![]() |
Register or Log In To remove these advertisements. |
|
|
![]() |
|
Thread Tools | Display Modes |
|
![]() |
#1 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Saskatchewan
Posts: 189
|
![]()
So I've made up my mind I'm going to dust off the 81 and drive it from western Saskatchewan to Ft. Dodge IA in Oct for the Cruise to the Woods. Why? I have to be in IA the next week for work anyhow so it seemed like a good excuse to go for a drive in the ol girl.
![]() But like all good ideas, there are problems to overcome. -truck has sat for a few years now and the gas in the tanks is from 2005 -can't switch fuel tanks from one side to the other -the gas tanks are looking a little rusty and might spring a leak any minute -there is a puddle of tranny fluid on the floor -there is a puddle of brake fluid on the floor -I'm 90% done a Flexilite electric fan swap -the chrome thermostat housing weeps -it sits high enough to get a nose bleed -the back bumper looks like crap So I've started this thread to help to keep me motivated to get this done and to get a little help. Problem 1 is easy enough to fix since the lawnmower needs gas anyhow. I'll siphon it out and fill up the mower. Problem 2 I'm in the middle of right now and need an answer. I'm going to replace all the fuel system components just cause I can't afford the time to break down on this trip. New tanks will ensure that ethanol blended gas won't pull any crap out of the system and plug filters, valves, pumps and the carb. I just bought a new tank switch for the dash today ($16.92 cdn at Acklands Grainger) and I'm thinking of changing the selector valve on the frame to make sure I don't have any issues at all. Problem is the guy at Acklands didn't know what the valve was called. I've searched the forums and have seen it called the Tank Selector Valve. Any other names it goes by? Parts guy was looking in the Blue Streak and Carter catalogs. Maybe they don't even carry a part for it. I'm also wondering if there are different valves for different years. Will an 87 valve fit my 81 for example. I've tried google, but I'm wondering if anyone can post a link to learn more about the part I want. Problem 3 can be fixed at Ackland's as well. They have fuel tanks available at a decent price. $137.36 cdn for a 16 gallon and $134.23 for a 20. I have to double check the size, but I'm sure I have 16 gallon tanks. Are the 20 gallon tanks interchangeable? I kinda like the idea of having that kind of fuel range for the trip. Problem 5 I'm going to farm out. Booked an appointment to get the wheel cylinders changed, axle seals replaced and new brake shoes. While it's there they can look for tranny leaks. I think Problem 4 is just the converter draining back into the case while it sat so long and is coming out the vent. Not sure though because it was too dark to tell. That's where I'm at at the moment. I have to fab some brackets to hold the fans in place since I had a brain fart and ordered a kit for an 04 GMC from Summit. With the border it's just too much of a hassle to send it back and get the right one. So the bottom is held on with 2 brackets from the kit and the top is held on with zip ties. The thermostat housing is driving me nuts. I've filed the housing flange on the Edelbrock intake flat, filed the chrome off the housing, replaced the O ring, smothered it in silicone, but the SOB still leaks. After all those things are done, I'll hopefully get around to doing something about the altitude, switching to a sport rear bumper and cutting off the tailpipes and dumping them after the axle. If there's any budget left over then I'll see about getting the seat fixed up a bit. Not very comfy anymore.
__________________
Stu- 1981 GMC Sierra Classic LWB 355- original 2 bolt block, 10.2:1, vortec heads, Comp XE268 cam, built by self in 1992 700R4-2000 stall with lockup, shift kit, Corvette servo 3.07 open diff- I need a 3.73 posi! 2nd owner since 1986 - 388,000 km and counting. 100k by the first owner and the rest by me. |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#2 |
Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: los angeles
Posts: 202
|
Re: Getting ready for a long cruise
i would say go for it. I took a trip in december from los angeles to oklahoma and loved it. Talk about an adventure..but well worth it.
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#3 |
Happy to be here
![]() Join Date: Mar 2000
Location: Cypress, TX
Posts: 39,023
|
Re: Getting ready for a long cruise
Keep us posted on your progress.
__________________
Follow me on Facebook and Instagram @N2trux.com Articles- "Jake" the 84 to 74 crewcab "Elwood" the77_Remix 85 GMC Sierra "Scarlett" "Refining Sierra" |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#4 |
Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Oklahoma
Posts: 7,461
|
Re: Getting ready for a long cruise
Sounds like a good road trip.
The 16 gal fuel tank is for short beds, and the 20 gal fuel tank is for long beds. Here is the page from LMC. They are calling their switching valves Selector Valves. Fuel System Components As far as the thermostat housing goes. I have heard the chrome ones are bad about seeping. Don't know how to remedy it, besides replacing it. Which is what I think I would do just for peace of mind on the road. Good luck, and we are here to motivate you! Keep us updated!! |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#5 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Saskatchewan
Posts: 189
|
Re: Getting ready for a long cruise
Thanks for the link John. I had a couple LMC catalogs here but the wifey cleaned up. I didn't know they had catalogs online. That's what's great about this board. I could spend spare time looking for stuff on the web, or post a quick question and someone helps out within a few hours. Thanks again.
About the tanks sizes, I realized I made a rookie mistake. I remember filling the truck up at the farm and it taking 16 gal per side. What I forgot was that our gallons are 20% larger. Well, our gallons were 20% larger then we went metric. But our old pumps on the farm are in Imperial gallons and that was why I thought I had the small tank. 16 imperial gallons = 20 US gallons.
__________________
Stu- 1981 GMC Sierra Classic LWB 355- original 2 bolt block, 10.2:1, vortec heads, Comp XE268 cam, built by self in 1992 700R4-2000 stall with lockup, shift kit, Corvette servo 3.07 open diff- I need a 3.73 posi! 2nd owner since 1986 - 388,000 km and counting. 100k by the first owner and the rest by me. |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#6 |
Don't Crush em Restore em
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Pinehurst, Texas
Posts: 764
|
Re: Getting ready for a long cruise
Sounds like a fun trip, I used to live in Cedar Rapids Iowa many years ago.
__________________
TexasJeff 2009 Silver with Linen Interior Cadillac DTS 1990 Red with White Top and Interior Ford Mustang GT convertible 1998 Red with Gray Interior, C3500 Chevy Crew Cab Dually ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#7 |
Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Oklahoma
Posts: 7,461
|
Re: Getting ready for a long cruise
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#8 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Saskatchewan
Posts: 189
|
Re: Getting ready for a long cruise
__________________
Stu- 1981 GMC Sierra Classic LWB 355- original 2 bolt block, 10.2:1, vortec heads, Comp XE268 cam, built by self in 1992 700R4-2000 stall with lockup, shift kit, Corvette servo 3.07 open diff- I need a 3.73 posi! 2nd owner since 1986 - 388,000 km and counting. 100k by the first owner and the rest by me. |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#9 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Saskatchewan
Posts: 189
|
Re: Getting ready for a long cruise
Just thinking of one more thing I'm going to need before I go on this trip...cupholders!
I've seen pics of cupholders for 67-72 that slide into the ashtray tracks. I've googled and searched the forum to see if there is a vendor that offers one for 73-87s but I've come up empty. Anyone know of one?
__________________
Stu- 1981 GMC Sierra Classic LWB 355- original 2 bolt block, 10.2:1, vortec heads, Comp XE268 cam, built by self in 1992 700R4-2000 stall with lockup, shift kit, Corvette servo 3.07 open diff- I need a 3.73 posi! 2nd owner since 1986 - 388,000 km and counting. 100k by the first owner and the rest by me. |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#10 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Ontario Canada
Posts: 1,006
|
Re: Getting ready for a long cruise
LMC has cupholders
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#11 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Saskatchewan
Posts: 189
|
Re: Getting ready for a long cruise
First site I searched and came up empty. Never thought to search drink holders. Thanks guys.
__________________
Stu- 1981 GMC Sierra Classic LWB 355- original 2 bolt block, 10.2:1, vortec heads, Comp XE268 cam, built by self in 1992 700R4-2000 stall with lockup, shift kit, Corvette servo 3.07 open diff- I need a 3.73 posi! 2nd owner since 1986 - 388,000 km and counting. 100k by the first owner and the rest by me. |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#12 |
6.0 powered square
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Mesquite texas
Posts: 3,459
|
Re: Getting ready for a long cruise
__________________
Aaron 1980 c-10 short bed lowered, cammed 6.0, 4l80e 3600 stall, smp tune, wilwoods, and flames best time so far best et 7.86 @87 on motor 7.57 90 on a 75 shot Build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=283326 Last edited by flamingbig10; 07-25-2009 at 11:49 AM. |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#13 |
78 Big10 454
![]() Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Pismo Beach, CA
Posts: 838
|
Re: Getting ready for a long cruise
From experience, dump the chrome thermostat housing for a stock one. The chrome ones are notorious for leaking.
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#14 |
Badass
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: lox. fl
Posts: 4,586
|
Re: Getting ready for a long cruise
i got one of the plastic cut holder things that sit on the floor from pepboys
![]()
__________________
Think outside the box? -84c10 (1stcar)→My Build← ![]() -00 Saturn 5spd drop a gear and disappear! 1/4:13:90 ![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#15 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Saskatchewan
Posts: 189
|
Re: Getting ready for a long cruise
I filed all the chrome off the bottom so I'm not so sure it isn't the 15 year old Edelbrock intake that part of the problem. Only way to know is swap out the housing for the stocker and see if it still leaks.
__________________
Stu- 1981 GMC Sierra Classic LWB 355- original 2 bolt block, 10.2:1, vortec heads, Comp XE268 cam, built by self in 1992 700R4-2000 stall with lockup, shift kit, Corvette servo 3.07 open diff- I need a 3.73 posi! 2nd owner since 1986 - 388,000 km and counting. 100k by the first owner and the rest by me. |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#16 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Saskatchewan
Posts: 189
|
Re: Getting ready for a long cruise
Told my parents yesterday about the trip and my 70 year old Dad has decided to come along.
![]() Really looking forward to this. Could only be better if my 5 year old son could come along.
__________________
Stu- 1981 GMC Sierra Classic LWB 355- original 2 bolt block, 10.2:1, vortec heads, Comp XE268 cam, built by self in 1992 700R4-2000 stall with lockup, shift kit, Corvette servo 3.07 open diff- I need a 3.73 posi! 2nd owner since 1986 - 388,000 km and counting. 100k by the first owner and the rest by me. |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#17 |
Garage wrench
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: LaCrosse, WI
Posts: 1,855
|
Re: Getting ready for a long cruise
very cool, sounds like it should be a blast. Keep us posted on the progress.
__________________
-Adam 90 V1500 GMC Suburban 350/700R4/NP241..... 01 Saturn SL1 stock DD..... |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#18 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Saskatchewan
Posts: 189
|
Re: Getting ready for a long cruise
Not much of an update, but I got started on getting the truck ready today. Got it out of storage to take it to a shop that is going to repair the leaks tomorrow.
As it sat in storage. You can see the edge of the tranny fluid puddle. ![]() Hooked up the battery. After checking all the fluids, I tried cranked it to see if it would start. Surprisingly, it fired on the third try today. Not sure what I was thinking. Red heater hose, red distributor cap, yellow plug wires. ugh. ![]() You are looking at an original, crack free 1981 vintage dash. And a bunch of garbage on the seat. ![]() Side shot with all the crap my parents had stored in the box. Most of it was mine, so I guess I should take the hint and haul it home. ![]() Dropped it off at the shop. ![]()
__________________
Stu- 1981 GMC Sierra Classic LWB 355- original 2 bolt block, 10.2:1, vortec heads, Comp XE268 cam, built by self in 1992 700R4-2000 stall with lockup, shift kit, Corvette servo 3.07 open diff- I need a 3.73 posi! 2nd owner since 1986 - 388,000 km and counting. 100k by the first owner and the rest by me. Last edited by olblue81; 07-27-2009 at 08:12 PM. |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#19 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Saskatchewan
Posts: 189
|
Re: Getting ready for a long cruise
Well I haven't updated my thread for a bit, but the truck is slowly getting ready for the trip (10 days and counting left to work on the truck). I've had tons on my plate lately and posting hasn't been at the top of the list.
![]() The rear brakes are fixed now. I didn't get photos, but on the way home there was an issue with the right front brake dragging. Back to the shop the following week to get the right front caliper replaced, but it turned out to be a bad brake hose. So from the original post- -truck has sat for a few years now and the gas in the tanks is from 2005 -can't switch fuel tanks from one side to the other -the gas tanks are looking a little rusty and might spring a leak any minute -there is a puddle of tranny fluid on the floor -there is a puddle of brake fluid on the floor -I'm 90% done a Flexilite electric fan swap -the chrome thermostat housing weeps -it sits high enough to get a nose bleed -the back bumper looks like crap I'm going to get some of this fixed and some not. -I've run several tanks of fuel through the truck and no issues have sprung up other than a stuck needle and seat that was cured by pulling the top off the carb and giving it a "30 second carb job" by spraying a pile of carb cleaner on it. Changed the fuel pump and fuel filter and crossing my fingers that nothing else happens. MPG has been in the 16 US/19 IMP to the gallon at 75 mph/120 kmh. Better than I thought. -bought a new switch for the fuel tank. Hope that fixes the fuel tanks not switching. They appear to work OK now. -tranny fluid is coming from where the shift linkage goes into the trans case. Was told there is nothing that can be done for that. -brakes are good to go now. -still have to fab 2 quick brackets to mount the top of the fans. -gave up on the chrome thermostat housing and went back to the ugly stocker. It still weeps a touch so I'm starting to think the Edelbrock manifold is the culprit. It is 15 years old now. -The back bumper and tailpipes still look like crap, but I'm going to trim the pipes so that they dump behind the axle. The bumper is what it is for now. -Last but not least, DHL showed up with a set of DJM drop spindles and shocks. The 4" shackle and hanger kit is on back order so I'm crossing my fingers to get them before I go. Pics to come! BTW, does anyone know of a site that I can post updates from the road with my Blackberry?
__________________
Stu- 1981 GMC Sierra Classic LWB 355- original 2 bolt block, 10.2:1, vortec heads, Comp XE268 cam, built by self in 1992 700R4-2000 stall with lockup, shift kit, Corvette servo 3.07 open diff- I need a 3.73 posi! 2nd owner since 1986 - 388,000 km and counting. 100k by the first owner and the rest by me. |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#20 |
Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: South Carolina
Posts: 93
|
Re: Getting ready for a long cruise
Your tranny leak can be fixed by any shop that does trans work. The selector seal leaking is common, has happened to me twice. If it happens again I'm gonna buy the puller for removing the seal and start doing them myself.
__________________
87 V10, 350 700R4/208, 373's |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#21 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Saskatchewan
Posts: 189
|
Re: Getting ready for a long cruise
Hmmm. I was lead to believe there wasn't a seal in there. Good to know.
__________________
Stu- 1981 GMC Sierra Classic LWB 355- original 2 bolt block, 10.2:1, vortec heads, Comp XE268 cam, built by self in 1992 700R4-2000 stall with lockup, shift kit, Corvette servo 3.07 open diff- I need a 3.73 posi! 2nd owner since 1986 - 388,000 km and counting. 100k by the first owner and the rest by me. |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#22 | |
Registered User
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Palmer, Alaska
Posts: 13,821
|
Re: Getting ready for a long cruise
Quote:
![]() you just reminded me that I need to replace my axle seals ![]()
__________________
![]() ![]() |
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#23 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Saskatchewan
Posts: 189
|
Re: Getting ready for a long cruise
So the last week thrash is on to make sure the truck is ready.
After noticing the oil pressure was dangerously low at hot idle, I decided to do some investigating. The motor wasn't knocking so I suspected the pressure sender. I removed the pipe plug from the oil gallery behind the water pump- ![]() And threaded in a master gauge to check the real pressure- ![]() And like I suspected, lots of oil pressure- ![]() 65 lbs at cold idle with 15w40 oil. I put a standard volume, high pressure oil pump in the motor because of the 2 camshaft failures I had when I rebuilt the motor, but it seems as though I don't really need it. I thought the clearances might be a little loose after the trash went through it, but I guess not. So I went ahead and put in the new sending unit- ![]() I still have to fab a couple brackets to mount the top of the electric fans- ![]() Like my zip tie bracketry? lol. I still want to do something about the altitude. ![]() I have the spindles, but the hangers and shackles I'm still waiting on. Hopefully they arrive on Tuesday like I was promised. I won't do the spindles until they arrive, and even then I will only get the shackles in if they do. That will give me a 3/2 drop at least. Not the best, but I'm hesitant to try and get the hangers off this close to leaving. The truck sits almost level now, so it will have a little more than a 1" rake when I get the shackles on. Front- ![]() Rear- ![]() I've got my route planned out now on MapPoint- ![]() It'll end up being over 2500 miles in 8 days. Planning on stopping in Jamestown at Agricover to pick up a tonneau cover on the way down.
__________________
Stu- 1981 GMC Sierra Classic LWB 355- original 2 bolt block, 10.2:1, vortec heads, Comp XE268 cam, built by self in 1992 700R4-2000 stall with lockup, shift kit, Corvette servo 3.07 open diff- I need a 3.73 posi! 2nd owner since 1986 - 388,000 km and counting. 100k by the first owner and the rest by me. Last edited by olblue81; 09-27-2009 at 12:30 AM. |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#24 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Saskatchewan
Posts: 189
|
Re: Getting ready for a long cruise
Well it's the night before the departure. What I wanted to do was step by step posts with photos of my getting the truck together.
But as it turned out, it was a 3 day thrash with no time for photos or posting. All I have is an after photo. ![]() The installation of the spindles went well, but the hangers and shackles were a little slice of h-e-double hockey sticks. Sometime I'll go into it, but for now I've got to get packing.
__________________
Stu- 1981 GMC Sierra Classic LWB 355- original 2 bolt block, 10.2:1, vortec heads, Comp XE268 cam, built by self in 1992 700R4-2000 stall with lockup, shift kit, Corvette servo 3.07 open diff- I need a 3.73 posi! 2nd owner since 1986 - 388,000 km and counting. 100k by the first owner and the rest by me. |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#25 |
Gettin It One Pice At A Time
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: everett, washington
Posts: 2,688
|
Re: Getting ready for a long cruise
wow looks nice!!! have a safe drive!
__________________
RIP ELJAY ![]() ![]() Getting the truck done, one piece at a time. “You can tell a lot about a fellow’s character by his way of eating jellybeans.”Ronald Reagan “I don’t know the key to success but I know the key to failure is trying to please everybody.” Bill Cosby |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
Bookmarks |
|
|