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81 Chevy K10 ShortBed
Well looks like I am back in a square finally! I sold my lowered c30 back in 2011 and regretted it ever since. I am not usually a 4x4 guy, but I have always wanted a 4x4 square. My father found this truck for me, I saw the truck and passed on it becuase it was so cheap I thought there was something wrong with it. So I emailed the guy and he sent me more pictures, went and saw it and bought it, here is where the nightmare begins.
So when I bought the truck the previous owner told me the motor was "rebuilt" I did not believe this because it seemed like it was running on less than 8 cylinders and was backfiring through the carb... I drove it home in the pouring rain with hardly any brakes, no registration, windshield wipers barely working, and a motor that wouldn't stay running. Drove it home 40 miles parked it in my driveway thinking "Why did I buy this thing!?!". Granted for my area, what I paid for this truck was very good. So I got the truck home and did a complete tuneup, still runs like crap and backfiring through the carb...great I need to smog this thing! So I took the valve covers off and next thing I know this "rebuilt" 350 has a flat cam on number 8 cylinder. So before I bought a cam I did a compression check and got 160+ on all cylinders but 3,5. Those cylinders were at 35 holy poo something is wrong here. Time for a crate motor... Here is the first picture I took of it: http://i392.photobucket.com/albums/p...408_091414.jpg Crusty interior: http://i392.photobucket.com/albums/p...408_120805.jpg Nice job on the carpet install... http://i392.photobucket.com/albums/p...408_123140.jpg spec sheet: http://i392.photobucket.com/albums/p...408_122203.jpg Inside of bed: http://i392.photobucket.com/albums/p...408_121017.jpg Some rust:This is a picture of the passenger side cab corner. There is some rust around the windshield as well as the right side inner fender, and 2 small holes on the floor. Overall its in really good shape body wise, paint it decent for a DD. http://i392.photobucket.com/albums/p...408_125552.jpg Don't expect a frame off build here, just building a daily driver that will see hardly any offroading, just snow in the winter. |
Re: 81 Chevy K10 ShortBed
So here I am with a truck with a bad motor, and need to smog it to register the vehicle. Now this is where it gets interesting, since the truck was in storage since 2005, the previous owner put the registration on non-op, so I had to get the motor in asap, and smogged, great I hope the catalytic converter is OK!
Here are some pictures of the motor and core support before tear down! hmm look at that smog 350! Gotta love California... http://i392.photobucket.com/albums/p...408_120742.jpg http://i392.photobucket.com/albums/p...408_120732.jpg http://i392.photobucket.com/albums/p...408_120722.jpg I pulled the front core support to get the motor out, here are pictures of me and my dad pulling the motor, I have never done a motor swap before, and its been 30 years for my dad so we took our time. Overall it was pretty easy because we were replacing a 350 with another 350. Hood needs to come off: http://i392.photobucket.com/albums/p...418_093832.jpg Motor coming out: http://i392.photobucket.com/albums/p...418_134154.jpg Motor is finally out! Hm look at all that dirt and grime... http://i392.photobucket.com/albums/p...419_090019.jpg Here is the crappy motor on the stand ready to be stripped: http://i392.photobucket.com/albums/p...418_173310.jpg So this is when I ordered my crate motor drum roll! Sorry guys it's just a simple goodwrench 350 from summit 1500$ shipped to my garage, gotta be able to smog this truck still :waah: I would have loved to put a 5.3 in it, but my pockets are not that deep considering I am a full time student right now. So the GoodWrench 350 will be good for now. http://i392.photobucket.com/albums/p...420_142446.jpg |
Re: 81 Chevy K10 ShortBed
So I ordered a whole bunch of parts, I knew this part was going to snowball on me. Ordered a new radiator, water pump, motor mounts, heater core, radiator hoses, heater hoses, new EGR, new air injection for passenger side. Probably forgot some things...I also painted the frame and undercoated the firewall again, since the previous owner did a half ass job doing it.
