Joe's new truck!

[zukrider]

I finally have acquired another truck! the last "truck" i owned was from 02-04. i had an 83 chevy long bed 1/2 ton. it was a 305/4spd/208 with 3.73. it had a 4" lift and was a dedicated fishing truck. i bought it from a co-worker for $800 and put some new 35" BFG KM's. cut a little fender and proceeded to BEAT the ever loving S#!T out of it. i learned how to rock crawl with that truck.

ever since, ive had a ton of stuff, but wheeling has mostly been with Samurai's. So i am very excited to have another truck!

this lil' guy is an 81 chevy K10 with a 350/465/208 and 1/2 ton's. i havent got it home yet, but i did drive it today. once it is home this coming weekend, i will access the situation and make a list. it does have a nice sony cd stereo already in it, but the speakers are sub par!

the Goal- i want this to be a truck/moderate wheeler/tow rig/camping/hunting overall multi tool! kind of like Larry's, but a few differences.

Things to do!
-new turn signal switch
-fix popping 3rd gear will wait and do a nv4500/203/205 swap
-check p/s pump, was making some noise
-fix driver door regulator
-fix hood latch release
-check brakes
-check fluids
-check lights
-check all wiring
-check bed mounts
-check cab mounts
-install seat cover
-make it one color! leaning towards a digital camo
-steering box brace
-ram assist for steering

Upgrade plans!
-4BT cummins swap
-nv4500/203/205 swap
-D60/14FF swap- 4.56/ARB for both
-38-40" tires
-3" lift with 52" springs in front and 56" 3/4 ton springs in the rear.
-40 gallon burban fuel tank
-front and rear bumpers with winches
-sliders
-mod the bed to be more usable
-contractor cap with expo mods for camping

well thats about it. open for suggestions and ideas. as time and funds allow, each of these projects will be brought up and thought out on here.

 

[locrwln]

Sounds like a heck of a plan, just make sure you reinforce the frame around the steering box.

Jack

 

[zukrider]

that is one of the first mods! thanx for reminding me!

 

[chilliwak]

Nice truck Joe! You are going to have a lot of fun with that machine.....

 

[zukrider]

looks like i just set up a deal with my dad for his flat top d44/12bolt with rear detroit and 4.88's and 38" tsl's and 4" front springs. not sure when ill have the money, but they will be MINE!!!

in the meantime, i have ben kicking around ideas for storage and bed mods. originally, i wanted to cut the outer bed skin up to level with the bottom of the bed floor. looking similar to a bed-sided flat bed. thus, helping with rock and trail clearance. i still may do this, but i have thought about the esthetics. if i do sliders for just the under cab portion, it will look silly. if i do full sliders and then chop out the bed, it will look silly. so, have been kicking around the idea of under bed storage box that goes between the bottom of bed and top of slider. seems like a win!

i really want a high top contractor cap for the bed, so i can make a sleep platform and have enough room to not feel cramped. i have a huge shoulder girth which demands the added space. plus, i like the idea of side escape doors and sturdy insulatable construction while being light weight.

A rear swing out will put the spare and other stuff outside, and help to balance out the weight. definitely plan to have a rear winch, so that will incorporate as well.

as much as i would love to boatside this for clearance, do to my fanatical attraction to rock crawling, i believe that it would deter from the expo feel. plus, my 5'2" GF would hate me and never come on an outing!

 

[chilliwak]

I think you have a great old rig there Joe. No matter what you do to the old Chevy you are going to love that truck. I would go with full length sliders, if I were you. You can always add a flat-deck and some extra storage later as you see the need. Keep us updated with pics of your build. Remember you can always give your girlfriend some kindly help into the truck if its too lifted.....:Wow1: