G-Force8
1/2 ton status
Nice!
just don't flex!
just don't flex!
CK5
Register an account today to become a member! Once signed in, you'll be able to participate on this site by adding your own topics and posts, as well as connect with other members.
'73 K5 - Stevoandaredk5's Build - [Pre-Summer Update - (4/5/11)]
- Thread starter StevoandaRedK5
- Start date
StevoandaRedK5
1/2 ton status
ok I have today off and here's what I got done this morning:
went by the local offroad place and had them order me a hub for the drivers side. won't save me coin like pulling one local, but every yard i called said they didn't have anything older than early 90's
. it'll be here monday or tuesday.
I trimmed/hammered the fenders where there was some rubbing when turning/suspension articulating, I should be good for mall crawling now until I get a set of zero rates.
and for those who were wondering about the fuel gauge, I wired mine up and actually remembered to take some pictures and let you guys know.
I was gonna try to find some prewired LED lights to go around the gauges and for signal indicators, but haven't had any luck just finding them on the shelf so I may end up ordering those...
wish i had access to a mig machine today....but oh well, there's other stuff to do haha
went by the local offroad place and had them order me a hub for the drivers side. won't save me coin like pulling one local, but every yard i called said they didn't have anything older than early 90's
. it'll be here monday or tuesday.I trimmed/hammered the fenders where there was some rubbing when turning/suspension articulating, I should be good for mall crawling now until I get a set of zero rates.
and for those who were wondering about the fuel gauge, I wired mine up and actually remembered to take some pictures and let you guys know.
I was gonna try to find some prewired LED lights to go around the gauges and for signal indicators, but haven't had any luck just finding them on the shelf so I may end up ordering those...
wish i had access to a mig machine today....but oh well, there's other stuff to do haha
StevoandaRedK5
1/2 ton status
didn't have time to post thursday, but the rest of that afternoon was spent rolling Herc onto the bed 
. It ain't perfect, and I still have to finish the remaining metalwork before I can hit the floorpans, etc...but it looks good, better than I expected. I also dropped the 2" reciever hitch that I never use (nothing to tow/no lighting hookup/yeah).
I've talked with my folks and we may take it on it's first roadtrip to our family's July 4th get-together in Athens, about 2hrs north of here. And that's the first reasonable goal I've had in a while haha, especially considering how close it is to being where I want it (for now).
I'm thinking I will probably take it to a local place and have the engine tuned. I'm tired of messing with it, it runs, but not like it should(loads up/rich/irregular idle). I'll have em put on this new set of rocker arm nuts I have, adjust the valve lash, set the timing, and tune the carb. Normally I would try to save some coin and ask some more knowledgeable buddies over and bribe them with food, but I think the lack of hassle and the peace of mind that the engine is set right will be worth it.
But really, I only have a few things to get done to have it completely roadworthy (some of which is completely cosmetic and optional):
Swap Front Hub (I've done it so many times, it's habit)
Engine Tune (plus some other P.M.)
Finish Metalwork (final welds on sliders/floors, finish half doors, brace hood)
POR15 and Herc (what's left...)
Bodywork (basically trim drivers rear fender out for rust/bondo removal, i don't care about cometic stuff all that much)
Paint (Rustoleum, Safety Red on body, Black Hardtop/engine bay/wheel wells)
somewhere in there I will probably order that set of zero rates, ubolts, steering box brace, and some ss brake lines from ORD.
sounds like fun huh?
. It ain't perfect, and I still have to finish the remaining metalwork before I can hit the floorpans, etc...but it looks good, better than I expected. I also dropped the 2" reciever hitch that I never use (nothing to tow/no lighting hookup/yeah).I've talked with my folks and we may take it on it's first roadtrip to our family's July 4th get-together in Athens, about 2hrs north of here. And that's the first reasonable goal I've had in a while haha, especially considering how close it is to being where I want it (for now).
I'm thinking I will probably take it to a local place and have the engine tuned. I'm tired of messing with it, it runs, but not like it should(loads up/rich/irregular idle). I'll have em put on this new set of rocker arm nuts I have, adjust the valve lash, set the timing, and tune the carb. Normally I would try to save some coin and ask some more knowledgeable buddies over and bribe them with food, but I think the lack of hassle and the peace of mind that the engine is set right will be worth it.
But really, I only have a few things to get done to have it completely roadworthy (some of which is completely cosmetic and optional):
Swap Front Hub (I've done it so many times, it's habit
)Engine Tune (plus some other P.M.)
Finish Metalwork (final welds on sliders/floors, finish half doors, brace hood)
POR15 and Herc (what's left...)
Bodywork (basically trim drivers rear fender out for rust/bondo removal, i don't care about cometic stuff all that much)
Paint (Rustoleum, Safety Red on body, Black Hardtop/engine bay/wheel wells)
somewhere in there I will probably order that set of zero rates, ubolts, steering box brace, and some ss brake lines from ORD.
sounds like fun huh?
