Re: 61K10 build
 

Kimble,

Sounds all good. Just a heads up, you probably know, for wheel spacers, it is good to only use billet alu. ones, as they are much more stable and more likely not to cause the wheels to come loose. Also if using spacers I check the lug nut torque a lot, when first installing them.

Les

Re: 61K10 build
 

not going to use them--tires out farther look good but with 6" rims the backing plate shows to much. they are billet.

Re: 61K10 build
 

My apologies if this has already been covered - what color was the truck before you repainted it? Was it also neptune green, just faded?

Truck looks FANTASTIC. Love it.

Re: 61K10 build
 

sokoloka--thanks for the thumbs-up. the org color is Neptune green as it is now. the green on the tk was rattle-can green by the po. under the green was a red bottom and white top as it was a fire/rescue tk at one time.

Re: 61K10 build
 

Hey Kimble I love following this tread! I look forward to starting on my K10. First I want to do a few thinks to my K20 Burb to make it a little more friendly to drive daily.
First is disc brakes. What bushing did you use? I'd rather not turn down my axles.
Second, why did the track change on the truck? I was under the impression that by converting the closed knuckle 44 the width stayed the same. This is why I've never considered an open knuckle 44 as they are wider.
Keep up the strong work, you motivate more people than you know!
Greg

Re: 61K10 build
 

Hi Greg-- the disc brake change only changes the ft track about 1/4" wider becouse of the caliper holders. the 1/2 ton the rear is narrower than the front from the factory. never really measured it, but is narrower with an HO rear.
the bushings i bought off e-bay--oilite bronze flange bushing 1 1/8id x1 5/8od x 1" and they fit perfect in the spindle. find an open knuckle dana axle for all the parts as it will be cheaper. even if just for the spindles and hubs. I didn't like the way the brakes were, even with everything new. hope the disc setup will satisfy me safety wise, and it can all go back to org if someone wants.

sneak pic of my skinny's and tool box. at 72" it's still a little short. good enough for a few tools and jack. Still need to build a headache rack.

kimble

Re: 61K10 build
 

well i have my new brakes/clutch all installed---brakes work great but the power booster makes noise when putting on the brakes, like a vac leak? It's new. the clutch is another problem. I have Captian's firewall plate and clutch set-up. not enough adj to get the clutch so it doesn't engage right off the floor? seams the rod on the wilwood master moves some before it does anything---someday it will be done lol!

Re: 61K10 build
 

Nice job Kimble! truck looks good.

Re: 61K10 build
 

Some day it will be done you say ;) now we all know that's not true. Trucks lookin good man. Love the skinnys

Re: 61K10 build
 

a daily driven show truck at its finest!!!

Re: 61K10 build
 

MR P--- it hasn't been a daily yet------everything i buy needs some modifying!! I guess i should just build some stuff myself--too old lol! AND if i get it safe it is by no means a show tk. your stuff is the stuff you don't don't to drive Mr-P. keep up the nos work.

Re: 61K10 build
 

at least yours rolls, mine is a pile of parts!!! I just like the boxes the parts come in...

Re: 61K10 build
 

Haven't been on the website much lately, life happens, so I just caught up with your progress. Your comment about the hydraulic clutch is interesting to me because, though my pedal setup is different I'm also using a wildwood master of the correct bore diameter, along with a factory slave cylinder (1986 style) and mine engages right off the floor too. It is very irritating to me. But there really is no method of adjusting a hydraulic clutch.... let us know if you come up with something.

Re: 61K10 build
 

Jason--I actually adjusted it some by extending the linkage so the push rod went into the wilwood master(a little) and it helped as it moved the pedal of the floor some. Need to get a longer threaded rod for just a little more adj.

Re: 61K10 build
 

still messing with my brake pedal to booster rod as it s a pita to adjust. ordered some parts to make a turn-buckle type rod for easy adjustment. changed the booster to a 9"dual instead of the single, and it make noise also--never ends lol!

Re: 61K10 build
 

Kimble,

Very nice looking, understand how much time it takes to get the parts to work, and it seems to me the older the truck the harder it is sometimes. But we have learned not to rush, getting it right is more important.

And old drag racers parts bin has been my, new friend, on this subject for me. Using an old SFI blow proof bell housing, that SS drag racer gave up on for lighter one. It allows me to attach newer trans and keep mechanical clutch mechanism. Once getting it all welded up and machined will post more on it. Being from old parts bin, it can be affordable.

Trying to remember, is your hydraulic cylinder lever to bell housing fork adjustable? I have set- up out of '65 big truck, same bell housing as early 60s, and thinking the lever/ Rod and fork nut was adjustable??? Also, can you use a throw out bearing that has a different thickness, to help with adjustment too. ( stick drag racer have boxes full of bearings with different thickness for adjustment of clutch clearance.). Flywheel/ clutch shop that services drag racer should have them, here in louisville we use "Kentucky Clutch".

Les

Re: 61K10 build
 

Les-- being an old drag racer myself, yes parts and the knowledge of yester year helps a bunch. I have a buddy that still races at the age of 68 with a dragster--572 mopar B-1 on NOS--runs 6.95 at 195. to fast for me--
the adjust on my hyd clutch at the bell/housing is for the throw-out bearing only. it's ok as it's grabs not to far off the floor. can live with it. Building a brake pedal push rod now. will post up when i finish it.

Kimble

Re: 61K10 build
 

lookin pretty sharp kimble! check your pm box!!!!

Re: 61K10 build
 

Kimble,

Starting to prepare the '79 Dana 44 for installation on the frame soon to be back home.

Question, on the front brake hoses you are using, what application are they for? And length? Do you remember what length your original drums were? Starting with '79s to see how they fit; disk calipers connection no problem, length and connection to frame fitting needs to be checked. Looked at the Doorman images of the '64 drum hose and '79 disk brake hose , the non-caliper ends look similar, not sure if threads are the same.

Your new Toyo 215x85x16 tires, what model are they? Are they radial? Have not found them on Toyo's web site.

Thanks,
Les

Re: 61K10 build
 

brake hoses are from a 1ton van and are 22"or23" long will look for the part#. thr tires are listed as m55's and are a 10ply radial and aren't cheap. BFG makes a tire that looks close and is I think 6 or 8 ply and way cheaper.

kimble

Re: 61K10 build
 

One Sharp looking truck there. :metal:

Re: 61K10 build
 

Thanks TJ--yours will be there soon. As you know they are a never ending project lol!

Re: 61K10 build
 

Kimble,

Thanks for looking up the front brake hose information.

Would you mind sharing your decision to buy the Toyo tires, their benefits as tires for a driver vs other tires.

Les

Re: 61K10 build
 

Les--I liked the tread design and nothing on the side walls. Kinda old school-stock looking to me. The 10ply is a little much for me but probably won't bother the ride, as the tk rides like a old covered wagon anyway lol. For my 16x6" rims i wanted the 215x85's as they fit the rims perfect. Also my rims are from a trailer parts comp. they are black power coated at $65 a piece and free shipping. They have a DOT stamp on them also. The lug stud holes are for 1/2" studs so for 7/16" you need heavy duty lug nuts (shown earlier in my build). wheels are like smoothies, no side vent slots.

Just some info--------

Kimble

Re: 61K10 build
 

Well i bought some new disc brake parts as my e-bay stuff was not up to my standards. a little rusty--seal surface worn and nicks on the spindles. you get the idea, ok parts but not the best. Rockauto had some new big bearing hubs (only six) for $32.95 ea. with lug studs. I couldn't pass them up as thery are tuff to find new. Made in the big C of course. well i then needed new big bearing spindles (g2) and of course new Big China rotors from summit. bearings and caliper holders as mine from e-bay were pretty rusty. I assembled everything and will put them away for now. I just like new stuff. some pics----

Re: 61K10 build
 

Oooooo pretty!

