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#1 |
Registered User
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Location: Schoolcraft, Michigan
Posts: 928
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Budget Build 1985 K20
I am usually on the 69 - 72 Blazer and Jimmy forums but i have always loved square body K20's and 30's. So i have been looking for a while for a relatively rust free truck in Michigan but they are a unicorn. I came across this on Craigslist a 1985 K20 4 speed 208 combo and purchased it. It is originally from Wyoming and has a crappy paint job but it is solid. It needs cab corners and it has a little bit of rust behind the rear tires but that is it. The floor boards, rockers, and core support are in excellent shape.
The plan for it is to build a nice driver that i am not too worried to drive! This was also the plan for the Jimmy that i built but it got out of control and i made it way nicer than originally planned. We'll see how it goes! I am giving myself a 6K budget to do all of the work including the body work and paint. This will be the first vehicle that i have painted. I am going to make it drive the way i like before tackling the body work. on the list of things to do in the near future Put a mechanical fuel pump on it and get rid of the electric that is on there now? Fix all of the oil leaks Swap out the dump truck driving SM465 transmission with a TH400. Get rid of the 4" lift for a 2" lift.
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1972 GMC Jimmy 4x4 LS Swap 1985 Chevy K20 1994 GMC Yukon 2021 GMC 2500HD Duramax AT4 My "It's a Jimmy Thing" Build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=583528 Budget Build 1985 K20 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=801565 |
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#2 |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: Schoolcraft, Michigan
Posts: 928
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Re: Budget Build 1985 K20
I got the electric fuel pump off and mechanical one put on and it runs great. I don't know why the PO put the electric on? I also repaired a brake line and cleaned up some wiring.
Then i came across this beauty on craigslist same year 1985 K20 for $500.00. So i went to pick it up. This poor old girl actually drove on to the trailer and into my shop albeit leaking a lot of fluids. I thanked her for giving what she has left for my build! It actually runs pretty good however i don't need an engine, but i will be using the Transmission, transfer case adapter, cross member, transmission shift linkage, tilt column, radiator, (which looks new!), brake pedal, TH400 kick down switch and possibly the ring and pinions if they are something higher than 4.11's. And i am sure i will find other parts to use. The tilt column has a broken shift bowl and i am not looking forward to fixing it. It looks way more complicated than the 72 tilt column i restored and that was a PITA! Anyone have any advise or link to a good thread for me? The disassembly will start this week end.
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1972 GMC Jimmy 4x4 LS Swap 1985 Chevy K20 1994 GMC Yukon 2021 GMC 2500HD Duramax AT4 My "It's a Jimmy Thing" Build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=583528 Budget Build 1985 K20 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=801565 |
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#3 |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: Schoolcraft, Michigan
Posts: 928
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Re: Budget Build 1985 K20
Got the old girl stripped this weekend. Got a bunch of parts that i can use.
But, the gears are 4.10's so i wont be using them. Made a huge mess in my shop in the process. Not much left of her!
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1972 GMC Jimmy 4x4 LS Swap 1985 Chevy K20 1994 GMC Yukon 2021 GMC 2500HD Duramax AT4 My "It's a Jimmy Thing" Build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=583528 Budget Build 1985 K20 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=801565 |
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#4 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: El Lago, TX
Posts: 1,668
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Re: Budget Build 1985 K20
I’m looking forward to your build. Nice score on the parts truck!
I checked out your Jimmy build. That turned out nice!!! Last edited by Greenlee; 03-19-2020 at 08:40 AM. |
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#5 |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: Schoolcraft, Michigan
Posts: 928
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Re: Budget Build 1985 K20
After spending the last three years finishing our house i am looking forward to another build as well. Thanks for following along and the compliments on my Jimmy!
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1972 GMC Jimmy 4x4 LS Swap 1985 Chevy K20 1994 GMC Yukon 2021 GMC 2500HD Duramax AT4 My "It's a Jimmy Thing" Build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=583528 Budget Build 1985 K20 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=801565 |
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#6 |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: Schoolcraft, Michigan
Posts: 928
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Re: Budget Build 1985 K20
Not a whole lot to report. I did get my shop cleaned out from the carnage of the parts truck.
I also serviced my DD, brought the trans to my friend for a rebuild and ordered a bunch of parts to keep me busy in case I am quarantined because of COVID! This week end i will try to rebuild the tilt column. Wish me luck!
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1972 GMC Jimmy 4x4 LS Swap 1985 Chevy K20 1994 GMC Yukon 2021 GMC 2500HD Duramax AT4 My "It's a Jimmy Thing" Build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=583528 Budget Build 1985 K20 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=801565 |
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#7 |
Registered User
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: PNW
Posts: 3,587
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Re: Budget Build 1985 K20
Cool build and nice lineup of rigs!
