Progress Report on my 69

[LongBox]

I had posted about finding this truck, and about having pushrod and valve troubles, because the truck had sat for 14 years. Here's an update, and some photos:

(I decided that the only way to look after the valve troubles was to do it right the first time, so the truck now has 16 new lifters (the cam and the old lifters look really good, but since it's apart, new lifters make sense), 16 new pushrods, 16 new rockers, new rocker pivot nuts and washers, and of course, I had the heads and the manifold machined.

Since the coolant and distributor were out anyway, changed coolant, and did a full ignition tune up, with new cap, rotor, uniset, and plugs. Filled the pan with Mobil 1 5W-30 (there's a lot of assembly lube on the cam and lifters), and started and idled fast to break in the lifters. Set the dwell and timing, and so far, the engine is running like a champ.

Decided to machine-polish the body, so got out the PC 7424, and hit it with polish. Man, what a difference that makes. I also pressure washed the undercarriage, and under the fenders and box.

Still to come, a new fuel gauge sender, a cigar lighter assembly, and then, who knows. The truck is so "grampa original", that I hate to change anything. For sure, the camper is coming off, but I may just leave it original paint, original rubber floor mats, and original AM radio. Changing to power steering is looking more and more likely, as this thing is a bear to drive in tight quarters with the old armstrong system.

[Gmc.guy]

Cool! I like it. I have same newer hubcaps and grey wheels too on my 69, id be proud to run that truck the way it is now !

[geezer#99]

Recipe for a flat cam!!
New lifters, old cam!
Only a matter of time!

[LongBox]

Originally Posted by geezer#99

Recipe for a flat cam!!
New lifters, old cam!
Only a matter of time!

We had a lot of discussion around that point. I was thinking it was the perfect time to go for a roller, and put an end to cam/lifter galling and scuffing worries.

The mechanic who oversaw the work is a guy who races small block Chevys, has two Nascar-style racers, and a ton of experience. At the end of the day, he said he would not change the cam if it was his own engine, so I went with that. Like Geezer 99 says, we'll find out in time.

Meantime, I've got my fingers crossed. (and my dial indicator at the ready)

[geezer#99]

Did you pay him for the work?
If so don't loose the bill!

[WarMonger]

That is a clean looking truck. very nice.

[LongBox]

I'm very lucky to have found this truck, less than a mile from my house. OPs daughter told me she sold it to me because she could tell that I would look after it. There are still folks like that out there.

As for the wheels, I have been thinking of painting the rims an off white colour, as close to the white on the body as I can get. The wheels now are painted "argent", and they need to be refreshed anyway.

[flashed]

Very nice truck ,well cared for then and now.

[ratty69]

It looks even better than when you first posted pics. You scored big time. Looks like the same colour mine originally was, 500 dark green. Seeing it on your truck makes me definitely want to redo mine to original paint ( all green, no white ).

As far as p/s conversion, there's a local place wrecking a 72 with p/s and p/b. When I was there last week pulling parts, it was still all there and likely very reasonable. PM me if you want their contact info. No connection to them, just a customer.

[re1]

Beautiful truck !