Re: 1971 K20- project just get driveable!!
 

Routed lines, still need to weld on brackets to support them:
http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/d...013K20SD16.jpg

Parkiing brake brackets I made from plate steel:
http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/d...013K20SD15.jpg

Put rear bumper on, have to drill a couple more holes in frame though
http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/d...013K20SD20.jpg

Put 1" blocks in the rear to level out the truck. Rear was always higher than the front by a couple inches but the 2.5 skyjackers were more like 3.5 inches of lift, hoping they settle a little more yet.
http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/d...013K20SD25.jpg

Letting lube flow out to both hubs:
http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/d...013K20SD19.jpg

Took it for a drive in the field Saturday and hualed some stuff out back. 4wd works good but I should have rebuilt the double cardan joint since it knocks some. Figured it may be coming out before too long anyways when I yank the t case to regasket/reseal it.
http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/d...2013K20SD1.jpg

Was dragging diffs in the snow a little. It sure is a one wheel wonder in 2x4 mode, need to get a no spin installed!


MC painted with Eastwood brake gray (supposed to be fluid resistant) .
http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/d...013K20SD13.jpg

Brake booster is shot, luckily Oreillys had one, got it painted and need to bolt in. Look at the broken spring in the shot booster, this was from the running rusty 72 K20 parts truck. How does a spring break in so many places!!:
http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/d...0/P1010240.jpg

Re: 1971 K20- project just get driveable!!
 

Excellent! Running and driving. Glad you got it out of the garage under its own power. I've never seen the inside of a brake booster. No idea how the spring would shatter like that. So just a few loose ends to take care of and the goal is met, a bit late, but nobody is gonna penalize you for that.

Re: 1971 K20- project just get driveable!!
 

Well, i'm a little jealous of how nice your rear brake lines turned out great job! My flex line was mounted to a bracket that bolted to the cover and put it in an odd spot, but i just bent my lines and put it in the same location, yours looks clean!

I had no idea there was brake fluid resistant paint on the market, wish i had known before i painted mine, but I'll remember for next time.

First time i have seen the inside of the power booster as well, i cant help but wonder how strong the spring pressure would be if not broken?

Nice work!

Re: 1971 K20- project just get driveable!!
 

Funny you mention that, I was thinking not much has happened since I remember being at that point a couple months ago- then I remembered at that time, it had the front axle with no lockouts, and a broken axle, no brake system at all, no power steering, leaky worn eaton. So, I guess its come a long way, even though there is so much left to do. Pretty much everything on this truck needed to be rebuilt. I am realizing that it will be almost fully restored, except for perhaps the sheetmetal by the time I'm done with it!

Had to have the machinist at work drill a hole in a metric bolt for the one front caliper, it was metric for some reason and the new hoses only left 2 threads engaged. Nobody carried a longer metric banjo bolt so I had to make/have this one made:
http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/d...2013K20SD4.jpg

Finished welding in the brackets and spent forever getting all the air out of the system. Gravity bleeding did not work, what a waste of time that was. I ended up having to hook up vacuum pump then get a buddy to help me bleed the old fashioned way. Fought a couple leaks in my new lines but am happy to report I finally won the battle and the pedal feels good. It will lock them up on snow :lol:

Made some brackets for the parking brake cables, so the system is bolt on:
http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/d...P1010244-1.jpg

http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/d...0/P1010243.jpg

Oh, and this is now consuming my time as well, tearing down walls and ripping up floor in the house for a new bathroom/master closet
http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/d...P1010242-1.jpg

Re: 1971 K20- project just get driveable!!
 

nice! im jealous... makes me wanna get my 73 elco ou of the garage and start on the 68 K20 again.....

Re: 1971 K20- project just get driveable!!
 

Looking good...First time I ever saw the inside of a booster too.

Re: 1971 K20- project just get driveable!!
 

Thanks for the Support guys, it is nice to know people are following the build.

