Papa's Truck

[Jwood70]

So, I have been in love with my Grandfathers (my Papa) truck my whole life. It is his 1979 Custom Deluxe. It has always lived in his basement and averages traveling about 500 miles a year (yes I mean 500 miles a year). As I have gotten older, Papa and I have had many discussions about what direction to take the truck. For a while, we leaned towards a small block swap, but we both decided that the 250 is plenty enough engine for cruising and the occasional trips to get gardening supplies. Being equipped with the integrated head, we wanted to swap on a non-integrated head and call the engine bay good.

A month ago, Papa was diagnosed with Leukemia and after undergoing chemo, is not responding well at all. In the hope that he will somehow recover, I have decided that I am going to take his truck and turn it into what we have been talking about.

Last weekend, I was able to dig up a head, intake and exhaust manifold as well as a carb. Soon, they will be making their way to the machine shop to be checked and cleaned up. I have never undertaken this kind of work before and welcome any help anyone can give to swapping the heads.

Once the engine is done, I am thinking that the replacement of the grill and some trim is going to happen. Beyond that, I don't know, so we are all in the same boat there.

Thanks for stopping in and here are just a few pictures of what I am starting with.








And yes, that is 75,569 (Papa bought the truck in 1984)

[walka]

Thats a fantastic truck just the way it is,, I wouldn't mess with it

[mattcrp1]

Second that, don't change a thing. That is a clean truck.

[Jwood70]

Thanks all. The pictures are pretty telling as to condition, but there are a few areas that need to be addressed. The grill is cracked from some incident years ago and I know of one spot on the passengers side at the rear wheel well that has a touch of rust. I don't plan on doing anything more that fixing 34 years of mild use.

The only reason I am changing out the head is that it was a planned project between my Papa and I. I am honored that he made sure that his wishes were known regarding his truck, even while fighting for his life. I had already promised years ago that I wouldn't do anything major to it.

I do love the simplicity of this truck as well as the reliability of it and I just want to keep it that way, a clean reliable truck.
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[moregrip]

now that's a good looking truck!

[Jwood70]

So, this may be a dumb question, but can I re-use the valve cover from the integrated head on my new non-integrated head?
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[rusty76]

Man that's a great looking truck. Wish my rust bucket didn't have as much rust.....Dog gone that thing almost looks new....grrrrr. Great truck and welcome to the forum.

[Jwood70]

Thanks rusty, Maybe sometime we can meet up and talk squares. My parents live in North Winston soit would be an easy meet. Just let me know
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[rusty76]

Sure thing. Always interested in meeting new Squarebody owners.

[Greenlee]

Nice, clean truck!

There is a thread on here somewhere dedicated to modding the straight 6 engines.
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[Jwood70]

Originally Posted by Greenlee

Nice, clean truck!

There is a thread on here somewhere dedicated to modding the straight 6 engines.
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Thanks Greenlee, It really never gets old hearing someone say that.

As far as modding the straight 6 goes, I am not going to go ver far at all. A head swap and maybe a different intake/exhaust and possibly a carb. This engine is just so strong, I hate having the possible weak spot that is the integrated head.
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[gafiredog]

Jwood70, I read your post, and it really touched me. I have 3 squarebodies. 2 crewcabs, and a stepside. I also have 3 grandsons, and I'm their papa, they are still little guys, but each one has claimed their truck, while they are to small to work on them,(6,5,2) they talk about the color they want, and types of wheels, etc. Hopefully I will be around when they are old enough to drive, and I can do things on the trucks with them. Hope your papa makes a full recovery, he and you are in our prayers.

[Jwood70]

Originally Posted by gafiredog

Jwood70, I read your post, and it really touched me. I have 3 squarebodies. 2 crewcabs, and a stepside. I also have 3 grandsons, and I'm their papa, they are still little guys, but each one has claimed their truck, while they are to small to work on them,(6,5,2) they talk about the color they want, and types of wheels, etc. Hopefully I will be around when they are old enough to drive, and I can do things on the trucks with them. Hope your papa makes a full recovery, he and you are in our prayers.

I hope that your grandsons are as lucky as I was with the time I got to spend with my Papa. Sadly, he passed last Thursday and we laid him to rest Sunday afternoon.

But my memories will last forever, much like I hope this truck will.

Thank you

[Jwood70]

I figured it was time to finally upload some under hood shots. Again, there is nothing fancy here, just a 250 I6 with the integrated head. Forgive the dust, I need some time away from school when I can give the ol truck a cleaning. Oh and sorry for the iphone pics.

[mattcrp1]

Sorry to hear about your loss. Drive that truck and enjoy the good times.

[Jwood70]

well, nothing has happened much lately with the truck, grad school mowns my life. But I was able to get by my Grandmothers house tonight on my way home and cranked and ran the truck for about 15 minutes. Its great to get into a vehicle that isnt driven much, and have it take no more effort to start than a few pumps of the gas pedal. Maybe soon I can find a machine shop to freshen up the head I have waiting to go on.

[rusty76]

Soon you'll be cruising in style. Great thing about these trucks are that they are just old enough to feel like an old truck, but with some modern suspension stuff. Parts are fairly cheap and easy to deal with. Where will you take your head to? There are several good machine shops in town. Some who know their stuff about inline sixes. Let me know if you need suggestions.

[Jwood70]

Thanks a ton, I will be sending you a PM closer to the time I plan on finding a shop for sure.

[rusty76]

Good deal. I know of a few.