A beginners "Build"

[minus1]

 

I've started my "build" and will try to update and ask questions often. Below is my site intro copied and pasted from the new members section. I'll try and get some specs and get everyone up to speed as to where I currently am on my broke man build. I have very few pictures now because my camera decided to die. I'm not really sure how to post pictures here? Can I just attach them or do the have to be hosted on a site like smug mug or something? Anyway, have to get back to work. Like I said...will try to post some specs on the truck soon. Hope everyone has a nice Easter.

Thanks,
Eric

Hey all....my name is Eric.
I have always wanted a late 70's early 80's 4x4 and finally have the opportunity to pick one up (well buying two from a friend at work). I should also state that I am NOT a wrench or a body guy so this is all new to me. With that being said I couldn't think of a better way to get my feet wet than just to jump feet first into a 79 K10 and doing a complete body swap. I will have help as the guy I bought it from and his dad have offered to help. Anyway, looking forward to all the information and knowledge from this site and its members. I'll do my best to put together a build report but not a lot of free time can be found right now.

Thanks,
Eric/minus1

[minus1]

     So far the old body has been removed along with the snow plow. I've wire brushed and degreased the entire frame. Now I'm just waiting on the weather to cooperate so I can apply the chassis saver. I still need to remove all the brake lines and replace them after coating the frame. Thankfully right before the PO parked the truck he replace all the front end components.  Also he put after market rims and new tires. Although, I'm leaning towards finding a set of stock rally wheels?

     While I've been waiting on the weather to break I was able to source an engine. Found a 350 4bolt out of a 78 Blazer for $250. Took the oil pan, valve covers and intake off looked over everything the best we could. Everything seems to be ok but time will tell. Cleaned everything the best i could and repainted the block, heads, valve covers, intake (decided not to reuse the stock intake) and timing chain cover. Bought a gasket kit and started replacing all the seals and gaskets. Also bought an Edelbrock performer intake off the PO. I need to spray one more coat on the intake then I can install. Bought new plugs, wires, cap, rotor, starter, alternator, flex plate and battery. Man this is adding up quick. 

Hopefully tomorrow evening I can post a short spec list. Like I said....I'm totally new to this and all the numbers confuse me.. I'll have the PO give me a run down of everything and post. I do have to say that in the short time I/we've been working on her I have learned a great deal. 

Take care,
Eric

[minus1]

a few pics....hope it works

[minus1]

a few more

[bake74]

     Looks like you are off to a great start.  So is this going to end up being a 79 K10 when you are done ?

[minus1]

Well kinda...lol

Started out as a 79 k10 but the replacement body is from a 2wd 85 or 87 ( I will have to double check).

[minus1]

A couple nuggets of information. I hope I have these right? If anything looks wrong please correct me.

Engine: 350

Trans: 350
         
Transfer Case: Not sure of the number but I know it's full time 4x4

Axles: From a 79 "Heavy Half" (?)
           3:73's front and back
           Posi front and back

Tires: 33's Uniroyal
         4 inch suspension lift.
 
That's all I have right now. If anyone has any specific question's just ask and i'll do my best to find the answer.

[bake74]

A couple nuggets of information. I hope I have these right? If anything looks wrong please correct me.

Engine: 350

Trans: 350
         
Transfer Case: Not sure of the number but I know it's full time 4x4

Axles: From a 79 "Heavy Half" (?)
           3:73's front and back
           Posi front and back

Tires: 33's Uniroyal
         4 inch suspension lift.
 
That's all I have right now. If anyone has any specific question's just ask and i'll do my best to find the answer.

     If you are sure your transfer case is full time then it is a NP203.
     It should look like these.

[minus1]

that looks right. I'm heading over there tomorrow after work so i'll check it out and take some pics.

Thanks for the info

[dvdswan]

great start!  I do have to say that I cringed at the picture of the bed  only because it looks like the left side looks crushed being set down like that.

[minus1]

Yeah.....that bed is smoked. There is a hole in the floor big enough to through a basketball thru. I'll try and get some pics of the "new" body. It's not perfect but my plans are to do body work and paint next year.

[minus1]

@ Bake74 I tried to take a few pics but as you can see they didn't turn out very well.

[minus1]

Didn't really get much accomplished this weekend with the Holiday and all. Basically got the engine back together less the carb and accessories. Cleaned and organized the shop a bit so we could move the frame back inside. Still waiting on the weather to cooperate so I can spray the frame. Took a few pics on the block and head codes just cuz I was curious. From what I can tell they seem to be accurate to the year of the vehicle the engine was pulled from. Other than that I'm not sure what they mean as far as if they are desirable or not. Maybe one of you pro's can chime in with a little more information.



I guess I never really mentioned what the function of this truck will be. As of right now my plan is to use it for hauling firewood, plowing my drive and running to Lowes and such. Pretty much things a truck was meant to do.  Future Plans?? As long as this engine holds up I'm  going to do body work and paint next spring. If this engine doesn't then I'll learn how to rebuild it or purchase a crate engine next spring.

[bake74]

      Your pics are ok.  That is a NP203, you can tell by the side cover for a PTO take off.
      2nd set of pics.
      1st Pic:   Cylinder Head ID: Casting Number=462624:  CID=350:  Years=76-87:  Valves=1.94/1.50 2.02/1.60: 
Comments=76cc Crack prone.
       2nd pic:     Chevy Block Casting Numbers:  Casting Number=3970010:  year=69-79:  CID=302/350: 
Comments= car & Truck 2 & 4-Bolt Most common.  Got this info from here.
 

[minus1]

Thank you for taking the time to check them out. I found that site a little be earlier so that confirms what I was thinking.