Re: Junkyard Jimmy Super Low Buck Build Thread
 

Mike, you have a PM and Paypal. Thanks

Re: Junkyard Jimmy Super Low Buck Build Thread
 

Some bad news today. I started tearing down the 400 for an inspection before doing anything to turn it over. I got one head off and stopped right there. 3 of the 4 cylinders had rust in them, one had a big pile of rusty goo in it, the cylinder walls were also rusted. To say the least, it is a core charge waiting to be turned in. Not sure about the crank yet, but whatever. The other disappointment was that the heads are small valve ones. I suppose that was how they could minimize emmisions and get some gas mileage, at the expense of all the power the 400 cubes would have been able to produce. This bothers me because even the 350 should have the bigger valve heads to make some power.

Now I have to decide what to do for an engine. I can get a buick 455 for $200, supposed to run, just needs new distributor cap and a tune up. The transmission adapter I found at Summit for $59.95, then just need to come up with motor mounts, and probably some accesory brackets, etc. plus unforeseen misc items. Figure about $350 to $400, maybe more (who knows?).

The other option is to finish the rebuild on my 350. Re-ring kit is about $70.00 through Northern Auto Parts. I have $145 into the clean up and honing already. The heads from the 400 are probably useable, but need to be cleaned and a valve job done, probably new guides, etc. Cost? Not sure yet, but not free. Rebuild kit for the carb is about $30. Altogether it would cost a minimum of $250 plus valve job, plus lifters ($60) plus other unforeseen misc items. Figure about $500 total with the valve job or swapping them for large valve heads.

Money wise, it seems like the 455 would actually be a good option. Piles of torque, already running engine. With some mounts and a tranny adapter, it should bolt in. The cons though is I'm unfamiliar with the engine, never made this type of engine swap before, there are probably other things associated with the swap I don't about at this time that will add to the cost later. Who knows how good the engine really is until it's actually running in the truck? It could be junk waiting to happen.

The 350 rebuild would be a direct swap and a basically new engine. Unless I mess up on the rebuid, it should be reliable. Still good power and no need to find obscure parts, etc. The costs can be pretty much known from the start. The con is that it will probably cost more to use what I have and still will be some work. Rebuilding the engine and carb and distributor is not the simplest job, but by no means is it over my head. The 283 in my C-10 was built by me in my navy days over 20 years ago and still runs like a champ.

Well everyone, give me some feedback. Tell me things I may not have thought of yet that could sway my decision. Personally, I'd be OK going in either direction and the idea of the unusual engine combo appeals to me in a way only gearheads really understand. If the 350 is not used for the Jimmy, it is destined to be the next engine for my C-10 as a stroker motor. No loss there. The accumulated parts that are not used will be resold.

Talk to me people.

Re: Junkyard Jimmy Super Low Buck Build Thread
 

Here are a couple pics of the 400 thats locked up. Eww!
http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n...y/IMG_0783.jpg
http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n...y/IMG_0784.jpg

And a couple of the prospective engine.

http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n...y/IMG_0785.jpg
http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n...y/IMG_0786.jpg

I need some input here. Go with the small block or throw the 455 in there?

Re: Junkyard Jimmy Super Low Buck Build Thread
 

I hate it when someone says, 'ya it ran great when it was pulled' Then you get it home and it turns out that it tossed a rod bearing. If you can't hear it run I would be skeptical. My gut feel is to stick your money into the 350. One you will know exactly what your getting and two the misc parts, brackets etc. can be located easily.

Sorry to see the 400 didn't work out. That sure looks crusty.

Aaron

Re: Junkyard Jimmy Super Low Buck Build Thread
 

I could put the 455 on a stand and see if I can get it to fire up. The guy selling it is not the one that says it runs. That was what he was told. He bought a few engines from a guy and is just reselling them.

Re: Junkyard Jimmy Super Low Buck Build Thread
 

The Buick will eat you up cost wise. You'll have to get a BOP case and swap your 4x4 guts in it if you have an automatic. If you have a manual, you'll have to get a BOP bellhousing and have it opened up to fit the large bearing retainer of a 465. Finish your rebuild on the 350. You already have money invested and can maximize that. Great thread BTW. I love the lowbuck. That's how I try to build all my projects :dohh:

Re: Junkyard Jimmy Super Low Buck Build Thread
 

TCI has an adapter to use the buick engine with the chevy transmission for $60. No other tranny changes are required, but thanks for the opinion.

Re: Junkyard Jimmy Super Low Buck Build Thread
 

X 10...:barf:

Re: Junkyard Jimmy Super Low Buck Build Thread
 

I like the idea of the 455 and would probably be more tempted to do that but since you basically are just getting someone's word that it ran and not even the guy you're buying it from really knows for sure if it runs the 350 is a good option. You might want to pick up the 455 for a future project however.

Re: Junkyard Jimmy Super Low Buck Build Thread
 

I couldn't agree more!
Just finding all the brackets for the BB might be tough.

Re: Junkyard Jimmy Super Low Buck Build Thread
 

My input (since you asked): If you are CERTAIN that you have all the bugs worked out of using the Buick with the Chevy Tranny for $60, then tell the engine seller that you want to put it in the truck and drive it before you pay him for it. That way if it runs, great, if it doesn't you aren't out any money, just a half a day dropping th engine in and another half a day pulling it back out. If it never runs, you can probably even return the Dist cap, etc.

Re: Junkyard Jimmy Super Low Buck Build Thread
 

Mike, it's been over a week. Just wondering if you received the paypal and had a chance to mail the part. Thanks :fb:

Re: Junkyard Jimmy Super Low Buck Build Thread
 

You have a PM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Re: Junkyard Jimmy Super Low Buck Build Thread
 

As bad as the 400 looks get it cleaned up by a machine shop and rebuild it. Powerhouse sells a cost effective kit (read: CHEAP in cost but not in quality!) That or the 350 stay away from BOP motors!!

Re: Junkyard Jimmy Super Low Buck Build Thread
 

I think I'm going with the 350 and will salvage what I can of the 400. I have a bad feeling that the block is cracked, which would explain the amount of water in the cylinders and probably why the truck ended up parked to begin with. My guess is overheated and cracked, but we'll see.

I've done a little checking on heads for the 350. The ones from the 400 might be useable as-is, but I don't know yet. Rebuilding them is pretty much out of the question for a couple reasons. Spoke with a local machine shop and they charge $115 per head for basic clean up, valve job and new guides, plus parts. These heads were the small valve style and though performance is not a priority, why do all this work and then choke it down when there are cheap alternatives. There are piles of good heads out there. I've done two searches on craigslist and have found complete rebuilt heads for as little as $150 for the pair. I even found a set of iron World heads, still new for $300. Unfortunately, cash flow at this moment is low, so I'll just have to keep watch for now and jump on the best deal I can get when I can get it.

My next step is to just order the re-ring kit for the 350 and get the short block together. Clean up the covers, etc. and spray some paint on them. I will pull the 400 and see what is salvageable. If it's not cracked and the bores are useable, I'll save it for the next engine project. I'll get the heads cleaned up and checked for cracks at the very least. If they are good, I can sell them to offset the cost of the rebuild some.

Unfortunately, this project has to sit for awhile due to my work schedule. I probably won't even see it for the next 2 or 3 weeks. At least the engine is in my garage on the stand and ready to get worked on. I'm pretty confident that I'll drive this thing before winter is over. I'd say sooner, but would probably be jinxing myself.

Re: Junkyard Jimmy Super Low Buck Build Thread
 

Just did a little budget update. Sold a couple more pieces since my last update, had to refund some on a deal that didn't work out (my mess up). So as of now, I'm up another $62 for a balance spent of $82. There are a few, very few pieces left to get rid of. I don't expect too much from them, but every little bit helps.

Kind of hard to believe what I have for $82. Of course it's not running yet, and will absolutely need more maintenance items as it goes together. But with a ton of luck, hours of work tearing things down, cleaning, listing for sale and shipping, and continuously scavenging for deals, it seems to be working out.

Re: Junkyard Jimmy Super Low Buck Build Thread
 

You are a true inspiration to all of us. And you have a lot more energy than me.
Good job on the build, it's really cool to keep up on this thread. :c2:

Re: Junkyard Jimmy Super Low Buck Build Thread
 

I Agree with this, Show's what can be Done with a Lot of Determination & A little Bit of Luck. I Wish You Luck with Getting a Motor Going..........

Rick

Re: Junkyard Jimmy Super Low Buck Build Thread
 

I check in every time you post. Keep the updates coming.

Re: Junkyard Jimmy Super Low Buck Build Thread
 

I've learned so much about the 4x4's and Jimmys/Blazers during this, that knowledge alone was worth more than this truck will be in the end. My wife has opened her eyes to the potential and even suggested I find another one for parting out. We'll see, once this rig is driving. I even have an intended use for it now, beyond mud bogger, trail beater. I plan on letting my oldest girl drive it once she gets her license next year. I have plenty of time to fix the safety and driveability issues and a built in excuse to do them right.

Re: Junkyard Jimmy Super Low Buck Build Thread
 

Cool build thread, really admire your low buck approach to it, I am going to try to have the same approach on my upcoming K20 build. Also your desire to rescue a classic from the scrapyard is really cool :cool:. Keep up the great work!:D

Re: Junkyard Jimmy Super Low Buck Build Thread
 

Wow, it's been awhile since I posted anything on this. My work schedule has been kinda rough. We had hired a guy this spring and split my territory (state of MN) in two, then added a bit of western WI for each of us. I had a fairly laid back summer compared to previous years. Well he quit about a month ago and turns out he didn't like to travel much, so everything that should have been done up north (farthest from me) was waiting for me to do. I have barely looked at the Jimmy since.

Time to quit whining and give a brief update. I did get the hatch installed. Turns out the one crack I didn't fix yet was more flexy than I thought and it will need a repair also. It can wait until next summer though. I needed to get the rig closed up from the elements as much as possible. I have sold another part. I had a bed side that I planned on keeping for future restoration, but someone else needed it more than me. I made a tidy profit ($285) but I hope to heck I don't need it later. I also sold the extra power steering box, but haven't received the payment yet. So for now I'm ahead $203. with a few more parts to go when I get some more time.

I have pretty much decided to find a running 350 to drop in the Jimmy instead of using my short block. It's faster and easier all around and probably cheaper. If I go that route, the $145 I spent on prep for it will be put back to the other truck. My original plan was to make it a stroker and I think I'll stick with that idea.

I still hope to make this thing run and drive this winter.

Re: Junkyard Jimmy Super Low Buck Build Thread
 

Well, we're all pulling for you.

Re: Junkyard Jimmy Super Low Buck Build Thread
 

It's been a long, hard winter. Since the Jimmy is resting outdoors and my schedule with work, sons hockey and well, just raising a family has limited what I am willing to do on the Jimmy. But the thread is not dead.

Instead of rebuilding the short block I had, it will be used as originally planned as a stroker motor for my C-10. I found a deal on a runner 350 from a 3/4 ton chevy truck, probably about 1975 vintage. $200 and all I'm doing is cleaning it up, replacing gaskets and seals and doing a rattle can rebuild. The main reason I came to this decision was the cost of heads. Rebuilding them was going to be expensive, and I found a complete running engine for about the same cost of ready to use heads. I've got a stock GM aluminum intake, HEI dizzy (need to clean it up yet) and need to rebuild the carb yet. As it sits, the engine is partially disassembled. I'm going over today to spray on some degreaser, finish scraping the old gaskets and start reassembly.

Then it will be time to pull the Jimmy out of the weeds and snow so I can get the old engine out.

So, the $145 on the short block comes off the books puuting me at $348 to the good. I bought gaskets, seals, timing chain/gears, balancer repair sleeve, thermostat, dipstick, and some paint and degreaser for about $74 putting me at $274 ahead.

Re: Junkyard Jimmy Super Low Buck Build Thread
 

Glad to see things are still moving forward. I know exactly what you speak of about life and kids and work and so on. Hang in there and it'll get done. :metal:

Re: Junkyard Jimmy Super Low Buck Build Thread
 

It was a long cold winter. My truck has been sitting idle too. Glad to hear you are jumping back on the horse. I am sure it will be going before you know it.

Re: Junkyard Jimmy Super Low Buck Build Thread
 

On a lark, I decided to just unbolt the tranny from the engine and see what happens. The engine pulled right out, no problem. I think that rolling it around to lift and separate the engine was enough to undo the torque converter from the tranny.

Now I have to finish re-assembly on the new engine. As it sits right now, I have to pull the broken stub of the dip stick tube from the block so the new one can go in. I need to get the distributer in, mount the water and fuel pumps, install the oil pan and get a carb ready. I have two sets of exhaust manifolds to get ready. I've got 2 starters that I'll bring to napa for testing, hopefully one is good. And I have an alternator for it, internally regulated if I remember right. Thanks to vtblazer I have one to rebuild, but I may get a good edelbrock for almost nothing and use that instead.

I also noticed the inside of the hood is rusted bad, so saving the one from the green Jimmy was a good idea. Also found while laying under it to loosen bolts, the floor pans are really, really bad. I think the carpet is holding it together. Oh well.

I spent another $5 for form-a-gasket and that little retainer for the oil pump shaft, and paid for the new engine $200. I bought a passenger side door at a junkyard and a few small parts for about $55. I sold a few more parts bringing in another $67.50. So I am still ahead by $81.50.

I don't have much left to get rid of, so the balance will end up back in the negative, but so far, heck of a deal!

Re: Junkyard Jimmy Super Low Buck Build Thread
 

Bad news is that the radiator I planned on using, failed its pressure test. Actually, both radiators I sent in did, so I don't have a 4 core for my C-10 either. So thats about $60 wasted.

I did finish pulling parts from the old motor, so the short block is now scrap. I got 2 starters and had both tested, both passed, so i have a spare. I've got some time tomorrow, so I'm hoping to get the new engine ready to drop in, minus a carb. I haven't started the rebuild yet on that. It'll have to wait until I get back from Mexico. But it should be running and driving (please, please, please) in early May. Wish me luck!

Re: Junkyard Jimmy Super Low Buck Build Thread
 

Man glad to see you back at it this is one of my favorite threads. Good luck on getting the new powerplant in and have a safe trip to Mexico.

Re: Junkyard Jimmy Super Low Buck Build Thread
 

Thanks, I wish I had more time to put into it. I think it will be a very busy summer.

My wife gave me the go ahead to get a body shop to fix my C-10 cab and get the truck ready for paint. She also said that I should look at buying a garage/shop or building one somewhere. She doesn't like the idea of expanding my current garage. Then there is always the junkyard searches to do. Found another one I'm going to have to get back to as soon as I can.

Re: Junkyard Jimmy Super Low Buck Build Thread
 

Thanks to member t korinek, this little project has taken an unexpected turn in direction. It's still low buck, but will be drastically improved with a new tub. It's not perfect, but WAY better than what I have. From the cowl back for $500 plus delivery. I'm very happy and very excited.
http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n...y/newtub10.jpg
http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n...my/newtub8.jpg
http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n...my/newtub7.jpg
http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n...my/newtub6.jpg
http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n...my/newtub4.jpg
http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n...my/newtub3.jpg
http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n...my/newtub1.jpg

Re: Junkyard Jimmy Super Low Buck Build Thread
 

been watchin this for a while, looks like its goin great! keep up the good work!

Re: Junkyard Jimmy Super Low Buck Build Thread
 

Awsome buy ! This will make things a whole lot easier for you. Are the rocker boxes as fine looking as the rest?

Re: Junkyard Jimmy Super Low Buck Build Thread
 

great buy, how many blazers/ jimmys have you had now? 3 ? lol!

Re: Junkyard Jimmy Super Low Buck Build Thread
 

He said they are solid, that the only rust is by the kick panels and some on the windshield frame. I asked for picks on that area. It's not a deal breaker, just want to know if it's fixable. Now I'll have an extra set of rocker boxes. I have a windshield frame that has a little rust, but fixable. I'll sell what I don't end up using.

We'll call it 2.5. I'm just getting the body, no frame. I found another K-5 at a junkyard the other day. It's toast, but has some parts I have go back and scavenge. I know where a 2wd 72 CST is sitting also. Been trying to get that one for over a year now.

So plans are only changing a little. Still working on getting it driveable so I can test out all of the other mechanical systems. Instead of patching up the body though, I'll be doing a swap. And since it's so nice, I'll put on good doors and a good front clip (I might get that from the same seller). Who knows after that.

Re: Junkyard Jimmy Super Low Buck Build Thread
 

as long as the projects keep getting nicer theres nothing wrong with swapping tubs like that. i cant wait to see it once you get it on your frame

Re: Junkyard Jimmy Super Low Buck Build Thread
 

My 2 week work trip to Mexico is done. I spent some time with the family, the weather is improving, time to get more therapy. I went over to finish putting the engine together yesterday, but my wife drove my car to work and my parts were in it. So I didn't get much done til she got home. I had to make a little blind plate to cover an opening in the intake manifold, so I did that. Got the dizzy cleaned up with a splash of paint (still needs new rotor and cap, later). Took my alternator in to get tested, found out it no worky, so I'll have to snag another one. Picked up the radiators I was getting tested, turns out both were good for recycling the brass, so I'll be picking up another one later next week from another board member. And today I tore down the freebie carb from vtblazer for the rebuild. Got the parts cleaned and bought the kit. Pulled out my Rochester build book and tomorrow I'll try to get it back together.
http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n...y/IMG_2000.jpg

There is a good chance I'll get the engine bolted in the jimmy next weekend. I need to check out the gas tank and get some gas line run and a few other details, but it should be a runner before June. Once I'm at that point I think the project goes on hold for awhile because I'll be working on my C-10. My wifes 20th anniversary gift to me was to let me do what I need to for my C-10 to be ready for paint:bann:. Mainly it needs cab work. I found a replacement to help that along, which I'm collecting in a couple weeks with the blazer tub shown above:metal:

I may have a mini build thread on that project, I don't know. Nothing special really, just restore and paint. With the new cab, decent fenders, doors and bed, there's not a lot of restore and I'm not sure if I'll be able to afford paint until I get to that point, so for now, we'll see...

Re: Junkyard Jimmy Super Low Buck Build Thread
 

Heres the after pictire of the carb.
http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n...y/IMG_2011.jpg

It went pretty well. I've rebuilt the holley on my C-10 many times, but this was the first rochester. Once you get past the linkages, it's pretty easy. And only one left over part!
http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n...y/IMG_2012.jpg

It's for the fast idle or choke or something. The choke puller diaphram has a slow leak, so I just adjusted it to stay open, it's almost summer. When I find a replacement, I'll hook it back up.

Cost was $35 for the rebuild kit, so my total spent is now $116.50. That choke puller part is another $35 so I'll wait and see if I can get a good used one.

Re: Junkyard Jimmy Super Low Buck Build Thread
 

Pretty good day today. It was rainy, but I was able to do almost everything inside for a change. I got the motor back together and installed in the Jimmy. Figured out that the throttle cable is completely hosed, no kickdown cable, power steering bracket is not going to work either. I probably will need to find another water pump also. So for now, I'm going to look back at one of the junkyards to see if I can get the brackets I need, throttle cable, kickdown, alternator, whatever. I'm picking up a cab for my other truck and the blazer body next weekend. The throttle might be in one of those yet. I am just happy to finally get that engine installed. I spent $10 today for exhaust manifold gaskets and a few odds and ends, bringing my total up to $126.50.

I also traded my bad radiators for a set of bare sbc heads. Just steel castings that have been cooked out and magnafluxed. I might be able to get something out of them. I also bought another 4 core radiator from another board member this week for my C-10. I'll probably swap that in this week and I'll use my old 2 core for this project. Waste not, want not.

Re: Junkyard Jimmy Super Low Buck Build Thread
 

Went back for a while on Sunday while the wife was napping. Found an air cleaner amongst the yard junk. Found a couple different power steering pumps with brackets, not sure any of them will work. Might have found a water pump, alternator and some other pieces but I have to ask the owner if they are available or if he will be using them. Got the hood put on, and put on the front bumper and license plates. The lot owner is getting hassled by the city for all of the junk around, my Jimmy included. Turns out he is limited to 3 vehicles outside, so I have to remove mine from the property. Kind of sux. I talked to another friend that lives out of city limits, on a farm and he says he has room and I may even be able to get it inside. I'm also considering bringing it home for a few days to get it running first, then driving it out to the farm, but I'll need the wifes ok on that. If I can get it here, I can get my pressure washer out and blast away a few years of debris.