First time build for me. 1966 C-20

[slapthefunkyfour]

I figured I'd start a build thread. You all can read and give suggestions and comments. I mostly just want a place to document my progress all in one spot.

So here is the truck as I bought it about 2 years ago for $750.











I drove it about 250 mile home, in the dark, in the rain. It made it all the way with no problems at all. (the drivers side window fell out of the track when I shut the door at a gas station, but other than that......) I got about 9 miles a gallon on the way home on the freeway. I figured out once we got home, that it was running on only 6 cylinders the entire way!

[slapthefunkyfour]

Here is the very first photo shoot I did once I got it home.

Outside:

[slapthefunkyfour]

Engine is the original 283 with a 4 speed manual trans.

[slapthefunkyfour]

Interior is all stock except for the radio cutout which had been cut up by the PO. All the metal is still there, just bent out of the way.

[slapthefunkyfour]

Now, the goodies.

[slapthefunkyfour]

First modification was to teach my daughter how to replace the leaky water outlet gasket.







Holy crap, I forgot how long my hair was back then. (it's now very short)

[slapthefunkyfour]

Second mod: Clean up the stock intake, and install a super custom air cleaner cover.

[slapthefunkyfour]

Next, I got some sweet stock aluminum wheels from a newer truck. Cut the front springs and added 2 1/2" blocks to the rear.

[slapthefunkyfour]

The original engine finally kicked the bucket and spun a bearing. Time to put in a 350.

Old one out:



New one in:

[slapthefunkyfour]

After less than 200 miles, one of the connecting rod bolts came undone. Very sad day. The engine hadn't even had a chance to break in yet.











This is about half of what I dug out of the inside.

[slapthefunkyfour]

So now, we are up to date.

I picked up a used engine block, crank, rods and pistons. The block is bored .060 over, and the crank is turned .020 under.

I've got a re-ring kit coming from summit that should be here tomorrow.

So, today will be spent cleaning and polishing the pistons and painting the block.

[Captainfab]

That pic of your daughter helping you brings back memories of when my daughter was younger. She was my little helper for a while. It is good to see another father getting his daughter involved in these old trucks.

That sucks about your new engine....I remember reading about it over in 'Engine and Drivetrain' a while back. I hope you have better luck with the new one.

[slapthefunkyfour]

I spent all day yesterday getting the short block ready for assembly. I painted the block, cleaned and polished the pistons, rods and crank, cleaned and painted the timing cover, and the trim pieces in the front of the radiator.

Before:









Old timing covers make great painting masks.

[slapthefunkyfour]

After:









I just put clear over the bare metal on the balancer cause it just looked awesome!

[slapthefunkyfour]

Woo Hoo! Look what just showed up at my house.





Time to get to work.

[acool66]

Finding new parts in the mail is the best! Good luck on your build.

[slapthefunkyfour]

Updating. The engine rebuild went great. Everything is installed and running perfect except for some weird electrical gremlins. With 47 year old wiring, that is to be expected.

First, check out my super custom benchtop wire wheel thread cleaning machine.

[slapthefunkyfour]

Now for some more building progress pics.















Stainless socket head cap screws everywhere. Instead of buying a bolt kit from summit or other aftermarket company, I went to a local place Bolt And Nut Supply and got enough bolts to do the entire engine for less than $20. Awesome.

[slapthefunkyfour]

More pics.





Cleaning out the head bolt holes. I realized that this should be done BEFORE the engine is assembled. Oops.

[slapthefunkyfour]

Putting the accessories on with my own custom brackets that I built myself.

[slapthefunkyfour]

On the hoist, and ready to drop in.



Getting the flywheel and clutch ready.



Dropped in, finally.

[slapthefunkyfour]

New exhaust parts. I know its the cheap stuff, but since I'm on a very strict budget, it will have to do until I can afford a proper exhaust system.







Don't be jealous of my awesome welding skills.

[slapthefunkyfour]

Here is a crappy video during the break in process. The exhaust sounds horrible in this video, but in real life it sounds surprisingly good.

http://youtu.be/Nk56clDZ_vw

I am not sure how to embed a video on here. Sorry.

[slapthefunkyfour]

Finished. Done.



I have since got some spark plug wire separators to clean up to help keep them off the headers. Melted spark plug wires are a bad thing.

[slapthefunkyfour]

Next project is to install some new stock height springs. Maybe 1" drop. I love the way the truck looks with it lowered, but not very practical for every day use. I do actually use this truck as a truck. I'll haul lumber, take trash to the dumps, carry topsoil for the garden, you know, stuff that a truck is supposed to do. The lowered springs make this difficult.