Is that a local salvage yard or something? I was hoping to find somewhere I could order online for that price...

www.partsamerica.com this is the checker autoworks/Kragens online partner.

Pep Boys, O Reilley, AutoZone, just about any generic chain store will have them for 20 bucks or so.

You guys rock, my local Checkers has them for $15.99. That sure beats the $50-100 the catalogs charge for these... that's a big difference. I took off the rotors and spindles from my donor front end over the weekend. I'm hoping to put these spindles onto the '70 arms. If for some reason I need to replace ball joints, should I put the '70 ball joints or the '72 ball joints in these arms?

Two more questions: what is everyone using to paint bare metal parts? I am thinking of painting the new master cylinder, booster, hood hinges, etc. POR15 seems overkill for these, I was thinking just paint in a spray can?

And last question for the day, does anyone know of a source to buy new CST/20 emblems? I've literally checked dozens of places, and can only find CST/10 and Custom/20 badges... there has to be someone who has these.

i just use high temp VHT spraypaint. it matches the semi gloss that i painted the engine compartment pretty well

Well, just a quick update. I have this small block 400 in a machine shop, and have replaced the block, reusing the crank, and ordering new pistons. I did find out that the heads on this engine are not reusable. Any advice for replacement heads, from reading on here I have heard good things about Vortec heads. My intent is to build a strong and reliable motor, that is above average or stock specs. I won't be racing, but some trailer towing, and fuel consumption is important too. I could use as many suggestions as possible, such as heads cams pistons etc.

I have found a set of 400 heads for only $50, but will spend extra to go to Vortec heads if it makes a big difference...

All of that blue paint on the engine is a tip off to being a newer engine. Late 70's is when they were blue I think. At least I had a 79 Vette that was blue.

i plan on putting vortecs on my sb400. just make sure the steam holes get drilled or you will have some problems

Yeah that's what I hear. So far the cheapest option I have seen is Summit, they sell the vortecs new for just over $500 for the pair...

Check the dealer for Vortecs...If I remember correctly, they should be just over 400 bucks.

That 400 block alone is work good money by itself.But,if crank turns out useable,why seperate.400s are getting hard to find.A 383 job on a 350 block is slick.But,a 400 already has the torque.And,they can be built to 406 or even 426.Now that`s a B/A small block!Those saddle tanks are add-ons.Often by dealers,mostly in the westsrn states.It`s gonna be tough to find a trade on that TH350 for an 700R4.You might try a junkyard or buying a donor vehicle.By the time you have that rebuilt,you might wanna weigh the option of an outright unit fom someone like Jet Performane.I knlw,we`re gettin` pricey.Good luck,nice trucks.

Thanks. Just to clarify, I am keeping this a 400. It turns out my crank was still perfectly fine even after throwing a rod. My previous 400 block was going to need a sleeve as well as getting bored over again. Luckily I found a virgin 400 block that has never been bored, and cost just a little more than a sleeve repair would have been. So yeah, this will probably turn out to be a little shy of a 406 small block (only going .20 over so I can rebuild again if needed) with 5.7 rods and vortec heads - at least that is the plan so far. Should be fun!

It's been along time since I've given an update to this truck. Here are some pics of progress I've made. Nothing costmetic has changed to the exterior. But at least it runs strong and is back on the road!

Instead of the small block 400, I opted to put that into another truck and put a new GM Goodwrench 350 in this. Installed a 700r4 behind it that I got from bisquick65. What a great feeling to have it drop into fourth gear!

Also installed new carpet, a tach dash, driveline, exhaust, power brake booster, etc. Just little things here and there when I get time, and money. Next up is the disc front end conversion.

Many, many thanks to all those who have chipped in with answers to all my questions. This truck simply would not be here if it wasn't for this board!

He could put an LS1 in the Bug.. that might be interesting... LOL


Nice truck there.. I see I'm not the only one with er.. "alternative" materials making up my cab corners. :))

I love the 66. Is that the one that was giving you fits when you first got it running?

No, it was this truck pictured, the '70. You have a good memory. What it boiled down to was having the incorrect harmonic balancer, so my timing was not where it needed to be. And replacing my Road Demon carb for this Edelbrock. Runs great now!

Hey Vortexofpain,

The camper loading gizmo is called an EZloader. I have on for my 1969 Mitchell camper that came with my 1970 C20 Custom Camper. They work really nice for loading the campers....just walks them right up into the bed.

It's a strange coincidence that I have a green truck and a Silver Beetle too. :crazy:

Super nice truck! I especially like how everything you have touched, you have cleaned. Damn thats a lot of work! See you have the BTO TV set-up. Made that 700 install easy, huh? Only 2 things I'd like to point out to save ya some trouble later is to put some heat sleeves on your plug wires if u are gonna route em like that and ya might wana think about getting a double spring set-up for your carb return. Would kinda suck if that one broke. Hope ya don;t leave us hanging for another 9 months!
Rich

Thats turning into a really nice ride.. Keep up the good work..

Great Work! Keep The Progress Pics A Comin'