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#1 | |
GEARHEAD
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: MN
Posts: 6,122
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Re: Junkyard Jimmy Super Low Buck Build Thread
Quote:
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If no one knows what you're doing, they can't tell you you're doing it wrong HG's Dream Car Build - Shelby Cobra Kit Build your own adjustable track bar 71 ![]() 72 ![]() HG's Plow Truck '78 ![]() Bigass Farm Truck HG's thread of miscellaneous stuff |
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#2 |
2wd FTW!!!!
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: SLC UTAH
Posts: 673
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Re: Junkyard Jimmy Super Low Buck Build Thread
Its In A Better Place Now Rip!!!
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#3 |
Member
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Location: Manchester, Iowa
Posts: 1,493
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Re: Junkyard Jimmy Super Low Buck Build Thread
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#4 |
Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Sacramento, CA
Posts: 1,084
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Re: Junkyard Jimmy Super Low Buck Build Thread
Mike, replied to your PM. Thanks
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'71 ![]() "If life was fair you'd be able to afford one of each and a garage large enough to house them all." |
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#5 |
Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Sacramento, CA
Posts: 1,084
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Re: Junkyard Jimmy Super Low Buck Build Thread
Mike, responded, thanks.
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'71 ![]() "If life was fair you'd be able to afford one of each and a garage large enough to house them all." |
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#6 |
GEARHEAD
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: MN
Posts: 6,122
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Re: Junkyard Jimmy Super Low Buck Build Thread
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. ![]() ![]() ![]()
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If no one knows what you're doing, they can't tell you you're doing it wrong HG's Dream Car Build - Shelby Cobra Kit Build your own adjustable track bar 71 ![]() 72 ![]() HG's Plow Truck '78 ![]() Bigass Farm Truck HG's thread of miscellaneous stuff Last edited by hgs_notes; 08-21-2007 at 08:16 AM. |
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#7 |
2wd FTW!!!!
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: SLC UTAH
Posts: 673
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Re: Junkyard Jimmy Super Low Buck Build Thread
Cool I Want To See That Thing Put Together And Running.
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#8 |
Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Sacramento, CA
Posts: 1,084
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Re: Junkyard Jimmy Super Low Buck Build Thread
Mike, you have a PM and Paypal. Thanks
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'71 ![]() "If life was fair you'd be able to afford one of each and a garage large enough to house them all." |
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#9 |
GEARHEAD
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: MN
Posts: 6,122
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Re: Junkyard Jimmy Super Low Buck Build Thread
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.
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If no one knows what you're doing, they can't tell you you're doing it wrong HG's Dream Car Build - Shelby Cobra Kit Build your own adjustable track bar 71 ![]() 72 ![]() HG's Plow Truck '78 ![]() Bigass Farm Truck HG's thread of miscellaneous stuff |
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#10 |
GEARHEAD
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: MN
Posts: 6,122
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Re: Junkyard Jimmy Super Low Buck Build Thread
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?
__________________
If no one knows what you're doing, they can't tell you you're doing it wrong HG's Dream Car Build - Shelby Cobra Kit Build your own adjustable track bar 71 ![]() 72 ![]() HG's Plow Truck '78 ![]() Bigass Farm Truck HG's thread of miscellaneous stuff |
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#11 |
Registered User
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Central Vermont
Posts: 8,538
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Re: Junkyard Jimmy Super Low Buck Build Thread
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#12 |
Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Sacramento, CA
Posts: 1,084
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Re: Junkyard Jimmy Super Low Buck Build Thread
Mike, it's been over a week. Just wondering if you received the paypal and had a chance to mail the part. Thanks
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'71 ![]() "If life was fair you'd be able to afford one of each and a garage large enough to house them all." |
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#13 |
Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Sacramento, CA
Posts: 1,084
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Re: Junkyard Jimmy Super Low Buck Build Thread
You have a PM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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'71 ![]() "If life was fair you'd be able to afford one of each and a garage large enough to house them all." Last edited by 71jimmy; 09-06-2007 at 04:09 PM. |
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#14 |
Old School, New Style
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Monroeville, Ohio
Posts: 790
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Re: Junkyard Jimmy Super Low Buck Build Thread
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
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The Good: - 72 GMC Jimmy 4x4 - 307 cid / 350 th - 70 Chevy Suburban 1/2T 2wd - 454 cid /400 th - 96 Chevy Impala SS - mainly stock - 98 Chevy Tahoe LT 4x4 - all stock The Bad: - 86 Chevy Suburban 1/2T 4x4 - winter beater The Ugly: - 72 Chevy Suburban 1/2T 2wd - parts truck |
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#15 | |
Can't wait to retire!!
