72 k20 project

[ryanroo]

Originally Posted by Dieselwrencher

On the Kelderman air ride, how do you mean by clunky? I've installed some of their kits and at first I thought it was over priced BS. But after I drove the first truck with the 4 link rear air ride, I was totally surprised. I feel their kit was heavy duty enough to do what ever I'd want to with a pick up.

i have no reason to doubt that it works, its just way to "bolt on" for this nutcase. i didnt mean it was clunky in operation, just that it looks.... i dunno how to explain it. i'm gonna do it my way and then ill be happy.

Originally Posted by Dieselwrencher

On the air compressor, used usually $400 up. A reman from holset is $1700 and a reman bendex was $750 last time I had to get one. The biggest issue is they use a different power steering pump that you will have to regulate down, and then find another source for vacuum for blend doors if you don't go with a vintage air kit.

i can stomach 4 bills for a used one if it works.(so,, if you happen across one...) i'm sure one of the hydro assist companies could detune the pump pretty easily. they have an internal bypass valve usually that just requires a different spring. the vacuum thing is a head scratcher. i wonder if there is a way to use the vacuum produced by the intake suction of the compressor... i doubt it makes much or any vacuum though. maybe ill just pony up for a decent electric and be done with it....

[jbclassix]

My buddies 2000 S10 had an electric vacuum pump on it... I have seen some other cars with electric vacuum too

[SCHRUMGMC]

Why do people add Modern Day beds to their trucks ?

[Dieselwrencher]

You could incorporate a belt driven from any 7.3l, or an electric one found on 6.0 trucks.

I hear you on the Kelderman kit. I'd definitely like to put air ride on one of my trucks. But first I need to get one more running.

[Dieselwrencher]

Originally Posted by SCHRUMGMC

Why do people add Modern Day beds to their trucks ?

I have no idea. But Ryan's truck sure doesn't have one on it...................

[ryanroo]

i was laying on the couch after i typed that and remembered the electric pumps on various cars... not so much of a head scratcher as i originally thought.

Originally Posted by Dieselwrencher

I have no idea. But Ryan's truck sure doesn't have one on it...................

Hahaha. i'm pretty sure the truck i snatched my bed from was a 72 so it is a dead match!

Ryan

[RatRod68]

I am serious on the statement of if you build it, build 2. I've got money. not much, but some!

[Dieselwrencher]

Originally Posted by RatRod68

I am serious on the statement of if you build it, build 2. I've got money. not much, but some!

I'll sell my 72.

[RatRod68]

Originally Posted by Dieselwrencher

I'll sell my 72.

i just want the airbag setup!

[SCHRUMGMC]

Yeah haha, man I just cant understand why

[sduckworth13]

Your build looks great, all around nice work.
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[BigRed76]

Originally Posted by ryanroo

so, to replace the crap stock stuff, i whipped out a pair of these today. bushing tubes are 2" .250" wall DOM. the frame has a 1.875" hole punched for clearance around the stock cast piece. i turned the tube down to slip fit tightly into the stock hole in the frame and will locate and holesaw the other side in the boxing plate after it is firmly in place. the bolt sleeves are just .750" .120" wall DOM faced on the lathe for the cool guy effect. and mostly just because i was there. i will use a normal spring eye bushing for the new upper shackle bushing, hopefully greatly increasing the durability with the added weight of the cummins.

Are those universal bushings you used for the frame? Where did you get them?

[ryanroo]

Thanks!
They are 1.5" t-bushings. I think i bought them from ruffstuff. They are pretty standard but they are considered leaf spring eye bushings.
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[SCHRUMGMC]

Oh wow thats neat

[ryanroo]

So... i havent posted much in the way of pics, most of what ive been doing has been seen before. but here are a few of some of the end results







and i am having some fitment issues with the DS rocker. the PS looks like it will line up better, but i wont know till i hang the door.

Does anyone have GM rockers?

i have the door pushed in all the way. i didnt spend much time trying to adjust this, so it may be able to be better



the cab corner matches the door very nicely. the rocker just seems to short

[boonedogs72]

My repop rockers fit the same way....
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[ryanroo]

So i fiddled with the rockers today and got them zip screwed in a much better way. they will work pretty good now. i also think i am going to try the pliogrip epoxy glue to attach the rockers.





not a real good look at the fitment, but it also looks like the gaps will turn out pretty decent. plenty good enough for me.

i also added another emblem to the wall. i think i found something to collect. i already collect books(i read A LOT and try to buy a new book every week or so) but i really like decorating my wall with these...



ryan

[DeadheadNM]

Nice work! I'm told doors can be a real bear to align - is it possibly the doors not the rockers that are giving you grief?

BTW - Have you read any Cormac McCarthy? If not check out Blood Meridian or The Crossing...

[ryanroo]

the doors line up real well with the contour of the cab, so i was more irritated that the rockers didnt stick out far enough. im sure the doors will be fun, but i plan on having the body guy help me out if i cant get the panel alignment done myself. they seem to be into masochism. anyhow, i got the rockers to come out a little without affecting the other important relationships. i think it was just stamping differences from stock.

i haven't read any McCarthy, but i will order some next time i hit the bookstore!

[1985-GMC]

Looking real nice! But did Mr. Fab just say hes going to use glue to attach the rockers?

[ryanroo]

Hahaha...

bodywork doesnt feel like fab to me. the metal is to thin.... case in point, i cant stop thinking about the links/bags for the rear, and i think i am going to order the link tubing soon. i just need to see if we can single point internal thread 1 1/4"-12 deep enough with our tooling at work or if i should just use tube adapters... its gonna be fun to make some beefcake links

[Dieselwrencher]

I had the same fitment issue on my rockers too. Slice and dice then weld.

Beefcakes, ehhhhhhhh?
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[jbclassix]

I have the same garage door opener... That's probably the most important thing you will ever remember me sayin.

[gerfunken]

Originally Posted by jbclassix

I have the same garage door opener... That's probably the most important thing you will ever remember me sayin.

I tell you, those garage door openers are pretty styling...

Anyway, been lurking around the build for a while, figured I'd jump in. Love the K20's....

[ryanroo]

a few more bits of stuff done. i have a bunch of weld finishing to do and the cab will be ready for the blaster and painter/body guy.

i cut way more out than was rusty, just to make sure there was nothing bad happening close to the area that was rusted through. i douched the in between area with rust convertor as best as i could, but there was nothing more than surface rust anywhere else





hopefully a minimal amount of filler will be required



rockers are all glued on. i am really glad i decided to try the panel adhesive. i used LORD Fuser. i still need to buff the ooze off but it is slow to cure in my cool garage



got the firewall converted to A/C and patched the little spot of rust in the blower motor area.



and i patched the lower cowl area. the inside was pretty clean but it had a bit of rust through in one area. the inside was covered in rust converter as well