454 sure is impressive - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Tx Firefighter · 07-12-2004, 10:42 PM

Some of you may remember, I started out with a little 6 cylinder 3 peed 6 lug no option truck.

Then, last fall I bought a 454 from a board member here and began collecting all of the parts to do the swap. Well, it took awhile to get all of the stuff rounded up to do everything I want.

Today was the first day I got to drive it very much. That big block feels like nothing I've ever driven before. Basically, it's a 454 with hot Turbo 400 trans and 3.73 rear end in a 1/2 ton shortbed truck.

All said and done, I spent a freakin wad of cash, but I'm happy. I'm an obsessive compulsive freak and everything has to be 100 percent right and all done properly. I wound up buying a package deal from PICKMUP here on the board that came with all brackets and pulleys and mounts and stuff. Then, I bought a core Turbo 400 from board member superchevy. I had the trans rebuilt to full on bulletproof $pecification$ by Phoenix transmission. It's got titanium this and bombproof that in it. Had to have a new driveshaft built, so of course, I went all out and got one strong enough for a dumptruck.

All brackets and pulleys and mounts were beadblasted and POR15 painted. The engine also got the POR15 engine paint kit done to it. Auto tranny crossmemember came from superchevy too. I took an old set of auto trans shift linkage and rebuilt it by welding up all of the worn places and remachining them back to like new.

I got an Edelbrock intake off of ebay for 30 bucks and a 750 Edelbrock carb from board member cableguy. Memeber teeitup sold me tons of stuff I needed too. Another board member (can't remeber who) sold me a big block fan shroud.

I used a tilt column out of a motorhome. It drops right in with no modifications. While I was at it, I converted the dash from idiot lights to gauges and replaced the whole inside wiring harness.

While I had the front clip off installing the engine, I converted my 70 grille to a 72 style and installed a billet insert. Then, I finished the front end off with a nice chrome 72 bumper I bought from a member in Louisiana. Then, I got a bunch of 5 lug stuff from member matt67350. I swapped the whole truck over to 5 lug front and rear and used a UPS truck full of Early Classic stuff to slam it down. Of course, being the freak I am, I totally rebuilt everything as I installed it. Also did the big swaybar thing too.

Anyway, enough rambling. It's been 9 months of work. The work was easy, the money was the problem. Wifey and I are having a new house built, so bucks are scarse around here.

I want to thank every board member that I dealt with. Everyone of them was completely honest and gave me at least my money's worth on everything they sold me.

Next up, is an old faded shop logo painted on the door. This truck has original paint and it's going to stay that way. We are going to age the new paint so it looks like it's 30 years old and was painted on the door when the truck was new.

Tx Firefighter · 07-12-2004, 10:50 PM

here's where we started. Memeber bbs1968 (I think that's it) sold me the engine out of this roached motorhome. We had big adventures pulling it. Basically, we ripped the motorhome in half by jerking it with a chain on his wrecker. Then, we torched the rest loose.

I've been a hack for years, and this guy scared even me. He has no fear.

Yes, Mountain Dew will put out a motorhome that is on fire.

Girls, don't be going crazy over my fine rear end in the third picture.

Tx Firefighter · 07-12-2004, 10:56 PM

engine, trans, etc...

Tx Firefighter · 07-12-2004, 11:00 PM

Day 1 when I first drove it home. Truck was 1200 bucks, found by my wife in the Thrifty Nickle......and then after 5 lug swap and lowering....

I'll probably order new wheels this week or next.

Fred T · 07-12-2004, 11:36 PM

Looking good. Got any pics under the hood of that beast?

dinnut · 07-13-2004, 12:50 AM

wow... alot of work but it looks good! if im ever headed to your area ill have to get in touch with you.....

**PICKMUP** · 07-13-2004, 01:21 AM

That what a 454 in a SWB is...nice work!!! I appreciate a truck that is put together the "right way". They just don't come back to bite you as much as the modified home built projects. Great job! Fun ride! Hang on!

krue · 07-13-2004, 02:44 AM

Looks like a good time!

Inthuwind · 07-13-2004, 02:46 AM

First, let me say nice job on your stepside!! Keep the pics comming!! I too have bought some parts from PICKMUP and other board members to get my BBC in my '68 shortstep. I am far from being done. But it helps knowing that you can count on guys (and gals) in this website. What is funny is that some way even though I haven't seen any faces I feel that I have friends out there that are willing to help especially in our hobby here. I also will be getting with you for info on how and what is needed to drop the truck and my 396 in. It's kind of hard to play when you're doing a tour in Korea--but soon enough I'll be home.

