Black Betty, Rock Crawlin Trail Truck Build !!!FOR SALE!!

[mrdrinksalil]

I've allready had a build thread started on my club site but seeing how you have to be a member to view our forum I thought I'd do a fast forward version for everyones viewing enjoyment. That and im bored..

I was collecting parts for this project in college and doing what little work I could afford, but have only really had about a year and a half of work into it since I've been out of school.

I've always wanted one of these trucks and when I took a 82 3/4 ton in on a partial trade for a dirt bike I was selling, it all began. The frame was shot on the 3/4ton and many other things for that matter, but the engine had a fresh rebuild and made good power. I then bought a 85' K5 with no motor or trans for a frame. The blazer also had 4" lift springs. I found a 85 K30 Tow Truck with a blown up diesel that took the guy 6 months to come down to my price, but I ended up selling the wrecker box to cover the price I paid for the truck so essentially a FREE D60, 14 w/ a detroit locker (4.56 gears) , a TH400/NP205, and lots of spare parts! Thats what I call a deal! SO... the build up began... I'll let the pics do the talking...

Stripping the 1-Ton deal of the century...

The Engine from the 82 (350)

The blazer frame and getting the axles under it

 

[mrdrinksalil]

While I was in college I was able to get a little bit of work done on the engine, paint the trans and transfer, put a floor pan in the REALLY rotten 82 cab. I lived in Upstate NY and took a job with Kubota Tractor corp in Georgia northeast of Atlanta and that is when I finaly had some money to get the project moving. Feel free to Flame the patriotic drivetrain but I like it...

Once I took the job I quickly got the engine and trans in the frame and the cab on the frame.

I really wish I had a pic of the truck up on the little UHaul trailer behind the few things I owned in the Uhaul.

 

[mrdrinksalil]

I have NO idea how the bank gave me a loan for a house with almost NO money in my bank account and $0 down. What can I say, having good credit is important... Closed on my first home and more importantly my FIRST GARAGE (that I didn't have to share with my father) on my 23rd BDay... Prolly the biggest BDay present i will every by myself. lol.

And the build continues...

Front clip off one of the first people I met in GA - $100

Coolest Paint Ever Introduced to Offroad

 

[mrdrinksalil]

Then the parts buying began. If theres one thing I've learned from this project is that building a rig from scratch take TIME and MONEY... WAY more time and money than you'd like to admit...

140amps

 

[Pookster]

looks good! Did you use chassie saver on your frame, or did you just use the silver one? your frame looks so clean and mint!

 

[mrdrinksalil]

Once you get this deep into things you have to start setting smaller goals for yourself so getting the engine started became #1 priority...

 

[habitatxskate]

looks like it is going to be a great build up

 

[mrdrinksalil]

looks good! Did you use chassie saver on your frame, or did you just use the silver one? your frame looks so clean and mint!

Looking back I really wish I took the time to box the frame and sandblast it, but the frame is black chassis saver and rustolem. I left it sit burried in NY snow all winter and in the GA sun for days and its still looking good. Some of the rustoleum is flaking off the chassis saver but likely due to little or NO scuffing of the chassis saver b4 the rustoleum.

 

[Pookster]

looks good! Did you use chassie saver on your frame, or did you just use the silver one? your frame looks so clean and mint!

 

[mrdrinksalil]

I tell ya, theres nothing cooler than hearing a "new" v8 fire up for the first time. I dont have a son/daughter of my own but I imagine childbirth is similar... Its a mix of emotions.//

Once the engine ran it was time for major goal #2.. BODY (exterior). But before that I got another worlds best deal on tires. 5 42" Swampers, one brand new and the others on only 2 trail rides for $600! Then I had some H1's built by USA6x6 (gave them a fair chance and it was ultimately not worth it)...

 

[Avery4jc]

WOW... nice build!

 

[mrdrinksalil]

Again, Chassis Saver on the body, then 2 coats PPG highbuild primer, and topcoat of Rustoleum Flat Black

Body lift to clear the tires better and then it didn't fit in the garage....Easily fixed...

 

[mrdrinksalil]

Arn't build threads so much more fun in Fast Forward!! Hahaha.

Yall have GOT to be wonderin why I didn't mount those 42's just to look at them before starting the paint job.... well, I did. I'm just gonna pause here and see how much interest the thread stirrs up.

 

[stockk5]

piccccsss

 

[dhcomp]

looks great to me! Good work!

 

[rdn2blazer]

Im diggin this, great pic thread!

 

[MojaveK5]

Nice job. Grate pics, Keep them coming!

 

[NorCalKid]

come on keep it coming you got me interested, then you just stop...what a punk

 

[K-5 Bomber]

Again, Chassis Saver on the body, then 2 coats PPG highbuild primer, and topcoat of Rustoleum Flat Black

Body lift to clear the tires better and then it didn't fit in the garage....Easily fixed...

Are those "red-neck low profiles"? "Pimp my ride" meets...well, folks like us I guess

 

[pennsylvaniaboy]

updates?