Restoration Decision Help!! - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

HazelsHoney · 11-14-2019, 06:58 PM

Hi All,
1972 Chevy K-20 4wd, Complete build, Frame Off, looking for some input as we progress.
1. Convert to electric fan or keep OEM?
2. Convert to Hydraulic brakes or keep orig OEM master cylinder with vacuum booster? I am using the original OE set up, disc front and drum rear.
3. Convert steering column and steering wheel or keep orig OEM? If conversion any input on year, make and model that is popular to retrofit with?
4. Originally a NON-A/C truck but thinking of converting using Vintage Air or LMC Trucks brand. Input appreciated.

Thanks in advance for your input.

**LockDoc** · 11-14-2019, 07:16 PM

,

Quote:

Originally Posted by HazelsHoney

Hi All,
1972 Chevy K-20 4wd, Complete build, Frame Off, looking for some input as we progress.
1. Convert to electric fan or keep OEM?
2. Convert to Hydraulic brakes or keep orig OEM master cylinder with vacuum booster? I am using the original OE set up, disc front and drum rear.
3. Convert steering column and steering wheel or keep orig OEM? If conversion any input on year, make and model that is popular to retrofit with?
4. Originally a NON-A/C truck but thinking of converting using Vintage Air or LMC Trucks brand. Input appreciated.

Thanks in advance for your input.

I would keep the OEM fan

If you are talking about the HydroBoost brake and PS setup There are a few threads on here about the swap. Here is one:

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=523502

I would use the Vintage air setup.

By the way, I love the color.....

LockDoc

HazelsHoney · 11-14-2019, 09:23 PM

Thanks LockDoc! I went round and round with keeping it the original color or changing it but In all honesty I couldn’t find any other color that I liked better than the original “mustard” color. It really pops when it’s fresh and new paint.

**HO455** · 11-14-2019, 10:39 PM

How about some more information on how you plan on using the truck? Some modifications may make more sense under certain conditions.
Great color and Welcome Aboard!

**DeadheadNM** · 11-14-2019, 10:44 PM

1-3: keep it simple and stick w OEM (OEM tilt)
4: Vintage Air

Andy4639 · 11-14-2019, 11:26 PM

Nice truck. Looks great so far.

If going ac use the clutch fan with a electric fan up inside the shroud when the AC is on. It will pull more air though the radiator and keep the head temperature down in the ac.

If your motor allows your brakes to work good then stay with vacuum.

Several members here rebuild tilt column's are will sell you one out right. Stay factory.

I like classic air group for ac stuff. You keep your trucks heat and just add the AC.

**Curtb1971** · 11-15-2019, 03:49 AM

Awesome Colorado rig you're building there and ochre to boot

I've been happy with the installs of vintage air on mine and my old man's truck. With his we are going to put in a booster electric fan in addition to the mechanical fan clutch to just keep the head pressure down as Andy mentioned. Both trucks originally weren't AC trucks but nothing a few cuts in the dash with the buzz saw can't take care of. We cut in the vents in my dash after paint and just had to take extra care.
Can't go wrong with an oe column. If you dont have a wild cam a vaccum brake booster should work fine and save a ton of build time.

bs46488 · 11-15-2019, 03:46 PM

can't comment on all your items, but...

2) I would vote for hydroboost. I did the conversion and always have consistent pedal
4) Yes on vintage air

weim55 · 11-15-2019, 11:15 PM

I can only comment with personal experience with one item you requested. I’ve lived in Colorado all my life and built all stripes of small block Chevys. Because of our higher altitude any camshaft hotter than stock Can produce low vacuum issues for power brake systems. If your engine is anything other than a stock rebuild I would just go straight to the hydro boost and never look back. That system is particularly good in a heavier truck such as your K 20. Looks like a fun build, enjoy!

Steve weim55 Colorado

67swb72klb · 11-16-2019, 04:14 PM

I really like the feel of the hydro boost brakes..

siggyfreud · 11-17-2019, 02:02 AM

I just did a hydroboost conversion too and am a big fan. It gets my vote too.

fourspeedwagon · 11-17-2019, 12:45 PM

Doesn't look like you're doing a perfectly stock "restoration". So, I'd say hydroboost and vintage air for excellent upgrades. Not sure your be able to find a column better than a good rebuilt factory, especially tilt.

11-14-2019, 06:58 PM	#1
HazelsHoney Registered User Join Date: Jun 2018 Location: Denver, CO Posts: 15	Restoration Decision Help!! Hi All, 1972 Chevy K-20 4wd, Complete build, Frame Off, looking for some input as we progress. 1. Convert to electric fan or keep OEM? 2. Convert to Hydraulic brakes or keep orig OEM master cylinder with vacuum booster? I am using the original OE set up, disc front and drum rear. 3. Convert steering column and steering wheel or keep orig OEM? If conversion any input on year, make and model that is popular to retrofit with? 4. Originally a NON-A/C truck but thinking of converting using Vintage Air or LMC Trucks brand. Input appreciated. Thanks in advance for your input. Attached Images

11-14-2019, 09:23 PM	#3
HazelsHoney Registered User Join Date: Jun 2018 Location: Denver, CO Posts: 15	Re: Restoration Decision Help!! Thanks LockDoc! I went round and round with keeping it the original color or changing it but In all honesty I couldn’t find any other color that I liked better than the original “mustard” color. It really pops when it’s fresh and new paint.

11-14-2019, 10:39 PM	#4
HO455 Post Whore Join Date: Feb 2016 Location: Portland Oregon Posts: 11,275	Re: Restoration Decision Help!! How about some more information on how you plan on using the truck? Some modifications may make more sense under certain conditions. Great color and Welcome Aboard! __________________ Thanks to Bob and Jeanie and everyone else at Superior Performance for all their great help. RIP Bob Parks. 1967 Burban (the WMB),1988 S10 Blazer (the Stink10 II),1969 GTO (the Goat), 1970 Javelin, 1952 F2 Ford OHC six 4X4, 29 Model A, 72 Firebird (the DBP Bird). 85 Alfa Romeo If it breaks I didn't want it in the first place The WMB repair thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=698377

11-14-2019, 10:44 PM	#5
DeadheadNM Carpe manana Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Eau Claire, WI Posts: 12,422	Re: Restoration Decision Help!! 1-3: keep it simple and stick w OEM (OEM tilt) 4: Vintage Air __________________ 1972 K5 CST Highlander Blazer: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=708547 1972 K20 Cheyenne Super: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=528308 Members met: ORANGBLAZ, 2003 silverado, MikeCofield, BB72CHEVKT, Duncan&Son, Sameyrasmea72, THENEWMEXICAN, HotRod C/10, brianthelion02, Sport/Truck, ryanroo, michael bustamante, Dirt's72, Already Gone, WestButteTruck, 57taskforce, Moreyel, painterljp, AASmedic, SoCoC10, Lumaestas, carbuff382, Chevyland

11-14-2019, 11:26 PM	#6
Andy4639 Old member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Liberty, & Garden City S.C. , U.S. Posts: 19,945	Re: Restoration Decision Help!! Nice truck. Looks great so far. If going ac use the clutch fan with a electric fan up inside the shroud when the AC is on. It will pull more air though the radiator and keep the head temperature down in the ac. If your motor allows your brakes to work good then stay with vacuum. Several members here rebuild tilt column's are will sell you one out right. Stay factory. I like classic air group for ac stuff. You keep your trucks heat and just add the AC. __________________ 1971 LWB Custom, 6.0LS & 4L80E, Speedhut.com GPS speedometer & gauges with A/C. 20" Boss 338's Grey wheels 4 wheel disc brakes. My Driver Seeing the USA in a 71 Upstate SC GM Truck Club 2013,14 and 2016 Hot Rod Pour Tour http://upstategmtrucks.com/ Get out and drive the truck this summer and have some fun! It sucks not being able to hear! LWB trucks rule, if you don't think so measure your SWB! After talking to tech support at Air Lift I have found out that the kit I need is 60811. Per the measurements I gave them. Ride height of truck inside spring and inside diameter of springs.

11-15-2019, 03:49 AM	#7
Curtb1971 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2014 Location: Erie Colorado Posts: 1,022	Re: Restoration Decision Help!! Awesome Colorado rig you're building there and ochre to boot I've been happy with the installs of vintage air on mine and my old man's truck. With his we are going to put in a booster electric fan in addition to the mechanical fan clutch to just keep the head pressure down as Andy mentioned. Both trucks originally weren't AC trucks but nothing a few cuts in the dash with the buzz saw can't take care of. We cut in the vents in my dash after paint and just had to take extra care. Can't go wrong with an oe column. If you dont have a wild cam a vaccum brake booster should work fine and save a ton of build time. Attached Images __________________ 1971 LSX "Bonnie" build thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s....php?p=8026381 paypal is curtbarton1971@yahoo.com

11-15-2019, 03:46 PM	#8
bs46488 Registered User Join Date: May 2014 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 547	Re: Restoration Decision Help!! can't comment on all your items, but... 2) I would vote for hydroboost. I did the conversion and always have consistent pedal 4) Yes on vintage air __________________ Project Engine Stand 1972 SWB conversion: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=673914 1970 Nova: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=708161

11-15-2019, 11:15 PM	#9
weim55 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2017 Location: Larkspur, Colorado Posts: 916	Re: Restoration Decision Help!! I can only comment with personal experience with one item you requested. I’ve lived in Colorado all my life and built all stripes of small block Chevys. Because of our higher altitude any camshaft hotter than stock Can produce low vacuum issues for power brake systems. If your engine is anything other than a stock rebuild I would just go straight to the hydro boost and never look back. That system is particularly good in a heavier truck such as your K 20. Looks like a fun build, enjoy! Steve weim55 Colorado

11-16-2019, 04:14 PM	#10
67swb72klb Registered User Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: livingston co.mi Posts: 2,464	Re: Restoration Decision Help!! I really like the feel of the hydro boost brakes.. __________________ California 65 GTO---Texas 64 burb 283 ---Oklahoma 67 CST SWB BBW wood bed 327 2004r---New Mexico 72 k10 350 350 auto---Georga 72 short step project

11-17-2019, 02:02 AM	#11
siggyfreud Registered User Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Portland Posts: 1,330	Re: Restoration Decision Help!! I just did a hydroboost conversion too and am a big fan. It gets my vote too. __________________ Current Build - Project "Ghost of Poseidon" 72 C10 Pro-touring build Previous Build - 66 GMC Pro-touring build. Sold.

11-17-2019, 12:45 PM	#12
fourspeedwagon Registered User Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Yakima Valley, Washington Posts: 579	Re: Restoration Decision Help!! Doesn't look like you're doing a perfectly stock "restoration". So, I'd say hydroboost and vintage air for excellent upgrades. Not sure your be able to find a column better than a good rebuilt factory, especially tilt. __________________ 1951 GMC 250 Open Express Pickup 1968 Suburban C10 1971 C20 Olive “People are shocked when they find out I’m not a good electrician” Dad told me “Son, never strike a man in anger- unless you’re certain you can get away with it”



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