'08 All Wheel Drive Denali

[pacificustoms]

I'm not sure if this project fits in great around here, so just let me know if you guys want to see more of it and i'll keep posting pictures...

I consider it the "family" car that everyone would love to have! An all wheel drive brand new Denali with a Supercharged 6.0L and big wheels.

This was our 2009 SEMA project and made it to the show (not quite finished). Since then, we've been working on all of the details to get it right and get it the way we want it before re-painting it and going for SEMA again this year!

Here's some pics of it:

What we started with

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g124/pacificustoms/denalismall02.jpg

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g124/pacificustoms/denalismall01.jpg

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g124/pacificustoms/denalismall03.jpg

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g124/pacificustoms/denalismall04.jpg

[pacificustoms]

Here's some more photos starting in on the fab work.

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g124/pacificustoms/denalismall09.jpg

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g124/pacificustoms/denalismall08.jpg

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g124/pacificustoms/denalismall15.jpg

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g124/pacificustoms/denalismall06.jpg

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g124/pacificustoms/denalismall22.jpg

[pacificustoms]

Rear suspension and framework...

BIG notch for the 34 inch tall tires!

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g124/pacificustoms/denalismall23.jpg

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g124/pacificustoms/denalismall24.jpg

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g124/pacificustoms/denalismall25.jpg

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g124/pacificustoms/denalismall28.jpg

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g124/pacificustoms/denalismall26.jpg

[youthpastor]

LOVE TO SEE MORE PICS! :D

wow-some serious work on a new rig- can't wait to see how it sits

[pacificustoms]

More rear suspension

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g124/pacificustoms/denalismall21.jpg

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g124/pacificustoms/denalismall30.jpg

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g124/pacificustoms/denalismall31.jpg

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g124/pacificustoms/denalismall34.jpg

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g124/pacificustoms/denalismall35.jpg

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g124/pacificustoms/denalismall36.jpg

[cantcatchmitch]

i love this truck! been watching it on streetsource. go ahead show everybody the rendering!

[pacificustoms]

I'll get to the rendering in a bit...One of them at least...

I forgot to mention that we tried to keep every OEM part on the truck. We re-used the factory electronically controlled shocks which change the valving depending on road conditions. There were (and still are) 3 computers that control just the chassis on this vehicle.

The only good suspension we could fit in the back is a 3-link with a panhard bar setup because we wanted to keep the gas tank in the stock location. To keep cutting to a minimum (I really tried even though it's VERY cut), we actually designed the panhard bar to run around the upper 3-link bar. We chose to go with a panhard bar over a watts link as it provided us a better roll center since it is a top heavy SUV.

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g124/pacificustoms/denalismall32.jpg

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g124/pacificustoms/denalismall37.jpg

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g124/pacificustoms/denalismall38.jpg

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g124/pacificustoms/denalismall40.jpg

[Fluid Power]

Post it up!

Darren

[tones2SS]

Should be pretty cool. I like what you had to start with too! :thumbsup:

[davin24]

Are you using some stainless steel?? I see the pretty blue/gold color cant really tell from the pics.

Also when making suspension parts like the ones your doing do u have to use
chromoly??

Awesom build btw.

jr.

[pacificustoms]

We didn't use any chromoly, just DOM tubing. The plates are all cut from PNO Sheet, .125 and .1875.


http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g124/pacificustoms/denalismall48.jpg


The pannard bar looks really goofy outside of the vehicle. The upper link bar runs through the big hole in the bar.

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g124/pacificustoms/denalismall44.jpg

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g124/pacificustoms/denalismall45.jpg

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g124/pacificustoms/denalismall46.jpg

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g124/pacificustoms/denalismall47.jpg

[XcYZ]

Cool stuff, keep the updates coming. :thumbsup:

[awr68]

Nice! Awesome Fab work and welding!! :thumbsup:

[Fluid Power]

I know what DOM tubing is bu what is PNO sheet?

Thanks!

Darren

[78 typelt]

:thumbsup: sweet rig

[pacificustoms]

I know what DOM tubing is bu what is PNO sheet?

Thanks!

Darren

I guess its sometimes stated as P&O, stands for Pickled 'n oiled. Basically Hot Rolled sheet or plate that comes without the mill scale coating and such. It provides a better finish and makes it easier to powdercoat or paint once finished building.

[pacificustoms]

Here's the way we kept the stock electronically controlled shocks on the rear.


http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g124/pacificustoms/denalismall49.jpg

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g124/pacificustoms/denalismall53.jpg

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g124/pacificustoms/denalismall58.jpg

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g124/pacificustoms/denalismall55.jpg

[Fluid Power]

I guess its sometimes stated as P&O, stands for Pickled 'n oiled. Basically Hot Rolled sheet or plate that comes without the mill scale coating and such. It provides a better finish and makes it easier to powdercoat or paint once finished building.

Gotcha. Thanks!

Darren

[pacificustoms]

We made the bars with the airbags actually run off of a cantilever to make the truck ride nicer and to keep everything well under the floorboard in the back to minimize the cutting we had to do.

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g124/pacificustoms/denalismall43.jpg

Everything is TIG welded and it was a real pain to get into some of these places, but the alternative choice of taking the body off I'm pretty sure would have been a bigger pain...

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g124/pacificustoms/denalismall52.jpg

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g124/pacificustoms/denalismall51.jpg

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g124/pacificustoms/denalismall56.jpg

[pacificustoms]

We've been busy around here and haven't had a lot of time to update this. Anyway, here we go.

Here's a piece we built to hold the front suspension. We built all new a-arms and altered the stock spindle to get more travel. This piece we built to recess in the framerail to be able to accomodate a longer upper control arm which is also holding the airbag since we have front axle shafts to avoid.

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g124/pacificustoms/denalismall65.jpg

All of the front pieces back from powdercoating:

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g124/pacificustoms/denalismall64.jpg

Pick of it all installed:

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g124/pacificustoms/denalismall68.jpg

[pacificustoms]

Rear frame all finished and wheel tubs done.

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g124/pacificustoms/denalismall70.jpg

Painted the entire underside in a light texture coating.

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g124/pacificustoms/denalismall76.jpg

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g124/pacificustoms/denalismall77.jpg

There's a nice contrast between the two frame and body now.

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g124/pacificustoms/denalismall78.jpg

[pacificustoms]

Gas tank built from scratch with all of the evap stuff from the original tank. We decided to keep everything GM put in the car, that way it's as close to "stock" as possible. We even re-used all of the plastic lines by heating them slightly, bending them and letting them rest in their new form. If you have a lot of patients, it isn't that difficult to do.

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g124/pacificustoms/denalismall73.jpg

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g124/pacificustoms/denalismall74.jpg

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g124/pacificustoms/denalismall75.jpg

[pacificustoms]

Rear pieces back from powdercoat.

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g124/pacificustoms/denalismall72.jpg

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g124/pacificustoms/denalismall79.jpg

Gas tank mounted...

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g124/pacificustoms/denalismall80.jpg

[MtotheIKEo]

Lots of clean work going into this thing.

What are you using for bearings in the shock rocker arms?

[tones2SS]

Very nice Robbie. Should be a fun project when complete.:thumbsup:

[pacificustoms]

Lots of clean work going into this thing.

What are you using for bearings in the shock rocker arms?

The shock rockers arms are using bronze oilite bushings from McMaster.

[pacificustoms]

The interior cut up. These were the worse cuts in the whole project for me. I dreaded cutting all of the interior panels and plastic. We've formed a speaker box that comes off of each side and is open down the middle. The speaker box covers up the wheel tub and fits up snug to the factory plastic.

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g124/pacificustoms/denalismall84.jpg

Machined a piece to run all of the wiring through now. You can see the huge hole that was used before. We filled the hole in because we needed the clearance for the tire. We needed a really large hole to fit all of the large plastic plugs through that plug into the fuse box.

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g124/pacificustoms/denalismall86.jpg

[bentfab]

Looks good ! Very simple and clean. When I say simple I know it aint easy. :thumbsup:

[BritishGreen68]

This build is in Street trucks right? I love that mag... you are doing some nice fab work...:thumbsup:

[T-Type]

great work! where will it be parked at sema? i'd love to get an upclose look at it.

[pacificustoms]

This build is in Street trucks right? I love that mag... you are doing some nice fab work...:thumbsup:

Yea, Street Trucks did all of the tech on the suspension (front and rear) and exhaust. We're also in the process of doing a couple more articles with them on this car.

[pacificustoms]

great work! where will it be parked at sema? i'd love to get an upclose look at it.

We had it thrashed together and at SEMA last year. This year we're taking our time with all of the little details on it so it won't be at SEMA this year. We're planning to debut it at the GNRS in Pomona in January.

[pacificustoms]

Brian Stupski from PCK Studio has been doing a few different paint rendering idea's for the truck. It's going to be completely gutted and re-painted black. The OEM black paint leaves a lot to be desired.

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g124/pacificustoms/pccdenalicomp2.jpg
http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g124/pacificustoms/pccdenalicomp15.jpg

We're trying to keep it something real simple and minimal yet something the owner wont grow tired of quick...

[ironworks]

Robbie the second paint scheme is cool

[pacificustoms]

Robbie the second paint scheme is cool

It'll be similar to that layout for sure. We're leaning towards brighter colors in the orange/yellow/copper tones.

This is how it looked last year at SEMA.

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g124/pacificustoms/denalismall89.jpg

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g124/pacificustoms/denalismall90.jpg

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g124/pacificustoms/denalismall91.jpg

[tones2SS]

SICKNESS Robbie! That looks killer.:wow: :thumbsup:

[CRCRFT78]

Rendering #2 gets my vote. Can't go wrong with the orange & black (GO GIANTS)!

[Bryce]

Thats some great fab work!

[Gandalf]

Awesome work - can't wait to see more!

[pacificustoms]

Our friends at Magna Charger gave us an offer we couldn't refuse...and over 500 h.p. with all wheel drive sounds like a blast!

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g124/pacificustoms/denalismall96.jpg

Since there aren't really going to be any body modifications to the outside of the car (with the exception of a couple things that will most likely go un-noticed), we decided to focus a lot of effort under the hood to really give people something to look at. Started by making up some inner fenders:

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g124/pacificustoms/denalismall98.jpg

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g124/pacificustoms/denalismall100.jpg

Everything is made to bolt on so should anything ever happen it will make it easier to work on and/or replace things.

[boonedog]

very nice work:thumbsup:

[pacificustoms]

Building a border to go around the engine compartment to fill in the dead space between the factory lip of the fender and the inner fender that we're building.

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g124/pacificustoms/denalismall97.jpg

Here's a panel we built as a fender filler piece to go between the firewall and fender lip. The dimpled holes and mesh are just dress up pieces and have a backing plate to keep water and debris out of the door jam.

