Gotta tell someone

[tim71]

I'm restoring (maybe a thorough refurbishing is a better description) a 71 GMC K1500. You ever hit a milestone in your work that just makes you feel good and excited? I did today, I fired up my newly rebuilt engine. I only let it run thru 3-4 float bowls of fuel as the fuel system and cooling systems aren't there. I mostly wanted to see if I had the static timing close. When it started and ran good, it put a smile on my face that's still there. It had approx. 3' of exhaust pipe, and the sound was beautiful. Sometimes you just have to shout out to people who appreciate the things that you do !

[dave`12]

Nice work. I remember how great I felt when my engine roared to life for the first time after so many issues getting it together and in the truck, so I know exactly how you feel.

I can still see my friend as he gave me the "high five" when it started and we both had the same smile you do.

Enjoy.

[davepl]

Congrats!

One word of caution, though: if it's a newly rebuilt engine with a flat tappet cam, don't let it idle. You need to get the RPMs up to 1500-2500 quickly in order to get the splash lubrication going so that you don't wipe a lobe.

I know nothing about your motor, so just throwing it out there in case you didn't think of it! I used to crank-prime my engines but learned that's a bad idea with a flat tappet cam. In fact on the dyno if they can't get it to fire in a few revolutions with the starter they begin to worry!

[tim71]

davepl, thanks for the advice. Fortunately, it did run mostly at higher rpm, but there was some cranking when I couldn't tell if the carb needed some more fuel. Next time it runs it will have fuel lines and cooling systems operational. That may down the road a bit however.

[72 tigger]

So, that's what that noise was today Congrats

[zicc1835]

Very nice ....congrats. I'll get there and let you know when I do just like u did

[tim71]

Thanks for the comments. I recently retired and it's just me and my wife at home. My wife is supportive but does not have a passion or real interest about the hobby. I've done all the work on the truck by my self. A second pair of hands would have come in handy a couple of times. That's OK, I have no complaints, I have a blast in my garage. It just fun to share a milestone event with people who have some of the same interests as me.

[jessemthompson]

The first time you turn over a newly built engine is as much nerve racking as it is exciting. No matter how many times you do it, you get the same feeling. Congratulations! I know it feels great. I try to share the enthusiasm with my wife and for some strange reason she doesn't get as excited as I do lol.

[outfield]

Thanks for sharing your milestone! Keep up the good work, and keep sharing your milestones!

[MYGMCANDME]

Congratulations Tim! I know how you feel. I felt the same way when I first fired the engine in my '68 last summer. It is exhilarating. Your engine looks great too! Keep up the good work and keep having fun.

Jon

[LongBox]

From the pictures, it looks like real nice work you're doing. Congrats on the firing of the engine.

Now get back to work, you hear?

[midniteblues]

If you think that was exciting just wait till your first ride.

Congrats on your milestone.

[special-K]

That has to help motivate you better to the finish

[engineer_gregh]

Looks great! Congrats on firing it up. Looking forward to seeing it finished.

[Sklptrljay]

Awesome! My very first engine was a 350 me and my brother built. It had a (at the time) sweet pair of 2.02 camel humps. It was in my '69 Camaro. I was grinning like a split watermelon when it fired up that first time.

I think our trucks might be related. I have a '72 GMC K1500

[dirish]

Very nice work! Looks great. I am going to get go for a break in run Monday if weather allows. New crate 350, new transfer case, and rebuilt th350. So excited I can't stand it. Spring is coming fast.

[Oregon 1967 GMC]

Right on Tim. I'm celebrating a milestone as well. I just finished front drum to disc and new suspension (CPP) the last step was putting in those pre-bent CPP brake lines and I did my fair amount of cussing...fortunately retired as well and was just having a blast in garage by myself, you know the deal.

[72 tigger]

How's your GMC coming? Almost done? Looking forward to more pics

[tim71]

Build is basically done, fighting a couple lingering issues with engine and brakes. With weather and working some extra hours at work it's been hard to spend much time on truck. Truck is mostly back to original, with a few exceptions that I couldn't resist. Here are a few pictures...

[Indyspecracer]

Great looking truck, neighbor!

[FirstOwner69]

That looks superb in all respects!!!! Great feeling isn't it?

Jim

[Jcfcamaro]

Looks great. What color did you paint the transfer case?

[toolboxchev]

Very Nice Factory Work! I love em when they shine in their original grandiosity.

Hows that for a big word!

[dansweekendtruck]

Great truck!

Are the white inner door panels the stock look?
Posted via Mobile Device

[rustytruck50]

Originally Posted by midniteblues

If you think that was exciting just wait till your first ride.

Congrats on your milestone.

Exactly!!
Looks great so far!!