Re: Knomadd '71 SWB C-10
 

Nice job, looks great

Re: Knomadd '71 SWB C-10
 

Thanks Chad! Seeing how it looks aired out makes me want to go all out and do a PB Dropmember, raise the bed and do a full notch on the rear, so I can drive it low like Nacho... Maybe on the next one.
Thanks Keith!

It was such a beautiful day yesterday that I asked the wife which vehicle she wanted to drive before the game started. At first she said the GTO since it's been so long since she's ridden in it. After about a minute she changed her mind and said the dog's might like to go for a ride too. So I took the tonneau cover off and helped our 11 year old yellow (he's nearly white) lab into the bed, the nearly 4 year old black lab jumped in. We spent about an hour driving around with them in the back enjoying the fresh air. I wish I had taken a pic, but I forgot.

Re: Knomadd '71 SWB C-10
 

Great build that kind of reminds me of mine. Take a pretty good truck, fix what you don't like and build everything else how you want it. All while trying to drive and enjoy as much as possible with minimal down time.

Re: Knomadd '71 SWB C-10
 

That was the goal. Eventually it will be a full tear down and rebuild, but not for quite some time. My GTO will get the full tear down and rebuild before this one does.

Re: Knomadd '71 SWB C-10
 

Well I just placed an order for a few parts that I've been needing... timing tab (don't know why the PO didn't install one) so I know where my timing is set.... Needed to do some adjusting but couldn't figure out where it's set. Found out I've got pretty bad exhaust leaks form the header gaskets so I also ordered some new copper header gaskets, and these:
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/gallery/...ps42978267.png
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/gallery/...ps96e9076c.png
I ordered both the standard breather and the PCV type. :metal: Oh, and some VC gaskets.

Re: Knomadd '71 SWB C-10
 

I've been wanting to add the tail light trim, but didn't want to drill holes for all the trim, and can't find the tail light pieces without holes in it for the two screws next to the tailgate. Thought I'd use double sided tape to mount everything. I know it wouldn't look right with the screw holes still in the trim, so I just couldn't pull the trigger...
Sooooo.... I just ordered a set of Fesler Built polished billet tail lights from TNT Motorsports, member ksbrktracer. Check 'em out...
http://cdn2.bigcommerce.com/server60....1280.1280.jpg

I'll use these instead of the trim pieces, and still get the shiny parts I wanted without all the holes.

Re: Knomadd '71 SWB C-10
 

Digging the valve covers and tail lights ! I might do those myself (the taillights). I have similar valve covers just the polished version.

Re: Knomadd '71 SWB C-10
 

Those tail lights are very nice, I just got mine the other day from ksbrktracer. Nice looking valve covers too.

Re: Knomadd '71 SWB C-10
 

I want to see some pictures of the tail lights installed . I think I will put some in my 71 when I get that far. Nice looking truck Knomadd

Re: Knomadd '71 SWB C-10
 

Thanks Chad. I was seriously considering the polished covers and pulling my motor to paint it Chevy red, but the more I thought about it, I've got a bit of a blue/black theme going on and I'd like to keep that going, so I went ahead and ordered the black ones.

Thanks Keith. I actually saw your tail lights in your thread on Friday and made the decision to go ahead and order them. From the pictures I've seen, I think I'll be glad I did.

Thanks Tommy. I'll definitely post some pics when I install them.

Re: Knomadd '71 SWB C-10
 

Good choice on parts. Wish my truck looked as clean as yours. Keep up posted with install pictures.

Re: Knomadd '71 SWB C-10
 

Diggin' the valve covers! Where'd you get those?

Re: Knomadd '71 SWB C-10
 

I ordered them from Summit Racing. They're here already, but I've got to study for a certification for work. My test is next Friday, so I should be installing them on the 22nd, if all goes as planned.

Re: Knomadd '71 SWB C-10
 

I passed my test, so it's back to working on the vehicles! :metal:

I got the Fesler tail lights installed yesterday evening. Take a look
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/gallery/...ps2d378749.jpg

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/gallery/...psa483c81a.jpg

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/gallery/...ps7fdcf87f.jpg

Re: Knomadd '71 SWB C-10
 

Tail lights look killer.
And are highlighted by the fact that you have no oem taillight trim.
Crisp and clean looking!

Re: Knomadd '71 SWB C-10
 

Boy they look nice installed .... ! Of course I like the whole truck .... I have a 71 thats blue also.

Re: Knomadd '71 SWB C-10
 

Thanks Tommy, I'm happy with them.