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g124/pacificustoms/denalismall99.jpg

[tones2SS]

Awesome work Robbie!:thumbsup:

[1Bad68Cat]

Gas tank built from scratch with all of the evap stuff from the original tank. We decided to keep everything GM put in the car, that way it's as close to "stock" as possible. We even re-used all of the plastic lines by heating them slightly, bending them and letting them rest in their new form. If you have a lot of patients, it isn't that difficult to do.

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g124/pacificustoms/denalismall73.jpg

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g124/pacificustoms/denalismall74.jpg

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g124/pacificustoms/denalismall75.jpg

Do you sell the fuel pump module mouting hardware? I plan to build the tank for my 66 c10 and would like to use the factory fuel pump that came with the ly6/6l80 I picked up. Also, what do the connections on the fuel pump module go to? I assume the large line is fuel feed, medium is tank vent, and the small is the EVAP.

Thanks,
Robert

[pacificustoms]

Any machine shop should be able to make you some. We machined them up ourselves for it. With your fuel pump we could machine some for you. I'm pretty sure the big one was the feed and both others went to evap. We just kept all the plastic lines and re-bent them around to all of the factory evap equipment. They do make adapters to clip onto those lines at the fuel pump and adapt to male AN fitting as well.

[1Bad68Cat]

Any machine shop should be able to make you some. We machined them up ourselves for it. With your fuel pump we could machine some for you. I'm pretty sure the big one was the feed and both others went to evap. We just kept all the plastic lines and re-bent them around to all of the factory evap equipment. They do make adapters to clip onto those lines at the fuel pump and adapt to male AN fitting as well.

Sent you a pm. Buy the way, great work on the fabrication.

Robert

[pacificustoms]

Thanks!

We fabricated a piece to go across the front to cover up all the ugly in the front of these things.

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g124/pacificustoms/DSC_00103.jpg

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g124/pacificustoms/DSC_00084.jpg

Machined our own hardware to hold it down. We wanted something really streamline as there isn't much hood clearance in the area.

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g124/pacificustoms/DSC_00064.jpg

Made matching pieces for the hood adjusters

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g124/pacificustoms/DSC_00043.jpg

[War]

That's very nice clean work.

[coolwelder62]

WOW!!! Robbie,Awesome fab work,over the top engineering.:thumbsup: Scott

[conekiller13]

Very high quality stuff there.....those welds are making wish I had 100th that skill.....

[youthpastor]

wow..looks amazing- great work guys

[pacificustoms]

Thanks for the compliments guys! We don't usually work on these newer vehicles, but we're doing what we can to take it over-the-top.

We machined these mounts for some hood struts so you don't have to carry a hood prop around with you. The hood from the factory had two springs and one shock holding it up, so we're using two of the stock shocks and it worked out great!

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g124/pacificustoms/DSC_00032.jpg

We incorporated the mount on the inner fender to one of the dimpled holes we have running the perimeter of the engine compartment.

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g124/pacificustoms/DSC_00102.jpg

You can also see the small mesh inserts we made. We machined dies to stamp the stainless mesh to match all of the dimple dies we have.

[mexMan]

I thnk you should shave the back bumper, or just shorten it a bit, it will look 100 times cleaner, and more subtle, now overall I love it, really, the most awesome changes are the ones no one can see. unfortunately, now, what about the cutted interior?

[tones2SS]

Killer work Robbie. Keep up the great work and keep us posted.:thumbsup:

[pacificustoms]

I thnk you should shave the back bumper, or just shorten it a bit, it will look 100 times cleaner, and more subtle, now overall I love it, really, the most awesome changes are the ones no one can see. unfortunately, now, what about the cutted interior?

I think we're going to leave the bumper mostly stock. We are going to get rid of the portion that housed the trailer hitch and do have a little something planned for it, but it will still have the bumper.

As far as the inside, these boxes wrap all the way around the portion that was trimmed out. The actually run all the way down the front of the wheel well right up to the door opening. We also made the aluminum floor piece in the back with the flush mount carpet pieces. The speaker boxes have been color matched and are currently having some "artwork" applied to them (not airbrushing).

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g124/pacificustoms/DSC_00014.jpg

[mexMan]

I think we're going to leave the bumper mostly stock. We are going to get rid of the portion that housed the trailer hitch and do have a little something planned for it, but it will still have the bumper.

As far as the inside, these boxes wrap all the way around the portion that was trimmed out. The actually run all the way down the front of the wheel well right up to the door opening. We also made the aluminum floor piece in the back with the flush mount carpet pieces. The speaker boxes have been color matched and are currently having some "artwork" applied to them (not airbrushing).

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g124/pacificustoms/DSC_00014.jpg

OH MY GOD!

Really Robbie, that is some awesome work, and, I think for the trailer hitch you should hide it behin the bumper, and make a small hatch to get to it, like in some trucks that I have seen where the trailer hitch is hidden behind the licence plate, but it's up to you, and I really like that box, loving the result, wanna see it finished.

[Vince@Meanstreets]

wow...thats all I have

[pacificustoms]

This was a fun part of the project. Getting to add looks and a punch of power is never a bad thing!

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g124/pacificustoms/DSC_0004.jpg

This is what we started with (we put some of the stock pieces back on for the picture)

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g124/pacificustoms/DSC_0012.jpg

And where we ended.

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g124/pacificustoms/DSC_0370.jpg

You can check out the full installation in an upcoming issue of Street Trucks Magazine. We're also going to fabricate our own intake tube to put the filter on the drivers side.

[Vince@Meanstreets]

almost enough room on that passenger inner fender for an air box via hood intake.


looks great, so are you guys done with it already?

Vince

[tones2SS]

Looks great Robbie. Adding power is always a good thing.:thumbsup: :cheers:
Are you guys going to get that bad boy on the dyno as well?

[pacificustoms]

almost enough room on that passenger inner fender for an air box via hood intake.


looks great, so are you guys done with it already?

Vince

No, not at all. We're pushing for the end of January to have it completed. It might end up being a real push with the list of "to-do's" we still have. And the entire thing is getting stripped down and re-painted.

[pacificustoms]

Working on a new intake tube. We wanted to reduce the couplers in it to give it a clean look, so we machined a piece that fits over the throttle body and we're going to use an o-ring seal and a few set screws to hold it tight. There's also a bracket that bolts to the front of the accessory drive to hold it firmly in place as well.

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g124/pacificustoms/DSC_0020.jpg

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g124/pacificustoms/DSC_0014-1.jpg

We also machined an end for the opposite side that the rubber coupler slides over, but the aluminum is flush with the outside of the rubber and the clamp. Kind of hard to see in this picture.

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g124/pacificustoms/DSC_0041-1.jpg

Also started on a fuse box cover and filter mount.

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g124/pacificustoms/DSC_0099.jpg

[pacificustoms]

Built this do-dad to cover up the alternator. We were just going to have it polished or chromed and put it back on, but we wanted something that might have a more factory look to it and be different then everyone else.

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g124/pacificustoms/DSC_0162.jpg

Here it is in place:

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g124/pacificustoms/DSC_0166.jpg

And we also finished up the drivers side inner fender and fuse box cover and air filter mount.

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g124/pacificustoms/DSC_0174small.jpg

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g124/pacificustoms/DSC_0173small.jpg

[tones2SS]

Very nice Ronnie. Awesome work! Nice touches indeed.:thumbsup: :cheers:

[pacificustoms]

We recently acquired a Pullmax so it was time to put it to use. We built the dies and then built these coil covers to make everything look better and give a better look to the engine.

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g124/pacificustoms/DSC_0129small.jpg

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g124/pacificustoms/DSC_0133small.jpg

We also machined our own hardware to hold it on.

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g124/pacificustoms/DSC_0140small.jpg

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g124/pacificustoms/DSC_0137small.jpg

[bentfab]

Bitchen work as always. Gotta love the pullmax. Here's a pic of mine

[jy211]

[QUOTE=pacificustoms;313450]Built this do-dad to cover up the alternator. We were just going to have it polished or chromed and put it back on, but we wanted something that might have a more factory look to it and be different then everyone else.

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g124/pacificustoms/DSC_0162.jpg

Here it is in place:

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g124/pacificustoms/DSC_0166.jpg

QUOTE]

You guys should make them to sell... :thumbsup:

[tones2SS]

Awesome work Robbie. AMAZING!:hail: :thumbsup:

[pacificustoms]

The air flow meter stood out quite a bit and needed something, so we built this. We still had to make it easy to remove as you have to remove the filter and air flow meter to access the fuse panel, so we have to where you remove one clamp and two screws and your in! Not quite a easy as stock but I guess that's the sacrifice you make.

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g124/pacificustoms/DSC_0308.jpg

[elitecustombody]

amazing work:thumbsup: love it

[speedshftr]

killer fabrication work.you guys are a talented bunch.:hail: :hail:

[pacificustoms]

Thanks for the compliments guys! We try our best! We can't wait to get our hands on an upcoming Chevelle.

We had some space restraints under the fenderwell between the inner fender, the wheel/tire and the suspension. We wanted to make sure the fuse box was sealed good from moisture and debris so we built an aluminum trim ring that holds a thin sheet of rubber to seal things up pretty well and follow all of the weird curves going on where the fuse box is.

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g124/pacificustoms/DSC_0275.jpg

[pacificustoms]

Bitchen work as always. Gotta love the pullmax. Here's a pic of mine

That pullmax is sweet! I wish I had more time to have mine painted all fancy like that! I love mine! It's an awesome piece of equipment for sure!

[NotStock Photo]

See you thursday to take a ton of pics

[tones2SS]

Thanks for the compliments guys! We try our best! We can't wait to get our hands on an upcoming Chevelle.


Great work. Keep us in the loop when you do the Chevelle build please!:thumbsup:

[pacificustoms]

See you thursday to take a ton of pics

Look forward to it!

[pacificustoms]

Machined some battery mounts.

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g124/pacificustoms/DSC_0113.jpg

[HWY Nova]

Machined some battery mounts.

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g124/pacificustoms/DSC_0113.jpg

You are just having too much fun!!!!

Nice work. Please keep the pics coming.



--Eric

[pacificustoms]

Been happily machining more pieces around here. We machined up this bung to use to make a coolant bottle using the stock cap.

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g124/pacificustoms/DSC_0001.jpg

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g124/pacificustoms/DSC_0004-1.jpg

[pacificustoms]

Built a coolant bottle.

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g124/pacificustoms/DSC_00012-1.jpg

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g124/pacificustoms/DSC_0007.jpg

[tones2SS]

:bow: :bow: :cheers:

[pacificustoms]

Been a while since I updated this. We took a short break on the project, but we've been back on it for a little while now.

