My New Truck

[ShortHaul]

Originally Posted by Factory Guy

Here's my core I plan to start with, another 73-79 OEM Squarebody dash that is all cracked up.

Man you never cease to impress me! I'll definitely be following along this restoration as my pristine original dash has now developed a single crack down the center from he speaker box.

[Factory Guy]

Originally Posted by ShortHaul

Man you never cease to impress me! I'll definitely be following along this restoration as my pristine original dash has now developed a single crack down the center from he speaker box.

Thank you! I enjoy trying new things out and learning how to do such.

[Factory Guy]

Started on the New LS Swap. I grabbed this LS Engine out of a running Express Van 2500. It seems pretty complete. Prior to purchase I did not get to pull the valve covers, but when I did I was pleasantly surprised how clean the valve train and the top of the engine was. Oh BTW its a LQ4 6.0.

Been doing a bunch of research of the Tejas Steelwork web site as he has a awesome guide that shows lots of tips on what to do for swapping a LS into a Squarebody.

Here's the link:

https://tejassteelworks.com/wp-conte...uide-73_87.pdf

[ShortHaul]

Originally Posted by Factory Guy

Started on the New LS Swap. I grabbed this LS Engine out of a running Express Van 2500. It seems pretty complete. Prior to purchase I did not get to pull the valve covers, but when I did I was pleasantly surprised how clean the valve train and the top of the engine was. Oh BTW its a LQ4 6.0.

Been doing a bunch of research of the Tejas Steelwork web site as he has a awesome guide that shows lots of tips on what to do for swapping a LS into a Squarebody.

Here's the link:

https://tejassteelworks.com/wp-conte...uide-73_87.pdf

Bravo! Best of luck sir... if I managed, I have no doubt you'll have yours up and running in no time. Feel free to reach out if you come to any dead ends.

Edit: tejas' guide is very helpful. Also the United by Trucks youtube page, and specifically their "Pecos" build has a lot of solid info, part numbers etc.

[Factory Guy]

Originally Posted by ShortHaul

Bravo! Best of luck sir... if I managed, I have no doubt you'll have yours up and running in no time. Feel free to reach out if you come to any dead ends.

Edit: tejas' guide is very helpful. Also the United by Trucks youtube page, and specifically their "Pecos" build has a lot of solid info, part numbers etc.

Agreed! United by trucks, "Pecos" has given me lots of information along with a bunch of other sites on the Interwebs!

[Factory Guy]

I haven't posted in a while. Been working on the new engine. Slowly tearing it down to see what's what. This LS engine looks real complicated from all the wiring and stuff up top. One you take that off it doesn't seem near as bad.

And of course this engine has a broken exhaust studs on both heads.

[Factory Guy]

So I guess I will need to figure out a new fuel system for this truck. Plans are to take the left (drivers side) fuel tank and convert it to Fuel injection. Passenger side will remain as carbureted for now so I can still drive the truck. My plans are NOT to take the truck apart until the new engine runs and is ready to be placed into the truck.

Yes I plan to start the engine before it goes into its final home.

So I bought a new fuel tank (1987 C20) and Fuel Injection, pump for the left fuel side. Since the fuel tank didn't come with any paint I first painted it with Rust Oleum rusty metal primer on the tank then put on Rust Oleum Silver. I have had extremely good luck with these Rust Oleum paints.

I painted some fenders with this Paint (Rusty Metal Primer) over 40 years ago and still own that car and they have never rusted through!

Fuel sending unit is stock style (Spectre brand-1987 C20). Fuel pump is a Kemso 340. The I tested the unit before I set it in the Tank, both the pump and the sending unit.

Using the Gates Barricade Fuel injection hoses for my fuel lines back to the hard steel lines that already exist on the truck (since they are in great shape).