85 Chevy Pickup Build

[ChopStix]

85 Chevy Pickup Build

I'm putting this under off-topic as I'm restoring this truck for function as opposed to getting max MPG, or show room looks. Also I'll edit this topic as progress is made, add pictures, etc.



My goal is mid twenty's for MPG, while still being able to tow a camper, etc.

I've owned this truck for a number of years. The truck is completely stock and gets 15 MPG, loaded, unloaded, up hill, down hill. Its not good MPG, but its very consistent all the time. The trucks history is interesting as a friend of my family owned it before me. He was a D-Day survivor on Omaha Beach. He was one of two that survived from his landing craft on that day.
He used the truck to pull a massive camper trailer that was far too large for a half ton truck. Then in his later years he lost his vision to the point where he shouldn't have been driving, and thus kept wrecking it in ditches, and hitting deer, etc. So this explains the desire for "function" over "looks" mentality.

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[ChopStix]

Drivetrain

My plan is to build a low end torque engine for it. I have a 383 stroker short block with 5.7 rods, cast dished pistons, 214 duration roller cam. I also have a set of AFR heads, 1.5 roller rockers, clearance machined for 1.25" springs @ 540 lift. The intake is an aluminum Air Gap duel plain single quad. While these parts are not yet assembled as a complete engine. These parts should match well providing about 10.5 to 1 compression with a stock idle and plenty of vacuum for the brakes. I've been told to expect the output to be about 400hp and 450 torque. I bought a self adjusting EFI kit for this engine. Pictures will follow.



The transmission is a T56 6spd.

Upgraded to Posi locker10bolt rear axle.

[ChopStix]

Suspension




I purchased and installed a 3" drop kit for the truck. It’s mainly a set of tubular A-frames, and a kit for the rear end. I plan to also install an air bag/compressor setup on the rear for load leveling while towing. I will also have to deal with the front frame rails being bent from all the deer strikes. But I have a plan which might make this task easier once I get this far. I also can't install the new front sway bar until the front frame rails get straightened/paralleled.

Brakes





I purchased a set of cross drilled rotors, hoses, SS lines, and pads

Wheels

Right now I'm running the stock steel wheels. But I will most likely swap to something nicer.

Tires

Right now I'm running Firestone Winter Force tires. But I will most likely swap to Kumho LRR tires.

[ChopStix]

Body/Aero Mods

The body on this truck is pretty rough. Its literally hit more deer than some of you hunters have shot in your entire life. (we quit counting at 6 deer hit... its hit a lot more!) Then its got rust. A lot of rust. Patch panel replacement will be an on going task with this truck after I get the mechanics more completed.

I have an aftermarket grill for the pickup. Plus I plan to do a couple aero mods since the bed and bumpers on these trucks scoop so much air. I will also swap the mirrors from the large elephant ear style to a more conservative style mirror.

More to come...

Drip rails removed, welded closed, filled.



Fuel door body panel epoxied in, soon to be filled.

[ChopStix]

Paint on bedliner



POR15 applied and new heater core installed, new heater box installed





The bed is now officially done except for bodywork and paint.

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[Piotrsko]

On the bed or all over?

[ChopStix]

Originally Posted by Piotrsko

On the bed or all over?

Just in and under the bed. I know this truck will never survive its battle with rust. So I’m just trying to slow it down by painting the logical parts. Plus I’m not monetarily wealthy. So I’m just trying to maximize my returns within my budget as a new pickup is like $60k. So $15k in this one saves a lot while effectively giving me a mechanically new truck.

I started painting the frame.



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[ChopStix]

Bullet hole welded closed, filled



Engine mounts rebuilt

[ChopStix]

New custom transmission crossmember and mount.



The stock master cylinder and booster is now fubar. I’m swapping to a metal master cylinder and mini booster so there’s room for the hydraulic throw out bearing master cylinder. This will be mounted between the wiper motor and mini booster soon.



All this spaghetti nightmare is also fubar. Since I’m going to EFI I don’t need any of this trash. I’ll rewire all of it.



The new “shiny”.



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[ChopStix]

Converting from an automatic pedal setup to a manual clutch pedal setup has been both easy and a nightmare. The pictures speak for themselves. My kit from Bowler Transmission has made the whole process much easier. I’m not trying to sell their product. I’m just trying to give the kit an honest positive review.











Brake carrier reinstalled




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