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73-87 Chevy _ GMC Trucks => 73-87 Chevy & GMC Trucks => Topic started by: redhot1.4 on August 28, 2016, 03:40:02 pm

Title: Brought my high school 78 bonanza back to life
Post by: redhot1.4 on August 28, 2016, 03:40:02 pm
Hello everyone.  I decided to get my 1978 chevrolet big 10 bonanza package single cab lwb running and reliable again.aka oleblue.  It sat for 6 or 7yrs. I have had this truck since I was 15.  I started this old beast up again because I was tired of making car payments , this old truck has been paid for the last 16 yrs lol.
1st time I drove it to work 7 mpg
Next thing I did was ordered a big box of parts.  New tires & shocks   New Edelbrock Performer intake manifold new Edelbrock Performer carburetor new h.e.i performance distributor new wires &plugs. All new fluids & filters including the old th350 the same tranny since I bought it.
My MPG best have been 11.4
Here's a. Picture before I started
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160828/1fc066535292a4e9484ff2846bbd79cd.jpg)
New tires and shocks
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160828/5d7ac156ef0253fd6f24fa37f7136656.jpg)
Engine compartment before new parts
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160828/1fbaeff05f328effd191caaa809d5d9b.jpg)
Some new parts
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160828/fc148c5da8dde85e16ca42e41cc5c066.jpg)(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160828/d62ff27d5d3a4821172954b9d0d7c260.jpg)(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160828/8cb610c4a6cb800128b316897ba896ba.jpg)
Hopefully I get my ujoints put in on my day tomorrow there pretty bad
Then I'll start my heater core job, that's about all I've done in the past 2 months

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Title: Re: Brought my high school 78 bonanza back to life
Post by: zieg85 on August 28, 2016, 04:30:04 pm
Very nice tire/wheel combo.  I like that it fills the wheel wells without being too big!!!  Great stance
Title: Re: Brought my high school 78 bonanza back to life
Post by: LTZ C20 on August 28, 2016, 05:03:36 pm
Very nice tire/wheel combo.  I like that it fills the wheel wells without being too big!!!  Great stance
I 100% agree with this, I was going to say the same thing.
Title: Re: Brought my high school 78 bonanza back to life
Post by: redhot1.4 on August 28, 2016, 05:42:02 pm
Thanks yall. I can not remember the last time I bought 16 inch tires wow, those are a like finding gold. Very hard

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Title: Re: Brought my high school 78 bonanza back to life
Post by: philo_beddoe on August 30, 2016, 07:03:14 pm
Love the mirrors, nice and small and sporty. How does she run with the new edelbrock intake and carb?
Title: Re: Brought my high school 78 bonanza back to life
Post by: redhot1.4 on August 30, 2016, 08:00:28 pm
Love the mirrors, nice and small and sporty. How does she run with the new edelbrock intake and carb?
Thanks. I like the mirrors, but I will be replacing them. They are useless on a truck tho. The truck has never ran better. Very clean and smooth   The last edelbrock carburetor I bought was a winner. It held up well over 8 or 9 yrs . I bought a new 1 because I bought a new intake. And my last 1 was rebuilt a few yrs ago

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Title: Brought my high school 78 bonanza back to life
Post by: philo_beddoe on August 30, 2016, 08:21:03 pm
Glad to hear its running well. Are you switching to the dumbo mirrors? Oh, sorry..a few folks dont like that term.  And those reading this know i'm joking.

Anyway, i also have a bonanza. 77 c-10. Hang onto it, not many around.

I have always wanted the small sport mirrors, but am sticking with the "below eye line" (dumbo).

(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160831/f443d1b034c22c245abc6572c14c0e08.jpg)

Title: Re: Brought my high school 78 bonanza back to life
Post by: redhot1.4 on August 30, 2016, 10:42:34 pm
Glad to hear its running well. Are you switching to the dumbo mirrors? Oh, sorry..a few folks dont like that term.  And those reading this know i'm joking.

Anyway, i also have a bonanza. 77 c-10. Hang onto it, not many around.

I have always wanted the small sport mirrors, but am sticking with the "below eye line" (dumbo).

(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160831/f443d1b034c22c245abc6572c14c0e08.jpg)
Yes I'm all for the dumbo mirrors lol
I'm looking forward to getting my heater working asap. The Texan does not like cold weather. . I know it needs a heater core. But I need to figure out why it won't blow air. It won't come on or anything.  You know anything about that?