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#8 |
Registered User
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Location: Schoolcraft, Michigan
Posts: 928
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Re: Budget Build 1985 K20
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1972 GMC Jimmy 4x4 LS Swap 1985 Chevy K20 1994 GMC Yukon 2021 GMC 2500HD Duramax AT4 My "It's a Jimmy Thing" Build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=583528 Budget Build 1985 K20 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=801565 |
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#9 |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: Schoolcraft, Michigan
Posts: 928
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Re: Budget Build 1985 K20
Well the tilt steering column did not disappoint in being a PITA. But, i think i won other than needing to still get a new lock cylinder because the assist ears were broken on it. It should be here tomorrow and that should complete the column.
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1972 GMC Jimmy 4x4 LS Swap 1985 Chevy K20 1994 GMC Yukon 2021 GMC 2500HD Duramax AT4 My "It's a Jimmy Thing" Build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=583528 Budget Build 1985 K20 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=801565 |
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#10 |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: Schoolcraft, Michigan
Posts: 928
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Re: Budget Build 1985 K20
Since removing the transmission out of the parts truck was less than graceful and i never have an extra set of hands in my shop i built this "custom" transmission jack with some scrap i had lying around. I also "won" this license plate on ebay that will go on the front of this rig when it is done.
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1972 GMC Jimmy 4x4 LS Swap 1985 Chevy K20 1994 GMC Yukon 2021 GMC 2500HD Duramax AT4 My "It's a Jimmy Thing" Build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=583528 Budget Build 1985 K20 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=801565 |
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#11 |
Registered User
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Fairbanks, AK
Posts: 1,830
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Re: Budget Build 1985 K20
Cool truck and good looking shop too! I’ll be following along from from quarantine / home office...
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-Marcus 1991 V3500 L29 454 4L80E NP205 D60/14 Bolt 4.56's 1984 K30 292 TH400 NP205 D60/14 Bolt 4.56's flat bed 7'6" Meyer Plow 2022 Silverado 3500 L8T Project Daily Driver Project Heavy Hauler Project Plow Truck |
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#12 |
Registered User
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: livingston co.mi
Posts: 2,457
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Re: Budget Build 1985 K20
Nice project!
Those motor cycle jacks double as a trans jack too I used it on a transfercase R&R that went great by my self went in on the first shot!
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California 65 GTO---Texas 64 burb 283 ---Oklahoma 67 CST SWB BBW wood bed 327 2004r---New Mexico 72 k10 350 350 auto---Georga 72 short step project |
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#13 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2019
Location: Harrold
Posts: 3
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Re: Budget Build 1985 K20
Wish I was closer I'd buy some parts off you! Good build so far... update?
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#14 |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: Schoolcraft, Michigan
Posts: 928
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Re: Budget Build 1985 K20
Thanks for following along! The shop could use to be bigger and i still need to run air lines from my compressor. It is 32' x 48' and the previous owner put a wall down the middle with a 7' garage door in it to make 2 - 32' x 24' areas. I finished and heated one side for my shop and added a 9' exterior overhead door to the unfinished side for a storage area.
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1972 GMC Jimmy 4x4 LS Swap 1985 Chevy K20 1994 GMC Yukon 2021 GMC 2500HD Duramax AT4 My "It's a Jimmy Thing" Build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=583528 Budget Build 1985 K20 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=801565 |
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#15 |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: Schoolcraft, Michigan
Posts: 928
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Re: Budget Build 1985 K20
Thanks! I thought of that but i had some scrap laying around so i will see how it works!
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1972 GMC Jimmy 4x4 LS Swap 1985 Chevy K20 1994 GMC Yukon 2021 GMC 2500HD Duramax AT4 My "It's a Jimmy Thing" Build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=583528 Budget Build 1985 K20 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=801565 |
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#16 |
Registered User
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Location: Schoolcraft, Michigan
Posts: 928
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Re: Budget Build 1985 K20
I wish you were too. I got a ton of crap to sell.
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1972 GMC Jimmy 4x4 LS Swap 1985 Chevy K20 1994 GMC Yukon 2021 GMC 2500HD Duramax AT4 My "It's a Jimmy Thing" Build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=583528 Budget Build 1985 K20 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=801565 |
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#17 |
Registered User
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Location: Schoolcraft, Michigan
Posts: 928
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Re: Budget Build 1985 K20
It is about time i updated.
I went to put the column in and i knew i had some wiring issues but i did not think they were this bad. The previous owner had a push button starter switch installed and i was hoping it was just because the column ignition switch was bad. Wrong. there was a bunch of melted wires and butt connectors in the under dash harness. So, luckily the parts truck harness was in really good shape but that truck had PW, PL and CC. i ended up removing the dash harness and de-pinned all the bad wires and replaced them with the donor harness wires. I got it all back installed and it kept blowing the Horn fuse as soon as i put it in. I traced that back to a bad cigarette lighter. So i got a new one on the way!
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1972 GMC Jimmy 4x4 LS Swap 1985 Chevy K20 1994 GMC Yukon 2021 GMC 2500HD Duramax AT4 My "It's a Jimmy Thing" Build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=583528 Budget Build 1985 K20 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=801565 |
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#18 |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: Schoolcraft, Michigan
Posts: 928
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Re: Budget Build 1985 K20
I also swapped out the aftermarket oil pressure gauge for an OEM one and added the auto gear indicator. I also noticed that my odometer is a 6 digit? I thought that these only came with 5 digit odometers but it all looks original! I i believe that the miles are correct.
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1972 GMC Jimmy 4x4 LS Swap 1985 Chevy K20 1994 GMC Yukon 2021 GMC 2500HD Duramax AT4 My "It's a Jimmy Thing" Build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=583528 Budget Build 1985 K20 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=801565 |
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#19 |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: Schoolcraft, Michigan
Posts: 928
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Re: Budget Build 1985 K20
I got the steering column installed and decided to tackle some of the oil leaks.
Replaced the rear main seal, oil pan gasket and timing cover gasket. While i was tearing into it i found out why this thing was leaking so bad. It only had 2 bolts holding the timing cover on and it is not like the other fell out because the holes were filled with RTV! When i put it back together i cleaned and painted all the parts and install the radiator with trans cooler from the parts truck. I know, it is like putting lipstick on a pig
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1972 GMC Jimmy 4x4 LS Swap 1985 Chevy K20 1994 GMC Yukon 2021 GMC 2500HD Duramax AT4 My "It's a Jimmy Thing" Build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=583528 Budget Build 1985 K20 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=801565 |
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#20 |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: Schoolcraft, Michigan
Posts: 928
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Re: Budget Build 1985 K20
I got a surprise when i was replacing the oil pan gasket and rear main. It is a 4 bolt main engine and everything looks really good in it.
I also picked up my transmission. I know what you all will say "nice tranny pan!". Don't worry. there was a new one and a Hughes 2500 stall converter sitting on my porch when i got home. I took it for a ride to make sure all engine oil leaks were gone and they were.
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1972 GMC Jimmy 4x4 LS Swap 1985 Chevy K20 1994 GMC Yukon 2021 GMC 2500HD Duramax AT4 My "It's a Jimmy Thing" Build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=583528 Budget Build 1985 K20 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=801565 |
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#21 |
Registered User
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Fairbanks, AK
Posts: 1,830
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Re: Budget Build 1985 K20
Nice work. It all adds up when you clean and paint the bits and pieces working through these projects. Before you know it maybe it’s not a pig anymore! Two bolts and rtv.... good grief.
__________________
-Marcus 1991 V3500 L29 454 4L80E NP205 D60/14 Bolt 4.56's 1984 K30 292 TH400 NP205 D60/14 Bolt 4.56's flat bed 7'6" Meyer Plow 2022 Silverado 3500 L8T Project Daily Driver Project Heavy Hauler Project Plow Truck |
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#22 | |
Registered User
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: PNW
Posts: 3,587
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Re: Budget Build 1985 K20
Quote:
Most of us can only bring one part up to our standards at a time. The disparity in condition shows progress. |
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#23 |
Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2019
Location: Troy NH
Posts: 91
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Re: Budget Build 1985 K20
Speedometer 6 digit: almost all Canadian models received 6 digit, mainly because kilometres are shorter then miles, being main reading is in miles I don't believe this is a Canadian model.
Almost all the C50/60/70 trucks I have seen have a 6 digit reading. They are also more likely to have the tach gauge as well. starting in 88 they added trip meters, but most are still 5 digit, but I have seen the rare 6 digit. 6 digit in 1991, but speedo's were electric(not cable driven) I have not figured out with any rhyme or reason as why some are 6(rare though) and most are 5, with the above exceptions. |
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#24 | |
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: El Lago, TX
Posts: 1,668
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Re: Budget Build 1985 K20
Quote:
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#25 | |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: Schoolcraft, Michigan
Posts: 928
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Re: Budget Build 1985 K20
Quote:
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1972 GMC Jimmy 4x4 LS Swap 1985 Chevy K20 1994 GMC Yukon 2021 GMC 2500HD Duramax AT4 My "It's a Jimmy Thing" Build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=583528 Budget Build 1985 K20 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=801565 |
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