72 K20 Detroit 3-53 Build - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

legendman · 02-15-2014, 08:43 PM

Figured I would start a thread for a friend who is putting together a 72 Chevy K20 with a Detroit 3-53 Silver-T

This is all I have for pics and videos right now more to come, this is going to be slow build so it might be awhile between updates.

This is a cold start video taken in January

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9KOX1Ua7bdk

These were taken a few weeks ago after running new fuel lines

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m8rST89cx6E

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CnqCQsNvuSM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V7v0WJ0HBes

More to come... enjoy

jbclassix · 02-16-2014, 01:56 PM

I've seen these pictures somewhere else, haven't I? I love the old 2 stroke driptroits! These conversions are always cool. Got a classic sound to them too.

legendman · 02-16-2014, 02:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jbclassix

I've seen these pictures somewhere else, haven't I? I love the old 2 stroke driptroits! These conversions are always cool. Got a classic sound to them too.

Yea they might be in my K30 build thread, figured I would start a new thread just for his truck, as he is getting some work done on it.

**Dieselwrencher** · 02-17-2014, 03:22 PM

This is a very cool swap! I purchased a 6-71 inline with jake brakes a few years ago to put in my 76. Then someone else wanted the engine more than me so I sold it. I'm looking forward to progress on this build too!

legendman · 04-05-2014, 07:01 PM

Sorted through the eight spicer hubs I had to make two good ones little prime and paint on the outer and new grease on the inside there were 54 bolts to cull though some with straight knurl cross hatch and square knurl short thread long thread coarse thread fine thread I chose the short coarse square knurl Waiting on gaskets- sheet metal inner and paper outer. Refuse to use rtv The last guy used rtv and it looks like things didn't turn so well for him. Love them big hubs !!

legendman · 04-05-2014, 07:03 PM

Also picked up a parts truck, snow is all gone now this pic was taken about a month ago

legendman · 04-05-2014, 07:08 PM

Brand new BFGs 33 inch, wheels blasted and powder coated

**Dieselwrencher** · 04-06-2014, 12:04 AM

Looking good!

shopteacher · 05-18-2014, 08:52 PM

I'm liking the Stock steel wheels and the build ! keep us posted and more pictures please !

hareball · 09-13-2014, 08:41 PM

k20 time seems like I'm not getting much done here back in july I went to diesel confab up in Schenectady ny and fella by the name of junkman dan had a cab I needed a couple towns over I went to Schenectady twice that weekend - second time with a trailer ! so I dragged home another incomplete truck that finally had a cab worth fixing up this makes truck number 4 just to put 1 truck together red,black.blue.red each truck did add some pieces to the puzzle but none were a complete home run so anyway I get this one home get it cut up set the cab on my rolling dolly and figure i'll order a complete floor and go to town well not so fast goes the slow boat from china my one piece hi hump is finally at fedex and should be here Monday morning now I can get back on this project and put down the fishing rod till spring time

burnitg · 09-16-2014, 06:57 PM

Great build! I am in the planning stages of a 4-53T conversion for my '72 GMC K2500. I would be very interested to see the motor mounts that you are using.

hareball · 09-21-2014, 06:39 AM

burnit motor mounts are tricky with these I am no expert but the guys over at 4btswaps have a Detroit d section with lotsa good info I have a front rubber block on a box tube x member and then another mount at the bell housing while also keeping the transfer case pedestal.
no pics yet but the old floor is out and the new cab floor is going in measurements and reinforcements = put in more than necessary and it will go better

burnitg · 09-21-2014, 02:33 PM

Thanks for the tip. I have been keeping an eye on the DD forum on 4BT Swaps.
I am planning the same type of mounts as you are using - a rubber block on the cross member under the nose and brackets on either side of the flywheel housing. What are you using for isolation between the flywheel housing brackets and the frame?

hareball · 09-22-2014, 11:37 AM

I used 1/2" thick rubber conveyor belt type material
Probably too hard to use but just wanted to get it done
I have the big gm hogs head bell housing, they're tough to
find and I paid all the money for it thanks for your interest in this project
Soldier on!

legendman · 10-05-2014, 09:26 AM

This is a front trunion motor mount it allows the motor to twist under load so you don't break the oil pump or front cover as would happen if you ridged mounted the motor using the front cover

02-16-2014, 01:56 PM	#2
jbclassix Junk Yartist Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Greeley, CO Posts: 2,203	Re: 72 K20 Detroit 3-53 Build I've seen these pictures somewhere else, haven't I? I love the old 2 stroke driptroits! These conversions are always cool. Got a classic sound to them too. __________________ -Jeremy YOU ONLY FAIL IF YOU STOP TRYING 70 Crew Cab Build Link 70 GMC Suburban 4X4 build thread 95 Yukon Daily Driver Rebuilding an NP205

02-17-2014, 03:22 PM	#4
Dieselwrencher 6>8 Plugless........ Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Prairie City, Ia Posts: 17,142	Re: 72 K20 Detroit 3-53 Build This is a very cool swap! I purchased a 6-71 inline with jake brakes a few years ago to put in my 76. Then someone else wanted the engine more than me so I sold it. I'm looking forward to progress on this build too! __________________ Ryan 1972 Chevy Longhorn K30 Cheyenne Super, 359 Inline 6 cylinder, Auto Trans, Tilt, Diesel Tach/Vach, Buckets, Rare Rear 4-link and air ride option Build Thread 1972 GMC Sierra Grande Longhorn 4x4 1972 Chevy Cheyenne Super K20 Long Step side tilt, tach, tow hooks, AC, 350 4 speed 1972 C10 Suburban Custom Deluxe 1969 Chevy milk truck 1971 Camaro RS 5.3 BTR STG3 Cam Super T10 1940 Ford 354 Hemi 46RH Ford 9" on air ride huge project *Tired of spark plugs? Check this out.*

04-06-2014, 12:04 AM	#8
Dieselwrencher 6>8 Plugless........ Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Prairie City, Ia Posts: 17,142	Re: 72 K20 Detroit 3-53 Build Looking good! __________________ Ryan 1972 Chevy Longhorn K30 Cheyenne Super, 359 Inline 6 cylinder, Auto Trans, Tilt, Diesel Tach/Vach, Buckets, Rare Rear 4-link and air ride option Build Thread 1972 GMC Sierra Grande Longhorn 4x4 1972 Chevy Cheyenne Super K20 Long Step side tilt, tach, tow hooks, AC, 350 4 speed 1972 C10 Suburban Custom Deluxe 1969 Chevy milk truck 1971 Camaro RS 5.3 BTR STG3 Cam Super T10 1940 Ford 354 Hemi 46RH Ford 9" on air ride huge project *Tired of spark plugs? Check this out.*

05-18-2014, 08:52 PM	#9
shopteacher Registered User Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Western Montana Posts: 50	Re: 72 K20 Detroit 3-53 Build I'm liking the Stock steel wheels and the build ! keep us posted and more pictures please !

09-13-2014, 08:41 PM	#10
hareball Registered User Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: SC Ct Posts: 26	Re: 72 K20 Detroit 3-53 Build k20 time seems like I'm not getting much done here back in july I went to diesel confab up in Schenectady ny and fella by the name of junkman dan had a cab I needed a couple towns over I went to Schenectady twice that weekend - second time with a trailer ! so I dragged home another incomplete truck that finally had a cab worth fixing up this makes truck number 4 just to put 1 truck together red,black.blue.red each truck did add some pieces to the puzzle but none were a complete home run so anyway I get this one home get it cut up set the cab on my rolling dolly and figure i'll order a complete floor and go to town well not so fast goes the slow boat from china my one piece hi hump is finally at fedex and should be here Monday morning now I can get back on this project and put down the fishing rod till spring time

09-16-2014, 06:57 PM	#11
burnitg Registered User Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Black Hawk, CO Posts: 215	Re: 72 K20 Detroit 3-53 Build Great build! I am in the planning stages of a 4-53T conversion for my '72 GMC K2500. I would be very interested to see the motor mounts that you are using.

09-21-2014, 06:39 AM	#12
hareball Registered User Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: SC Ct Posts: 26	Re: 72 K20 Detroit 3-53 Build burnit motor mounts are tricky with these I am no expert but the guys over at 4btswaps have a Detroit d section with lotsa good info I have a front rubber block on a box tube x member and then another mount at the bell housing while also keeping the transfer case pedestal. no pics yet but the old floor is out and the new cab floor is going in measurements and reinforcements = put in more than necessary and it will go better

09-21-2014, 02:33 PM	#13
burnitg Registered User Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Black Hawk, CO Posts: 215	Re: 72 K20 Detroit 3-53 Build Thanks for the tip. I have been keeping an eye on the DD forum on 4BT Swaps. I am planning the same type of mounts as you are using - a rubber block on the cross member under the nose and brackets on either side of the flywheel housing. What are you using for isolation between the flywheel housing brackets and the frame?

09-22-2014, 11:37 AM	#14
hareball Registered User Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: SC Ct Posts: 26	Re: 72 K20 Detroit 3-53 Build I used 1/2" thick rubber conveyor belt type material Probably too hard to use but just wanted to get it done I have the big gm hogs head bell housing, they're tough to find and I paid all the money for it thanks for your interest in this project Soldier on!



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