Operation Second Chance :D (1970 CST/10 402 - Longbox)

[JON70CST]

Well sorry I didn't get any updates posted throughout the weekend, finally got a chance to take a breather and upload some pictures.

The tear down went extremely well getting the motor out of the truck, and its a very good thing I'm doing the swap... as my worry about finding rusted and seized bolts was relieved by another nightmare of merely finger tight bolts :S

We managed to get the 402 out on friday night in a matter of 4 hours. When we woke up early on Saturday to get the 454 ready to drop in we came across a few road blocks... We discovered filings in the balancer bolt hole on the crank shaft, and noticed that the threads are a little rounded (from the previous owner). I have been doing some research and am hoping I can re-tap the threads and maybe use a longer bolt to catch some good threads. Any help would be GREATLY appreciated. It was a very long and expensive weekend but hopefully it'll be up and running soon.

Here's the pics I know you all like to see. There is a big gap in-between from when the girlfriend (in charge of the picture taking) got a little bored of the garage and went back inside









Don't worry, more to come as the install continues...

[Cameron 1137]

Originally Posted by jonathonhargreaves

The tear down went extremely well getting the motor out of the truck, and its a very good thing I'm doing the swap... as my worry about finding rusted and seized bolts was relieved by another nightmare of merely finger tight bolts :S

Finger tight bolts... Thats freaking SCARY! good thing its still ok.

[JON70CST]

Yeah, but luckily, like I said the truck hasn't seen much driving in its recent years, and I'm thinking maybe the motor was out for one reason or another during its time with the previous owner.

[67 c10 guy]

I'm ready to see another great truck come to life.
Barrett Jackson introduced reserve to the palm beach auction this weekend
Would have been great if done a year ago.
Posted via Mobile Device

[JON70CST]

Thanks 67c10guy!

I was actually just watching some of the Barrett Jackson a little earlier, and I agree with the addition of the reserve.

Sorry I haven't had any new photos or updates on the truck as of late... it is coming down to crunch time for final exams and projects in my University classes right now, so unfortunately that takes precedence over the truck for the next couple of weeks. But after that she will have my undivided attention!

I have also posted in the engine/powertrain forum to get some help with prepping and getting my 454 ready to go, if anyone wants to check it out any additional help and advice would be greatly appreciated!

[RCbowtie69]

looking good

[JON70CST]

Sorry I have been lacking on the updates lately guys! I have been making headway on it, but it is usually late in the evening/night and by myself, so once I get out to the garage I am in the zone and usually forget to snap some pictures. I'll be sure to add the ones I have taken (the install of the lowering springs etc), and of course some from this coming weekend when the engine will hopefully find itself right at home in the truck

[FRENCHBLUE72]

Cant wait to see the burn outs...

[Cameron 1137]

Originally Posted by FRENCHBLUE72

Cant wait to see the burn outs...

^ I second that

[JON70CST]

Ok guys, didn't get quite the truck running this past weekend, my Grandpa went into the hospital, so I made the 8 hour drive to visit him on Saturday morning, and made the return trip the following morning... but here's what we managed to accomplish on friday night! Enjoy!

These first couple pictures aren't from Friday night, but I realized I hadn't added them yet. This shows how my truck sits after I installed my lowering springs (and removed the torched springs from the PO).





And here's from Friday (sorry about the quality, just snapped them really quick with the iPhone)















There are more pictures to come, along with more work. But I have noticed my rear driver side is sagging a bit (a little lower than the passenger side rear). I know this is common in Chevys, but should I be worried? Is there anything you guys would suggest doing? I can take a picture soon and post it for you all to see. I also don't want to worry about it too much until I get the truck running, and drive it a bit and see if the springs maybe set, and level out a bit?

Cheers

[Cameron 1137]

Truck looks great and the motor does too! hope your grandpa is doing ok

[JON70CST]

Well the motor is in and running! haha "sigh of relief" I will post pictures and maybe a video (if I can figure it out) soon! The motor runs very strong and sounds GREAT!

[Cameron 1137]

Yahooo!

[JON70CST]

Thanks! Not I just need to raise some funds to afford the exhaust system for it so I can get this beast on the road!!! I hope I can come up with $700 quickly haha

[JON70CST]

Well sorry it has been so long since my last update. I'm back in school now and haven't had much time or money to do anything additional to the truck, but here are some updated pictures since I haven't posted in a long time, and what I have accomplished lately. I installed a Holley electric fuel pump, got new door locks in, got my exhaust done (3" dual exhaust with Dynomax Welded Ultraflow mufflers), changed the valve covers, lowering springs, and have been enjoying myself driving it



















What should I do next on it?! I really want disc brakes up front at least, and hope to start tackling the bodywork next spring/summer once I finally graduate from University haha

[VA72C10]

Looks good! Valve covers look tough!

Plans sound good...but from the pictures looks like your heater core isn't hooked up....I'd put that in the plans

[JON70CST]

Haha I've contemplated hooking up the heater core... but it won't/doesn't see much if any cool weather driving.

[Cameron 1137]

truck looks great!

[JON70CST]

Thanks Cameron! Its got a long way to go, and still unsure of what my final plans are for it... but it has been awesome driving it around town, and letting the tires brake loose every so often

[JON70CST]

What I really need is help with the body work haha, thats one area I don't have much experience in as of yet.

[Cameron 1137]

Originally Posted by jonathonhargreaves

What I really need is help with the body work haha, thats one area I don't have much experience in as of yet.

Im the same way, i find the best to learn is do dive in and do it yourself, well at least thats how I'm doing it!

[JON70CST]

I've decided to park the truck this spring/summer I think. I will be out of school and hopefully be able to give full or at least half weekends of undivided attention to her. My brother just bought a new house and has half a garage vacant, so that is where the motor will be going so he can rebuild it properly for me, I hope to go with a Holley EFI system rather than carb this time as well.. As for me... I plan on getting a start on the body work. It will also give me a chance to get start on disc brake conversion, and possible air ride.

I was also hoping you guys would give me some input on one other thing. I have been debating whether or not to sell the original 402 I pulled out of it last summer. It would provide some funding for the project, and keep the ball rolling. I have several bites on it already. I have an offer of 400-500 dollars, what do you think would be reasonable?

Cheers

[MrBeast]

Man, turning into a really nice truck.

The question you have to ask yourself is realistically will you ever install the 402 again?

[JON70CST]

Well when the 454 comes out, my hopes are to go the 496 route with it, so I doubt after putting it back in I'll resort back to the 402. If it was a complete original unrestored truck (which are not my plans for it), then I can see it being worth keeping the 402. As for value to sell it at though, any thoughts?

[JON70CST]

Well kind of a spur of the moment purchase... haha but this is what I picked up today for $150, more to come