Cam change in truck - removing front end - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

zplightning · 03-15-2015, 04:30 PM

I was curious what people have done to remove the front sheet metal from the truck, in order to perform a cam change. Is it possible to remove the front end (fenders, core support, grill etc) as one piece? Or am I better off removing the radiator, support, and grill in separate pieces?

Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated - I tried searching but couldn't find much information.

Thanks!

-ZP

**PGSigns** · 03-15-2015, 05:22 PM

On my small block I just pulled the radiator and it came right out. Did not need to pull anything else.
Jimmy

zplightning · 03-15-2015, 05:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PGSigns

On my small block I just pulled the radiator and it came right out. Did not need to pull anything else.
Jimmy

Thanks Jimmy, sounds easy enough!

siggyfreud · 03-16-2015, 01:28 AM

I can also confirm that a radiator pull is all that's needed. Thread a long bolt into the end of the camshaft so you can get it into the block smoother/easier. If space gets tight you can reach your hand through the grill and grab the bolt still to guide the camshaft in. Once in remove the bolt.

JJLT1 · 03-16-2015, 04:43 AM

x2, on the radiator,
may have to tilt the condenser up for a A/C car..

vince1 · 03-16-2015, 08:40 AM

I don't know which engine you are working on but some you have to be careful not to knock the plug behind it loose when putting on the cam gear.

enaberif · 03-16-2015, 08:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vince1

I don't know which engine you are working on but some you have to be careful not to knock the plug behind it loose when putting on the cam gear.

You would really have to be pushing that cam in hard to knock the freeze plug out.

zplightning · 03-16-2015, 10:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vince1

I don't know which engine you are working on but some you have to be careful not to knock the plug behind it loose when putting on the cam gear.

I really dropped the ball on the first post - the truck is a '63 C10 stepside with a 283. Thanks all for your help!

Jimal · 03-16-2015, 11:01 AM

This is actually good to know. Between the overly lumpy solid lifter cam the PO installed and the likelihood that the heads on my 400 are not compatible with unleaded fuel and possibly toast, not having to pull the nose to do some top end work is a relief.

forestb · 03-16-2015, 04:28 PM

I had to pull off my grill.

03-15-2015, 04:30 PM	#1
zplightning Registered User Join Date: Jul 2014 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 77	Cam change in truck - removing front end I was curious what people have done to remove the front sheet metal from the truck, in order to perform a cam change. Is it possible to remove the front end (fenders, core support, grill etc) as one piece? Or am I better off removing the radiator, support, and grill in separate pieces? Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated - I tried searching but couldn't find much information. Thanks! -ZP

03-15-2015, 05:22 PM	#2
PGSigns Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Hayes Va Posts: 4,569	Re: Cam change in truck - removing front end On my small block I just pulled the radiator and it came right out. Did not need to pull anything else. Jimmy __________________ 60 to 66 Chevy and GMC window decals http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=661131 Good friends, good food and a hotrod what else do you need? 1966 BBW long fleet Daily driver 1965 BBW short fleet Sold and going to a good home 1965 Suburban 2003 3500 Duramax 2005 Ultra Classic

03-16-2015, 01:28 AM	#4
siggyfreud Registered User Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Portland Posts: 1,330	Re: Cam change in truck - removing front end I can also confirm that a radiator pull is all that's needed. Thread a long bolt into the end of the camshaft so you can get it into the block smoother/easier. If space gets tight you can reach your hand through the grill and grab the bolt still to guide the camshaft in. Once in remove the bolt. __________________ Current Build - Project "Ghost of Poseidon" 72 C10 Pro-touring build Previous Build - 66 GMC Pro-touring build. Sold.

03-16-2015, 04:43 AM	#5
JJLT1 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: South of HoustonTX. Posts: 148	Re: Cam change in truck - removing front end x2, on the radiator, may have to tilt the condenser up for a A/C car.. __________________ JJ 71 SWB 360 Th400 4.56

03-16-2015, 08:40 AM	#6
vince1 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Calgary Alberta Posts: 1,169	Re: Cam change in truck - removing front end I don't know which engine you are working on but some you have to be careful not to knock the plug behind it loose when putting on the cam gear.

03-16-2015, 11:01 AM	#9
Jimal Registered User Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: Connecticut Posts: 521	Re: Cam change in truck - removing front end This is actually good to know. Between the overly lumpy solid lifter cam the PO installed and the likelihood that the heads on my 400 are not compatible with unleaded fuel and possibly toast, not having to pull the nose to do some top end work is a relief.

03-16-2015, 04:28 PM	#10
forestb Registered User Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Burbank, CA Posts: 3,619	Re: Cam change in truck - removing front end I had to pull off my grill.

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