Here are a couple pics from Sunday when I used her to haul some scrap wood from bathroom remodel out to burn pile. This is why I have 4x4's!
http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/d...152118_203.jpg

and bring in a good load of ash wood to prepare for the -23F weather we had earlier this week. You can also see that I have a deck project in my future! No shortage of projects, so little time!
http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/d...164831_631.jpg

Re: 1971 K20- project just get driveable!!
 

Congrats! Looks great Jud.

Re: 1971 K20- project just get driveable!!
 

Another good looking old work truck!

Re: 1971 K20- project just get driveable!!
 

this is what old 4x4s are for... not that its a bad thing but I dont "get" building a nice shiny perfect truck and afraid to use it... Im building my 68s to use...

Re: 1971 K20- project just get driveable!!
 

living in the rusty northeast, I wont drive my old iron on the salty roads, but I want them to be functional and cool... Yeah I do use the CUCV in the winter, on a limited basis. its a plow truck.It was used in the salt before I got it... its far from mint.
I dig the 71 because it has all the style and substance of old iron, and added upgrades, add to it it is ochre and it looks tough.... I have always liked the vinyl seat vinyl floor gyppo strippo models.....

cool cool cool.....
My 73 K2500 Burb is slowly coming back to life, and its going to be all steel.
original look and feel... i am contemplating a cummins /NV4500

Re: 1971 K20- project just get driveable!!
 

Jud, nice progress! At least you can use it now. It does really look nice for a truck that was near a crusher a few months ago. How did you fair the extreme cold? Be glad you didn't have all diesels to drive. :lol: Good luck on the bathroom project too!

Re: 1971 K20- project just get driveable!!
 

Thanks Gents! Yep, it feels good to have saved it from the crusher and see it now, but it probably still needs more work than it appears in these images. It was severly damaged and left for dead for probably two decades in a field.

Oh, and screw it just being a plowtruck, this thing is too fun to not take on the road.

I put together a list of stuff to do on the truck, but at least its running and I can pick away slowly at the list while only having down for a day or two for most things on here:


Must haves to hit the road:
- hook up tail and side lights
- hook up replacement voltage regulator
- figure out why no headlights
- straighten cab back enough to install rear window
- install shocks
- patch floor temporarily
- install seat
- install gas tank
- replace pass door handle
- install drivers mirror
- change oil
- install front bumper
- drill frame for 2nd set of rear bumper bolts (this one was off a C20, which have closer holes in the rear.
- balance tires

Nice to haves:
- rebuild heating system (core is plugged big time and fan doesn't run)
- install grille
- reseal/regasket tcase
- replace bent tcase member
- install Gearvendors I have
- rebuild double cardan joint
- install 285’s
- replace battery tray
- weld trim holes and paint tailgate and install

Long Term Wishes:
- Replace driver door, and both front fenders
- Patch rust in floor
- patch rust above visors or replace roof
- replace inner fenders
- install rear slider
- install floor insulation
- paint front clip and cab to match box.
- Drop the Cummins in there?
- Swap the Dana 61 in front?

Re: 1971 K20- project just get driveable!!
 

Yep, the rolling restoration is definitely nice, since success never seems extremely far away:chevy: As for the cold, theres nothing like wood heat! The -20F temps actually help slow down the stupid emerald ash borer bug since the larvae start dying at those temps. They found it in the cities here and my property has about 80% ash trees on it:waah: It feels hot out today at 32F :lol:

Re: 1971 K20- project just get driveable!!
 

those emerald ash borers bad news.... they hit upstate NY a few yrs back and have decimated alot of hard wood and u cant transport firewood more than 50 miles fromits origin in NY

Re: 1971 K20- project just get driveable!!
 

As a kid in MN I remember Dutch Elm disease hit the Twin Cities and a lot of trees were lost...

Re: 1971 K20- project just get driveable!!
 

Tell me about it... there were antebellum elms here on my property (stumps almost gone now) and after dutch elm, ash was about the only thing that was left. There are some ash here that are 100 y/o now that I'd hate to loose.

Re: 1971 K20- project just get driveable!!
 

got the headlights working. Had to replace the foot activated dimmer switch, clean contacts on bulbs, and replace one of them. They are still finicky at the bulb connections but I've got some new connectors on the way.

Now if I could just figure out why the gauge lights never go off...

Also got the back of the cab straightened enough to install rear window.

Re: 1971 K20- project just get driveable!!
 

Due for an update.

Got rear window in using rope trick and starting bottom center. Not too hard with that, my bro helping, and soapy water.
http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/d...0/P1010264.jpg

Nothing new here, just hadn't shown the finished master cylinder/booster before.
http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/d...0/P1010263.jpg

Then ripped out the inner fender and removed entire heating system. Its in terrible shape due to mice but is all going to be made new again:
http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/d...0/P1010261.jpg

http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/d...0/P1010258.jpg

This is the worst thing I have to fix, shouldn't be too bad:
http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/d...0/P1010251.jpg

And some of the parts that went into fixing the headlights. Still need to install the switch. Hope that fixes the always on dash lights
vhttp://i221.photobucket.com/albums/d...P1010246-1.jpg

Re: 1971 K20- project just get driveable!!
 

Jud,
Nice project. I can't believe I didn't see this build thread earlier. Subscribed. :chevy:
-Richard

Re: 1971 K20- project just get driveable!!
 

Ya know it's turning out really nice for just getting it drivable...lol..under the hood looks great

Re: 1971 K20- project just get driveable!!
 

the field mice ruined the heater in my 68 K1500. i ditched the whole thing due to smell and rust created by the urine.... it destroyed the bottom of the exterior heater box and a good portion of the interior box as well... rats nets can be removed...the stench... its invasive and long lasting...

Re: 1971 K20- project just get driveable!!
 

Thanks! I was thinking maybe about pming you or someone to move it to the 4x4 section if those subscribed would stay so.


Yep, i figure may as well paint stuff i have off :)

actually no smell so it must have been dry for a long time. Either way, most everything is being replaced with parts from one of the trucks in my parts yard.

Re: 1971 K20- project just get driveable!!
 

i would clean and paint the surfaces... i use POR15 to "seal" up things like that and my cowl or any areas you wont readily gain access to. just my opinion... i still like the bugh ochre truck... its bad a$$

Re: 1971 K20- project just get driveable!!
 

Those headlight plugs look fantastic. I'm gonna have to add those to my list of parts to use now on rather than harvesting old ones or getting cheapies.

Re: 1971 K20- project just get driveable!!
 

Yep sealing is a good idea, I agree. What is "bugh"?

They are but there is nothing to seal against on the back of the headlight so are just as prone to oxidizing on the terminals. Then again, maybe there is a newer bulb style that they can seal against? My bulbs are way old, at least 25 years.

Re: 1971 K20- project just get driveable!!
 

One thing really annoying was the pass door would screech whenever opened. There was no gap between it and the fender. That is now fixed. Look at this nice gap now:
http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/d...0/P1010252.jpg

Back to heater stuff. Got the parts yard spare stuff cleaned up. Heater core is brand new.
http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/d...0/P1010248.jpg

The under hood fiberglass box is the original, I just scrubbed it and painted it. Absolutely no odor and it was crack free!
http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/d...0/P1010269.jpg

Factory #4 didn't come off, even with brass scrub brush!
http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/d...0/P1010270.jpg

Fiberglass effect looks really nice actually. I'll take a break when I can get one! Now I'm waiting on the new box to firewall gaskets to come in so I can put back together. Also I am still thinking about how I want to mount screens to keep mice and leaves from entering the blower.
http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/d...0/P1010271.jpg

Re: 1971 K20- project just get driveable!!
 

Got a lot done on the truck this weekend. Pics in a bit. For now, here's some pics of some nice additions courtesy of Oreillys.

Made in the USA flaps, look at the bowtie color:
http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/d...013K20SD18.jpg

and this is fitting as well!
http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/d...0/P1010254.jpg

Re: 1971 K20- project just get driveable!!
 

nice.... was working on my rodent infested heater on the 68 GMC today... Have the OE harrison core here boiling on the stove,,,, then i have to solder the outlet back on as it broke off....

Re: 1971 K20- project just get driveable!!
 

