Re: Family Project 65 C10 SWB "Old Blue"
 

Just read through the whole thread. Great project. Love that your kids are so involved. I'm looking to do the 5.3/4L60 swap on my 65 soon so watching with interest.

Where did you get the gas tank?

And what are you planning for the steering column? I have to switch from the original manual 3 speed column.

Re: Family Project 65 C10 SWB "Old Blue"
 

I figured it would be stronger that way rather than making a cut as most do. That remains to be seen I guess. I doubt I can get enough load in that that corner to matter anyway, lol.

Re: Family Project 65 C10 SWB "Old Blue"
 

The tank is from Brothers. It's the 67-72 Blazer tank. The truck is step-side, so I plan to come out under the left fender and put the fill in the rear of the fender with a Challenger/Charger gas cap (pic below).

I'm moving from the 3 spd column as well. About the only good solution I've seen is the ididit columns since they fit pretty much like a glove. I may also keep the original column with the lever removed and just put a B&M Quicksilver in the floor. I drove the truck that way for years and loved it.

Re: Family Project 65 C10 SWB "Old Blue"
 

Your 3 speed manual column can also be converted to shift an auto trans.

Re: Family Project 65 C10 SWB "Old Blue"
 

I would be interested in hearing about that. I did run a 700-r4 with the 3 speed column for a while, but I didn't have reverse or park detents, so no hand shifting allowed! lol

Re: Family Project 65 C10 SWB "Old Blue"
 

I put the rest of the steering together last night. I just snugged everything up to see if I could remember how everything went. I plan to torque it all down tonight and put the wheels on it.

I'm still trying to decide what to do about power steering. I'm thinking Captainfab's bracket, but I'm not sure what PS unit I currently have. It's supposedly from a later model C10, but I haven't been able to verify yet.

I'm also not 100% sure that my link bar will work with the pitman arm that's on the ps unit. More learning to do...

Re: Family Project 65 C10 SWB "Old Blue"
 

So...looking back at my build pictures, I ran into something that i hadn't noticed. The tie rod ends have a inner and an outer designation, two different part numbers. I thought all four where identical. I'll have to double check what part I put where when I put the front end together last night.

ES370R is the inner tie rod end.
ES350L is the outer tie rod end.

Here's hoping there are easily identifiable part numbers on them, lol!

Re: Family Project 65 C10 SWB "Old Blue"
 

Thinking of going with 2 1" DD x 3/4"-30 universals instead of the rag joint set, just to get any misalignment out of the way up front. Anybody got input on this idea?

Re: Family Project 65 C10 SWB "Old Blue"
 

Me too.

Re: Family Project 65 C10 SWB "Old Blue"
 

All '68-'86 C series and '87-'91 R series steering boxes are interchangeable. The steering box you have there will work.

Re: Family Project 65 C10 SWB "Old Blue"
 

Awesome! Thanks for the info. PM sent for info on ordering the PS bracket btw.

Re: Family Project 65 C10 SWB "Old Blue"
 

Go the fuel lines clamped down. Fuel system is done!

Re: Family Project 65 C10 SWB "Old Blue"
 

Got her back on all fours and rolled out of the garage so I can work on my wife's Yukon for the day. BIG step to have it rolling again!

Re: Family Project 65 C10 SWB "Old Blue"
 

A couple of pics of the header clearance once I cut off the casting blocks from the block. I also cut off the corner of the starter bolt boss and ground it round/smooth. The top pic is the casting block, right at the top of the pic. The bottom pic is the start bolt boss. Still tight, but enough clearance once I have the header gaskets in place.

Re: Family Project 65 C10 SWB "Old Blue"
 

Figured out that the only difference between the inner and outer tie rods is the thread direction...

Re: Family Project 65 C10 SWB "Old Blue"
 

I wanted to update the pics where I had to clearance the block for the headers to clarify:

I completely cut off the top block even with the surrounding area with no problem. That was the biggest problem I was having. (pic 1 and 2, right and left side respectively)

Down at the starter bolt, I just cut off the sharp edge and rounded it off. Should be no compromise to strength as I didn't grind any thinner that the thinnest part that was already there. (Pic 3)

I'm still going to have to grind the collector rings to clear, but not much. Should be GOOD TO GO!

Re: Family Project 65 C10 SWB "Old Blue"
 

More baby steps! I stripped the wiring harness again, since my first try didn't give me enough slack. The harness I have is from a Silverado, which mounts the computer and fuses on the fender under the hood and the wiring harness comes from the drivers side inner fender over the top of the intake and then down to the connections. I want the computer under the dash with the wiring harness entering behind the engine and spreading out from there. I had to extend a few power wires, one ground wire, the alternator and temperature sensor.

I also wired up the fuse and relay block. I now have 12v Battery, Keyed 12v, Ground, and fuel pump feed to connect. i also wired up the OBD2 connector and have it ready to go.

Now to put the sheath back on the wires and get everything taped up.

Re: Family Project 65 C10 SWB "Old Blue"
 

Got a little more clearance on the header collector flange. Lot of room now. Also re-bent the tranny cooler lines to clear the header better.

Got all the wiring connected and ready to put new tape and sleeve on it. Wired up to test the fuel pump, starter, etc. All good so far!

Re: Family Project 65 C10 SWB "Old Blue"
 

I just read this whole thread, very cool family fun.
Any updates? It’s been a while.

Re: Family Project 65 C10 SWB "Old Blue"
 

Yes, it has been a while. I installed the rear gas tank, hand made braided fuel lines, fuel pump, filter, etc. Computer and wiring was all connected. Was ready to test the fuel system pressure and fire her up....

...BUT had a daughter go through her senior year and graduate, that took up a ton of time. Changed jobs. Knees surgery. Just life.

Also, I rolled the Yukon in the garage 11/18 to completely redo the rear, wheel, diff, pinion bearings, etc. I will never tackle that again! it has proven to be much harder than I thought, especially without a lift. Good news though, I should have it running and out of the garage TOMORROW! We'll be back on old blue in no time.

Thanks for reading and asking for an update!

Re: Family Project 65 C10 SWB "Old Blue"
 

I thought something like that happened. I’ve got a 7 and 11 year old. It gets busy.

I would agree about rear axle work on the floor. Not fun, especially at 40+

Re: Family Project 65 C10 SWB "Old Blue"
 

Just about ready to get started again. Garage is empty, football will be over in the next few weeks, everyone is healthy!

The "short" list to get it driveable:

• Rear brake line
• Pressure test tank and fuel lines
• Fire engine
• Rear wheel and differential bearings
• Rear brakes
• Driveshaft cut and new u-joints
• Exhaust pipes and muffler install
• Power steering adapter, unit, hoses
• Power brake booster
• Bleed brakes
• New water pump
• New plugs
• Install engine accessories, ps pump, alternator, a/c compressor, idlers, tensioner
• Repair floor, rockers, cab corners
• Paint metal repairs
• Paint firewall
• Mount cab (New body mounts and bolts)
• Steering column and wheel
• Floor shifter
• Gas pedal and wiring
• Fusebox and new wiring
• Wire in engine harness
• Sound deadening material and carpet (in doors too)
• Seat
• Door cards and headliner
• Wipers
• Mount nose (new body mounts and bolts)
• Install a/c in cab and engine compartment (condenser, evaporator, lines, wiring)
• Headlights and turn signals
• Install radiator, overflow, and electric fan
• Run trans cooler lines and install cooler
• Install battery wiring and battery.
• Install hood
• Install bumper
• Install bed
• Install filler and filler tub for gas tank in fender
• Tail lights
• DRIVE!

Re: Family Project 65 C10 SWB "Old Blue"
 

IS this project still on going?

Re: Family Project 65 C10 SWB "Old Blue"
 

Yeah, it's still technically a project anyway, lol. I've had my son's 84 vette and now my dad's 83 K-5 Diesel squarebody come though. I'm hoping to start back up in earnest on the 65 this summer.

Re: Family Project 65 C10 SWB "Old Blue"
 

Good, really enjoyed looking through the build

Re: Family Project 65 C10 SWB "Old Blue"
 

Good to hear your still going with it, also who doesn't love a K5 diesel right?

Re: Family Project 65 C10 SWB "Old Blue"
 

Read through the entire thread, really enjoyed reading about this build. Hope it continues!