1991 V3500 Project Heavy Hauler

[MTCK]

Thanks Matt. These rigs are great tools, and that's most of the justification I use to spend the $$$. This thing is going to get worked!

It's hard to see, but in post 382 the cat is just in front of the muffler. It's barely larger around than the tailpipe. Not CARB approved, so don't try this in the People's Republic of Cali... I just figured since I was going to burn copious amounts of gasoline, I could do my part to keep the air a little cleaner. And I don't like the gas fumes burning my eyes...

[MTCK]

Got my AC blowing cold tonight. I took it to a shop to get charged last week, and they couldn't get it to charge because of an obstruction... I did a little research and followed up on an idea the tech there had. Some moron (me) bolted the adapter on top of the compressor backward, so my compressor was trying to blow into the suction side. Switched them, added R134a and it blows 35 degree air. Could have used this Saturday when it was 82 degrees here...

Here's a question for you hydroboost gurus: my brake pedal sometimes doesn't return all the way when I've been driving for a while. Troubleshooting guide says an obstruction in return line. One time when I was having the condition, I popped the hood and took the cap off the power steering pump reservoir. It released an audible release of pressure and the pedal immediately returned to the top of its travel and brake lights went off. I've repeated this a half dozen times. I don't recall any of my old pumps having a very tight seal, but this one is very robust. I'm pretty sure the reservoir is pressuring up as the fluid expands and restricts the return. Anybody have this happen when using a newer pump? I used a new AC delco pump for the L29 application without the electronic gizmo that some of them have.

[watahyahknow]

you could look if theres a tiny air hole in the lid of the brakefluid reservour and if there is if its open

[joe231]

This^^^
I believe there should be a vent, maybe it's clogged?

Is your fluid level correct?

Here is something I found on Borgeson.com

"Air is sucked in to the P/S system compressed with the fluid and then expands when it reaches the reservoir causing an unintended pressure build up in reservoir."

[MTCK]

Thanks guys. Just to be clear you're talking about venting the power steering reservoir? Not the brake master cylinder. This makes sense to me. Fluid is on the high side of right. Between hot and cold when cold and just over hot when hot. Maybe I'll suck a tiny bit out and drill a little hole.

[joe231]

Yeah, should be a vent on the top of the power steering cap/dipstick assembly.

[MTCK]

No vent. I will build one...

Did about a 100 mile cruise today, hills and corners 55-65 mph. Pulled down 12.1 mpg with the AC pumping the whole time. I'm happy with that.

[whitels1]

Hell ya man! Glad you are getting out and enjoying it!

[LT7A]

Great Job MTCK. I really like how your rig is nice and clean and purpose built. I'd be proud to drive that thing - take half of my driveway though. And just to put it out there, I agree with your removal of the graphics. Nice work.

[MTCK]

Thanks guys. Installed a vent in the lid of the power steering pump and no more pedal return issues.

Another interesting tidbit: hooked up the obdII port to my buddy's efi live and compared my tune from Howell to his stock L29. Virtually identical except about two degrees more ignition timing at high rpm and load. Still only 17 degrees at 4000 rpm!

[MTCK]

Took a few hours this weekend to button up some loose ends. Picked up some stereo gear Friday. I can't believe how far stereos have evolved. This system is simple, costs less and sounds better than some pretty large spendy systems I've built before. 5 channel amp, 6x9 rear 6.5 coaxial fronts and a pair of 8's.

[MTCK]

Also wired up all my auxiliary power ports and seat heaters similar to how I did my 77 K10 (only twice as many).

Tomorrow I hope to get my 180 degree thermostat installed, a set of roller rockers and chase down the last coolant leak.

[Greenlee]

Nice work Marcus!

[MTCK]

Thanks Greenlee. This is the part that seems take forever. Console wiring done.

[MTCK]

And upholstery inserts finally finished to match seats.

[MTCK]

Light bar mounted.

[Greenlee]

That's a lot of wiring, but you are doing a clean job with the routing!

I've been wanting to try to mount one of those light bars behind the grill. Do you think it would fit?

[MTCK]

Behind the grill was my first choice but there is no way with the vintage air dryer and auxiliary trans cooler I have. Middle brace in the core support would present a challenge as well.

[daddyjeep]

Nice, wiring the inside up the have all of the modern conveniences. I will get to that point some day.

[stersam]

That is some pretty wiring.

[MTCK]

Thanks guys. Feel like I've been playing whack-a-mole with coolant leaks. Got the radiator all tightened up and holding and then she started just puking right when I pulled into my drive after swapping the thermostat for a 180 degree unit.

Never had a block heater do this before. I was able to shove the o ring home and crank it down. Seems to be holding. Roller rockers also appear to fit under the valve covers though I only installed two so far.

[willem445]

Originally Posted by MTCK

Light bar mounted.

What size is that light bar? I was just about to order one and I want to make sure its the same size as I like the look on your truck.

[MTCK]

Advertised as a 30". It's an inch or two longer than that mount to mount but that should get you close.

[willem445]

Originally Posted by MTCK

Advertised as a 30". It's an inch or two longer than that mount to mount but that should get you close.

Sweet, thanks. Was going to get 20in but might look at a 30 in then.

[rgunlock]

It's great that you are knocking off all these loose ends - can't be many left to go. Console wiring looks really clean. I hope my overall wiring job ends up looking half as good.

I've just been thinking about starting to research a stereo system for my truck. Not looking for much - just want it to sound reasonably clear over road and truck noise. How do you like your system? Would you recommend it and if so, can you provide a little more info on what you got?