Finished up the splash piece of the passenger inner fender.
http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g124/pacificustoms/DSC_0322.jpg

Built a coil cover piece for the drivers side of the engine.
http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g124/pacificustoms/DSC_02332.jpg

Hard to see it down there.
http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g124/pacificustoms/DSC_0264.jpg

[tones2SS]

Awesome work Robbie.

[mrgm]

glad this got resurrected.

[killer67]

Keep it coming! Love the fab work :thumbsup:

[pacificustoms]

We thought that it needed something in the upper front corner of the engine bay to even it out since the coolant bottle is on the opposite side. We didn't need another bottle, so we decided to make a small tool holder/fuse cover. All of the large fuses for the main car and stereo are behind the fake bottle and in it will be all of the tools necessary to remove almost all of the panels under the hood.

We had to relieve and conceal the screwdriver inside a "dummy" cap which will match the real coolant bottle cap perfectly (after 6 notches get milled into it).
http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g124/pacificustoms/DSC_02132.jpg


6 notches milled at 2.9 degrees (don't ask me, GM did it that way).
http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g124/pacificustoms/DSC_0224.jpg

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g124/pacificustoms/DSC_02292.jpg

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g124/pacificustoms/DSC_02172.jpg

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g124/pacificustoms/DSC_0225-1.jpg

[GMracer]

wow:wow:

[qbrown]

wow:wow:

My thoughts exactly. Thanks for sharing.

[bentfab]

Bitchen work :hail:

Who would have thought a late model truck engine bay could look so good.:cheers:

[conekiller13]

Absolutly amazing attention to detail. This thing is like a fine watch!

[fesler]

Nice work Robbie nice to see you working on something new as well. Shows how tallented you guys are. Keep the pics coming

[pacificustoms]

This part isn't for everyone, however the quality is pretty impressive!

The owner hated the wood grain on the interior from day one and wanted something different that would make the interior pop but didn't want to smooth and paint everything like most mini trucks out there. We came up with this idea and he enlisted a local tattoo artist to hand paint all of these pieces after we color matched them to the interior. It's pretty incredible that these were all hand done with a brush!

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g124/pacificustoms/DSC_0384.jpg
http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g124/pacificustoms/DSC_0385.jpg
http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g124/pacificustoms/DSC_0375.jpg
http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g124/pacificustoms/DSC_0358.jpg
http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g124/pacificustoms/DSC_0117.jpg
http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g124/pacificustoms/DSC_0115.jpg
http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g124/pacificustoms/DSC_0113-1.jpg
http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g124/pacificustoms/DSC_0111.jpg
http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g124/pacificustoms/DSC_0116.jpg

[fesler]

You guys should take apart the steering wheel and do the side parts, we just painted a set and they look much better than the stock silver color just an idea.



This part isn't for everyone, however the quality is pretty impressive!

The owner hated the wood grain on the interior from day one and wanted something different that would make the interior pop but didn't want to smooth and paint everything like most mini trucks out there. We came up with this idea and he enlisted a local tattoo artist to hand paint all of these pieces after we color matched them to the interior. It's pretty incredible that these were all hand done with a brush!

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g124/pacificustoms/DSC_0384.jpg
http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g124/pacificustoms/DSC_0385.jpg
http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g124/pacificustoms/DSC_0375.jpg
http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g124/pacificustoms/DSC_0358.jpg
http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g124/pacificustoms/DSC_0117.jpg
http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g124/pacificustoms/DSC_0115.jpg
http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g124/pacificustoms/DSC_0113-1.jpg
http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g124/pacificustoms/DSC_0111.jpg
http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g124/pacificustoms/DSC_0116.jpg

[jy211]

a Ed Hardy suv...you guys do great work :thumbsup:

[mrgm]

i like that...it's very out of the box. :captain:

[pacificustoms]

You guys should take apart the steering wheel and do the side parts, we just painted a set and they look much better than the stock silver color just an idea.

The owner likes those pieces and they match the A/C vents. It's kind of the "where do you draw the line" thing. He likes the woodgrain on the wheel also because it reminds him of his Chevelle he had when he was younger.

['02ta]

Great fab work guys and hats off to the tattoo artist that did the paintings too. I like the "strictly business" outside and colorful interior. I think they go well together.

^^I agree with Chris. I think adding some painting to the steering wheel would be a nice touch.

Regards,
Ryan

[northwests]

Very nice work sir. Nice to see it comin along.

Minitrucker in Oregon

[pmgm]

Wow.... You guys do nice work....

[pacificustoms]

We got all of the small loose ends buttoned up under the hood over the weekend and got some final shots of everything put together. Now we just have to decide on colors and finishes for all of the pieces.

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g124/pacificustoms/DSC_0248.jpg
http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g124/pacificustoms/DSC_02452.jpg
http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g124/pacificustoms/DSC_02412.jpg
http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g124/pacificustoms/DSC_02732.jpg
http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g124/pacificustoms/DSC_0287.jpg
http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g124/pacificustoms/DSC_0289.jpg
http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g124/pacificustoms/DSC_0296.jpg

[mrgm]

great looking. for some reason when i see the mess in the holes, i keep wanting them to be brass for some reason.

[cantcatchmitch]

everything about this truck is incredible.

[tones2SS]

Robbie that looks incredible. Great work.:wow: :cheers:
Any photos of the entire truck?

[conekiller13]

The under hood is breathtaking. The interior is not my style but A. It's not My truck and 2. The execution is top notch.

[waynieZ]

Wow nice Work!

[elitecustombody]

Robbie, awesome work:thumbsup: I'd leave it brushed and clearcoated or some sort of silver,gunmetal.

[nvmyss]

Very sweet.

[pacificustoms]

We started re-shaping all of the rear inner door jam piece. We opted to re-shape things because we didn't like the way the dual humps were going to look with the added piece we had to add to clear the tire and the piece that the factory added. We cut out all of the factory portion and made a sweeping bend that will make everything look original with one hump.

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g124/pacificustoms/DSC_0308-1.jpg

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g124/pacificustoms/DSC_0356.jpg

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g124/pacificustoms/DSC_0373.jpg

[LowchevyII]

so much great fab work here. I cant believe the transformation. looks awesome. Might be silly to say, but its good to see the owner opted to put some good brakes on this thing. So often I see these SUVs cruisin around with 22+ rims. All the extra rolling mass on the stock brake system doesnt seem like its gonna end well in an emergency situation.

[conekiller13]

..... Might be silly to say, but its good to see the owner opted to put some good brakes on this thing. So often I see these SUVs cruisin around with 22+ rims. All the extra rolling mass on the stock brake system doesnt seem like its gonna end well in an emergency situation.

+ a bazzilion!

In my former days at a tire dealer I was always stunned and amazed how many people would come in and spend $10,000-$15,000 on giant wheels and would refuse to spend another $1100. to make the thing stop. It doesn't take a genius to realize that 120-150lbs of rolling mass has allot of force....

[killer67]

What size and brand wheels are those? Look like 26's. What size are the Nitto's? How about some pics?

[64pontiac]

Have to say, WOW. What a build. Some of the nices fab work I have seen, definately up there in the top 10! I absolutely love what you did under the hood, and its nice to see all the little details and machined pieces. Hats off to you and your staff.

Keep it up!

[pacificustoms]

Thanks a bunch guys for the compliments! It means a lot! We know the "canvas" isn't the type that everyone is into, but we wanted to do our best to make it respected among a fleet of high end muscle cars and/or street rods.

Some asked for some photos of the whole truck, these were taken a few weeks back at our Builder of the Year display at the Sacramento Autorama. We took the truck to show some of our under construction work.

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g124/pacificustoms/DSC_0232-1.jpg

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g124/pacificustoms/DSC_0083.jpg

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g124/pacificustoms/DSC_0001-1.jpg

I hate the running boards on this thing, and they are one of the next things to leave. We're going to design and make a rocker panel that will finish off the bottom of the body and carry on the body line that goes around the wheel wells!

Here's a little side project I built over the weekend too, thought it was too cool not to post a picture of!

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g124/pacificustoms/DSC_0385-1.jpg

[elitecustombody]

Robbie, are you planning to remove roof rack and tuck rear bumper?I recently did Fernando's rear bumper on his Escalade, gotta find some pics,we cut about 6 inches off the frame and made rear bumper look like rollpan.

Fernando, those look like they are 28's

[killer67]

WOW! Nice work Robbie. You deserve lots of praise for that work. Great fab work cuts across all types of vehicles and you nailed this one :bow:

[pacificustoms]

What size and brand wheels are those? Look like 26's. What size are the Nitto's? How about some pics?

The wheels are 26 inch KMC's. Not sure on the model name. They've been re-powdercoated because they came coated pretty bad and one didn't match the others and the company wouldn't help the customer one bit. The tires are 305/30 26.

[tones2SS]

Killer work Robbie. Very nice. I would love a truck like that.
I like the "side project" as well.:unibrow:

[pacificustoms]

We've got the one side door jam all wrapped up, now moved over to the drivers side! I love the way it turned out. After it's all painted and the weatherstripping is done, it should look all factory like nothing was really done to it.

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g124/pacificustoms/DSC_0032-1.jpg

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g124/pacificustoms/DSC_0035.jpg

[pacificustoms]

Robbie, are you planning to remove roof rack and tuck rear bumper?I recently did Fernando's rear bumper on his Escalade, gotta find some pics,we cut about 6 inches off the frame and made rear bumper look like rollpan.

Fernando, those look like they are 28's

We have a plan to slightly modify the rear bumper, but we like the step in it and are planning to keep that piece of it. We're also keeping the roof rack at this point. We like the bits of chrome to break up all of the black.

[cantcatchmitch]

wheels are kmc slides. they are nice wheels but the company is notorious for have bad finishes with chrome peeling and powdercoat not being the nicest.

[cantcatchmitch]

oh, and keep on keeping on robbie! this build is my favorite of yours, im more minitrucker than most on here, but its totally impressive how youve made it all work and seem like it came right from the oem that way.

[pacificustoms]

oh, and keep on keeping on robbie! this build is my favorite of yours, im more minitrucker than most on here, but its totally impressive how youve made it all work and seem like it came right from the oem that way.

Thank you! We try our best!

[pacificustoms]

We've been working at finishing the front inner fenders. We wanted to build a panel around the battery to seal it all up from dirt and debris from getting back in there while driving.

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g124/pacificustoms/DSC_0042.jpg

We built a bevel around the battery to frame it out and also go with same angle bevel that we used under the hood in multiple places and also GM used under the windows of the outside body.

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g124/pacificustoms/DSC_0043.jpg

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g124/pacificustoms/DSC_0047.jpg

Then, we double lipped the edge of the piece, built a tab piece to hold it on and framed out the battery hold down pieces we machined. One side down, one to go, but we have a couple added touches for the second side!

