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January 7, 2006 This is another update. I've refined and changed the plan a little. Since I was not able to work much during 2005, I spend my energies on planning. The Suburban has slid back further on the priority list. My next steps with it are to fix the heater and defrost, align the front end, and see if I can make it a bit nicer to drive. I've bought some replacement sheet metal for it and need to find some more. I'm thinking I'll wait to tackle that project until I've got some more experience with welding sheet metal. I have rethought the powertrain a bit also. Instead of a 350 I'm debating two other options. I've been driving a 454 powered pickup a lot lately, and I really like big block power. The other alternative is a Cadillac Northstar. Maybe something crazy like mounting the Suburban on the front drive Cadillac platform. Or maybe adapting the Northstar to an S-10 four wheel drive frame with Astro all-wheel-drive to create an all-weather Suburban. In my last update I said the Dually had solidified somewhat. I think its back in flux. I've begun thinking COE again. I'm not sure where all that will go, but when a neighbor dropped a tree (took it down intentionally) on my 6400 I lost some of my enthusiasm for the dually. Not sure exactly how that happened, but now COE instead of conventional is my thought. But not a flat bed or even a pickup. I'm now thinking about a dually panel with a COE cab. Lots of work, but probably the second project on my list these days, after the little suede truck. The proposed running gear donor is still the '79 (I thought it was '78, but was wrong) Chevrolet P30 chassis and associated stuff, all pulled out from under a motorhome. But I may go 350 instead of 454 because I may put the 454 in the little pickup. I've suggested straight axle in teh front, but I now have a C-20 IFS that may be a good solution instead. The Little Suede Truck is going to be a g-machine/pro-touring car. It is also at the top of my project list. I actually have done some work toward it the last six months, though not much. It will have the '78 Monte Carlo underpinnings preserving the handling and structural integrity of the frame becomes a priority. I'm going to shorten the truck to fit the wheelbase of the car. I've been spending a lot of time looking, measuring and thinking. More details when I feel I have an adequate handle on them. I think it will run the 454. This web site is about my truck toys, not the life occurrences that might distract me from these projects. Summer '04 ended up focused on moving my friend Gene and his family about 1,500 miles to resettle in Colorado. My '72 Chevy pickup made the 3,000+ mile round trip as part of a '55-'57 Chevy convoy. Summer 2005 was lost to college prep and more exciting shop prep. By Summer 2006 I expect to be working in a nice three stall shop with room for a lift (it may be added later depending on budget) and my hope is that by mid-2006 my truck projects will be under way again. Its take a few years to make anything happen, but we're getting geared up for some excitement! I'm having fun, I hope you are too! |
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Copyright 2002, 2007 Steven C. Hanberg -- All RIghts Reserved