Zumo · 07-13-2004, 11:19 AM

That truck is going to be sweet!

Zumo · 07-13-2004, 11:20 AM

Oh I was going to ask. How did you lower it?

Big J · 07-13-2004, 11:27 AM

Awesome! more pics please :- )

BobbyK · 07-13-2004, 11:37 AM

I REALLY like the idea of keeping the orig. paint!

That's a crap load of work you did.

Like was said...more pic's please!

**1970 CST Short Wide** · 07-13-2004, 01:19 PM

I followed along your post's as you built it. Nice to see an excellent, well build, job done. I too am building a BB for my short bed but I only have the short block built at this time, Give me 6 more mouths ($$$) and I'll come down and we'll go crusin

**Yukon Jack** · 07-13-2004, 03:45 PM

Great write up. I am glad you are happy with the 454. With any luck (read - if body guy will finish my truck) I will finally get to fire up my 454. Never had one before and it is replacing a tired 307, so ought to be a big change.

cableguy0 · 07-13-2004, 07:10 PM

good job man glad to see you got it all together and glad your happy with carb do a nice smokey burnout wont be the first one that carb has seen lol have fun

Tx Firefighter · 07-13-2004, 07:27 PM

here it is today. The 72 chrome front bumper and the billet insert in the 70 grille really made a difference in the look.

Tx Firefighter · 07-13-2004, 07:35 PM

We have another board member here who suggested using a motorhome column in these trucks and another jerkoff member basically told him he was stupid.

Well who was right after all? This is the column out of the motorhome the 454 came out of. It was an 82 model. Sumgun dropped right in. No shortening needed either like the van column needs.

Fellows, keep your eyes peeled for motorhomes as a source.

roadking · 07-13-2004, 07:39 PM

engine compartment pics?

Tx Firefighter · 07-13-2004, 07:45 PM

Underhood, there are still some details to attend to. I need to mount the Turbo 400 kickdown cable to the carb. That's right a TH400 cable...I'm using a Lokar kit that uses a stainless steel cable from the carb to a remote electrical box that has the TH400 kickdown switch in it.

Also, the red heater hose is soon to be swimming with the fishes. As far as heater hose goes, "Once you've gone black, you'll never go back"..to red that is. I used what I had to get it running.

Yes, you can run a big block and a Th400 in a low hump cab too. Some folks on here have said you can't, but here's proof you can. I had to put all new cab mounts in though. It rubbed slightly with the saggy old mounts. The new mounts raised the cab back up high enough so it clears very well now.

I purposely built this truck just so. I wanted it to look old and unrestored. I had to resist the temptation to over do some things. Notice the old ugly fenderwells. I replaced the original ones with other original ones that were ugly, but not rusty.

By the way, that really is a 70 model grille with a 72 billet insert. I cut the center bar out and reshaped it around the headlights to look like a 72 one. Sure beat dropping a bunch of money on a 71-2 unit.

Tx Firefighter · 07-13-2004, 07:49 PM

Now, what I need is some board member who is handy with computers to put a logo on the doors with Photoshop or something.

I want it to say.....

Top Notch Garage

ph. ATL 5697

stllookn · 07-13-2004, 09:25 PM

Very cool...that is inspiration for my stepside that will have all "old but good" sheet metal hanging on it. Make it perfect mechanically but just don't paint it. I like that approach.

Zumo · 07-14-2004, 08:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tx Firefighter

Now, what I need is some board member who is handy with computers to put a logo on the doors with Photoshop or something.

I want it to say.....

Top Notch Garage

ph. ATL 5697

PM me with your ideas.

Harold Shepard · 07-13-2004, 11:03 PM

Everyone TXfirefighter is right about motorhome columns. These columns are the same ones used in our trucks up until about '84, then GM switched to column keys. These are still available through dealers on P30 chassis??- motorhome section of parts catalog. Any parts person worth anything should be able to look one up for you. Prices should be reasonable considering prices people are asking for original pieces, check on them.

Stryker67 · 07-14-2004, 06:08 AM

Here's my 1970 with 454 from a 1990 SS Silverado.

Somebody else did the install, I rebuilt the rest of it. This thing smokes the tires instantly.

It's for sale in another week or so. Just got the grille in last night.

