Blue Sky

[JayJayB]

Here it is! I finally pawned my non-running, chopped up, beat to H-E-double toothpicks Chevy LUV off for this ol' thing. It's rough right now to say the least.

My plan for it at this point, since my budget is really tight, to get it moving under it's power. (don't get me wrong, I would love to restore it!) I can tell that the engine in it is not the original and has some issues anyway like a *shudder* 2bbl intake, no carb, no distributor, and no alternator brackets. I have a Mercruiser 5.7L with a 4bbl intake that's almost ready to go.

Sometime in it's life, someone converted it to an internally regulated alternator, then the brackets were robbed. The booster and master cylinder have been changed out for a later year as well (plastic reservoir). It has leaf springs on the rear (is that factory?). Not sure if the rear axle is factory either (it's locked up atm, too; I will pull the wheels and check the brakes at some point). It has no drive shaft at all. The transmission is questionable and not sure which one it is yet (can't get under it without getting really muddy atm). Not sure what else it needs at this point, mechanically speaking. Any info is appreciated.

For now, I have uploaded some pics here and if more are needed, let me know what angle to take them from and I'll do it. Thx!

[JayJayB]

More pics!


The glove box door isn't factory

[alsriv2]

Looks like you have a good starter project. A 3/4 ton truck is nice. Your glove box door is probably original, but we would need to see a picture of the SPID label on the inside to determine. Yours looks like it could be a Cheyenne package or something similar due to the trim package that appears to be installed on the cab, the AC system installed, the paint option, etc etc. Include a picture of the SPID label so we can see what you have there.

[JayJayB]

To alsriv2;

Here's the pic of the SPID (the lie):

Please take note of the color scheme listed

[geunther]

Looks like glove box is from a different truck. Basing that on all the differences such as both interior and exterior colors. Behind where the cluster was I don't see any original orange paint indicating a color change.

[JayJayB]

One thing I wanted to add to the previous post was some info on the motor. Not sure which one it is, but found a stamping by the water pump mount on the passenger side.

1st line: F0912CEM
2nd line: 018l514034

Could anyone decipher it, please?

Also found this above that same part of the engine on the side of the head (not sure why it's upside down):

[geunther]

Originally Posted by JayJayB

1st line: F0912CEM

1980 305 engine. Not the best of news.

[Wizo]

Smog motor. Ditch it n' drop in a Rat. Looks like a decent start for a project truck.

[JayJayB]

Thanks for the info, geunther. I had my suspicions that motor was a "wolf in sheep's clothing". That mercruiser 350 is definitely getting dropped in there!

[JayJayB]

I did some research on the engine I have going into my truck and it turns out to be a 1984 OMC Sterndrive 5.7. I did a compression test on it and it was satisfactory (don't remember the exact number). Just have to separate the TH400 from the dead 305 somehow.

[alsriv2]

Originally Posted by JayJayB

To alsriv2;

Here's the pic of the SPID (the lie):

Please take note of the color scheme listed

The only way to know for sure is to take a look at the Vin number on the drivers door post and compare it to the Vin on the SPID label. While you are at it, compere the Vin on the door frame to the Vin stamped on the frame under the master cylinder area. At the very least, the frame and the door post should match.
Your truck has some good options anyway so put it together the way you would like to have it and enjoy!

[GASoline71]

Tight budget is gonna be hard to maintain with that rig.

I'd part it out...

Gary

[frenchy51]

That could be a cool truck someday-you have your work cut out for you.
If the SPID is correct???it was my favorite color combo, but the existing blue paint looks original to it to me. Glove box door must be from another truck. I agree-check door vin with glove box vin and you'll know.

[68350]

Appears to have a high hump so I'm guessing it was a 402/th400 at one time. Sweet truck! Going to be a huge project but everyone starts somewhere

[JayJayB]

As far as getting this truck running, parts that my dad (Jake1971) has collected from users on this site and other misc. sources will aid me tremendously (I won't get them for free, though). I'm planning on restoring this truck when the money is there, hopefully in the next 2-3 years. For now, I want to enjoy it as it is; "farm fresh"!

The 305 I did try to crank and it's locked up. The passenger side door won't open atm. The tires are all bad. In spite of all this, I love it! I have wanted a truck like this for a very long time. For now, Cinco de Mayo is slated for an engine pull. Any ideas on how to separate the torque converter from a locked up engine?




Anyway, here's the VIN plate: