Dad's 1978 Chevy K30 Farm Truck

[kennyw]

It has been a year since my dad passed. I was able to bring his truck home at that time but haven't done anything with it yet other than gather some of the parts needed. Today will be the start of a long journey to bring it back to reliable and roadworthy.

First, I will see if I can get my dad's 1978 Chevy K30 running to move under its own power. But while the battery is charging, I'll take care of some dislocated grill parts that have not been right since my dad hit a deer in 1993 or so.

I also have the original west coast mirrors that will go back on the truck. But since these doors are not the originals, I will swap on a nice set with the correct holes that I was able to save for this project.

 

[kennyw]

With a charged battery and new battery cables, she runs on gas poured into the carb. Next up will be checking what is in the tank and if the fuel pump is good.

 

[kennyw]

Fresh fuel, fuel filter, fuel pump, and blowing out the fuel line and she is now a runner.

 

[tarussell]

Fresh fuel, fuel filter, fuel pump, and blowing out the fuel line and she is now a runner.

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Very nice - and also a fine choice of tunes on the radio.

 

[kennyw]

This thing wants to go somewhere. Starts up without hesitation. Clutch linkage feels off, likely halfway worn through and about to break but the clutch is good. The brake pedal is spongy and the fluid is probably 25-30 years old but the brakes still work great.

 

[kennyw]

 

[Truckman4life]

I bet that bucket of gas smells so good!

 

[kennyw]

I bet that bucket of gas smells so good!

I'm not sure if my sense of smell has returned yet to be honest.

 

[folkenheath]

Did it smell like kerosene yet?

 

[kennyw]

Did it smell like kerosene yet?

Not yet, it was probably fresh in 2019 or 2020. The first bucket wasn't as nasty as the last bit though.

 

[tarussell]

Just curious - what gear ratio did that C/C come with?

It’s gotta great stance for a stock truck - looks good !

 

[kennyw]

I have not checked ratio on anything yet but I will be changing all of the fluids soon and get a chance to look once it is back in the shop. The glovebox door is missing for some reason. It may be sitting in my dad's garage still but I didn't find it when I picked up the truck.

 

[imiceman44]

I have not checked ratio on anything yet but I will be changing all of the fluids soon and get a chance to look once it is back in the shop. The glovebox door is missing for some reason. It may be sitting in my dad's garage still but I didn't find it when I picked up the truck.

Most likely 4.56, or possibly 4.10.
All my dually trucks came with 4.56

 

[tarussell]

Most likely 4.56, or possibly 4.10.
All my dually trucks came with 4.56

From what I can tell a lot of the 70’s & early 80’s cab chassis K-30 4WD’s default to 4.56’s as a base if the 4.10 or 3.73 gear is not selected.

 

[kennyw]

My find this week, a nearly rust free C30, 4-speed cab.

 

[82355]

I'm silly.

Martin

 

[Wes Harden]

Thats an AC cab

 

[mrk5]

Did you get a title with it?

 

[imiceman44]

Did you get a title with it?

He doesn't need it really if it's to replace the one for his dad

 

[76zimmer]

Is there a difference between 10-20-30 series cabs?