Build Thread...1979 GMC 1 Ton Camper Special

[Fraser Beatty]

You've got yourself a nice project there, Ron 586. Update on my project: I now have the interior stripped with the exception of that pesky trim panel on the right side of the cab, and the dash pad, which I will be leaving in till the last minute. I have ordered floor panels and cab supports, which will be going in as soon as I get them. I am now turning my attention to stripping trim and starting body work.

[75gmck25]

The plastic panel is a press fit into the hole for the vent, which is probably what is holding it in place.

You need to unhook the spring that holds the vent flapper, and remove the vacuum motor and bracket completely. Then rotate the vent by hand so its completely open. Then reach into the opening and you will realize there is a lip on the plastic panel and it has been popped into this opening.

You need to reach in and pull on this lip enough to get it to clear the vent hole and at the same time pull out firmly on the plastic panel. It will gradually pop loose.

Bruce

[Fraser Beatty]

You mean just wedging a crowbar in behind the panel and prying won't work? Thanks for the help.

[Fraser Beatty]

Update: I got that trim panel out, so the interior is now stripped except for the dash pad, which I am leaving till later. My floor pans and cab supports came in yesterday, and will be going in this weekend. Will post pictures sometime in the next few days.

[Fraser Beatty]

Well, work on the truck has all but stalled lately due to being busy at school. I did, however, get some work done on it today. I got the tailgate off, cut the plastic bedliner out, cut some more of the rusted section of the floor out, and ground down some of the worst rust spots and primed them to prevent further rusting.

[Fraser Beatty]

I have decided to give the engine a tune up and see if that helps it run a little smoother. Problem is, I can't seem to find the spark plug gap specs anywhere, not even in my Haynes manual. The engine is a 350, number on it is 14057055 if that helps. Does anyone know the gap specs? Thanks.

[75gmck25]

For my GMPP 350/290 hp crate engine (same vintage engine as your truck), they recommend R45TS plugs, gapped to .045 For HEI Distributor.

For the stock Goodwrench 350 crate engine they recommend R44TS plugs, gapped to .045 For HEI Distributor.

It sounds like .045 would be right for your engine.

Bruce

[Ivan D.]

.045 sounds about right, you can go higher if you run a hotter coil and good wires, but for a stocker .045 is what you want. Also the difference between the R45TS and the R44TS plugs is the heat range, forgot which is which tho - I know with my engine burning oil I tried both and none worked good, so I put in some NGK hot plugs and voila, no more fouling... something to consider if you're burning a bit of oil.

[Fraser Beatty]

Well, this project has evolved from simply doing the body work and fixing the odd thing here or there into an all-out restoration. The truck is torn apart, and there are piles of parts everywhere. Looks like I am going to be in for the long haul on this one!