Inherited 86 Chevy from Grandpa

[Texasline]

Greetings all - new to the forum...take it easy on me,...you'll see why shortly.

I inherited an 86 GMC Chevy Truck from my Grandfather about a year ago. Actually he gave it to me about 4 mo. before he passed away. He expressed to me that he was very proud and happy that I had it...and I am proud to have it (always wanted an older pick-up).

The problem is this. I know about as much about auto-mechanics as an accountant knows about bull riding (no offense to accountants). I'm really doing my best to learn as I go; I have all the right books(Haynes) and catalogs(LMC).

It's a '86 GMC 2500 Diesel 5.7-350 V8...and there you see one of the problems.

Grandpa bought it and modified it in Alaska, where he worked. He took out the Diesel (can someone tell me why?) and put in what I think is a 350 + other modifications.

I've taken it to 4 different mechanics, and showed it to about as many friends, who all are well intentioned but give me slightly different info. Some say it's a 305, some a 350, some just say "hey, it sound great". some say it's a short block, some say long.

I'm about $3800 into it thus far and that's about $3700 more than I can afford. There is so much work to be done on this truck it seems. ie interior electrical work, leaking gaskets...strange sounds that I can't place.

The latest sound has been going on for about 2 weeks...facing the open hood...an irregular rattle coming from the left side, underneath. I cant find anything loose etc.

To get to the point - I want someone to look at my truck who really cares about Chevy's. Someone who can give me straight-up info about the truck and help me prioritize what needs to be done. I intend on keeping the truck indefinitely. But I have to fix it one step at a time.

I live in San Diego - La Mesa area. Do any of you know of someone in this area who "cares" about Chevy's. A shop specifically for Chevy's who will show some TLC for Grandpas truck?

...and if you know what that rattle might be, let me know...

Thanks for reading. And again, it's like an accountant riding a bull