Motor going in: http://i392.photobucket.com/albums/p...425_130959.jpg http://i392.photobucket.com/albums/p...425_131012.jpg Its In! http://i392.photobucket.com/albums/p...426_191625.jpg http://i392.photobucket.com/albums/p...426_191635.jpg Took the passenger side fender off to get better access to heater core: http://i392.photobucket.com/albums/p...425_114505.jpg Some more rust on the inner fender....:smoke: http://i392.photobucket.com/albums/p...425_114529.jpg So I got the new motor in running good, broke in the cam. Truck runs really good. Drove it for 60 miles took it to the smog and it failed the NOX over 2000 ppm also I must have bumped the distributor because the timing was at 18 btdc, California allows between + - 3 degrees, so I put the timing at 8 took it in for a 2nd test and it failed the 25mph test by 80ppm...poo. Extremely frustrated that I put this new motor in and out of money, I triple checked all the vacuum lines and it turns out I had the EGR hooked up wrong so it wasn't working. Took it to the smog station and it passed!! :metal: So I rushed over to AAA and got my tags and drove it around "legally" for the first time. My windshield is still cracked but at least I have registration. Next up is the brakes.... |
Re: 81 Chevy K10 ShortBed
So I finally sold my honda, yay I have money to spend on the truck! So I redid the drum brakes including new drums, because the level of craftsmanship was superior whoever did the drum brakes before left one of the tabs above the brake shoe on the inside and it grooved the poo out of the drums....
Never done drum brakes before so my pops helped me out! http://i392.photobucket.com/albums/p...523_161602.jpg and my new drums these things are pricey! http://i392.photobucket.com/albums/p...523_161607.jpg Also serived the rear differential, now if you looked at my spec sheet earlier, you may have noticed I had the G80 locking differential, well when I took the cover off, the G80 was not there. Thats Ok I kind of figured it wouldn't have lasted 34 years anyway. But there are 3.08 gears in there which is good. http://i392.photobucket.com/albums/p...523_161625.jpg I also cleaned up all my wheels steel wool and aluminum polish go a long way, also did the bumpers and buffed the paint turned out really good. I will get some pictures of the exterior when I get a chance. http://i392.photobucket.com/albums/p...522_125107.jpg I also replaced the front brake pads, didn't get a picture but the rotors are in good shape. My wheel bearings are loose so I'm going to borrow the socket from my uncle and tighten them up this weekend. I checked all the balljoints and tie rods and they are nice and tight. I ordered a whole bunch of interior parts, tires, cab mounts, sway bar bushings, and a new steering stabilizer. Also I think my pops kept convincing me to buy this truck because he had a 91 k5 blazer, same color just had blue interior, anyway I was brought home from the hospital in that truck. My father had it for about 6 months before some people stole it, they recovered it but sold it quickly after as he said it just wasn't the same after he got it back. This truck reminds him of his blazer and his memories that he had from it, so we both enjoy working on it. |
Re: 81 Chevy K10 ShortBed
Nice work! I like how you removed the core support to pluck that motor!
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Re: 81 Chevy K10 ShortBed
Thanks mike it sure makes it a lot easier, also I had the opportunity to clean it up and paint it.
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Re: 81 Chevy K10 ShortBed
Looks good. You should have a nice daily driver.
You said you got the smog inspection done, but does CA not have a safety inspection? |
Re: 81 Chevy K10 ShortBed
No safety inspection, just a smog check every 2 years for vehicles 1976 and newer.
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Re: 81 Chevy K10 ShortBed
Nice job! Your brave to work in bare feet! I would not............:metal:
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Re: 81 Chevy K10 ShortBed
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I'm glad to see you are fixing your truck properly. Keep up the good work. |
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Re: 81 Chevy K10 ShortBed
Got the wheel bearings tightened up, I was able to loosen both nuts with just the socket....pretty scary, also got the new steering stabilizer on, going to do sway bar bushings tommorow and cab mounts. Next week its going to the body shop to get the rust fixed.
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Re: 81 Chevy K10 ShortBed
Sorry for the delay in updates, got the rust fixed at the body shop, he only charged me 400 to fix the cab corner and the floor, and 200 to fix the windshield rust, I also had his glass guy change the rear seal.
Here are some pictures of the rust repairs... Before: http://i392.photobucket.com/albums/p...529_090206.jpg http://i392.photobucket.com/albums/p...529_090231.jpg After on the same side: http://i392.photobucket.com/albums/p...609_185926.jpg Cab corner before: http://i392.photobucket.com/albums/p...408_125552.jpg After: This is before bondo and primer. http://i392.photobucket.com/albums/p...604_170048.jpg Windshield rust before: http://i392.photobucket.com/albums/p...04_093831.jpeg After: Before bondo and primer. http://i392.photobucket.com/albums/p...04_125913.jpeg Overall I'm pretty pleased with the rust repair, the welding could be better, but can't complain for 600 bucks. |
Re: 81 Chevy K10 ShortBed
Also finished up my brakes, installed my new master cylinder and booster, stops like new now.
