Best Budget Mods! - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

thirdstreettito · 09-22-2011, 06:50 PM

Well the 67-72 guys have one! We need one!

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=466563

The rules are in that thread. Post away!

willett · 09-23-2011, 01:43 AM

If you have a 2" hitch receiver lightly sand and paint the sucker.

It won't even take a whole can and it makes a world of difference. I do mine every couple of years.

ps.

awsome thread!

Your41Plague12 · 09-23-2011, 01:55 AM

New leaf spring bushings make a world of difference in the ride.

BadCompany · 09-23-2011, 02:49 AM

Best thing I have spent $50 on has gotta be a tank of gas....Maybe technically not a ''mod'' but what good is a square without it??

motornut · 09-23-2011, 07:23 AM

over the years ive had quite a few GMs and done this in other trucks /vans too
in my Jimmy thread i showed how i wire the stock radio to be used with/without the keys
small switch beside the radio,up on, no key,middle off,down works with key
(kids,drunk friends,camping don't need to leave the keys in to listen to the radio)

jimbonice · 09-23-2011, 12:22 PM

Flip the air cleaner lid over and make your quadrajet go waaaaaaaaaaaaaa!

The cheap mod I'm happiest with is the $3 I spent at the boneyard to put a newer windshield washer pump in. It now literally power washes dirt off the windshield.

Southcity · 09-23-2011, 01:16 PM

^^^ nice!

jitteryguy · 09-23-2011, 02:39 PM

this is on one of my S10's, but it will work on any vehicle.
I gut'd the steer'n colum but the skinny shaft look'd funny with the big notch in the dash.
so I took a piece of 3" PVC , cut it to length then stuck an adaptor over that , I drill'd and tap'd 3 hole's around each end and found the perfect lenght screw's so when I tight'nd em up it hold's tight to the colum
the 3" is perfect for dash and the adaptor fit's the bottom of the wheel perectly also.
clean'd it all up and paint'd it black, look's clean with accessories hang'n off of it. I had every thing lay'n around so it did'nt cost any thing !
this is only picture I have with me, but you get the idea.

irishman999 · 09-23-2011, 03:09 PM

I have will break mine into multiple parts that all cost about 50 bucks and could be done in a weekend. Here is what I started with, the 85 k1500. 25 years of direct Arizona sun gave it the nice patina and a tweeker with a tire iron worked over the front end. I got tired of driving it looking this bad.

First 50 dollar mod was the rattle can primer job, 10 cans of paint and some cheap sanding blocks and sand paper from harbor freight, masking tape and a sore index finger will yield this awesome look.

Next mod to make the front end look better is roughly around 50 bucks, depending on what you need to replace it could be under or over 50 bucks. In my case I needed:

Trim pieces from the parts yard- about 10 bucks.
Reproduction grill- 20 from rockauto.
Headlight bezels- 12 bucks a piece from LMC.
turn signal lenses- few bucks a piece from the parts yard.

irishman999 · 09-23-2011, 03:16 PM

One of my favorite 50 dollar mods:

Tail light lenses I found at Orileys for 17.99 a piece. You can find these alot cheaper, I went with these because they were made in the USA!

The last few bucks left can go to a can of silver spray paint to make the inner tail light parts a little more reflective.

End result looks way better than the old faded lenses, the big bonus is added safety since they are alot more visable.

thirdstreettito · 09-24-2011, 12:01 AM

Nice job irishman!

broey · 09-24-2011, 12:11 AM

*cr34t3d_by_d4rkd3n* · 09-24-2011, 01:57 AM

False advertisement. I want a rebursement on my clicks. This thread contains no usefull info.
Posted via Mobile Device

irishman999 · 09-24-2011, 02:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thirdstreettito

Nice job irishman!

Thanks dude!

INSIDIOUS '86 · 09-24-2011, 04:04 AM

strip led's in the dash and k&n filter, both under 50 dollars, synthetic oil is nice too hmm about 20 hours and some polish makes rims like A/R's and mags look good to. also buy a buffing wheel and compound and mount the wheel to a bench grinder and polish your trim on the grill and surround,

and my most favorite mod is....metalic sharpie....go to town on your interior guys really!

