Re: Junkyard Jimmy Super Low Buck Build Thread
 

I like one of my local O'Reily's stores really well. They've got a guy who goes by the name of Mopar, seriously. It's what's embroidered on his shirt. If he's working, he know's more about auto parts than just about anybody I've ever worked with, and most of the young guys have been around a couple of years. It appears they pay more than the other local stores, because they get better help who want to stick around.

Re: Junkyard Jimmy Super Low Buck Build Thread
 

Just taking a little break. Progress is going well today, with just a small set back, waiting for parts again. Power steering pump this time and I'm thinking about just using the old part for now rather than spend another $55.

So far, oil pump is primed (here's a tip, make sure you hook up the pressure gage first), the water pump is on, distributor is in, power steering pump brackets cleaned up and painted, same with alternator brackets, radiator hoses replaced, vacuum lines all replaced, carb installed (though no fuel lines or throttle yet).

Time to get more done, wife is napping.

Re: Junkyard Jimmy Super Low Buck Build Thread
 

great so you will be driving by uum ,TOMMOROW! lol

Re: Junkyard Jimmy Super Low Buck Build Thread
 

sounds like great progress....hope there are no other holdups for you...

Re: Junkyard Jimmy Super Low Buck Build Thread
 

:uhmk:
There's always something...

Pics from the day. First one shows, dizzy in, carb on, vac lines on, etc.
http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n...y/IMG_0337.jpg

Brackets and such painted
http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n...y/IMG_0338.jpg
http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n...y/IMG_0339.jpg
http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n...y/IMG_0340.jpg

Had a little trouble removing the power steering pump pully
http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n...y/IMG_0341.jpg

I got the front brackets on, but I'm waiting for the power steering pump to come, the pullies paint to dry, and I need a sleeve for the alternator mounting bolt. See the long bolt holding the bottom of the alternator? If someone could tell me how long the sleeve is that goes between the alternator and head I would appreciate it.
http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n...y/IMG_0342.jpg

What's left? Pullies, pump, fan, fuel line, tranny cooler lines, throttle, cap and wires, spark plugs, reconnect exhaust to headers, heater hose or bypass, fuel tank fill line, wiring, and other things I'll remember after it doesn't start up.

Re: Junkyard Jimmy Super Low Buck Build Thread
 

looks like good progress....guess the pulley was a LITTLE siezed on there.... ;)

make sure to add bolting down the valve covers to the list :)

Re: Junkyard Jimmy Super Low Buck Build Thread
 

Needed something out of the truck anyway, so I took a tape with me, I measure ROUGHLY 3-3/8" on that sleeve. YMMV!!!! If it's like everything else on the front end of my engine, it could be anywhere from 3" to 3-1/2"

Re: Junkyard Jimmy Super Low Buck Build Thread
 

The pulley bent because you used the wrong tool for the job. The correct tool engages the groove at the hub and will not bend the pulley. AZone rents them. Easy peezy to use.

Re: Junkyard Jimmy Super Low Buck Build Thread
 

http://www.autozone.com/autozone/acc...fier=2075_0_0_
Guess that explains why I chipped a couple places off of the last pulley I pulled off a power steering unit, too.

Re: Junkyard Jimmy Super Low Buck Build Thread
 

Sure will, and gaskets too. I need to adjust the valves once it's running though, so that part waits 'til the end.

Thanks for the info, but what does YMMV mean?

I know. That pulley was a rusty junker. I have another pulley all painted up nice. I did actually get my puller in those grooves and got it off. I just thought it was funny, a potato chip shaped pulley.

I have a mechanic friend around the corner from my place and he lets me borrow tools, like the inch-pound torque wrench for the intake bolts for instance. I need to add that to my wish list. Maybe that pulley puller too.

Re: Junkyard Jimmy Super Low Buck Build Thread
 

Your
Mileage
May
Vary

Re: Junkyard Jimmy Super Low Buck Build Thread
 

You have a short water pump in the other picture and normally that alternator mounts to the driver side with a bracket, did you order a long water pump?. If your going to mount the alternator with just a bolt and spacer be sure its a grade 8 bolt, regardless i don't know if its going to be able to take the abuse without bending/breaking, i don't know if GM did it without a bracket of some kind like they did on the driver side?

Re: Junkyard Jimmy Super Low Buck Build Thread
 

I wasn't leaving it like that. I made a spacer to support it properly from some aluminum tube for now. Yes it was originally on the driver side, but thos brackets are long gone, see short story above.

