Progress so far

[Maintenanceman]

Just thought Id show you guys some of my progress so far. m putting all of this stuff on just to take it back off when I get heads but here ya go...
BTW sorry for the really crappy cell phone pics.

Before:
 

After:


Still have to put plugs and dist cap and wires back on and set the timing and plumb in the carb.

[Stroker 79]

Lookin good man! 

[Maintenanceman]

Too bad I have to take it all back off in a few weeks to put heads on and a cam in...no patience...Oh well

[oldwhity]

Looks great. Sounds like your chompin at the bit.

[eventhorizon66]

Looks good.  What are the specs on your custom grind cam?

[Maintenanceman]

Not sure yet. I really dont know that much about engine building but theres a machine shop down the road and the guys that run it build High performance engines (Pulling trucks, drag cars, etc.) and there helping me out. Im kinda letting them decide the specs because they know what my goals for the truck are. But as soon as I find out, then Ill let you know.

[treepete]

right on. that new intake looks awesome. the on-and-off is good practice as well.

[Maintenanceman]

Got everything on yesterday and got her fired and timed Man she sounds good with straight headers. Gotta get the exhaust welded up now.

[Maintenanceman]

Been a member here for a few months but never shared my story so here you go:

Dad bought this truck Brand new in 1984. Its a 1985 Chevrolet K20 4 speed. 2 weeks before he married my mother, He wrecked the truck. A lady topped a hill in the middle of the road in a CHEVETTE (The truck sit on 33/12.50's then to) Destroying the car and totaling the truck. My mother worked at the court house and tracked the truck down a few years later and dad bought it back. Painting it and bringing it back to its former glory. He then sold it to his youngest brother who kept it in decent shape. Then he sold it to the middle brother who used it on there dads farm. They blew the original 4 bolt main 350 and dropped a 305 in it. When I was 13 they pulled it to my house with a tractor. The 305 had been blown up as well. It had all of the typical rust. Cab corners, Bed sides, rocker panels, etc. My dad and I put a brand new Crate GM Goodwrench 350 4 bolt main in it and new tires on it. Over the next three years we worked on it. New this, New that, it eventually turned into a money pit (as they all do) but that wasnt a problem because the truck would never leave the family again lol. We started on the interior. Fixing the broken seat and replacing the dash, door panels, and carpet and all the moldings. On the inside she was gorgeous but still looked bad on the outside. So in march of 2005 we took it to a well respected body man here in town. I wish I had taken pictures of the rebuild but at 16 all I cared about was finishing it. My birthday is in july, 3 days before my cousins and we were sharing 1 party for our 16th birthdays. I was not expecting to get my truck until august or even later than that. Her parents bought her an eclipse and put wheels and a body kit on it. At the end of the party they told her that they had a surprise for her (she had no Idea but I did). I couldnt beleive it. They were going to give her her car in front of me and I was going to have to wait. And then there it came down the road. Her little black eclipse. I was extremely upset, until I looked behind the car and there was my truck. You can Imagine, at 16, I was literally beside my self. New wheels, fresh paint and a cowl hood. I couldnt beleive my eyes. Theres no way that could have been my truck that left a few months earlier. I immediatley called the body man at home thanking him and telling him what an unbelievable job he had done. Then after a year or so I decided I was ready for another truck. I bought a 2003 Silverado SS and left this one setting behind the house ( I still kick myself every day for it) Now, Ive since sold the SS and my baby is back with me, right where she belongs. In her new well deserved home: MY GARAGE!

[zieg85]

Great story, thanks for sharing.  Great looking truck!

[oldyeller]

That is a very happy ending to a sad story.  Glad to hear.  I love that the truck has stayed in the family for so long.  My daughter might get mine if she wants it when she gets older, but as of now, she has her eyes on the black choptop.  I love the look of your truck.

[Maintenanceman]

thanks guys

[hotrod24]

yep man very nice story i have always wanted a 81-87 model silverdo but i got a good deal on my 78 1/2 ton 4x4 $750 but i will have one some day lol

[levisjohnson]

great story.  Your truck looks great and glad to see it has its own place in the garage.  Continue to take care of it.  I am jealous of your truck.

[Flamingbig10]

what a story and a nice truck