Shucks First Build
 

Hey guys, this is my first truck build/restoration. I'm just a 17 year old kid who wants to be proud of something that hes built. The truck body will be mostly at home work and the motor will be a project in my auto tech class in school, mainly because my teacher knows a motor inside and out and my dad really never got too into that stuff. So, since that I am 17 and may not do things right, hell or even get it done, I still came here so I can get some input from you fellas!
Heres what I got goin on...
The truck was free, its a 1979 Chevy 2wd reg cab Stepside with 75,000 original miles with no motor and transmission. The truck is a 2 owner pickup and sat for a long time. But this truck will get me experience with all the bushings, cab mounts, welding panels, motor and trans installation which I already know the basics... just about everything I want to know.
http://imageshack.us/a/img802/716/zl9h.jpg
:whine:
http://imageshack.us/a/img29/9409/dxwu.jpg
http://imageshack.us/a/img27/9577/40qp.jpg
http://imageshack.us/a/img7/6660/9lr6.jpg
http://imageshack.us/a/img826/7950/57iq.jpg
http://imageshack.us/a/img844/9343/ew3f.jpg
http://imageshack.us/a/img577/8489/94hb.jpg
Todays first process.
http://img845.imageshack.us/img845/8080/oeja.jpg
http://imageshack.us/a/img27/6986/y723.jpg
Hopefully sandblast the frame before it gets too chilly. If you wonder why I'm starting the frame clean up now, its because I dont have a motor and tranny to work around, so Ill clean the frame in sections, rear first, then the front last. I really want to take the cab off but I'm not sure how to without a cherry picker..
http://imageshack.us/a/img801/1463/s3wx.jpg
My free 1978 4 bolt 350 and free motor stand. Motor runs but needs rebuilt, Main bearings are probably shot. Its my school project.
http://imageshack.us/a/img19/5345/dmu7.jpg
Also came with free shorties!
http://imageshack.us/a/img833/7958/g7ni.jpg
I know I have a handful of stuff to do and its gonna be a slow process. I have a good paying job at John Deere so I dont plan on running out of cash, unless I get fired and Im trying to stop chasing girls around so I dont have to pay for movie tickets :lol::lol:
So far I havent payed for anything! So I cant complain too much at this point...

Re: Shucks First Build
 

going to drop or raise the truck?

Re: Shucks First Build
 

Here's how I want my stance.
http://img4.imageshack.us/img4/3227/e572.jpg

Re: Shucks First Build
 

im guessing a 3/5 drop?
edit:4/6 lol

Re: Shucks First Build
 

Sweet truck man. Got to love '79s. Almost done preparing for my motor build. Should be ready to yank it out in the next 1-2 weeks.

Re: Shucks First Build
 

The 4/6 stance is what I'm looking at! Haven't gotten too serious on my search yet, still looking for the right one, All I know is, I just want to go as low as I can without having to run bags. Cant afford those...

Re: Shucks First Build
 

you can go as low as you want without bags just that you wont be able get back up :D there's a guy in houston 7/10 with no bags lol
i second the 4/6 though nice stance

Re: Shucks First Build
 

That is insane...

Re: Shucks First Build
 

Well I started the tear down in class today. So far everything looks pretty decent. Teacher was impressed that this motor was free for how clean it is...
http://imageshack.us/a/img22/864/p3tq.jpg
Not too bad, the crap sitting inside came from the intake when I pulled it off.
http://imageshack.us/a/img203/5826/0y8i.jpg
Rockers dont look too nasty.
http://imageshack.us/a/img59/9818/0x8o.jpg
This is basically the only 2 pistons covered in carbon, its been burning some oil.
http://imageshack.us/a/img191/6447/9bi4.jpg
http://imageshack.us/a/img571/5300/dpio.jpg
http://imageshack.us/a/img59/4279/w4jr.jpg
Cylinders are actually pretty good, the ones covered in carbon have smooth walls also.
Don't mind the coolant coming from the holes, I flipped it over just a little to fast and didn't realize there was still coolant in the motor, the oil was drained so I figured the guy I bought it from got that out as well.. Oh well, I'm just too anxious to get it done...
Now, the washer/bearing thing not sure what its called, that sits between the nut and the rocker would get stuck about 3/4 of the way up the stud. This happened to 2 of the rockers and they both were the ones that were on top of the carbon covered piston. Does that mean anything at all?

Re: Shucks First Build
 

Got a sweet looking project there man going to look sharp!! Good luck!!

Re: Shucks First Build
 

So today I learned why the motor was free...
Started tearing into the block.
http://imageshack.us/a/img23/8580/un4t.jpg
My 3rd cylinder had a spun bearing.
http://imageshack.us/a/img543/958/6ycu.jpg
http://imageshack.us/a/img543/1984/cz19.jpg
http://imageshack.us/a/img812/2540/gzok.jpg
This is why I hate that its winter and I dont have a place to work on the truck. Its already dark by the time I head home...
http://imageshack.us/a/img132/318/s3c6.jpg
Anyway.. I'm probably getting a new crank just because it cut so deep. Anyone have a recommended cheap and solid crank?

Re: Shucks First Build
 

no but..............i figured that speedo would be at higher number than that lol. you should paint like it is when you get done.

Re: Shucks First Build
 

another local will lurk

Re: Shucks First Build
 

Tiny update
Block is now bare and fresh from the washer... Going to the machine shop Monday for new cam bearings, rods and a head job. :metal:
http://imageshack.us/a/img600/568/76ma.jpg
http://imageshack.us/a/img196/3604/26ve.jpg
My poor sandblasting job with the schools blaster. My frame will turn out better...
http://imageshack.us/a/img41/5720/02ie.jpg
http://img163.imageshack.us/img163/3033/b9k9.jpg
hopefully invest in some billet pulleys in the future. This'll do for now!
And this is basically as much work as I can do out in this insanely cold weather, and I even dressed like poor Randy on The Christmas Story :lol:
http://img14.imageshack.us/img14/478/3h60.jpg

Re: Shucks First Build
 

Yall get hit by that winter storm weather? By the time it hit the east coast, all the excitement was virginia and up. Getting work done on my '79

Re: Shucks First Build
 

Well it was intended to hit us but just disappeared when it got to my city... A lot of Kansas got hit but not me.
Your 79 is looking good, I peak into that build every now and then.

Re: Shucks First Build
 

Thanks, Its going to get interesting here soon. Can't wait to see the route your going with this one. Love stepsides.

Re: Shucks First Build
 

First of all, your truck looks like a good starting point for you. It will be a great learning experience for you and something that you will enjoy and hat at the same time. LOL.

Most likely it really only means that those 2 cylinders where using oil and it was just some build up on the threads/stud that kept the pivot ball from coming off easily. I had a few before that needed a little effort to get off, but no real damage to the engine.


Enjoy it! I'm guessing your a Junior in HS, so do you plan to have it "finished" for your Senior Year?

Re: Shucks First Build
 

I got the rockers off, just sanded a tad on the studs, just to get the crap off.

I'm a junior correct, I'd love to have it driving and have a decent look to it by my senior year. But I kinda ran across some crappy news at the machine shop today...
Heads are cracked, both in the same spot. The block is okay just needs bored to a 355. But the whole machining process kinda blew my wallet to pieces.
$715 machine cost. Didn't expect the cost to be that high.
Is it worth it? Or should I be going a different route on a motor?

Re: Shucks First Build
 

How much are you trying to spend on this motor? I'm assuming youll want to do a mild build so you can get it running for next year? I'm trying to keep my 305 build at 1k-1500 bucks. I'd try to get some junkyard heads in good condition if you can. Getting new heads will cost more $$

Re: Shucks First Build
 

I have 1200 set aside. But I'm not sure how I can keep that budget... I already bought a $180 crank and bearings. I need new pistons and rings/ freeze plugs/ camshaft and heads. I got a free single plane Edelbrock Torker II intake and a brand new free starter yesterday too... kinda a plus on my downfall right now.
Still, should I go back to the machine shop tomorrow with 700? Or would it be smarter to just find a new motor? I want to build the motor is the problem right now. I want to learn this stuff.

Re: Shucks First Build
 

Either way, a used motor is going to need machining if you want to know 100% its reliable. You can get a rebuilt motor from a shop for about $850-$950 with a core but it takes all the fun out of it. Here, heads cost around $150 for both to be machined not including the price to buy.

For my situation, If my block is so scored that it cant be just honed out and would have to be bored im going to look for another motor. I want to keep the same pistons if I can so I can save money. Once you start boring and having to get new pistons price go up and then your stuck here thinking "I might as well just build it like crazy since im going this far" and then at the blink of an eye you have $3500 in a build.

Just keep asking yourself what your trying to do with this motor and build accordingly.

Re: Shucks First Build
 

You can shoot me a pm anytime if you need help or have questions

Re: Shucks First Build
 

I decided to go ahead and do the $700 considering that I have gotten a lot for free, this I feel would even itself out, like you said Bomber, even if I had gotten a completed motor I'd still tear it down to check and see and probably end up spending more money. I could even get a new motor but I wouldn't have my performance camshaft or intakes and all the goodies so my budget will probably rise but I'll work over the winter for the truck body parts that way I can get my butt outside in the warmer temperatures and get something done on the truck and be inside working on a motor during the winter.

Re: Shucks First Build
 

Is that $700 just for cleaning, bore, cam bearings and freeze plug installation?

That is too much.

Now if that includes Pistons, Rod rework and pistons hung on rods...not bad.

