New For Me 1985 Silverado 20 6.2 Diesel

[HotWheelsBurban]

Maybe the camper shell is for an OBS GM truck, I think they're a little bit more narrow at the top of the bed/box.

 

[89Suburban]

Well, I drove the truck on my weekly town trip. Got Classic tags, so I don't ever have to buy tags, so now all my vehicles are Classic, kinda like Me. Anyway lots of stops and etc, many starts, and the only trouble is waiting for the glow plug light to go out. Cruse control is great. Got a few complements as well, so feels so good to be in a square. Did a little more detailing, gotta clean up the engine compartment. If this was my 54, just get out the pressure washer and wash the heck outa the engine, but afraid that will damage something, so doing the johnny armstrong method. Starting to look good. I will get some oven cleaner and spray the block, pan trans and pressure wash that off, then finish the top side. Hate popping the hood and seeing gunk, ugg. Nice ol' Ferd......

I miss watching those hoods with the emblem eating up the roads.

 

[Craig Nedrow]

Maybe the camper shell is for an OBS GM truck, I think they're a little bit more narrow at the top of the bed/box.

This was off a 94? and they were the right length (99") but 69 3/8 inch and we need 71". I may try to find a 99-presant, as they are the right width, but about two inches longer. I would cut out the two inches, use sheet metal and rivets, and then re-fiberglass and paint carpet . A bit of work...but I have done quite a bit of fiberglass work, and though it is messy, i think it would be just about perfect and after paint, not noticeable.

 

[HotWheelsBurban]

This was off a 94? and they were the right length (99") but 69 3/8 inch and we need 71". I may try to find a 99-presant, as they are the right width, but about two inches longer. I would cut out the two inches, use sheet metal and rivets, and then re-fiberglass and paint carpet . A bit of work...but I have done quite a bit of fiberglass work, and though it is messy, i think it would be just about perfect and after paint, not noticeable.

Yep '88-'98 GM trucks (the series after the square bodies, internally called GMT400's) are commonly known as "OBS" for "old body style" or "original body style" since they're the first of the C/K1500-2500-3500 designations.
They still have the 8' bed, but the sides are a little narrower and the bed actually tapers a small amount towards the rear. I've been relearning the tricks for loading a pickup bed to its fullest capacity, since I got my '97 CCLB a couple of years ago. We'd had Suburbans for so many years, I'd forgotten how you can't just toss stuff in the back, in a pickup....
My plans for this truck include a shell at some point, but I haven't found one I can afford that doesn't need a LOT of work. And I gotta get the building organized so I can get the truck under my chain hoist. That and some straps, and I can have a cover when I need one, and better visibility when I don't.

 

[Craig Nedrow]

I have not been setting on my hands, have been working on the square. Pulled the rad, but shop I trust said it was or soon will be shot, it was leaking slowely from a few spots. Ordered a brass/copper original coming from Texas, be here next week. In the mean time, both tanks are slowely leaking, so up on the lift and investigating. There is dirt PACKED!!!! on both tanks, gallon on each side that was trapped by the cover. I have decided on two new tanks, rings, switch, six port valve, wire harness, but can't see if this diesel tank has two or three ports on the floats. I want to order all this stuff asap, hoping for some help.

 

[Craig Nedrow]

I am farther along since the last post. Old tanks out, new tanks here this afternoon. Here are the correct numbers for my diesel truck. Tanks are the same. FG are the left and right float. Mine is a two tube, these are three, so will plug the vent, as it is already vented by the fill area. The floats are from O'Reilly's, SirRobino had a post and that is where the shop gets there's. Easy to return, but they seem good. 94 ohms full, 1.2 ohms empty, close enough foe me.

 

[Craig Nedrow]

Dell has been up twice this week and today was mostly cleaning day. Washing the frame, then we scrubbed it with purple power, wash scrub, you get the drift. Frame is a thing of beauty, almost ready to paint, tank supports washed scrubbed, wire brushed, scrubbed, one more pressure wash. Dried cleaned with alcohol, and painted. Battery tray's are not perfect, but did the same cleaning routine, and painted the bottom with flex steel. it dries slow, but that's ok as they are one of the last things to install.

 

[Craig Nedrow]

What does this thing do?

 

[Craig Nedrow]

Here is the frame, I will use this Dupli-Color paint, 1635, Craig 85 told me about it. Just got a case from Summit today. It is like a 30% sheen like a stock truck. Seems to stick well. I can't believe how expensive paint is!

 

[Craig Nedrow]

Here is the filler hose numbers, both the same, and the switching valve. Was hoping for great instructions, very minimal and very blurred and hard to read. I do believe I saw a post with a wiring diagram will look for that. The vent hoses are not here yet, coming from Rock auto.
As an aside, hot on the trail of a 1955 Belair, body work is supposed to be done, but a basket case. I always wanted one, like the black 55 in American Graffiti that Harrison drove when he raced the 32 Ford. Been thinkin of motors already......no Ls, mouse or rat. Geez then my neighbor has a short box 1976 K10 454, has a canopy, white, looks pretty nice, need that to...Gotta think of the grand kids rig.

 

[squaredeal91]

What does this thing do?

Load sensing Brake proportion valve.

 

[squaredeal91]

Here is the filler hose numbers, both the same, and the switching valve. Was hoping for great instructions, very minimal and very blurred and hard to read. I do believe I saw a post with a wiring diagram will look for that. The vent hoses are not here yet, coming from Rock auto.
As an aside, hot on the trail of a 1955 Belair, body work is supposed to be done, but a basket case. I always wanted one, like the black 55 in American Graffiti that Harrison drove when he raced the 32 Ford. Been thinkin of motors already......no Ls, mouse or rat. Geez then my neighbor has a short box 1976 K10 454, has a canopy, white, looks pretty nice, need that to...Gotta think of the grand kids rig.

Of those 3 years Im definitely a 55 guy myself. Ever seen 2 lane black top?

 

[Craig Nedrow]

Geez Greg that's a mouth full, Thanks!
I am hoping to get the gas tanks in this weekend, and install the switch in the dash, that looks like fun, then get the wiring straightened out, as nothing worked before, and this is the first time delving into this debunkel. My new floats have both terminals with the little studs that has the rubber hat connector that slides over the stud, I need two of those, or I will use a side spade. I only have a month till my trip to Kentucky and have a long list of maintenance items to do.

 

[Craig Nedrow]

Of those 3 years Im definitely a 55 guy myself. Ever seen 2 lane black top?

Oh yeah, don't get me into car movies Greg!

 

[Craig Nedrow]

But before I install the tanks, I have to wipe the frame down with alcohol or lacquer thinner, and paint. It rained all day, but slow and gentle, low 50's so good shop weather. Had to turn the heater on to dry the painted items. I have been selling a bunch of farm stuff, and that also takes my time. Then a Dr appt on Monday, shess, hit it hard tomorrow.