Project Tetanus

[formercruiserhead]

Haven't had a chance to mess with the k5 with work and every other thing going on. Had some electrical issues over the summer. Did a alot of testing and ended up replacing the computer and distributor to fix the really weird intermittent problems. Drove the rest of the summer thinking it was done only to have it act up again in September. So decided to get rid if the tbi350. I have wasted too much time messing with an engine that really isn't worth messing with. The part that bums me out is it doesn't leak or burn oil. It runs good and has been rebuilt at some time due to having a medallion on the block. I really need more HP anyway and I am not dumping a ton of money into something that doesn't take upgrades well without a bunch of screwing with. Basically the $ to hp ratio just isn't there. So picked this up to start working on after the holidays.

 

[formercruiserhead]

Some progress and big mess to clean up. Got a ways to go.

 

[formercruiserhead]

Started getting the wiring harness cleaned up and pinned out to work with manual trans, no egr, no rear o2s ect. It looks like a mess but there is some organization just doesnt look like it. Also making my own egr block off plates. These aren't expensive but it all adds up and trying to keep this cheap as possible.

 

[formercruiserhead]

Been layed up with a major shoulder surgery so that sucks. Got alot to do yet but progress is pretty much stopped for a few weeks. Here is where it's at. Laying the harness out before I finish it with loom and tape to make sure everything is where it is supposed to be. And the fuse box to make it all work. Can't decide how to split up the circuits yet.

 

[formercruiserhead]

So between shoulder surgery and not quite having all the parts yet. And summer being pretty much here, the LS swap is being back burnered till fall/winter. I replaced the ECM on the tbi 350 and IAC and has been running great for a few weeks now. Still gutless with the heavy militarywheels and tires and 4.10s but the SM465 1st gear helps with that starting from a stop with boat on. Fixed a ball joint that was loose this weekend. Replaced upper and lower with Spicer joints this time.
Probably be focusing on interior comfort, like flooring to help control heat coming through the floor.

 

[formercruiserhead]

So planning on some camping trips this summer. Whole family will be going and last trip was just the daughter and I and we had alot of stuff. With the wife going that will magically double with justification for all of it. So started looking for a roof rack. Looked at a couple of complete messes and then found an old Conferr rack. I have always loved them and never had one of my own. The guy had no idea what it was and when I asked him he hadn't heard of them. I have yet to find someone out here that does. Anyway found a place to buy reproduction stickers for the corners and will be getting this ready.

 

[formercruiserhead]

You can measure all you want but sometimes you just need to set it up there to see what it looks like and how to mount it.

 

[83ChevyK5Blazer]

Looks like the perfect size for the hardtop

 

[nvrenuf]

I’d like to put a rack just like that on my cage but I don’t know how to do it and still be able to make a bikini top work. Those look cool!

 

[formercruiserhead]

I’d like to put a rack just like that on my cage but I don’t know how to do it and still be able to make a bikini top work. Those look cool!

I was wondering the same thing when I get a soft top. This isn't a bad idea.

 

[nvrenuf]

Is the top notched to go around the basket “legs”?

 

[formercruiserhead]

Is the top notched to go around the basket “legs”?

I think it has a small hole punched in it to let the bolt pass through. Then the rubber grabs the softtop on the inside and outside to keep it from flapping and make a waterproof seal. Basically sandwiching the softtop

 

[formercruiserhead]

Doing some rust repair found this under a few layers of paint.

 

[formercruiserhead]

Time to work on the interior. It's been sheet metal floors and it gets hot. And with 40 series flow masters it's also loud. Going to do raptor liner then some type of heat shield/sound deadening stuff then carpet. Was originally going to do rubber floors but this never installed carpet kit came up at a 3rd of the cost so...
Started sanding the floor today.

 

[formercruiserhead]

Also got a bike carrier at a garage sale for $5. Just need a hitch extension to use both spots. Will be nice not having to pull the rear seats and front tires to take the bikes anywhere.

 

[formercruiserhead]

Glad that's done. Supposed to take 5-7 days to totally dry. Still smells like paint after 3days. Had enough sanding for awhile.

 

[formercruiserhead]

Got the carpet installed, still need a few other odds and ends.

 

[formercruiserhead]

Couldn't leave it alone. The indicator was faded out to white so painted it back to florescent orange. Cleaned up 30 yrs of grime and painted faded black plastic. Added an LED to match the dash.

 

[formercruiserhead]

Now that I have interior kinda have to keep it dry. Hard rain leaves puddles inside so... Hard top was just rattle canned and seals all dry rotted so time to give it a better paint job and new seals all around. Also just replaced all the door seals. Took it for a drive with all the new sound deadening and it is a whole different vehicle. Even with the top off much quieter, the whole truck feels more solid and smooth.

 

[formercruiserhead]

Won't Dry!!! Hate humidity. Each stage is taking a day (24hrs) to dry. Bums me out. Would love drive around but keeps pouring here the last couple of days every hour or so. Hopefully tomorrow.