***Liz*** · 09-24-2011, 10:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cr34t3d_by_d4rkd3n

False advertisement. I want a rebursement on my clicks. This thread contains no usefull info.
Posted via Mobile Device

and for trolling post number three of the night, you win a perma suspension. Thanks..

thirdstreettito · 09-24-2011, 10:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by INSIDIOUS '86

and my most favorite mod is....metalic sharpie....go to town on your interior guys really!

!!!

donut · 09-24-2011, 10:50 AM

A bunch of the budget mods in the 67-72 thread also apply to ours. (I haven't read the whole thread, but will later)

HEI conversion if your still on points ignition.
Manual of some sort, (Chiltons, Haynes, GM... not really a mod, but very help-full)
Simple maintenance items. Plugs, wires, brake shoes, fluids+filters.

Once everything is tip-top, verify timing advance. (check the sticky!) You don't need a fancy dial-back light. Timing tape on the balancer and patience. These old Chevy's really wake up with a little timing.

VegasBruce · 09-24-2011, 05:45 PM

I had a worn out shifter assembly for a 203 transfer case. Nothing was available to replace it. So a little reworking was needed.

3/8 flat bar for the second lever.

All welded up.

Exploded view.

And finished.

About 3 hours work, and about 4bucks. All he needs to do is get a new shift boot.

wyattglock · 09-24-2011, 09:21 PM

Thats a pretty cool fix VegasBruce!!

VegasBruce · 09-24-2011, 09:29 PM

Thanks

*C-10 simplex* · 09-27-2011, 11:37 PM

Does your truck have a buzzer/chime if you leave your lights on? Mine doesn't and i'm hoping it is because it is a Custom Deluxe.

If not, is there a cheap/easy way to add one?

You can probably guess what happened to me at work today; It was raining, i was in a hurry............etc. etc. etc.

motornut · 09-28-2011, 12:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by C-10 simplex

Does your truck have a buzzer/chime if you leave your lights on? Mine doesn't and i'm hoping it is because it is a Custom Deluxe.

If not, is there a cheap/easy way to add one?

You can probably guess what happened to me at work today; It was raining, i was in a hurry............etc. etc. etc.

they do sell one to replace it aftermarket

*C-10 simplex* · 09-28-2011, 11:53 AM

Yes, but how?

bucannon · 09-28-2011, 08:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by C-10 simplex

Does your truck have a buzzer/chime if you leave your lights on? Mine doesn't and i'm hoping it is because it is a Custom Deluxe.

If not, is there a cheap/easy way to add one?

You can probably guess what happened to me at work today; It was raining, i was in a hurry............etc. etc. etc.

i have done this a few times. i would also like to do this mod. anybody done it before?

09-22-2011, 06:50 PM	#1
thirdstreettito Resident of Here Join Date: May 2008 Location: Wesley Chapel, FL, USA Posts: 7,716	Best Budget Mods! Well the 67-72 guys have one! We need one! http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=466563 The rules are in that thread. Post away! __________________ ~Bradley~ 2004 Black GTO LS2/T56 too much to list Miss having a truck

09-23-2011, 01:43 AM	#2
willett Another Day, Another Dollar Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: North Vancouver, BC Posts: 1,316	Re: Best Budget Mods! If you have a 2" hitch receiver lightly sand and paint the sucker. It won't even take a whole can and it makes a world of difference. I do mine every couple of years. ps. awsome thread! __________________ -78 K20 Cheyenne 454 long box, 4" lift, 35" MT's, '84 cab, '80 box "its hip to be square"

09-23-2011, 01:55 AM	#3
Your41Plague12 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Pittsburgh, PA Posts: 1,009	Re: Best Budget Mods! New leaf spring bushings make a world of difference in the ride. __________________ Steve Member of the Foot Pedal Club '83 Chevy K20: 6" Rough Country, 3" Performance Accessories BL, Bushwacker Cutouts, 38x15.50 Mickey Thompson Baja Claws, 350 HP 350 crate engine from Jegs, Turbo 400

09-23-2011, 02:49 AM	#4
BadCompany Registered User Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Boondox, AL Posts: 41	Re: Best Budget Mods! Best thing I have spent $50 on has gotta be a tank of gas....Maybe technically not a ''mod'' but what good is a square without it??

09-23-2011, 07:23 AM	#5
motornut 78K & 79C Jimmys Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Ottawa Ont CANADA Posts: 7,901	Re: Best Budget Mods! over the years ive had quite a few GMs and done this in other trucks /vans too in my Jimmy thread i showed how i wire the stock radio to be used with/without the keys small switch beside the radio,up on, no key,middle off,down works with key (kids,drunk friends,camping don't need to leave the keys in to listen to the radio) __________________ John 1978 GMCJimmy4X4-350/203 1979 GMCJimmy4X2-305/350

09-23-2011, 12:22 PM	#6
jimbonice Registered User Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: White City, SK Posts: 411	Re: Best Budget Mods! Flip the air cleaner lid over and make your quadrajet go waaaaaaaaaaaaaa! The cheap mod I'm happiest with is the $3 I spent at the boneyard to put a newer windshield washer pump in. It now literally power washes dirt off the windshield. Attached Images

09-23-2011, 01:16 PM	#7
Southcity Registered User Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Redwood City, CA Posts: 1,174	Re: Best Budget Mods! ^^^ nice! __________________ 66 GMC Suburban Custom 66 Chevy K10 Suburban

09-23-2011, 02:39 PM	#8
jitteryguy GoatLube Experss Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: clarksville, Tn. Posts: 1,337	Re: Best Budget Mods! this is on one of my S10's, but it will work on any vehicle. I gut'd the steer'n colum but the skinny shaft look'd funny with the big notch in the dash. so I took a piece of 3" PVC , cut it to length then stuck an adaptor over that , I drill'd and tap'd 3 hole's around each end and found the perfect lenght screw's so when I tight'nd em up it hold's tight to the colum the 3" is perfect for dash and the adaptor fit's the bottom of the wheel perectly also. clean'd it all up and paint'd it black, look's clean with accessories hang'n off of it. I had every thing lay'n around so it did'nt cost any thing ! this is only picture I have with me, but you get the idea. Attached Images __________________ *Goat Lube Express*, locations in Qalat,Afghanistan & Clarksville, Tn. '87 R30 dually 454/TH400 '85 1/2 ton CCSB '92 S10 350/350 '84 MonteCarlo 383/PG/9"ford '78 Malibu wagon 350/350 '78 Cutlass (project family car) '96 S10 Jimmy (Moma's)

09-23-2011, 03:09 PM	#9
irishman999 Registered User Join Date: May 2010 Location: Reno Ne-VAH-da Posts: 594	Re: Best Budget Mods! I have will break mine into multiple parts that all cost about 50 bucks and could be done in a weekend. Here is what I started with, the 85 k1500. 25 years of direct Arizona sun gave it the nice patina and a tweeker with a tire iron worked over the front end. I got tired of driving it looking this bad. First 50 dollar mod was the rattle can primer job, 10 cans of paint and some cheap sanding blocks and sand paper from harbor freight, masking tape and a sore index finger will yield this awesome look. Next mod to make the front end look better is roughly around 50 bucks, depending on what you need to replace it could be under or over 50 bucks. In my case I needed: Trim pieces from the parts yard- about 10 bucks. Reproduction grill- 20 from rockauto. Headlight bezels- 12 bucks a piece from LMC. turn signal lenses- few bucks a piece from the parts yard.

09-23-2011, 03:16 PM	#10
irishman999 Registered User Join Date: May 2010 Location: Reno Ne-VAH-da Posts: 594	Re: Best Budget Mods! One of my favorite 50 dollar mods: Tail light lenses I found at Orileys for 17.99 a piece. You can find these alot cheaper, I went with these because they were made in the USA! The last few bucks left can go to a can of silver spray paint to make the inner tail light parts a little more reflective. End result looks way better than the old faded lenses, the big bonus is added safety since they are alot more visable.