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Title: Re: Brought my high school 78 bonanza back to life
Post by: philo_beddoe on August 31, 2016, 08:18:36 am
I just replaced my heater core. If you dont have a/c its super easy. As far as blower, check fuse first, see if your getting power to the b. motor. If so then bad blower motor. Also easy to change out.
Title: Brought my high school 78 bonanza back to life
Post by: philo_beddoe on August 31, 2016, 08:20:45 am


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Title: Re: Brought my high school 78 bonanza back to life
Post by: redhot1.4 on September 24, 2016, 01:20:16 pm
Well I finally got around to do the carrier bearing and U joints, holly cow . It was a heck of a job by myself . I took the carrier bearing to the shop were my dad could cut it off . That was the original carrier bearing it wasn't coming off. Putting the 2 piece back together was a nightmare
Idk why but it was. He some pics
Next project is the heater core
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160924/f586eb6e7d8aca5682b26290fe9cb762.jpg)(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160924/f19653dcddfddcc04d4c858661852585.jpg)

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Title: Re: Brought my high school 78 bonanza back to life
Post by: redhot1.4 on September 24, 2016, 01:21:55 pm
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160924/d74d1ba5e7f8dda9736ac7b0d9513722.jpg)
There wasn't much left of the middle ujoint or carrier bearing

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Title: Re: Brought my high school 78 bonanza back to life
Post by: 79 Royal Sierra on September 24, 2016, 01:33:02 pm
I love that blue truck bud. I just bought my 79 c15 a few months ago from my dad, then he goes and buys a real nice 82 c10 lwb this week, I mean cherry, for fricking $400, what a deal. I like the simple yet very nice approach that you have bud. I know what you mean on tires, I live in the country and it is dang near impossible to find 15s for my truck. Keep up the good work, and God Bless
Title: Re: Brought my high school 78 bonanza back to life
Post by: redhot1.4 on September 24, 2016, 06:14:15 pm
I love that blue truck bud. I just bought my 79 c15 a few months ago from my dad, then he goes and buys a real nice 82 c10 lwb this week, I mean cherry, for fricking $400, what a deal. I like the simple yet very nice approach that you have bud. I know what you mean on tires, I live in the country and it is dang near impossible to find 15s for my truck. Keep up the good work, and God Bless
Thanks man

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Title: Re: Brought my high school 78 bonanza back to life
Post by: redhot1.4 on October 08, 2016, 01:32:17 pm
I will be starting the heater core job Monday wish me luck guys

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Title: Re: Brought my high school 78 bonanza back to life
Post by: redhot1.4 on October 12, 2016, 03:19:11 pm
Well the heater core is finished, wasn't much to it. The 1 nut everyone talks about, mine was gone so it was really easy job.(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161012/040d124cbfd49abc1419c671e6d084a1.jpg)
Out with the old in with the new
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161012/376fabf0d4c566bd4e924d53ca298ec6.jpg)
I found some lighters from way back then too. I'll be replacing the thermostat and flushing the radiator tomorrow

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Title: Re: Brought my high school 78 bonanza back to life
Post by: 79 Royal Sierra on October 14, 2016, 10:56:37 am
How easy was the job, and what all did you have to remove to get her done? Thanks
Title: Re: Brought my high school 78 bonanza back to life
Post by: redhot1.4 on October 14, 2016, 10:59:14 pm
How easy was the job, and what all did you have to remove to get her done? Thanks
Easy job. Glove compartment has to come out. You don't have to drop the fender well or drill holes. A swivel and 4 extensions you can get to that hard to reach nut everyone talks about on the fire wall under the hood . I found that tip on YouTube. I took my dash off so I could make sure all my air ducts was intact & sealed added a few screws were it was loose before. Used some duck tape  to lay back some old insulation. 

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Title: Re: Brought my high school 78 bonanza back to life
Post by: redhot1.4 on October 14, 2016, 11:00:51 pm
Here's another picture (http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161015/80f454cb0cec491dc3b2a0f5a82402e0.jpg)(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161015/13076cb6273a72e3975b881a06e01fae.jpg)

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Title: Re: Brought my high school 78 bonanza back to life
Post by: Captain Swampy on October 20, 2016, 10:20:11 pm
If it's going to be your daily driver, maybe consider a 700R4 to gain the lock up torque converter and over drive. Could be worth 2-3 mpg depending on what your commute looks like.
Title: Re: Brought my high school 78 bonanza back to life
Post by: redhot1.4 on October 21, 2016, 09:37:27 am
Yes I've been eyeing that tranny maybe find 1 that's broke. Beaf it up for the small block 400 I found
I gotta get an overdrive. My 78 is my daily driver, ,and it's awsome really didn't know how much I missed it till I started driving it again

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Title: Re: Brought my high school 78 bonanza back to life
Post by: 79 Royal Sierra on October 21, 2016, 10:28:53 am
Thanks for the info bud
Title: Re: Brought my high school 78 bonanza back to life
Post by: redhot1.4 on October 21, 2016, 12:51:47 pm
Thanks for the info bud
Well did you have to do a heater core swap

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Title: Re: Brought my high school 78 bonanza back to life
Post by: 79 Royal Sierra on October 23, 2016, 01:04:38 pm
I need too bud, just havent got around to it. I am recovering from a few surgeries, so I should get her done soon.
Title: Re: Brought my high school 78 bonanza back to life
Post by: redhot1.4 on October 27, 2016, 05:42:29 am
I need too bud, just havent got around to it. I am recovering from a few surgeries, so I should get her done soon.
Well get well soon my friend. It took me probly 3hrs. And I took my time

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Title: Re: Brought my high school 78 bonanza back to life
Post by: 79 Royal Sierra on October 29, 2016, 05:14:51 pm
Thanks for the support. I got around to changing the oil today. That was hard enough, lol. I just bought a 90 Camaro RS as well. My dad going to pick it up tomorrow. I will get something done soon. Hope you guys have a good weekend.
Title: Re: Brought my high school 78 bonanza back to life
Post by: redhot1.4 on December 17, 2016, 09:36:19 am
Well its been awhile guys and gals
But I bought myself a small Christmas gift. Some new headlights and better bulbs
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161217/61bbbcf94f005075a241014be36b7d79.jpg)(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161217/02358de93df1cbd412fe0a777a4b6b42.jpg)
I was gonna buy me a new hood, but I had surgery and several other things come up. But God is still good.  I'll post the before and after when they get here
Merry Christmas everyone

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Title: Re: Brought my high school 78 bonanza back to life
Post by: redhot1.4 on December 21, 2016, 07:51:35 pm
Well I got the lights in. It's been awhile since I have ordered from  , , I believe I'll look else where to buy parts from now on from sending me the wrong part to helpless customer service and now may have sent me broken bulbs. But at least they fit. The high beams don't work.  So I will replace the dimmer switch. Before I call them.  (http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161222/9d625414b50cc04d487391c7952abbce.jpg)(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161222/e5e0091584473a4cf8d2b66a0807d5ef.jpg)
I tryed taking a picture but doesn't show up well. I'll try to take another before it's totally dark . Those parking lot lens are a very soar eye. Will be replacing those next month. The light bulbs  aren't as good as I thought they would be but still better than the factory.  THE Halos ARE SWEET tho

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Title: Re: Brought my high school 78 bonanza back to life
Post by: bd on December 21, 2016, 08:38:15 pm
Those lamps appear rotated 90°.  Looking forward to the nighttime pics.
Title: Re: Brought my high school 78 bonanza back to life
Post by: redhot1.4 on December 23, 2016, 03:06:28 am
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161223/66ff49ae6b72d0e8bff0cd4c6fff5f4a.jpg)(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161223/98c88576d4f600efac0fe44608fe4946.jpg)
Got the halos hook up
My dimmer switch went out
 Got the new bulbs inn. And went to hit the high beams and nothing I'll post some pictures this weekend when I fix it.

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Title: Re: Brought my high school 78 bonanza back to life
Post by: redhot1.4 on December 23, 2016, 03:09:51 am
Those lamps appear rotated 90°.  Looking forward to the nighttime pics.
Yeah these are definitely different lights
I put them in were I thought was the right way& then found my self rotating them again

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Title: Re: Brought my high school 78 bonanza back to life
Post by: Mark16B on December 23, 2016, 08:05:35 pm
Man that is sweet, you definitely just gave me motivation to continue on my Silverado. Yours looks like a Cadillac compared to my old beater


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Title: Re: Brought my high school 78 bonanza back to life
Post by: redhot1.4 on December 24, 2016, 09:12:22 am
Man that is sweet, you definitely just gave me motivation to continue on my Silverado. Yours looks like a Cadillac compared to my old beater


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I need to find my old pictures before I ever started. I've had this truck since I was 15, I'm 32 now , and I've been on and off with this Ole truck . I got repainted when I was 23 , this guy painted it 4 times and still failed.  Long story there, but just by a part at a time. There pretty cheap versus the newer trucks
Thanks

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Title: Re: Brought my high school 78 bonanza back to life
Post by: redhot1.4 on January 05, 2017, 05:17:23 pm
Well I had to do another ujoint job, I should have replaced the front 1 when I did the carrier bearing. But It didn't show anywear and tear. Boy did that change quick, truck was shaking very bad , (http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170105/1c79134d1a35a27495f1f0869b5f21d5.jpg)(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170105/e8354097e2bcee2ed4ed4007caaac235.jpg)
I was planning on having my new cowl induction hood and a-c by spring but life happens when you don't expect it to, I'll keep going tho, just delayed a little

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Title: Re: Brought my high school 78 bonanza back to life
Post by: redhot1.4 on May 07, 2017, 07:54:24 am
Well guys it's been a while since I've posted anything,been extremely busy with life. Anyways I bought my new 2 & half inch cowl induction hood Friday going to pick it up Monday because this happened again,, Its replacement
I've got the Itch again to put a little more cash in the old truck again.  If anyone has any advice on how to NOT BEND THIS HOOD I would appreciate any information,, see yall Monday with pictures (https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170507/57deff4e0531c67ab169548a7ffdbf3b.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170507/58ba77042b06d5f0e73783b160bec043.jpg)
Title: Re: Brought my high school 78 bonanza back to life
Post by: Irish_Alley on May 07, 2017, 09:02:37 am
lube your hinges or youll bend your new one also. and if you have the money replace the hinges, ive re-enforced the area of my truck where they bend but this is a major safety issue cause if you hit something the hood could come back and decapitate you. my truck i did it to is my mud truck so thats no much of an issue
Title: Re: Brought my high school 78 bonanza back to life
Post by: redhot1.4 on May 09, 2017, 08:28:47 am
Well I like it for sure. Now all I see is all the other parts I need to buy to complete it. The hood still vibrates going down the road. I'm told i need billet hinges . (https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170509/364c02845f8798bfc988e4b449c10ba6.jpg)

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Title: Re: Brought my high school 78 bonanza back to life
Post by: redhot1.4 on June 11, 2017, 12:17:55 am
Well I needed to do a little maintenance on my 78. My plan was replace the blinker  mechanism behind the steering wheel and the blinker lever and a motor mount.  I ended up replacing the transmission mount, and Val cover gaskets.  I did get to fix the blinker problem because I didn't have that decompression tool . Those motor mounts are a pain by your self not having ever don't it before  here are some pics.  There was absolutely no rubber left on the motor mount. Lol
But I replaced it.. tranny mount was shoot too.. I still have this shutter when taking off. Thats why I replaced everything ,,last but  not for long lol
Next up steering gear box. Anybody have any tips on replacing those.. ???(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170611/d0eac181fceb948b79e9381a4adf481c.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170611/20ef2b8ea24837a96e5ece6746cb416d.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170611/d1bc8d3f9f04fd24c9890f835707500a.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170611/77cf9fb085243e386e0f0177f59526a8.jpg)

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Title: Brought my high school 78 bonanza back to life
Post by: roundhouse on June 12, 2017, 06:06:27 am
I've never done a box
Only advice I got for the steering box is Install a brace on the frame

Nice looking truck

Gonna need AC in Texas for sure

Fixing to buy a Vintage Air kit for mine

You can find the older 700r that doesn't need any electronics to run
Not sure what years to look for though
Early 80s but I don't know exactly

If you really get brave you could tackle a LS swap
I did and
That's a lot more power but don't think it's any better MPG

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Title: Re: Brought my high school 78 bonanza back to life
Post by: redhot1.4 on June 12, 2017, 12:55:42 pm
I've never done a box
Only advice I got for the steering box is Install a brace on the frame

Nice looking truck

Gonna need AC in Texas for sure

Fixing to buy a Vintage Air kit for mine

You can find the older 700r that doesn't need any electronics to run
Not sure what years to look for though
Early 80s but I don't know exactly

If you really get brave you could tackle a LS swap
I did and
That's a lot more power but don't think it's any better MPG

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Thanks.  Yes ac would be nice. I had planed on it alot sooner. I need to knock out that new steering box then the ac
I plan on getting a quote on my ac
I have everything other than the compresser and a bracket

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Title: Re: Brought my high school 78 bonanza back to life
Post by: redhot1.4 on July 05, 2017, 12:47:29 am
Yeah some packages arrived today should have a couple more in a few weeks getting close to having my A/C  fixed

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Title: Re: Brought my high school 78 bonanza back to life
Post by: redhot1.4 on July 17, 2017, 03:14:26 pm
FINALLY tackled the turn signal switch.  That switch has a plastic sleeve protection cover that's bolted down by the steering column , that was the biggest problem,  until I figured that out, next would be that lock plate ring. Other than that my turn signal switch is all new including the lever, works great
I forgot, i accidentally ordered a canceling cam replace it to. It's on a 10 part(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170717/aba22ec68b542d2bee35b7ce5cbedc8a.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170717/ee7a52cf90ac0f645c16a7fb628cd763.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170717/28d7d5fc59f1b518d76e06a7878e1b21.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170717/0d4f7606e75a0e402cf580c0872191bc.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170717/4124edf32a8e3b462e410203ef24f2e4.jpg)

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Title: Re: Brought my high school 78 bonanza back to life
Post by: redhot1.4 on July 20, 2017, 08:12:46 pm
Got around to putting the new mirrors on.  The sport mirrors are kool, but not very useful,  and my was old and faded and wouldn't hold a position
Out with the old , in with the new(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170721/81b47fcc7d7034a5074463f04d0a8810.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170721/3807f6e19b76f6eb6fa3bab5ee675b2d.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170721/4206d83d30da7e96c16e16e91b10d5af.jpg)

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