mine on a little while ago. Just temporarily and it seemed like they'd move around easily. Plus, the shock didn't align great. Did you change the mount angle to make it work?

[rms]

Do you remember the shock mounts being hard to keep centered on the leaf? I put mine on a little while ago. Just temporarily and it seemed like they'd move around easily. Plus, the shock didn't align great. Did you change the mount angle to make it work?

I had to get rid of the Explorer shock plates when I bolted on the Cal-tracs. I do remember the angle just being slightly off, making it somewhat difficult to push the shock onto the frame mount stud.

[rms]

Well I finally got her running!

https://youtu.be/RF4kplFiKgs