9.       The last piece needed to install on the engine before the cab gets lifted on is the distributor. A GMPP high output HEI distributor was chosen to fire the big-block, and it is much easier to install with the cab off the frame, due to the tight firewall to engine clearance of the original 396 motor. Incidentally, HEI distributors require a full 12 volts of power, where the stock points style model used only 6 volts. When upgrading to HEI, make sure and upgrade the resistor power wired at the same time.

          What a difference a few quarts of R-M Diamont two-stage paint can make! The finish is in-credible, and the clear-coat will help to protect the paint from the harsh California sun. One important bit of advice that Bruce suggests to anyone painting a vehicle is to take the time and pre-fit all of the body panels prior to painting. This will allow you to fine tune the body lines and seams between each panel, and improve the overall appearance of the finished vehicle.

       At last, it's time to tackle the body and get this project back together. While the chassis was being assembled at Early Classic's R&D shop, the cab was getting refinished and ready for assembly by restoration specialist Bruce Vetter. Bruce is long known in the Central California area as one of it's finest painters, and his work block-sanding out the accumulated little dings and scrapes shows his ability to turn out fabulous work every time. After first painting the entire underside and interior, the cab was completely masked off to prevent any overspray from ruining the finish.