Old: http://i392.photobucket.com/albums/p...606_134502.jpg New: http://i392.photobucket.com/albums/p...606_134450.jpg Didn't know it was held on with 6 bolts, I took the upper 4 off and was trying to get it off I couldn't figure it out for about 10 min until I looked it up on here :lol: http://i392.photobucket.com/albums/p...606_134435.jpg I am now finally moving onto the interior, going with black. I already purchased new weatherstripping for the whole cab, door panels, new inner and outer door handles, new mirrors. My only hurdle at this point is trying to find a shop to redo my seat. I also put on new door hinges for the drivers door, and installed my new outer and inner door handles on the same side. |
Re: 81 Chevy K10 ShortBed
Very Nice, I will follow along!!
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Re: 81 Chevy K10 ShortBed
killer driver!
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Re: 81 Chevy K10 ShortBed
Ordered lots of parts today, new carpet, new dash pad (not a cover),grill moldings, seat belts, and other misc crap. I just need to find a a shop to do my seat. Going to fatmat the floor before I lay carpet down.
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Re: 81 Chevy K10 ShortBed
got the seat out, need to find a shop to re do it. Undercoated the rest of the floor, got everything I need now for the interior except the seat. This weekend I will be rebuilding the vent windows, I hope to have the doors completed.
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Re: 81 Chevy K10 ShortBed
Looking good!
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Re: 81 Chevy K10 ShortBed
Finally found a shop to redo my seat, he is going to try to get it done by Saturday. I got the vent windows rebuilt and installed, what a huge pain to do those. Also got my fatmat installed on the floor and the doors, and door panels.
Here is the seat at the shop, crusty and smells lol. The seat is going to be redone in black cloth. http://i392.photobucket.com/albums/p...623_164737.jpg Another picture of the seat: http://i392.photobucket.com/albums/p...623_164745.jpg Here are some pictures of the fatmat I installed. http://i392.photobucket.com/albums/p...621_173805.jpg http://i392.photobucket.com/albums/p...621_173841.jpg Got my new dash put on, the fitment is pretty good but not perfect. Also rebuilt the entire glovebox, and painted the dash black along with the roof. http://i392.photobucket.com/albums/p...621_173744.jpg |
Re: 81 Chevy K10 ShortBed
Here is a picture right after I removed the seat, this was after I cleaned up all the fast food bags. Absolutely disgusting, no wonder the truck smelled on a hot day. Found about 3$ in change as well.
http://i392.photobucket.com/albums/p...616_194024.jpg |
Re: 81 Chevy K10 ShortBed
Just a update, I got the interior finished, got my stereo installed and have been driving it. Will get some pictures soon.
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Re: 81 Chevy K10 ShortBed
Word! Looking for some pics.
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Re: 81 Chevy K10 ShortBed
Waiting... haha
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Re: 81 Chevy K10 ShortBed
Looking forward to seeing the results of your recent progress.
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Re: 81 Chevy K10 ShortBed
Added a DeeZee low profile toolbox today, truck is really dirty.
http://i392.photobucket.com/albums/p...808_110941.jpg Another picture of the carpet, interior has been finished just thought I would share this picture. http://i392.photobucket.com/albums/p...627_131105.jpg |
Re: 81 Chevy K10 ShortBed
Nice work! Funny to see quad front shocks on a Scottsdale truck w/no AC. Maybe they came with the HD front springs. Either way, nice truck!
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Re: 81 Chevy K10 ShortBed
Painted and cleaned up the rear axle
http://i392.photobucket.com/albums/p...808_180853.jpg http://i392.photobucket.com/albums/p...808_180840.jpg Don't worry about the overspray on the shocks, I have bilsteins coming. One more pic from my cruise today. http://i392.photobucket.com/albums/p...809_140518.jpg |
Re: 81 Chevy K10 ShortBed
Are those Goodyear Wranglers on that nice looking truck?
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Re: 81 Chevy K10 ShortBed
Yes they are. Pretty good on the street, haven't had a chance to take this truck off road yet.
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Re: 81 Chevy K10 ShortBed
Still driving the truck every day, getting 12-14mpg not as bad as I thought. New quadrajet carb really helped, tuned it for maximum vacuum and 14 degrees of timing. Last couple of weekends I finally fixed the oil pressure gauge, so now all the gauges work!:metal: Also readjusted the transfer case lever, so now it stays in 4x4.