Re: Shucks First Build
 

Jet wash
Cam bearings.
Freeze plugs
Deck
Block prep
Press pistons
Reconditioning rods
Balance.
This adds up to the 700

Re: Shucks First Build
 

I assume they are supplying the pistons? Balance job and decking included so, not a bad price at all.

Now is the time to figure what heads(combustion chamber size)you will be using so to get the correct style piston.

If you plan on going with a large chamber head(72-76cc) go with flat tops.

Have your machinist take .020 off the block deck while squaring it up at the same time. You want to keep your piston to head clearance less than .050, preferably .040.

Ask him if he uses a torque plate during the boring/honing process.

Re: Shucks First Build
 

Here is a good piston choice on a budget.

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/sl...make/chevrolet

Re: Shucks First Build
 

Unfortunately both of my heads ended up being cracked, but my cousin gave me a set of free heads that'll work.
Well just got everything ordered and was sent to the machine shop. Crank/ Pistons/ rod bolts/ camshaft/ cam bearings/ freeze plugs... shouldn't be too much longer since the blocks been at the shop for about a week.
The crank was delivered to me instead of the machine shop,
http://imageshack.us/a/img703/3808/vzxs.jpg
Another freebie was this Edelbrock Torker II single plane intake. And that's the completed painted saved parts. The red on the timing color will be the color for the motor.
http://imageshack.us/a/img823/6070/eux5.jpg
My 600 Holey came in today.
http://imageshack.us/a/img534/9984/8uft.jpg
http://imageshack.us/a/img826/9105/jgtr.jpg

Re: Shucks First Build
 

Comp XE256 cam
http://imageshack.us/a/img132/1430/ithh.jpg
Rollers
http://imageshack.us/a/img600/7040/38za.jpg
And my project when I can't do anything with my truck for awhile.
http://imageshack.us/a/img842/9296/chvj.jpg
http://imageshack.us/a/img29/3122/c5k6.jpg
http://img855.imageshack.us/img855/6199/1qcx.jpg
:metal:

Re: Shucks First Build
 

:dohh: If only I had THAT growing up...:metal::devil::uhmk:

Re: Shucks First Build
 

Well here's the one my cousin and I had done awhile back. This one was way too narrow and was basically too scary to drive... But I did anyway :devil:
http://imageshack.us/a/img580/213/dsc0053kt.jpg

Re: Shucks First Build
 

Okay I really don't have an update other than my motor is back from the machine shop. But I have more of a question.
My question is, in what steps should I do the body and frame? I get focused on suspension parts then I remember I have rust I need to patch up on the cab, then I worry about body work. Then I get focused on what to paint the frame with then I remember I haven't done anything about the suspension, ect.... Should I patch the rust then remove the cab to be ready for paint? Or should I be worried about getting the truck driving and safe on the road first? I just want some advice is all.

Re: Shucks First Build
 

If i were you i'd get a dual plane intake instead.. Do some research on dual vs single plane intakes. Single is good for the drag strip at higher rpms not so much on the lower end of things on the street.

Re: Shucks First Build
 

I found a shortbed for sale for $500. Are these a direct replacement for a Stepside or does some work need to be done? Also is this a good price? Because not often do you come across shortbeds separate from the truck in good shape. No rust, and is in primer because the guy has done patch work to the bed. I really want to know because I'd like to ditch the stepside.

Re: Shucks First Build
 

Haven't done it myself but shouldn't be too hard. Might need to move the gas tank and install a harness for the taillights among other things.

Re: Shucks First Build
 

Nice project, good work so far.

If I were you, I would do the following...

Finish them engine rebuild, get the truck running and driving. Inspect/rebuild the suspension (perhaps drop it at this time), cheap tires/wheels, clean up the interior...and drive it!

I would put the body back together, and keep it a stepside. Enjoy it for a while, then start doing bodywork as you drive it.

Start tearing it apart, and you will likely have it apart for a while, because restos can gt expensive quick....plus you have school to contend with, which is more important.

Re: Shucks First Build
 

You're right. After I posted that and sat and waited I thought of the exact same thing. I get caught up in looking at guys trucks on the forum all torn apart and once its done, they drive it for the first time after a few years...
Thanks for the reply.
The motor is going back together right now (super excited), I found a 700r4 to bolt up to it and then I need to find a new ignition, I bought it without keys...

Re: Shucks First Build
 

A lock cylinder with keys shouldn't be much more that 20.00. It's not that difficult to install.

Re: Shucks First Build
 

Bigblock73 is right. When I was 16 I bought a 79 K5 (which started my square body addiction) and I started tearing into anything and everything. I got so caught up in doing multiple projects that it just sat for a while and I lost interest. I learned from my mistakes and am a lot more calculated in the projects that I do. I'm still learning myself after all these years. Make sure you have fun with it and enjoy every bit of it.