72 Cheyenne Super

[geunther]

I think I did the right thing by replacing the timing set. There was an incredible
amount of slack in the chain and a few cracks on the cam sprocket.

[Kronald_70GMC]

Looks like you made the right decision.

[geunther]

Originally Posted by Kronald_70GMC

Looks like you made the right decision.

Trust me, I normally don't. You can ask my parole officer. I'm kidding.

I cleaned up the engine for paint, bought the two-part paint, but now am considering leaving the engine like this as it has never been rebuilt. Problem is the pan and timing cover are a bit too clean to go with the look of the rest of the engine.

[geunther]

Im always documenting, especially date codes. The problem for me is my engine was made at the St Catherines plant. So all the good info from the Chevelle and Corvette sites are mainly from Flint and Tonawanda plants. It seems they did things a little different in St Catherines. Like I mentioned earlier, my date codes are on the passenger side of the block not on the transmission flange like most. Date codes on the intake were done differently too but I think I have it figured out.

Intake: M-20 (Dec 20, 71)
Harmonic 356 71 (Dec 22)

[geunther]

When I bought the truck, I knew the water pump had a cast date in 67 so I sourced a correctly dated pump. I was just going to wait until the installed pump failed but I thought it a good time to install. The hub was too small though. I did get it changed out but what a pain that was.

[geunther]

Brake booster and brackets done and I thought they turned out well. Now to get the linkage adjusted.

[geunther]

I've been a little bit ADD bouncing back and forth between engine and rocker. I continued to massage the aftermarket rocker while I looked for NOS. I finally got the aftermarket to fit well on the same day the NOS arrived.

[geunther]

I know this is old hat for a lot, but for me it was a big day. I got the rocker fitted and welded in. I am still cleaning the welds underneath but the top is all good to go. Hope to have it in primer in a few days.

I had a friend go through and clean my radiator, but unfortunately it needs re-cored. And with the price of copper $$.

[geunther]

I got it in primer today, painting tomorrow or Tuesday after my seam sealer arrives.

[Kronald_70GMC]

Looks good! Keep the pictures coming.

[geunther]

Rocker painted.

I ordered a repo glovebox woodgrain and emblem. The woodgrain is actually quite close, maybe a touch dark but where mine is not worn through it matches fairly nicely. The emblem is pretty good. Im going to put these on a spare glovebox door and not alter the original.

[72Teeroy]

Keep them coming looking great

[geunther]

I rebuilt the door seals. It was sort of a chore but not as bad as I expected. The material is a little off but overall it is better than the factory ones. I wanted to get this done before putting the fenders on.

I was getting ready to install the fuel tank and I discovered a couple of little holes. So I will enjoy the fun of welding a fuel tank. I have done it before and will take all the precautions. I think I will weld this and then follow that up with solder. If this is my last post, it went awry

[geunther]

Success on the tank patch. Except for when I had it under pressure checking for bubble leaks. Blew the t-shirt I had stuffed in the pickup/sending unit hole right out making me think it was exploding.

[May70]

I have never seen those door seals. Thats interesting, I wonder if they actually help or just direct more water/debris where you dont want it.. hmm

[geunther]

They were a Cheyenne Super only thing apparently. They are sort of a pain and even the factory units did not fit in there all that great. Supposed to help with road noise.

[geunther]

My new BFF for cleaning bolts is electrolysis. I've been wanting to try it. Super easy and works pretty well.

I've modified probably a hundred suspensions since about 1980. This is the first time I've gone lower vs going up. Never too old to try something new I suppose. I just wanted it to be a little lower so I rolled it outside to get a look after putting in the rear springs. Its hard to get a real good look without the engine in, so I put the engine in. Actually, my new motor mounts finally showed up and in it went.

[72 tigger]

You’re doing a great job! Following along

[Kronald_70GMC]

[geunther]

Thanks gentlemen.

The power steering pump had no issues, no leaks, worked fine. But it needed some paint and had a small ding. I ordered a seal kit and pulled it apart and repainted. Installed along with the fuel pump.

I used the electrolysis to clean up the exhaust. They turned out decent I thought. Pictured is the driver's side where it is hidden under the heat shield/pipe. The ends and the passenger side are a little pitted but I'm going to keep the originals for now until I can get some nice correct date coded. The manifold has just been cleaned and not coated with anything. Looking for options to keep them looking nice for as long as possible.

[bnorth]

This truck is just gorgeous! Enjoying following along.

[raggedjim]

Nice work, Rg

[geunther]

Thanks again. Helps with the encouragement.

I accept that I am a bit overboard with anything and everything date coded. I could see that the heater core was not original as it was aluminum and I saw some indications that the hood bolts had been out once. I also thought the fan motor had been replaced as the stamped number was 6 1 72. That didn't make sense and would have meant the original motor went out within 5 months of being new.

I did some research and instead of being June 1, 1972, its actually January 6, 1972 so consistent with being the original fan motor. Small bonus.

[geunther]

Fenders, re-cored radiator and radiator support are installed. I am still working on getting them adjusted and gaps to the doors set.

I took a chance on powder coating my wheels a different color. My motivation for color was blown head gasket oil color. Now that they are done, I am not sure I like them. I don't want to run the P01 covers that came with the truck so not sure what I will do now. I think the color is too light.

[68bowtie]

Really dig this, nice work so far keep it up!