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04-20-2014, 09:56 PM | #1 |
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First square. 1980 GMC
Hey guys, I finally got this project home this Saturday. Bought it a week ago, but couldn't get it back here. I'll include pics at the end of the text
I have a bunch of questions because i picked this thing up really cheap and know it needs alot of work. I have no mechanical experience or fabricating. I've wanted a 73-87 since I was 15 so I went for it. I know I'm jumping in way over my head but I want to learn every single thing I can.. So it's pretty rough, bed is rusted through and damaged on the side. I suppose I can try to find another bed to put on it. I haven't got to get completely through the cab yet to see what the deal is there. The hood is obviously bent, but closes somewhat. I'll find another for it if I can. There is some weird wiring done I think, and i'll have to try to sort that out. My biggest questions is where do i start?? It doesn't run.. supposedly needs new head gaskets. I don't think the carb was functioning right, so I just pulled it off tonight, with tons of pics of everything how it goes. Going to try to find out a model on it for maybe a rebuild if possible... all I can see on it now is Rochester Quadrajet.. So ill clean a bit and see if there is anything else written on it. Hmm there is the numbers 17080206 on it, a quick google search brought me to some pics and rebuild kits. Well here are the pics, just an Imgur album. I can upload them right onto this post if y'all would prefer. http://imgur.com/a/f7hBv |
04-20-2014, 10:02 PM | #2 |
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Re: First square. 1980 GMC
First order of business is to buy a repair manual... and get to know your local pick n pull, and craigslist...
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Scott 87 Chevy 2WD SWB, 88 4x4 LWB http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=610652 |
04-20-2014, 10:06 PM | #3 |
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Re: First square. 1980 GMC
Yeah i didn't even think about that even though I just got one for my dodge. From the vin, I'm pretty sure it came with a 305 and it has an older gm 350 in it right now.. or according to the valve covers and what the guy said haha.
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04-20-2014, 10:15 PM | #4 | |
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Re: First square. 1980 GMC
Quote:
Does the VIN start CCL (350) or CCR (400)? I don't see an option for a 305 on my VIN spec sheet.
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04-20-2014, 10:23 PM | #5 | ||
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Re: First square. 1980 GMC
Quote:
Thanks! I've browsed these forums for years and saw N2TRUX's truck a few months back at a show 5 miles from my house. He's helped me out alot with looking back when i was 15 and now again at 20. My VIN starts w/ TCG I'm pretty sure(don't have it on me right now) and the decoder i looked at said T = GMC C = conventional cab and G = 5.0L 2bbl.. however I think it has a 350 in it? I haven't looked up how to really tell, it says 350 on the valve covers and thats what he said was in it. Quote:
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04-20-2014, 10:21 PM | #6 |
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Re: First square. 1980 GMC
Check the block numbers, directly in front of ta passenger side head stamped on the block surface. That will tell you what it is Other than the hood, the body looks nice. One of the first things I would do that I noticed that needs to be undone is the fuel line. Truck came from the factory with steel line the whole way from pump to carb. I would put it back that way. As far as the head gaskets, check your compression before you do anything. Not terribly difficult.
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72 GMC C2500 402/Th400 first truck (still have) 77 GMC C3500 CC dually Sold 70 C50 dump truck "Rusty" 87 K10 Suburban Sold 93 K2500 xcab 6.5TD 96 GMC K2500 Suburban 6.5 TD |
04-21-2014, 07:25 AM | #7 |
Don't Crush em Restore em
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Re: First square. 1980 GMC
Welcome to the forums, from a fellow Texas guy, that does not live to far from you. The truck is a little rough around the edges, but that is how mine started to, to there is lots of hope for the old girl. Looks to me that the person before you bought a GM Target Master engine and did a swap, I would bet money that is not the original engine.
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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 |
04-21-2014, 10:36 AM | #8 |
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Re: First square. 1980 GMC
nice score,looks solid
I'd lube up the hood,that can happen when the hinges seize up,
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John 1978 GMCJimmy4X4-350/203 1979 GMCJimmy4X2-305/350 |
04-21-2014, 01:22 PM | #9 | |
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Re: First square. 1980 GMC
Quote:
Also to anyone reading this, when you try to start the truck, you have to have it in reverse... how can I fix this? I have the carb off and whatnot right now but I'd like to know why I have to go from park to reverse to get it to even attempt to start and maybe fix it before putting the carb back on after cleaning/rebuilding(if I can haha). |
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04-21-2014, 03:50 PM | #10 |
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Re: First square. 1980 GMC
Here's the lines I'm talking about. As far as starting in reverse, your neutral safety switch needs adjusted. Its on the lower end of the column, on top.
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72 GMC C2500 402/Th400 first truck (still have) 77 GMC C3500 CC dually Sold 70 C50 dump truck "Rusty" 87 K10 Suburban Sold 93 K2500 xcab 6.5TD 96 GMC K2500 Suburban 6.5 TD |
04-21-2014, 09:37 PM | #11 | |
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Re: First square. 1980 GMC
Quote:
There are also random wires in the interior that I am not sure about. I took the seat and carpet out today, not so pretty.. but I think it's not all horrible(if we forget about the floorboards) Last edited by Mayhem.Evol; 04-21-2014 at 09:40 PM. Reason: Spelling and Pics |
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04-22-2014, 08:57 PM | #12 |
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Re: First square. 1980 GMC
I pulled off the dash pad thingy today and it was filthy underneath it. I also pulled the paneling under the steering wheel to look at the wiring.. I have no clue what any of it is lol. Any ideas?
