Restoration Decision Help!!
 

Hi All,
1972 Chevy K-20 4wd, Complete build, Frame Off, looking for some input as we progress.
1. Convert to electric fan or keep OEM?
2. Convert to Hydraulic brakes or keep orig OEM master cylinder with vacuum booster? I am using the original OE set up, disc front and drum rear.
3. Convert steering column and steering wheel or keep orig OEM? If conversion any input on year, make and model that is popular to retrofit with?
4. Originally a NON-A/C truck but thinking of converting using Vintage Air or LMC Trucks brand. Input appreciated.

Thanks in advance for your input.

Re: Restoration Decision Help!!
 

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I would keep the OEM fan

If you are talking about the HydroBoost brake and PS setup There are a few threads on here about the swap. Here is one:

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=523502

I would use the Vintage air setup.

By the way, I love the color.....

LockDoc

Re: Restoration Decision Help!!
 

Thanks LockDoc! I went round and round with keeping it the original color or changing it but In all honesty I couldn’t find any other color that I liked better than the original “mustard” color. It really pops when it’s fresh and new paint.

Re: Restoration Decision Help!!
 

How about some more information on how you plan on using the truck? Some modifications may make more sense under certain conditions.
Great color and Welcome Aboard!

Re: Restoration Decision Help!!
 

1-3: keep it simple and stick w OEM (OEM tilt)
4: Vintage Air

Re: Restoration Decision Help!!
 

Nice truck. Looks great so far.

If going ac use the clutch fan with a electric fan up inside the shroud when the AC is on. It will pull more air though the radiator and keep the head temperature down in the ac.

If your motor allows your brakes to work good then stay with vacuum.

Several members here rebuild tilt column's are will sell you one out right. Stay factory.

I like classic air group for ac stuff. You keep your trucks heat and just add the AC.:chevy:

Re: Restoration Decision Help!!
 

Awesome Colorado rig you're building there and ochre to boot:metal:
I've been happy with the installs of vintage air on mine and my old man's truck. With his we are going to put in a booster electric fan in addition to the mechanical fan clutch to just keep the head pressure down as Andy mentioned. Both trucks originally weren't AC trucks but nothing a few cuts in the dash with the buzz saw can't take care of. We cut in the vents in my dash after paint and just had to take extra care.
Can't go wrong with an oe column. If you dont have a wild cam a vaccum brake booster should work fine and save a ton of build time. :metal:

Re: Restoration Decision Help!!
 

can't comment on all your items, but...

2) I would vote for hydroboost. I did the conversion and always have consistent pedal
4) Yes on vintage air

Re: Restoration Decision Help!!
 

I can only comment with personal experience with one item you requested. I’ve lived in Colorado all my life and built all stripes of small block Chevys. Because of our higher altitude any camshaft hotter than stock Can produce low vacuum issues for power brake systems. If your engine is anything other than a stock rebuild I would just go straight to the hydro boost and never look back. That system is particularly good in a heavier truck such as your K 20. Looks like a fun build, enjoy!

Steve weim55 Colorado

Re: Restoration Decision Help!!
 

I really like the feel of the hydro boost brakes..

Re: Restoration Decision Help!!
 

I just did a hydroboost conversion too and am a big fan. It gets my vote too.

Re: Restoration Decision Help!!
 

Doesn't look like you're doing a perfectly stock "restoration". So, I'd say hydroboost and vintage air for excellent upgrades. Not sure your be able to find a column better than a good rebuilt factory, especially tilt.