My 1985 K30 build, swapping original c20 to K30

[JPsChevy]

I bought a 1985 c20 all original truck with a 454 in it and 98k miles, the truck had a camper in it most of its life which actually preserved the truck. And prevented it from being driven in the Iowa salt. I got this truck for a donor body to go onto a 1984 K30 that was shot.

Heres a few pics of when i got the c20 when i got it.






Heres the c20 pulling home my K30


The Rats nest i found in the cab i had to clean out before attempting to remove column and pedals.

[JPsChevy]

Removing the column and the cab

.

[JPsChevy]

Forgot to mention that the K30 is an original 454 4spd truck.
Worked a little today on it removing bad brake lines.







Picture of the Cab lights installed last weekend.

[manimal]

454,4spd,np205 K30......
Jealousy is setting in BAD!
Nice truck! looks like you're doing a great job!

[andrewmp6]

Make sure you cut the trans tunnel out of the 4x4 cab its taller on a 4x4 vs a 2wd.

[Squareforceone]

I've seen your posts here before and i'm so jealous of how clean your truck is. I'm not that far away i live over in ottumwa.

[JPsChevy]

Originally Posted by manimal

454,4spd,np205 K30......
Jealousy is setting in BAD!
Nice truck! looks like you're doing a great job!

Thanks, I'm trying to keep it as original looking as possible while im planning on a 6inch lift and 35's.

[JPsChevy]

Originally Posted by andrewmp6

Make sure you cut the trans tunnel out of the 4x4 cab its taller on a 4x4 vs a 2wd.

I saved my 4x4 cab for that reason and other parts i may run into, I'll have to try and salvage the hump because it seems to have sustained an incedent causing the rh side to be dented in. If i cant use it ill just junk yard search for another.

[JPsChevy]

Originally Posted by Squareforceone

I've seen your posts here before and i'm so jealous of how clean your truck is. I'm not that far away i live over in ottumwa.

Thanks beleive it or not my truck is actually an Iowa truck, I picked it up over in Ames at the end of summer.

[JPsChevy]

I'm currently attempting to clean my frame to be painted. I do have a few questions if anyone could help me out. I would like to know what is the most efficient way of cleaning a frame, without sandblasting? And after cleaning whats the best paint to use keep in mind its not going to be a "Show Truck" just a nice driver that can go to car shows and still be used as a truck.

[77dwh]

Gotta love trying to find clean metal around here. I looked for a reasonably priced cab all over for my 77 for nearly 4 years. Then this one surfaced on cl 12 miles from my house. Go figure. Enjoy the build and the brown tan combo will look good as a k30

[JPsChevy]

Originally Posted by 77dwh

Gotta love trying to find clean metal around here. I looked for a reasonably priced cab all over for my 77 for nearly 4 years. Then this one surfaced on cl 12 miles from my house. Go figure. Enjoy the build and the brown tan combo will look good as a k30

Yea truck shopping around here is a completely different ball game, i lucked out with my find. And thanks I wasn't crazy about the color at first but it's really grown on me since.

[JPsChevy]

Originally Posted by JPsChevy

I'm currently attempting to clean my frame to be painted. I do have a few questions if anyone could help me out. I would like to know what is the most efficient way of cleaning a frame, without sandblasting? And after cleaning whats the best paint to use keep in mind its not going to be a "Show Truck" just a nice driver that can go to car shows and still be used as a truck.

Thought id get my last Question back down to the bottom hoping for a few answers?

[Edahall]

Originally Posted by JPsChevy

I'm currently attempting to clean my frame to be painted. I do have a few questions if anyone could help me out. I would like to know what is the most efficient way of cleaning a frame, without sandblasting? And after cleaning whats the best paint to use keep in mind its not going to be a "Show Truck" just a nice driver that can go to car shows and still be used as a truck.

Pressure wash the frame. Afterwards, paint the frame with Por-15 rust paint.

[bowtieguy79]

You will really like this once your done! I'm looking for a clean 73-80 to do the same with.

[Squareforceone]

What are you going to do with your old frame? I've been wanting to turn my c10 into a c20 for awhile.

[black_sheep454]

I just used a wire wheel on a grinder and cleaned mine up after power washing all the gunk off, then burch painted it with por15 and then top coated it with duplicolor acrylic enamel semi gloss black spray paint for uniform finish on my dually

[JPsChevy]

Originally Posted by Squareforceone

What are you going to do with your old frame? I've been wanting to turn my c10 into a c20 for awhile.

Had not yet made plans for the old frame means my c20 is currently running driving shape the frame wont be available till i get swap done. I however would like to sell it when im done and would be happier it goes to good use, The frame is in great shape with most of its original paint still on it.

[Squareforceone]

I might be interested in when you finish the swap i'm not a big rush to do my swap.

[JPsChevy]

I'm planning on ordering my lift kit next week and I know i want to go with a 6 inch, originally i planned on a Rough Country but am considering SkyJacker. Does anyone have any input on which would be better? I assume SkyJacker means its a few hundred extra, but is it worth the extra money?

[nekkidhillbilly]

i would put the other body and on the 2wd frame and resell it. its not that bad of truck to me.

[Your41Plague12]

Originally Posted by JPsChevy

I'm planning on ordering my lift kit next week and I know i want to go with a 6 inch, originally i planned on a Rough Country but am considering SkyJacker. Does anyone have any input on which would be better? I assume SkyJacker means its a few hundred extra, but is it worth the extra money?

The rough country kit is total garbage. I had the kit on my 83, and it literally rode so rough that I used to hit my head on the roof while going over mild speed bumps at 5 mph or less. The only suspension that truck really had was the air in the tires and the springs in the seat. The seat belts were basically a limiting strap to keep the driver from becoming a projectile. Go with the Tuff Country EZ-Ride kit. You will be much happier, it's worth every penny.

[JPsChevy]

Originally Posted by Your41Plague12

The rough country kit is total garbage. I had the kit on my 83, and it literally rode so rough that I used to hit my head on the roof while going over mild speed bumps at 5 mph or less. The only suspension that truck really had was the air in the tires and the springs in the seat. The seat belts were basically a limiting strap to keep the driver from becoming a projectile. Go with the Tuff Country EZ-Ride kit. You will be much happier, it's worth every penny.

I seem to be finding out with reviews that rough country sucks, However I cannot find That Tuff Country makes a kit for 1 tons just 3/4 tons.

[JPsChevy]

Originally Posted by nekkidhillbilly

i would put the other body and on the 2wd frame and resell it. its not that bad of truck to me.

It was pretty bad there wasnt a straight panel on it, I fell thru box floor It had been a rat/mouse nest so long none of the wiring was any good and even if you could get past all that the smell was so terrible no one would ever wanna drive it lol. Besides i only have the cab left of its body the rest went to scrap.

[Kurt L]

i've had a blazer and a suburban both with skyjacker lifts and both were excellent as far as ride and for off roading.my blazer had 8'' lift and my suburban had 6'' lift [bought suburban already lifted].but imo skyjacker is a better lift.my suburban road like a cadillac down the road,blazer had a nice ride also.