1971 K20- project just get driveable!!
 

Not doing a full resto on this one since I have a 1972 K20 resto that I'm going full frame off on. I do need a functional 4x4 for plowing my property in the winter and doing work in the summer and that's where this truck will fit the bill. I am going to have it driveable in 60 days, thats my goal.

Its not loaded but another one of these base models that seems far from entry level, since it has the following features:

-4x4
-V8
-disc brakes (std in '71)
-power brakes (std on 3/4's in this year)
-power steering
-4spd
-2tone with stripe

Its got a clean title and matching SPID, frame, Vin tag, etc so the goal is to eventually get it roadworthy but for now, just get it off roadworthy. Warning, pictures aren't pretty, she needs a lot of work but hey, original K20's aren't super easy to find so I think she's worth saving. And if you didn't think I was nuts already, the hood and valve covers have been off for years and the box is toast!

http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/d.../P1010099r.jpg

http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/d...0/P1010098.jpg

http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/d...0/P1010109.jpg

http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/d...0/P1010107.jpg

Re: 1971 K20- project just get driveable!!
 

easy slap together of a few parts :)

But like you said...off road worthly first and then road worthly..that will make it easier

Re: 1971 K20- project just get driveable!!
 

That's going to be fun to watch. Keep posting updates.
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Re: 1971 K20- project just get driveable!!
 

Thanks guys, here are some pics of a truck I'm parting out. The frame is junk and title has issues on this '72 but check out the hood, grille, steering wheel and engine. Its funny how things work out sometimes!

http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/d...0/P1010052.jpg

http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/d.../P1010060g.jpg

http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/d...0/P1010068.jpg

http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/d...0/P1010063.jpg

Re: 1971 K20- project just get driveable!!
 

Plan was to replace the locked up engine with the one in the last pic above. I did a compression test and found cylinder #3 to be dead. I then removed the valve cover and found a broken rocker. I replaced that but and that raised the compression from 5psi to 75 but thats clearly too low since the other cylinders are around 145 to 155. Do you guys think the valve could have buildup or something that is preventing a good seal? What are the odds its got bad rings, and had the rocker break? Valve is moving as much as the others so the cam still looks good. Should I run the engine more now and see what happens?

http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/d.../P1010165b.jpg

Re: 1971 K20- project just get driveable!!
 

I would run the motor with Seafoam in the gas and oil that will clean the rings and valves. I would run it 30 minutes let it cool repeat several times andtest it again. You may get a surprise when the compression comes back
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Re: 1971 K20- project just get driveable!!
 

Did the seafoam trick, ran 30 minutes, and its now about 140 psi :metal::metal::metal: Now all cylinders are 140 to 155, should be good, right?

Only thing that concerns me is the smoke in the exhaust but I think thats from the gas being old and the seafoam in there. It wasn't smoking much at startup tonight but after the seafoam got to the carb it started. Hopefully it all goes mostly away with new gas.

Re: 1971 K20- project just get driveable!!
 

Wow, 2 become one! Looks like a fun one!

Re: 1971 K20- project just get driveable!!
 

Got the cab all cleaned out and working on getting the engine ready to pull. Took a break and put a couple better tires/rims on and just set the hood and grille on. Its coming right off again but here's a preview.

http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/d...0/P1010149.jpg

I'm tempted to use these mirrors since they fit the work truck theme and match truck color. I'm thinking I'll paint the bases and framework white.

http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/d...0/P1010151.jpg

Check out the color of the bowtie on these! I suppose white instead of chrome/stainless would look more proper though.

http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/d...0/P1010150.jpg

Re: 1971 K20- project just get driveable!!
 

Well it looks like a good start.

Re: 1971 K20- project just get driveable!!
 

Glad it worked!!! The smoke is probably going to go away after it burns all the crap out... have faith..P.S. how did you get those caps over the hubs?
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Re: 1971 K20- project just get driveable!!
 

Looks like a fun build sighning up for this one......

Re: 1971 K20- project just get driveable!!
 

Hubs don't have lockouts on this one. Not sure If I'll add them or not. I may swap in the whole front axle from the rusty truck since that one has them. Also, one of the axle shafts is broken in the ochre truck. Part of me wants a simpler truck without lockouts since it may not see much road time but on the other hand, may be easier to swap the whole axle than a axle shaft and deal with the damage that may be in the pumpkin.

Although, a set of these in this color would look right at home, wouldn't they?
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/a...1&d=1166384368

Re: 1971 K20- project just get driveable!!
 

I would definately install the hubs, but if the gear ratio is the same I would probably swap the complete diff. It already has a broken axle let alone all the extra wear on the other parts because it didn't have lockouts. Everything spins all the time, just no load ya know...;) if you get the yellow lockout knobs I want the blues

Re: 1971 K20- project just get driveable!!
 

