Re: Budget Build 1985 K20
 

I been working on this thing whenever I get time in hopes that I will be driving it next summer. We’ll see!

Got the axles and springs off the frame then blasted and painted. One of the leafs in the rear spring pack was cracked so I had a local spring shop make me a new leaf. I swear this thing was jumped a time or two in its life!

Re: Budget Build 1985 K20
 

Next up was the front axle and frame. I was hoping to just clean up the front axle since the previous owner already put new ball joints in it but when I was using my engine hoist to get it in stands it had oil pouring out the axle tube. Crap! New axle seals are in order along with seals bearings brakes and new ball joints I guess.

I also had to weld new shock mounts on the front axle. Did I mention I think this thing might have been used a a Fall Guy truck?

I also farmed out the blasting of the frame. Best $200 I ever spent. This was only the second thing that I have farmed out on this build. The first was the tranny rebuild.

Re: Budget Build 1985 K20
 

Now let’s get some epoxy on this stuff!

I also cobbled together a frame rotisserie. It worked great.

I think I now have most of everything painted! Time for the fun part assembly. But first I think I will clean my shop floor!

Re: Budget Build 1985 K20
 

Looking good man!

Re: Budget Build 1985 K20
 

Man you are cranking. Great progress.
Keep it up the white stuff is coming....

Marc

Re: Budget Build 1985 K20
 

Very nice work!

Re: Budget Build 1985 K20
 

Thanks guys!

Re: Budget Build 1985 K20
 

Made some progress on assembly this weekend.

Re: Budget Build 1985 K20
 

Shocks on, engine stands on, sway bar on, brake lines done and back on 4 tires. I also pulled the crate motor out that I bought earlier in the summer. I was planning on going with the GM 350/357 but they upped the price by $1200 so I settled on a Blueprint 355 that has about 400 HP and 420 ft/lb of torque. This is a budget build after all!

Re: Budget Build 1985 K20
 

That Blueprint setup should do the job!

Rolling chassis looks good ��

Re: Budget Build 1985 K20
 

There's not much better than seeing a clean chassis get assembled.

Re: Budget Build 1985 K20
 

Coming along nice !! Frame came out sweet.

Re: Budget Build 1985 K20
 

We have a rollin chassis. That is one of those milestones on a frame off build. Looks great.

Marc

Re: Budget Build 1985 K20
 

Thank you!

I agree.

Thank you!

It sure is. It feels good to be putting stuff together instead of taking stuff apart.

Re: Budget Build 1985 K20
 

Drive line is in. Time to build the exhaust. My favorite part.

Re: Budget Build 1985 K20
 

Clean work, that chassis looks great! I really like the sheen on that paint. What did you use?

Re: Budget Build 1985 K20
 

Thank you! It is SPI black epoxy.

Re: Budget Build 1985 K20
 

I got some exhaust pipe tacked up. I just need to build some hangers and pull it out to do the final welding.

Re: Budget Build 1985 K20
 

Nice, looks clean!

Re: Budget Build 1985 K20
 

Getting some welding done tonight.

Re: Budget Build 1985 K20
 

It's clear now that you were serious when you said the exhaust is your favorite part and not being sarcastic. It looks great. Do you mind sharing any of your secrets on building an exhaust like that? Do you start with some sort of kit?
Full disclosure I'll probably never put together another exhaust as it's not one of my favorite things to do but still interested in how you do it.

Re: Budget Build 1985 K20
 

Nice welds!

Re: Budget Build 1985 K20
 

No kit. Just some tube and a box of elbows. There is no real secret other than an angle finder and some masking tape. I like to cut the tube and tape it to the elbows for mock up. Then I when I have things like I want them I mark them with a sharpie and take them to the bench to tack them. I will then put them back on and continue with the next piece of tube and fitting until I have a section done to weld.

I like to try to make both sides as symmetrical as I can get them and brush and clean the welds when I am done. I see a lot of guys leave the blue on weld when they are done welding but I just prefer it clean and shiny.

Re: Budget Build 1985 K20
 

Thanks! The older I get the harder it is to see welding! It was way easier when I was young. I have upgraded my hood to a 2.0 cheater and the shade is on 9! Haha!

Re: Budget Build 1985 K20
 

Exhaust is all welded up and installed as far as I am going to take it until I get the bed bolted back on. When the bed goes back on I will finish the exit pieces.

I also installed an ep381 fuel pump on a 87 sender for the fuel injection going on……..if it ever shows up!