Finally got a running 65 C10

[1low4x4]

Short video, first night ride

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[1low4x4]

Some pictures

 

[1low4x4]

The emotional rollercoaster this truck is taking me on is diabolical. Drove the truck 20 minutes away, got it up to 65 for probably 10 minutes of that 40 min trip, came home and leaking all sorts of oil. Looked like it was coming from the dampener seal again but not like before, it was just stationary not actively dripping. Started looking elsewhere and the entire pan looks like it 'sweat' oil. Started looking and it really looked like it could have come from the flat surfaces of the pan gasket. So i cleaned it all off, got the torque wrench out, it didnt go down to 12 lbs, so I got the inch lbs wrench out and converted.

Even though I though I probably overtightened the pan bolts causing a leak, turns out I didn't tighten them enough. Took it on another trip, and just drove it to get pizza, pan still dry.

Still have problems with the valve covers but I'm about to throw those in the trash, I shouldve learned my lesson the first time I tried to use finned covers on my squarebody 10 years ago

 

[1low4x4]

Hopefully that’s fixed

 

[1low4x4]

This mf'er will NEVER rust, I can say that much

 

[1low4x4]

Got door switches and under dash lights installed. Works great, got the dome on them too. I wouldn't buy the LMC kit though, the door switches are kind of cheap and they flatten the threads out when you screw them in. They are supposed to cut their own threads, and they do but it ruins the threads on the switch so I wrapped some tin foil on them and put them back in, holding pretty good. I'd source factory switches from a squarebody or something if I did it again. These little additions are what makes a vehicle a joy to drive

Hi/lo switch on the floorboard **** the bed, got a new one to install today. Whole damn truck is going to be new soon.

No more oil leaks as of right now, drove the truck to the gym today 65 mph and back, no leaks, not even valve covers

Replaced the thermostat yesterday cause I suspected it was stuck open (it wasn't) because the truck takes FOREVER to warm up in 45 degree weather. (ran 10 minutes at idle and stayed at 130 on the new gauge). Since I had it out I went ahead and put the new one in.

Today, noticed the coolant temp fluctuating 10/15 degrees back and forth while at highway speeds, assumed there was air in the system. Jacked the front up as far as I could get it, let it run without cap on, squeezed hoses, didn't see the level drop so IDK. Even half unscrewed the plug in the t stat housing with engine off to see if air could come out. I'm sure its fine, I'll check it again when I drive it tomorrow.

Sure is nice driving the truck with the new dash work, especially at night. Makes the 3 on the tree not so bad

The V belt situation is being a pain...I drove squares for years with v belts, multiple in fact, main, PS, AC, 80 mph and never really had a problem but like everything else, this truck is cantankerous. Replaced the belt when I replaced the alternator not long ago. speeds about 65 it would squeal, so I tightened it up. Then, it kept slipping on the bracket, so I tightened it again and damn near stripped out the bolt hole in the alternator. So I got a long bolt, threaded it through and put a nut on the back. Now, it looks like the belt is wearing on the sides pretty good lol. And today she started squealing again when I got close to 65. So idk, the alignment looks fine and hasn't changed. One of them things. On the list I'd really like to go to a serpentine system.

 

[mcarlo86]

What brand thermostat did you put in it? Most are made by Motorad (from Israel) and they seem to be hit and miss for quality. I have been using FlowKooler Robertshaw 330 series thermostats and will not go back. They are much better built. Summit carries them.

 

[1low4x4]

What brand thermostat did you put in it? Most are made by Motorad (from Israel) and they seem to be hit and miss for quality. I have been using FlowKooler Robertshaw 330 series thermostats and will not go back. They are much better built. Summit carries them.

its a motorad, thanks for the tip

 

[1low4x4]

Floorboard and dome lights on door switches

 

[DoubleDingo]

its a motorad, thanks for the tip

I knew it! Motorad sucks

 

[1low4x4]

I knew it! Motorad sucks

But both were in working order

 

[DoubleDingo]

But both were in working order

When you mentioned the gauge going up and down I knew it was motorad before you even mentioned it in the other post.

Had the same thing happen on my 91 cherokee. Found an old Stant I took out years prior, reinstalled the Stant and it's been rock solid ever since.

Stant is no more. Even Stant boxes typically have motorad in them.

 

[1low4x4]

5 hour roadtrip today, not ONE oil drip on the garage floor afterwards

NOS wiper switch came in, works as it should

 

[1low4x4]

A before and after of aiming the headlights, fixing a ground issue and the dash. They are the same headlights.

 

[1low4x4]

Man, I really regret the thumpr cam. I have a few short videos of the truck running when I got it and it was so smooth and quiet. I have not been able to get this truck with its cam to idle below 1000 RPM at idle, I’ve played with timing, I’ve dropped idle down to 750 or 800 and it never likes it. The turndowns don’t help, and that incessant huge exhaust leak noise that I just cannot seem to source. I would really like to get some video of that noise and see what you guys think.Its a loud CH CH CH CH CCHHCHCHCHCHCCHCHHCCC and then goes away at higher rpm. Or at least becomes so fast that it drowns out.

I’ve made up my mind, the 355 with the flat top pistons and the vortec heads from my 84 white k10 is going in this truck with zero modifications, in fact, I may put a completely stock camshaft in it. It doesn’t have a really aggressive cam now, but it has a little sound to it.

A shame, since I literally have this 283 dialed in but the thumper cam is just too much noise. Yeah, you told me so.