Junkyard Jimmy Super Low Buck Build Thread

[1971K54X4]

[71jimmy]

Mike, replied to your PM. Thanks

[71jimmy]

Mike, responded, thanks.

[hgs_notes]

Just an update on the cash flow situation for the project. Last amount was $495 and then I spent $81 for new tabs and plates, and $100 for rocker boxes, and $33 for a 3 core radiator w/tranny cooler and I had to buy sawzall blades for cutting parts, $20, bringing the total to $729.

But I just sold a small pile of parts. The seats ($360), cluster ($30), other misc parts, ie. fuel sending unit, hatch glass, shift indicator, window regulator, door handles, stabilizer brackets ($110) and some sheetmetal pieces yet to deliver which I should clear ($85). Yesterday was a good day. This brings the total spent down to $144.00

WOW. Even I didn't expect the number to be that low. I still have a few items left to sell. Some cost may be recouped in getting the 400 running, if possible. I already added the $145 I spent on the 350 short block prep in this. So basically, if I can get the 400 to run, I have a running, legal, 1972 Jimmy for free . If it won't run, it will have cost me a few hundred bucks and I'll have some spare parts (front axle, 400 short block). I plan to find out in the next week or so.

[NTR72GMC]

Cool I Want To See That Thing Put Together And Running.

[71jimmy]

Mike, you have a PM and Paypal. Thanks

[hgs_notes]

Some bad news today. I started tearing down the 400 for an inspection before doing anything to turn it over. I got one head off and stopped right there. 3 of the 4 cylinders had rust in them, one had a big pile of rusty goo in it, the cylinder walls were also rusted. To say the least, it is a core charge waiting to be turned in. Not sure about the crank yet, but whatever. The other disappointment was that the heads are small valve ones. I suppose that was how they could minimize emmisions and get some gas mileage, at the expense of all the power the 400 cubes would have been able to produce. This bothers me because even the 350 should have the bigger valve heads to make some power.

Now I have to decide what to do for an engine. I can get a buick 455 for $200, supposed to run, just needs new distributor cap and a tune up. The transmission adapter I found at Summit for $59.95, then just need to come up with motor mounts, and probably some accesory brackets, etc. plus unforeseen misc items. Figure about $350 to $400, maybe more (who knows?).

The other option is to finish the rebuild on my 350. Re-ring kit is about $70.00 through Northern Auto Parts. I have $145 into the clean up and honing already. The heads from the 400 are probably useable, but need to be cleaned and a valve job done, probably new guides, etc. Cost? Not sure yet, but not free. Rebuild kit for the carb is about $30. Altogether it would cost a minimum of $250 plus valve job, plus lifters ($60) plus other unforeseen misc items. Figure about $500 total with the valve job or swapping them for large valve heads.

Money wise, it seems like the 455 would actually be a good option. Piles of torque, already running engine. With some mounts and a tranny adapter, it should bolt in. The cons though is I'm unfamiliar with the engine, never made this type of engine swap before, there are probably other things associated with the swap I don't about at this time that will add to the cost later. Who knows how good the engine really is until it's actually running in the truck? It could be junk waiting to happen.

The 350 rebuild would be a direct swap and a basically new engine. Unless I mess up on the rebuid, it should be reliable. Still good power and no need to find obscure parts, etc. The costs can be pretty much known from the start. The con is that it will probably cost more to use what I have and still will be some work. Rebuilding the engine and carb and distributor is not the simplest job, but by no means is it over my head. The 283 in my C-10 was built by me in my navy days over 20 years ago and still runs like a champ.

Well everyone, give me some feedback. Tell me things I may not have thought of yet that could sway my decision. Personally, I'd be OK going in either direction and the idea of the unusual engine combo appeals to me in a way only gearheads really understand. If the 350 is not used for the Jimmy, it is destined to be the next engine for my C-10 as a stroker motor. No loss there. The accumulated parts that are not used will be resold.

Talk to me people.

[hgs_notes]

Here are a couple pics of the 400 thats locked up. Eww!



And a couple of the prospective engine.




I need some input here. Go with the small block or throw the 455 in there?

[Long Roof]

I hate it when someone says, 'ya it ran great when it was pulled' Then you get it home and it turns out that it tossed a rod bearing. If you can't hear it run I would be skeptical. My gut feel is to stick your money into the 350. One you will know exactly what your getting and two the misc parts, brackets etc. can be located easily.

Sorry to see the 400 didn't work out. That sure looks crusty.

Aaron

[hgs_notes]

I could put the 455 on a stand and see if I can get it to fire up. The guy selling it is not the one that says it runs. That was what he was told. He bought a few engines from a guy and is just reselling them.