09-24-2011, 12:01 AM	#11
thirdstreettito Resident of Here Join Date: May 2008 Location: Wesley Chapel, FL, USA Posts: 7,716	Re: Best Budget Mods! Nice job irishman! __________________ ~Bradley~ 2004 Black GTO LS2/T56 too much to list Miss having a truck

09-24-2011, 12:11 AM	#12
broey Square Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Phoenix Arizona Posts: 1,568	Re: Best Budget Mods! __________________ Squarebody Syndicate

09-24-2011, 01:57 AM	#13
cr34t3d_by_d4rkd3n Account Suspended Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Allen, TX Posts: 188	Re: Best Budget Mods! False advertisement. I want a rebursement on my clicks. This thread contains no usefull info. Posted via Mobile Device

09-24-2011, 04:04 AM	#15
INSIDIOUS '86 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: washington Posts: 4,178	Re: Best Budget Mods! strip led's in the dash and k&n filter, both under 50 dollars, synthetic oil is nice too hmm about 20 hours and some polish makes rims like A/R's and mags look good to. also buy a buffing wheel and compound and mount the wheel to a bench grinder and polish your trim on the grill and surround, and my most favorite mod is....metalic sharpie....go to town on your interior guys really! __________________ 377 sbc thumpr cam autogear m23 muncie 3:73 Detroit trutrac 3''spintech prostreet mufflers xpipe 1 3/4 headers build thread !http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=577217 Iroc gauge threadhttp://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=554511

09-24-2011, 10:50 AM	#18
donut Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: S.C. Posts: 1,593	Re: Best Budget Mods! A bunch of the budget mods in the 67-72 thread also apply to ours. (I haven't read the whole thread, but will later) HEI conversion if your still on points ignition. Manual of some sort, (Chiltons, Haynes, GM... not really a mod, but very help-full) Simple maintenance items. Plugs, wires, brake shoes, fluids+filters. Once everything is tip-top, verify timing advance. (check the sticky!) You don't need a fancy dial-back light. Timing tape on the balancer and patience. These old Chevy's really wake up with a little timing. __________________ '86 C-30 dually, 454/tbh400 '73 K-20 350/350/205 (sold ) I'm kinda like duct tape- no real purpose, but handy to have around.



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09-24-2011, 05:45 PM	#19
VegasBruce Registered User Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Just outside Sin City Posts: 239	Re: Best Budget Mods! I had a worn out shifter assembly for a 203 transfer case. Nothing was available to replace it. So a little reworking was needed. 3/8 flat bar for the second lever. All welded up. Exploded view. And finished. About 3 hours work, and about 4bucks. All he needs to do is get a new shift boot. __________________ Bruce 73 Stepside, 74 Blazer, 75 1 Ton, 66 Barracuda and a 05 Electraglide DD http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g1...Rusti192-1.jpg

09-24-2011, 09:21 PM	#20
wyattglock Registered User Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Lafayette, IN Posts: 621	Re: Best Budget Mods! Thats a pretty cool fix VegasBruce!!

09-24-2011, 09:29 PM	#21
VegasBruce Registered User Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Just outside Sin City Posts: 239	Re: Best Budget Mods! Thanks __________________ Bruce 73 Stepside, 74 Blazer, 75 1 Ton, 66 Barracuda and a 05 Electraglide DD http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g1...Rusti192-1.jpg

09-27-2011, 11:37 PM	#22
C-10 simplex Account Suspended Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: indisclosed Posts: 1,515	Re: Best Budget Mods! Does your truck have a buzzer/chime if you leave your lights on? Mine doesn't and i'm hoping it is because it is a Custom Deluxe. If not, is there a cheap/easy way to add one? You can probably guess what happened to me at work today; It was raining, i was in a hurry............etc. etc. etc.

09-28-2011, 11:53 AM	#24
C-10 simplex Account Suspended Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: indisclosed Posts: 1,515	Re: Best Budget Mods! Yes, but how?

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