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Wannabe (someday be) capable, basic mechanic K5 owner ... where to start?

webb_texas

webb_texas

'80 K5
Joined
Oct 12, 2018
Posts
17
Reaction score
27
Location
Houston, TX
Hey guys, apologies if this is the wrong forum ... I don't have a specific issue per se, but I am looking for some basic advice (and I mean basic).

I'm got a 1980 K5 all stock/original with 68K miles that I've had garaged for the last 6 years since I bought it. Young kids, work, etc. resulted in my not having it be a bigger part of my life.

It doesn't have any noticeable issues since I had someone last year do a full once over on the fluids, tubes, etc. and make sure everything was tight an not leaking.
That said, I'm going to start driving it a bit more regularly, and I'd like to be a more self-sufficient owner and caretaker.

Does anyone have suggestions for resources to learn how to handle regular maintenance and repairs?
Any good books, or just refer scour YouTube for videos?

What are the best starter tasks for me to take on beside oil change?

John
 
You have already discovered your best resource. Check fluid levels, brakes, tires for rot, lights, brake lights.

You're just going to have to drive it to get familiar with the truck. It's quirks, problem areas and areas that can wait.
 
We are your best resource.
Nobody or not many know or understand these trucks better than the collective here.
1 maintenance item that gets overlooked regularly is the vent tubes and breathers on trans t case and axles. If the breathers get plugged this force pressure build up to find other exits usually past a seal, and take fluid with it.
I have mentioned it in few threads lately.
With a carburated engine, you will need to clean and lubricate the external linkage every so often. Adjustments will be needed from time to time. A simple vacuum guage is an excellent tool to help see the results of your adjustments.
Regular inspection of the vacuum hoses. Looking for cracks,chaffing, softness, or looseness on nipple.
Spark plugs will need replacement. The replacement interval will depend on engine condition, quality of plugs used.
Today's copper type plugs go alot farther then OEM plug.
Assuming you have a factory air cleaner assembly, there is small but important filter stuck to the side with a clip. This is for your pcv system (positive crankcase ventilation) often neglected. Change this filter evey 2nd or 3rd oil change.
Biggest advice ask questions, esp if we say something you don't know. Sometimes we says stuff and think it is obvious what we mean or abbreviate.
A premium membership will allow us to post pictures, and diagrams for you to see, and remove adds.
Looking forward to seeing your progress.
Post questions in the garage section. Start a build thread even if you aren't modifying or doing major repairs. It can be used as a log, of repairs maintenance and parts used if you keep it up. We can interact there as well.
 
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Your decision to start “turning wrenches” on your hobby is applauded - it will take the term “ownership” of your K/5 up to another level and joy!

One piece of advice is to get some basic tools in your inventory so you’ll be able to explore and complete each task.

Start out with the basics:
Combo open end / 12-point boxed end wrenches 3/16”~1” set
& 6mm~19mm

Set of 6-point 3/8” drive shallow sockets in both flavors

Spark plug socket

Ratchet - 3/8” drive ( long handle with a flex head will come in handy)

Extension 3/8” assortment

Allen head wrench assortment

Screw driver sets

Variety of pliers

Hub socket ( for your front axle ) and a 1/2” drive breaker bar

A very basic set like this will get you started and afterwards you will figure out what’s needed and how far your are willing to get into turning wrenches on your ride.

Good luck and welcome to ( as said earlier) a fantastic resource of GM square body knowledge!
 
The guys above nailed it, we are the best source for these trucks. That is, short of buying a factory service manual. It is worth the money to have the book in hand.

You'll find that paying somebody to do the work will be cost prohibative. Cost of labor is high and you'll find unless you go to a very specialized shop that understands old tech like one of these trucks most techs today were born well after your truck was. So the idea of messing with a carburator and all that goes along with it like diagnosing without a computer plugged into the truck is tough for younger techs that didn't grow up on these trucks.

They really are simple trucks. Basic hand tools and understanding will go a long way on these trucks. The guys here won't hesitate to help with any question you have. We've all got a different level of knowledge but the chance is if you ask a question you'll get multiple answers from guys to help. Don't be afraid to ask. There are no dumb questions.