You're very lucky the box and heater system doesn't stink. That wouldn't be my luck. :lol: I might have to get myself some of those flaps for the horn. Nice work Jud!

Re: 1971 K20- project just get driveable!!
 

Patch for rusty spot on firewall:
http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/d...0/P1010249.jpg

Done and painted:
http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/d...P1010263-1.jpg

New heater resistor:
http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/d...0/P1010265.jpg

New gasket and mouse/leaf screen:
http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/d...0/P1010267.jpg

Back on:
http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/d...0/P1010268.jpg

All done. The blower motor I got is the 15 amp one and it really puts out the air!! Its the AC version but seems to work great here. Its a nice upgrade from stock. It has a hole in the side to hookup a tube to the motor for cooling it I assume, I need to think about that some more, any thoughts? I just put a yellow hyd line cap in there for now:
http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/d...P1010270-1.jpg

Re: 1971 K20- project just get driveable!!
 

fuel tank from another truck flushed and new sending unit installed:
http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/d...0/P1010275.jpg

touched up corner of cab quick and dirty:
http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/d...0/P1010274.jpg

installed lights. They wont shut off until I disconnect battery- not sure why
http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/d...P1010271-1.jpg

Re: 1971 K20- project just get driveable!!
 

looking better all the time!

Re: 1971 K20- project just get driveable!!
 

Sounds like your brake light switch isn't adjusted properly. Push it further into the clip to depress the plunger further.

Re: 1971 K20- project just get driveable!!
 

Yep. What Kevin said.

Looking good. Now where are the pics of the new 1?

Re: 1971 K20- project just get driveable!!
 

I unplugged the brake switch and shorted across the terminals with no change. I think its the parking lights especially since the gauge backlights are on also. Could it be a grounding issue? Ive got the two grounding cables disconnected at the moment.

Re: 1971 K20- project just get driveable!!
 

Revisiting the list

New things to do:
-Fix washer pump and replace wipers
-Troubleshoot parking lights always on, even with key off!
-Rebuild turn signal and horn switches on column

Must haves to hit the road:
Done- hook up tail and side lights
Done- hook up replacement voltage regulator
Done- figure out why no headlights
Done- install dimmer switch
Done- straighten cab back enough to install rear window
Done- install shocks
Done- patch floor temporarily
- install seat
Done- install gas tank
- replace pass door handle
- install drivers mirror
- change oil
- install front bumper
Done- drill frame for 2nd set of rear bumper bolts (this one was off a C20, which have closer
Done- install new fuel pump and line
- balance tires

Nice to haves:
Done- rebuild heating system (core is plugged big time and fan doesn't run)
Done- route wires for interior cab light
- install grille
- reseal/regasket tcase
- replace bent tcase member
- install Gearvendors I have
- rebuild double cardan joint
- install 285’s
- replace battery tray
- weld trim holes and paint tailgate and install

Long Term Wishes:
- Replace driver door, and both front fenders
- Patch rust in floor
- patch rust above visors or replace roof
- replace inner fenders
- install rear slider
- install floor insulation
- paint front clip and cab to match box.
- Drop the Cummins in there?
- Swap the Dana 61 in front?[/QUOTE]

Re: 1971 K20- project just get driveable!!
 

The headlights and parking lights work regardless of key position. Thats why it will kill the battery. I would guess its a bad light switch. Usually without ground the lights won't come on at all.

Re: 1971 K20- project just get driveable!!
 

New switch didn't fix the problem. I can't see where anything is shorting out. Good point on the key switch being independent.

Re: 1971 K20- project just get driveable!!
 

Here is the cab roof and radio delete plate i was looking for! I lucked out big time with finding this C20 parts truck. Motor is blown and rust down low in cab and front fenders. Floor and supports are better in the K20 so I wouldn't just swap the whole cab.

http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/d...0/P1010260.jpg

http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/d...P1010261-1.jpg

And i think this bed could be used in the future for if/when I fully restore the body on the K20. No rust yet that i've found but its full of snow. No rust underneath.

http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/d...P1010254-1.jpg

http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/d...0/P1010255.jpg

http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/d...P1010251-1.jpg