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Black Betty - Formerly Blaze the Monster Machine

1984 K5 Project for Dad and kids
First time in years this truck has had 12v running through it. Headlights work, blinkers work, starter kicks. Dash lights don’t work, no interior buzzer, there’s no lights inside for the blinkers but the relay clicks. The taillights don’t come on with the headlights but the blinker works. One taillight doesn’t blink or come on at all.

The excitement coursing through me is almost overwhelming and of course the wife and I are going on vacation on Sunday and won’t be back until Wednesday and we’ve got kid things all day tomorrow.

So close to trying to start it.
 

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Don't rush it...You'll have something to look forward to when you get back...have a fun trip!
 
IMG_2297.jpegIMG_2298.jpeg

And that’s where I finished for the day. Need to fill fluids, prime oil, set distributor and timing, fuel filler hose, PCV hose, MAP sensor hose, install O2 sensor, install plugs and plug wires, load tune, add fuel, test for fuel leaks, and then I guess turn the key and see what happens with a motor that was built two years ago that’s being run on a technology I’ve never messed with.

Needed this win. Been down on this project for a long time. Now for some beers and burgers and a nice vacation.
 
Got 60psi of oil pressure with a drill. Also need another qt of oil. 7qts and the dipstick is dry after priming even though it was over full before hand. Supposed to head out camping tomorrow but I’m gonna try and set the timing on the Holley tomorrow and load the tune. Shit’s getting real now.
 
Bought a steering box and new lines. Dad and brother in law are coming up for thanksgiving and we are going to make a big push on this thing to try and get it started and possibly moving. Still gotta figure out how to adapt the stock column shifter to my 4l80e and I think that’s the last piece to make this drive.
 
Bought a steering box and new lines. Dad and brother in law are coming up for thanksgiving and we are going to make a big push on this thing to try and get it started and possibly moving. Still gotta figure out how to adapt the stock column shifter to my 4l80e and I think that’s the last piece to make this drive.
1991 had a 4l80E in the crew cab and 3/4 ton suburban
I should check my column and see how it's different. I will let you know if I find anything.
 
I need to see the parts I’ve got and get it installed to see what’s left. I know I’ve got the linkage from the original th350 that was in the truck but not sure what else I’m missing or need.
 
From my experience you have to change the shift arm on the trans to allow it to go in all 4 gears. I did extend the shift rod too, but just doing that didn't allow all 4 gears and still being in neutral while in the proper column safety detents for park and neutral safety. I modified the shift level on teh trans and that fixed it because the actual 1991 shift lever is hard to find, but making one isn't too much work. After I did that, not sure I still needed the extended shift rod, I don't remember.

I found the thread about it...

 
Pulled the old steering box. Not surprised at the frame crack. I’ve already got the ORD brace to put on but I’m skipping the plate this time. Could not get it 100% flat and pretty certain that flex caused the ear to break off my PSC box. Gonna drill the crack and weld it and call it done. IMG_3282.jpeg

Looks like someone did some kind of repair in the past. IMG_3283.jpeg
 
I wouldn’t skip the weld on plate, if you don’t do it now the odds are you won’t do it until you have a problem.

My plate didn’t fit flush but some C clamps and massaging fixed it.
 
I tried that on the last one and still couldn’t get it completely flat. I beat it, heated it, clamped it, still no good. I’ll take the chance of just the brace and not the plate.
 

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