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g124/pacificustoms/DSC_0049.jpg

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g124/pacificustoms/DSC_0054.jpg

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g124/pacificustoms/DSC_0056.jpg

[elitecustombody]

Robbie,not to sound like an ass, but have you made sure all that custom work around the battery will clear wheels/tires? These trucks are known to scrub pretty bad in front wheelwells especially with extreme drop.

Keep putting out great work:thumbsup:

[pacificustoms]

Robbie,not to sound like an ass, but have you made sure all that custom work around the battery will clear wheels/tires? These trucks are known to scrub pretty bad in front wheelwells especially with extreme drop.

Keep putting out great work:thumbsup:

Yep! Both front and back clear through all range of travel. Clears with about an inch or so of clearance. Thanks for looking out! We actually had to re-mount the batteries upright to give more clearance as the initial mounts the tire did hit.

[Jr]

Beautiful metal work!

[jy211]

I want a Tiki now! :thumbsup: Simply awesome metal work all the way around :hail:

[pacificustoms]

I want a Tiki now! :thumbsup: Simply awesome metal work all the way around :hail:

I shipped one to Florida on Monday actually, so there will be one near you... Thank you!

[jy211]

I shipped one to Florida on Monday actually, so there will be one near you... Thank you!

how much you want for one? It'd be great near my koi pond! :D

[pacificustoms]

We've got the drivers side battery trim panel all finished up. On this one we included some high amp battery service ports and a charging port for a CTek charger to plug into. On this car, you can't do anything without battery power, including opening the doors or hood or anything to get access to the battery (when the air is out of the suspension), so this spot can be accessed when the truck is on the ground should you ever need to! Better to be safe then sorry... We also recessed the piece in to protect it since it is inside the wheel well.

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g124/pacificustoms/DSC_02592.jpg

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g124/pacificustoms/DSC_02502.jpg

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g124/pacificustoms/DSC_02522.jpg

[waynieZ]

Awesome build and fab work. Its so well thought out which makes it even more impressive. Very Nice!

[War]

Looks great Robbie. I like that charge port for the ctek. Are those chargers for AGM's? I was mounting my charger in the trunk but I like that better.

[pacificustoms]

Yea, I believe all C-Tek chargers have a setting for it now, but maybe only a couple of the models. They have this panel mount now which is new and has a weathertight plug with a rubber cover and you just plug the charger into that and plug the other end of the charger into the wall. The panel mount piece has a red, yellow and green light to let you know its charged (the charger has lights as well). We have a C-Tek on pretty much every car we have that isn't driven on a weekly basis.

[tones2SS]

Very nice Robbie. Amazing craftsmanship.
Keep us posted!:cheers:

[Cris@JCG]

I really dig your work Robbie! Looking forward to more of your custom work :thumbsup:

[pacificustoms]

Thanks guys!

[pacificustoms]

Here's what's been the most difficult project on this vehicle to date. It looks fairly simple on outside, but was everything but that to fab up. There's literally no room to work the panel from behind either and we attached it using all factory mounting locations, or to the other panels we've made.

The truck just didn't look good with the running boards and looked dumber without them as the proportions were lost in the body. We made the decision to make a rocker panel that would bolt on the truck and finish off the lower portion of the body. I figured also why not incorporate the body line that runs around both wheel wells that GM seemed to have forgotten about in the center of the car.

I made up these dies for the pullmax to stamp out the pieces I need. This is quickly becoming my favorite piece of equipment...

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g124/pacificustoms/DSC_0227.jpg

Here's the outcome:

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g124/pacificustoms/DSC_0247.jpg

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g124/pacificustoms/DSC_0342.jpg

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g124/pacificustoms/DSC_0345.jpg

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g124/pacificustoms/DSC_0348.jpg

Here's where it meets up with the inner fender panels we'd built earlier. I pre-planned (almost never happens) it by putting the notch in the panel in the beginning.

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g124/pacificustoms/DSC_0351-1.jpg

[War]

That turned out incredible. Like how you followed the body line around. I would love to have a pullmax.

[tones2SS]

Amazing. Great job Robbie.:thumbsup:
Is this a customer's vehicle or your own ride?

[skatinjay27]

man you guys are true artist and not just car builders!!!

[john royal]

Are you finishing your metal off with like 220 or 320 grit sandpaper? Or finer yet?

[pacificustoms]

Are you finishing your metal off with like 220 or 320 grit sandpaper? Or finer yet?

Usually just 120, sometimes I'll lightly go over it with 220 on a da. It'll probably go back to 80 when it gets to the bodyshop anyhow just to get some mechanical adhesion. The aluminum stuff we take all the way to 600, but that's all going to stay raw.

[pacificustoms]

man you guys are true artist and not just car builders!!!

Thanks!

[waynieZ]

Amazing work.

[mrgm]

:thumbsup: Great looking finish piece.

[70rs]

Awesome work guys!
I think my favorite part is the fake cap/hidden tools area.

[pacificustoms]

It's off to the paint shop today to get stripped down, skimmed and blocked, and re-shot in black with the small accent stripe!

A couple small last minute touches. We finished up the rear door panels and built a piece of grained plastic that fits perfect and screws in from the back. All we have to do is die it to match the color of the door panels.

