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Low mileage 1987 Chevy 1/2 ton to 3/4 ton - Undoing the hacks!
Hey guys, back again with another truck to add to the stable! This time I picked up a really low mileage, about 47,000 miles, 1987 Chevy V10 single cab long bed. Unfortunately for this truck, it fell into the hands of someone who decided the best course of action was to cut it up and turn it into a buggy. Why anyone would do this to a low mileage, rust free truck is beyond me, but its happened, so were going to save it now instead!
So, I picked this truck up off Craigslist with a clean title. The seller was asking $1200, but after a bit of negotiation, we agreed on $1000. The truck ran and moved, but the transmission was bad. The seller told me that two other 700r4s were included, but it turned out to be a 1991 model 700r4, a TH350, an NP205, and an NP203, all in pretty poor shape. Before I even had the truck home, I sold the extra TH350, and two transfer cases for $300, making the truck total $700! https://i.postimg.cc/d1TdB7TG/79-E73...584129-E73.jpg https://i.postimg.cc/2yRWXz4M/EE3-EC...5-DFB4-F91.jpg https://i.postimg.cc/MH7QCh5T/0-C1-E...A9753545-A.jpg My intentions at this point were to simply finish up the truck as an off road truck. I wanted it to look a bit nicer, so I painted the primered portions to match. https://i.postimg.cc/tJ1snfw0/22-F40...0-E4882067.jpg https://i.postimg.cc/mk0tYjWP/6-E6-F...65569-F2-F.jpg https://i.postimg.cc/2jJbNkLC/4-AFBC...2-D5-BDFF8.jpg Front portion finished: https://i.postimg.cc/TYDyRzng/C55-E7...AF4-EAD4-A.jpg https://i.postimg.cc/qvczK2b7/773-AB...-D9-E35-E2.jpg Rear portion finished: https://i.postimg.cc/05z402yZ/1-ED5-...CD7-B02-C3.jpg Next up, was to rebuild the transmission. The transmission in the truck was a 1982 model, which was not the best one to start with. The other 700r4 that came with the truck was a 1991 model, which is the one I chose to rebuild. I ordered a holding fixture and all the tools needed to rebuild. https://i.postimg.cc/NLhm1xjh/56-C21...A8606-F7-B.jpg The fixture was a bit on the pricey side, but ended up being worth every penny! https://i.postimg.cc/cHdtyyZ6/0803-D...6-FD4-BCD3.jpg Its amazing how much they can cram into one of these cases. https://i.postimg.cc/xdvN4jwW/E5-AE6...596-BE2-E5.jpg I spot a shift kit, so someones been in here before. https://i.postimg.cc/76XGqsY9/18-F51...7-FAB86-AA.jpg Completely gutted! https://i.postimg.cc/kG4VGQ2m/12-CB6...FC3400-EA6.jpg I ended up discovering this damaged pump during disassembly, which I believe is the cause of failure. Most likely it was damaged upon installation from an improperly installed torque converter. https://i.postimg.cc/h4yzw5YP/D5-A9-...73-BDABBD0.jpg I ordered a complete rebuild kit from Dana at Probuilt Automatics, including new drums and nearly every upgrade possible, including a new 1800 stall converter. I basically stopped short of 5 pinion planetaries and billet shafts, as this transmission wont be used aggressively enough to require them. I believe this would be considered either a Stage 3 or 4 depending on the company. The pan and governor cover needed to be replaced, and I also ordered a new cooler and TV cable. Total came to about $1500. On its way back together! https://i.postimg.cc/vBZgbDvZ/3-DE09...AF61635-B0.jpg https://i.postimg.cc/LXQqXRyB/B08-B4...E57-B38-C6.jpg https://i.postimg.cc/44w3xYFQ/DD900-...5-C075-EA7.jpg All finished! https://i.postimg.cc/Kvz8km6S/E18-ED...F0-D94-E38.jpg https://i.postimg.cc/hP5PVHnJ/E8-C84...06-DADC689.jpg The truck also had some headers that didnt fit at all, so I bought new manifolds, a y-pipe, and an O2 sensor, for a bit under $400. https://i.postimg.cc/DzLk0cBC/3-C74-...F6-BF8-CBF.jpg https://i.postimg.cc/tTNKt40W/829-CC...-F858-CADC.jpg At this point, having spent some time underneath the truck, I discovered quite a few things that made me change my mind on continuing the off road build. The truck ended up having a bobbed frame, both axles moved forward, springs had been relocated, unaligned shock mounting points, severely cut fenders and core support, and a myriad of other small issues. I actually thought about selling the truck and saving the transmission for another project, but then I came across this! https://i.postimg.cc/Pq8Y0C2s/FCD34-...-B974-F5-B.jpg A 1986 GMC 2500 HD. The cab is severely rusted out, and the engine, transmission, and transfer case are gone. However, it has a nice 3/4 ton longbed 4x4 chassis with a full floating rear axle, and the rest of the body parts are in usable condition. My plan will be to transfer the 1987 cab, engine, new transmission, transfer case, fuel tanks, and all other TBI components to the 86 chassis, and use the 86 frame, steering, suspension, axles, bed, core support, and fenders. My goal is to sell off as many unneeded or unused parts as possible, and keep the build cost relatively low. My plan is to end up with a 1987 Chevy 2500HD 4x4, with a TBI 350, 700r4, NP208, A/C, and dual tanks. |
Re: Low mileage 1987 Chevy 1/2 ton to 3/4 ton - Undoing the hacks!
I like your plan. It will be a nice truck!
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Re: Low mileage 1987 Chevy 1/2 ton to 3/4 ton - Undoing the hacks!
Nice Finds, Looks like a fun project . Following
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Re: Low mileage 1987 Chevy 1/2 ton to 3/4 ton - Undoing the hacks!
Poor truck, glad you are going to save it. I like how you made the paint presentable, even if it's temporary. Sometimes judicious use of rattle cans and touch-up paint can make a world of difference.
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Re: Low mileage 1987 Chevy 1/2 ton to 3/4 ton - Undoing the hacks!
Thanks guys!
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I picked these up yesterday for $150. Full set of H2 wheels on tires. The tires are pretty weather checked, but they hold air and the guy that gave me the truck wants the old wheels back. https://i.postimg.cc/hGDTJsBS/D622-A...5-D00557-C.jpg |
Re: Low mileage 1987 Chevy 1/2 ton to 3/4 ton - Undoing the hacks!
Snagged a rear bumper for $50 tonight also! Needs a little bit of straightening, but itll be perfect for this build.
https://i.postimg.cc/7Y9rS1GB/59-EFC...5-BBBD6-DF.jpg |
Re: Low mileage 1987 Chevy 1/2 ton to 3/4 ton - Undoing the hacks!
I found some deals on a few more parts over the weekend.
First, a deluxe quad headlight core support, since the ‘87s was hacked off at the bottom. $100! https://i.postimg.cc/MHgDL4jq/D94-A7...487-C83204.jpg Second, a nearly perfect passenger side fender since neither the ‘86 nor ‘87 fenders are really in all that great of shape. $150! https://i.postimg.cc/rpg9Tzth/413-A1...-F9-C0-BCD.jpg Third, a complete set of Chevy HD center caps that will go with the H2 wheels, for $35! I also ordered a set of conversion lug nuts to be able to run these, also $35. https://i.postimg.cc/pV1RTZHv/5-F34-...A949235343.jpg Here’s the breakdown so far: Cost Sheet: ————————— 1987 Chevy V10 Truck ————- $1000 Sold TH350/NP203/NP205 ——- -$300 700R4 Rebuild Kit —————-——$1500 New Exhaust Manifolds/Ypipe —-- $400 1986 GMC K2500 Truck ————-- Free H2 Wheels/Roller Tires ————— $150 Rear Bumper ——————————- $50 Quad Headlight Core Support —— $100 Passenger Fender ———————— $150 Center Caps ——————————— $35 Conversion Lug Nuts ——————— $35 Total —————————————— $3125 |
Re: Low mileage 1987 Chevy 1/2 ton to 3/4 ton - Undoing the hacks!
