Low87
Registered Member
I've been around squarebodies for a long time, just never K5s or 4x4s. I've had my '87 SWB for about 18 years and have been through it a couple times.
I picked up an '89 GMC last year and have slowly been replacing simple things while learning.
Here's a picture of the two;
So far I have done the following;
-replaced inner & outer wheel bearings, ball joints & bushings
-tune up & belt
-added exhaust from cat back (was cut off at the cat)
-new 33" tires (sometimes trying on stock suspension)
-new water pump
-rebuilt entire A/C system, changed over to r134a, new blower motor also
-power steering pump
-heater core
-LED instrument lights
-firewall vacuum lines
-plenty of odds & ends I can't think of now
I want to break this project down into groups and do it all at once, or at least as much as possible. I'd like to avoid the "should have done that while I was in there" stuff. Below is a summary of what I know needs to be done by category. If you all can help me out with ideas of what else to freshen up while at it, it would be much appreciated.
BODY
-I've got the typical rear arch & rocker panel rust. I'm ordering patch panels and have a deal with a body guy to trade the work for some rollaway tool boxes.
-I'd also like to address the tailgate posts while there. There's some rust along it I don't like. Will pickup post patch panels work here?
-I'll probably also replace both front inner fender wells to negate some rust.
-I'm going to do away with most all of the trim while at it. There's plenty of sub-paint rust starting to show so I want to take it all down now.
-I want to trade the solid windows on the cap for some sliders. Pretty sure that's what the truck came with. I know the current cap isn't original to the truck.
-Replace the cap to body weatherstripping
DOORS
I pretty much just need to rebuild these.
-New weatherstripping/window channels
-new motors (what else with this?) driver's side won't move at all. I might try the relay upgrade I've seen on here while at it.
-door hinges - replace or use the rebuild kit?
-what kind of insulator/sound deadener should I use when I have the doors gutted?
ENGINE
I've got a 350 crate engine with maybe 200 miles on it that has been sitting for about 6 years. I'll freshen it up and drop it in. Current 350 loses a ridiculous amount of oil. Slight smoke on startup and the only leak I can find is the driver's side valve cover gasket. Lost on this one.
-clean up the firewall
-clean up as much gunk & build up as possible while the bay is empty
-newly rebuilt TBI sitting on the shelf waiting
-clear out fuel lines
-I've got a spare fuel tank I'll go through and have ready, along with a new pump/sending unit
-I'd like to upgrade the radiator to a diesel or BB (I currently have brown antifreeze, despite
-Windstar fans
-Steering gear box desperately needs replacing, I'll probably do this soon. Losing a lot of fluid. Any advantage to going with a 2WD box?
INTERIOR
Way too many ideas bouncing around on this.
-Use bedliner throughout interior. I may still carpet the front.
-'00 up seats, I want the integrated belts, especially in the back for the kids. Having the latch system will be great too.
-Dakota Digital analog guage set
-steal the polished billet trim from my pickup
-sound system upgrade
-LED courtesy light
-light roll cage, nothing heavy duty
SUSPENSION
-4" lift - this project is high want/low priority
Again, I know there's a lot more I'm not thinking of at the moment. Sorry for the lengthy post. I'll break this up into individual threads once I get started.
I picked up an '89 GMC last year and have slowly been replacing simple things while learning.
Here's a picture of the two;
So far I have done the following;
-replaced inner & outer wheel bearings, ball joints & bushings
-tune up & belt
-added exhaust from cat back (was cut off at the cat)
-new 33" tires (sometimes trying on stock suspension)
-new water pump
-rebuilt entire A/C system, changed over to r134a, new blower motor also
-power steering pump
-heater core
-LED instrument lights
-firewall vacuum lines
-plenty of odds & ends I can't think of now
I want to break this project down into groups and do it all at once, or at least as much as possible. I'd like to avoid the "should have done that while I was in there" stuff. Below is a summary of what I know needs to be done by category. If you all can help me out with ideas of what else to freshen up while at it, it would be much appreciated.
BODY
-I've got the typical rear arch & rocker panel rust. I'm ordering patch panels and have a deal with a body guy to trade the work for some rollaway tool boxes.
-I'd also like to address the tailgate posts while there. There's some rust along it I don't like. Will pickup post patch panels work here?
-I'll probably also replace both front inner fender wells to negate some rust.
-I'm going to do away with most all of the trim while at it. There's plenty of sub-paint rust starting to show so I want to take it all down now.
-I want to trade the solid windows on the cap for some sliders. Pretty sure that's what the truck came with. I know the current cap isn't original to the truck.
-Replace the cap to body weatherstripping
DOORS
I pretty much just need to rebuild these.
-New weatherstripping/window channels
-new motors (what else with this?) driver's side won't move at all. I might try the relay upgrade I've seen on here while at it.
-door hinges - replace or use the rebuild kit?
-what kind of insulator/sound deadener should I use when I have the doors gutted?
ENGINE
I've got a 350 crate engine with maybe 200 miles on it that has been sitting for about 6 years. I'll freshen it up and drop it in. Current 350 loses a ridiculous amount of oil. Slight smoke on startup and the only leak I can find is the driver's side valve cover gasket. Lost on this one.
-clean up the firewall
-clean up as much gunk & build up as possible while the bay is empty
-newly rebuilt TBI sitting on the shelf waiting
-clear out fuel lines
-I've got a spare fuel tank I'll go through and have ready, along with a new pump/sending unit
-I'd like to upgrade the radiator to a diesel or BB (I currently have brown antifreeze, despite
-Windstar fans
-Steering gear box desperately needs replacing, I'll probably do this soon. Losing a lot of fluid. Any advantage to going with a 2WD box?
INTERIOR
Way too many ideas bouncing around on this.
-Use bedliner throughout interior. I may still carpet the front.
-'00 up seats, I want the integrated belts, especially in the back for the kids. Having the latch system will be great too.
-Dakota Digital analog guage set
-steal the polished billet trim from my pickup
-sound system upgrade
-LED courtesy light
-light roll cage, nothing heavy duty
SUSPENSION
-4" lift - this project is high want/low priority
Again, I know there's a lot more I'm not thinking of at the moment. Sorry for the lengthy post. I'll break this up into individual threads once I get started.