I forgot to add a picture of the seat and interior all finished up. http://i392.photobucket.com/albums/p...930_115801.jpg Also I went to the local pick n pull and I scored a set of drip rails as mine went missing after it was painted 15 years ago:smoke: I paid 9.50$ for them. I will get pictures of the install when I put them on in then next couple of days. Anybody have any tips? I also got a picture of this beauty, just for clarification old vehicles still rust out here, just not as fast as you guys back east. Bondo was at least 3/4" thick lol. http://i392.photobucket.com/albums/p...925_115211.jpg And for another update, I think I'm going to pull the trigger on vintage air kit. The constant 100+ days are really starting to irritate me, and sitting in traffic a lot sucks with no air. http://i392.photobucket.com/albums/p...926_162856.jpg And hopefully sometime next year I will be getting 3.73 gears, Detroit locker for the back, and true trac for the front. I will have to have this professionally done, I don't have the required tools and most importantly skill's to do this. |
Re: 81 Chevy K10 ShortBed
Got the drip rails installed, wasn't as bad as I thought. I recommend 2 people for this, as you are drilling 14 holes in your truck.
The tools I used were: Corded drill (obviously) 3M double sided tape, good stuff VERY sticky. 1/8" drill bit 14 screws I used 8 x 1/2" Phillips stainless screws. (I got the screws with the drip rails, but I decided to buy new ones. 3M gasket adhesive, I put a little over the holes I drilled and screw end to ensure there will be no water getting in there. Pictures: I painted the channels with some black paint I used on the frame turned out nicely. http://i392.photobucket.com/albums/p...001_111347.jpg VERY carefully measure, check, measure, check again, and finally mark the holes. http://i392.photobucket.com/albums/p...001_112747.jpg Drill the holes, would be 10x more nerve racking if this was a fresh paint job! http://i392.photobucket.com/albums/p...001_113028.jpg One of the holes http://i392.photobucket.com/albums/p...001_113400.jpg All done! Looks better to me IMO. http://i392.photobucket.com/albums/p...001_125936.jpg http://i392.photobucket.com/albums/p...001_125948.jpg Got the measurements within 1/8" of eachother on both sides. Now when and (if) it rains in socal, I won't get wet when I open the door. |
Re: 81 Chevy K10 ShortBed
Cool truck. You will like the Vintage Air. Nice work!
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Re: 81 Chevy K10 ShortBed
Nice bondo i love when people do that lol.Worse one i had was a 67 mustang that had 5 coats of paint on it.When we sanded it looked like a rainbow in places.
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Re: 81 Chevy K10 ShortBed
Well, when I got the truck it was lifted too high in the back, so I lowered it down a bit. Anytime I load to bed now, the drive shaft is engaged too much in the transfer case, so I had it shortened a bit re balanced and new u joints. The u joints were shot anyways. Also while I had the drive shaft out to get shortened, I fixed the leaky tailshaft on the transfer case. No leaks so far.
Case: http://i392.photobucket.com/albums/p...015_183305.jpg Driveshaft before:http://i392.photobucket.com/albums/p...015_104905.jpg After: http://i392.photobucket.com/albums/p...016_133343.jpg I hope I have enough space, I thought there was going to be more clearance. What do you guys think? |
Re: 81 Chevy K10 ShortBed
I had a crack in my engine crossmember on the right side (typical). When I had the engine out, I had my uncle weld the top of it, not the greatest work but it has held up. I wanted to get the bottom side welded and get the steering box reinforced. So I had a local off road shop do this for me, turned out great. I also replaced the steering box while it was out, old one was leaking, and a little sloppy.
pics: http://i392.photobucket.com/albums/p...112_095320.jpg http://i392.photobucket.com/albums/p...112_095416.jpg http://i392.photobucket.com/albums/p...112_095432.jpg I really did not want to spend the money on this right now, but this is insurance on this area which is common to cracking especially with bigger tires. So with the bolt in brace and the weld in done, this area is plenty stout. Even the guy at the off road shop said this is bulletproof even if I had 44's on this thing. |
Re: 81 Chevy K10 ShortBed
Nice looking daily!! I've got an '81 that I'm also thinking of turning into a driver after I sell my Cummins. It's hard to find a low mileage NBS Silverado in my area that isn't rusted to $hit...so a "restomod" square seems like the ticket!
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Re: 81 Chevy K10 ShortBed
Nice truck and great work taking a basket case and bringing back to a good condition driver. All that little crap adds up but it's so nice when all the minor stuff, like oil pressure gauge etc work. Pumped to see you driving it. Pull the trigger on AC?
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Re: 81 Chevy K10 ShortBed
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On another note, this "new" 350 has decided to start leaking oil from the front on the oil pan, and sometimes it leaks a little from what looks like the rear main seal. Not too happy about it, so I'm keeping an eye on it. Any tips? |
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