The next bit of trouble came from trying to get the correct length belts, since I really don't know what combination of pulleys and brackets they match up with. One alt/fan belt was a bit short, the next a bit too long (but will work) and the store closed for the night, and tomorrow too. I'll have to see what's open tomorrow to find the in-betweener. I did get a good power steering belt on the 2nd try.

For all intents and purposes, the front accessories are done, the fuel line is done, cooling system done and mostly filled, tranny cooler lines connected, exhaust re-assembled. Probably a few more things done, but that's it for tonight.

The biggest mistake so far today? Forgot that the spark plugs I have are for old school heads and not the vortecs, which is the primary reason I'm done for today. I hope there's a parts store open tomorrow.

Pics:
http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n...y/IMG_0345.jpg
http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n...y/IMG_0344.jpg
http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n...y/IMG_0343.jpg
http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n...y/IMG_0346.jpg

Re: Junkyard Jimmy Super Low Buck Build Thread
 

nice job !!!!!!!!!!! :lol: the power steering pullie didnt want to come on

Re: Junkyard Jimmy Super Low Buck Build Thread
 

Thanks

I just spent an hour or more investigating spark plugs. Here's what I learned, the old style Champion R44T plugs will fit the vortec heads, it's just not the recommended plug. They are a 14mm thread with .460" reach, which is the same as some of the recommended plugs (accel 574 u-groove). Most of the recommended plugs however are a longer reach .708" style, which really confused me.

So I used a cross reference for Accel plugs I found on the jegs.com site and crossed the recommended plugs and found about 75-100 different plugs that match 3 accel plug numbers(574, 526, 274), in both a short and long reach, various cores and ground designs, different heat ranges, etc.

Basically there are at least 20 different standard plugs for the heads, and you could substitute just about any other plug that fits and find a cross reference chart that says it's ok. What I am going to do is see if I can find a set of the long reach plugs this morning.

Happy New Year!

Re: Junkyard Jimmy Super Low Buck Build Thread
 

Is extending the fan shroud on the punch list?

Re: Junkyard Jimmy Super Low Buck Build Thread
 

Do I do that or use a different fan? I may switch to electric, I have one laying around the garage somewhere.

Got the spark plugs this morning. The only one I had trouble getting a socket on was #7. I found an old impact socket in the toolbox that was shorter than my regular ones, so I just groung off the corner a bit and it slid right in.
http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n...y/IMG_0348.jpg

I had to order a fuel filler tube to go from the fill nozzle to the tank nozzle. One nozzle is 1-5/16" and the other is 1-3/8". I had a piece of 1-1/4" and used a funnel to stretch it enouogh to get it on. It worked good enough to get gas in the tank. New hose should be in monday.

Installed a nice heavy ground strap.
http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n...y/IMG_0350.jpg

Got some of the electrical worked out, but still need to swap the ignition switch. The one installed doesn't have a key. Got the throttle hooked up, got the correct fan belt installed, radiator filled, oil level checked, etc.
http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n...y/IMG_0349.jpg

Seems like it's ready to go.

Re: Junkyard Jimmy Super Low Buck Build Thread
 

Oh yeah. She's a runner...click on the image.
http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n...h_MVI_0352.jpg

Re: Junkyard Jimmy Super Low Buck Build Thread
 

sweet i wish mine was runnin

Re: Junkyard Jimmy Super Low Buck Build Thread
 

It's alive, sweet!!! :metal:

Re: Junkyard Jimmy Super Low Buck Build Thread
 

Got a little more done today, but first, a reminder for those who worked on the gas tank and fuel lines. Before you start the engine, you want to make sure the pump will get gas to the carb and that you flush the line a bit. This is what came out of mine yesterday.
http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n...y/IMG_0354.jpg

I got the old keyless ignition switch out today. For now I can use the back end as a working switch. I have a good one up in the garage attic and it's not easy getting up there right now. I hooked up the wiring for the alternator. Still needs cleaned up some, but it'll work. I thought briefly about putting the heater back in, but the core has a busted nozzle (good on in the attic), so I didn't.

Then I got the front clip back on, and as an added bonus, put the grill in too.
http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n...y/IMG_0355.jpg

I like it. Might do the cam break-in monday when the wife is back at work.

Re: Junkyard Jimmy Super Low Buck Build Thread
 

Yesterday I had some time and thought I could get a couple things done. And I did, but it did not go easy.

