Rodstored-72's 1986 DD build

[rodstored-72]

Well I finally have taken some time to update. The build has been a hi/low venture. Unfortunately, I have had another engine setback, not of any of my doing. I guess no one was aware of the DOD and nonDOD versions of the gen IV engines (’07-’14 years). So, I am unfortunately having to get another engine. I am currently in the rebuilding stage for the 3rd engine, yes, I am typing correctly. This time I took it to a shop that has expeiences with this in LS swaps and they are aware of what needs to be done. They have pulled, are rebuilding, and then will reinstall the engine back to turn key status. This was a VERY HARD pill to swallow. Lessons learned, I guess. Anyways I have recleaned the engine bay and came up with a better computer mount plate while the truck has been sitting in my garage. I also redid the fuel tank venting so to go to the OG charcoal canister at the front and ran some lines to help hopefully help the emissions equipment passing. I really don’t have any pics as it has already been documented in previous posts.
Thanks for joining in the build hopefully it has benefited some…

[rodstored-72]

I remembered that I did take a picture of the new ECM mounting plate. I used the factory jack holes. the alum plate is rounded on the corners and just fits the ECM. I cleaned and painted the plate "chrome". I attached rubber stand offs to "raise" the alum. plate off of the fender well. utilizing 1/4x20 bolts and nutserts (rivnuts?). the ECM is mounted using the factory 4 holes and again I used 4 rubber standoffs to raise it above the plate mounting nutserts. the ECM mount screws are 10-24 and also used nutserts. overall it is a cleaner mounting situation as well as more sturdy too.
enjoy!

[rodstored-72]

I have been very busy on the truck, while waiting for the engine debacle to be finally sorted out, I have been working on other things… like interior! I decided to switch interior color to black, the OG maroon interior just wasn’t jiving with me.. considering it is a red truck and staying red. So I am going to go with a black interior. I also chose a red/blk houndstooth material for accent color. Below are pics of the door panel look. i also have the upper trim strip (no handle) yet to install. will do that along with the inner channel when i do the final complete install of the whole interior redo.

[TKCR]

That looks nice. I agree about the Burgundy in the Red truck, that’s why I had to change mine to Charcoal.

[rodstored-72]

I also have mounted the seats that I found. Supposedly 2012 chrysler pacifica seats and with a 2019 silverado center console. The material is not a exact match, but it is pretty good for a daily driver. The bracket is 1/8”x 1” steel strap and 3/4" square tubing at seat mounting locations. I used nutserts for console attachments. Overall it works well. If to do it again a would use a thicker steel strap and maybe put a few more supports around the bracket. A few pics for viewing pleasure. the pic with the red insert is just a pic of the idea I am going for, but with the red/blk houndstooth inserts.

[TKCR]

Now you just need some pretty black belts.

[rodstored-72]

tina, LOL!! AGREE!! I first need the cash to buy those wonderfully refurbished belts!! when able, I will send you my maroon set. thanks!!

[TKCR]

Originally Posted by rodstored-72

tina, LOL!! AGREE!! I first need the cash to buy those wonderfully refurbished belts!! when able, I will send you my maroon set. thanks!!

[rodstored-72]

in general, the truck is FINALLY road worthy. I have it running, charged the AC, FINALLY!! got it to pass AZ emmissions. and now the daunting tasks of fixing ALL the other things to make it a dailly driver.
- fixing issue with why the ECM thinks the engine is at 250d? (dakota dig. gauges and BIM module)
- why AC compressor cycles off/on frequently (VA sure fit system)
- verify tank selector switch is functioning correctly
- many...many asthetic fixes...

[loudchevy]

Nice build thread! That sucks that you had all those engine troubles. It's been a couple of months since your last update. Have you been driving and enjoying it?

[rodstored-72]

loudchevy (scott)... thanks!! yea.. the engine issues have REALLY been a setback..I guess that is why hindsight is better.. LOL!! yes I have been driving the truck a little bit.. still trying to figure out the discrepancy between physical engine temp & ECM temp. I had planned on taking it to Dino's...but! I got a wise idea to R-R the gearbox AND.. while doing that i decided to go ahead and get the column rebuilt sooo ... I did not take the truck (not able to get put back together in time) I am now just working on the little items to make it long trip worthy. I am currently working on trying to figure why the dual tanks don't seem to cooperate & the gauge does not work???

thanks for checking my build out.... i will keep checking on yours as well. i sold a nice '72 a few years ago.. so familiar with your to do's too!! LOL!!

[rodstored-72]

well I have been slacking in my updates for the build, actually not been doing anything worthy of pictures or to really note. I have mainly been identifying driving issues and trying to find solutions.
overall I have been drving the truck on a more daily basis (hence finding all the little bugs). The main bugs have been that the engine would show hot, but only when the AC was turned on.
After a looonngg list of trying things it turned out to be a faulty new (napa) water pump - which I also got from the engine builder that messed up the second engine (DOD ignorance).
The truck can now run all day with the AC on and it stays at 190-210 degrees. The truck is now operating with all of it original features (except cruise) IE: dual tanks, pwr windows and locks.
The dakota digital dash is operating great and the OBD2 port (from '13 engine) is completely functional and the ECM has been tuned. I have also replaced the factory 2:73 gears while having the rearend
rebuilt with yukon 3:73 gears. That really perked up the now 5.3 LS! Overall I am happy with the build, although now knowing what I did not know then I would change a few things, mainly I would go
with an aftermarket harness and probably a lower profile front tire or even a 18" front rim. The main issues I have are that the front tires rub pretty good, also I think I should have gone with a
beefier F.P., maybe the popular walbro model as opposed to the AC Delco 381 (2) F.P. I have now. I have a more updates to come... good thing is the updates ore more asthetic than mechanical....yyyaaaaaa

[loudchevy]

It's great that you are getting to drive it everyday and enjoying it!

[rodstored-72]

Well… I have not updated in a while, good reason though… I have been busy driving the truck! The latest updates are as follows. I was having some difficulties with the OBDII port – I think it was related to my wiring in the resistor, that and the factory harness was just too bulky. My original idea of the factory look was not working the way I hoped it would. Anyways I decided to splurge on a aftermarket harness. I found a local harness maker and paid for him to make the harness & then paid for the engine builder to install it (harness warr. To be applicable). I am very happy with the decision, although the additional cost was a little hard to swallow…LOL! I didn’t take any pics because ….. well it is pretty well hidden, good thing. Along the same line, I also finally found a very good ECM programmer (local as well) they did a great job!! I am very happy with the result…. Although this too was expensive. I have almost 1500mi. since all the changes and overall very happy with the engine/mechanical operating of the truck. More updates to come..

[rodstored-72]

I am finally able to start with the aesthetics of the truck. I recently purchased a steering wheel. I decided to go with the forever sharp wheel. I went with the black half wrap version. It arrived packaged well & in a timely manner. Overall I am happy with it, I purchased it thinking that at a later time I would re-wrap it with a matching black leather as the rest of the interior. I do have a few “concerns” about it. The factory vinyl is coming unglued from the wheel – not bad it just is getting “loose/stretching”. I am not too concerned (due to ultimately going to re-wrap it) I kinda think that it may be partly cause of high heat here in the HOT az sun. the other “concern” is that the instructions (to me) seem a little lacking, especially related to the horn connection(s), This may be due to my intimate lack of knowledge of horn wire connections… ! overall I like the wheel and feel it is a quality product. I decided to do the 14” wheel, it is “a little” small, but it doesn’t feel weird. Turning with it feel’s natural. I have included a few pics for gratuitious sake…. !!

[rodstored-72]

I had a good weekend of time so I decided to tackle an aesthetic eye sore… the pass. Front fender. I had a few people say… man you should fix that fender! … so I finally did!.. . I had a little of the factory paint from when I painted the inner fenders & firewall so I decided to finish it out. I sanded the green off the fender & made the whole fender one base color … white (matches the prior paint base too). I then mixed up the rest of the leftover paint (the OG factory color) and clear. Overall the process went really smooth & I am happy with the final look. There is obviously orange peel, but I will fix that when I finish the rest of the truck. Atleast it is basically the same color now… !!!

[loudchevy]

Nice looking wheel!