The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network







Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.

Go Back   The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network > 47 - Current classic GM Trucks > The 1973 - 1987 Chevrolet & GMC Squarebody Pickups Message Board > Squarebody Projects and Builds

Web 67-72chevytrucks.com


Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 12-01-2013, 07:35 PM   #1
Shucks
Registered User
 
Shucks's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: Lawrence Kansas
Posts: 229
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.








Todays first process.


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..

My free 1978 4 bolt 350 and free motor stand. Motor runs but needs rebuilt, Main bearings are probably shot. Its my school project.

Also came with free shorties!

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
So far I havent payed for anything! So I cant complain too much at this point...

Last edited by Shucks; 12-01-2013 at 07:46 PM.
Shucks is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-01-2013, 07:53 PM   #2
muffintop
Registered User
 
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: sedro woolley, washington
Posts: 71
Re: Shucks First Build

going to drop or raise the truck?
muffintop is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-01-2013, 07:57 PM   #3
Shucks
Registered User
 
Shucks's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: Lawrence Kansas
Posts: 229
Re: Shucks First Build

Here's how I want my stance.
Shucks is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-01-2013, 08:10 PM   #4
StarDust
Registered User
 
StarDust's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Houston Tx
Posts: 218
Re: Shucks First Build

Quote:
Originally Posted by Shucks View Post
Here's how I want my stance.
im guessing a 3/5 drop?
edit:4/6 lol
StarDust is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-01-2013, 08:25 PM   #5
TheBlueBomber
Registered User
 
TheBlueBomber's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Cary, NC
Posts: 816
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.
__________________
Austin
1996 Chevrolet K1500 Silverado

1979 Chevrolet K10 Scottsdale - Carolina K10 -

My 4.8L Twin turbo build - Project Short Stroke -

Instagram - TheBlueBomber1996
TheBlueBomber is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-01-2013, 08:59 PM   #6
Shucks
Registered User
 
Shucks's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: Lawrence Kansas
Posts: 229
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...
Shucks is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-01-2013, 11:12 PM   #7
StarDust
Registered User
 
StarDust's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Houston Tx
Posts: 218
Re: Shucks First Build

Quote:
Originally Posted by Shucks View Post
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...
you can go as low as you want without bags just that you wont be able get back up there's a guy in houston 7/10 with no bags lol
i second the 4/6 though nice stance
StarDust is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-02-2013, 12:07 AM   #8
TheBlueBomber
Registered User
 
TheBlueBomber's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Cary, NC
Posts: 816
Re: Shucks First Build

Quote:
Originally Posted by StarDust View Post
there's a guy in houston 7/10 with no bags
That is insane...
__________________
Austin
1996 Chevrolet K1500 Silverado

1979 Chevrolet K10 Scottsdale - Carolina K10 -

My 4.8L Twin turbo build - Project Short Stroke -

Instagram - TheBlueBomber1996
TheBlueBomber is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-02-2013, 07:57 PM   #9
Shucks
Registered User
 
Shucks's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: Lawrence Kansas
Posts: 229
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...

Not too bad, the crap sitting inside came from the intake when I pulled it off.

Rockers dont look too nasty.

This is basically the only 2 pistons covered in carbon, its been burning some oil.



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?

Last edited by Shucks; 12-02-2013 at 08:04 PM.
Shucks is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-02-2013, 10:38 PM   #10
77ChevySharkBite
Registered User
 
77ChevySharkBite's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Houston, Texas
Posts: 2,475
Re: Shucks First Build

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

77 C10 Silverado Sharkbite LWB Build
67 Chevy C10 Frame Off
06 Dodge Magnum 2.7v6 aka swag wag!
2010 Honda Accord 2.4I4 DD aka Liquid Metal
77ChevySharkBite is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-03-2013, 08:07 PM   #11
Shucks
Registered User
 
Shucks's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: Lawrence Kansas
Posts: 229
Re: Shucks First Build

So today I learned why the motor was free...
Started tearing into the block.

My 3rd cylinder had a spun bearing.



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...

