Curt's '72 K20 Resto-mod

[Gene]

Great work! How did you remove and reinstall your trim with windows in? My paint guy installed my glass but didnt want to mess with the trim, so ive been running around with trim weatherstrip but no trim? If you have any helpful hints let me know!

[Curt's_72]

Sorry I've been away for awhile. I'll respond to the questions that you've asked me. I appologize for not getting to them sooner.

Got alot to soak up as I get back into the site. Always a wealth of information from everyone.

I do have a thirteen year old that thinks that she's gonna cabage onto Pop's truck pretty soon, though.

[Curt's_72]

Originally Posted by Gene

Great work! How did you remove and reinstall your trim with windows in? My paint guy installed my glass but didnt want to mess with the trim, so ive been running around with trim weatherstrip but no trim? If you have any helpful hints let me know!

Gene,

The both sets of trim was were always in place when we intalled and removed the windshield. We attempted once to install the trim after the windshield and gasket were installed. It just wouldn't work when we got to the bottom corners.

Nothing new has changed on the windshield, either. I've not washed it yet, because it's not dirty. Being a garage queen, and all. It does see the pavement, just not rain or muddy roads.
I've spent too much time detailing the underside to wanna trash it.

[lolo33]

what a restoration job !
very interesting.
What interested me first is the audio system with 6 speakers and bass system under the seats.
I've installed an audio vintage, and re-used 2 speakers Jensen under seats. But it's very noisy in the cab' because I've just glasspacks as muflers, and they are under the cab' ==> so the sound is not really good. Now I would like to put 2 speakers in cabin, but I don't know what is the best place for : buy kick panels ? other place ?
thanks for helping me on this point.
Laurent

[Curt's_72]

We're back!
The truck has been done for awhile. It's about the trip, not the destination. I truly enjoyed the restoration process. After a short time, I got kinda bored, as the truck was 'done' for the most part.
Enter 2016 and after an uneventful 2015, I decided to pull the transmission and transfer case. When the truck was in California, the previous owner stepped up and had a 700R4 and 208 transfer case installed.
I never liked the way it shifted and I was constantly draining fluid from the transfer case which seeped from the transmission.
New converter, internals and gaskets were next up.
Back to wrenching!

[Curt's_72]

Transfer case re-sealed and detailed.
Eastwood products are good quality.

[yj4000]

I've always liked the white steel look also. Very nice job.

Ryan.

[Curt's_72]

Here it is with the new wheels and tires installed.

[yj4000]

WOW! I really like your truck. Those wheels look great with the yellow and white.

Ryan.

[Curt's_72]

I wanted to show the installation of the 3 point shoulder belts I purchased from Tom on for sale postings. The safety upgrade was well worth it. The installation was easy.

After much deliberation, I went with white over ivory. I felt originally that ivory would be a tick too dark. After seeing them, I feel ivory would have worked as well.

I painted the buckles and retractor housings and B pillar covers using SEM super white 10503. I would suggest using the sand free primer first, as the rough finish won't allow any sanding. Time will tell if they need redone.

You can't use the oem style bolts on the belts. The holes in the mounting brackets are too small for the shoulder of the existing bolts. New hardware is included. I opted for a 1/4" longer bolt for the belts than what was provided.

The B pillar bolts were provided as well. I highly recommend running a tap through the holes before attempting the installation. 7/16-20 is the size. I found that the cover wouldn't fit well when I tightened the pillar bolts firmly. I backed them off just a bit.

It's obvious you're wearing a restraint now, rather than just a lap belt. I'm also hoping a couple of dollars in insurance savings because of this safety upgrade.

As you can see, they're tasteful and functional. I had considered this for some time, but hadn't found a set that looked stock enough and didn't require potential fabrication for installation.

[Getter-Done]

Nice job Curt
I like the look of the whole truck.
Those seatbelts look fantastic.

[underliner6]

Just read through your whole thread, just awesome. The 33’s and 2.5” lift looks great. I really think that is the best look for these trucks.

[Curt's_72]

Originally Posted by Getter-Done

Nice job Curt
I like the look of the whole truck.
Those seatbelts look fantastic.

Originally Posted by underliner6

Just read through your whole thread, just awesome. The 33’s and 2.5” lift looks great. I really think that is the best look for these trucks.

Thanks for the kind words, guys.

I was going for a look that a project manager would drive to job sites with a 'day two' twist from the dealership. I just wanted a stock heavy duty look.

[Curt's_72]

Spent last Saturday evening working on leaking valve covers.
Since the truck isn't a daily driver, the valve cover gaskets have decided to weep slightly causing minor smoking from the manifolds. Easy fix.

The covers are factory LT1 pieces which are aluminum. This would also allow time to use a little polish on them as well.

I leaned toward the Fel-Pro 1628 steel core set. A little pricy, but reviews were very good. They are thicker than the ones I had originally installed a few years back.

[Curt's_72]

Re-assembly when smooth. But hey, a basic small block in a cavernous engine bay. Valve covers cleaned up nice.
If you use these gaskets, keep in mind they are thicker. I recommend slightly longer bolts for the valve covers. I chose stainless steel at 1.25" long with a stainless washer.
A short drive and no leaks. We'll keep an eye on things.
And, we got our number for the Street Rod Nationals in Louisville. Looking forward to the drive.

[Curt's_72]

Been quite a while.
I still follow this site, but not as I should. Regardless, I still have the truck, and it still gets love.
Right now, preparing to install a new laminate to the glove box door.
As you purists know, the aluminum applique was painted. Well, find a new one.
Starting the process.
Cleaned the aluminum and sprayed with WD-40 to remove anything left.
Razor blade to remove everything else.
More to come as I work with the stuff.

[GSP7]

My '69 CST truck had a factory chrome glove box, with the wood grain insert

Ash tray was chrome too

.

[Orange71shorty]

Originally Posted by GSP7

My '69 CST truck had a factory chrome glove box, with the wood grain insert

Ash tray was chrome too

.

If they were chrome then someone other than the factory did it

[GSP7]

Originally Posted by Orange71shorty

If they were chrome then someone other than the factory did it

Bought the truck from the Original owner in 1973.

It had chrome trim on the inside door panels, the side window windwing frames were chrome too.

Stainless steel trim on front and rear window rubber.

1969 short bed 1/2 ton truck "CST/396"(badges) with turbo 400 trans, Maroon original paint

Had original bill of sale, original chevrolet build sheet with added options, and spec sheet and sticker

Never should have sold that truck ........

.

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[Louisvillekytruck]

Great project and beautiful truck