Opportunity Knocked

Going from done deals to big deals, DeKruger then tackled the job of making the '02 Yukon wiring harness work in a '72 Chevelle. And when it came to that, DeKruger says that the keys were elimination and simplification--and fighting the tedium this task brought on. "The biggest thing," DeKruger says, "was taking stuff out for all the power accessories." DeKruger notes that the Yukon harness has four fuse boxes, and that they're used as a junction point even if the circuit isn't fused. "That's a big reason I ran the truck dash," he says. "I liked the way it looked, but I was also making use of what was available. By using the truck ignition switch and Body Control Module (BCM), the engine still thinks it's in the truck." DeKruger also made extensive use of a Web site that gives subscribers access to all service manuals for a given vehicle. "Pick a plug," DeKruger told us, "and the diagrams show each pin location. It's a great tool, well worth the $20 I spent."

With the powertrain squared away, DeKruger gave the interior a thorough remodeling. Though using the Yukon's instrument cluster was also a matter of wiring-harness practicality, it also certainly adds a unique look to the Chevelle's cockpit, combined with a bezel DeKruger fabricated himself. There are also several nice custom touches, such as the smoothed stock steering column, and the billet pieces machined by DeKruger's coworker, Dennis Winters. This thing has a killer stereo as well, but you might note that the new passenger compartment is noticeably performance oriented, with its APC racing seats and RJS harnesses, indicating handling has not been neglected.

Besides the aforementioned springs and sway bars, the Chevelle is stiffened up by HPM boxed four-link arms and Edelbrock rear chassis bracing. An '88 WS6 Trans Am steering box provides improved directional control, and as far as stopping goes . . . well, since DeKruger is Product Development Manager at Stainless Steel Brakes, its no surprise that SSBC Force 10 Tri-Power calipers clamping onto 13-inch rotors haul the Chevelle down from speed.

It took DeKruger about eight months to finish his renovated Chevelle. He even had time to put four or five hundred miles on it before taking it on the '04 Hot Rod Power Tour, and the car never missed a beat on the 1,700-plus-mile Long Haul. "I'm really pleased with the car," he told us. "Power-wise, there's definitely more there, never mind the improved driveability." DeKruger was also impressed--and pleased--with the 22 mpg he got, even while cruising at 85-90 mph. "It's a heavier, bigger car," he continues, "but just as much fun as an F-body. I think back to when the car had no sway bars and Rally wheels . . . it's so far beyond that now. It's tight. It's got all the potential of anything late-model." That, we'd have to say, is making the most of an opportunity.

Speed Reading
'72 Chevelle
Dan DeKruger
Lancaster, NY
Engine
Type: '02 GMC Yukon Vortec 5300 (5.3L Gen III)
Oiling: LS1 Camaro oil pan with stock pump
Induction: Owner-fabricated 4-inch dual-snorkel intake with Summit Racing filters, Nitrous Works LS1 wet nitrous system
Electronic Engine Control: Stock '02 Yukon ECU
Exhaust: Modified JBA Yukon headers, Flowmaster exhaust system
Cooling: Four-core Be Cool radiator with owner-built framework, Flex-a-lite dual fans with variable speed control
Other: Cadillac Escalade engine covers, home-fabricated engine mounts and radiator shroud
Output: Estimated 350 hp (on the motor)
Fabrication and Installation: By the owner
Thanks to: My wife Laura for being a garage widow for six months, my mom Janice Cooper for helping me buy the car in 1993, and Dennis Winters for machining the billet parts.
DRIVETRAIN
Transmission: '97 Firebird 4L60E with stock converter, TransGo Shift Kit, B&M shifter, PermaCool transmission cooler
Rear Axle: '72 GM 10-bolt, 4.11:1 Richmond gears, Eaton Posi-traction
Driveshaft: Custom-built 3-inch unit from Denny's Driveshaft, Buffalo, NY

CHASSIS
Frame: Original Chevrolet
Front Suspension: Eibach springs 1.5-inch lowered, KYB shocks, Hellwig antisway bar
Rear Suspension: Moog Cargo coils, KYB shocks, Hellwig antisway bar, HPM boxed four-link arms, Edelbrock rear chassis braces
Steering: '88 WS6 Trans Am box, smoothed stock column
Other: '94 Impala fuel tank and sending unit with aluminum access panel in the trunk floor, Yukon fuel pump
Brakes: Stainless Steel Brakes Force 10 Tri-power calipers with 13-inch slotted discs front and rear; SSBC billet-aluminum master cylinder, chrome power booster, and adjustable proportioning valve
Built by: The owner
Vehicle Weight: 3,300 pounds
WHEELS & TIRES
Wheels: Oasis Retro, 18x8 front and back
Tires: Dunlop SP9000, P245/40R18 and P255/45R18
BODY & PAINT
Body: Stock, resto grille, bezels, lenses, and weatherstripping from National Parts Depot; SS logos added before purchase
Paint: Spectre Red basecoat/ clearcoat by Pelicane Motors in Mt. Morris, New York

INTERIOR
'02 Yukon wiring harness modified by the owner; Yukon gauge cluster with owner-fabricated bezel; Grant steering wheel, APC racing seats, and RJS harnesses; billet cupholder, shift handle, knobs, and e-brake handle fabricated by Dennis Winters of SSBC; carpet and floor mats from Auto Custom Carpets; Trenz aluminum pedal covers; Sony stereo head unit with Polk 875- and 975-watt amps, Polk Momo 51/4- and 61/2-inch coaxial speakers and dual 10-inch subwoofers, Billet Specialties window cranks and door handles.