Welcome to the fun!
 
webb_texas said:
Hey guys, apologies if this is the wrong forum ... I don't have a specific issue per se, but I am looking for some basic advice (and I mean basic).

I'm got a 1980 K5 all stock/original with 68K miles that I've had garaged for the last 6 years since I bought it. Young kids, work, etc. resulted in my not having it be a bigger part of my life.

It doesn't have any noticeable issues since I had someone last year do a full once over on the fluids, tubes, etc. and make sure everything was tight an not leaking.
That said, I'm going to start driving it a bit more regularly, and I'd like to be a more self-sufficient owner and caretaker.

Does anyone have suggestions for resources to learn how to handle regular maintenance and repairs?
Any good books, or just refer scour YouTube for videos?

What are the best starter tasks for me to take on beside oil change?

John
Click to expand...
Like all these guys have said, we're the best resource around for these old trucks. Your good attitude towards maintenance and your own curiosity will serve you well.
Many of us here, have modified these trucks into one of a kind rigs.
Don't be afraid to ask a question. Someone before you has probably already done it and posted about.
Welcome...:)
 
I started out with a Chiltons book to figure things out. These days I tend to watch YouTube videos. That kind of stuff is a good starting place and then you can post up here when you have further questions or get stumped.

A lot of times a search here can find the answers you need. Quite a few times I've been sure no one on CK5 will have come against this before but a quick search will yield the solution I needed.
 
Chilton or Haynes manuals help. This site is probably the best resource as already pointed out. Another option I use a lot is the military manuals for the CUCV M1009. Things like brakes, axles, alternators, steering, suspension, starter, door glass replacement if you have hand crank windows and such can apply. Here is a place that has free downloads:

JATONKA's CUCV TM download page

JATONKA's CUCV Technical Manual DOWNLOAD PAGE where users can download essential Technical manuals for the M1009 m1008 m1010 m1028 m1031
www.jatonkam35s.com

I have no connection to JATONKA. I just use his manual link and have bought some Duece parts from him in the past.

YouTube is another good source. But getting ”good” tech is sometimes hit or miss. I have a channel linked in my signature below. I only have a few that might apply in some way to your truck though.

Getting the tools writing about above and starting with a single component while trying to learn as much as possible will get you on the path to doing everything with a fun time being had by all is my experience.
 
I started with an 85 K5 when I lived in TX many years ago. My biggest issue right out if the gate was cracked, hardened and broken vacuum hoses and vacuum hard plastic tubes. Caused more issues than I can remember. Texas heat kills those tubes.

It was mentioned above to check the vent hoses in Tranny and axles...VERY important. I killed my first 700R4 and the tech said a part of my issue was internal pressure that forced fluid past the seals.

If you have any mystery problems I GUARENTEE someone here has experienced it and fixed it.
 
SnackPack said:
Haha... especially not if you want to learn anything. You expect some wrenching, but all of his videos are just lame recaps of how much money he spent.
Click to expand...
Man that couldn’t be more accurate. I did like watching him in the beginning. But as he grew, much like many YouTubers in order to attract sponsors and garner more views/subscribers his channel has morphed into more sales pitch than tech content.

What really lost me is his “build consulting” where he charges you to tell you how to build your truck. I find it nuts to pay him to tell you how to do it. When he’s mostly going to quote chapter and verse from the ORD playbook. Which isn’t a bad thing but you can call up ORD and they’d give one direction for free. Or right here for that matter.
 
welcome to Blazer ownership!
this site has a wealth of knowledge and willingness to help. Be humble and its all yours!
do a bunch of reading in the garage and driveway for issues to look out for and improvements if you’re so inclined.
be careful about going down the rabbit hole on modifications!
decide what you want your truck to be, how you will use it, and how much you will use it. There are plenty of long term projects stuck in the garage because of big dreams. I say keep it simple, keep it useable, and keep it fun.

Check for a cracked frame around the steering box mounting.
 
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