4x4Jake's Intro and 1969 k-20 Project Report!

[4x4Jake]

Been lurking and learning long enough, I better post up an intro now. Been messing around with trucks for half my life, almost all Chevys. Started with a 1966 2wd, then moved into a 1983 4x4 have been hooked ever since. This is my first 67-72 truck trough, so there is some learning involved. I started out with a WORN-OUT 1969 3/4 ton 4x4.

[4x4Jake]

It had the wrong grill in it and a blown-up 350 small block. The list of parts being re-used from this truck is short--the frame, 4-speed transmission and transfer-case, the passenger door, hood, and the wheels. Rest was cut up scrapped.

[4x4Jake]

Then we needed to start collecting parts and ended up with this---

[4x4Jake]

Its a 1969 3/4 ton 2wd factory 396 big block, factory air-conditioned truck and pretty complete. Unfortunately this is Wisconsin, and its pretty rusty also. I'll be using most of this body a BUNCH of patch panels and most importantly, the engine. I also came across an ad on Craigslist (where most of my parts come from..) for the entire drivetrain from a 1972 GMC 3/4 ton 4x4. Everything minus the engine. Guy just cut the frame in half where it started to rot out. So now I went from a manual steering, manual DRUM brake truck, to a power steering, power DISC brake truck. The 72 rear axle also has a limited slip in it.

[4x4Jake]

So, where are we at now you ask? Not anywhere near done. Never enough time or money. My plan is to build a truck Chevy SHOULD'VE offered in 1969. A 3/4 ton, big-block, 4-speed, air-conditioned, power steering and brakes work truck. I'm not putting the molding back on it, no fancy rims, or power windows or stuff like that. Bench seat, AM radio, that's about it. Just a plain-Jane TRUCK. The frame is in the garage and is half cleaned and painted. New front springs, stainless steel brakelines, and a wiring harness have been purchased along with some patch panels and other miscellaneous pieces. I have learned a lot surfing this site and look forward to learning more and sharing the progress on mine!! Thanks for checking it out!

[Curt's_72]

Good start so far. Be sure to keep up the detail and pictures. That'll be be help to others, also.

What size wheels are you going with? The wide stock look is king. You'll never go wrong with the wide steelies. Two things people notice on mine is color and wheels.

Curt

[4x4Jake]

Keeping the skinny 16.5's unfortunately mainly because I have so many of them and getting them dipped and powder-coated was very reasonable and effortless on my part. I know it limits my tire option though, so that sucks. I'd like to get the old-style snow tires like these--http://www.stausaonline.com/light-truck/super-traxion.html

But we'll see what I can afford and whats available when that time comes.

[ThreeQtr]

Are you still plugging away at this or has the 'economy' got you down? Hope you didn't sell it/them. I haven't even begun to post pictures of my stuff for I have way to many of life's little 'interruption's'.

Just wondering in FL.

[NASTY-LSX]

WOW!!!! this is going to be a great thread if he still has it. I would prefer this body style over my 85. Love those trucks.

[4x4Jake]

Hello everyone!!

Yes I still have this project. Due to he economy and a major life-altering event, it has been put on hold for a LONG while. I actually dug it out last week and ordered new rear springs and hardware so work can continue. With any luck, hopefully by next spring it'll look like a truck again!

[4x4Jake]

I am looking for a mounting plate at the moment...I will attempt to post a picture of what I need.

[4x4Jake]

this...