My "never ending" project

[DRIVINFST]

Thought I would share my project I've been working on for years.  First I had no place to work on it, now no $$$.  It's a 1979 GMC K15 High Sierra that has been in my family since it was new.  In 2001 I converted it to TBI.  Now I doing a full resto with the TBI, 700r4, NP 203, 4 inch lift and 33's.  I'm also converting to 3/4 ton running gear.  Anyone with any advise on this conversion, please chime in.  One question I have is I got the 3/4 ton master cylinder, do I use the 3/4 ton or 1/2 ton proportioning valve?
When I finally got it from my dad in 2000


The TBI swap


Under construction

[murraygmc]

i like it man

[hotrod24]

very nice

[Captkaos]

nice!

[78 Chevyrado]

Looks good!  good progress!

In the top engine pic, whats that ribbed canister with two hoses going to it, on the right fenderwell?

[DRIVINFST]

It's an old oil cooler and filter that uses toilet paper as a filter media.  I don't put paper in it anymore, but I left it after the TBI swap because its such a conversational piece.  People always ask about it, either they say "I haven't seen one of those in years" or "what the heck is that?".  I think of it as a good luck charm considering the original drivetrain from the motor to the axles went about 330,000 miles.

[oldwhity]

Welcome from Maryland. That's a good looking project.

[DRIVINFST]

Reviving an old thread.  After a 4 year hiatus, finally back to work.  Cleaning up the chassis and painting it, 4" Tuff Country lift, and some frame repair after a minor fender bender that took out the front frame horns.  Also need to remove and repair the frame to steering box location.  Will now be getting a 5.3 LS with 4L60E and a 231C T-case.

[oldwhity]

I see progress!  Great job!

[sphinx]

Looks good.  What did you paint your frame with? 
I'm working on my 1976 C10 and need to paint the frame while I have the front tore down.

[DRIVINFST]

Thanks.  I used Summit Racing's epoxy semi-gloss black chassis paint.
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/sum-csumup501

[mikek20]

The black chassis paint is great!,  Your project is coming along awesome       : also might i suggest for others looking to do frame work, POR-15, and chassis saver paints from Magnetic paints. Good paint stores carry their own versions often but they are all pretty good. I know most you can paint directly over rust and it actually seals it from further rust if applied properly.

[DRIVINFST]

Fixed the frame, test fitted the sheet metal, painted the front half of the frame, ditched the old worn leaky 3/4 ton axles for 1/2 ton axles (the front is a brand new GM crate axle a guy had in storage for 20 years, never even been installed, and the rear is a 6-lug semi-float 14 bolt) and received my GM crate engine.  All aluminum LC9 E-rod motor.  Finally a little progress to show!

[jaredts]

Great job!  I love the mini spray booth you built around the front end.

[bake74]

     Nice job.