1981 K10 project
 

Hey guys, I've been on the board for awhile but mostly in the 60-66 section working on my '65 GMC LS swap. Last weekend I picked up another project, this 1981 one owner Scottsdale, 305, automatic, a/c, crank windows. The guy passed away a few years ago and the truck just sat, luckily not under a tree. It has very little rust and is all there. I'll post more as I get it running and driving. My goal is to just get it running by fixing or replacing some wear items, no LS swap for this one.

Re: 1981 K10 project
 

nice looking truck my firs full resto was an 82 good luck with all this ill be keeping an eye on your build

Re: 1981 K10 project
 

Thanks Bob

Re: 1981 K10 project
 

Looks like a nice original truck! Great start, I have a 81 k10 scottsdale as well.

Re: 1981 K10 project
 

Thanks Matt, I have been following your build as well

Re: 1981 K10 project
 

Nice looking truck don't see very many with that Original Black Trim & Single Headlamps.
Very nice find.

Re: 1981 K10 project
 

Oh P.s If you where in Michigan I'd sell you an SBC 350 for it! haha, Already have a Pre-built one in my LeMans with a TH400. haha.

Re: 1981 K10 project
 

Yeah, except for some minor bits and pieces that somebody has messed with over the years the truck is all original. 199xxx miles on the clock. There had to be a reason it was parked, and I think I found out what....... Trans is slipping pretty bad :hh:

Re: 1981 K10 project
 

Nice Orig 152K on mine. I think the Diesel was swapped out sometime around there.

Re: 1981 K10 project
 

New tires installed. 31 x 10.5-15 on the stock 8" wheels. I also received my Cherokee steering shaft yesterday. Threw it in the tumbler over night and then melted away the plastic this morning. Putting some paint on it now. The truck is at the transmission shop now so when it comes back we'll install it.

Re: 1981 K10 project
 

Truck is looking good!:metal:

Re: 1981 K10 project
 

Thanks Dave. I watched your video of you detailing Goldy. That's my next project

Re: 1981 K10 project
 

I forgot to mention I replaced the stock iron manifold due to some "minor" EGR issues. LOL

Also replaced the Q-jet with a 600 Holley. Eventually it will get a Sniper EFI if I don't go the LS route

Re: 1981 K10 project
 

I guess oil changes were not high on the previous owner(s) list? Loving the progress my original engine was in bad shape when I bought it. Had flat cam lobes and trashed cylinder walls. Too bad it was not salvageable as it was date coded correctly to the engine my truck would have came with.

Than again its hard to believe that my truck and yours will be 40 years old in 2021 lol.

Re: 1981 K10 project
 

I think the EGR failure makes it look worse than it was. Once I cleaned all the carbon deposits out the valley looked pretty decent. The truck does show 199,000 miles on the clock so it's no spring chicken but I hope it still has some life in it.

I still think 1985 was just a few years ago. lol Hell the computer scare of 2000 was almost 20 years ago.

Re: 1981 K10 project
 

Nice truck!, Looking forward to your progress.

Re: 1981 K10 project
 

Good solid looking truck! Seems like SWB 4x4’s are getting harder to find. I just bought an XJ steering shaft also. I may get around to putting it on tomorrow.

Re: 1981 K10 project
 

Thanks guys. I stopped by the transmission shop, looks like the truck will be ready Tuesday.... Can't wait.

On a side note, after watching all of Dave's "whitels1" videos I can't help but contemplate putting the 5.3 I have in the K.

Re: 1981 K10 project
 

Looks like my first truck 1981 Scottsdale!!!

Re: 1981 K10 project
 

Wow, looks exactly like it. I grew up in Palm Beach co. and did a lot of 4 wheeling up at the Okeechobee mudflats every Sunday. I would say from about 1979-1983 we were out there..

Re: 1981 K10 project
 

Hello. Small world as they say. Where were the Okeechobee mud flats? Was it 3 wheelers?? We took hunting buggies to Viking/ Prarie area and in southern st Lucie county area called Becker mud hole.

Re: 1981 K10 project
 

The mud flats were basically Okeechobee Blvd (north side) and 441 area. Trucks, 3 wheelers, dirt bikes.. It was a free for all, got a bit crazy sometimes

Re: 1981 K10 project
 

got a couple more projects knocked out this weekend. The right caliper was sticking so i bought some new calipers and pads when i picked up my manual hubs. While i was there i installed some stainless braided hoses that are 6" longer in preparation for the lift kit.

Re: 1981 K10 project
 

How much lift are you going to put on it? I need a stock steering arm for when I drop my truck down to a 2" lift eventually lol. If you are willing to sell it let me know.

Re: 1981 K10 project
 

Matt, not sure yet. Most likely around 4" as I want to do the shackle flip on the back (which is typically 4" of lift) and i hear tuff country springs for the front because they ride decent. I'll let you know when I pull that trigger.

Re: 1981 K10 project
 

The 4" lift is good on these trucks as the raised steering arm is at stock levels so it drives really good. One thing you should also install is Off Road Designs sway bar relocation kit it made a huge difference in ride on mine as well as their steering box bolt in brace. I have the rancho springs which are typically stiffer as well.

Re: 1981 K10 project
 

Thanks for the tips.. I do plan on the steering box brace and was even considering their cross steer set up.