81 K10 Build

[bd]

Ditto

[Mike81K10]

Put the fuel lines back on, as you can see I cut the tubing a bit so I can easily access the clamps with the bed on. Will make it easier to pull off the tanks if needed. Started to connect the hoses after looking every where but the right place to finally find the fuel line clamps. Will have to cut some off of the tightening screw on the 5/16" tube (a little long). Was only able to get the hoses from one side connected. Also got my air tube for the air cleaner came in today and I installed it. Bought a breather tube from the salvage yard (valve cover to air cleaner) yesterday and cleaned it with steel wool and installed it as well, along with some more of the vacuum tubing (still have a few more to connect). Feels like I'm finally getting close to bringing my truck back to life.

[Shifty]

 

[bd]

It looks very nice.  Great progress!

[Mike81K10]

Thanks, I plan to shorten the plug wires that are too long. Does anyone recommend some plug wire crimpers?

[Shifty]

The MSD ratcheting ones are nice.

[1980K20]

Thanks, I plan to shorten the plug wires that are too long. Does anyone recommend some plug wire crimpers?

You can do that??? Whoa. I bought two v8 sets for my six cylinder camaro and matched what I need. Great work.

Sent from my SM-G965U using Tapatalk

[frotosride]

Thanks, I plan to shorten the plug wires that are too long. Does anyone recommend some plug wire crimpers?

You can do that??? Whoa. I bought two v8 sets for my six cylinder camaro and matched what I need. Great work.

Sent from my SM-G965U using Tapatalk

Yes you can get kits that have one end of the plug installed and the other end not so you can make them to your preferred length as well as shorten premade lightening hoses. The grommets are a pain but dielectric grease is your friend!

[Mike81K10]

Thanks for the info! The ignition (plug) wires I have should be good and I was going to try and make them fit better. I damaged and had to repair one at the distributor while taking my truck apart and some of them were much too long, but working prior to the build. Been trying to get a belt that fits my engine, changed with the new A/C system. Think I ordered the right size and I should get it tomorrow and I have been connecting the last of my fuel hoses. Tomorrow should finish up with the fuel system. Got a new clutch and 6 blade fan, I think the OEM would not be insufficient with the three blades.

[Mike81K10]

Completed my fuel lines, hose, and selector valve connections. Connected a 100 micron filter on each supply line just prior to the selector valve. Will put the cover on after I get a few tie downs on some of the hoses. I thought I had the correct belt for my A/C and discovered it to be about an inch short. Also need to get some new studs to mount my new fan and clutch. Could use my old ones if needed, prefer new studs. Has anyone used bolts instead of studs to mount the fan/clutch to water pump? I thought about it if I cannot find the right studs.

[JohnnyPopper]

I've used bolts, just watch the length.

Coming along nicely, inspired to get my '80 going again.

Work was interrupted by coming across a very original '67 Beetle. She's gone so now I can resume the 'heavy lifting'...

[SilverMiner]

Completed my fuel lines, hose, and selector valve connections. Connected a 100 micron filter on each supply line just prior to the selector valve. Will put the cover on after I get a few tie downs on some of the hoses. I thought I had the correct belt for my A/C and discovered it to be about an inch short. Also need to get some new studs to mount my new fan and clutch. Could use my old ones if needed, prefer new studs. Has anyone used bolts instead of studs to mount the fan/clutch to water pump? I thought about it if I cannot find the right studs.

The studs are (or were, last year) easily obtained at my local NAPA just hanging on a peg. This surprised me so much I checked my local Federal and O'Reilly's and sure enough they had them in stock and on a peg as well. They must be common to many vehicles, so I'd hunt down some studs locally before expending any effort on bolts. At least if the nut comes of a stud the fan will presumably still stay in place.

[bd]

Be sure to use automotive-grade studs rather than the unclassed studs that you'll find at the typical hardware store.  They should be readily available from Dorman, NAPA, etc, as mentioned.

[Mike81K10]

Thanks bd, Johnny, silverminor, and the rest. I went to Advance, Auto Zone, and O'Reilly's and none carried the right studs. Today I was by a NAPA store and checked them out and struck gold. They had a pack (actually two packs and should have got them both) that was a perfect OEM copy. The package appeared like it had been in their store since 1981 and it cost just over $5.00 with tax. It comes with the studs, lock washers, and nuts. The threads are just right. The fine threads are on the short end. If you look at the new packages I saw online, they are wrong (fine threads on the long end). I bought one of those multi combo packs at Advance and none of the three different studs would fit. Since I opened the package could not bring it back and it was $10.00 wasted. Attaching a pic of the stud package with part number on it.

[Mike81K10]

Waiting on a fan belt I ordered and its not much but I tie strapped my selector valve fuel lines and installed the cover today. I was more than it looked because I had to disconnect the vent hoses and move them into a different position for the cover to fit and the FI hoses were a little stiff to connect to the lines and even harder to get off.

Got my belt, it fit well, and I got it installed with my fan and clutch. I also worked on my A/C system wiring and should be able to start up my truck soon.