07-12-2004, 10:42 PM	#1
Tx Firefighter Watch out for your cornhole ! Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Azle, Texas Posts: 14,162	454 sure is impressive Some of you may remember, I started out with a little 6 cylinder 3 peed 6 lug no option truck. Then, last fall I bought a 454 from a board member here and began collecting all of the parts to do the swap. Well, it took awhile to get all of the stuff rounded up to do everything I want. Today was the first day I got to drive it very much. That big block feels like nothing I've ever driven before. Basically, it's a 454 with hot Turbo 400 trans and 3.73 rear end in a 1/2 ton shortbed truck. All said and done, I spent a freakin wad of cash, but I'm happy. I'm an obsessive compulsive freak and everything has to be 100 percent right and all done properly. I wound up buying a package deal from PICKMUP here on the board that came with all brackets and pulleys and mounts and stuff. Then, I bought a core Turbo 400 from board member superchevy. I had the trans rebuilt to full on bulletproof $pecification$ by Phoenix transmission. It's got titanium this and bombproof that in it. Had to have a new driveshaft built, so of course, I went all out and got one strong enough for a dumptruck. All brackets and pulleys and mounts were beadblasted and POR15 painted. The engine also got the POR15 engine paint kit done to it. Auto tranny crossmemember came from superchevy too. I took an old set of auto trans shift linkage and rebuilt it by welding up all of the worn places and remachining them back to like new. I got an Edelbrock intake off of ebay for 30 bucks and a 750 Edelbrock carb from board member cableguy. Memeber teeitup sold me tons of stuff I needed too. Another board member (can't remeber who) sold me a big block fan shroud. I used a tilt column out of a motorhome. It drops right in with no modifications. While I was at it, I converted the dash from idiot lights to gauges and replaced the whole inside wiring harness. While I had the front clip off installing the engine, I converted my 70 grille to a 72 style and installed a billet insert. Then, I finished the front end off with a nice chrome 72 bumper I bought from a member in Louisiana. Then, I got a bunch of 5 lug stuff from member matt67350. I swapped the whole truck over to 5 lug front and rear and used a UPS truck full of Early Classic stuff to slam it down. Of course, being the freak I am, I totally rebuilt everything as I installed it. Also did the big swaybar thing too. Anyway, enough rambling. It's been 9 months of work. The work was easy, the money was the problem. Wifey and I are having a new house built, so bucks are scarse around here. I want to thank every board member that I dealt with. Everyone of them was completely honest and gave me at least my money's worth on everything they sold me. Next up, is an old faded shop logo painted on the door. This truck has original paint and it's going to stay that way. We are going to age the new paint so it looks like it's 30 years old and was painted on the door when the truck was new. __________________ I'm on the Instagram- @Gearhead_Kevin

07-12-2004, 10:50 PM	#2
Tx Firefighter Watch out for your cornhole ! Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Azle, Texas Posts: 14,162	here's where we started. Memeber bbs1968 (I think that's it) sold me the engine out of this roached motorhome. We had big adventures pulling it. Basically, we ripped the motorhome in half by jerking it with a chain on his wrecker. Then, we torched the rest loose. I've been a hack for years, and this guy scared even me. He has no fear. Yes, Mountain Dew will put out a motorhome that is on fire. Girls, don't be going crazy over my fine rear end in the third picture. Attached Images __________________ I'm on the Instagram- @Gearhead_Kevin

07-12-2004, 10:56 PM	#3
Tx Firefighter Watch out for your cornhole ! Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Azle, Texas Posts: 14,162	engine, trans, etc... Attached Images

07-12-2004, 11:00 PM	#4
Tx Firefighter Watch out for your cornhole ! Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Azle, Texas Posts: 14,162	Day 1 when I first drove it home. Truck was 1200 bucks, found by my wife in the Thrifty Nickle......and then after 5 lug swap and lowering.... I'll probably order new wheels this week or next. Attached Images

07-12-2004, 11:36 PM	#5
Fred T Cantankerous Geezer Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Bel Aire, KS Posts: 6,264	Looking good. Got any pics under the hood of that beast? __________________ Fred There is no such thing as too much cam...just not enough engine.