G-Force8
1/2 ton status
went by the local offroad place and had them order me a hub for the drivers side. won't save me coin like pulling one local, but every yard i called said they didn't have anything older than early 90's
just saw this. Did they order you the small-bearing hub?
If you haven't noticed,I've run into a lot of 10-bolt/Dana44 front ends
A friend of mine up here locally has (3) front 10-bolts lying around. If you don't find the parts you need,let me know
Hope the K5 makes the trip uneventfully,but its your first road trip in a project rig
Things are supposed to go wrong
StevoandaRedK5
1/2 ton status
yeah it's specifically a d44 smaller inner bearing hub pulled off a complete axle. I asked if the gods are angry and smite that one or something, i'll talk to you about those. haha
if the gods are angry and smite that one or something, i'll talk to you about those. haha
G-Force8
1/2 ton status
The parts store had a complete axle to pull the hub off of? 
G-Force8
1/2 ton status
The parts store had a complete axle to pull the hub off of?
check that. "offroad shop"
I need to read more closely
StevoandaRedK5
1/2 ton status
well technically the guy at the offroad shop called a wholesale parts collector/distributor and he pulled it. but hey, tomato tomato potato potato...haha
G-Force8
1/2 ton status
StevoandaRedK5
1/2 ton status
if that happens....
i'm taking my anger out on you. haha
i'm taking my anger out on you.
haha
StevoandaRedK5
1/2 ton status
But really, I only have a few things to get done to have it completely roadworthy (some of which is completely cosmetic and optional):
Swap Front Hub (I've done it so many times, it's habit
Engine Tune (plus some other P.M.)
Finish Metalwork (final welds on sliders/floors, finish half doors, brace hood)
POR15 and Herc (what's left...)
Bodywork (basically trim drivers rear fender out for rust/bondo removal, i don't care about cometic stuff all that much)
Paint (Rustoleum, Safety Red on body, Black Hardtop/engine bay/wheel wells)
somewhere in there I will probably order that set of zero rates, ubolts, steering box brace, and some ss brake lines from ORD.
sounds like fun huh?
Ok, after a week the hub has still not come in...somethings wrong on that deal, i've had stuff from Maine on my doorstep in less time. I called this morning, he said it wasn't there but "ups hasn't been by yet". wow
I took the truck to the shop yesterday morning for the tune (rocker arm nuts, timing, carb) and what a quick turnaround, he called me about an hour ago and said it was ready. sweet! (I talked to a few different folks, and he's basically the "carb guy" in the area)
I'm still planning on finishing the metalwork next week, in time for the roadtrip if nothing else decides to happen...*knocks on nearby wooden surface*
here's the new list for the trip:
Front Hub (if it ever gets here
)Heat shield on starter (those headers get HOT
)Front end alignment (gotta take care of those new meats
)Rear bench seat cover (love those Academy gift cards)
Metalwork (i'll have a day and a half for that)
Complete Fluids check/change (oil,trans,t-case,diffs,grease ujoints, etc)
Take that hardtop OFF (and probably run the half doors if they're done
)I love this b/c it is so much less daunting that "New engine, rocker/sliders, wiring harness, etc" the big stuff that i had before was killin me... I still have people tell me "you love that truck, don't you?" or "you have a serious amount of paitience bro"...haha! i'm having way too much fun is what it is
*Edit* - I will probably try to figure out some type of stereo, b/c even though i enjoy the roar of wind, v8, and mud tires...my passengers may want some other type of listening pleasure haha...think all the head units i have are dead, so it may end up being an iPod split into RCAs on the amp to some 6x9's or something. we'll see...
StevoandaRedK5
1/2 ton status
Correction: Just picked up the hub! Looks rough and is, but i have bearings and grease and such, plus this still has the rotor attached and so i may not even need to swap all that out if I can clean it up. cool
G-Force8
1/2 ton status
nearing crunch time.....
StevoandaRedK5
1/2 ton status
i'm right on schedule....haha
new hub is swapped on, just need a couple of lug nuts
oh and now that the engine is tuned it runs better than i ever could have wished haha, ol' Tino sure knows his carbs...bet he was glad to work on something without a ECM in it...
well, time for a breakfast break, and then back out to finish up the axle stuff.
new hub is swapped on, just need a couple of lug nuts
oh and now that the engine is tuned it runs better than i ever could have wished haha, ol' Tino sure knows his carbs...bet he was glad to work on something without a ECM in it...
well, time for a breakfast break, and then back out to finish up the axle stuff.
StevoandaRedK5
1/2 ton status
Ok, the new (to me) hub is swapped on and doing great. I checked the alignment on the front axle and it is close enough for me, i may clock the steering wheel to see if it's closer to being centered, but that doesn't bother me that much. I have the rear bench seat cover to put on when I bolt in the seat.
I'm driving to Nacogdoches tomorrow morning and will have all of tomorrow and most of wednesday to do nothing but work on the truck and eat my grandmothers awesome cookin.
