1967 GMC K20 " The Kodiak"

[Chaparralman1974]

And here is a picture of the Spicer "Big Hub"

[dagnabbitt]

Like I said I have a lot of research to do, but this helps, thank you!

[Ol Blue K20]

Nice find, very interesting truck.

[dagnabbitt]

It has dawned on me that what I have is a K20 with with 33's, and that the stock engine is a 292 without power steering. Must have been a real workout to drive this thing!

I like the idea of putting a 292 back into it, but finding power steering setups for a truck like this would be a real challenge. It is always on my radar when I go to junkyards but they are really scarce now.

[CKfan]

I have heard good things about S&J Engines out of Spokane WA area. Their 292 inline 6 is reported to be very reasonable. If you get a chance, check out their prices.
Good luck with your build.

[Chaparralman1974]

The 292 was probably one of the best motors ever made in my opinion. We had several trucks with that motor.

I am trying to figure out powersteering myself for my K20. If your truck still has the original closed knuckle front axle, it is a bit of a challenge as the steering arm on the knuckle is not really made for power steering. Additionally, it is doubtful (although no impossible) that your frame doesn't have the "dimple" for the powersteering gear box to bolt up flush to the frame. There are ways to do it....and I am doing my research on how to integrate it into my truck. Where there is a will, there is a way! :-)


Clay

[dagnabbitt]

Originally Posted by Chaparralman1974

The 292 was probably one of the best motors ever made in my opinion. We had several trucks with that motor.

I am trying to figure out powersteering myself for my K20. If your truck still has the original closed knuckle front axle, it is a bit of a challenge as the steering arm on the knuckle is not really made for power steering. Additionally, it is doubtful (although no impossible) that your frame doesn't have the "dimple" for the powersteering gear box to bolt up flush to the frame. There are ways to do it....and I am doing my research on how to integrate it into my truck. Where there is a will, there is a way! :-)


Clay

I believe that none of the 67's had that dimple: it was a 1968 thing with the introduction of the big block.

I'd love to find a power steering solution for it because I kind of like the 292. I am not scared of a work-out but I think that manual steering on this particular rig would get old really fast.

[dagnabbitt]

Originally Posted by CKfan

I have heard good things about S&J Engines out of Spokane WA area. Their 292 inline 6 is reported to be very reasonable. If you get a chance, check out their prices.
Good luck with your build.

I'm checking them out now, this is impressive. I will send them a message.

I have shared with another friend of mine, we are both looking for 292s.

[dagnabbitt]

I visited my truck today, my dad has been asking me if I would be taking it off his property soon. I figured that was a not very subtle hint to come and get it.

Turns out he doesn't want me to take it: he wanted to make sure I wasn't going to show up and mess up his bee farm. So I guess it's a Bee Truck and it stays for now.

I sneaked up to the bees, and measured the wheelbase: to my surprise, it's exactly 115 inches. Hm. I wonder why it was cut to the exact length of a SWB. To explain, I have always assumed that they were pretty indiscriminate about how they shortened it: I figured that they just thought it was too long and they wanted to put this service bed on it. It looks too short to me. In fact the reason why I measured it was because I was wondering if a Blazer body would fit on it.

The plot thickens, and I have renewed interest in this truck.

[dagnabbitt]

Is it really a build thread if you are doing nothing with your project, and have no immediate plans to?



Well, I have lots of plans, but I am so busy with other things that I can only look at this truck and think about what I'd do with it if I had the time and money.



I did get under it - bees are gone - to take a look at the frame and solved the mystery of the short wheelbase.

I had fantasized that they might have re-framed it after a collision, or modified it to be more maneuverable, but of course the truth is the most obvious: it has been cut and welded, probably for the simple reason that they had this SWB service bed that they really wanted to use.

It must have been an incredibly early example of frame shortening, since I have reason to believe that this bed has been on the truck for 50 years or more.

Those sailboats are for sale, btw, all proceed to go towards getting this truck on the road.

[68Gold/white]

I have 2 C-10's both LWB. i-67, 1-68. Both have been off the road way too long. I am maneuvering my driveway, garage and storage situations to work on the 67. I have ALL the parts. Just need time and ability, plus a little more arranging. (I'm still recovering from the accident I was in July 2022. I am working with limitations, no complaints) I truly don't care what others do or think. Most don't know my hobby thoughts or directions, just a couple good friends. I admire folks that have property to spare and can latch onto any old pickup and drag it home, especially if married and the wife has no problem with it

Carry on, however you desire!!!

It looks like that was a winch bed? I'd be tempted to put a regular bed on it and standard bumper on it. As equipped it just seems bulky with not much use for all it's heavy duty bones.

I'm still real curious to see what condition the 292 is in. Likely cracked but sitting open might be a good thing, as opposed to having the head on it with water in the cylinders? anyone???

You diesel is still my fav!!!

[dagnabbitt]

Thanks! It never occurred to me that might be a winch bed. When I spoke to the company (Kodiak, still in business) they did mention it looked like a tug or yard truck, something they used to move very heavy equipment short distances.

My plan would be to remove the heavy bolt-ons - bed, bumpers - and make it more stock looking. As to the 292, I really am not sure, it sat for a while with no hood on it. I have been on the lookout for another 292 on the marketplaces.

I've been using the diesel as a work truck all summer, it is nice and dependable!

[Canuckvetter]

Hey Dave, I just come across this thread. Very cool! “Kodiak” looks grizzly. I likely have a few 67 parts if you are interested.

Michael

[jerry moss]

Anymore updates on this rig, personally I think it's an awesome rig, I have always converted my rigs to 8 lug axles- even if they were factory short beds.

[dagnabbitt]

Originally Posted by jerry moss

Anymore updates on this rig, personally I think it's an awesome rig, I have always converted my rigs to 8 lug axles- even if they were factory short beds.

I'm afraid not, I have to make some progress on my 68 first. I am getting pretty excited to get to this one though.