First task, change the tranny filter. Simple enough right? I dropped the pan and find this:
http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n...y/IMG_0356.jpg

There is a lot of sludge, and I see some chunks, but it's not metal or tranny pieces...
http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n...y/IMG_0357.jpg

That, my friends, is corn. In the transmission oil pan. I move on and clean it out. Fresh paint on the pan.
http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n...y/IMG_0358.jpg

The obstacle of the day? Broken pan bolt left in the tranny case, which may have contributed to the seriousness of the leak. Probably blew an hour trying to fix that. Ended up just drilling the whole thing out and using a longer bolt with a nut on the back side.

I also cleaned up the better rear bumper, sprayed a little paint on the licence plate frame, but didn't mount it yet. And I pulled the front bumper out of the storage. I have to reweld a nut to the bumper bracket for the front bumper. So sometime soon the bumpers will both be on.

Then I did the cam break-in procedure. I starts and runs fine, but everytime I drop it in gear, it stalls. The timing is way too far advanced, but if I bring it back down it stalls. The one thing from the old motor I used here and it had a similar problem, was the distributor.

I'm going to verify my timing marks for top dead center and see what that shows (BTW, I put the damper timing tape on backwards, yep I'm a dummy). If that's ok, I'm swapping the distributor out. I have another one in the attic to try. If it's not, I'll swap the damper from another engine.

If I can get some large enough diameter hose, I can run the exhaust outside and work inside. ;)

Re: Junkyard Jimmy Super Low Buck Build Thread
 

Wow, I was proud that I got 2 oil changes done over New Years...

Good progress. I'm impressed.

How does one get corn INSIDE the tranny pan?

Re: Junkyard Jimmy Super Low Buck Build Thread
 

I wish I could have really drove it, but there are still "issues". The only possibility I could figure was that the tranny dipstick was gone. So an enterprising rodent thought the tube might make a nice safe depository, but later found the accomodations less than ideal.

Re: Junkyard Jimmy Super Low Buck Build Thread
 

Trying to use an ethanol mix with the tranny fluid possibly? ;)

Re: Junkyard Jimmy Super Low Buck Build Thread
 

It's been bugging me that the engine seems to be running fine, but that it's not driveable. Everytime I drop the tranny into gear, it stalls. I talked to a mechanic friend and also had a couple ideas myself. At first I thought it was timing, I double checked TDC and it was close enought. I put a new degree tape on though anyway. I set the intial timing at 10*, hooked the vacuum advance up and it jumped up as it should. I adjusted the idle mix screws, but it was running a little choppy yet. The vacuum off the carb nozzle was only about 10", which is severely low. I swapped it to the manifold vacuum connector and it was closer to 15-20, but still not good. Checked for vacuum leaks and couldn't find any.

I'm going to adjust the valves next. If I have even one intake valve out of adjustment, the vacuum will be bad. The cam install procedures say to adjust them with the engine shutdown, turning it over by hand, going cylinder to cylinder. I don't trust this style of adjustment, because it depends on the hydraulic lifters having a certain preload. I'll try it the old fashion way. Start it, pull a valve cover, loosen the nut til it clacks, tighten until it stops and give it another 1/4 turn. It always worked before.

In anycase, it was better today, but still not right, and not ready for the road. The front driver caliper is sticking. I would like to find where the tranny leak is at. And it drained the battery dry the last few days. Lots of little problems.

I got my new oil dipstick. Tubeless, which will be a problem checking the oil when it's hot, but how often do you really do that.
http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n...IMG_0361-1.jpg

It tucks down in there quite a bit.
http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n...IMG_0362-1.jpg

Got the front bumper on. I had to reweld a nut onto one of the little brackets. And I chased the threads to clean them out. It went together alright. I'll add the outer brackets later.
http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n...y/IMG_0363.jpg

And I took this picture cause I liked the lighting. It was just the garage door opener light. But the camera flash came on and brightened it.
http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n...y/IMG_0364.jpg

In closing, I think the valve adjustment will cure the low vacuum, and get it running better. Then I can do better carb tuning from there. This sure would be easier if it was warmer than single digits outside.:waah:

Re: Junkyard Jimmy Super Low Buck Build Thread
 

Do you have an automatic? I had a serious intake leak one time and the truck would fire up fine but every time i put it in gear it would run for crap and die on me at every stop.

Re: Junkyard Jimmy Super Low Buck Build Thread
 

It is an automatic, but I've already checked for intake leaks and found nothing. I plan on checking again if the vacuum doesn't come up after a valve adjustment.

Re: Junkyard Jimmy Super Low Buck Build Thread
 

I would go ahead and try to retorque the intake bolts and carb flange bolts to see if it they have loosened and to see if it makes it run better, if any change at all then i'd change out the gaskets, vac leak could be from in the valley where you cant spray anything.

