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#1 |
Senior Member
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Location: Brownsburg, IN
Posts: 1,092
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Gotta tell someone
I'm restoring (maybe a thorough refurbishing is a better description) a 71 GMC K1500. You ever hit a milestone in your work that just makes you feel good and excited? I did today, I fired up my newly rebuilt engine. I only let it run thru 3-4 float bowls of fuel as the fuel system and cooling systems aren't there. I mostly wanted to see if I had the static timing close. When it started and ran good, it put a smile on my face that's still there. It had approx. 3' of exhaust pipe, and the sound was beautiful. Sometimes you just have to shout out to people who appreciate the things that you do !
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1972 Blazer Highlander 1971 GMC K1500 SWB (sold) 2004 Corvette Z06 CE |
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#2 |
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Join Date: Sep 2015
Location: Lake Placid florida
Posts: 599
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Re: Gotta tell someone
Nice work. I remember how great I felt when my engine roared to life for the first time after so many issues getting it together and in the truck, so I know exactly how you feel.
I can still see my friend as he gave me the "high five" when it started and we both had the same smile you do. Enjoy. Last edited by dave`12; 02-16-2017 at 09:10 PM. |
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#3 |
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Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Redmond, WA
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Re: Gotta tell someone
Congrats!
One word of caution, though: if it's a newly rebuilt engine with a flat tappet cam, don't let it idle. You need to get the RPMs up to 1500-2500 quickly in order to get the splash lubrication going so that you don't wipe a lobe. I know nothing about your motor, so just throwing it out there in case you didn't think of it! I used to crank-prime my engines but learned that's a bad idea with a flat tappet cam. In fact on the dyno if they can't get it to fire in a few revolutions with the starter they begin to worry!
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1970 GMC Sierra Grande Custom Camper - Built, not Bought 1969 Pontiac 2+2 427/390 4-speed Coupe 1969 Pontiac 2+2 427/390 4-speed Convertible |
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#4 |
Senior Member
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Location: Brownsburg, IN
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Re: Gotta tell someone
davepl, thanks for the advice. Fortunately, it did run mostly at higher rpm, but there was some cranking when I couldn't tell if the carb needed some more fuel. Next time it runs it will have fuel lines and cooling systems operational. That may down the road a bit however.
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1972 Blazer Highlander 1971 GMC K1500 SWB (sold) 2004 Corvette Z06 CE |
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#5 |
Senior Member
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Location: Berne IN
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Re: Gotta tell someone
So, that's what that noise was today
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#6 |
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Location: Hanover NJ
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Re: Gotta tell someone
Very nice ....congrats. I'll get there and let you know when I do just like u did
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Doc & Kim build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=722288 I am from the desert http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=650332 basket case build SOLD http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=648557 |
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#7 |
Senior Member
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Location: Brownsburg, IN
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Re: Gotta tell someone
Thanks for the comments. I recently retired and it's just me and my wife at home. My wife is supportive but does not have a passion or real interest about the hobby. I've done all the work on the truck by my self. A second pair of hands would have come in handy a couple of times. That's OK, I have no complaints, I have a blast in my garage. It just fun to share a milestone event with people who have some of the same interests as me.
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1972 Blazer Highlander 1971 GMC K1500 SWB (sold) 2004 Corvette Z06 CE |
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#8 |
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Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Williamsburg, VA
Posts: 958
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Re: Gotta tell someone
The first time you turn over a newly built engine is as much nerve racking as it is exciting. No matter how many times you do it, you get the same feeling. Congratulations! I know it feels great. I try to share the enthusiasm with my wife and for some strange reason she doesn't get as excited as I do lol.
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#9 |
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Join Date: Apr 2016
Location: Portland, Or
Posts: 387
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Re: Gotta tell someone
Thanks for sharing your milestone! Keep up the good work, and keep sharing your milestones!
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#10 |
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Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: BOWLING GREEN, KY
Posts: 115
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Re: Gotta tell someone
Congratulations Tim! I know how you feel. I felt the same way when I first fired the engine in my '68 last summer. It is exhilarating. Your engine looks great too! Keep up the good work and keep having fun.
Jon |
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#11 |
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Join Date: Sep 2016
Location: Vancouver BC
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Re: Gotta tell someone
From the pictures, it looks like real nice work you're doing. Congrats on the firing of the engine.
Now get back to work, you hear?
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Rick -69 GMC 910 Long Box, 350 -98 Chev Silverado 1500, 350 Vortec 4L60e -08 Mustang GT Convertible |
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#12 |
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Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: strausstown pa
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Re: Gotta tell someone
If you think that was exciting just wait till your first ride.
Congrats on your milestone.
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81 camaro 355 4/spd 342 posi my first love ![]() 67 swb step 454/4spd ott 373 posi 4/7 drop. 2000 s10 zr2 little blue truck that never gets stuck. '74 heald super bronc vt8. tecumseh powered moon rover. |
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#13 | |
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Location: Papillion, Ne
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Re: Gotta tell someone
Quote:
![]() Looks great so far!!
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![]() '05 RCSB Sierra 2WD '71 Sierra 2WD Longbed '98 Silverado K1500 Xcab...sold '72 Highlander"Raymond"...sold |
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#14 |
Special Order
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Location: Mt Airy, MD
Posts: 85,859
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Re: Gotta tell someone
That has to help motivate you better to the finish
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"BUILDING A BETTER WAY TO SERVE THE USA"......67/72......"The New Breed" GMC '67 C1500 Wideside Super Custom SWB: 327/M22/3.42 posi.........."The '67" (project) GMC '72 K2500 Wideside Sierra Custom Camper: 350/TH350/4.10 Power-Lok..."The '72" (rolling) Tim "Don't call me a redneck. I'm a rough cut country gentleman" R.I.P. ~ East Side Low Life ~ El Jay ~ 72BLUZ ~ Fasteddie69 ~ Ron586 ~ 67ChevyRedneck ~ Grumpy Old Man ~ |
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#15 |
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Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Smyrna TN
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Re: Gotta tell someone
Looks great! Congrats on firing it up. Looking forward to seeing it finished.
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1971 Longbed BB Cheyenne Super 1972 Longbed SB Cheyenne Super 1972 Longbed Highlander Custom Deluxe 1975 K5 4x4 full convertible Build Thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=645165 Greg Smyrna TN |
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#16 |
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Location: Stillwater, Oklahoma
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Re: Gotta tell someone
Awesome! My very first engine was a 350 me and my brother built. It had a (at the time) sweet pair of 2.02 camel humps. It was in my '69 Camaro. I was grinning like a split watermelon when it fired up that first time.
I think our trucks might be related. I have a '72 GMC K1500
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1971 C/10 SWB, 15x8 Rallys, 4.5" X 7" static drop, C-notched, 350/350, 3.73 Posi. .........A 383 and Gear Vendors are on my bucket list. 1972 GMC 4X4 K1500 Survivor - Sold No matter what problems life throws at you, your time on Earth can be incredibly fulfilling and rewarding.....if you just lower your expectations. -Phil Dunphy |
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#17 |
Registered User
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: Heart of Tennessee
Posts: 1,120
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Re: Gotta tell someone
Very nice work! Looks great. I am going to get go for a break in run Monday if weather allows. New crate 350, new transfer case, and rebuilt th350. So excited I can't stand it. Spring is coming fast.
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#18 |
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Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: Portland, Oregon
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Re: Gotta tell someone
Right on Tim. I'm celebrating a milestone as well. I just finished front drum to disc and new suspension (CPP) the last step was putting in those pre-bent CPP brake lines and I did my fair amount of cussing...fortunately retired as well and was just having a blast in garage by myself, you know the deal.
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Hey man ![]() 67 GMC Short Stepside 400 small block, turbo 350. Build thread:http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=650603 |
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#19 |
Senior Member
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Location: Berne IN
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Re: Gotta tell someone
How's your GMC coming? Almost done? Looking forward to more pics
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#20 |
Senior Member
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Location: Brownsburg, IN
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Re: Gotta tell someone
Build is basically done, fighting a couple lingering issues with engine and brakes. With weather and working some extra hours at work it's been hard to spend much time on truck. Truck is mostly back to original, with a few exceptions that I couldn't resist. Here are a few pictures...
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1972 Blazer Highlander 1971 GMC K1500 SWB (sold) 2004 Corvette Z06 CE |
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#21 |
Registered User
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: Noblesville, IN
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Re: Gotta tell someone
Great looking truck, neighbor!
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#22 |
Senior Member
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Location: Wisconsin & Arizona
Posts: 4,844
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Re: Gotta tell someone
That looks superb in all respects!!!! Great feeling isn't it?
Jim |
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#23 |
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Location: Fairfax, Missouri
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Re: Gotta tell someone
Looks great. What color did you paint the transfer case?
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#24 |
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Location: 2nd left past the stump on a dirt road.
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Re: Gotta tell someone
Very Nice Factory Work! I love em when they shine in their original grandiosity.
Hows that for a big word! |
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#25 |
Registered User
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Location: Seattle, WA
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Great truck!
Are the white inner door panels the stock look? Posted via Mobile Device |
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