07-13-2004, 12:50 AM	#6
dinnut Registered User Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: missouri city, tx Posts: 4,486	wow... alot of work but it looks good! if im ever headed to your area ill have to get in touch with you..... __________________ 70 longbed 496/th400/Ford 9"

07-13-2004, 01:21 AM	#7
PICKMUP "Trucks with Class" Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: OLYMPIA, WA, USA Posts: 8,144	Pocket Rocket That what a 454 in a SWB is...nice work!!! I appreciate a truck that is put together the "right way". They just don't come back to bite you as much as the modified home built projects. Great job! Fun ride! Hang on! __________________ Email: frankeham@comcast.net Phone: 360-956-7170

07-13-2004, 02:44 AM	#8
krue Designated A-hole! Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: South Mississippi Posts: 36,450	Looks like a good time! __________________ "If it ain't broke, fix it 'til it is!" Being stupid ain't illegal. We're Still Debt Free Except for the House!!! www.daveramsey.com 70 GMC SWB Stepside project "Green Booger" soon to be 6.0l/4l80e 93 S-10 "Poppaw's Truck"

07-13-2004, 02:46 AM	#9
Inthuwind Straight jacket required Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: OKC, OK Posts: 882	First, let me say nice job on your stepside!! Keep the pics comming!! I too have bought some parts from PICKMUP and other board members to get my BBC in my '68 shortstep. I am far from being done. But it helps knowing that you can count on guys (and gals) in this website. What is funny is that some way even though I haven't seen any faces I feel that I have friends out there that are willing to help especially in our hobby here. I also will be getting with you for info on how and what is needed to drop the truck and my 396 in. It's kind of hard to play when you're doing a tour in Korea--but soon enough I'll be home. __________________ 1968 C10 Short Stepper 350/350 A/C P/S P/B Front disc 3/5 static/ 12bolt rear 3:73 1979 Pontiac Trans Am 10th Anniversary/455/4spd 2011 H-D Street Glide - CAMMED n lowered Dad always said,"Son, if you can't be good...be good at it."

07-13-2004, 11:19 AM	#10
Zumo Hot Rods For Life Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Waxahachie, TX Posts: 3,305	That truck is going to be sweet! __________________ 1968 C10 LWB **SOLD* Andy Viva Los Bicicletas! Los Muertos Custom Bicycles

07-13-2004, 11:20 AM	#11
Zumo Hot Rods For Life Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Waxahachie, TX Posts: 3,305	Oh I was going to ask. How did you lower it? __________________ 1968 C10 LWB **SOLD* Andy Viva Los Bicicletas! Los Muertos Custom Bicycles Last edited by Zumo; 07-13-2004 at 03:13 PM.

07-13-2004, 11:27 AM	#12
Big J Its lookin' like a Blazer! Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Gods Country, KY Posts: 1,773	Awesome! more pics please :- ) __________________ BAZINGA! My Build

07-13-2004, 11:37 AM	#13
BobbyK Registered User Join Date: May 2000 Location: Petrolia,Ontario,Canada but working in Port Huron,Mi. Posts: 1,771	I REALLY like the idea of keeping the orig. paint! That's a crap load of work you did. Like was said...more pic's please! __________________ 71 blazer,350SBC,approx.375HP,700R4,factory GM TPI.Dual electric fans,33x12.5x15 ATR on stock suspension. Petrolia,Ontario,Canada but working in Port Huron,MI. See ALL my Blazer pic's HERE

07-13-2004, 01:19 PM	#14
1970 CST Short Wide Senior Moment Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Pittsburg Ca Posts: 4,168	I followed along your post's as you built it. Nice to see an excellent, well build, job done. I too am building a BB for my short bed but I only have the short block built at this time, Give me 6 more mouths ($$$) and I'll come down and we'll go crusin __________________ 1970 CST LS 1 6 speed Ford 9 inch Detroit Tru Track, Dakota Didgital, Vintage Air, QA1 Coil Overs Front & Rear Lots of FUN 2013 GMC PU, Oldest Son 71 GMC LWB. QA1 Suspension, Angry SB. Youngest Son 2019 GMC Diesil Dually. Youngest Son 2017 Toyota SUV Daughters car 2018 Traverse , Wife’s Ride Pittsburg Ca 94565

07-13-2004, 03:45 PM	#15
Yukon Jack Post Whore Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Rose Hill, KS, USA Posts: 12,684	Great write up. I am glad you are happy with the 454. With any luck (read - if body guy will finish my truck) I will finally get to fire up my 454. Never had one before and it is replacing a tired 307, so ought to be a big change. __________________ 1970 Blazer with a 400 sbc and 4" lift 1980 Pontiac Trans Am, 455 Oldsmobile 2012 Kawasaki Concours 14



Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.

07-13-2004, 07:10 PM	#16
cableguy0 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: Delta,Pa Posts: 14,950	good job man glad to see you got it all together and glad your happy with carb do a nice smokey burnout wont be the first one that carb has seen lol have fun __________________ Owner of North Point Car Care in Dundalk Md. We specialize in custom exhaust on both modern and classic vehicles. We are a full service auto shop from classics to modern vehicles. Feel free to contact me with questions. I will give a 10% discount to any board member.

07-13-2004, 07:27 PM	#17
Tx Firefighter Watch out for your cornhole ! Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Azle, Texas Posts: 14,162	here it is today. The 72 chrome front bumper and the billet insert in the 70 grille really made a difference in the look. Attached Images __________________ I'm on the Instagram- @Gearhead_Kevin

07-13-2004, 07:35 PM	#18
Tx Firefighter Watch out for your cornhole ! Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Azle, Texas Posts: 14,162	We have another board member here who suggested using a motorhome column in these trucks and another jerkoff member basically told him he was stupid. Well who was right after all? This is the column out of the motorhome the 454 came out of. It was an 82 model. Sumgun dropped right in. No shortening needed either like the van column needs. Fellows, keep your eyes peeled for motorhomes as a source. Attached Images

07-13-2004, 07:39 PM	#19
roadking Registered User Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: kc Posts: 229	engine compartment pics? __________________ 71 C10 SWB BLACK AND WHITE 350 CRATE TH350 ENJOY LIFE

07-13-2004, 07:45 PM	#20
Tx Firefighter Watch out for your cornhole ! Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Azle, Texas Posts: 14,162	Underhood, there are still some details to attend to. I need to mount the Turbo 400 kickdown cable to the carb. That's right a TH400 cable...I'm using a Lokar kit that uses a stainless steel cable from the carb to a remote electrical box that has the TH400 kickdown switch in it. Also, the red heater hose is soon to be swimming with the fishes. As far as heater hose goes, "Once you've gone black, you'll never go back"..to red that is. I used what I had to get it running. Yes, you can run a big block and a Th400 in a low hump cab too. Some folks on here have said you can't, but here's proof you can. I had to put all new cab mounts in though. It rubbed slightly with the saggy old mounts. The new mounts raised the cab back up high enough so it clears very well now. I purposely built this truck just so. I wanted it to look old and unrestored. I had to resist the temptation to over do some things. Notice the old ugly fenderwells. I replaced the original ones with other original ones that were ugly, but not rusty. By the way, that really is a 70 model grille with a 72 billet insert. I cut the center bar out and reshaped it around the headlights to look like a 72 one. Sure beat dropping a bunch of money on a 71-2 unit. Attached Images __________________ I'm on the Instagram- @Gearhead_Kevin

07-13-2004, 07:49 PM	#21
Tx Firefighter Watch out for your cornhole ! Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Azle, Texas Posts: 14,162	Now, what I need is some board member who is handy with computers to put a logo on the doors with Photoshop or something. I want it to say..... Top Notch Garage ph. ATL 5697

07-13-2004, 09:25 PM	#22
stllookn Saving 1 truck at a time! Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Kent, WA Posts: 6,465	Very cool...that is inspiration for my stepside that will have all "old but good" sheet metal hanging on it. Make it perfect mechanically but just don't paint it. I like that approach. __________________ '68 C20 Longhorn 50th Anniversary 400/TH400 '68 C20 Longhorn 50th Anniversary 468/TH400w/buckets '72 C20 Halfhorn (Longhorn w/o cab and front clip) '69 Flxible Cruiser (look up ugly in the dictionary)

07-13-2004, 11:03 PM	#24
Harold Shepard Registered User Join Date: May 2004 Location: Canton North Carolina Posts: 466	Everyone TXfirefighter is right about motorhome columns. These columns are the same ones used in our trucks up until about '84, then GM switched to column keys. These are still available through dealers on P30 chassis??- motorhome section of parts catalog. Any parts person worth anything should be able to look one up for you. Prices should be reasonable considering prices people are asking for original pieces, check on them.

07-14-2004, 06:08 AM	#25
Stryker67 Registered User Join Date: May 2004 Location: Fayetteville, Ga. Posts: 150	Sweetness two Here's my 1970 with 454 from a 1990 SS Silverado. Somebody else did the install, I rebuilt the rest of it. This thing smokes the tires instantly. It's for sale in another week or so. Just got the grille in last night. Attached Images __________________ [FONT=Georgia] If nothing else, we can all serve as a bad example. We don't know what we don't know. The world needs ditch-diggers too.

Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.