Sorry for bad pictures, they didn't look that blurry on my phone. The first pic is the radio. I'd like to remove it, but I'm not sure how to go about doing that. Can i just remove all wires completely that are connected to it? without messing anything else up. The 2nd pic is a clump of wires hanging down. I don't know how to deal with these.. the orange and blue ones were running to the back of the seat for speakers/subs I think. Any suggestions? or can someone point me in the right way to getting that mess cleaned up. Also, is there a way to check if gauges work w/o the truck being on? probably a stupid question And one last thing this post.. Any suggestions on a good way to clean up the metal of the floor in the cab? its just dirty and greasy and has rat crap on it. Not sure on the best way to get that up. |
04-23-2014, 10:55 PM | #13 |
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Re: First square. 1980 GMC
I can't seem to edit my post, I guess there is a time limit on it.. so sorry for the double!
Anyone have some recommendations for an engine stand? I did a search but alot of the links were outdated, so they didn't work anymore. |
04-23-2014, 11:08 PM | #14 |
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Re: First square. 1980 GMC
There is a time limit to edit posts.....
Engine stands are pretty common, just make sure you get one that allows you to rotate the engine.
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Scott 87 Chevy 2WD SWB, 88 4x4 LWB http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=610652 |
04-23-2014, 11:36 PM | #15 | |
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Re: First square. 1980 GMC
Quote:
Like this http://www.summitracing.com/parts/sum-918014/overview/ |
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04-23-2014, 11:43 PM | #16 |
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Re: First square. 1980 GMC
Yes, I would not buy one with a T.
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Scott 87 Chevy 2WD SWB, 88 4x4 LWB http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=610652 |
04-23-2014, 11:46 PM | #17 |
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Re: First square. 1980 GMC
If you have a harbor Freight nearby, you can probably get one fairly inexpensive. If you plan on using infrequently they work fine.
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Scott 87 Chevy 2WD SWB, 88 4x4 LWB http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=610652 |
04-23-2014, 11:59 PM | #18 |
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Re: First square. 1980 GMC
You don't need a chemical to wire brush. Just try to get the floor as clean as possible first (vacuum up the dust and crap). Then just brush away. For now, you only need to brush up the rust, them hit it with a converter (like Conquest). Don't worry about the painted part of the floor until you're ready to repaint it.
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04-24-2014, 01:15 PM | #19 | ||
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Re: First square. 1980 GMC
Quote:
Quote:
Gonna order that rebuild kit and a book on it today. Pick up some carb cleaner or something today/tomorrow. Any suggestions on that? I've never cleaned a carb before. Will just any work fine? I'm guessing I'll want to get enough to soak it and not just the spray cans |
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04-24-2014, 02:35 PM | #20 |
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Re: First square. 1980 GMC
While soaking has its advantages, so does the spray cans, with the straw. The soaking loosens stuff up and the spray blasts it away. Just wear some safety glasses. And make sure you get some good quality stuff. I have used some in the past that wouldn't clean a fart off of a chair in a windstorm. Make sure you clean the small passages with the straw too. Take your time and follow the directions and get your float and such set right. You will be fine.
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72 GMC C2500 402/Th400 first truck (still have) 77 GMC C3500 CC dually Sold 70 C50 dump truck "Rusty" 87 K10 Suburban Sold 93 K2500 xcab 6.5TD 96 GMC K2500 Suburban 6.5 TD |
04-24-2014, 08:30 PM | #21 | |
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Re: First square. 1980 GMC
Quote:
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04-26-2014, 11:02 PM | #22 |
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Re: First square. 1980 GMC
I also noticed that the dash backlighting and radio go out and the headlights were dimming when it tried to start. I read online that this could mean starter problems.. Any tests or whatnot I could do?
And as i said before, you have to have it in reverse to try to start it.. So maybe I should trouble shoot the whole ignition system/wiring before trying to start it anymore. |
04-26-2014, 11:25 PM | #23 |
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Re: First square. 1980 GMC
First pull the Battery and give it a full charge. Then have it load tested. Autozone or Advance should be able to handle that. Then if that tests OK then move to the starter. Pull it an AZ or ADV can test them too. Also at every terminal you take off, clean it. Those wire brushes you bought for the carb will work fine.
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72 GMC C2500 402/Th400 first truck (still have) 77 GMC C3500 CC dually Sold 70 C50 dump truck "Rusty" 87 K10 Suburban Sold 93 K2500 xcab 6.5TD 96 GMC K2500 Suburban 6.5 TD |
04-26-2014, 11:32 PM | #24 | |
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Re: First square. 1980 GMC
Quote:
About the wire I burned up Where can i find a replacement? It's a little black cable that comes out of the negative cable and goes to a bolt above the inside of the headlight. Also I think ill just replace the battery cables aswell. And where should I put the other end of the negative battery cable? It was connected to the top of the alternator shield(if that is the correct name).. |
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04-27-2014, 01:04 AM | #25 | |
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Re: First square. 1980 GMC
Quote:
The negative is ground, so all you need is to hook it up something made of metal on the engine. Typically, alternator bracket or manifold is the best.
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