[Mike C]

The Buick will eat you up cost wise. You'll have to get a BOP case and swap your 4x4 guts in it if you have an automatic. If you have a manual, you'll have to get a BOP bellhousing and have it opened up to fit the large bearing retainer of a 465. Finish your rebuild on the 350. You already have money invested and can maximize that. Great thread BTW. I love the lowbuck. That's how I try to build all my projects

[hgs_notes]

Originally Posted by Mike C

The Buick will eat you up cost wise. You'll have to get a BOP case and swap your 4x4 guts in it if you have an automatic. If you have a manual, you'll have to get a BOP bellhousing and have it opened up to fit the large bearing retainer of a 465. Finish your rebuild on the 350. You already have money invested and can maximize that. Great thread BTW. I love the lowbuck. That's how I try to build all my projects

TCI has an adapter to use the buick engine with the chevy transmission for $60. No other tranny changes are required, but thanks for the opinion.

[vtblazer]

Originally Posted by hgs_notes

Eww!

X 10...

[Jtrux]

I like the idea of the 455 and would probably be more tempted to do that but since you basically are just getting someone's word that it ran and not even the guy you're buying it from really knows for sure if it runs the 350 is a good option. You might want to pick up the 455 for a future project however.

[Chevyman63]

Originally Posted by Long Roof

My gut feel is to stick your money into the 350. One you will know exactly what your getting and two the misc parts, brackets etc. can be located easily.

Sorry to see the 400 didn't work out. That sure looks crusty.

Aaron

I couldn't agree more!
Just finding all the brackets for the BB might be tough.

[Tynee]

My input (since you asked): If you are CERTAIN that you have all the bugs worked out of using the Buick with the Chevy Tranny for $60, then tell the engine seller that you want to put it in the truck and drive it before you pay him for it. That way if it runs, great, if it doesn't you aren't out any money, just a half a day dropping th engine in and another half a day pulling it back out. If it never runs, you can probably even return the Dist cap, etc.

[71jimmy]

Originally Posted by 71jimmy

Mike, you have a PM and Paypal. Thanks

Mike, it's been over a week. Just wondering if you received the paypal and had a chance to mail the part. Thanks

[71jimmy]

You have a PM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[70rs/ss]

As bad as the 400 looks get it cleaned up by a machine shop and rebuild it. Powerhouse sells a cost effective kit (read: CHEAP in cost but not in quality!) That or the 350 stay away from BOP motors!!

[hgs_notes]

I think I'm going with the 350 and will salvage what I can of the 400. I have a bad feeling that the block is cracked, which would explain the amount of water in the cylinders and probably why the truck ended up parked to begin with. My guess is overheated and cracked, but we'll see.

I've done a little checking on heads for the 350. The ones from the 400 might be useable as-is, but I don't know yet. Rebuilding them is pretty much out of the question for a couple reasons. Spoke with a local machine shop and they charge $115 per head for basic clean up, valve job and new guides, plus parts. These heads were the small valve style and though performance is not a priority, why do all this work and then choke it down when there are cheap alternatives. There are piles of good heads out there. I've done two searches on craigslist and have found complete rebuilt heads for as little as $150 for the pair. I even found a set of iron World heads, still new for $300. Unfortunately, cash flow at this moment is low, so I'll just have to keep watch for now and jump on the best deal I can get when I can get it.

My next step is to just order the re-ring kit for the 350 and get the short block together. Clean up the covers, etc. and spray some paint on them. I will pull the 400 and see what is salvageable. If it's not cracked and the bores are useable, I'll save it for the next engine project. I'll get the heads cleaned up and checked for cracks at the very least. If they are good, I can sell them to offset the cost of the rebuild some.

Unfortunately, this project has to sit for awhile due to my work schedule. I probably won't even see it for the next 2 or 3 weeks. At least the engine is in my garage on the stand and ready to get worked on. I'm pretty confident that I'll drive this thing before winter is over. I'd say sooner, but would probably be jinxing myself.

[hgs_notes]

Just did a little budget update. Sold a couple more pieces since my last update, had to refund some on a deal that didn't work out (my mess up). So as of now, I'm up another $62 for a balance spent of $82. There are a few, very few pieces left to get rid of. I don't expect too much from them, but every little bit helps.

Kind of hard to believe what I have for $82. Of course it's not running yet, and will absolutely need more maintenance items as it goes together. But with a ton of luck, hours of work tearing things down, cleaning, listing for sale and shipping, and continuously scavenging for deals, it seems to be working out.

[Chevyman63]

You are a true inspiration to all of us. And you have a lot more energy than me.
Good job on the build, it's really cool to keep up on this thread.

[toomanytoyz]

Originally Posted by Chevyman63

You are a true inspiration to all of us. And you have a lot more energy than me.
Good job on the build, it's really cool to keep up on this thread.

I Agree with this, Show's what can be Done with a Lot of Determination & A little Bit of Luck. I Wish You Luck with Getting a Motor Going..........

Rick

[71swb4x4]

I check in every time you post. Keep the updates coming.

[hgs_notes]

I've learned so much about the 4x4's and Jimmys/Blazers during this, that knowledge alone was worth more than this truck will be in the end. My wife has opened her eyes to the potential and even suggested I find another one for parting out. We'll see, once this rig is driving. I even have an intended use for it now, beyond mud bogger, trail beater. I plan on letting my oldest girl drive it once she gets her license next year. I have plenty of time to fix the safety and driveability issues and a built in excuse to do them right.