My '85 truck build

[496 BB]

OK not polishing these. **** sucks! Casting are not very good either and Im not spending the time on em.

[85k30]

Originally Posted by 496 BB

OK not polishing these. **** sucks! Casting are not very good either and Im not spending the time on em.

Yeah the castings are pretty bad. The intake was a nightmare! Stupid styrafoam casting sucks! My valve covers were pretty bad around the edges by the bolt holes. Sucks you already stripped the coating off of them.

[1969x11]

Originally Posted by 85k30

I got it from Trail Tech Fab. Not trail tuff fab like I posted before. I think it was $320 shipped. It was listed for an allison or a nv4500. It worked because all three share the same bolt pattern just clocked a little different.

Got in touch with them today, will buy one on payday. Thanks for posting I was about to pull the trigger on a custom adapter.

[496 BB]

Yea screw it. I'll paint em flat black and do orange coils. OR if the eastwood ceramic aluminum paint I got for doing the brackets looks bright enough I'll use that. Now if this damn weather would stay warm I'll be painting.

[496 BB]

How the hell did you get the alternator cases split? What paint did you use and would you use it again? Ive tried 3 different quarts of Eastwoods aluminum (for brackets) and they all had crap in bottom that has separated and wont dissolve back into formula. Tired of waiting.

Also what did you use to block evap? Im assuming since manifold was off you tapped it. Bought a 12mm welch plug and stupid thing only measures 11.54mm so its a no go. So just ordered an ls evap delete kit from Novak. Owner wants to see if it fits so bought it and will see. If not said hes gonna refund all shipping and all so cant beat that. We will see..... http://www.novak-adapt.com/catalog/e...gine_parts.htm

[85k30]

Originally Posted by 496 BB

How the hell did you get the alternator cases split? What paint did you use and would you use it again? Ive tried 3 different quarts of Eastwoods aluminum (for brackets) and they all had crap in bottom that has separated and wont dissolve back into formula. Tired of waiting.

Also what did you use to block evap? Im assuming since manifold was off you tapped it. Bought a 12mm welch plug and stupid thing only measures 11.54mm so its a no go. So just ordered an ls evap delete kit from Novak. Owner wants to see if it fits so bought it and will see. If not said hes gonna refund all shipping and all so cant beat that. We will see..... http://www.novak-adapt.com/catalog/e...gine_parts.htm

To get the alternator apart you have to destroy the windings, and cut or unsolder the leads! I called the generator rebuild place, they say its the only way. I polished it and sent it to them to be rebuilt. It was only about $50! And now I know all the internals are new. I did tap the evap hole to pipe thread. My brackets still have oem black paint on them. I was gunna sand them smooth and have them chromed or powder coated, but never did. Hope this helps.

[496 BB]

Yep Im leaving this thread. Your ideas are costing me money...lol. Guess Im cleaning alternator the old fashioned way.

What engine paint?

[85k30]

Lol thats funny! I used duplicolor high temp primer, engine paint with clear coat. After degreasing and etching the block and heads. It holds up damn good. The 350 I took out was painted 12 years ago. It had been rebuilt twice including soaking in a hot solvent tank both times. And the paint was still on it when I pulled it out!

[85k30]

You can also use base coat cleat coat automotive paint. Its good for 500 degrees, or so it says.
Here is a big block my buddy is putting in a truck we are building for his son.
Attachment 1380030

[85k30]

Started working on my ashtray/cell phone pocket last night. I dont smoke, and it seems my phone's battery is always dead. So I figured I would just delete the ashtray part. I found this dual charging plug-in online.
As you can see its a little bit to big. I made a new face plate about an inch taller than the original. Built a box for the backside and had to relocate the rubber stoppers top and bottom.

A little paint and it will look factory.

[MrBeast]

You're doing a great job with this truck man. Keep up the good work.

[85k30]

My new dash just arrived yesterday after 3 months of waiting!! Need to test fit it and drill a few mounting holes. Then its off to JS Custom Interiors along with the headliner and sun visors to get wrapped in leather. I will post pics when I get them back.

[Zach079xxx]

This build is amazing.. You sir, have a great truck! Takes guts to do this, and I love reading builds like this! My 85 is a dark brown and tan also, they look similar but then again they don't! Here's a pic of my baby, you put mine to shame, but we're all friends here & drive the same brand, the better brand, CHEVY!

[85k30]

Originally Posted by Zach079xxx

This build is amazing.. You sir, have a great truck! Takes guts to do this, and I love reading builds like this! My 85 is a dark brown and tan also, they look similar but then again they don't! Here's a pic of my baby, you put mine to shame, but we're all friends here & drive the same brand, the better brand, CHEVY!

Thanks for the the positive feedback. My brother had a '85 k20 with the same brown and tan paint job as yours! I still see it driving around every now and them.

[85k30]

I got a chance today to try and test fit the new dash. Its not quite what I thought I was getting, but still way better than my original! Wish I could have found a N.O.S. dash but this one will look just fine after its coverd in leather.

[Liltroy]

wow youre really putting the time in. soon as i finish my LS swap I'll be starting on my resto too! Looking great bro!

[silverbear]

Thanks for directing me to your build thread. I think I have enough floor cut out to clear when I am ready to make this step. I may need to modify my bolt on cover to clear but that will be the easier part.

Awesome truck! I will be watching this thread looking for more details.

[496 BB]

YO! Better have this truck done by now...lol.

Im still dragging ass as usual. What knock sensor did you use for drivers side with those headers? The Eldorado one? Any issues?

Got my pedal all fabbed up yesterday and ordering more parts today. Broke a damn mounting boss while putting on engine mounts last night. Just my luck. Dont even know what to do now. Maybe a limiting chain on drivers side to reduce flex on other 2 bolts. Broke top front one on drivers side.

[85k30]

I wish the truck was finished! I'm still waiting on the interior to get done. So I've been driving it without the dash installed. But that's all about to end because its cold enough now to need heat and the ducting isn't installed. So it fogs up pretty quick! I don't remember the part number for the knock sensor I had to use. I remember that its a delco pn that I couldn't find anywhere but gm. I will look and get back to you. I haven't had any issues with it yet.

[496 BB]

Yea let me know plz. How cold is it there already?

[496 BB]

Any word on this? Knock sensor pn?

Also out of curiosity what fuel sending unit is in yours? Harder and harder to find a delco unit and wasnt sure if others were junk or not. Also does your tank have a baffle in it? Is it needed?

Got my aluminum radiator tonight from Jegs. Nice piece. 4 core.

[85k30]

Well it snowed last week and now its in the high 70's again. Gotta love the crazy Wyoming weather! So I checked on that pn. It does cross over to a Napa Echlin pn of a DKS-231. I have a custom 55 gallon fuel cell with dual baffles and a pick up can that sticks through the bed flush with the frame. That way there is always fuel for the pump. I just used an adjustable sending unit that was the same ohms as the factory gauge. I think it was a stewart warner.

[Goetzco]

What are the seats out of that you put in?

[85k30]

The seats came out of a 2012 Honda Odyssey. I got them form a company in Phoenix. They're the second row seats that they remove to replace with a wheel chair ramp I think. They sell them on Ebay.

[Goetzco]

Thanks...looks great...