The one from the parts truck is a 4.10 as well but its so rusty, not sure I want to swap it in. The dust shields are even rusted off on that one.
Also the rust has taken out the one flange on the diff side of the u joint and the rotors are shot. I wonder if I can just buy a new axle shaft for the one in ochre truck? Here is a pic showing how its just got surface rust, not the heavy scale like the parts truck.
http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/d.../8-12-1330.jpg

Re: 1971 K20- project just get driveable!!
 

Here are some pics from this weekend. Gonna swap the trans from parts truck in since this one had mouse nest packed hard around the entire bellhousing and rusted the input shaft and throwout bearing into one mass.

http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/d.../8-12-1321.jpg

The mice and water left a nice gooey sludge that was pretty odiferous and disgusting
http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/d.../8-12-1323.jpg

This looks better here than in the truck:
http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/d.../8-12-1317.jpg

Drained 8 qts of water out of engine pan and 2 drops of oil!


Got so thirsty I drank this can of pop I found in the truck!
http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/d...20/8-12-13.jpg

....just kidding

Then pulled the one from the parts truck that will be going in. I think I will paint it quick before dropping in. The intake especially needs some paint to match the valvecovers

http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/d...0/8-12-137.jpg

Cab cleaned out, rust on floor isn't as bad as it looks, only a couple minor holes on driver side and a small area that will need patched on pass side. Biggest issue with cab is visor area rust but I think I'll fix that since cab supports are all intact except for one area on pass side. Should be good welding practice for me.
http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/d...0/8-12-134.jpg

http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/d.../8-12-1327.jpg

Re: 1971 K20- project just get driveable!!
 

Yeah, my jimmy started out like this. Look what happened there. lol

Re: 1971 K20- project just get driveable!!
 

yep, that is quite the lengthy thread now!

Re: 1971 K20- project just get driveable!!
 

I would pull the cover off the ochre trucks front diff and make sure every thing looks ok.. but I'm sure you'll be able to find an axle and outer stub some where maybe even out of the parts truck..make sure you change the seal I'm sure it got damaged with the axle flopping around like that..

Re: 1971 K20- project just get driveable!!
 

sounds good. i wonder if the axle shafts are the same in a 70 k10 drum brake D44? i have one of those to i could part out
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Re: 1971 K20- project just get driveable!!
 

I'm not sure but it would be worth looking at.

Re: 1971 K20- project just get driveable!!
 

Was planning on replacing the clutch but it looks like it doesn't have much wear so I think I will just run it. Its not like the engine is rebuilt or new.

http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/d...0/8-12-138.jpg

http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/d...0/8-12-139.jpg

http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/d.../8-12-1310.jpg

Re: 1971 K20- project just get driveable!!
 

Clutch looks good and as long as it felt good in the other truck should be fine
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Re: 1971 K20- project just get driveable!!
 

I wanna watch!

Re: 1971 K20- project just get driveable!!
 

Late to the party but I'm on board - good luck Jud!

Re: 1971 K20- project just get driveable!!
 

Thanks guys, I need some luck on this one, mainly due to the 60 day thing. I am on day 21 or so now and that means only 39 left to work on this!!

I had to go to the lake this weekend but yesterday I managed to get the donor trans pressure washed and removed from the parts truck. I then pulled the ochre one outside and scraped and powerwashed the 1 inch thick baked on covering off the t case to tranny adapter. Now I can swap the trans without getting dirt in the connections.

Did I mention the np205 looks good? It looks clean on the inside from what I can see through the fill and drain plugs. Finally caught another break on this truck.

I bought a used gearvendors from a board member and I'm trying to figure out if I should put it on this truck or my 01 HD. It wouldn't get as much use on this truck but it would really fill in the gaps of the wide ratio SM465. I could then swap it over to my nice 72K20 when I get that one done. Can't decide at this point.

Re: 1971 K20- project just get driveable!!
 

Strong work man - put the OD on the K20 so I can see what all is needed for the install :) I guess I won't see you at the MN State Fair on Friday...more Tom Thumb donuts for me.

Re: 1971 K20- project just get driveable!!
 

Pete, I don't really have spare time but I am so tempted to go there for at least cheese curds- man I love those there! Mom is in town this weekend and we will be within 20 mins looking for an GMC Acadia for her. Maybe I will take a couple wrong turns lol. You are welcome to stop out if you have time, I am only 35 mins from fairgrounds. I may have to flip a coin on the gearvendors. Perhaps I will get it running and see how strong the engine really is and then decide.

Re: 1971 K20- project just get driveable!!
 

Sounds good Jud! Will give you a heads-up if it looks like I can swing it - if it were all up to me I definitely would. Saturday on the way to Coon Rapids I hope to drop an am/fm radio off to a guy in nearby Blaine (http://www.turnswitch.com/index.htm). I've not visited MN in 10 years and have lots of family visits to squeeze in. Let me know if I can help out with any parts you need. Pete

Re: 1971 K20- project just get driveable!!
 

32 days left!

Got the first wave of parts in. I've had these airbags laying around, wonder if I could put them on the front axle to support the 900lb snowplow I may put on this K20. They're pretty large in diameter, not sure if they could be fitted.
http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/d...g/P1010204.jpg



Got the donor engine and trans all cleaned up and painted. Need to install new thowout bearing, looks like the bellhousing needs to come off to install that? Anyone know off hand for sure?
http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/d...g/P1010210.jpg

http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/d...g/P1010211.jpg

http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/d...g/P1010208.jpg

Here is the used GV unit, not sure but it may need some service? If i turn the output yoke by hand, its hard for a portion of each revolution. Still thinking about which truck to put it on

http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/d...g/P1010205.jpg

Re: 1971 K20- project just get driveable!!
 

Don't need rockers to make it driveable lol.

Looking good. Just keep plugging away at it.

Re: 1971 K20- project just get driveable!!
 

good point mike! i will give myself a grace period after day 60 for body work. goal is to just address serious rust on this one so its not embarassing to drive but just looks like a good old work truck.

broke the clip on the shifter fork ball mount. ordered one from brothers and hope they ship it quickly so i can have by sat.
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Re: 1971 K20- project just get driveable!!
 

Replacing all the brake and fuel lines. Sure is alot easier with engine out.
http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/d...0/P1010203.jpg

http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/d...0/p1010172.jpg

http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/d...0/P1010176.jpg

Only bad news is the adapter sleeve has some wear and the seal is shot in the tcase adapter as shown below:
http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/d...0/P1010205.jpg

Think I will put it back together and then put in the new sleeve when I drop the tcase to install the GV in the future. The one sleeve I've got is only 1/3 worn and the trans and t case shafts look good, so I cant complain.

No wear on tranny output
http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/d...0/P1010175.jpg

Re: 1971 K20- project just get driveable!!
 

Can I ship my next K-whatever to you for a restoration :) ?

Re: 1971 K20- project just get driveable!!
 

Sure thing Pete, as long as its a 4x4 they are all fun to me!

I was looking some this weekend for some heavier front springs and it looks like 2 or 2.5 inch springs are a little over $200 each! Seems high for some leafs, these were tough country and skyjacker i think. I've heard rough country are cheaper but don't ride good. Thinking for $400 I would be better off with air helper bags, something like this. http://www.summitracing.com/parts/fip-2451/overview/ Then I think, this is scope creep, I just need to support the plow the cheapest way possible. I wonder if any 73-87 K30 stock leafs would fit? If nothing else maybe a set of 67-72's from a truck with SPID option of heavy front suspension. THis K20 has the standard wimpy 2 leafers.

Re: 1971 K20- project just get driveable!!
 

73+ leaves wont work, they are to long.

Re: 1971 K20- project just get driveable!!
 

My '72 K10 plow truck also had the standard 2 leaf front suspension. The previous owner added a random third leaf. It carries my 8' Western plow (around 700lb) okay.

An easy but not cheap option is Timbrens: http://timbren.com/timbren-ses/

Personally if I were going to spend hundreds of dollars I'd get 2" lift springs with more capacity. My plow mounts have plenty of adjustment for a higher truck, and more ground clearance never hurts. I haven't gone here yet due to sticker shock; the '73-'91 have cheaper springs but they are too long (as ryanroo stated). I used '73-'91 plow mounts (closest available) and the 2" less from the front spring eye to axle centerline on my '72 caused some fab work.

Re: 1971 K20- project just get driveable!!
 

I was thinking about those but then figured for that price, why not get the airbag assist setup? I think i agree the way to go is to get the lift springs since it would just be the simplest. If I just put the timbrens on, it would just be squatting on them all the time. I'm thinking about the heavy duty tuff country (550 rate) 2" lift springs. This truck has heavy rear suspension so it should sit pretty level i think. Now the front is lower than the rear

Re: 1971 K20- project just get driveable!!
 

Got the engine and trans in. Need to finish bolting engine down and hook it up!

http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/d...P1010154-1.jpg

http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/d...P1010166-1.jpg

http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/d...P1010156-1.jpg

Re: 1971 K20- project just get driveable!!
 

Awesome progress! keep it up