Had some time this weekend to rebuild my HEI, reset my timing and tune my carb via vacuum gauge. It runs a lot better now. Still need to do some adjustments. I've got an engine run-on / dieseling problem or whatever you want to call it. Not sure if the spark plugs are too hot, or if I've got too much timing in it, but I'll get that sorted out sooner or later. Hopefully sooner.

Re: Knomadd '71 SWB C-10
 

Dang, your truck looks clean. I like that steering wheel. Looks smooth and simple.

Re: Knomadd '71 SWB C-10
 

Tail lights look really good installed.

Re: Knomadd '71 SWB C-10
 

I love your truck and what you've done to it! Were you able to get the valve covers installed yet??

Re: Knomadd '71 SWB C-10
 

Thanks! The wife and I like it too.

Thanks, I'm happy with them! I think they'll look great on yours too!

Thanks! I haven't installed them yet. Haven't really done any more work on it since tuning it. The wife took it and the dogs for a few days to her parents deer camp a couple hours away (40+ acres of undeveloped land). That was last week-weekend, so I haven't had much chance to do anything to it.

We did drive it to dinner last night, or I should say she drove it and I rode along. When we got there I noticed a few drips on the pavement that followed her parking path. Turned around and saw a puddle forming... :mad: Turns out the water pump is finally giving out. Drove it home and the temps were very hot when moving slow, but cooled down at highway speeds. Made it home, but I'm going to be tearing it down to do the frontrunner swap starting this evening... Who said good things don't come from bad situations? :lol:

I am going to have to modify an A/C compressor bypass pulley to mount in place of the compressor since I haven't done my A/C install yet. That's going to be interesting, but I think I've found a close starting point with a factory part from a 2004 Bonneville. We'll see how that goes.

Re: Knomadd '71 SWB C-10
 

Started the tear down today. After work I decided to paint the new water pump, then tear into the engine. Before (minus upper rad hose):
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/gallery/...ps0219d3a4.jpg

Once I had the old water pump off, the pulleys off, and after a long fight with the power steering pump bracket that attaches to the motor mount (who came up with that bright idea? What a pain in the @$$!!!) I painted the front of the engine, keeping with the blue and black theme of the truck thus far, I stayed with semi-gloss black.
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/gallery/...ps8bcf4b9a.jpg

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/gallery/...psfe7424d6.jpg

More tomorrow. I'll be starting the install! :metal: Long list of things to put on...

1 - Front runner and all it entails
2 - Modify A/C compressor bypass pulley bracket (need this until A/C is installed)
3 - Electric fan
4 - Wire electric fan (need to find a diagram for relays so I can do it right)
5 - replace valve covers, breather and pcv valve
6 - new spark plug wire looms
7 - redo the spark plug wires
8 - bleed the power steering pump / hydroboost
9 - make sure nothing leaks
10 - change oil

I don't have to do 5-7, or 10, but while I'm at it... :lol:

Edit: Oh yeah, I also replaced the drivers side header gasket since I've got exhaust leaks. Figured I'd do it now since I had to take two of the bolts out to get the alternator bracket off. Still need to do the passenger side. I guess that's #11 on my list.

Re: Knomadd '71 SWB C-10
 

Sounds like some nice upgrades..

Re: Knomadd '71 SWB C-10
 

Looks sweet Duane!!!

Re: Knomadd '71 SWB C-10
 

Thanks guys!

I started today by removing the old valve cover and much to my surprise...

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/gallery/...ps09a1fd34.jpg

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/gallery/...ps610de0f8.jpg

Looks like I've got a fairly healthy build in this one. :metal:

Re: Knomadd '71 SWB C-10
 

Valve cover installed...
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/gallery/...ps8c43d522.jpg

If you look closely, you'll see the wire looms along the bottom of the valve cover. These are billet specialties items like the valve covers. I also relocated my temp sender to the drivers side, so I can install the heater hose in the intake like it should be.

It's too bad the headers look like $#!+ though. :waah:

Re: Knomadd '71 SWB C-10
 

I ran into a snag during the front runner install. I found out the bolts for the power steering pump bracket wouldn't attach to the block. I took the bracket off and put the bolt in and found out the threads were way back in the block, but the old bolts held it in place just fine. I figured the PO had drilled them out to accept larger bolts, so I went and bought a rethread kit. Drilled them out, tapped them, installed the helicoils and put the bracket on. I couldn't get the top bolt in all the way and it was really difficult to get it in, so I pulled it out and the helicoil came with it. It chewed up the stainless threads so I ran my die on it to clean up the threads, installed another helicoil and tried again. This time it hung up and I didn't force it. Tried the other bolt and again, it wouldn't go in. So I tried to chase the threads....


THE TAP BROKE INSIDE THE BLOCK!!!! :cuss:

I went ahead and continued the install and here is where I finished the day..
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/gallery/...ps4da3186a.jpg

Sitting here posting all my updates has me changing my mind. I'm going to pull the front runner back off and use a carbide bit on my dremel to grind the jagged tap flat so I can drill and tap it again. It's bugging me that I didn't get it out and install the bolt. I'm worried it will come back to bite me later.

Re: Knomadd '71 SWB C-10
 

Sweet valve covers! I love how symmetrical the front runner set up makes the front of the engine, very nice!

Re: Knomadd '71 SWB C-10
 

Looks great Duane!! Sorry to hear about them problems with your bolt holes..

Re: Knomadd '71 SWB C-10
 

nice lookin build,i love everything you have done , i see u had a cpp steering column,how is it holding up ?I recently purchased one for my 71 c10 and after receiving it I decided to do a reviews of it online and heard badd things about quality and about steering loss and scares the h3ll out of me using it esp while riding my 4 yr old son around in it,maybe they fixed their probs hopefully,just looking for any pros or cons of recent cpp column installed in other members trucks,anyone else using one that has put many miles on one ....

Re: Knomadd '71 SWB C-10
 

Man, those new parts look great. Bummer about the bolt problems and now a tap problem. Those can be a real pain to get out. Wish I could help you with it.

Re: Knomadd '71 SWB C-10
 

Thanks! I'm excited to get it done. I think it looks good so far.

I haven't had any issues with it so far.

Thanks guys! I think I might have the problem solved. I've got a couple carbide dremels that I'm going to use to grind the tap as flat as I can. I also ordered left hand drill bits that should be here Wednesday. Hopefully while I'm drilling it out, one of them will catch and back it out. If not, I can just drill it all the way out and tap it again. Hopefully this will be the end of it.

Re: Knomadd '71 SWB C-10
 

The dremel is going to take forever. I spent about an hour on it yesterday and couldn't even get halfway done. I was afraid the dremel would burn up before I got it smoothed out. So... I ordered a tap extractor from McMaster-Carr ( THIS) so we'll see if this works instead. My research last night also came up with an idea to use a can of compressed air, turn it upside down and use the liquid to freeze the tap to make it brittle, then smack it with a punch to break it. Not sure this would work well and not damage the block so I'll try to do without this method.

Re: Knomadd '71 SWB C-10
 

So I finally got the memory card out of the camera... Here's the engine as I left it on Sunday.
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/gallery/...ps7d822eac.jpg

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/gallery/...ps37e14030.jpg

Should get the tap remover kit today. Hopefully I'll be able to have some truck time this evening to try it out. Wish me luck!

Re: Knomadd '71 SWB C-10
 

Good Luck ...... Broken tap can be a serious pain in the rear for sure.

Re: Knomadd '71 SWB C-10
 

Just went through your build. Very nice truck! Really liking those valve covers. That's my one big gripe with LS motors, not many options for cool valve covers.

Re: Knomadd '71 SWB C-10
 

Yeah, the valve covers and the front runner are going to make my engine bay look bad. My intake and water neck need some attention for sure. :lol:

Re: Knomadd '71 SWB C-10
 

Well, I guess it's back to the slow going carbid burr to grind out the tap. I tried the broken tap removal tool and it got mangled...

These should all be straight with no bend or twist at the bottom, and the same length.
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/gallery/...pssdzmtqnr.JPG

Re: Knomadd '71 SWB C-10
 

Sorry to hear about the issues your having with the broken tap but those valve covers and that front runner system look great.

Re: Knomadd '71 SWB C-10
 

Thanks Keith.

I got the tap out finally. Had to grind it out with the dremel the whole way. Once that was done, i drilled out the heli-coil and retapped the hole for a new heli-coil. I was extremely careful this time. It all worked out so I continued to install the frontrunner. Enough with the words. On to the pics...

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/gallery/...psf5eb6c90.jpg

I also used braided wire wrap on the radiator and heater hoses, like I did with the wiring, steering hoses and vacuum hoses.
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/gallery/...psc8f588b1.jpg

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/gallery/...ps2aeb0073.jpg

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/gallery/...ps1c48daf3.jpg

Now I need to do the new spark plug wires, fill the power steering pump and bleed the system, and install the dual electric fans I had laying in the garage from my GTO. I'm about to start looking for a relay diagram for the fans.

I'm so glad I got that damn tap out! What a relief :thud: