71 Blue Jay

[JamesRKing72]

So here is my stab at rebuilding the old family farm truck.

It has been sitting for about 20 years after me and my dad tore the engine apart to rebuild for me to drive in high school. (He Passed away a couple years ago.) We never did put the engine back together, I think he was afraid I would get hurt driving it. Had about 200,000 miles and used a quart of oil a week if I remember correctly.

Why it's called the Blue Jay... On the way to a goat show in some other state my mom got lost driving with us 3 kids in the front and pulling a stock trailer full of goats. She picked up the CB radio and started asking for directions. We needed a handle! The truck was blue & white, loud as hell and in my opinion quite awesome looking. So "Blue Jay" it was!

So 20 years later and still dreaming of driving this truck I am starting the slow process of rebuilding. Am I in over my head?

[JamesRKing72]

Here are some pictures. Will have more once I reduce the file sizes.

[JamesRKing72]

RATS!! Yes, rats made a nest on top of the engine block... But the crank still turns! I thought it would be rusted trash, looks like I can save it after all.

Not so happy to find the pin holes above the windshield interior though :-( I knew I should have just use some random caulking in the drip rail when I was a kid...

Most of the glass is missing because my brothers kids shot them out. At least that was recently and not sitting for years without windows. Got glass ordered and will show steps of replacing windows.

[JamesRKing72]

I picked up some parts from Classic Chevrolet Parts here in south Oklahoma City. I think I got everything I need to for both doors (felt, wipers, door runs and glass setting tape). Now I just need to pick up my glass so I can get the drivers side door put back together on Saturday. I will finish taking the passenger side door apart then too. I am having to drill out the door panel screws as they are rusted in and just striped when I tried getting them out. :-( I picked up a new set of screws while I was there.

I hope I can save the vinyl on the panels... Would be nice to just get new but the budget doesn't allow that for now.

[Harpie]

Just wanted to say hello to a fellow okie. Love the ol truck and the story makes it even better can't wait to see what ya make of the ol girl.
Posted via Mobile Device

[gearys 5600]

Welcome from Tulsa..

Cool story, Good luck on the build..

[JamesRKing72]

Originally Posted by Harpie

Just wanted to say hello to a fellow okie. Love the ol truck and the story makes it even better can't wait to see what ya make of the ol girl.
Posted via Mobile Device

Originally Posted by gearys 5600

Welcome from Tulsa..

Cool story, Good luck on the build..

Thanks guys. It's going to be rough at first but I will get there. :-)

[JamesRKing72]

Today after work I cleaned up and painted one of my steelies. Thinking about clear coating it also so the red dirt here in Oklahoma doesn't stain it pink. After I get the second one finished I think I will shell out for two brand new tires. Maybe 235/60/R15?? or is it 235/75/15? I can never remember which I liked better...

Well here are the before and after pics of the one I got done so far.

[JamesRKing72]

Small progress made last weekend. Got the front tires on and the truck moved. Took off the hood and cowl. Then set up the A-Frame to hoist the engine and transmission out this next weekend. Going to be picking up some new glass, so hopefully I can get some of that in as well...

I have been helping my brother out around the 40 acres, and helped him buy another 8N tractor. Got to keep the grass from growing over us. But I spent my rebuild money :-( Slow going but I will make it.

[JamesRKing72]

Finally got the engine and transmission out this past weekend. And on the hottest day possible, first 95 degree day of the year. Been cool ever since... I didn't have the bolt at the back of the block/transmission all the way in and it broke the transmission housing. :-( But at least it didn't land on my foot.

Also dropped the block off at Buddy Rice machine shop downtown OKC for them to clean it up and get it ready for me to rebuild. Although I am broke now and am fine waiting a few weeks for them to work on it.

Feels nice to get to a major step like this. Progress can be made

Here are a few pics

[NewType72]

woo ain't that a beaut a 4 cyl haven't seen that yet keep up the drive to work on this thing man it'll all be worth the smiles one day

[JamesRKing72]

Thanks NewType72, But that's just my extra dirty 350 4-bolt main sitting on it's side. LOL. Been sitting for a long long time and not close to a car wash to blast the dirt off...

[NewType72]

oh hahaha wow I feel stupid now that I see that it's on it's side I'm just gonna call it a night xD

[JamesRKing72]

So Excited. I picked up my engine block yesterday morning. Looks brand new!! Buddy Rice did an awesome job. Now to order new parts form Northern Auto and put it all back together. The crank shaft has surface rust so thinking I should buy a new one instead of having them turn it.? It probably wouldn't cost that much more.
Well off to clean more parts, here some photos

[NewType72]

Awesome man looks really clean I remember when I got mine redone three years ago it's so much cleaner when it's not in the truck

[JamesRKing72]

Originally Posted by NewType72

Awesome man looks really clean I remember when I got mine redone three years ago it's so much cleaner when it's not in the truck

Thanks... LOL. I still have so much more to clean But I will get it done somehow.

[67chevy1series]

awesome truck! anymore pictures!

[orange 69]

Lookin Good!

[JamesRKing72]

Been working on little stuff... Got one of the hood hinges cleaned up and painted. baby steps...

[NewType72]

awesome man that must have been a task to get that spring off I've never seen someone go and do that before I just had mine podercoated and they work like a dream

[JamesRKing72]

Thanks. Would be nice to have them powder coated but I just can't afford it right now. Just took my time with some wire wheels, wishing I had a sand blaster. LOL

[JamesRKing72]

What I did last weekend. Cleaned my valve covers up with some Dawn/water and vinegar. That dirt was really caked on there... But I think they cleaned up pretty well. Now I'm thinking of what color to paint them. Either Chevy orange or a blue that's close to the truck color.? I would end up painting the entire engine with the same color.

Hopefully I can get my glass before it gets to hot... I'm having to light a fire under the guy He sucks.

This next weekend I need to have a garage sale and get rid of a bunch of crap I've had for way to long. I don't do anything with the stuff so it's time to say bye bye. lol.

[Tinkermc]

looks like my wife, she cleans up real good.

[67chevemall]

Originally Posted by Tinkermc

looks like my wife, she cleans up real good.

LOL...get the oil off

[JamesRKing72]

I finally ordered some parts. Got vent window seals and rear window glass from LMC. A little bummed that the vent window seal is about 1/8 inch to thick and wont allow the latch to lock the window. I will have to either space it with a washer or file a bit off the back side of the latch. The rivets are hard to crush but I am managing to get them.

On a good note I did get one valve cover sanded and repainted. Pictures to come when I get the energy to re-size it. Time for a loratab and bed.