-1973 K5 - Project Canyonero

[superbuickguy]

Such a cool build so far! Thanks for the feedback also!
There are so many options out there these days when it comes to LED lighting and it ultimately boils down to what you're happy/comfortable with. We do take tremendous pride in our products and go through (this might get a little "salespitchy") the most demanding, industry leading quality control and torture testing measures along with patented optics to ensure the best lights available all backed by our warranty — phew... ok glad that part is over Quality does however come at more of a cost no matter what the product. We try stay very competitive with our prices and are actually not the most expensive, just the most popular which sometimes leads to the most criticism unfortunately.

I get what you're saying - but - I don't think you're really hearing the criticism. You had a buyer, but since he got the wrong lights - he's stuck. Frankly, I'd have been impressed if you either offered replacement, trade, or even a slight discount to help him out... but you didn't so to add to the list that: these are off-road lights, they're going to get hit, they're going to get torn off, stolen, and worse, they may need to be changed because what you thought you needed isn't what you actually needed and Rigid isn't going to do anything for you. I have a box full of Chinese lights that didn't work out (too bright, too dim, wrong size, etc), but at $25.00 a piece, I can throw them in a box for later use... not so much with Rigid lights. I've seen your commercials about the light being tough, so what? my 52" light bar breaks and I simply buy another one... 10x... before I approach the cost of a comparable rigid - I don't own a vehicle long enough for that 10x increased price to be mediated by the time owned. And don't start with the buy American - I do and have a dim view of people who buy comparable imports rather than American; however, I also don't see (pun intended) the value... maybe if I raced in the desert that would be different but for me, where I wheel and drive, the cheap lights mean I'm not mad at the rock that just got thrown through my KC highlight (they used to be the most expensive, "best" offroad light available)...

 

[edlaffoon]

Seriously we were holding our breath when we started reading this! So glad to hear that everyone was ok! We couldn't imagine going through that situation.

Such a cool build so far! Thanks for the feedback also!
There are so many options out there these days when it comes to LED lighting and it ultimately boils down to what you're happy/comfortable with. We do take tremendous pride in our products and go through (this might get a little "salespitchy") the most demanding, industry leading quality control and torture testing measures along with patented optics to ensure the best lights available all backed by our warranty — phew... ok glad that part is over Quality does however come at more of a cost no matter what the product. We try stay very competitive with our prices and are actually not the most expensive, just the most popular which sometimes leads to the most criticism unfortunately.

Regardless, we are looking forward to following your build and seeing it progress and all the adventures you take your family on with it!

First off welcome to ExPo.

Thanks for taking the time to read my post(s). I hope that what you take away from my comments on your pricing is that while I love your product and understand very well why you justify the prices (I work for a huge manufacturing company), they are not for the "everyman". This means a lot coming from me, my friends tend to think I'm a gear snob and it's mostly true, I can be a bit elitist when it comes to gear. But the older I get the more value I require from a product.

Our next vehicle will most likely sport a 20-40" hyperspot from Rigid Industries. Throw me a discount and seal the deal! (j/k.... but seriously) The main reason I'm going to pony up for this light is because there is real value in reflector technology and optic performance, China has not yet and as far as I'm concerned probably cannot copy the hyperspot lights.

That said, here is where I feel Rigid misses the point of my comments: I do not need torture tested, mil-spec, drop from a plane to the bottom of the ocean and it still works lights. Auxiliary lights are not a required for offroad adventuring, that is why they are called auxiliary. I do need above adequate performance and frankly LED's of any origin offer that. When LED tech was a brazillion dollars this was a different conversation, but it is the new main stream.

Like I said I'll probably give in and pony up for the big boy with my 2015 tax return... stay tuned but don't hold your breath for recanted statements. While I'm not sure how I feel about RI trolling ExPo and coming into my build thread to set the record straight (with more than a "little" sales pitch) I do appreciate your comments about the truck and my family, I mean that, thank you.

