Re: 97 3500 454 4x4 project
 

Have you had any problems with the fitment of the vent on the left side of the dash? I have the same dash plate out and the left doesn't mount as cleanly as the right side vent does. I think I'll have to take a pic of that.

Re: 97 3500 454 4x4 project
 

Let me check. I haven't noticed anything odd about it yet, but it isn't snapped completely in yet either. I'm not entirely happy with my bezel lights so it's coming back out.

Re: 97 3500 454 4x4 project
 

Not much going on waiting for the painter, but I did take advantage of the 15% off memorial day weekend sale from super bright led. I picked up the clearance lights for the cab and the under hood light shown here. I'll have to wait till after the paint to see how much brighter the cab lights are.

Re: 97 3500 454 4x4 project
 

And hopefully your painter is getting close. If not, have you thought about just having him paint the tailgate and just touching up the rest of the truck? The white should come back really well with some compound, etc. The nice thing is that it doesn't fade like some other colors do.

Re: 97 3500 454 4x4 project
 

Actually I'm checking on painter #3. I'm taking it to have the trans checked out and probably rebuilt next week, it won't stay in OD, then if I haven't heard from painter #2 It's going to #3.

Re: 97 3500 454 4x4 project
 

Yes, get the greazy work done before shinny new paint!

Re: 97 3500 454 4x4 project
 

In typical fashion for me the transmission guy couldn't fit my truck on his lift so I'm going to have to pull it. Since I was that close, I ran it by painter #3 and he's supposed to get started on it in about 3 weeks.

I'd planned on the 8.1L swap being at my leisure after I had this on the road again, but if I'm pulling the trans anyway, I may as well do it all at once.

Re: 97 3500 454 4x4 project
 

Talk about “running flat out!”, thats a lot of work, but should be worth every bit of effort you put in.

Re: 97 3500 454 4x4 project
 

Parts are coming in. I'm going to change to the 2004 and up style cam sensor so a new sensor, timing set, and cover were needed. Ordered a express van balancer and the correct alternator bracket, four seasons fan, hd fan clutch, and new oil pump shaft.
The compression is excellent and all the plugs are clean so I may install the engine as is.
I am getting new intake gaskets and 65mm bolts.
Anyone know of a source for gm corporate blue paint as good as por 15 or Eastwood?
Eastwood discontinued and I'm not sure how long rattle can paint will look decent.
May end up going Chevy orange or black, but I was trying to be a touch different.

Re: 97 3500 454 4x4 project
 

Working on swapping over the timing set while I'm off today. I had to pull the old balancer off with a three jawed puller, which was a first for me. The old 2002 style set had hardly any slack so I'm feeling better about the quoted miles on this engine.

I also downloaded the 8.1L factory service manual from the 8.1L classified fb page for free. It's a huge and invaluable wealth of information on these engines!

Re: 97 3500 454 4x4 project
 

Done for the day. The new timing set is in and I pulled the oil pan off and installed a new pump shaft. The motor is very clean in the bottom end, I could still see the cross hatch pattern in the cylinders. Also installed a new crank sensor while I was at it.

Re: 97 3500 454 4x4 project
 

Had to borrow a balancer installation tool to get the correct balancer on, but it went on pretty easy. My water pump should be in later today then I've got to go over the list I copied from Larry's thread for the bolts and miscellaneous things I've got to buy.
I've not listed any of the part numbers since they are up in several places on different forums and such, but if anyone needs something specific just ask. I'm basically using Larry's thread as a guide.
Also, I did pay for my paint today so here's hoping it gets sprayed in my lifetime lol! They took a pic of my wife's vin tag and matched it with their computer. I have seen it all!

Re: 97 3500 454 4x4 project
 

So, my forgettery is working...what color are you going for?

Re: 97 3500 454 4x4 project
 

The same as my wife's Subaru, crystal white pearl with the fender flares black.
This isn't her car and you can't really see the pearl in the pic, but maybe it'll give you an idea.

Re: 97 3500 454 4x4 project
 

Yep could not see it on my phone, but the desk top makes it look ok. Have you thought about painting the flares the same colour as the body? Then do the blackout around the side windows????

Re: 97 3500 454 4x4 project
 

I've got all my brackets in , have to get the correct ac compressor still, but I wanted to do a quick mockup to make sure it all looked correct, it does.
I took the injector rail off the intake and removed the injectors to clean and install new o rings. I'll paint the engine before before they go back on.
I did find my gm corporate blue paint at Bill Hirsch btw and a big truck salvage yard in Colorado had the zf power steering pump I needed plus he threw in another zf style bracket, the fittings, and pulley to boot.
I may use them too one day since I picked up another 8.1L as a spare.

Re: 97 3500 454 4x4 project
 

After cleaning with simple green, gojo, then soap and water I had to paint the intake just to see how it would look.

Re: 97 3500 454 4x4 project
 

Everyday, a little bit closer!

Re: 97 3500 454 4x4 project
 

I have HOT PINK fuzzy dice waiting for you!!!!! Hurry up with getting the truck done already! Geez!!!!
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Re: 97 3500 454 4x4 project
 

I expect those for Christmas then!:haha:

Re: 97 3500 454 4x4 project
 

Derrick has been working on the truck and sent me a few pics today. The cab is coming along.

Re: 97 3500 454 4x4 project
 

However, he said the bed looked like it was in a wreck, fixed, then another one on top of that. Since the bondo was a couple inches thick in spots I'm going to see about finding yet another bed.

Re: 97 3500 454 4x4 project
 

Sorry dude I know that sucks.

Re: 97 3500 454 4x4 project
 

Very nice work on your project.

Re: 97 3500 454 4x4 project
 

Thanks! I've found another bed btw and I'm waiting for the guy that owns the yard to get it pulled. He has to move quite a few vehicles to get to the bed I wanted.