85 K30 Build (Out of Junk Yard)

[GonicGM]

GonicGM submitted a new Build:

85 K30 Build (Out of Junk Yard)

I actually stumbled upon this at a junkyard within two weeks of its arrival there. I looked at the frame and it was exceptionally clean. The glovebox still had the receipt from Auto-Armor from August of 1985. It was bascially complete minus wheels/tires, fuel tank and tailgate. I wasn't looking for another project but being a K30, fairly complete and clean for year, I had to grab it. The front fenders were sold between the time I negotiated a deal and took delivery. Once I got a chance to study it, I determined the reason it was junked, number one or two rod sticking out of pan on drivers side. So many small things wrong with truck. It was used and abused and nothing properly fixed.

• Right front locking hub was siezed from corrosion between cap and dial.
• Plastic bushing on transfer case link gone so shifter was free-wheelin.
• One Rear U-Bolt per side was literally broken and sticking out because of rust caused by accumulation in spring clamp plates. It's amazing that this took a sticker just weeks prior to my purchase.
• Motor had been apart. Idiots working on had vacuum lines all messed up. I don't think it had working vacuum advance as a result.
• Hydroboost hose from PS pump was recent replacement, although, the line installed was the booster to box line. The fittings work although looked very odd with the large hose arc in the engine bay.
• No interior lights worked.
• Ignition key was broken off in tumbler.
• LH mirror is welded on.
• One tranny line was cut and spliced with rubber hose.
• LH tailpipe missing.
• EFE (Heat riser valve) rotted off and dangling by vacuum hose.
• Metal vent elbow physically pulled out of front Dana 60, hanging by hose.
• I believe rear brakes were inoperable and only fronts worked.
• LH AIR manifold gone and belt pulled.
• Horrible previous bodywork and aftermarket panels.
• Grille destroyed
• Battery gone, cables cut.
• The junkyard sawed off the LH tank and bent the rear driveshaft.

The list goes on.



Since then:

• Fixed most of the above issues.
• Replaced motor with $200 1984 junkyard motor.
• Cleaned and painted motor, replaced valve seals, replaced camshaft and timing set with those from blown motor, new pan.
• Swapped over all 1985 components.
• Cleaned and repainted almost everything.
• Air needle descaled rear of frame, painted wth Chassis Saver.
• Removed, wire brushed, anti-siezed every rear chassis/suspension bolt.
• Added dual tank option, have dual...

Read more about this build here...

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[scotto0609]

That looks great!

 

[speedfreekk]

I agree that looks like a really clean truck.

 

[82355]

So did you get to keep the fenders?

Martin

 

[GonicGM]

So did you get to keep the fenders?

Martin

No. I had to buy each from different sources.

 

[86454K30]

Very cool one got saved instead of robbed of parts!

 

[GonicGM]

Finally took my first illegal trip down the road! We drove to friends two houses down the road, no registration, inspection or insurance yet, need to be very careful! Ran fine, trans shifted all three gears. Only have hydraulics connected to front brakes, in process of rears. Sounds like it needs a u-joint! Will be tearing down to do body work next.

Of all nine original brake lines on the truck, seven were either rusted through and leaking or close to! I'm still amazed that this took a sticker and was on road not that long ago!

 

[GonicGM]

Rebuilt rear leaf spring packs, added factory auxiliary leafs, spacers and pads. Two broken leafs on the drivers side, main and next one down, replaced obviously!

 

[Mark1968]

Nice looking truck.

Your yards must be much nicer than what we have around here. I need to start shopping up north.