Re: Creamsicle: My 70 K10 SWB is about to get sweeter
 

They do come with glass lenses, but that's an upgrade. I went with the glass and love it.

Not sure what you mean by wire seals. The weather packs have seals that go over the wire that get crimped as part of the connection process. I also used solder seal wire connectors made by Sopoby during my build. They are great little connectors. They are heat shrink connectors that already have solder built into them.

Re: Creamsicle: My 70 K10 SWB is about to get sweeter
 

I got my truck back from my exhaust fabrication one week ago, on July-27. The system turned out pretty nice. He used polished stainless steel and fabricated his own hangers. I already had some new Corsa DB mufflers, which I got from a friend of mine, that were used on the system. They are a bit louder then I hoped, but I can always change them out since my exhaust guy welded V-band clamps to allow for removal. I didn't have him go to the extent of grinding and polishing the welds. I may do this some day, you never know.

Here is overall picture of the exhaust system
Attachment 2038074


Welded V-band clamps on inlet and outlet muffler connections. There was no room to put an X or H-pipe, so that was not done. He said it would not be beneficial anyways too far back in the system.
Attachment 2038077


Back of exhaust over the rear axle
Attachment 2038079


Another picture by the front driveshaft. You can't really see the passenger side because of the drive shaft. He did a good job getting around the transfer case.
Attachment 2038080

Re: Creamsicle: My 70 K10 SWB is about to get sweeter
 

So I also had my fabricator make up a core support/radiator cover and an engine cover. They turned out good, but maybe too much for this truck. Let me know what you think. I plan to pull them off and prime, block and paint them satin black. That might be a winter project.

Attachment 2038102


Attachment 2038103


Attachment 2038104


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Attachment 2038106

Re: Creamsicle: My 70 K10 SWB is about to get sweeter
 

So now that the exhaust is completed the truck runs much better. As I mentioned in an earlier post, it would start fine and then seem to run rich and the want to stall out. The problem was the O2 sensors being so close to the ends of the collectors with no exhaust pipes downstream. Now that there is a complete system, it runs great!

I was also having an issue with my Check Engine light being on. I ended up having a MIL code P0650, which appeared to be a generic malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) issue. I found out that this could be caused by damaged, open, shorted or corroded wiring. It could also be caused by poor grounds or failed MIL bulb or LED. When I connected my Dakota Digital RTX gauges I used their BIM-01-02, which pulls data directly from the PCM through the OBDII port. In the meantime the wire connection for the check engine light was not used. The PCM was showing this as an Open Wire and therefore turned on the check engine light and P0650 code. DD suggested that I connect the check engine light wire to the main DD module and turn off reading it through the BIM-01-02 module. This seemed to work and I was able to clear the code.

After that I started having an issue with my Check Engine light flickering on my Dakota Digital RTX gauges. It seemed like when it was first started it was fine, but then shortly afterwards the light would blink maybe once every 30-seconds. The more it ran, the shorter the blink duration. The light never stayed on though. I checked the OBD2 port for any codes, but wasn't finding anything. Once again I got in touch with DD and they said that sometimes these gauges need a small electrical load to keep the MIL off. I wired a small 12V lamp to IGN Hot and the ground side to the DD check engine terminal on the main module. This definitely did the trick. So now when the key is first turned on, the check engine light comes on in the RTX display and the small 12V light also comes on. Once it's started both lights now go completely off.

Here you can see the DD gauge cluster when the key is in the ON position and engine not started. The check engine light is on along with a small light located just above the AC vent. There was already a small hole there from the PO, which fit the indicator light perfect. This seemed to do the trick!!!
Attachment 2038115

Re: Creamsicle: My 70 K10 SWB is about to get sweeter
 

Exhaust looks very nice, Dan. The covers I think look good too. I would be a little concerned about painting them satin black though because I think they would get spotted up fairly easily. Maybe gloss? Truck is a work of art. Rick

Re: Creamsicle: My 70 K10 SWB is about to get sweeter
 

Thanks Rick, I'll keep your advice in mind. I always value your opinion. Looking at your signature I see you sold the Blazer. That was another fine job of yours. I imagine you made out well and somebody is quite happy with it. You did a great job on it.

Re: Creamsicle: My 70 K10 SWB is about to get sweeter
 

It's looking great! Very clean!

Re: Creamsicle: My 70 K10 SWB is about to get sweeter
 

Good to hear the exhaust cured the running issues. Looks like a great job. Really like the DD instrument cluster. Think they look awesome and are just the ticket for engine swaps. Wish they offered an option with the tach in the OEM location and no analog type clock. Core support cover is a nice touch. IMO satin/semi gloss would look nice.

Re: Creamsicle: My 70 K10 SWB is about to get sweeter
 

Dan, you don't need any advice from me. You are doing a fantastic job! You have made so many substantial improvements to that truck! Can't wait to see it in person.

Re: Creamsicle: My 70 K10 SWB is about to get sweeter
 

Nice updates! The exhaust came out really nice! I like the vbands for the mufflers that’s the only way to do it in my opinion. Those Dakota digital gauges look awesome too. I plan to go this route eventually too.

Re: Creamsicle: My 70 K10 SWB is about to get sweeter
 

Well the truck is finally done (for the most part). I have a few minor things that I want to do to it, but it's drivable now. I still want/need to:

1. Prime and paint the core support cover and engine cover.
2. Get the Vintage Air AC system charged. (Done 8/15/20)
3. Install new door weatherstrips, then put on my door sills.
4. Need to install front speakers. (Done 8/12/20)

I put about 70 miles on it now since I got it back from my exhaust guy. Taking a few short trips at a time just to make sure I have no issues. My water temp seems to run between 200-205 deg-F, which appears to be normal for a stock 5.3L engine. If anyone has any comments on this let me know.

I finally got it washed today. Boy was it dusty after sitting for about a year and a half, since starting this project.

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Re: Creamsicle: My 70 K10 SWB is about to get sweeter
 

Congratulations on getting the truck to this point. Must be an excellent feeling. Looks great!

Re: Creamsicle: My 70 K10 SWB is about to get sweeter
 

Thank you. It feels good to have it at this point. I'm looking forward to enjoying it for the remainder of our summer.

Re: Creamsicle: My 70 K10 SWB is about to get sweeter
 

x2!!

Re: Creamsicle: My 70 K10 SWB is about to get sweeter
 

What an incredible build! You really have something to be proud of!

How did you like the Advance Adapter kit for the 4L60E to NP205?
I have heard mixed reviews.

Re: Creamsicle: My 70 K10 SWB is about to get sweeter
 

Truck looks great Dan I can’t wait to be able to say I am done other than a few things.
Enjoy that thing.....

Re: Creamsicle: My 70 K10 SWB is about to get sweeter
 

Thank you for the compliment.

I had no issues with the Advance Adapter kit. What have you heard and what are the problems?

Re: Creamsicle: My 70 K10 SWB is about to get sweeter
 

Thank you. You'll get there. In the meantime I'll keep watching your build. You're going a great job. Next up is my 71 swb. I need to get back on that build.

Re: Creamsicle: My 70 K10 SWB is about to get sweeter
 

Turned out really great Dan. Well done. Thanks for sharing.

Re: Creamsicle: My 70 K10 SWB is about to get sweeter
 

Thanks. That means a lot coming from a TOTM winner!

Re: Creamsicle: My 70 K10 SWB is about to get sweeter
 

I have heard modifications were needed for the mount and inner drive sleeve that was not described in the instructions from AA.

Re: Creamsicle: My 70 K10 SWB is about to get sweeter
 

I did not experience these problems. Plus any questions that I did have were answered by calling their technical support line.

Re: Creamsicle: My 70 K10 SWB is about to get sweeter
 

Just another update from last week. On Aug-12th I installed the front speakers to complete my stereo installation.

Stereo:

• Retrosound Long Beach with Motor-4 body
• USB/Aux installed in original cigarette lighter location
• External microphone for bluetooth phone operation

Front Speakers:

• Kicker model CSC65
• 6-1/2" Round, 300 watt max
• Installed in front vent panel in Retrosound speaker mounts

Rear Speakers:

• Kicker model CSC693
• 6"X9", 450 watt max
• Installed in rear cab corners speaker mounts from board member "Bigblock73"

Retrosound Long Beach with USB/Aux in cigarette lighter location
Attachment 2041475

Front passenger side speaker
Attachment 2041472

Front driver side speaker
Attachment 2041473

Attachment 2041474

External microphone for bluetooth phone operation
Attachment 2041476

Re: Creamsicle: My 70 K10 SWB is about to get sweeter
 

I'm late to the party, just now stumbled across your build. Really enjoyed going thru your build postings. Congrats on a great build and a stunning truck.

Re: Creamsicle: My 70 K10 SWB is about to get sweeter
 

Good morning Dan. I sent you a pm.

Re: Creamsicle: My 70 K10 SWB is about to get sweeter
 

I've come to the conclusion that these trucks are like owning a home... You're never done working on them. My wife calls me the "Lowes Man", because Lowes' motto is "Never Stop Improving".

Well I decided to swap out my front Dana 44 drum axle with a newer mid 80's disc brake axle. I know that since I have the 1970 axle that I could've just rebuilt mine by swapping out components from the knuckles out, but I decided to do an axle swap. By the way, if anyone is interested in the 70 (one year only) drum axle let me know. I plan to sell it.

Time to remove this axle
Attachment 2082760

Done. Axle is out.
Attachment 2082761

Attachment 2082762

Re: Creamsicle: My 70 K10 SWB is about to get sweeter
 

Over the summer I found that I had some oil drips coming from my oil pan. I decided while I had the front axle out that I would correct the problem. Well I made two mistakes. The first one was using a fabricated oil pan. The Tilden pan is nice, but I think it contributed to my slow leaks. The second mistake I made was trying to change the pan gasket with the engine in place. I thought that maybe there would be enough clearance to be able to pull the oil pan out if I disconnected the motor mounts and jacked up the front of the engine. Well that didn't work. Maybe I should've tried to slide the crossmember forward to remove the pan instead. In the end I was able to get the old pan gasket out and a new one in. I know you're not supposed to use any sealant with the LS style oil pan gaskets, but I decided to put a thin film on the surface anyway. I just didn't trust the sealing surface of the fabricated pan. Unfortunately, I don't have much confidence that just replacing the gasket and re-torquing is going to solve the problem. I'll keep my fingers crossed and see what happens come spring.

Oil pan dropped down to remove old gasket
Attachment 2082763

Front of engine jacked up for clearance.
Attachment 2082764

Had to remove the pickup tube in place. What a mistake and PITA.
Attachment 2082765

New gasket put in place.
Attachment 2082766

New gasket installed and ready to button it up.
Attachment 2082767

Re: Creamsicle: My 70 K10 SWB is about to get sweeter
 

Man that’s a shame it’s leaking, that sure is a nice looking pan. Nice work overall. That’s such a great looking truck, you’ve done a great job!

Re: Creamsicle: My 70 K10 SWB is about to get sweeter
 

It is a nice looking pan, but I think the fabricated pans just don't stack up to a cast/machined pan. It's reinforced around the bolting flange, but IMO the mating surface just isn't strong enough and flat enough like a machined surface pan. Thanks for the compliments.

Re: Creamsicle: My 70 K10 SWB is about to get sweeter
 

No idea how I missed this thread! Beautiful truck! We’re getting my own creamsicle going. My kids named ours the Creamsicle even though I had just always called it Grandpa Bill’s truck. It’s my great grandpa’s truck that my Dad put into his construction crew fleet for awhile so it’s got some pretty redneck/grandpa style fixes on it. We’re working through those kinks and hope to have it running & driving by the new year.

Re: Creamsicle: My 70 K10 SWB is about to get sweeter
 

Can't wait to see it. Do you have any pictures or build thread?

Re: Creamsicle: My 70 K10 SWB is about to get sweeter
 

I don’t have a build thread on here, but probably should since I’m on here all the time. I’ve been keeping track of our progress on my Instagram page ( chronic_creamsicle ).

Meanwhile here’s a picture. I’m keeping the “patina” since it’s always been a work truck until I got ahold of it. 😎 This pic was a few years ago, but apparently it’s one of the only full body shots I have. I need to wash her and get a better one.

Re: Creamsicle: My 70 K10 SWB is about to get sweeter
 

Great looking truck, thanks for the detailed build and pictures! Question about your center console, did you buy a kit to refurbish it, or send it off to someone? I've got a center console that needs some TLC. Thanks!

Re: Creamsicle: My 70 K10 SWB is about to get sweeter
 

I love the color/ name. any videos on how to replace the steering gear?

Re: Creamsicle: My 70 K10 SWB is about to get sweeter
 

I've heard the camaro pans work great with this swap.