Hopefully we'll get the rest of the supports/sliders/floors fully welded up, and cap the half doors. Fix the passenger side striker, drill and bolt up the drivers side tailgate hinge, install the heatshield, and possibly some other small stuff if we've got time. Pics will follow.
I'm driving to Nacogdoches tomorrow morning and will have all of tomorrow and most of wednesday to do nothing but work on the truck and eat my grandmothers awesome cookin
.Hopefully we'll get the rest of the supports/sliders/floors fully welded up, and cap the half doors. Fix the passenger side striker, drill and bolt up the drivers side tailgate hinge, install the heatshield, and possibly some other small stuff if we've got time. Pics will follow.
StevoandaRedK5
1/2 ton status
Update (7/1) - Small Stuff is killer....
So...got a good amount of work done, and alot more time wielding a mig gun
with the help of my cousin and grandfather, we capped the ends of the sliders, finished welding in the supports, welded in the pass. door striker and the patch panels to fill the floor/slider gap. I also decided to trim and reattach the piece i cut from the pass. side front fender. Pics attached. I'm still looking for function over fashion, so ugly welds don't bother me if they're strong haha.
bad news...
Huge oil leak on the engine. I know that it is caused in part by the drivers side valve cover not sealing b/c the guy who tuned the engine swapped it around from how I had it and now that leaks bad. plus we may have a much much smaller leak from the timing cover, but i'm not sure.
bottom line...we're questionable on the roadtrip. Everything else is fine and the truck did great on the 30min trip to Nac and the 30 min trip back (because I was adding oil like nobodys business), but if the oil leak isn't fixed it's a complete no-go. but i got it home and i may be able to get it done.
just kinda discouraged guys...i'm so close and this stuff is just killing me.
So...got a good amount of work done, and alot more time wielding a mig gun
with the help of my cousin and grandfather, we capped the ends of the sliders, finished welding in the supports, welded in the pass. door striker and the patch panels to fill the floor/slider gap. I also decided to trim and reattach the piece i cut from the pass. side front fender. Pics attached. I'm still looking for function over fashion, so ugly welds don't bother me if they're strong haha.
bad news...
Huge oil leak on the engine. I know that it is caused in part by the drivers side valve cover not sealing b/c the guy who tuned the engine swapped it around from how I had it and now that leaks bad. plus we may have a much much smaller leak from the timing cover, but i'm not sure.
bottom line...we're questionable on the roadtrip. Everything else is fine and the truck did great on the 30min trip to Nac and the 30 min trip back (because I was adding oil like nobodys business
), but if the oil leak isn't fixed it's a complete no-go. but i got it home and i may be able to get it done.just kinda discouraged guys...i'm so close and this stuff is just killing me.
G-Force8
1/2 ton status
well crap man
I hope you get the oil leaks fixed. Just valve cover and timing cover gaskets?
I hope you get the oil leaks fixed. Just valve cover and timing cover gaskets?
i hear ya. it's frustrating to have little crap to deal with before roadtrips. been there too!
StevoandaRedK5
1/2 ton status
well guys, decided to do something i had thought about for a while since this problem came up. the valve covers on the engine were the originals from '73 afaik, so that was part of the problem (ok alot of the problem + reusing cork gaskets, bleh). went to the parts house this morning and picked up a new set of valve covers, gaskets, studs and t-bar holddowns. me and my dad got and out this morning and swapped everything out. no more leak
so if i get the headers out and painted, heatshield on the starter, and swap that stripped stud on one of the hubs....plus take it to have all the fluids checked/changed in the morning...i feel it would be ready to take on the roadtrip. the oil leak was the only hiccup on the road in the past couple of days.
oh and i figured out i'm getting about 10-12mpg at 70mph (no OD) not good, but it could definitely be worse, and the new 35's aint helping haha. i don't have a tach installed yet, so idk what rpms i'm turning. i do know that it is gutless in 3rd going that fast, my engine ain't made for that lol, but hey, it'll pull a house off the foundation, so i guess that makes up for it
main idea: i'm feeling much better about all this now.
so if i get the headers out and painted, heatshield on the starter, and swap that stripped stud on one of the hubs....plus take it to have all the fluids checked/changed in the morning...i feel it would be ready to take on the roadtrip. the oil leak was the only hiccup on the road in the past couple of days.
oh and i figured out i'm getting about 10-12mpg at 70mph (no OD) not good, but it could definitely be worse, and the new 35's aint helping haha. i don't have a tach installed yet, so idk what rpms i'm turning. i do know that it is gutless in 3rd going that fast, my engine ain't made for that lol, but hey, it'll pull a house off the foundation, so i guess that makes up for it
main idea: i'm feeling much better about all this now.
I think 10-12 mpg is pretty damn good mileage for a 36 year old motor, particularly for one w/out an overdrive behind it, especially at 70mph! not bad. the 35's are helping you, contrary to what you say. They've effectively reduced your rpm's at that road speed. the gutlessness you're feeling is due to increasing the tire size and not the gearing to match.