It adds up quick! Looking forward to seeing the hummer wheels on.
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Re: Low mileage 1987 Chevy 1/2 ton to 3/4 ton - Undoing the hacks!
It does, however there will be a lot of leftover parts between the two trucks, so I’m expecting to make a lot of this back. Hopefully!
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Re: Low mileage 1987 Chevy 1/2 ton to 3/4 ton - Undoing the hacks!
Wheel update! The next few weekends I will be having a temporary period where I have to finish up some training, so I wont be able to get to the truck too much. However, I threw on the H2 wheels and Chevy center caps, and they look great!
Started off on the front, these wheels fit perfectly on the hubcentric axles. The conversion lug nuts can be seen here. https://i.postimg.cc/v8SsLJtk/BD0902...51-AE1-EB0.jpg Passenger side https://i.postimg.cc/dtkKW5W1/01-E19...53-B037300.jpg In order to get the newer Chevy center caps to seat correctly on the H2 wheels, the standoffs (4 on each cap) need to be cut off flush with the ring of the cap. A small Dremel cutoff wheel makes quick work. https://i.postimg.cc/c4pGPfjc/5-B799...1-A51-AE62.jpg Good fit on the rear! https://i.postimg.cc/Mp1JwvJJ/0-D5-D...23-DB91968.jpg The front caps are a little more difficult. Aside from removing the standoffs, I need to make clearance for the front axles hub to protrude through. The easiest way to do this is to punch a hole from the rear with a punch or screwdriver, and break out the emblem. From there, it is easy to pry off the emblem in pieces. https://i.postimg.cc/mrRfgBTz/7-C67-...FB78355-A2.jpg Center punch the middle of the cap, as there is a small standoff from the injection molding process that will force your drill bit to walk otherwise. Using a 3-1/2 hole saw, cut the center out of the cap. The hole saw should fit perfectly inside the step. After the center is removed, deburr the inside of the lip with a utility knife. https://i.postimg.cc/HL2GJRLS/08-FD3...9-A41947-B.jpg And this is how they look installed! https://i.postimg.cc/nzcyq2jn/D7-FAF...E3-D36-CA4.jpg https://i.postimg.cc/bJCKgnkk/7-DB6-...-F0-D64834.jpg All four wheels and caps mounted on the truck. If it appears to sit taller, thats because it does! Stock H2 tires are 35 tall. While it does look beastly, I will likely be running a 265/70R17 tire, which measures just short of 32 tall, and should be comparable to the factory tire height and prevent the need to change speedometer gearing. https://i.postimg.cc/FKGqFSP8/5-DBC9...73-DBD6885.jpg |
Re: Low mileage 1987 Chevy 1/2 ton to 3/4 ton - Undoing the hacks!
You know, I'm usually not a fan of modern wheels on these old rigs...but those look really darn nice. Great work on the hub mods!
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Re: Low mileage 1987 Chevy 1/2 ton to 3/4 ton - Undoing the hacks!
Thanks! To be honest, I’m not a huge fan either (With the exception of the Duramax wheels. Those fit the 3/4 ton squares really well for some reason!) but I think what makes these work is the center caps. IMO, they look really out of place with the center just open, without caps.
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Re: Low mileage 1987 Chevy 1/2 ton to 3/4 ton - Undoing the hacks!
Started stripping the ‘86 down today, and listed all the parts for sale. Once the cab is off, I’ll pressure wash the frame again, perform some minor frame horn repairs (aftermarket bumper was welded on at some point), and start transferring the fuel lines over from the ‘87s TBI system. I plan on resealing the engine before it’s transferred to it’s new chassis, and checking the block for roller cam provisions - if it has them, I’ll probably swap in a Caprice cam, just for longevity. Aside from that, I’ve noticed that most steering components have play, and one front leaf spring is broken, so eventually I’ll be ordering a new pair.
https://i.postimg.cc/6q5bnGRv/7886-F...-B31-C7584.jpg |
Re: Low mileage 1987 Chevy 1/2 ton to 3/4 ton - Undoing the hacks!
I ordered a few more things today, hopefully the “big expense” part will just be these next few purchases.
• Ordered a pair of 3 leaf, 3/4 ton front leaf springs (broken spring pack on driver side), and a pair of new shackles, for $455 shipped. Not bad to Alaska! • Ordered a set of Squarebody specific U-bolts to remount the front axle. $75 shipped • Ordered a full set of TTX ball joints, plus the upper sleeve tool from Napa, $330 Edit: Sold the fuel tank from the ‘86 for $50! Cost Sheet: ————————— 1987 Chevy V10 Truck ————— $1000 Sold TH350/NP203/NP205 ——— -$300 700R4 Rebuild Kit —————-—— $1500 New Exhaust Manifolds/Ypipe —-- $400 1986 GMC K2500 Truck ————— Free H2 Wheels/Roller Tires —————- $150 Rear Bumper ——————————-- $50 Quad Headlight Core Support —— $100 Passenger Fender ———————— $150 Center Caps ——————————— $35 Conversion Lug Nuts ——————— $35 3/4 Ton Leaf Springs/Dhackles —- $455 Front U-bolt Kit ——————————$75 Ball Joints/Install Tool —————— $330 Sold 1986 Fuel Tank ——————- -$50 Total ——————————————$3935 |
Re: Low mileage 1987 Chevy 1/2 ton to 3/4 ton - Undoing the hacks!
Some progress for this weekend. I got both fuel tanks removed - one was completely rotted away, the other had obviously been replaced at some point. I removed and sold that one for $50. I also got a full 10 gallons of fuel out of it, so I get a week of driving for free!
https://i.postimg.cc/SsczFNWN/79-D89...4-CC08-D74.jpg Lots of room underneath now that the tanks are gone. I removed the fuel lines as well. https://i.postimg.cc/3N70K5Bj/D99-D4...44-D8-BEBC.jpg With the extra room, I took advantage of the time to knock the dent out of the lower panel of the bed. https://i.postimg.cc/2ywbyccs/09-E5-...473-EC72-C.jpg Then, unbolted the cab! The two rear bolts were easy, the two front bolts broke. No worries, as this cab is extremely rotted out anyway. Staged it on wood blocks so it can be picked up with a forklift in a week or two. https://i.postimg.cc/vHYxkyDb/446-B6...482-A52174.jpg Next, a few more parts came in! The front axle U-bolt kit, and Mevotech ball joints from Napa. These appear to be even better quality than the Moog line. https://i.postimg.cc/FHqfYJpH/892-E1...3-A5-B0-B5.jpg And finally, I picked up a reseal kit for the engine lower end, which will get installed before the engine is transferred to the new chassis. https://i.postimg.cc/PqwCYrVz/B07628...-F7-DE0052.jpg I also made one more sale, the headers removed from the 87, for $100! Cost Sheet: 1987 Chevy V10 Truck $1000 Sold TH350/NP203/NP205 -$300 700R4 Rebuild Kit - $1500 New Exhaust Manifolds/Ypipe -- $400 1986 GMC K2500 Truck Free H2 Wheels/Roller Tires - $150 Rear Bumper -- $50 Quad Headlight Core Support $100 Passenger Fender $150 Center Caps $35 Conversion Lug Nuts $35 3/4 Ton Leaf Springs/Dhackles - $455 Front U-bolt Kit $75 Ball Joints/Install Tool $330 Sold 1986 Fuel Tank - -$50 Sold 1987 Headers - -$100 Lower Engine Gasket Kit $75 Total $3960 |
Re: Low mileage 1987 Chevy 1/2 ton to 3/4 ton - Undoing the hacks!