Re: 61K10 build
 

Kimble,

Getting the frame together, and starting to check the ride height of the frame.

The way it sits now the ride height measures from the bottom of the front and rear cab mounts ( where the top of the bottom cushion mounts).

Front is 27 3/4" to floor; and
Rear is 32.1" to floor.


How does this compare to yours, not sure how different the '61 to '64 measurements are.

Do you know if the factory frame specifications have numbers for the ride height from the frame. Have seen some copies here, however, could not read the numbers. Going to check out the GM Heretige Center.

Thanks,
Les

Re: 61K10 build
 

Kimble,

Just checked the GM Heritage Center, vehicle kits.
Looked up '64 K10 and found some information.

Will get to check it out tomorrow on the frame, and see where my ride height may be compared to stock. Have some temporary rear springs in now. The rear is higher then the front as it looks now.

Also got my set of Toyo tires too.

Les

Re: 61K10 build
 

Les---my rear springs have 2 more leafs that adds about 3/4". Did you go with 235/85? My 215's are a little over 30" tall (funny they are about the same as my 31-10.50-15's) my 215's are on 6" rims and the 31's are on 8" rims. So tire height will change ride to some extent. will measure mine just for info to compare to.

Re: 61K10 build
 

Kimble,

Yes, went with 235x85x16s, They will be good for now, and they are the same size as on '03 GMC, which will need new tires in the future. They are a little wider then the 215's which look more original. The 235 are 32" inches tall.

How level does your set? Not familiar with these 4x4s when they were new. Certain photos of original 4x4 trucks look like the rear is higher, not sure if this is correct.

How is the front axle upgrade coming?


Les

Re: 61K10 build
 

Les--I might of measured mine different than you did. from the floor to the top of the frame mount. 22" front and 28" rear. my tk does sit higher in the rear. (remember i have 2 more leafs). the ride height will come down with the tk together with all the weight. we can compare when yours is together. will try and take a side pic today for ya.

my ft axle is all done, just finished with the new p/brake pedal rod set up. going to mess with my clutch adj set-up today. clutch is grabbing right off the floor. (hyd clutch)

kimble

Re: 61K10 build
 

Those are some nice disc brakes. Outta stop real nice. :chevy:

Re: 61K10 build
 

I hope so TJ, will find out soon. I like your Demon carb. I ran one on my 56 Nomad for years with no trouble.

Re: 61K10 build
 

Thanks, Summit charged me enough for it. lol

Re: 61K10 build
 

Kimble,

Thanks for the measurements. Photos of the '64 cab mounts are below. Photos with IPhone not positioned correctly lol. Interested to see your '61s and if the same?


Les

Re: 61K10 build
 

Rear cab body mount

Re: 61K10 build
 

les--my ft mount is different, but the back looks the same.

Re: 61K10 build
 

Your front and rear cab mounts positions, vertical location, relative to your frame look similar, if not the same, as the '64. What do you think?

Thanks for post your photo. Do you think your ride height, front is pretty much stock, with rear up a little? I am getting some origional rear springs from Chris, as mine were mostly rebuilt ones, with lots of different leafs added.

Next will do some more measurements on the '64 frame/ cab on roll around stand to see where the ride height may end up.

Thanks,
Les.

Re: 61K10 build
 

Les--Yes, they look like the top of the frame mounts of both yrs are close to the middle of the frame in the front. (where the cushion sits) Back looks the same. I also have the org springs in the ft and the back (plus 2 leafs in the back as i have stated). Isn't there a reg and a heavy duty spring? 5leaf and a 6 leaf?

Re: 61K10 build
 

Finally got my clutch adj. where i like it. (as long as it stay's adj.there) PART of the problem was the dumb-A$$ doing the adjustment. Not going to say who lol!