Just bought a classic truck

NVGator

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So now it’s really just a question of cheetah or zebra print. I’ll be honest, it’s a tough call.
I think the easy answer is tiger print. That way you get the strips of the zebra without it being a boring black and white. It allows you to bring in the color variations of the cheetah without being annoying dots.
 

oxrageous

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That truck is cool - looks like fun. However, be wary of sinking far more money in it than it's worth, like I did with my '89 Corvette project. After a while you begin to resent it and then you finally will dump it for peanuts at a huge loss just so you don't have to look at it anymore.
 

Detroitgator

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That truck is cool - looks like fun. However, be wary of sinking far more money in it than it's worth, like I did with my '89 Corvette project. After a while you begin to resent it and then you finally will dump it for peanuts at a huge loss just so you don't have to look at it anymore.
Wait, this sounds like a metaphor for kids.
 

jeeping8r

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Keeping the carb or getting one of the bolt on EFI setups? They run about 1K and most everything, except the in line fuel pump and O2 sensor, Are contained within the throttle body. They have a display you put in or on dash to do the initial setup.

If you can find an old fashioned lead body guy that's the best way but hold onto your wallet
 

Zambo

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I have done a couple of bolt on EFI setups. They are easy. FITech makes a kit for about a grand that includes everything.

If its gonna be a daily driver rather than something to tinker around in once in a while, consider doing an LS swap. Putting a modern engine and trans in a truck like that is simple. You can find 5.3L engine/trans setups with computer and all rotating accessories for cheap with plenty of miles left. And there are no shortage of kits that include motor mounts and everything you need to retrofit it into the old truck.

I like the squarebody GM trucks like yours from 73-87. Certainly a lot better than the next generation which to me look all plasticy. Donk is right about the late 60s trucks up through 72...great looking vehicle and will probably be my next project after I finish this damn RV.

Here's a few pics of my 75 K20 before it went under the knife. And after.
img_0182-jpg.85681
img_0188-jpg.85682
img_0187-jpg.85683

IMG_2012.jpg
 
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jeeping8r

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I'm dealing with a FI tech on a 302 ford that's been transplanted into a Jeep. So many have messed with it I'm going to do a reset and start over.
Some poor welds around the header collector/exhaust pipe junction aren't helping either, roughly 3" ahead of O2 sensor
 

crosscreekcooter

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I was trying to buy this '49 Canopy Express last month but apparently pissed the seller off. Woman stationed in Afghanistan, after I offered her a thousand less than her posted price she quit returning my emails.


main.jpg
 

MJMGator

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I was trying to buy this '49 Canopy Express last month but apparently pissed the seller off. Woman stationed in Afghanistan, after I offered her a thousand less than her posted price she quit returning my emails.
Reminds me of the truck Luke’s (Cool Hand Luke) mamma was in.

main.jpg
 

Zambo

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I'm dealing with a FI tech on a 302 ford that's been transplanted into a Jeep. So many have messed with it I'm going to do a reset and start over.
Some poor welds around the header collector/exhaust pipe junction aren't helping either, roughly 3" ahead of O2 sensor
Yeah it should be pretty straightforward. Of course if there is a manifold leak before the O2 sensor it will think the mixture is lean and dump too much fuel into the throttle body. I broke a header during a race a few years ago and it caused the truck to run so rich I had fire shooting out of the exhaust.
 

Swamp Donkey

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I was trying to buy this '49 Canopy Express last month but apparently pissed the seller off. Woman stationed in Afghanistan, after I offered her a thousand less than her posted price she quit returning my emails.


main.jpg
wow. that is excellent.

Call her back and fix it.
 
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Concrete Helmet

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I have done a couple of bolt on EFI setups. They are easy. FITech makes a kit for about a grand that includes everything.

If its gonna be a daily driver rather than something to tinker around in once in a while, consider doing an LS swap. Putting a modern engine and trans in a truck like that is simple. You can find 5.3L engine/trans setups with computer and all rotating accessories for cheap with plenty of miles left. And there are no shortage of kits that include motor mounts and everything you need to retrofit it into the old truck.

I like the squarebody GM trucks like yours from 73-87. Certainly a lot better than the next generation which to me look all plasticy. Donk is right about the late 60s trucks up through 72...great looking vehicle and will probably be my next project after I finish this damn RV.

Here's a few pics of my 75 K20 before it went under the knife. And after.
img_0182-jpg.85681
img_0188-jpg.85682
img_0187-jpg.85683

32473
Don't look now Jeepn8r....
Replaced by a Chimp: Mechanic - YouTube
 

Swamp Donkey

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I love that. I remember looking at that truck the first time and trying to figure out what was up with it.

I forget, is that actually a truck bed? not a Blazer? for rigidity I guess?

I had a chance to do some light desert off-roading in an older (like 98) Blazer. it was far better than the newer Tahoes or (God forbid) an Expedition.

the only way that thing could get any sweeter is by being a 72.
 

Detroitgator

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I love that. I remember looking at that truck the first time and trying to figure out what was up with it.

I forget, is that actually a truck bed? not a Blazer? for rigidity I guess?

I had a chance to do some light desert off-roading in an older (like 98) Blazer. it was far better than the newer Tahoes or (God forbid) an Expedition.

the only way that thing could get any sweeter is by being a 72.
Ever since I read this, I keep getting this 1970 K5 ad in my FB feed...
k5.jpg
 

Swamp Donkey

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No matter what you put in it don't forget the tow hook somewhere under that bowtie....it's a Chevy thing.
Im not a Chevy guy. I just love those classic trucks. If anything Im a Ford guy. Im also familiar with the diesel CUCV (mid 80s GM trucks for .mil) engine which could also get suprisingly amazing mileage.
 

Detroitgator

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Im not a Chevy guy. I just love those classic trucks. If anything Im a Ford guy. Im also familiar with the diesel CUCV (mid 80s GM trucks for .mil) engine which could also get suprisingly amazing mileage.
if only we could get operators to understand how glow plugs work... ;)
 

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