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g124/pacificustoms/DSC_0222.jpg

We also re-made the gas filler piece inside. We debated moving the filler somewhere else, but since it's an SUV I didn't want to put it inside and that didn't leave many other options. The gas door fits awesome and there's no dimple to put your finger so it fits nice and flush so I just re-made the inside piece to accept a different angle to keep a downhill flow the whole way through the tube.

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g124/pacificustoms/DSC_0325-2.jpg

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g124/pacificustoms/DSC_0332-1.jpg

Got it on the ground with the stock wheels. All the effort in the rocker kind of disappears, but oh well, I know it's down there!

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g124/pacificustoms/DSC_0324.jpg

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g124/pacificustoms/DSC_0323.jpg

That's it for a while until its all back and black again...

[elitecustombody]

Robbie, I think the rockers came out beautiful and finish that area nicely. :thumbsup: I'll be doing something like that on my TBSS but in plastic,keeping the original lines just bringing it down few inches to cover up the frame.

[pacificustoms]

Robbie, I think the rockers came out beautiful and finish that area nicely. :thumbsup: I'll be doing something like that on my TBSS but in plastic,keeping the original lines just bringing it down few inches to cover up the frame.

Thanks! I was dreading building those things and they did prove to be the hardest part to build on the entire project. In the end though, they were worth it! In person the car has a trailblazer look to me now for some reason.

[jy211]

great work...:thumbsup: :hail:

[elitecustombody]

Thanks! I was dreading building those things and they did prove to be the hardest part to build on the entire project. In the end though, they were worth it! In person the car has a trailblazer look to me now for some reason.

Now that you mentioned it,it does look like trailblazer,just fatter.

BTW, if you haven't thought about it yet, if you want the paint to last on the rockers,I'd advise getting them wrapped in clear protective film or they will get sandblasted in no time.

[tones2SS]

That looks killer Robbie.
I think the rockers look great. You do great work. Keep us posted.

[mrgm]

i like

[pacificustoms]

Thanks guys!

And here she was before she left yesterday...

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g124/pacificustoms/DSC_0334.jpg

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g124/pacificustoms/DSC_0341.jpg

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g124/pacificustoms/DSC_0344.jpg

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g124/pacificustoms/DSC_0346-1.jpg

[elitecustombody]

Looking good:thumbsup: But the rack needs to go and rear bumper shortened IMO to compliment the rockers.

To give you an idea ,here are few pics of the rear I modified on Fernando's (killer67) Escalade.Don't mind how dirty or high it is, we dropped it 3" front & 4" rear ,just don't have pics.

http://i274.photobucket.com/albums/jj260/elitecustombody/April292011275.jpg
http://i274.photobucket.com/albums/jj260/elitecustombody/April292011271.jpg
http://i274.photobucket.com/albums/jj260/elitecustombody/April292011269.jpg
http://i274.photobucket.com/albums/jj260/elitecustombody/April292011268.jpg

[mexMan]

Wow! Amazing job Robbie!

Elite, are those tailights painted or covered?

[pacificustoms]

It'll be good to leave it the way it is now. The roof rack has to stay because the ribs I think will look pretty ugly without it and it has a wierd big dip behind the sunroof which really stands out with it off. You're eye level to the roof so all that stands out.

As far as the bumper, you did and awesome job on it. We're going to leave it alone for now, it always gives the customer something to change up a year from now. Tuck the bumper, throw on a different set of wheels and have a whole different look for the following year. It was tough to find a spot to, but the line had to be drawn somewhere so that we can get it done and the customer can start enjoying it!

[elitecustombody]

Thanks Robbie, I see what you're saying on the roof, it's not flat like the previous gen. I guess you can always cut it out and fab up a flat skin:D
I agree about drawing the line somewhere,it's always hard. I guess you'll have something to do in a year or two:)

[killer67]

Elite, are those tailights painted or covered?

They are painted body color on the side and tinted clear (smoked) on the rear face. Stefan did them with laser precision :thumbsup: Could not be happier

[Musclerodz]

They are painted body color on the side and tinted clear (smoked) on the rear face. Stefan did them with laser precision :thumbsup: Could not be happierwon't leave it alone will you.....:faint:

[tones2SS]

That is sickness Robbie. Looks killer!:cheers:

[2toneblown]

Do you have any pics of this this thing complete? I currently have the kelderman set up but was planning on sending it to ekstensive in a few months. Please post pics and PM me info and quote on this please. I know this is no cheap weekend job. Thank you

[pacificustoms]

I don't have any pictures of it completed, because, well, it still isn't. The painter we're using does this sort of stuff on the side, so it's taken much longer then we anticipated. The car is mostly painted, it's just getting all of the small pieces and detail areas like insides of doors, door jams, etc. Here's some photos of the work while at the body shop.

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g124/pacificustoms/outside01.jpg

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g124/pacificustoms/325677_241310565913516_106613129383261_721885_9119 05_o.jpg

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g124/pacificustoms/outside02.jpg

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g124/pacificustoms/outside03.jpg

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g124/pacificustoms/outside04.jpg

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g124/pacificustoms/outside05.jpg

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g124/pacificustoms/DSC_0236-1.jpg

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g124/pacificustoms/DSC_0248-3.jpg

It's amazing the amount of work that needed to go into a brand new vehicle to make it all flat and perfect. It must be the factory orange peel that hides all the imperfections in the stampings.

[2toneblown]

so any updates???

[intocarss]

Looks great

BTW Robbie, any relation to Ryan Azevedo from Dos Palos??

[2toneblown]

anything????? im still ready when yall are ready to take mine on