1 Attachment(s)
Great progress:metal:
Your frame looks pretty good. Those front spring hanger are the biggest dirt collector. Your's look pretty clean. Attachment 2118028 ... |
Re: Low mileage 1987 Chevy 1/2 ton to 3/4 ton - Undoing the hacks!
Could you give me the part number on that gasket kit? I've been looking for that one piece pan gasket.
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Re: Low mileage 1987 Chevy 1/2 ton to 3/4 ton - Undoing the hacks!
Thanks! I’ve been blowing out the frame with air as I go, and it’s been pretty clean so far. The front had quite a bit of grease from an apparent oil leak, but I’ll hit it again with a pressure washer once the cab is off.
For the oil pan, it’s FPG CS8510 at Napa. The reason it’s difficult to find is that they list it as a ‘conversion set’ instead of an oil pan gasket. https://www.napaonline.com/en/p/FPBC...version+gasket You can also buy just the pan gasket itself, FPG OS34500R. https://www.napaonline.com/en/p/FPBO...oil+pan+gasket |
Re: Low mileage 1987 Chevy 1/2 ton to 3/4 ton - Undoing the hacks!
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Re: Low mileage 1987 Chevy 1/2 ton to 3/4 ton - Undoing the hacks!
More progress! I spent yesterday removing the core support and engine from the 87. No real issues noted, everything seems to be in good condition so far. I did take a peek down the distributor hole and unfortunately found that I do not have a roller cam compatible block. Oh well!
Core support removed, and starting to unbolt accessories. https://i.postimg.cc/X7N73f5C/A44722...-CBA367-CD.jpg https://i.postimg.cc/P59tm0RW/AA786-...-BD5-C0-E9.jpg My trusty engine lift plate that I made from a snowmachine brake rotor when I was probably around 16 Ive had this for a lot of years! https://i.postimg.cc/Qtrhz1sV/60-C79...08-AF73545.jpg Engine is out! https://i.postimg.cc/x86QqZmb/89-EFA...5-FABCA677.jpg |
Re: Low mileage 1987 Chevy 1/2 ton to 3/4 ton - Undoing the hacks!
I spent most of yesterday stripping down and cleaning the gunk off the engine. The intake manifold appeared to be the worst offender for oil leaks, it was caked at each corner and appeared to be leaking from a poor silicone application.
https://i.postimg.cc/hPpZv54c/EDB261...763-A33525.jpg I wasnt able to get any pictures of the process, but my neighbor brought over his JD tractor with forks, and we lifted the cab off the new frame. https://i.postimg.cc/pdns0VfL/BDC71-...83-C525-BA.jpg I also picked up some valve cover gaskets and an intake manifold gasket kit. https://i.postimg.cc/7ZjVTvF8/E4029-...-D55873-DD.jpg |
Re: Low mileage 1987 Chevy 1/2 ton to 3/4 ton - Undoing the hacks!
I finished cleaning the engine block and heads today, and removed a few more pieces along with the valve covers and intake. I taped the top off in preparation for paint.
https://i.postimg.cc/RZpBJzxT/CD88-D...C891-E3-D8.jpg Block painted! Timing cover and oil pan will come off next weekend. https://i.postimg.cc/mDCfnzzd/9-E644...D24-B607-B.jpg Cleaned and painted the intake manifold along with the EGR and thermostat housing. https://i.postimg.cc/K8jX2s33/A8765-...6479-F74-A.jpg Intake manifold installed! https://i.postimg.cc/CxQ3LHbP/75-A76...E62-BA3969.jpg I also picked up a new water pump, painted as well, along with some small brackets. https://i.postimg.cc/BvPd8Lgq/80-D7-...-B521750-B.jpg |
Re: Low mileage 1987 Chevy 1/2 ton to 3/4 ton - Undoing the hacks!
This thing's getting the treatment, looks good!
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Re: Low mileage 1987 Chevy 1/2 ton to 3/4 ton - Undoing the hacks!
Mostly just a reseal, but at least itll be pretty! :lol:
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Re: Low mileage 1987 Chevy 1/2 ton to 3/4 ton - Undoing the hacks!
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