Re: Junkyard Jimmy Super Low Buck Build Thread
 

Did the valve adjustment with the engine running and gained about 5-6 inches vacuum and solved the problem. I probably had the valves a full turn and a half or more too tight. Adjusting while running makes a mess, but now I know it's right. It's running great. Took it around the block for a test drive and the only problem I had was the rear brakes don't seem to be grabbing. This is the first drive after all the rear brake components and master cylinder were replaced, so it's probably way out of adjustment. I'll take a closer look and see what's up later. For now, I'm just happy that it's a driver again.

Can't wait for spring, for several reasons. But I'm really looking forward to driving my new/old convertible around town.

Re: Junkyard Jimmy Super Low Buck Build Thread
 

Awesome! Congrats on getting it back on the road!!! Hope you had a BIG smile on your face ;)

Re: Junkyard Jimmy Super Low Buck Build Thread
 

Jimmy is parked outside again, but at least it's drivable now, so I can pull it back in if I want. I just wanted to make a brief update. I added up the misc things I needed to buy during the engine re-assembly and get-r-runnin phase, and came up with $141 for the new water and power steering pumps, oil dipstick, tranny filter, spark plugs, and a few other items, which brings the total spent up to $3251.

Another note, even when I was driving this around the farm yard a couple years ago, the steering was rough and jerky. I had kind of figured it was just from sitting so long and having air in the system or something. I replaced the pump anyway, and it solved the problem. It turns nice and smooth, no noise from the pump, etc. I need to replace the hoses yet, but they work for now.

What's next? Get the new rear brakes adjusted and working properly. Replace the tires and put on the new wheels. Replace the windshield, make sure the lights all work, clean up wiring, etc. to make it a legal, reliable driver for the summer. My son just turned 15.

Now I have a C-10 to get painted.

Re: Junkyard Jimmy Super Low Buck Build Thread
 

Well, it looks like you are in the home stretch now!

Re: Junkyard Jimmy Super Low Buck Build Thread
 

wow only 3,ooo + and it is running and driving!

Re: Junkyard Jimmy Super Low Buck Build Thread
 

I believe so.

Technically it was running and driving for about $1000. Now it has a new engine, new body, and a lot of new or good used parts added in.

My punch list is 2 pages long right now and doesn't include any of the body work or interior work. But I think it is close to the same stage as many daily drivers out there this old. Fixing leaks, replace hoses, adjusting, tuning, wiring fixes, etc. Hopefully I can get my son interested enough to learn to do some of those things, now that I have the BIG stuff taken care of.

I'm finishing the body work on my truck hood this weekend. It's the last of it (except for inside the bed) before the final paint prep. I can't wait for it all to be in one color again, even if it is just primer.

Re: Junkyard Jimmy Super Low Buck Build Thread
 

just checking up with your build & have u made any progress:metal::cool:

Re: Junkyard Jimmy Super Low Buck Build Thread
 

No progress. I'm working on my pick up now. I just finished all of the major body work and I'm doing the last prep for paint. Should be shooting high fill primer in the next week or so and blocking it out to see how good or bad my body work was.

I really don't plan to do much with the jimmy til spring. Tires, wires and fixing the problems as I drive it all summer.

Re: Junkyard Jimmy Super Low Buck Build Thread
 

I can't believe you only have $3K in this thing! I passed you up $$wise along time ago and mine is still a shell!! Keep it up.

Re: Junkyard Jimmy Super Low Buck Build Thread
 

Been a while since I've had a chance to catch up on my truck related reading. I'm stoked you got a driver. If you've only got a 2 page list of items for repair, you're probably in better shape than my daily driver.

Can't wait for spring and can't wait for the conclusion fo the c-10 body work so you can get back to work on this project.

Re: Junkyard Jimmy Super Low Buck Build Thread
 

Still need to buy tires, bed side, a few patch panels, gaskets/seals for the transfer case, door, & windshield gaskets/seals, primer/paint supplies and all the other odds and ends. I was talking to my oldest girl today about it and that she may want to drive it some this summer with the top off and maybe she could help a bit with sanding, bondo, spraying, etc. We'll see. Then while driving home I thought about using one of the flatz colors for it just to have something ok looking until full body work gets done. Again, we'll see.

It's a pretty intimidating list. Some easy, some not so much. I've been looking forward to spring aver since, well... winter started. This is the most snow we've had in at least 10 years, and for MN, that's saying something. I'm just thankfull I have a heated garage to work in.