Project "Primer Black Stallion"

[jdheff1982]

This is my 1985 Silverado. Bought it back in August and now has occupied more of my time than any other vehicle I have owned. I am hoping to have most of what I want / need done finished by next summer.

Repairs:
1.) Gaskets for timing chain cover, oil pan, and tranny pan fixed.
2.) Alternator
3.) New battery cables
4.) Starters (Going 3 now)
5.) Front shocks
6.) More to come, I'm sure...

Future plans include the following:
1.) Resolve starter issues
2.) Rebuild Edelbrock 600 carb
3.) Replace steering components
4.) Fix fuel sender
5.) Replace dash gauges with Autometer gauges
6.) Replace interior with black pieces. (I want a black and red theme. Lower dash will remain red)
7.) Replace hood with cowl induction
8.) Get roll pan installed (Gonna get it welded on)
9.) Replace primer black with actual paint. Truck was originally 2-tone Apple Red and Silver. I am thinking of using either one as a mone-tone color scheme.
10.) To be announced later.

[cletis]

Looks like a good start, I love flat black...

[jdheff1982]

Finally got smoe more in depth shots of the engine bay. I noticed that the carb is missing a few parts. (Hint: the twisty tie is stepping in)

[jdheff1982]

I guess you all would like to know what is under the hood...

Engine: 350 bored to a 355 (possible late 60's, early 70's corvette motor)
Cam: Big Muther Thumper Comp Cam #12-602-4
Pistons: Flat Top
Crank and Rods: Skat
Exhaust: Hooker Headers + Flowmasters
Compression: 10.5:1
Heads: 602 Heads w/ larger valve ports + polished
Intake: Edelbrock 600 Carb and Intake Manifold

Tranny: TH-400

Rear End: 3.08 stock

[tylervalo]

Looks like you're missing the vacuum canister.

[jdheff1982]

Just an update. As of October 4th, the Edelbrock 600 has been replaced with an Edelbrock 750.

[chevy_skills]

Originally Posted by tylervalo

Looks like you're missing the vacuum canister.

He is. also lookes like oil cooler lines are pluged but cant tell for sure. Really nice start though! Thats a truck to be proud of even though your just getting started.

[jdheff1982]

Originally Posted by chevy_skills

He is. also lookes like oil cooler lines are pluged but cant tell for sure. Really nice start though! Thats a truck to be proud of even though your just getting started.

I had wondered what the plugged tubing was for. If it is the oil cooler lines, where would I need to run them to make them functional again?

[chevy_skills]

Radiator should have inlets on it. Else wise you will have to buy and after market cooler or a radiator with the inlets

[jdheff1982]

Updated pics with new carb.




The front left stud mount is missing because the PO drilled the mounting hole on the other carb bigger for a bolt. It will get a proper stud soon. I am also curious if I need to use that spacer. The intake manifold is edelbrock and the manual said that some of their intakes need the 4 holed spacer. Kinda looks tacky. I ought to have one of those phenolic (sp?) type spacers to reduce vapor lock.

Also, the dizzy will be upgraded soon to a red MSD cap + internals and wires. After (or before) that, I want to hide all the exposed wiring in the engine bay, replace trans vacuum line with an actual vacuum line (PO has clear tubing up to a certain point before it turns to a black hose), relocate heater hoses to where they are running along the side of the fender behind the battery, and replace main rad hose. Hopefully that will get the engine bay looking better.

This spring will be all about the interior. It looks ok as is, but the seats are crap and so is the center console. I will be ordering a new bench setup from discountvantrucks.com. The dash cluster will be replaced with either a Dakota Digital digital dash kit or I will build a dash using Autometer gauges. All red plastic trim, door panels, and dash will be replaced with black along with a black headliner. I want to replace rear window with solid glass (in fact, all glass will be replaced as they have primer over spray and are scratched.) I might even try installing a floor shifter.

So, those are the plans. Hopefully, I won't have to deviate.

[cable666guy]

As somebody posted on this site, progress is progress! Nice start, keep it up!!

[trout]

nice truck