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Corunna, MI
Posts: 1,575
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Re: Junkyard Jimmy Super Low Buck Build Thread
Quote:
Just finding all the brackets for the BB might be tough.
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![]() 2009 4x4 Chevy Crew Cab 6.0 1989 4x4 Siverado (270,000 miles) 1972 4x4 Blazer 2007 Chevy Cutaway 1 ton 1970 Corvette (sons project) RIP - CLR 10/11/09 |
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#16 |
GEARHEAD
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: MN
Posts: 6,122
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Re: Junkyard Jimmy Super Low Buck Build Thread
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.
__________________
If no one knows what you're doing, they can't tell you you're doing it wrong HG's Dream Car Build - Shelby Cobra Kit Build your own adjustable track bar 71 ![]() 72 ![]() HG's Plow Truck '78 ![]() Bigass Farm Truck HG's thread of miscellaneous stuff |
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#17 |
Registered User
Join Date: Dec 1999
Location: Austin, TX, USA
Posts: 7,717
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Re: Junkyard Jimmy Super Low Buck Build Thread
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
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44 Willys MB 52 M38A1 64 Corvette Coupe 68 Camaro 'vert LT1 & TH700 69 Z/28 355 12.6's @110 69 Chevy Short Step 4 1/2"/7" drop 72 Jimmy 4WD 4spd 4" & 35's 02 GMC 2500HD 4x4 Duramax |
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#18 | |
GEARHEAD
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: MN
Posts: 6,122
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Re: Junkyard Jimmy Super Low Buck Build Thread
Quote:
__________________
If no one knows what you're doing, they can't tell you you're doing it wrong HG's Dream Car Build - Shelby Cobra Kit Build your own adjustable track bar 71 ![]() 72 ![]() HG's Plow Truck '78 ![]() Bigass Farm Truck HG's thread of miscellaneous stuff |
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#19 |
I miss this truck.
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: Lexington, KY U.S.A.
Posts: 2,863
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Re: Junkyard Jimmy Super Low Buck Build Thread
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.
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'07 GMC Acadia SLT. Sweet ride. '08 Crew Cab Z-71 short bed. Really like this truck A LOT. |
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#20 |
Registered User
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Northern AZ
Posts: 7,271
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Re: Junkyard Jimmy Super Low Buck Build Thread
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!!
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#21 |
GEARHEAD
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: MN
Posts: 6,122
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Re: Junkyard Jimmy Super Low Buck Build Thread
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.
__________________
If no one knows what you're doing, they can't tell you you're doing it wrong HG's Dream Car Build - Shelby Cobra Kit Build your own adjustable track bar 71 ![]() 72 ![]() HG's Plow Truck '78 ![]() Bigass Farm Truck HG's thread of miscellaneous stuff |
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#22 |
GEARHEAD
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: MN
Posts: 6,122
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Re: Junkyard Jimmy Super Low Buck Build Thread
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.
__________________
If no one knows what you're doing, they can't tell you you're doing it wrong HG's Dream Car Build - Shelby Cobra Kit Build your own adjustable track bar 71 ![]() 72 ![]() HG's Plow Truck '78 ![]() Bigass Farm Truck HG's thread of miscellaneous stuff |
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#23 |
Can't wait to retire!!
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Corunna, MI
Posts: 1,575
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Re: Junkyard Jimmy Super Low Buck Build Thread
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. ![]()
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![]() 2009 4x4 Chevy Crew Cab 6.0 1989 4x4 Siverado (270,000 miles) 1972 4x4 Blazer 2007 Chevy Cutaway 1 ton 1970 Corvette (sons project) RIP - CLR 10/11/09 |
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#24 | |
Luv the Crewcabs
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Andrews, In. 46702
Posts: 4,097
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Re: Junkyard Jimmy Super Low Buck Build Thread
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#25 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Brookings, SD
Posts: 10,497
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Re: Junkyard Jimmy Super Low Buck Build Thread
I check in every time you post. Keep the updates coming.
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Some people are like slinkies, they aren't good for anything, but you can't help but smile when you see one tumble down the stairs. |
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