Whoa ohhh Black Betty!
 

The time has come to post about my latest and greatest aquistion... This was an idea that came to me via the good Lord, just as I was about to make a huge mistake. While hustling around trying to find a suitable late model Sierra Denali that someone else had already made better, I realized that the only way I'd truly be happy with my truck to be, was to get back to what I loved about square bodied 80's era Chevy's/GMC's and build one, but make it new. I knew the "boss" would only be willing to consider the project if it was something that was suitable to drive daily (even if it's her driving), and haul the kids too. Those were her only requirements. The rest will be determined by me, and likely, some outside influence. So off to San Antonio my oldest son, Noah, and I ventured from Houston. It was an all day affair, and NJ as I call him, was a down right trooper at almost 5yrs old. I love that boy with all that I am, and I dedicate this project to him (although his little brother would argue that.)

Enough of the mushy stuff, let's talk trucks... Picked up a mostly complete, and in very good shape 1984 GMC CCSB right here off this very forum! The PO had a project started, but couldn't get it where he wanted it in the time needed before an impending move/relocation. With very little rust, and likely needing little in the way of body parts, I figured this a project worthy of my time, energy, and hard earned money! I'll add blood, sweat, tears, and more money to that later. For $1800 "Project Black Betty" is born.

Plans at this point are:
-daily driven
-full frame up resto
-Massaged LQ9 w/ L92 heads and mild cam/4L80e
-LS3 intake w/ 92mm TB
-full air suspension on 20" color matched Coys
-late model buckets (w/ integrated seat belts) w/ fold down console & matched rear bench; black leather will cover most of the interior, but I'll retain a classic/OEM look
-full JL audio sound
-'91 suburban front clip
-shaving most everything
-metallic black red paint
-one piece products glass all 4 doors (Ben's working on the rears) & back glass
-anything else that makes my vision complete

-shannon (about to get REALLY busy)

Re: Whoa ohhh Black Betty!
 

I was looking at that project too, just couldnt pull the trigger. Im glad someone here got it and is going to make it into a cool truck!

Re: Whoa ohhh Black Betty!
 

Nice...I just sold mine Saturday.

Re: Whoa ohhh Black Betty!
 

cant wait to see this

Re: Whoa ohhh Black Betty!
 

Awesome!! Looks like a cool project.

Re: Whoa ohhh Black Betty!
 

gonna be a cool build.

Re: Whoa ohhh Black Betty!
 

I'm super excited to begin this endeavor. I'll be drawing on the multitude of knowledge and talent on these web pages for sure. Wish me well!

Re: Whoa ohhh Black Betty!
 

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Re: Whoa ohhh Black Betty!
 

oops... how do i upload a video from youtube?

Re: Whoa ohhh Black Betty!
 

I was looking at that one too. Quite a few times. Looking forward to seeing you advance this along, as those were just about my plans for it, too. I just couldn't let go of my '74 to make room for it.

Re: Whoa ohhh Black Betty!
 

Spent the 1st part of Saturday morning bathing her and undressing her up front. Betty nearly crushed me as I brought her into the daylight however. If I were a wimp she would've continued down the driveway and into my Lexus and the wife's Acadia. I think it was a slight indicator of the "fight" that she's still got in her, and a reminder of how this build's gonna go... :sumo:

-shannon

Re: Whoa ohhh Black Betty!
 

does this truck have the one ton frame? (sorry if its posted and i missed it)

Re: Whoa ohhh Black Betty!
 

It was originally a 3/4 ton 4x4 truck, but the PO put 1/2 ton 2x4 suspension under it. The only thing it will retain is the engine Xmember, and whatever else I can make work with my upgrades.

Re: Whoa ohhh Black Betty!
 

Reason i was asking was to let you know the typical LS truck manifolds won't fit that great. I've been battling it for about a week and finally found the perfect set. The 2010 f-body manifolds work perfect. For me the truck manifolds will have one of the three studs hit on the passenger side and overlap the frame by about 3/4"-1", and then on the driver's side the flange will fit inside the frame about half way down making it hard to run the exhaust out of the frame channel at a pretty sharp angle. It also hits the top of the frame as it passes (so every time you rev your motor, it'll just hit and grind in some more). I'll post some pics of the stock truck manifolds. Here's where you can find the pics of the F-body ones. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=505425

Re: Whoa ohhh Black Betty!
 

i'll be doing a mid length header b/c I'm gonna be riding on an air setup, and would prefer the performance from the header over manifolds, so I'll probably go w/ best recommendation there. I think i found some good info on Doug Thorley's.

I also may have a donor truck at my disposal for new/updated parts. 2001 Chevy 3/4 ton crew cab. We've got a tired and beat up work truck that's got a blow by issue and is needing a rebuilt trans. I think my boss might offer it to me (he knows about my project) at a very low price. it's got the LQ4/4L80e combo I would rebuild. The seats I want, and I'm sure other things I could use for my '84. Anything else yall think I should grab if given the chance? Brakes, etc?

Re: Whoa ohhh Black Betty!
 

TAC and pedal for sure

Re: Whoa ohhh Black Betty!
 

^^^yeah, should've prefaced "anything besides complete engine/trans combo"... if there's only 1 thing I've learned from this forum, is that always get everything you can regarding an LS engine swap! Thx!

Re: Whoa ohhh Black Betty!
 

You wont need the pedal assembly from that truck. 2001 retained the drive by cable set up. That is the bueaty of that year model. Although, try you best to salvage the 2001 accelerator cable. I used it on my last install/conversion LQ4 into a 1984 SWB. That will be one less thing that you will have to purchase. Look forward to seeing your progress!!

Re: Whoa ohhh Black Betty!
 

^^^this part I knew... thx for the head's up on the cable though! I'll probably use the pedal too if I can make it work, as my truck is without a gas pedal I believe.

Re: Whoa ohhh Black Betty!
 

A little teaser...

Re: Whoa ohhh Black Betty!
 

Sweet. Subscribed
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Re: Whoa ohhh Black Betty!
 

Got to drive the donor truck today from service station that we have contracted to repair/maintain our fleet vehicles. Good news is, the compression is great on the 260K mile motor. Bad news is, the tranny is in need of a rebuild. Great news is, God's going to help me rebuild both. 1.) I wouldn't settle for a 260K mile motor. 2.) I'll need to be able to move my truck in reverse. 3.) This is what building a project truck is all about. 4.) I may only spend $300-$500 for an entire truck I'll only need a few key items from, and can sell off the rest and make my money back 2 fold! Score! Amen! The way I see it, buying this truck will fund my entire motor/tranny swap and rebuild. If I've done my math right that is...

No progress to report, and my son's baseball season is just ramping up, so it's gonna come slowly. I'm steadily gathering info for the build though.

-shannon

Re: Whoa ohhh Black Betty!
 

Nice!!! I love the Square bodies AND LS Power....

Re: Whoa ohhh Black Betty!
 

No pics, but with the help of the Mrs. and a loaner engine hoist from an old friend, I was able to remove the bed off my truck today. Fortunately, the PO was in the middle of starting this project for himself when he decided to sell the truck. It's not very difficult to get it apart. Just using the little bit of time I can come up with to continue forward.

Re: Whoa ohhh Black Betty!
 

Going to be a cool project for sure, subscribed ;)