 

[RigidIndustries]

We just joined Expo and are excited to see what this community thinks about our products so we are spending the time to get to know everyone here — we all have the desire to explore in common. We aren't trying to be trolls rather a new active member and searching out any feedback we can get on our brand and our products. We don't want any recanted statements at all and our intention was not to be rude in anywhere or try to set the record straight — just wanted to touch base on why we are proud of our line-up and what we do differently.

You're absolutely right though, our products are not for everyone and not for every rig that is wanting some additional lighting. We are just an option.

It also sounds like you are very well educated in lighting and thank you so much for considering us on your next vehicle. We will drop you a PM.

Cheers!

 

[edlaffoon]

Thanks for the PM and thanks again for the considerate comments.

To everyone else reading this I was pleasantly surprised last night by the professional nature and attentiveness Rigid Industries showed me, a non-paying potential customer. Good for them, it's what expo is all about.

 

[k20chevy]

very nice blazer you have there! Is the exhaust done by you or is that an old hickey exhaust??

 

[edlaffoon]

Thanks! I'm not familiar with Hickey exhaust. The headers are a completion model that I believe Thorley no longer makes (the flange is crazy thick) and the rest is just muffler shop stuff, it has turbo mufflers on it that are really pretty quiet.

 

[k20chevy]

Hickey was big in the late 60´s and 70´s, offering off road accessories for all kinds of trucks. One thing they did was the short exhaust coming out in front of the rear tires on both sides.

 

[edlaffoon]

Hickey was big in the late 60´s and 70´s, offering off road accessories for all kinds of trucks. One thing they did was the short exhaust coming out in front of the rear tires on both sides.

Oh sweet. I'm familiar with the company, I want one of their hoods but they are basically unicorns. I did not know they offered an exhaust like mine.

While I love the hot rod looks of it if I'm honest I actually hate the system from a functional perceptive. Here are my issues with it:

1) It puts a LOT of fumes into the truck at low speed, especially when stopped.
2) Any oil leaks at the engine immediately get blown onto the mufflers at high speed generating a burnt oil smell and blue smoke that makes you think that the engine is about to blow up. It's also difficult to tell that it's not actually coming from the tailpipes which has caused a few skipped beats for me.
3) Terrible for any off roading over large obstacles.

The design was installed to accommodate my the secondary fuel tank that lives where the stock muffler(s) would normally live. The wheelbase is so small it's basically all tank and axle under the truck.

 

[edlaffoon]

Brief update on the K5:

It's engine is dead... again.

Bad news: A few weeks ago I over revved the engine, spinning at least a cam bearing and probably a crank bearing.

Good news: I get to put in another new engine! We have a theory that the massive oil leak that I could never solve was actually caused by the transmission failure that snapped the drive shaft. In other words there is a good chance that this block is cracked any way and would need to be replaced. We will see once it comes out.

I will probably go the same route as last time since I don't have money for a big block swap at present.

Sorry I don't have any pictures yet, she is sitting in my driveway patiently waiting for me to decide what to do.

 

[edlaffoon]

Update:

Working through some of my concerns about replacing the current engine. As it sits and mostly due to finances I really only have three options:

1) Replace the engine exactly as before, using a reman from a local supplier.
PROS: Cost ($890 for long block with core), known good configuration, previous experience, warranty.
CONS: Unknown engine origin, rebuild quality a possible issue as was experience with the unstoppable oil leak possibly caused by bad machine work.

2) Replace the engine with CPP crate 350.
PROS: Brand new engine. No core charge or lead time so work can be done same day. Warranty.
CONS: Unknown configuration and compatibility could be problematic although unlikely. Cost is ~$1500 shipped, nearly twice the price of the reman for essentially the same thing.

3) LS conversion to 5.3L Vortec
PROS: Yes. Do want. Must have. Happy time.
CONS: Cost (I estimate ~$3000), MANY unknowns. Lack of experience with this swap. Time involved if parts are missing, unknown requirements etc.

So the struggle within is in full swing. While I want to be pragmatic I'm looking for input form the community on what you would do or have done in the same situation. I'm really interested in LS swap experience that any of you may have had.

 

[justcuz]

Can't chime in about an LS swap, but I rebuilt a 350 a couple years ago for less than 800 dollars. The crank was good so block work was simply pressure test, bore, deck and hot tank. Quick valve job, upgraded the cam. The only part from overseas was the bearings, King Bearings from Israel.
Rebuilding Kit came from PowerHouse in Bakersfield, Ca. Good prices and mostly domestic parts. You can PM me for more info if needed. I hear Northern Supply has deals occasionally for rebuilding kits too.

Had a buddy with a Blazer that had a nasty oil leak he thought was the pan. Only did it on the freeway though, not so bad around town. I crawled around and found the bolt in the front of the block that goes through to the fuel pump pushrod was missing!
Can you physically see where the oil is coming from? Your picture looks like it is in close proximity to the drain plug. Have you carefully checked to see if your aluminum oil pan may have a minor crack in it?

 

[Anak]

How many miles did you get out of that last remanufactured engine? Unless it is more than I am imagining based on time I would not be willing to touch another of those with a ten foot pole.

You lost the engine the truck came to you with, you have lost the reman...Is your wife going to kick this baby out if it gets a third strike? I know I would be getting some looks from my wife.

I like these trucks. My old Suburban is a '73 K20 with a 454. It is a rust bucket courtesy of a previous owner running it through the surf in Cabo San Lucas, but it has been a lot of fun still.

Fuel injection would be nice to have. Fuel slosh can be a pain when you are off the pavement, plus the computer takes care of everything when you traveling up into the mountains. No more problems with altitude changes. There are some huge positives to the modern engine swap. But I am going to go back to the question of how solid of a motor do you think you are going to get in an LS swap?

If it were me I would plan on rebuilding a motor just so I know it is done right inside and out. I would go hunting for a '90s era TBI SBC350 with a 4 bolt main. Rebuild that motor. If need be you could drop it in with your current intake and distributor and take care of the fuel injection swap later. Just make sure you pick a block with provision for a mechanical fuel pump if you want that degree of flexibility. At some point they stopped drilling the hole for the fuel pump pushrod. With the SBC you know your engine mounts are in the right place and your fan shroud will work. Everything will clear and all the sensors you need in order to keep your gauges alive are easily dealt with. With the TBI you don't have to come up with ducting for the intake. It's not nearly as glamorous, but it is practical and reliable.

The ability to break this up into two stages may be a good thing. You are looking at a bit of extra work for the fuel system, probably including a new tank and new fuel lines all the way back.

Just my two cents.

 

[edlaffoon]

Couple things to reply to, thanks for the input.

As far as rebuilding it myself I would love to, but simply don't have the time (or desire strong enough). My time comes and goes in multi-hour chunks, nights weekends etc.

During the process it would be at my dads house which is 60 miles away, also a reason why time is a factor. I figure I can take one week off to get the whole thing done if needed, and would need to complete the project in the course of a couple weekends.

As far as my wife goes it's not a factor. She has little input on it due to the fact it is my daily driver and frankly we just don't have that kind of relationship with regard to my projects and money etc. I could spend 8k a year on this truck and it would be less than a new truck payment.

I trust the engine I put in it. The failure was my fault (low on oil and WAY over revved). That being said I'm currently leaning toward option two.

As you mentioned there is still the huge question of how good the donor motor will be, especially considering I want to get a motor/harness/computer/pedal for under 1K if possible.

I would still REALLY love for someone with vortec swap knowledge to weigh in on time and money requirements to help me set my expectations.

 

[mccustomize]

6.0 LS swap into a K5 in detail...
http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/chevy/1796434-resurrecting-truckasaurus.html

with that said I think a crate engine is your best bet, but take a look at ATK or blueprint engines. Good warranty and a little to a lot more power depending on the budget.

I don't recall you ever said but what kind of Harley did you get? My last bike was an old softail, HUGE stroker evo (150+hp to the tire) lots of goodies, it screamed.

 

[BenHedrick]

Love your K5 Blazer! Brings back memories for me. My first car (truck) at 15 years old was a project was a 1974 GMC Jimmy. It was grey primer, had 36" Grand Prix's, (6) point cage, white wagon wheels and a big pro stock hood scoop. Awesome truck! I'll try and dig out a photo or two of it.

Great job on your K5!!!

Ben