Anyway.. I'm probably getting a new crank just because it cut so deep. Anyone have a recommended cheap and solid crank?
Shucks is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-03-2013, 11:58 PM   #12
nekkidhillbilly
Registered User
 
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: hazard, ky
Posts: 1,674
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.
__________________
2004 2500 hd dmax cc 4x4
2008 saturn aura xr
1966 buick gran sport
1984 k20
nekkidhillbilly is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-04-2013, 10:30 AM   #13
truckfan
Senior Member
 
truckfan's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Lawrence KS
Posts: 821
Re: Shucks First Build

another local will lurk
__________________
1981 Chevy C30 440 Holmes 42K one owner miles
truckfan is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-07-2013, 06:20 PM   #14
Shucks
Registered User
 
Shucks's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: Lawrence Kansas
Posts: 229
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.


My poor sandblasting job with the schools blaster. My frame will turn out better...


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
Shucks is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-09-2013, 02:37 PM   #15
TheBlueBomber
Registered User
 
TheBlueBomber's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Cary, NC
Posts: 816
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
__________________
Austin
1996 Chevrolet K1500 Silverado

1979 Chevrolet K10 Scottsdale - Carolina K10 -

My 4.8L Twin turbo build - Project Short Stroke -

Instagram - TheBlueBomber1996
TheBlueBomber is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-09-2013, 03:13 PM   #16
Shucks
Registered User
 
Shucks's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: Lawrence Kansas
Posts: 229
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.
Shucks is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-09-2013, 04:53 PM   #17
TheBlueBomber
Registered User
 
TheBlueBomber's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Cary, NC
Posts: 816
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.
__________________
Austin
1996 Chevrolet K1500 Silverado

1979 Chevrolet K10 Scottsdale - Carolina K10 -

My 4.8L Twin turbo build - Project Short Stroke -

Instagram - TheBlueBomber1996
TheBlueBomber is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-09-2013, 05:38 PM   #18
aggie91
I'm just glad to be here!
 
aggie91's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Longview, TX
Posts: 4,788
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.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Shucks View Post
...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?
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?
__________________
Karl



1965 Chevy Stepside(Grandpa's Old Blue) and (July 2015 Shop Build!)(2020, the Saga Continues)
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=372424

The LST Challenge:
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=1#post7812257

Korbin's 1st Square: "Sunburn"
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=418618

1985 GMC Sierra: "White Trash", Korbin's 2nd now...
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=632305

Henry - 1984 Chevrolet, Owen's 1st Square
aggie91 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-09-2013, 08:09 PM   #19
Shucks
Registered User
 
Shucks's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: Lawrence Kansas
Posts: 229
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?
Shucks is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-09-2013, 08:34 PM   #20
TheBlueBomber
Registered User
 
TheBlueBomber's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Cary, NC
Posts: 816
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 $$
__________________
Austin
1996 Chevrolet K1500 Silverado

1979 Chevrolet K10 Scottsdale - Carolina K10 -

My 4.8L Twin turbo build - Project Short Stroke -

Instagram - TheBlueBomber1996
TheBlueBomber is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-09-2013, 08:52 PM   #21
Shucks
Registered User
 
Shucks's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: Lawrence Kansas
Posts: 229
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.
Shucks is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-09-2013, 10:22 PM   #22
TheBlueBomber
Registered User
 
TheBlueBomber's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Cary, NC
Posts: 816
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.
__________________
Austin
1996 Chevrolet K1500 Silverado

1979 Chevrolet K10 Scottsdale - Carolina K10 -

My 4.8L Twin turbo build - Project Short Stroke -

Instagram - TheBlueBomber1996
TheBlueBomber is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-09-2013, 10:23 PM   #23
TheBlueBomber
Registered User
 
TheBlueBomber's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Cary, NC
Posts: 816
Re: Shucks First Build

You can shoot me a pm anytime if you need help or have questions
__________________
Austin
1996 Chevrolet K1500 Silverado

1979 Chevrolet K10 Scottsdale - Carolina K10 -

My 4.8L Twin turbo build - Project Short Stroke -

Instagram - TheBlueBomber1996
TheBlueBomber is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-10-2013, 12:15 AM   #24
Shucks
Registered User
 
Shucks's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: Lawrence Kansas
Posts: 229
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.
Shucks is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-10-2013, 08:52 AM   #25
Jake Wade
Registered User
 
Jake Wade's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Louisiana
Posts: 711
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.
Jake Wade is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Bookmarks

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump


All times are GMT -4. The time now is 09:53 PM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
Copyright 1997-2022 67-72chevytrucks.com